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Jacqui Lambie plays powerbroker as parliament returns – politics live One Nation to vote down federal Icac proposal – politics live
(32 minutes later)
One Nation, whose vote is needed to pass the anti-corruption body bill, are now incorrectly interpreting clauses of my bill and using that as a premise to not support my bill. Roberts claims it’s too strong then finishes implying that it’s too weak... I can’t even. #auspol
Larissa Waters has responded to the news that Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts will not support the Greens bill for a stronger federal Icac:
This bill will pass or fall based on One Nation’s vote. If One Nation vote against an anti-corruption body, their own voters will feel totally ripped off. If they side with government in wanting to turn a blind eye to federal corruption they might as well just join the Liberal party and be done with it.”
Malcolm Roberts is doing his best impression of a senator, and explaining why One Nation won’t be supporting the bill as I type this.
It looks as though the fate of the Greens Icac legislation could rest with conservative independent Cory Bernardi.
One Nation has confirmed to Guardian Australia that it will not be supporting the Greens bill today, saying it has concerns that someone could be falsely accused under the current model.
“We are happy to work with the Greens in the future and Labor and the Coalition to make sure we get it right,” a spokesman said.
He said the party supported the concept and need for a federal Icac but the Greens’ proposal had several flaws.
“There are a number of issues with it and this shouldn’t be used as a political stunt, it should be used as a means to bring about some positive change.”
Even if the Greens have the support of Labor (26 votes), Centre Alliance (2 votes) and Jacqui Lambie, it will fall short of having a majority of 39 votes unless it can convince conservative Cory Bernardi to support the bill.
Bernardi has not yet responded to Guardian Australia’s request for clarity on his position, but we will keep you posted.
Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt will be treated to a performance from Spinifex Gum and the Marliya choir.Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt will be treated to a performance from Spinifex Gum and the Marliya choir.
Spinifex Gum is a group of talented, young Indigenous women (the Marliya choir) whose performances intend to inspire national dialogue through music, with song cycles that reflect the dramatic contrasts of Australian life.”Spinifex Gum is a group of talented, young Indigenous women (the Marliya choir) whose performances intend to inspire national dialogue through music, with song cycles that reflect the dramatic contrasts of Australian life.”
That will be held in parliament house at midday.That will be held in parliament house at midday.
Read more about their vocal petition here:Read more about their vocal petition here:
Dreaming of a voice to parliament: Spinifex Gum sing their way into stony heartsDreaming of a voice to parliament: Spinifex Gum sing their way into stony hearts
And watch them perform their version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dream Baby Dream, which calls on Australians to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and establish an Indigenous voice in the constitution:And watch them perform their version of Bruce Springsteen’s Dream Baby Dream, which calls on Australians to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and establish an Indigenous voice in the constitution:
Labor will support a Greens bill to establish a federal anti-corruption commission.Labor will support a Greens bill to establish a federal anti-corruption commission.
The decision has been signed off by the opposition this morning, with a vote likely in the Senate later today.The decision has been signed off by the opposition this morning, with a vote likely in the Senate later today.
The government is opposed to the legislation, but the Greens are confident they will be able to win over enough of the crossbench for a bill to establish a new federal Icac to pass the Senate.The government is opposed to the legislation, but the Greens are confident they will be able to win over enough of the crossbench for a bill to establish a new federal Icac to pass the Senate.
Labor has 26 votes in the Senate and the Greens have nine, but 39 votes are needed to secure an absolute majority.Labor has 26 votes in the Senate and the Greens have nine, but 39 votes are needed to secure an absolute majority.
The Public Health Association of Australia is the latest organisation to come out and call for the Newstart allowance to be raised, saying it was a mental health issue:The Public Health Association of Australia is the latest organisation to come out and call for the Newstart allowance to be raised, saying it was a mental health issue:
Australians in the lowest socioeconomic group experience the worst health,” said CEO Terry Slevin said.Australians in the lowest socioeconomic group experience the worst health,” said CEO Terry Slevin said.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that those in the lowest wealth quintile (when compared with the most well-off) are 2.3 times as high for diabetes, two times as high for lung cancer, 1.8 times as high for anxiety disorders and 1.5 times as high for the combined impact on health measured by “burden of disease”.Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that those in the lowest wealth quintile (when compared with the most well-off) are 2.3 times as high for diabetes, two times as high for lung cancer, 1.8 times as high for anxiety disorders and 1.5 times as high for the combined impact on health measured by “burden of disease”.
Most people on Newstart get on and off it quickly, but many are on it for a long time living with poverty and mental stress. An increasing number are homeless.Most people on Newstart get on and off it quickly, but many are on it for a long time living with poverty and mental stress. An increasing number are homeless.
“The punitive low rate of Newstart is having a crippling effect on people who are unemployed. They are sick with worry about how to afford shelter, healthcare, medicines and food to eat.”“The punitive low rate of Newstart is having a crippling effect on people who are unemployed. They are sick with worry about how to afford shelter, healthcare, medicines and food to eat.”
As the Productivity Commission’s current mental health inquiry has heard, there is a strong relationship between low income levels and psychological distress, economic participation and mental health and wellbeing. Long-term unemployment is associated with depression and social isolation, and as individuals move from unemployment to work their mental health tends to improve.As the Productivity Commission’s current mental health inquiry has heard, there is a strong relationship between low income levels and psychological distress, economic participation and mental health and wellbeing. Long-term unemployment is associated with depression and social isolation, and as individuals move from unemployment to work their mental health tends to improve.
“The prime minister has set an ambitious agenda to improve mental health among Australians. Raising Newstart should be among a comprehensive suite of solutions,” said Slevin.“The prime minister has set an ambitious agenda to improve mental health among Australians. Raising Newstart should be among a comprehensive suite of solutions,” said Slevin.
We are now in the “I will take a drug test, no problem” stage of the political cycle.We are now in the “I will take a drug test, no problem” stage of the political cycle.
Eric Abetz just told Sky he would have no problem with taking a test while talking on Sky.Eric Abetz just told Sky he would have no problem with taking a test while talking on Sky.
Totally normal day in Australian politics.Totally normal day in Australian politics.
Just a reminder, that according to that little document called the constitution, no one can actually sack a politician, except for the high court (and the electorate). You can kick someone out of your party, but you can’t strip them of their place in parliament.Just a reminder, that according to that little document called the constitution, no one can actually sack a politician, except for the high court (and the electorate). You can kick someone out of your party, but you can’t strip them of their place in parliament.
But, yes, let’s continue with this.But, yes, let’s continue with this.
And there go the bells.And there go the bells.
Huzzah.Huzzah.
The bells are about to ring, marking the beginning of the new session.The bells are about to ring, marking the beginning of the new session.
Obviously, my excitement levels are through the roof.Obviously, my excitement levels are through the roof.
For those playing along at homeFor those playing along at home
Economics Committee Chair @TimWilsonMP has announced the Committee will hear from Professor Graeme Samuel at a hearing on @APRAinfo's performance. The hearing will take place on Wednesday morning at @Aust_Parliament. https://t.co/o5Rwd1e5AtEconomics Committee Chair @TimWilsonMP has announced the Committee will hear from Professor Graeme Samuel at a hearing on @APRAinfo's performance. The hearing will take place on Wednesday morning at @Aust_Parliament. https://t.co/o5Rwd1e5At
Jacqui Lambie has given a press conference in which she has said she won’t support drug testing for welfare recipients unless there is infrastructure in place, and she doesn’t think that (counselling services and the like) is there yet.Jacqui Lambie has given a press conference in which she has said she won’t support drug testing for welfare recipients unless there is infrastructure in place, and she doesn’t think that (counselling services and the like) is there yet.
She also wants to look more at what is happening in communities where the cashless debit card has been rolled out before making a decision on a national rollout. She plans to visit areas where it’s in place where she will chat to people on the ground.She also wants to look more at what is happening in communities where the cashless debit card has been rolled out before making a decision on a national rollout. She plans to visit areas where it’s in place where she will chat to people on the ground.
Oh – and she still wants John Setka to resign.Oh – and she still wants John Setka to resign.
Rachel Siewert says the Greens will continue to fight against the cashless welfare card:Rachel Siewert says the Greens will continue to fight against the cashless welfare card:
This is not a government with an agenda based on evidence, it’s all ideology and it entrenches poverty and disadvantage. This most recent push is also designed as a distraction from the gathering momentum to raise the rate of Newstart.This is not a government with an agenda based on evidence, it’s all ideology and it entrenches poverty and disadvantage. This most recent push is also designed as a distraction from the gathering momentum to raise the rate of Newstart.
I’m urging Senator Lambie and the opposition to listen to the community and the evidence and not to fall for this government spin. This card makes life hard for people on low incomes.I’m urging Senator Lambie and the opposition to listen to the community and the evidence and not to fall for this government spin. This card makes life hard for people on low incomes.
Just last week I was in Ceduna and what we heard from the community was devastating. People can’t just get on with their day-to day-lives, they feel stigmatised, angry and depressed with simple things like using the laundry mat a major stress.Just last week I was in Ceduna and what we heard from the community was devastating. People can’t just get on with their day-to day-lives, they feel stigmatised, angry and depressed with simple things like using the laundry mat a major stress.
My office deals with people daily who cannot pay their rent or bills using the card or are not able to use cash economies like markets, secondhand shops or op shops to help them make ends meets – and I heard the same thing in Ceduna last week.My office deals with people daily who cannot pay their rent or bills using the card or are not able to use cash economies like markets, secondhand shops or op shops to help them make ends meets – and I heard the same thing in Ceduna last week.
In “please set everything on fire and just start again” news, the AFR’s Joe Aston reports that Scott Morrison is calling the new Australian VIP jet “Shark One”.In “please set everything on fire and just start again” news, the AFR’s Joe Aston reports that Scott Morrison is calling the new Australian VIP jet “Shark One”.
PM @ScottMorrisonMP’s new VIP jet will debut on his state visit to Washington DC next week - and guess what he’s calling it? https://t.co/P7iQsNJqdr #auspolPM @ScottMorrisonMP’s new VIP jet will debut on his state visit to Washington DC next week - and guess what he’s calling it? https://t.co/P7iQsNJqdr #auspol
Jacqui Lambie looks as though she’s about to speak to the media – I’ll keep you updated.Jacqui Lambie looks as though she’s about to speak to the media – I’ll keep you updated.
Anthony Albanese has stopped by the doors (the doors to parliament that MPs only come by when they have something to say) to remind Scott Morrison that he won the election. I think he knows, but given that most normal people I know have completely switched off from federal politics, it is possible that there are some still out there who don’t know who the prime minister is.Anthony Albanese has stopped by the doors (the doors to parliament that MPs only come by when they have something to say) to remind Scott Morrison that he won the election. I think he knows, but given that most normal people I know have completely switched off from federal politics, it is possible that there are some still out there who don’t know who the prime minister is.
Albanese’s wider point is the one he has been making since he took over the leadership – it is not all about Labor.Albanese’s wider point is the one he has been making since he took over the leadership – it is not all about Labor.
This fortnight, the prime minister re-enters parliament after a break where we have had quite disturbing economic figures across the board. What we have is lower economic growth. We have a Reserve Bank governor calling for infrastructure investment to be brought forward. We have low consumer demand. We have interest rates at 1%, one-third of where they were at emergency levels. And what’s the government’s response?This fortnight, the prime minister re-enters parliament after a break where we have had quite disturbing economic figures across the board. What we have is lower economic growth. We have a Reserve Bank governor calling for infrastructure investment to be brought forward. We have low consumer demand. We have interest rates at 1%, one-third of where they were at emergency levels. And what’s the government’s response?
The government’s response is to talk about everything being a test for Labor. The fact is Scott Morrison won the election on May 18. He needs to stop acting like an opposition in exile on the government benches and actually develop a plan to deal with the economic challenges that Australia is facing.The government’s response is to talk about everything being a test for Labor. The fact is Scott Morrison won the election on May 18. He needs to stop acting like an opposition in exile on the government benches and actually develop a plan to deal with the economic challenges that Australia is facing.
Any website still showing footage from the Christchurch attack will be taken down today. From Paul Fletcher’s office:Any website still showing footage from the Christchurch attack will be taken down today. From Paul Fletcher’s office:
The eSafety Commissioner has today issued a direction to Australia’s largest internet service providers requiring them to continue blocking access to eight websites that host video of the Christchurch terrorist attacks or the manifesto of the alleged perpetrator.The eSafety Commissioner has today issued a direction to Australia’s largest internet service providers requiring them to continue blocking access to eight websites that host video of the Christchurch terrorist attacks or the manifesto of the alleged perpetrator.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher, said that keeping Australians safe from this type of horrific content is a key priority for the Morrison Government.Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher, said that keeping Australians safe from this type of horrific content is a key priority for the Morrison Government.
“Australian internet service providers acted quickly and responsibly in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Christchurch in March this year to block websites that were hosting this harmful material,” Minister Fletcher said.“Australian internet service providers acted quickly and responsibly in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Christchurch in March this year to block websites that were hosting this harmful material,” Minister Fletcher said.
“ISPs called on the Government to provide them with certainty and clarity in taking the action they did, and today, we are providing that certainty.”“ISPs called on the Government to provide them with certainty and clarity in taking the action they did, and today, we are providing that certainty.”
The eSafety Commissioner has consulted with the specific website administrators, providing them with the opportunity to remove this content. Most have complied and the eight remaining offending websites will be subject to the blocking directive.The eSafety Commissioner has consulted with the specific website administrators, providing them with the opportunity to remove this content. Most have complied and the eight remaining offending websites will be subject to the blocking directive.
The crossbench are certainly making themselves known this parliament.The crossbench are certainly making themselves known this parliament.
In case you haven’t seen it, Christopher Knaus has written about Rex Patrick’s aim to have the Timor-Leste situation addressed:In case you haven’t seen it, Christopher Knaus has written about Rex Patrick’s aim to have the Timor-Leste situation addressed:
The crossbench senator Rex Patrick will push to fix a historic wrong stemming from the “shameful” treatment of Timor-Leste during oil and gas negotiations by overturning decisions that limit Australia’s exposure to international courts.The crossbench senator Rex Patrick will push to fix a historic wrong stemming from the “shameful” treatment of Timor-Leste during oil and gas negotiations by overturning decisions that limit Australia’s exposure to international courts.
In 2002, the then Howard government decided to limit Australia’s acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the international court of justice and international tribunal for the law of the sea.In 2002, the then Howard government decided to limit Australia’s acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the international court of justice and international tribunal for the law of the sea.
The government was at the time involved in sensitive maritime boundary negotiations with Timor-Leste that would split the lucrative oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea.The government was at the time involved in sensitive maritime boundary negotiations with Timor-Leste that would split the lucrative oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea.
The move effectively shielded Australia from cases lodged in the international courts about maritime boundary disputes, denying Timor-Leste an avenue of recourse it enjoyed under international law.The move effectively shielded Australia from cases lodged in the international courts about maritime boundary disputes, denying Timor-Leste an avenue of recourse it enjoyed under international law.
Speaking of Jacqui Lambie, you may have seen a bit around this morning saying that she is going to support the government’s welfare legislation – the cashless debit card and the drug testing.Speaking of Jacqui Lambie, you may have seen a bit around this morning saying that she is going to support the government’s welfare legislation – the cashless debit card and the drug testing.
It’s not so cut and dry as that though. The senator has been in support of the cashless debit card for some communities but hasn’t made her mind up on a national rollout, as Rob Harris for Nine newspapers previously reported Scott Morrison was eyeing off, for the future.It’s not so cut and dry as that though. The senator has been in support of the cashless debit card for some communities but hasn’t made her mind up on a national rollout, as Rob Harris for Nine newspapers previously reported Scott Morrison was eyeing off, for the future.
And, on drug testing, she still wants to look through the legislation proposal. Plus, she wants the same proposed drug testing regime put in place for public servants and MPs.And, on drug testing, she still wants to look through the legislation proposal. Plus, she wants the same proposed drug testing regime put in place for public servants and MPs.
A spokeswoman for the senator told me this morning:A spokeswoman for the senator told me this morning:
Jacqui is supportive of the card but she doesn’t immediately support a national rollout and there are still tweaks that need to be made.Jacqui is supportive of the card but she doesn’t immediately support a national rollout and there are still tweaks that need to be made.
Welcome back to parliament!Welcome back to parliament!
It’s been five weeks or so since we last gathered on the hill and we can expect all the greatest hits, including “Whose side are you on?”, “How good is ... ”, “Just how safe are you?”, “It’s Labor’s fault despite not being in power for the last six years” and more.It’s been five weeks or so since we last gathered on the hill and we can expect all the greatest hits, including “Whose side are you on?”, “How good is ... ”, “Just how safe are you?”, “It’s Labor’s fault despite not being in power for the last six years” and more.
I. Can’t. Wait.I. Can’t. Wait.
What happened during the break?What happened during the break?
Not a lot. Which is why we are back with cashless welfare card, drug testing welfare recipients and tough on crime.Not a lot. Which is why we are back with cashless welfare card, drug testing welfare recipients and tough on crime.
The government want to wedge Labor on mandatory sentencing. Labor hasn’t made up its mind on that one yet but really wants to talk about the economy – the one thing the government doesn’t really want to talk about.The government want to wedge Labor on mandatory sentencing. Labor hasn’t made up its mind on that one yet but really wants to talk about the economy – the one thing the government doesn’t really want to talk about.
Newspoll is out, but I am not sure if anyone is paying attention to polling just yet – you can find the results here, but Anthony Albanese’s personal popularity didn’t come off too great. Again, I am not sure if anyone is really paying attention to that right now.Newspoll is out, but I am not sure if anyone is paying attention to polling just yet – you can find the results here, but Anthony Albanese’s personal popularity didn’t come off too great. Again, I am not sure if anyone is really paying attention to that right now.
Meanwhile, the Greens and the crossbench are continuing to lead the charge on a federal corruption watchdog “with teeth”. Speaking of the crossbench, it is the Jacqui Lambie show right now.Meanwhile, the Greens and the crossbench are continuing to lead the charge on a federal corruption watchdog “with teeth”. Speaking of the crossbench, it is the Jacqui Lambie show right now.
The Tassie senator had the deal she struck with the government – wiping Tasmania’s federal housing debt in exchange for her support for the tax cuts – confirmed at the weekend but she is crucial for quite a few upcoming votes. One of them, the ensuring integrity bill, comes down to her and, as she told the Guardian late yesterday, she’ll vote for it if the CFMMEU boss John Setka doesn’t step down.The Tassie senator had the deal she struck with the government – wiping Tasmania’s federal housing debt in exchange for her support for the tax cuts – confirmed at the weekend but she is crucial for quite a few upcoming votes. One of them, the ensuring integrity bill, comes down to her and, as she told the Guardian late yesterday, she’ll vote for it if the CFMMEU boss John Setka doesn’t step down.
Stay tuned.Stay tuned.
You have me and Mike Bowers, as well as Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and the rest of the Guardian brains trust. I still need a coffee, so I am working on that.You have me and Mike Bowers, as well as Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and the rest of the Guardian brains trust. I still need a coffee, so I am working on that.