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Gladys Liu ‘a test of Scott Morrison’s leadership’, says Labor – politics live John Hewson says Liberals have ‘lost their roots’ on climate – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Former Liberal party leader John Hewson says his party membership has lapsed and he is no longer a member of the party, but remains motivated by liberal values which “got me into the parliament in the first place”. Seems the seat of Chisholm comes with a side of ‘hanging the MP out to dry’.
Julia Banks held the seat before Liu.
Govt confident there’s no “smoking gun” with Liu but she was told not to do the interview with Bolt, but did. Govt believes her office is out of ifs depth #auspol
We saw the home affairs minister briefly yesterday, during a failed lickspittle attempt (when you want to talk about how terrible the opposition is, you kinda have to add the “alternative approaches” kicker to the question, which wasn’t there yesterday) but Peter Dutton has kept relatively quiet, for him, this sitting week.
We aren’t hearing from him anywhere near as much as we usually do.
Just making a note.
Don’t think the Biloela community have forgotten.
The former Liberal party leader John Hewson says his party membership has lapsed but he remains motivated by liberal values which “got me into the parliament in the first place”.
Speaking to Annelise Nielsen on Sky, he says that he is part of the push for the parliament to declare a climate emergency because not enough is being done.Speaking to Annelise Nielsen on Sky, he says that he is part of the push for the parliament to declare a climate emergency because not enough is being done.
“Rather than be a laggard in the climate debate, we should be a leader,” he said.“Rather than be a laggard in the climate debate, we should be a leader,” he said.
“We have tremendous sun and wind and other resources, there is a capacity to lead in the world in the response to climate change and we just squandered that opportunity over the last couple of decades.”“We have tremendous sun and wind and other resources, there is a capacity to lead in the world in the response to climate change and we just squandered that opportunity over the last couple of decades.”
Asked if he still considers himself a Liberal, Hewson says: “I have predominately liberal values, in terms of the significance of the individual and the significance of market forces and low levels of government and government regulation, but what I see in the Liberal party today, is if you were a true conservative and you did believe in small government and you did believe in low levels of regulation, you did believe in market forces, you would immediately put a price on carbon.Asked if he still considers himself a Liberal, Hewson says: “I have predominately liberal values, in terms of the significance of the individual and the significance of market forces and low levels of government and government regulation, but what I see in the Liberal party today, is if you were a true conservative and you did believe in small government and you did believe in low levels of regulation, you did believe in market forces, you would immediately put a price on carbon.
“That is the obvious Liberal solution to this problem and fundamental to the transition that has got to be made.“That is the obvious Liberal solution to this problem and fundamental to the transition that has got to be made.
“So, I just think they’ve lost their roots, quite frankly.”“So, I just think they’ve lost their roots, quite frankly.”
AAP has written about the latest banking royal commission move from the government.AAP has written about the latest banking royal commission move from the government.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg released draft legislation on Wednesday for consultation to strengthen the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s enforcement and supervision powers.Treasurer Josh Frydenberg released draft legislation on Wednesday for consultation to strengthen the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s enforcement and supervision powers.
It includes strengthening Asic’s licensing powers by increasing the standards required of an Australian Financial Services entity, both at the time of application and on an ongoing basis.It includes strengthening Asic’s licensing powers by increasing the standards required of an Australian Financial Services entity, both at the time of application and on an ongoing basis.
It also extends the watchdog’s powers to ban a person from performing functions in a financial services or credit business while harmonising Asic’s search warrant powers to bring them into line with the search warrant powers of the Crimes Act.It also extends the watchdog’s powers to ban a person from performing functions in a financial services or credit business while harmonising Asic’s search warrant powers to bring them into line with the search warrant powers of the Crimes Act.
“The exposure draft legislation is further evidence of the government’s commitment to strengthening financial regulators like Asic and restoring trust in the financial system as part of our plan to build a stronger economy,” Frydenberg said in a statement.“The exposure draft legislation is further evidence of the government’s commitment to strengthening financial regulators like Asic and restoring trust in the financial system as part of our plan to build a stronger economy,” Frydenberg said in a statement.
Consultations close on 9 October.Consultations close on 9 October.
Over in the portrait hall, the outgoing head of Asio, Duncan Lewis, has called for a public service college and referred to the apolitical public service as a “precious jewel”.Over in the portrait hall, the outgoing head of Asio, Duncan Lewis, has called for a public service college and referred to the apolitical public service as a “precious jewel”.
And the bells have tolled for the beginning of the parliamentary session.And the bells have tolled for the beginning of the parliamentary session.
Duncan Lewis is doing his valedictory speech to the Institute of Public Administration Australia.Duncan Lewis is doing his valedictory speech to the Institute of Public Administration Australia.
That’s in the portrait gallery, if anyone is interested.That’s in the portrait gallery, if anyone is interested.
If Gerard Rennick’s speech wasn’t enough, I have just discovered that Phil Thompson, the LNP MP for Herbert (also class of 2019), has his bacon and egg roll with tomato sauce.If Gerard Rennick’s speech wasn’t enough, I have just discovered that Phil Thompson, the LNP MP for Herbert (also class of 2019), has his bacon and egg roll with tomato sauce.
On behalf of all of Queensland, I apologise for this travesty.On behalf of all of Queensland, I apologise for this travesty.
Just back to the climate emergency motion (hello good people of blogues), Labor hasn’t made a decision yet about whether or not to back the Greens motion. If you aren’t across the details of this story, read it here. Frontbencher Joel Fitzgibbon (who faced a backlash from constituents in the Hunter in the May election) said on Radio National this morning he was more supportive of outcomes than gestures. Just back to the climate emergency motion (hello, good people of blogues), Labor hasn’t made a decision yet about whether to back the Greens motion. If you aren’t across the details of this story, read it here. The frontbencher Joel Fitzgibbon (who faced a backlash from constituents in the Hunter in the May election) said on Radio National this morning he was more supportive of outcomes than gestures.
During the May election campaign, Bill Shorten adopted language about climate change referencing an emergency. Shorten declared in a speech during the final week: “We will take [the climate change] emergency seriously, and we will not just leave it to other countries or to the next generation.” During the May election campaign, Bill Shorten adopted language about climate change referencing an emergency. He declared in a speech during the final week: “We will take [the climate change] emergency seriously, and we will not just leave it to other countries or to the next generation.”
But the shadow climate change minister Mark Butler is in a holding pattern. But the shadow climate change minister, Mark Butler, is in a holding pattern.
Labor will consider any motions brought forward through our usual processes. The Morrison government needs to make up its mind about whether they think climate change is even real, let alone an emergency.Labor will consider any motions brought forward through our usual processes. The Morrison government needs to make up its mind about whether they think climate change is even real, let alone an emergency.
Just yesterday we had the spectacle of the minister for water resources and emergency services say he doesn’t know if human-induced climate change is real in spite of a clear consensus from all Australia’s scientific agencies about the impacts of climate change on the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and drought. No wonder we’ve seen no real climate policy from this government, and emissions that keep on rising.Just yesterday we had the spectacle of the minister for water resources and emergency services say he doesn’t know if human-induced climate change is real in spite of a clear consensus from all Australia’s scientific agencies about the impacts of climate change on the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and drought. No wonder we’ve seen no real climate policy from this government, and emissions that keep on rising.
If you aren’t across Butler’s reference about David Littleproud and human induced warming, read Paul Karp’s story here. If you aren’t across Butler’s reference about David Littleproud and human-induced warming, read Paul Karp’s story here.
Penny Wong went by the doors this morning, because Labor has decided how it is going to tackle the Gladys Liu story. The Liberal Chisholm MP has refused to explicitly criticise China after questions about her connections to Chinese Communist party propaganda organisations. Liu also would not say China’s actions in the South China Sea are unlawful, despite an international tribunal finding otherwise. Penny Wong went by the doors this morning, because Labor has decided how it is going to tackle the Gladys Liu story. The Liberal MP has refused to explicitly criticise China after questions about her connections to Chinese Communist party propaganda organisations. Liu also would not say China’s actions in the South China Sea are unlawful, despite an international tribunal finding otherwise.
Wong says Scott Morrison needs to assure Australia the Chisholm MP is “a fit and proper person in the Australian parliament”. Wong says Scott Morrison needs to assure Australia that the Chisholm MP is “a fit and proper person in the Australian parliament”. She raised the government’s response to Sam Dastyari’s actions, with a “samesies” tone:
She raised the government’s response to Sam Dastyari’s actions, with a “samesies” tone: He needs to come into the parliament, make a statement and assure the Australian parliament, and through them, the Australia people, that sheis a fit and proper person in the Australian parliament …
He [Morrison] needs to come into the parliament, make a statement and assure the Australian parliament, and through them, the Australia people, that she [Liu] is a fit and proper person in the Australian parliament. I would make this point: I can recall the Liberal party making Sam Dastyari a test of Bill Shorten’s leadership. Well, this is Scott Morrison’s test.
.... I would make this point: I can recall the Liberal party making Sam Dastyari a test of Bill Shorten’s leadership, well, this is Scott Morrison’s test.
Two British-Australian women and another foreign national, also believed to be Australian, have been detained in Iran.Two British-Australian women and another foreign national, also believed to be Australian, have been detained in Iran.
The Times of London has reported a blogger who was travelling through Asia with her Australian boyfriend, and an academic who studied at Cambridge University and has been working at a university in Australia, were seized in separate incidents. The Times of London has reported that a blogger who was travelling through Asia with her Australian boyfriend, and an academic who studied at Cambridge University and has been working at a university in Australia, were seized separately.
The two women are believed to be currently held at the Evin prison in Tehran, where Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe a 41-year-old British-Iranian national has been incarcerated on spying charges since 2016. The two women are believed to be at the Evin prison in Tehran, where Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a 41-year-old British-Iranian national, has been incarcerated on spying charges since 2016.
You can read more from that report from Michael McGowan and Kevin Rawlinson here You can read more from that report from Michael McGowan and Kevin Rawlinson here.
Marise Payne’s office has been contacted.Marise Payne’s office has been contacted.
Two British-Australian women detained in Iran as tensions riseTwo British-Australian women detained in Iran as tensions rise
Zali Steggall is speaking to Laura Jayes on Sky about why she wants the parliament to declare a climate emergency.Zali Steggall is speaking to Laura Jayes on Sky about why she wants the parliament to declare a climate emergency.
Essentially, she says, it boils down to a need to act.Essentially, she says, it boils down to a need to act.
John Hewson, the former Liberal leader, is also on board. John Hewson, the former Liberal leader, is on board.
The crossbench, led by Adam Bandt in this case, is pushing for this. It comes after David Littleproud said he didn’t know whether climate change was manmade or not. The crossbench, led by Adam Bandt in this case, is pushing for this. It comes after David Littleproud said he didn’t know whether climate change was human-made or not.
Lisa Cox and Anne Davies have an update on the grasslands story involving Angus Taylor:Lisa Cox and Anne Davies have an update on the grasslands story involving Angus Taylor:
Department of the environment officials were acutely sensitive about meeting Angus Taylor over critically endangered grasslands while his family’s company was being investigated for alleged illegal land clearing in New South Wales, according to internal emails.Department of the environment officials were acutely sensitive about meeting Angus Taylor over critically endangered grasslands while his family’s company was being investigated for alleged illegal land clearing in New South Wales, according to internal emails.
The information is revealed in correspondence that had previously been partially redacted from documents obtained by Guardian Australia under freedom of information laws in June this year.The information is revealed in correspondence that had previously been partially redacted from documents obtained by Guardian Australia under freedom of information laws in June this year.
It comes after Labor again pursued the energy and emissions reduction minister in question time on Tuesday and called on him to resign over the saga.It comes after Labor again pursued the energy and emissions reduction minister in question time on Tuesday and called on him to resign over the saga.
You can read the rest of that report, here You can read the rest of that report, here.
Environment officials sensitive about Angus Taylor grasslands meeting, emails showEnvironment officials sensitive about Angus Taylor grasslands meeting, emails show
Of course, it’s not just Gerard Rennick who has people talking about the class of 2019. There is also Gladys Liu after her interview with Andrew Bolt on Sky News overnight, following up this ABC story.Of course, it’s not just Gerard Rennick who has people talking about the class of 2019. There is also Gladys Liu after her interview with Andrew Bolt on Sky News overnight, following up this ABC story.
It opened with this:It opened with this:
Bolt: Joining me is Liberal MP Gladys Liu. Gladys, thank you so much for your time. Can I just start, were you on the committee of two chapters of the China Overseas Guangdong Exchange Association, one in Guangdong from 2003-2015 and the other in Shandong? Bolt: Joining me is Liberal MP Gladys Liu. Gladys, thank you so much for your time. Can I just start, were you on the committee of two chapters of the China Overseas Guangdong Exchange Association, one in Guangdong from 2003 to 2015 and the other in Shandong?
Liu: Well, good to be that with you, Andrew. I can tell you that I cannot recall, if as is reported that from 2003-2015, 12 years long, that if I can’t recall, I can’t be an active member of that council, can I? Liu: Well, good to be that with you, Andrew. I can tell you that I cannot recall, if as is reported that from 2003 to 2015, 12 years long, that if I can’t recall, I can’t be an active member of that council, can I?
Bolt: How can you not recall a membership of 12 years? I mean we have just shown your name listed there. I’ve got another document I can show other you, of your name listed in the other association. That is two associations, associations lasting, well, 12 years and you can’t recall it? Bolt: How can you not recall a membership of 12 years? I mean, we have just shown your name listed there. I’ve got another document I can show other you, of your name listed in the other association. That is two associations, associations lasting, well, 12 years, and you can’t recall it?
Liu: Well, I can tell you that I have never been a member of this council and, yeah, it can happen. They can put your name there without your knowledge.Liu: Well, I can tell you that I have never been a member of this council and, yeah, it can happen. They can put your name there without your knowledge.
And didn’t get much better.And didn’t get much better.
Liu would also not say whether or not she believed China’s actions in the South China Sea were unlawful. Australia has officially condemned China’s actions. Liu would also not say whether or not she believed China’s actions in the South China Sea were unlawful. Australia has condemned China’s actions.
Bolt: Can I just hear you say it, that you support the Australian government’s position that the theft of the South China Sea by China is unlawful? Is it unlawful, yes or sure no?Bolt: Can I just hear you say it, that you support the Australian government’s position that the theft of the South China Sea by China is unlawful? Is it unlawful, yes or sure no?
Liu: Well, as I said, I want to make sure that Australians interests were put first and foremost and if it’s going to affect our trade or our air travelling, then that is something that I would not support.Liu: Well, as I said, I want to make sure that Australians interests were put first and foremost and if it’s going to affect our trade or our air travelling, then that is something that I would not support.
Bolt: Well, in fact, it does affect our trade, 60% of it goes through that sea. We have been warned by China to stay away. We are thinking of challenging that with our navy, and you are here not able to actually support the government’s position that it was unlawful. Is there some problem with you agreeing that it was unlawful? It has been held so under international law. Why are you not going along with that?Bolt: Well, in fact, it does affect our trade, 60% of it goes through that sea. We have been warned by China to stay away. We are thinking of challenging that with our navy, and you are here not able to actually support the government’s position that it was unlawful. Is there some problem with you agreeing that it was unlawful? It has been held so under international law. Why are you not going along with that?
Liu: Well, I never said that I’m not going along with it. What I’m saying is I always put Australia’s interests first. After all, I am a member of parliament for the Australian government and so of course I will put Australia’s interests first and whatever – as I said in my maiden speech too, I will always want to have a good relationship between Australia and China and I will put Australia’s interests first.Liu: Well, I never said that I’m not going along with it. What I’m saying is I always put Australia’s interests first. After all, I am a member of parliament for the Australian government and so of course I will put Australia’s interests first and whatever – as I said in my maiden speech too, I will always want to have a good relationship between Australia and China and I will put Australia’s interests first.
Before revelations former Labor senator Sam Dastyari had warned a donor he may be under surveillance by security agencies, the government had called for his sacking after reports he contradicted Labor – and the government’s – position on the dispute. A recording eventually confirmed the report. Before revelations the former Labor senator Sam Dastyari had warned a donor he may be under surveillance by security agencies, the government had called for his sacking after reports he contradicted Labor – and the government’s – position on the dispute. A recording eventually confirmed the report.
Meanwhile, Liberal senator Gerard Rennick, who appears to be a great fan of the settling “founding fathers” and that can-do convict spirit, was everything his LNP colleagues had told me he would be in his first speech. Meanwhile, the Liberal senator Gerard Rennick, who appears to be a great fan of the settling “founding fathers” and that can-do convict spirit, was everything his LNP colleagues had told me he would be in his first speech.
Here’s a taste:Here’s a taste:
The greatest threat to our environment is not carbon dioxide but unsustainable immigration.The greatest threat to our environment is not carbon dioxide but unsustainable immigration.
As the son of a farmer, I was taught from a young age about carrying capacity and never to overstock your paddocks. Yet immigration is doing just that, causing major city congestion and overdevelopment on our city fringes.As the son of a farmer, I was taught from a young age about carrying capacity and never to overstock your paddocks. Yet immigration is doing just that, causing major city congestion and overdevelopment on our city fringes.
He is also very against regulations, and government intervention, except in the areas he would like to see regulation and government intervention, which includes, but is not limited to, what superannuation funds can spend their money on, what should be built, how universities are run, what foreign capital can be spent on, who can buy infrastructure, and the reserve bank. Oh, and a government bank, in line with Macquarie’s holey dollar.He is also very against regulations, and government intervention, except in the areas he would like to see regulation and government intervention, which includes, but is not limited to, what superannuation funds can spend their money on, what should be built, how universities are run, what foreign capital can be spent on, who can buy infrastructure, and the reserve bank. Oh, and a government bank, in line with Macquarie’s holey dollar.
After all, the convicts didn’t have regulations. Except for all those regulations which sent them here in the first place, and the regulations which kept them in a prison colony, and the regulations which saw them (and of course, First Australians) forced into slavery and chain gangs to build colonial infrastructure. But other than that, it was just good ole fair-go spirit. After all, the convicts didn’t have regulations. Except for all those regulations that sent them here in the first place, and the regulations that kept them in a prison colony, and the regulations that saw them (and of course, First Australians) forced into slavery and chain gangs to build colonial infrastructure. But other than that, it was just good ole fair-go spirit.
Labor, which went to the election with a plan to recognise climate change and reduce emissions, has not been overly vocal in linking the Queensland NSW fires to what is happening wider with the climate. Labor, which went to the election with a plan to recognise climate change and reduce emissions, has not been overly vocal in linking the Queensland and NSW fires to what is happening to the climate.
While Sussan Ley copped some flak for saying this on ABC Melbourne radio late yesterday:While Sussan Ley copped some flak for saying this on ABC Melbourne radio late yesterday:
Ley: “I know that the climate is changing, and I know that the people I represent and rural Australians, see that every day. Now when there is an emergency of this sort, and people are worried about losing their homes, to have these high-level discussions about these issues, perhaps we leave them for another day and focus on helping people right here, right now.Ley: “I know that the climate is changing, and I know that the people I represent and rural Australians, see that every day. Now when there is an emergency of this sort, and people are worried about losing their homes, to have these high-level discussions about these issues, perhaps we leave them for another day and focus on helping people right here, right now.
Q: You don’t think the fires have anything to do with climate change?Q: You don’t think the fires have anything to do with climate change?
Ley: Look, my honest answer to that is I don’t know. I don’t know what caused this particular fire on this particular day ...Ley: Look, my honest answer to that is I don’t know. I don’t know what caused this particular fire on this particular day ...
Q: I am not asking about an individual fire – the science is pretty clear though isn’t it, climate change leads to more fires and more intense fires.Q: I am not asking about an individual fire – the science is pretty clear though isn’t it, climate change leads to more fires and more intense fires.
Ley: We have always lived on a continent which has been ravaged by fires, I am not going to become an expert on what is causing the fires.Ley: We have always lived on a continent which has been ravaged by fires, I am not going to become an expert on what is causing the fires.
It’s not that far from the line some in Labor are taking: “Let’s not talk about it now.”It’s not that far from the line some in Labor are taking: “Let’s not talk about it now.”
Larissa, right now, people’s homes are burning & others are risking their lives to put out dangerous fires. You’re not alone in thinking about climate change, but is now really the time to be making political mileage?Larissa, right now, people’s homes are burning & others are risking their lives to put out dangerous fires. You’re not alone in thinking about climate change, but is now really the time to be making political mileage?
Ain’t politics grand?Ain’t politics grand?
Well it is never a dull moment in this place. Well, there is never a dull moment in this place.
It is less than 24 hours after water minister David Littleproud admitted to Guardian Australia that he was unsure whether climate change was manmade or not, comments he then went into further detail with on Sky News: Less than 24 hours after the water minister, David Littleproud, admitted to Guardian Australia that he was unsure whether climate change was human-made or not, he went into further detail with on Sky News:
David Speers: You say the climate is changing and that is certainly true - the question is, is this manmade climate change.David Speers: You say the climate is changing and that is certainly true - the question is, is this manmade climate change.
David Littleproud: I have no idea, but does it really matter?David Littleproud: I have no idea, but does it really matter?
DS: Sorry, you have no idea whether ...DS: Sorry, you have no idea whether ...
DL: I am not a scientist, I haven’t made an opinion one way or the other, but I don’t think it really matters.DL: I am not a scientist, I haven’t made an opinion one way or the other, but I don’t think it really matters.
DS: Sorry, I just want to be really clear on this – you are not sure whether manmade climate change is real. DS: Sorry, I just want to be really clear on this – you are not sure whether man-made climate change is real.
DL: I am going to be honest with you – I don’t have an opinion, but I don’t think it really matters. I think these extremes from both sides have taken away the maturity of debate we should have about keeping, simply, a clean environment and making sure we give our people the tools they [need to address it] DL: I am going to be honest with you – I don’t have an opinion, but I don’t think it really matters. I think these extremes from both sides have taken away the maturity of debate we should have about keeping, simply, a clean environment and making sure we give our people the tools they [need to address it].
The crossbench and former Liberal leader John Hewson have banded together to call on the parliament to declare a climate emergency.The crossbench and former Liberal leader John Hewson have banded together to call on the parliament to declare a climate emergency.
The declaration motion to be released today calls on the House to declare an environment and climate emergency and to take urgent action consistent with internationally accepted science. The motion will be moved by Greens MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt, seconded by the independent Member for Warringah Zali Steggall OAM, and supported by the independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, Centre Alliance Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie and the independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie.The declaration motion to be released today calls on the House to declare an environment and climate emergency and to take urgent action consistent with internationally accepted science. The motion will be moved by Greens MP for Melbourne Adam Bandt, seconded by the independent Member for Warringah Zali Steggall OAM, and supported by the independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, Centre Alliance Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie and the independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie.
It has been building for a while. Plus, the Queensland rainforest is on fire. In early September.It has been building for a while. Plus, the Queensland rainforest is on fire. In early September.
We’ll bring you that, plus everything else that happens today, including the Gladys Liu train wreck interview with Andrew Bolt overnight. We’ll bring you that, plus everything else that happens today, including the Gladys Liu trainwreck interview with Andrew Bolt overnight.
Plus, people are still digesting Gerard Rennick’s first speech to the Senate. I know I am.Plus, people are still digesting Gerard Rennick’s first speech to the Senate. I know I am.
You’ve got the whole team: Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and Sarah Martin on board, plus everyone else who keeps the blog – and me – ticking over. I am on coffee number three and have exactly 211 minutes sleep, so I hope you are as excited to tackle hump day as me. You’ve got the whole team: Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and Sarah Martin on board, plus everyone else who keeps the blog – and me – ticking over. I am on coffee number three and have exactly 211 minutes’ sleep, so I hope you are as excited to tackle hump day as me.
Ready?Ready?
Let’s get into it.Let’s get into it.