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Labor on the fence about support for climate emergency motion – politics live Labor on the fence about support for climate emergency motion – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Cory Bernardi has been unable to file his weekly ‘common sense’ missive to supporters, because he is “under the pump in Canberra”.
Given what the Senate is dealing with this week, he may be the only one, but I guess we all handle transitions differently. Or in this case, approaching a transition.
On the ongoing Labor review, and what may happen to some of the policies of the last six years, Mark Dreyfus says this:
I’m not going to pre-empt the outcome first of all of the review being conducted by eminent former figures of the Labor party. That review is going to report to the party later in the year. And this will be an ongoing debate in the Labor party, as it should be after an election defeat.
It’s an election defeat where the government increased its majority by precisely one seat, moving from having a one-seat majority after the 2016 election to a two-seat majority after the 2019 election.
But it’s an election result which has caused shock right across Australia because of the deep expectation that Labor was going to win the election.
We do have to review the way in which we campaigned; we do have to review the policies we took to the people at the last election. That’s an entirely appropriate process for us to be engaging in.
And might I say – we are not going to win the 2022 election by making announcements right here and now – or for me to make an announcement at the Press Club of what our policies are going to be.
One of the striking things, I would say, about the last election was just the way in which the winning party, the one that won a majority of seats, 77 seats in the parliament, in their Coalition, was able to go from the knifing of a prime minister for the second time in five years to a just winning position in May of 2019.
But it does tell you something about the speed in which things can change in Australian politics and the closeness to the election that changes a position that might be able to be achieved.
Could everyone who is commenting on some of the issues today take a breath and think about the origins of their comments, and how it may be coming across. Not all racism is intentional, but it still needs to be called out.
I don’t need comments defending some of the terms or nicknames. Just think about it, before posting.
And if it doesn’t apply to you, cool. Enact one of the most golden social media rules – if it doesn’t fit, let it slip.
Moving on.
This is either “farmers don’t take drugs” or “if farmers take drugs we don’t care”, because not all welfare is equal, apparently.
If the point is to try and find drug problems and help people defeat them, shouldn’t everyone be involved?
Farmers in welfare drug test sites who receive farm household allowance are exempt, according to the legislation tabled today:'recipients who receive a payment of farm household allowance made under the Farm Household Support Act will not be subject to the drug testing trial'
And here are Mark Dreyfus’s problems with the government’s proposal for a national integrity commission:
The government’s model proposes a body with two wings – one wing is essentially the existing Australian Commission for Law Enforcement and Integrity, with a few new departments brought under its jurisdiction. The second wing is designed to cover politicians, their staff, and the commonwealth public service.
The government proposes vastly different powers for the two wings, which would be in effect two different bodies. The ACLEI wing would retain all its previous investigatory powers and the ability to hold public hearings – although notably it has not held a single public hearing since its foundation in 2006. The second wing, however, would be far more limited:
It can not self-start inquiries or act on tip-offs from the public, as it must rely on referrals of allegations of serious or corrupt conduct from agency heads. How that will work in the case of politicians is unclear.
It can not hold public hearings, full-stop.
It can not make findings of corruption – instead it will simply determine whether any case is strong enough to refer to the CDPP.
It can not investigate serious misconduct due to the threshold for investigation being set at a reasonable suspicion that the conduct in question constitutes a criminal offence.
It will not have the power to seize evidence nor conduct surveillance – powers that have proved key to several cases in state-based anti-corruption systems
It can not self-start inquiries or act on tip-offs from the public, as it must rely on referrals of allegations of serious or corrupt conduct from agency heads. How that will work in the case of politicians is unclear.
It can not hold public hearings, full-stop.
It can not make findings of corruption – instead it will simply determine whether any case is strong enough to refer to the CDPP.
It can not investigate serious misconduct due to the threshold for investigation being set at a reasonable suspicion that the conduct in question constitutes a criminal offence.
It will not have the power to seize evidence nor conduct surveillance – powers that have proved key to several cases in state-based anti-corruption systems
... As the prime minister might put it, “how good is a national integrity commission that can’t investigate anything that embarrasses my government?”. (He did a voice for that)
Mark Dreyfus acknowledges the NSW Labor situation in his speech:
There has been a great deal in the news recently about the conduct of individuals in the NSW Labor party in relation to election donations, aired at the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. Other matters at Icac over recent years have resulted in the resignation of some 11 Liberal party MPs, and just this morning we read that another Liberal minister has serious questions to answer. Without prejudging any possible findings of the current investigation, let me make an unequivocal statement, and that is that Labor stands for integrity, accountability and transparency in government. And that we do not tolerate misconduct, whether in government, business or unions. In keeping with this guiding principle we have always worked to foster a culture of integrity in government. And in opposition.
And if misconduct does occur, action must be taken. Not just action against the individual or individuals involved, but serious action to ensure that such conduct never occurs again.
This is a statement from Gladys Liu to me less than 24 hours ago denying any connection with a number of Chinese organisations. She now accepts she did have an association with three of the groups #auspol pic.twitter.com/luJAliP5PN
Gladys Liu is putting her statement out via twitter:
not take sides on competing territorial claims but we call on all claimants to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.Our relationship with China is one of mutual benefit and underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. China is not a
being the first Chinese-born member of Parliament. I know some people will see everything I do through the lens of my birthplace, but I hope that they will see more than just the first Chinese woman elected to Parliament. I hope they will see me as a strong advocate for everyone
•Honorary President of the United Chinese Commerce Association of Australia. My involvement was done for no other reason than to support the promotion of trade between Australia and Hong Kong, and to encourage individuals in the Australia-Hong Kong community to undertake
Association in 2011. I no longer have an association with this organisationMy Labor opponent in the recent election also had an association with the United Chinese Commerce Association of Australia and was honorary President of the Australian Jiangmen General Commercial
I am in the process of auditing any organisations who may have added me as a member without my knowledge or consent.I am a proud Australian, passionately committed to serving the people of Chisholm, and any suggestion contrary to this is deeply offensive.
Labor’s new senator from South Australia, Marielle Smith, will make her first speech in the Senate later this afternoon.Labor’s new senator from South Australia, Marielle Smith, will make her first speech in the Senate later this afternoon.
There will be one or two very familiar faces in the gallery as she delivers it – Smith worked with former prime minister Julia Gillard on delivering a global education policy for about five years. Kate Ellis is a big supporter as well.There will be one or two very familiar faces in the gallery as she delivers it – Smith worked with former prime minister Julia Gillard on delivering a global education policy for about five years. Kate Ellis is a big supporter as well.
Mark Dreyfus is delivering the National Press Club address on the need for a national integrity commission:Mark Dreyfus is delivering the National Press Club address on the need for a national integrity commission:
The proof of the government’s lack of commitment to integrity and hence, the title of my speech, Time’s Up!, is that more than 20 months after Labor’s announcement that we would establish a national integrity commission, and more than eight months after the Liberal government announced the same commitment, we still don’t have, from the government, so much as an exposure draft for legislation to establish such a body.The proof of the government’s lack of commitment to integrity and hence, the title of my speech, Time’s Up!, is that more than 20 months after Labor’s announcement that we would establish a national integrity commission, and more than eight months after the Liberal government announced the same commitment, we still don’t have, from the government, so much as an exposure draft for legislation to establish such a body.
Indeed, legislation to establish such a body is not even on the government’s published legislative plan for the rest of this year. And this is despite the fact that at the time of the December press conference, the government claimed to have been working on legislation since January 2018. It seems Mr Morrison’s statement in November that ensuring integrity in government is a ‘fringe issue’ continues to be an accurate statement of his view on this matter.Indeed, legislation to establish such a body is not even on the government’s published legislative plan for the rest of this year. And this is despite the fact that at the time of the December press conference, the government claimed to have been working on legislation since January 2018. It seems Mr Morrison’s statement in November that ensuring integrity in government is a ‘fringe issue’ continues to be an accurate statement of his view on this matter.
You have to ask just how serious this government is about a national integrity commission when 10 months after announcing the need for one and putting out a discussion paper, there is no proposal before the parliament, and no sign it’s even on the government’s agenda for the rest of this year.You have to ask just how serious this government is about a national integrity commission when 10 months after announcing the need for one and putting out a discussion paper, there is no proposal before the parliament, and no sign it’s even on the government’s agenda for the rest of this year.
We have a government that is obsessed with a bill about unions that they have called ‘ensuring integrity’. But the same government adamantly refuses to ensure its own integrity can be put under scrutiny.We have a government that is obsessed with a bill about unions that they have called ‘ensuring integrity’. But the same government adamantly refuses to ensure its own integrity can be put under scrutiny.
This piece from Michelle Grattan was interesting. Russell Broadbent has also been pushing the government to end mandatory detention.This piece from Michelle Grattan was interesting. Russell Broadbent has also been pushing the government to end mandatory detention.
Liberal moderate Russell Broadbent will not vote for government's mandatory sentencing legislation https://t.co/OuhMndYzdf via @ConversationEDULiberal moderate Russell Broadbent will not vote for government's mandatory sentencing legislation https://t.co/OuhMndYzdf via @ConversationEDU
A spokesman for foreign minister Marise Payne has confirmed Australia is assisting families of three Australians who have been detained in Iran:A spokesman for foreign minister Marise Payne has confirmed Australia is assisting families of three Australians who have been detained in Iran:
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the families of three Australians detained in Iran. Due to our privacy obligations, we will not comment further.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the families of three Australians detained in Iran. Due to our privacy obligations, we will not comment further.
All Australian citizens and holders of dual nationality with Australia who are travelling to or through Iran are urged to follow the travel advice on the DFAT Smartraveller website.All Australian citizens and holders of dual nationality with Australia who are travelling to or through Iran are urged to follow the travel advice on the DFAT Smartraveller website.
That advice?That advice?
“Reconsider your need to travel”. Part of the country is on the do-not-travel list.“Reconsider your need to travel”. Part of the country is on the do-not-travel list.
Pauline Hanson is giving a masterclass in ‘we need answers to these questions that take this situation out into the stratosphere that I have just thought of, but I have no idea whether or not that is the actual case’ on Chris Kenny’s show.
It’s a wonderful technique:
‘I have no idea if they murder puppies and deliver the carcasses to small children in the night, but I think those questions need to be answered’.
The Big Aussie BBQ is on in parliament today, raising awareness for prostate cancer.
Scott Morrison will attend.
Prepare for Morrison-with-BBQ-tongs photos. There will absolutely be a “how good” face.
No word on whether or not angus is on the menu.
Gladys Liu has released her statement:
“Last night in a TV interview I was not clear and I should have chosen my words better. As a new member of parliament I will be learning from this experience”
Australia’s longstanding position on the South China Sea is consistent and clear. We do not take sides on competing territorial claims but we call on all claimants to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law. @SBSNews #auspol
I’m sure that will be the end of it*
*Yes, that is sarcasm
Melisssa McIntosh, another class of 2019 alumnus as the new Liberal MP for Lindsay, has announced she will be delivering a speech ahead of question time in the chamber, talking about September 11 and the Australian flag that was found in World Trade Centre 3.
McIntosh talked about how not being in the September 11 attack changed her life during her first speech.
At 23, I entered the corporate world. Like many young people — like many young women — I was rushing to get ahead and achieve it all before kids.
I was also the girl from Penrith, wanting to be the best and to take all the opportunities. People from western Sydney are really committed; if you have to commute three hours a day or more for your job, you have to be.
But then an experience changed things. I was given a wonderful opportunity to travel to New York for work.
A couple of days out from my departure, the trip was cancelled. I was disappointed. I was going to be staying at the famous Twin Towers.
I would have been in one of those towers on September 11.
I will never forget that day, sitting in an almost empty office in Sydney, about 20 storeys up, overlooking Hyde Park, wondering what would have happened if I had made it to New York.
Rushing for a career wasn’t so important after that, so I put it on hold and I went travelling the world with Stuart and his sporting career.
Terri Butler fronted up to doors this morning to have a chat about David Littleproud’s admission that he is unsure if climate change is manmade.
But she wouldn’t say which way Labor would vote on the climate emergency proposal the crossbench is putting forward. Why? Because Labor doesn’t know yet:
Journalist: Will you be supporting the motion from the crossbench re this climate emergency?
TB: Well, it’s actually up to the government to decide whether there will be a declaration of a climate emergency, and frankly, I don’t have any confidence that they even believe in climate change.
They’ve had their own minister out there saying that he’s not sure whether manmade climate change exists, he doesn’t know whether it’s even real.
How can we be confident that this government will take any action on climate change, or take any serious action whatsoever, when they’ve got science-denying ministers in their own frontbench, which is threatening the prosperity of our country.
Journalist: Will you be voting for the motion?
TB: Well, as I say, it’s a matter for the government whether there is a climate emergency declaration.
The question is, what will the prime minister do? What will his ministers do? We’ve got a senior frontbencher, someone who is the drought minister, the water minister, out saying he’s not sure if manmade climate change is really a thing.
I don’t know whether we can be confident that the government will actually do anything at all.
The latest independent health advice panel (the government-appointed panel for the medevac bill) has tabled its latest report.
It has found that, in terms of ministerial refusal to transfer patients to the mainland for treatment, the panel agreed with the minister’s decision in nine of the 15 cases.
Which means the panel of health officials appointed by the government overruled the minister in just six cases, because they judged the need for treatment in the mainland to be critical.
That’s not exactly a “flood” of people. And as far as I know, our public hospitals have not fallen. Society stands. And some very ill people who are in our care are receiving the treatment doctors have judged them to need.
Also in the report – the panel is planning a visit to the regional processing centres.
And just a reminder that anyone transferred to Australia for treatment remains in detention and is escorted to appointments/remains under guard. They do not get free rein to run around the community.
The medevac repeal bill is due to come back to parliament in November. Jacqui Lambie is the crucial vote.
Linda Burney chatted to Sabra Lane this morning on ABC AM. She gave Labor’s positions on the upcoming welfare legislation the government is putting forward.
On drug testing:
LB: Labor is not supporting that policy. This is the third time the government has dusted off this policy and I just heard on Radio National there is a group of experts meeting in Canberra today. They are saying this is punitive. It’s not going to work. And the biggest issue is that there is just not enough treatment centres or treatment available for people that want to come off drug addiction. And that is where the government needs to focus.
SL: The cashless welfare card. The government wants to roll this out nationally. 80 per cent of money is quarantined in that for rent and food. The government says it works. Has the Labor party got a position on that yet?
LB: The Labor party does have a position. We’ve had a position for some time on the cashless welfare card. And that is that if a community has proper consultation and proper consent, and the community wants the card, then Labor would not stand in the way. But we do not support a national rollout of this card. It goes to whether or not it’s effective. And I have to say Sabra, just in closing, that the evaluations so far have been quite inadequate and there needs to be proper evaluation, and Labor has a very strong view and a very persistent view on this particular card.
We are still waiting on the statement.
Massive clean out of Gladys Liu’s office planned. Victoria’s Liberals believe she is unsupported and therefore unprepared #auspol
So @GladysLiuMP office says there’s a statement coming - but not to Parliament where she faces penalties for misleading the House - and referring all questions to the Prime Minister’s office! So that’s unusual.
Zed Seselja, who has obviously taken his shitstirrer tablet this morning, says he is unclear if Kim Carr is supporting the bill or not, because it has been “19 minutes” of talking the bill down.
Carr is having none of it. He says the government is ignoring the big issues and using things like this bill as a distraction.
He really, really, really doesn’t like Labor’s position on this one.