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Tony Abbott plans frontbench role to combat radicalisation – politics live Tony Abbott plans frontbench role to combat radicalisation – politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.52am AEST02:52
Labor backs tampon tax
From caucus, shadow treasurer Chris Bowen, has backed the removal of the GST on sanitary products. He told caucus this morning:
“We are agreeing with Joe Hockey and supportive if the government has a way of fixing this with the state treasurers.
11.36am AEST02:36
Labor’s Stephen Conroy is pressing Mathias Cormann the former defence minister’s chief of staff Sean Costello, who has subsequently moved to DCNS, the French submarine builder.
Conroy says Costello, as chief of staff, was “directly involved” in working on the government’s tender process for the submarines before he left in January 2015. Now Costello is chief executive of DCNS, one of the three companies invited to tender for the subs. Conroy’s contention is that Costello knows the ins and outs of the government tender, given he was involved and therefore it could constitute a conflict of interest.
Cormann counters that Labor wrote the lobbyist rules and Costello’s position does not fall under the definition of a lobbyist.
11.05am AEST02:0511.05am AEST02:05
Labor senator Penny Wong is onto the budget process in estimates. She wants to know when budget planning began, given comments by the treasury secretary John Fraser in the Fin Review.Labor senator Penny Wong is onto the budget process in estimates. She wants to know when budget planning began, given comments by the treasury secretary John Fraser in the Fin Review.
In a wide-ranging speech after four months in the job, Mr Fraser also said he planned to begin preparations for the 2016 budget sooner than this year’s because it “shouldn’t be something that we start to think of seriously in February”.In a wide-ranging speech after four months in the job, Mr Fraser also said he planned to begin preparations for the 2016 budget sooner than this year’s because it “shouldn’t be something that we start to think of seriously in February”.
PMC official Rebecca Cross says it began last year and Mathias Cormann says the government “started to think about it very seriously in the second half of last year”.PMC official Rebecca Cross says it began last year and Mathias Cormann says the government “started to think about it very seriously in the second half of last year”.
At which point Wong asks when he decided to become the “biggest spending finance minister”. This goes to an on-going battle between Cormann on former finance minister Wong as to who is the biggest spender.At which point Wong asks when he decided to become the “biggest spending finance minister”. This goes to an on-going battle between Cormann on former finance minister Wong as to who is the biggest spender.
10.58am AEST01:5810.58am AEST01:58
Behind a press conference. Sarah Hanson-Young by Mike Bowers.Behind a press conference. Sarah Hanson-Young by Mike Bowers.
10.54am AEST01:5410.54am AEST01:54
Jacqui Lambie learning the dark arts of senate estimates.Jacqui Lambie learning the dark arts of senate estimates.
10.41am AEST01:4110.41am AEST01:41
Double dipping is not appropriate. Hmm...Double dipping is not appropriate. Hmm...
10.37am AEST01:3710.37am AEST01:37
Senator Jacqui Lambie wants to know if crossbench senators can see the interim report regarding the Royal Commission into trade unions. She is concerned with the one volume of the royal commission’s interim report which has been kept confidential because it deals with serious threats to witnesses which it says amount to “grave threats to the power and authority of the Australian state”.Senator Jacqui Lambie wants to know if crossbench senators can see the interim report regarding the Royal Commission into trade unions. She is concerned with the one volume of the royal commission’s interim report which has been kept confidential because it deals with serious threats to witnesses which it says amount to “grave threats to the power and authority of the Australian state”.
Lambie suggests crossbenchers could see it “behind closed doors” and sign a confidentially agreement as had happened in the past. Deputy secretary in PM&C Elizabeth Kelly said she could not make the judgement as she had not seen the report herself.Lambie suggests crossbenchers could see it “behind closed doors” and sign a confidentially agreement as had happened in the past. Deputy secretary in PM&C Elizabeth Kelly said she could not make the judgement as she had not seen the report herself.
10.20am AEST01:2010.20am AEST01:20
Although I am a regular Q&A watcher, I had to turn off last night for lack of reception. I am not entirely sure whether it was due to technical issues in my post-blog bat cave or a wider problem but I could not muster the will to persist.Although I am a regular Q&A watcher, I had to turn off last night for lack of reception. I am not entirely sure whether it was due to technical issues in my post-blog bat cave or a wider problem but I could not muster the will to persist.
Therefore I am late to the tampon tax debate, which revolves around GST on tampons, which are considered a luxury item. Hockey was asked if he thought sanitary products were an essential health good for half the population.Therefore I am late to the tampon tax debate, which revolves around GST on tampons, which are considered a luxury item. Hockey was asked if he thought sanitary products were an essential health good for half the population.
Do I think sanitary products are essential? I think so, I think so.Do I think sanitary products are essential? I think so, I think so.
Q: Do you think the GST charge on sanitary products should be removed?Q: Do you think the GST charge on sanitary products should be removed?
It probably should, yes, the answer’s yes.It probably should, yes, the answer’s yes.
Hockey congratulated the campaigner Subeta Vimalarajah for raising the issue and he committed to discuss it with the states at the Coag love-in/retreat in July. (He needs the states to agree to changes on the GST.)Hockey congratulated the campaigner Subeta Vimalarajah for raising the issue and he committed to discuss it with the states at the Coag love-in/retreat in July. (He needs the states to agree to changes on the GST.)
10.04am AEST01:0410.04am AEST01:04
Senator Cory Bernardi is chairing the finance and public administration estimates committee. It may not sound exciting but finance minister Mathias Cormann is in the chair defending the government’s backflip on paid parental leave. Penny Wong and new Labor senator (former ACT chief) Katy Gallagher are questioning.Senator Cory Bernardi is chairing the finance and public administration estimates committee. It may not sound exciting but finance minister Mathias Cormann is in the chair defending the government’s backflip on paid parental leave. Penny Wong and new Labor senator (former ACT chief) Katy Gallagher are questioning.
Cormann is going through the reasons for overturning the policy - that there was widespread opposition in the parliament to the Abbott signature scheme. (Among the government’s own backbench as well as Labor.) He explained the government’s judgement was that it was not appropriate for the taxpayer to fund women for government PPL if they have it from their employer.Cormann is going through the reasons for overturning the policy - that there was widespread opposition in the parliament to the Abbott signature scheme. (Among the government’s own backbench as well as Labor.) He explained the government’s judgement was that it was not appropriate for the taxpayer to fund women for government PPL if they have it from their employer.
DOUBLE DIPPERS!DOUBLE DIPPERS!
He dead bats questions on the language of rorts.He dead bats questions on the language of rorts.
Updated at 11.13am AESTUpdated at 11.13am AEST
9.53am AEST00:539.53am AEST00:53
Thanks to James.Thanks to James.
I understand Ruddock's role will be separate to Fieverranti-Wells - ping @gabriellechanI understand Ruddock's role will be separate to Fieverranti-Wells - ping @gabriellechan
9.45am AEST00:459.45am AEST00:45
The whole reaching out to the Muslim community is a great idea. The problem is that the government’s language in this debate has been inflammatory. The message the communities keep getting is that they are feared and not to be trusted, making the conditions ripe for radicalisation .The whole reaching out to the Muslim community is a great idea. The problem is that the government’s language in this debate has been inflammatory. The message the communities keep getting is that they are feared and not to be trusted, making the conditions ripe for radicalisation .
There is no doubt it is a tricky line the government is walking, particularly after the Martin Place siege.There is no doubt it is a tricky line the government is walking, particularly after the Martin Place siege.
But Islamic leaders have been warning for the past two years that more needed to be done on community programs and de-radicalisation and the combating violent extremism program was poorly funded to begin with and then slow to roll out.But Islamic leaders have been warning for the past two years that more needed to be done on community programs and de-radicalisation and the combating violent extremism program was poorly funded to begin with and then slow to roll out.
Just before he retired last year, the former head of Asio David Irvine said:Just before he retired last year, the former head of Asio David Irvine said:
I can say this on behalf of the whole Australian government, and I suspect all state governments as well, the message is we are not fighting Islam.I can say this on behalf of the whole Australian government, and I suspect all state governments as well, the message is we are not fighting Islam.
And Tony Abbott has said similar things. But at the same time, we have the Team Australia rhetoric, with Abbott the self-declared captain.And Tony Abbott has said similar things. But at the same time, we have the Team Australia rhetoric, with Abbott the self-declared captain.
Then in February, the prime minister called on immigrants to Australia to “be as tolerant of others as we are of them” and called on Muslim leaders to proclaim Islam as a religion of peace “more often, and mean it”.Then in February, the prime minister called on immigrants to Australia to “be as tolerant of others as we are of them” and called on Muslim leaders to proclaim Islam as a religion of peace “more often, and mean it”.
And the rhetoric keeps ramping up.And the rhetoric keeps ramping up.
There was “spot the Jihadi” on the weekend, revealing federal plans for teachers and students to be taught how to spot potential jihadis in schools and including lessons in the school curriculum.There was “spot the Jihadi” on the weekend, revealing federal plans for teachers and students to be taught how to spot potential jihadis in schools and including lessons in the school curriculum.
Labor’s Jason Clare, whose western Sydney electorate has a high Muslim population, said this morning that police officers find the government’s rhetoric is making their job more difficult.Labor’s Jason Clare, whose western Sydney electorate has a high Muslim population, said this morning that police officers find the government’s rhetoric is making their job more difficult.
Connie can’t fix that, only the prime minister can fix that.Connie can’t fix that, only the prime minister can fix that.
9.20am AEST00:209.20am AEST00:20
Concetta or Philip Ruddock? Two roles. One role?Concetta or Philip Ruddock? Two roles. One role?
Father of the house @philipruddockmp will be given a new role in community consultation about citizenship @SkyNewsAustFather of the house @philipruddockmp will be given a new role in community consultation about citizenship @SkyNewsAust
So justice minister Michael Keenan has a new role. And counter terrorism coordinator Greg Moriarty.So justice minister Michael Keenan has a new role. And counter terrorism coordinator Greg Moriarty.
At this rate there will be a sizeable national security faction.At this rate there will be a sizeable national security faction.
Updated at 9.52am AESTUpdated at 9.52am AEST
9.05am AEST00:059.05am AEST00:05
Attorney general George Brandis is the carrier of the message this morning.Attorney general George Brandis is the carrier of the message this morning.
He has been on Sky News and at the senate doors, discussing the government plans for a conversation with the Muslim community regarding the citizenship laws. Kieran Gilbert asks him about plans to follow the UK model and remove Australian citizenship, even when they don’t have guaranteed citizenship with another country.He has been on Sky News and at the senate doors, discussing the government plans for a conversation with the Muslim community regarding the citizenship laws. Kieran Gilbert asks him about plans to follow the UK model and remove Australian citizenship, even when they don’t have guaranteed citizenship with another country.
We are not going to render anyone stateless. Nobody has proposed that. Everything we do will be compliant with the rule of law and proper rule of law principles. Heavens above, in the next fortnight we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.We are not going to render anyone stateless. Nobody has proposed that. Everything we do will be compliant with the rule of law and proper rule of law principles. Heavens above, in the next fortnight we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.
Brandis is asked about the proposed frontbench role to reach out to the Muslim community.Brandis is asked about the proposed frontbench role to reach out to the Muslim community.
The government does intend to lead a conversation with the Australian community about what are the rights and obligations that are attached to citizenship and what are the consequences for people who do things that are basically a violation of their obligation and loyalty to Australia.The government does intend to lead a conversation with the Australian community about what are the rights and obligations that are attached to citizenship and what are the consequences for people who do things that are basically a violation of their obligation and loyalty to Australia.
Here is one take from a young Australian Muslim, Fahim Khondaker, who organised a Walk Together community cohesion event in Brisbane.Here is one take from a young Australian Muslim, Fahim Khondaker, who organised a Walk Together community cohesion event in Brisbane.
@gabriellechan it's because they love us more.@gabriellechan it's because they love us more.
8.39am AEST23:398.39am AEST23:39
Another door opens on superannuationAnother door opens on superannuation
The government has been keen to make superannuation an issue after Labor unveiled their policy to wind back generous concessions for high income earners, which would raise $14bn in revenue over 10 years.The government has been keen to make superannuation an issue after Labor unveiled their policy to wind back generous concessions for high income earners, which would raise $14bn in revenue over 10 years.
Abbott was asked about it in question time yesterday and he maintained his opposition to any changes. Joe Hockey, however, was a little more open last night on Q&A.Abbott was asked about it in question time yesterday and he maintained his opposition to any changes. Joe Hockey, however, was a little more open last night on Q&A.
Our view is, in the current environment, given you have got very low returns on superannuation, it is not the time to introduce new taxes on superannuation, it is not the time to change the rules for superannuants. We want to give stability and certainty. That is a stark contrast with our political opponents who want to impose a new tax on super.Our view is, in the current environment, given you have got very low returns on superannuation, it is not the time to introduce new taxes on superannuation, it is not the time to change the rules for superannuants. We want to give stability and certainty. That is a stark contrast with our political opponents who want to impose a new tax on super.
Semantics?Semantics?
8.09am AEST23:098.09am AEST23:09
Double shot morning politicsDouble shot morning politics
Good morning drivers,Good morning drivers,
It’s all about national security again today and you can reasonably expect it will continue in this vein for the next two weeks that parliament sits. This morning’s News announce-able is a frontbench role – coming within days – to combat Islamic radicalisation. It would appear from the entrails that the Coalition have cottoned on to the fact that the Muslim community feel a tad cranky and marginalised. So there are lots of television shots around of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who is a parliamentary secretary and is the go-to woman in the government on multicultural affairs. It might be a sign. It might not be.It’s all about national security again today and you can reasonably expect it will continue in this vein for the next two weeks that parliament sits. This morning’s News announce-able is a frontbench role – coming within days – to combat Islamic radicalisation. It would appear from the entrails that the Coalition have cottoned on to the fact that the Muslim community feel a tad cranky and marginalised. So there are lots of television shots around of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who is a parliamentary secretary and is the go-to woman in the government on multicultural affairs. It might be a sign. It might not be.
In the meantime, we are still waiting for the details on the new citizenship laws. No one is actually providing any facts but it is reported on ABC radio that the laws are expected today. Like they were yesterday. The latest iteration is that the government wants to strip dual nationals of their Australian citizenship and is also looking for a way to deal with the citizenship of those without dual passports. Without leaving them stateless. But it sounds like it leaves them stateless. Luckily, my better self, Katharine Murphy, analysed these issues last week.In the meantime, we are still waiting for the details on the new citizenship laws. No one is actually providing any facts but it is reported on ABC radio that the laws are expected today. Like they were yesterday. The latest iteration is that the government wants to strip dual nationals of their Australian citizenship and is also looking for a way to deal with the citizenship of those without dual passports. Without leaving them stateless. But it sounds like it leaves them stateless. Luckily, my better self, Katharine Murphy, analysed these issues last week.
The other moving part this morning is the budget. Remember that? The social services minister, Scott Morrison, has opened the door – just a crack – on Senate negotiations. David Crowe at the Oz reports that he will consider lifting the age of children at which the family tax benefit B cuts out. The government plan last year was when the youngest child turns six, instead of the current age of 16. The Senate knocked it back. Morrison is talking 10-12 now. Who said he was the hard man of the Abbott government?The other moving part this morning is the budget. Remember that? The social services minister, Scott Morrison, has opened the door – just a crack – on Senate negotiations. David Crowe at the Oz reports that he will consider lifting the age of children at which the family tax benefit B cuts out. The government plan last year was when the youngest child turns six, instead of the current age of 16. The Senate knocked it back. Morrison is talking 10-12 now. Who said he was the hard man of the Abbott government?
We are turning over the ignition on this frosty morning in Canberra and the engine is warming up slowly. Stick with me @gabriellechan and @mpbowers. It’s Tuesday!We are turning over the ignition on this frosty morning in Canberra and the engine is warming up slowly. Stick with me @gabriellechan and @mpbowers. It’s Tuesday!
Updated at 8.27am AESTUpdated at 8.27am AEST