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Gillian Triggs and George Brandis renew hostilities at Senate estimates – politics live Gillian Triggs and George Brandis renew hostilities at Senate estimates – politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.23am AEST02:23
Mental health welfare cuts pass house
Another piece of social services legislation has passed the house which plans to cut welfare payments from certain mental health ­patients.
This is the bill that Scott Morrison says will save $29.5m across four years by cutting welfare payments to anyone charged with a serious criminal ­offence but confined to a psychiatric institution. It is expected to affect around 350 people.
A senate committee is examining the legislation still but by passing the house, the bill will now sit awaiting the senate’s judgement. Head of the National Mental Health Commission, Allan Fels is one of a number of mental health groups and state ministers who are worried about the bill.
This sends a negative symbolic message, reinforcing stigmatised beliefs that people with mental illness or intellectual disability need to be confined first and rehabilitated second, Fels says.
11.04am AEST02:0411.04am AEST02:04
Now you see him.Now you see him.
Now you don’t.Now you don’t.
Exit stage left.Exit stage left.
10.47am AEST01:4710.47am AEST01:47
Lenore Taylor revealed that former environment minister Greg Combet is helping Labor develop an emissions trading scheme policy. Shorten is asked about “going down this [ETS] road again”.Lenore Taylor revealed that former environment minister Greg Combet is helping Labor develop an emissions trading scheme policy. Shorten is asked about “going down this [ETS] road again”.
In terms of the specific proposition you say because someone involved in the previous Labor Government is helping us now that therefore you assume there is a carbon tax on the way, that’s just wrong. That is just wrong. We will not have a carbon tax but we will be the only fair dinkum major political party in Australia on climate change.In terms of the specific proposition you say because someone involved in the previous Labor Government is helping us now that therefore you assume there is a carbon tax on the way, that’s just wrong. That is just wrong. We will not have a carbon tax but we will be the only fair dinkum major political party in Australia on climate change.
The distinction here being the one that caused so much political difficulty for Julia Gillard - the difference between a carbon tax and an emissions trading scheme.The distinction here being the one that caused so much political difficulty for Julia Gillard - the difference between a carbon tax and an emissions trading scheme.
The government keep using Labor’s commitment to an ETS as a weapon, though they might find the rest of the world has moved on. Lenore has also written about the capacity for an ETS in Direct Action.The government keep using Labor’s commitment to an ETS as a weapon, though they might find the rest of the world has moved on. Lenore has also written about the capacity for an ETS in Direct Action.
10.35am AEST01:3510.35am AEST01:35
Shorten is asked whether he will talk to the states about the GST on sanitary pads.Shorten is asked whether he will talk to the states about the GST on sanitary pads.
When Tony Abbott just simply handballs the issues to the states, most of the states have said yes, they would support this already. I think the two holdouts are a neutral answer from NSW and nothing heard from the Western Australian government. I know that Labor premiers are most interested in trying to fix up this unfair treatment of women in society.When Tony Abbott just simply handballs the issues to the states, most of the states have said yes, they would support this already. I think the two holdouts are a neutral answer from NSW and nothing heard from the Western Australian government. I know that Labor premiers are most interested in trying to fix up this unfair treatment of women in society.
10.32am AEST01:3210.32am AEST01:32
Bill Shorten is having a press conference on cuts to health, including the $125m cut from childrens’ dental programs.Bill Shorten is having a press conference on cuts to health, including the $125m cut from childrens’ dental programs.
If you go to page 100 of the Budget paper No.2 they are changing the indexation formula. The government loves getting lost in the weeds of this detail because they take people’s attention off the real issue. The real issue here is there will be $125m less available for families to claim in order to help support the cost of getting their children, young children, to be able to get the sort of dental care which they need for the future.If you go to page 100 of the Budget paper No.2 they are changing the indexation formula. The government loves getting lost in the weeds of this detail because they take people’s attention off the real issue. The real issue here is there will be $125m less available for families to claim in order to help support the cost of getting their children, young children, to be able to get the sort of dental care which they need for the future.
10.26am AEST01:2610.26am AEST01:26
The tampon debate continues.The tampon debate continues.
There are enormous tampons outside Parlt pic.twitter.com/xG5i9Db0KjThere are enormous tampons outside Parlt pic.twitter.com/xG5i9Db0Kj
10.23am AEST01:2310.23am AEST01:23
Over in the lower house, a slew of bills have been introduced, including the new social services amendment by Scott Morrison, which revises the killer six month waiting times for unemployment benefits from last years budget to the four weeks in this year’s budget.Over in the lower house, a slew of bills have been introduced, including the new social services amendment by Scott Morrison, which revises the killer six month waiting times for unemployment benefits from last years budget to the four weeks in this year’s budget.
Here is the relevant bit from the bill:Here is the relevant bit from the bill:
10.10am AEST01:1010.10am AEST01:10
Human rights “freedom” commissioner Tim Wilson is in front of estimates now. Labor wants to know, given he has been travelling around the country on freedom, Indigenous issues and consulting on LGBTI issues, does he have a “roving brief”.Human rights “freedom” commissioner Tim Wilson is in front of estimates now. Labor wants to know, given he has been travelling around the country on freedom, Indigenous issues and consulting on LGBTI issues, does he have a “roving brief”.
Yes, pretty much, was the essence of his answer.Yes, pretty much, was the essence of his answer.
Wilson and ATSI social justice commissioner Mick Gooda have been consulting with Indigenous communities about the restrictions of the use of their land title in relation to their property rights.Wilson and ATSI social justice commissioner Mick Gooda have been consulting with Indigenous communities about the restrictions of the use of their land title in relation to their property rights.
Wilson expected 15-20 people and 60 leaders turned up. This is about the rules governing the use of native title, which can be quite restrictive for communities when it comes to using the asset in business development and finance.Wilson expected 15-20 people and 60 leaders turned up. This is about the rules governing the use of native title, which can be quite restrictive for communities when it comes to using the asset in business development and finance.
Gooda is giving evidence now, teasing out the issues.Gooda is giving evidence now, teasing out the issues.
Updated at 10.24am AESTUpdated at 10.24am AEST
9.58am AEST00:589.58am AEST00:58
Labor senator Jacinta Collins wants to know if the process for the next appointment of the sex discrimination commissioner has begun. Minister Simon Birmingham, for Brandis, is not giving any info about the process.Labor senator Jacinta Collins wants to know if the process for the next appointment of the sex discrimination commissioner has begun. Minister Simon Birmingham, for Brandis, is not giving any info about the process.
The current commissioner Elizabeth Broderick is retiring in September and questions have been raised over when the replacement process will begin. Disability commissioner Graeme Innes, you might remember, was not replaced.The current commissioner Elizabeth Broderick is retiring in September and questions have been raised over when the replacement process will begin. Disability commissioner Graeme Innes, you might remember, was not replaced.
9.48am AEST00:489.48am AEST00:48
The president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs, is before the Senate estimates with minister George Brandis.The president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs, is before the Senate estimates with minister George Brandis.
Triggs is talking about the last estimates, when senators wanted specific information about three cases investigated by the Commission, including that of John Basikbasik.Triggs is talking about the last estimates, when senators wanted specific information about three cases investigated by the Commission, including that of John Basikbasik.
Triggs believes she should not disclose certain information on the grounds of public interest immunity and believes if she were compelled to do so, it could lead to other statutory bodies having to disclose certain information.Triggs believes she should not disclose certain information on the grounds of public interest immunity and believes if she were compelled to do so, it could lead to other statutory bodies having to disclose certain information.
Brandis said it’s a matter for the committee, in this case the senate legal and constitutional affairs legislation committee. But he goes on to say:Brandis said it’s a matter for the committee, in this case the senate legal and constitutional affairs legislation committee. But he goes on to say:
If you look at the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Commission act, in particular section 49, there is no self-sufficient power vested in the president to make a public interest immunity claim.If you look at the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Commission act, in particular section 49, there is no self-sufficient power vested in the president to make a public interest immunity claim.
With that, Brandis has to leave the committee.With that, Brandis has to leave the committee.
Labor senators suggest that they have different advice. Triggs tells the chair the HRC did consult AG’s department and they were advised the way the submission was presented was appropriate.Labor senators suggest that they have different advice. Triggs tells the chair the HRC did consult AG’s department and they were advised the way the submission was presented was appropriate.
It all gets too hard and committee chair Ian Macdonald defers that particular debate until more advice is sought.It all gets too hard and committee chair Ian Macdonald defers that particular debate until more advice is sought.
Updated at 10.33am AESTUpdated at 10.33am AEST
9.18am AEST00:189.18am AEST00:18
Now to gay marriage.Now to gay marriage.
There are a couple of interpretations around this morning about whether Tony Abbott’s language in parliament yesterday represents a shift. Or not.There are a couple of interpretations around this morning about whether Tony Abbott’s language in parliament yesterday represents a shift. Or not.
Here is what he said:Here is what he said:
I can’t foresee the future. I don’t know how our society will develop. I don’t know how this parliament will proceed in the months and years ahead. I do just make this one point, though, Madam Speaker. If our parliament were to make a big decision on a matter such as this, it ought to be owned by the parliament and not by any particular party.I can’t foresee the future. I don’t know how our society will develop. I don’t know how this parliament will proceed in the months and years ahead. I do just make this one point, though, Madam Speaker. If our parliament were to make a big decision on a matter such as this, it ought to be owned by the parliament and not by any particular party.
Here is Michelle Grattan in The Conversation:Here is Michelle Grattan in The Conversation:
Tony Abbott’s opposition to marriage equality won’t change, but one gets the impression he’s realising this tide can’t be held back for much longer.Tony Abbott’s opposition to marriage equality won’t change, but one gets the impression he’s realising this tide can’t be held back for much longer.
Abbott might be thinking about how to avoid personally looking too bad in defeat – and also the way to prevent Shorten or the Greens taking all the kudos on a popular issue if a vote is carried before the election.Abbott might be thinking about how to avoid personally looking too bad in defeat – and also the way to prevent Shorten or the Greens taking all the kudos on a popular issue if a vote is carried before the election.
As usual, David Rowe in the Fin is worth a look.As usual, David Rowe in the Fin is worth a look.
RSVP ...bill ant tony's nuptials @FinancialReview #MarriageEquaility #auspol @PoliticsFairfax pic.twitter.com/bdm9JpM3mPRSVP ...bill ant tony's nuptials @FinancialReview #MarriageEquaility #auspol @PoliticsFairfax pic.twitter.com/bdm9JpM3mP
More breaking news. Barnaby Joyce was asked about it this morning.More breaking news. Barnaby Joyce was asked about it this morning.
I believe in traditional marriage and that never gets you friends.I believe in traditional marriage and that never gets you friends.
But the last word to Mark Di Stefano of Buzzfeed.But the last word to Mark Di Stefano of Buzzfeed.
The most perfect sign Australia's marriage equality "debate" is now done and won pic.twitter.com/KFxmmFYtPfThe most perfect sign Australia's marriage equality "debate" is now done and won pic.twitter.com/KFxmmFYtPf
8.58am AEST23:588.58am AEST23:58
A couple of other things coming up for your viewing pleasure.A couple of other things coming up for your viewing pleasure.
Mike Bowers will be heading out to see the swearing in at Government House of the new special somethings, Philip Ruddock and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.Mike Bowers will be heading out to see the swearing in at Government House of the new special somethings, Philip Ruddock and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.
I mean no disrespect. They are leading the national conversation on citizenship and “community harmony”. Tony Abbott referred to Ruddock as a special envoy. Others call them ministers. I’m slightly confused.I mean no disrespect. They are leading the national conversation on citizenship and “community harmony”. Tony Abbott referred to Ruddock as a special envoy. Others call them ministers. I’m slightly confused.
Abbott said:Abbott said:
Phillip Ruddock as my special envoy for citizenship and community engagement.Phillip Ruddock as my special envoy for citizenship and community engagement.
and:and:
parliamentary secretary Connie Fierravanti-Wells, in addition to her current role as parliamentary secretary for social services, Connie will also become parliamentary secretary to the attorney-general.parliamentary secretary Connie Fierravanti-Wells, in addition to her current role as parliamentary secretary for social services, Connie will also become parliamentary secretary to the attorney-general.
Updated at 10.16am AESTUpdated at 10.16am AEST
8.50am AEST23:508.50am AEST23:50
Instant asset write on.Instant asset write on.
Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce is pretty happy. He has had a win in cabinet.Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce is pretty happy. He has had a win in cabinet.
The issue was over the tax write-offs for business spending to prepare for drought at a time when 80% of Queensland in drought-declared.The issue was over the tax write-offs for business spending to prepare for drought at a time when 80% of Queensland in drought-declared.
Before I go into the detail, I declare my own interest. My family owns a farm.Before I go into the detail, I declare my own interest. My family owns a farm.
On budget night, instant asset write-offs were available to small businesses with a turn-over less than $2m. The farm write-offs, for things like fencing, water infrastructure and fodder storage, were not available until the following year – 2016-17. Which was kinda weird because the drought is happening now.On budget night, instant asset write-offs were available to small businesses with a turn-over less than $2m. The farm write-offs, for things like fencing, water infrastructure and fodder storage, were not available until the following year – 2016-17. Which was kinda weird because the drought is happening now.
The whole budget treatment of taxable items caused immense confusion because I’d hazard a guess that a lot of farms are under the $2m turnover. So could they “have a go” and buy a silo or not? Accountants were sending out information, saying hold off. The day after the budget, Joyce was asked about it. I’m trying to fix it, said Barnaby.The whole budget treatment of taxable items caused immense confusion because I’d hazard a guess that a lot of farms are under the $2m turnover. So could they “have a go” and buy a silo or not? Accountants were sending out information, saying hold off. The day after the budget, Joyce was asked about it. I’m trying to fix it, said Barnaby.
Yesterday, the policy was released. Joyce’s explanation then and this morning on radio, was that the measures were part of the agriculture white paper, which I’m told is sitting on the minister’s desk. Joyce is under pressure to unveil the thing, which is long overdue. It would appear the hold up is the prime minister’s office, which has the ultimate say.Yesterday, the policy was released. Joyce’s explanation then and this morning on radio, was that the measures were part of the agriculture white paper, which I’m told is sitting on the minister’s desk. Joyce is under pressure to unveil the thing, which is long overdue. It would appear the hold up is the prime minister’s office, which has the ultimate say.
Joyce wasn’t going into that but he was unapologetic about the budget rethink.Joyce wasn’t going into that but he was unapologetic about the budget rethink.
I don’t think it’s a crime if you make something work better.I don’t think it’s a crime if you make something work better.
He released a few new figures on drought. When the government came to office (in the first year of drought) 367 people were on interim farm family payment – the equivalent of a Newstart payment. Now there are 4,300 receiving it.He released a few new figures on drought. When the government came to office (in the first year of drought) 367 people were on interim farm family payment – the equivalent of a Newstart payment. Now there are 4,300 receiving it.
Michael Brissenden on AM asked Joyce, given the PM’s comments about the “lifestyle choices” of isolated Indigenous communities, aren’t rural communities in the same boat?Michael Brissenden on AM asked Joyce, given the PM’s comments about the “lifestyle choices” of isolated Indigenous communities, aren’t rural communities in the same boat?
The weather is not a lifestyle choice.The weather is not a lifestyle choice.
Updated at 10.21am AESTUpdated at 10.21am AEST
8.14am AEST23:148.14am AEST23:14
Good morning,Good morning,
Welcome to the final sitting day of the week. The news this morning is dominated by two different ball games, notably FIFA and the State of Origin. In politics though, the senate estimates continue to yield interesting tidbits that would have otherwise remained unearthed.Welcome to the final sitting day of the week. The news this morning is dominated by two different ball games, notably FIFA and the State of Origin. In politics though, the senate estimates continue to yield interesting tidbits that would have otherwise remained unearthed.
It turns out the Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis sent a letter to attorney general George Brandis to ask whether he was allowed to write to the head of the Islamic State. The letter, signed Sheik Haron, said:It turns out the Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis sent a letter to attorney general George Brandis to ask whether he was allowed to write to the head of the Islamic State. The letter, signed Sheik Haron, said:
I would like to send a letter to Caliph Ibrahim, the leader of the Islamic State, in which making some comments and asking some questions. Please advise me whether the communication is legal or illegal.I would like to send a letter to Caliph Ibrahim, the leader of the Islamic State, in which making some comments and asking some questions. Please advise me whether the communication is legal or illegal.
It came to Brandis in his parliamentary office and the AG told the estimates hearing that he passed it on to the department as it was considered routine. Here’s Brandis:It came to Brandis in his parliamentary office and the AG told the estimates hearing that he passed it on to the department as it was considered routine. Here’s Brandis:
I’m bound to say the tone of the letter is not obviously threatening, nor does the letter apparently contain any endorsement or indication of favourability towards Islamic State. It merely, in a neutral tone, asks a question about whether to communicate with this individual by making comments and asking questions is (it) legal or illegal.I’m bound to say the tone of the letter is not obviously threatening, nor does the letter apparently contain any endorsement or indication of favourability towards Islamic State. It merely, in a neutral tone, asks a question about whether to communicate with this individual by making comments and asking questions is (it) legal or illegal.
Labor’s Mark Dreyfus described the letter as “anything but routine”.Labor’s Mark Dreyfus described the letter as “anything but routine”.
When the prime minister very publicly, at press conferences, pleaded with Australians to refer to agencies anything out of the ordinary, this was something that should have been referred.When the prime minister very publicly, at press conferences, pleaded with Australians to refer to agencies anything out of the ordinary, this was something that should have been referred.
The other interesting story around today comes via Nikki Savva in The Australian around the senate voting changes. These are the reforms that the major parties and the Greens have been talking about since the last senate result, which has seen a crew of minor parties and independents take their seats on the crossbenches. The majors considered the result, that saw senators like Ricky Muir get in on 1700 votes, a travesty of democracy. Fancy having ordinary people in parliament.The other interesting story around today comes via Nikki Savva in The Australian around the senate voting changes. These are the reforms that the major parties and the Greens have been talking about since the last senate result, which has seen a crew of minor parties and independents take their seats on the crossbenches. The majors considered the result, that saw senators like Ricky Muir get in on 1700 votes, a travesty of democracy. Fancy having ordinary people in parliament.
A subsequent report recommended the elimination of group ticket voting and the introduction of optional preferential voting above the line, lessening the ability of minor players to game preferences.A subsequent report recommended the elimination of group ticket voting and the introduction of optional preferential voting above the line, lessening the ability of minor players to game preferences.
But having supported the recommendations originally, Savva reports Labor senators are cooling on the idea. Senate leader Penny Wong and her deputy Stephen Conroy are against the changes, Savva reports. NSW senator Sam Dastyari, who comes from a state with optional preferential voting above the line, is agin it. He told Savva:But having supported the recommendations originally, Savva reports Labor senators are cooling on the idea. Senate leader Penny Wong and her deputy Stephen Conroy are against the changes, Savva reports. NSW senator Sam Dastyari, who comes from a state with optional preferential voting above the line, is agin it. He told Savva:
Frankly I can’t find a single Labor senator that supports any of this. It would be complete madness for Labor to support any proposal that would risk forever preventing a progressive Senate. I can’t see Labor doing that. If the Greens want to sign their own suicide note and do a deal with the Liberals, good luck to them. Let’s see them explain to their supporters why they are prepared to give up control of the Senate for their own jobs.Frankly I can’t find a single Labor senator that supports any of this. It would be complete madness for Labor to support any proposal that would risk forever preventing a progressive Senate. I can’t see Labor doing that. If the Greens want to sign their own suicide note and do a deal with the Liberals, good luck to them. Let’s see them explain to their supporters why they are prepared to give up control of the Senate for their own jobs.
But in the lower house, Labor MP Alan Griffin has supported the changes, as has George Wright, the party’s national secretary.But in the lower house, Labor MP Alan Griffin has supported the changes, as has George Wright, the party’s national secretary.
After the Abbott government’s last budget, the second this senate reform package is introduced into the parliament, a little flag goes up for the election.After the Abbott government’s last budget, the second this senate reform package is introduced into the parliament, a little flag goes up for the election.
So stick around. I’ll get to marriage equality in a minute. Follow the @mpbowers and me @gabriellechan.So stick around. I’ll get to marriage equality in a minute. Follow the @mpbowers and me @gabriellechan.