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Labor to oppose pension asset test changes in budget bill – politics live Labor to oppose pension asset test changes in budget bill – politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.22pm AEST04:22
Don Randall. It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that zinG.
1.19pm AEST04:19
My colleague Shalailah Medhora is back from the Coaliton party room debrief. One notable intervention: the Liberal MP Don Randall told colleagues if they wanted to support gay marriage, they could create a roster to do so on the ABC.
1.15pm AEST04:15
Shorten wound up that press conference by stepping around a question on what Labor would do with the citizenship proposal.
1.11pm AEST04:11
Q: Is Labor going to change its position on turning back the boats?
Bill Shorten:
The terms of our refugee resettlement approach, we are fundamentally commited to the resettlement of refugees. We are working on all of our policies. We will have a full suite of policies at the next election which I’m sure you will like a lot.
1.09pm AEST04:09
Shorten is asked about allegations before the royal commission into trade unions. He says he’ll cooperate fully with the commission but won’t respond to baseless allegations when there is nothing in them.
He’s asked about Labor and disruption of people smuggling operations. Shorten, like Marles, won’t get into the general, but he’ll answer a specific.
I am saying Labor has never paid people smugglers to turn back boats as it appears the government has done.
Q: Labor didn’t condone any payments to people smugglers in Indonesia during your time in government?
I’m certainly not aware of that but what I would say to you is: When it comes to national security matters ... we don’t talk about that. No serious leader does.
(Shorten is trying to say he won’t talk about the general because that might touch on ASIS operations, and he won’t do that, but he will rule out specific payments to transmit asylum seekers.)
Q: You told the party room this morning that Labor had made mistakes in the past in respect to boats. What are those mistakes?
Clearly we introduced – there were policies which saw the people smugglers try and take advantage of Australia’s generosity. We are working through these issues. But what I would say is that Labor will not cede the issue of border security the Liberal party. Labor is determined to make sure we have a strong policy which is humane towards refugees but also safe and make sure the people smugglers can never get back into business.
And I do think this current debate about boats has come about because either the government is incompetent and is saying things that aren’t true or is incompetent and saying things they oughtn’t be talking about.
You and I both know Tony Abbott can clear these matters up very simply with a yes or no just as I’ve done.
1.00pm AEST04:001.00pm AEST04:00
Q: You have repeatedly attacked last year’s budget on the basis of unfairness. Is it not the case this pension proposal is calibrated that people on more modest means get an increase and those at the upper end get a decrease.Q: You have repeatedly attacked last year’s budget on the basis of unfairness. Is it not the case this pension proposal is calibrated that people on more modest means get an increase and those at the upper end get a decrease.
How can this not be fairer than the indexation proposal from last year?How can this not be fairer than the indexation proposal from last year?
Bill Shorten:Bill Shorten:
When you make it out it is a binary competition, in one corner some pensioners and in the other corner other pensioners. The group you missed is people who have multiple millions of dollars in superannuation.When you make it out it is a binary competition, in one corner some pensioners and in the other corner other pensioners. The group you missed is people who have multiple millions of dollars in superannuation.
Let me unpack that a little bit more. What the Abbott government is saying, they want to keep tax-free income for people who have say $5m in super. Say they get 5% return, $250,000 per year. We’ve said that the tax concession, that shouldn’t all be tax-free. That’s what we have said.Let me unpack that a little bit more. What the Abbott government is saying, they want to keep tax-free income for people who have say $5m in super. Say they get 5% return, $250,000 per year. We’ve said that the tax concession, that shouldn’t all be tax-free. That’s what we have said.
Yet what Mr Abbott wants to do is have a fight between different groups of pensioners about fighting over their portion when Mr Abbott is giving a leave pass to people who don’t need – you or I or the taxpayers of Australia to give them tax-free income from massive millions of dollars.Yet what Mr Abbott wants to do is have a fight between different groups of pensioners about fighting over their portion when Mr Abbott is giving a leave pass to people who don’t need – you or I or the taxpayers of Australia to give them tax-free income from massive millions of dollars.
12.57pm AEST03:5712.57pm AEST03:57
Bill Shorten confirms Labor will reject the budget pension changesBill Shorten confirms Labor will reject the budget pension changes
The Labor leader and families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin are having a press conference to back in their pension announcement.The Labor leader and families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin are having a press conference to back in their pension announcement.
Macklin:Macklin:
People in their 50s and 60s who are contemplating and planning their retirement right now have to know that these cuts will hurt them. These cuts will hurt those people who are planning their retirement now.People in their 50s and 60s who are contemplating and planning their retirement right now have to know that these cuts will hurt them. These cuts will hurt those people who are planning their retirement now.
There is around 700,000 people in that category and they are very much in our minds as we make this decision.There is around 700,000 people in that category and they are very much in our minds as we make this decision.
12.44pm AEST03:4412.44pm AEST03:44
Van Onselen also pursues Richard Marles about boat turnbacks. What is his position on turning asylum boats back to Indonesia?Van Onselen also pursues Richard Marles about boat turnbacks. What is his position on turning asylum boats back to Indonesia?
The shadow immigration minister tries very hard to straddle a barbed wire fence. He says Labor will debate turnbacks at the national conference due in July and that will be a good thing – it will be a debate founded on strong values.The shadow immigration minister tries very hard to straddle a barbed wire fence. He says Labor will debate turnbacks at the national conference due in July and that will be a good thing – it will be a debate founded on strong values.
Marles says Labor has concerns about turnbacks. This week underscores the concerns. Labor has asked questions about specifics and can’t get answers.Marles says Labor has concerns about turnbacks. This week underscores the concerns. Labor has asked questions about specifics and can’t get answers.
But he also says that noone has any interest in reopening the ocean journey between Java and Christmas Island.But he also says that noone has any interest in reopening the ocean journey between Java and Christmas Island.
What does that mean? It means watch this space.What does that mean? It means watch this space.
12.38pm AEST03:3812.38pm AEST03:38
On Sky News, the shadow immigration minister Richard Marles is declaring the government has thrown ASIS under the bus in order to distract attention from an incompetent minister. This is about payments to people smugglers.On Sky News, the shadow immigration minister Richard Marles is declaring the government has thrown ASIS under the bus in order to distract attention from an incompetent minister. This is about payments to people smugglers.
Marles:Marles:
We are not going to answer questions in respect of the conduct of ASIS. Of course we are not going to talk about it because it would be unlawful to do so.We are not going to answer questions in respect of the conduct of ASIS. Of course we are not going to talk about it because it would be unlawful to do so.
This has nothing to do with ASIS.This has nothing to do with ASIS.
Host Peter Van Onselen wants to know whether Labor has ever given money to people smugglers. He doesn’t answer the general question, he answers more specifically.Host Peter Van Onselen wants to know whether Labor has ever given money to people smugglers. He doesn’t answer the general question, he answers more specifically.
We’ve never paid money to turn around boats.We’ve never paid money to turn around boats.
12.21pm AEST03:2112.21pm AEST03:21
I’m now battling the Tuesday acceleration.I’m now battling the Tuesday acceleration.
My colleague Daniel Hurst is just back from the Labor caucus debrief. Given we are about to hit a press conference on pensions, I’ll keep this briefish. Shorten told colleagues Labor was correct yesterday to pursue the government over the reported payments to people smugglers to take asylum seekers to Indonesia.My colleague Daniel Hurst is just back from the Labor caucus debrief. Given we are about to hit a press conference on pensions, I’ll keep this briefish. Shorten told colleagues Labor was correct yesterday to pursue the government over the reported payments to people smugglers to take asylum seekers to Indonesia.
The Labor leader said in government the party had made mistakes (these weren’t specified) .. but ..The Labor leader said in government the party had made mistakes (these weren’t specified) .. but ..
Because of the chaos of this government the prime minister must rule out paying people smugglers to keep people on unsafe boats. We made mistakes in this area and we have learned the difficult lessons of the past and we remember when the Liberals got together with the Greens to block the Malaysia agreement.Because of the chaos of this government the prime minister must rule out paying people smugglers to keep people on unsafe boats. We made mistakes in this area and we have learned the difficult lessons of the past and we remember when the Liberals got together with the Greens to block the Malaysia agreement.
We have every right to ask questions about this and to expect answers. I will not cede this issue to the Liberals. They are not above reproach.We have every right to ask questions about this and to expect answers. I will not cede this issue to the Liberals. They are not above reproach.
Shorten also faced a couple of questions on citizenship. In the context of the Magna Carta anniversary, he was asked whether Labor was really going to “put our trust in Peter Dutton” when it came to revocation? Daniel tells me Shorten said what he generally says on this issue (We haven’t seen the proposal yet) but he added:Shorten also faced a couple of questions on citizenship. In the context of the Magna Carta anniversary, he was asked whether Labor was really going to “put our trust in Peter Dutton” when it came to revocation? Daniel tells me Shorten said what he generally says on this issue (We haven’t seen the proposal yet) but he added:
We need to jealously guard the separation of powers.We need to jealously guard the separation of powers.
There was another citizenship-related question on standing up for multicultural Australians.There was another citizenship-related question on standing up for multicultural Australians.
12.00pm AEST03:0012.00pm AEST03:00
I haven’t had time to get to it yet but there is a news story around this morning in which Barnaby Joyce departs from the government’s official position on foreign investment by arguing state owned entreprises shouldn’t own Australian farm land. Tony Abbott tried to clean this up at his early press conference this morning. The prime minister said Joyce was merely making the point when it comes to foreign governments, as opposed to private businesses from overseas, different rules apply. They always have and as far as I’m concerned they always will.I haven’t had time to get to it yet but there is a news story around this morning in which Barnaby Joyce departs from the government’s official position on foreign investment by arguing state owned entreprises shouldn’t own Australian farm land. Tony Abbott tried to clean this up at his early press conference this morning. The prime minister said Joyce was merely making the point when it comes to foreign governments, as opposed to private businesses from overseas, different rules apply. They always have and as far as I’m concerned they always will.
The agriculture minister is asked at this press conference why he went off script at a recent National party conference to argue that state owned enterprises shouldn’t own Australian farm land. Joyce makes it clear this is his personal view, and he says he’s entitled to articulate it:The agriculture minister is asked at this press conference why he went off script at a recent National party conference to argue that state owned enterprises shouldn’t own Australian farm land. Joyce makes it clear this is his personal view, and he says he’s entitled to articulate it:
As a member of the National party, at any of these conferences, you have the capacity to speak your mind.As a member of the National party, at any of these conferences, you have the capacity to speak your mind.
It is why I joined the National party. We believe in the liberty of the individual and the freedom of expression and your capacity to go to the floor, stand behind a microphone and present your view.It is why I joined the National party. We believe in the liberty of the individual and the freedom of expression and your capacity to go to the floor, stand behind a microphone and present your view.
Might I say it stands to reason that the preference for the Australian people is that the Australian family owns the Australian farm.Might I say it stands to reason that the preference for the Australian people is that the Australian family owns the Australian farm.
11.41am AEST02:4111.41am AEST02:41
In another little corner of politics, the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce is speaking about dogs. Not the Depp dogs. Wild dogs.In another little corner of politics, the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce is speaking about dogs. Not the Depp dogs. Wild dogs.
(Mind the signage.) Joyce reflects on the character of the wild dog.(Mind the signage.) Joyce reflects on the character of the wild dog.
They kill because they enjoy killing.They kill because they enjoy killing.
Updated at 12.25pm AESTUpdated at 12.25pm AEST
11.39am AEST02:3911.39am AEST02:39
Speaking as we were of the Greens, Greens leader Richard Di Natale is holding a press conference just now in the Mural Hall.Speaking as we were of the Greens, Greens leader Richard Di Natale is holding a press conference just now in the Mural Hall.
Q: What do you make of comments that the prime minister made this morning that Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is growing stronger every day and criticising the media for essentially dividing or creating division between the countries?Q: What do you make of comments that the prime minister made this morning that Australia’s relationship with Indonesia is growing stronger every day and criticising the media for essentially dividing or creating division between the countries?
This nonsense that this is somehow some invention from the press gallery here in Canberra. We have what is a worrying international incident caused by this prime minister who is simply incapable of recognising that his actions are harming us.This nonsense that this is somehow some invention from the press gallery here in Canberra. We have what is a worrying international incident caused by this prime minister who is simply incapable of recognising that his actions are harming us.
We have got to a point where we have a prime minister who says black is white and white is black. It is not good enough. It is not good enough to continue to engage in this cloak of secrecy that surrounds this debate.We have got to a point where we have a prime minister who says black is white and white is black. It is not good enough. It is not good enough to continue to engage in this cloak of secrecy that surrounds this debate.
You know why they do it? For one reason. They know that if the press, that if doctors and teachers, people who have been inside our detention centres and know what is going on there, if the Australian community became aware of what is happening in those places, and connected with the stories of these individual human beings who are doing nothing other than coming to us for protection, they know that the Australian community would not tolerate it.You know why they do it? For one reason. They know that if the press, that if doctors and teachers, people who have been inside our detention centres and know what is going on there, if the Australian community became aware of what is happening in those places, and connected with the stories of these individual human beings who are doing nothing other than coming to us for protection, they know that the Australian community would not tolerate it.
Updated at 12.27pm AESTUpdated at 12.27pm AEST
11.32am AEST02:3211.32am AEST02:32
Labor’s decision on the pensions will mean the government will either have to go to the Senate crossbench, or seek a deal with the Greens. The Greens have made some overtures on the pensions front. But if it’s to be a deal with the Greens, the government will have to cop a comprehensive review of all retirement incomes, including those generous super tax breaks. The government has been hosing down the need for any such review.Labor’s decision on the pensions will mean the government will either have to go to the Senate crossbench, or seek a deal with the Greens. The Greens have made some overtures on the pensions front. But if it’s to be a deal with the Greens, the government will have to cop a comprehensive review of all retirement incomes, including those generous super tax breaks. The government has been hosing down the need for any such review.
11.12am AEST02:1211.12am AEST02:12
If you want to have a look at the explanatory memorandum for the specific budget bill we are talking about, you can find it here.If you want to have a look at the explanatory memorandum for the specific budget bill we are talking about, you can find it here.
Cutting to the fiscal chase, Labor’s decision this morning will see it oppose $2.9bn worth of proposed savings, but support $1.5bn worth of proposed savings.Cutting to the fiscal chase, Labor’s decision this morning will see it oppose $2.9bn worth of proposed savings, but support $1.5bn worth of proposed savings.
Referenced against the specific measures outlined in the explanatory memorandum, Labor is opposing the assets test changes; the proportional payment of pensions outside Australia; the pensioner education supplement; and the education entry payment. Labor will support defined benefit income streams and the energy supplement replacing seniors supplement.Referenced against the specific measures outlined in the explanatory memorandum, Labor is opposing the assets test changes; the proportional payment of pensions outside Australia; the pensioner education supplement; and the education entry payment. Labor will support defined benefit income streams and the energy supplement replacing seniors supplement.
Bill Shorten and Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin will front the media in a bit.Bill Shorten and Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin will front the media in a bit.
Updated at 11.21am AESTUpdated at 11.21am AEST
11.01am AEST02:0111.01am AEST02:01
If you need a prompt for the budget measure Labor is opposing, or opposing in part. Direct from the budget papers:If you need a prompt for the budget measure Labor is opposing, or opposing in part. Direct from the budget papers:
The government will achieve savings of $2.4bn over five years by increasing the asset test thresholds and the withdrawal rate at which pensions are reduced once the threshold is exceeded.The government will achieve savings of $2.4bn over five years by increasing the asset test thresholds and the withdrawal rate at which pensions are reduced once the threshold is exceeded.
This measure will improve the targeting of Australian government payments to those most in need by providing additional assistance for those with moderate asset holdings, while reducing assistance to those with more significant asset holdings.This measure will improve the targeting of Australian government payments to those most in need by providing additional assistance for those with moderate asset holdings, while reducing assistance to those with more significant asset holdings.
Pensioners who lose pension entitlement on 1 January 2017 as a result of these changes will automatically be issued with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or a Health Care Card for those under Age Pension age.Pensioners who lose pension entitlement on 1 January 2017 as a result of these changes will automatically be issued with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or a Health Care Card for those under Age Pension age.
In addition, the government will not proceed with the 2014-15 Budget measure Index Pension and Pension Equivalent Payments by the Consumer Price Index.In addition, the government will not proceed with the 2014-15 Budget measure Index Pension and Pension Equivalent Payments by the Consumer Price Index.
Pension and pension equivalent payment rates will continue to be indexed under current arrangements — by the higher of the increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) and benchmarked against Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).Pension and pension equivalent payment rates will continue to be indexed under current arrangements — by the higher of the increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) and benchmarked against Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
10.44am AEST01:4410.44am AEST01:44
It being parliamentary Tuesday, the Coalition party room and the Labor caucus are meeting downstairs. It’s clear the citizenship legislation will not appear this week, because it was not put to the Coalition partyroom this morning.It being parliamentary Tuesday, the Coalition party room and the Labor caucus are meeting downstairs. It’s clear the citizenship legislation will not appear this week, because it was not put to the Coalition partyroom this morning.
James Massola from Fairfax also has a jump on a Labor development put to caucus.James Massola from Fairfax also has a jump on a Labor development put to caucus.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced that Labor will oppose the government’s proposed pension changes. The decision, revealed to the caucus on Tuesday morning, finally makes clear the federal opposition’s position on one of the most contentious measures contained in the budget.Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced that Labor will oppose the government’s proposed pension changes. The decision, revealed to the caucus on Tuesday morning, finally makes clear the federal opposition’s position on one of the most contentious measures contained in the budget.
(This is the proposed assets test and taper rates.)(This is the proposed assets test and taper rates.)
10.30am AEST01:3010.30am AEST01:30
The art of protest.The art of protest.
10.26am AEST01:2610.26am AEST01:26
Speaking of disruption, the constabulary is hard at work at the front of the building, taking names.Speaking of disruption, the constabulary is hard at work at the front of the building, taking names.
I’m not sure if this Oxfam protest person gave his name as enormous headed Tony Abbott. Perhaps he used another name.I’m not sure if this Oxfam protest person gave his name as enormous headed Tony Abbott. Perhaps he used another name.
10.20am AEST01:2010.20am AEST01:20
Setting aside murderous rage in favour of clarity for the head: again, let’s be clear about boats and payments to people smugglers, or as clear as we can in the absence of help, like facts. (I’m doing this as much for me as for you at this point.)Setting aside murderous rage in favour of clarity for the head: again, let’s be clear about boats and payments to people smugglers, or as clear as we can in the absence of help, like facts. (I’m doing this as much for me as for you at this point.)
I suspect we’ll keep having to ask these questions. I suspect Labor won’t continue to ask these questions. Let’s see if I’m wrong.I suspect we’ll keep having to ask these questions. I suspect Labor won’t continue to ask these questions. Let’s see if I’m wrong.
10.07am AEST01:0710.07am AEST01:07
Not sure how I got from Richard Marles’ spokeswoman to murderous rage, but I think I’ll just go with it. Here’s an interview former prime minister Julia Gillard has done with BBC News Night.Not sure how I got from Richard Marles’ spokeswoman to murderous rage, but I think I’ll just go with it. Here’s an interview former prime minister Julia Gillard has done with BBC News Night.
Gillard says in this interview she wouldn’t presume to give Hillary Clinton advice, but here’s some advice to the woman who might be the next president of the US: hit those gendered insults hard and early. Don’t let it fester.Gillard says in this interview she wouldn’t presume to give Hillary Clinton advice, but here’s some advice to the woman who might be the next president of the US: hit those gendered insults hard and early. Don’t let it fester.
Updated at 10.08am AESTUpdated at 10.08am AEST
9.56am AEST00:569.56am AEST00:56
A spokeswoman for the shadow immigration minister Richard Marles is saying this morning of happenings to our north:A spokeswoman for the shadow immigration minister Richard Marles is saying this morning of happenings to our north:
Labor didn’t pay people smugglers to turn back boats.Labor didn’t pay people smugglers to turn back boats.
(The Fairfax story says payments under the previous Labor government were to informants, or to stop syndicates from launching boats.)(The Fairfax story says payments under the previous Labor government were to informants, or to stop syndicates from launching boats.)
9.32am AEST00:329.32am AEST00:32
Another reader has pointed me to a story from Fairfax Media’s David Wroe and Sarah Whyte, which I missed in the early morning flurry.Another reader has pointed me to a story from Fairfax Media’s David Wroe and Sarah Whyte, which I missed in the early morning flurry.
Cash payments have been made to members of Indonesian people-smuggling rings by Australian intelligence officials for at least the past four years – including under the former Labor government, Fairfax Media has learnt. Multiple sources have said that such payments have been part of successive governments’ tactics, though not always as part of boat turnbacks, which were not used by the previous government. Instances include paying members of syndicates for information about the operations of the syndicate, or to dissuade them from launching boats.Cash payments have been made to members of Indonesian people-smuggling rings by Australian intelligence officials for at least the past four years – including under the former Labor government, Fairfax Media has learnt. Multiple sources have said that such payments have been part of successive governments’ tactics, though not always as part of boat turnbacks, which were not used by the previous government. Instances include paying members of syndicates for information about the operations of the syndicate, or to dissuade them from launching boats.
Doesn’t matter to me who made the payments – which stripe of government I mean – the first principles question remains the same. Was the activity within the law?Doesn’t matter to me who made the payments – which stripe of government I mean – the first principles question remains the same. Was the activity within the law?
Updated at 9.43am AESTUpdated at 9.43am AEST
9.25am AEST00:259.25am AEST00:25
On the lawfulness question, Tim Bell, via Twitter.On the lawfulness question, Tim Bell, via Twitter.
@murpharoo I've been told that ASIS has power to break the law under some circumstances. What would those be, and who has to authorise it?@murpharoo I've been told that ASIS has power to break the law under some circumstances. What would those be, and who has to authorise it?
Tim is quite correct to say ASIS has wide ranging powers, including immunity if the act is done in the proper performance of a function of the agency.Tim is quite correct to say ASIS has wide ranging powers, including immunity if the act is done in the proper performance of a function of the agency.
But right now, I don’t know if the Australian government through its officials made a payment to people smugglers; I don’t know who made the alleged payment, whether it was ASIS or Defence or Customs; I don’t know whether it was properly authorised – lots of questions. Lots of questions.But right now, I don’t know if the Australian government through its officials made a payment to people smugglers; I don’t know who made the alleged payment, whether it was ASIS or Defence or Customs; I don’t know whether it was properly authorised – lots of questions. Lots of questions.
9.03am AEST00:039.03am AEST00:03
Let's try and stick to the actual questionLet's try and stick to the actual question
Back to boats, and sticking with The Australian, Cameron Stewart and Rowan Callick have a story which provides some useful context to the current controversy about the Australian government reportedly paying people smugglers to return asylum seekers to Indonesia. The story outlines in general terms operations by police and Australian intelligence agencies in Indonesia over many years to disrupt people smuggling networks. Someone let it be known to the Daily Telegraph yesterday that ASIS could have been behind the current payment to people smugglers to return the asylum seekers. The inference this morning is this is all business as usual. Both sides of politics do this sort of stuff, stop the inquisition.Back to boats, and sticking with The Australian, Cameron Stewart and Rowan Callick have a story which provides some useful context to the current controversy about the Australian government reportedly paying people smugglers to return asylum seekers to Indonesia. The story outlines in general terms operations by police and Australian intelligence agencies in Indonesia over many years to disrupt people smuggling networks. Someone let it be known to the Daily Telegraph yesterday that ASIS could have been behind the current payment to people smugglers to return the asylum seekers. The inference this morning is this is all business as usual. Both sides of politics do this sort of stuff, stop the inquisition.
Well, maybe it is business as usual, maybe it isn’t. But I’d encourage Politics Live readers to keep a clear head on this issue. The question about this specific incident – paying people smugglers to transport asylum seekers – is quite clear: was this activity lawful?Well, maybe it is business as usual, maybe it isn’t. But I’d encourage Politics Live readers to keep a clear head on this issue. The question about this specific incident – paying people smugglers to transport asylum seekers – is quite clear: was this activity lawful?
Whether you support the government’s asylum policy, or whether you don’t, or whether you don’t care either way, the accountability question remains simple. Is our government acting within the law?Whether you support the government’s asylum policy, or whether you don’t, or whether you don’t care either way, the accountability question remains simple. Is our government acting within the law?
Because I’m dead certain every active citizen in a liberal democracy wants to know the government acts within the law.Because I’m dead certain every active citizen in a liberal democracy wants to know the government acts within the law.
We are in all sorts of bother if we start to assume ends justify means.We are in all sorts of bother if we start to assume ends justify means.
8.42am AEST23:428.42am AEST23:42
I’ll come back to boats directly but we do need to transact this morning’s Newspoll. (Do we call this the Galaxy poll now? I’m not sure.)I’ll come back to boats directly but we do need to transact this morning’s Newspoll. (Do we call this the Galaxy poll now? I’m not sure.)
The fortnightly survey published by The Australian this morning has Labor ahead of the government on the two party preferred measure 51% to the Coalition’s 49%. The satisfaction ratings suggest the public has had about a gutful of major party politics right at the moment. The Labor leader Bill Shorten has a satisfaction rating of 28% – which The Australian reports as a “record low”. Tony Abbott’s satisfaction rating also fell four points since the last survey to 34%. The Newspoll has the Greens on 14%.The fortnightly survey published by The Australian this morning has Labor ahead of the government on the two party preferred measure 51% to the Coalition’s 49%. The satisfaction ratings suggest the public has had about a gutful of major party politics right at the moment. The Labor leader Bill Shorten has a satisfaction rating of 28% – which The Australian reports as a “record low”. Tony Abbott’s satisfaction rating also fell four points since the last survey to 34%. The Newspoll has the Greens on 14%.
As my daughter would say, that feedback to the major parties from the voters amounts to mergh.As my daughter would say, that feedback to the major parties from the voters amounts to mergh.
8.27am AEST23:278.27am AEST23:27
Key formulations of the moment, ICYM (them)Key formulations of the moment, ICYM (them)
I mentioned in the first post the prime minister has squeezed in an off campus visit to a business in Fyshwick. I suspect the prime minister would like more focus on the budget – the good bits anyway. But most of the questions this morning concerned payments to people smugglers to take asylum seekers back to Indonesia: did the Australian government do this? Was it legal? Why won’t the government give a straight answer to the question?I mentioned in the first post the prime minister has squeezed in an off campus visit to a business in Fyshwick. I suspect the prime minister would like more focus on the budget – the good bits anyway. But most of the questions this morning concerned payments to people smugglers to take asylum seekers back to Indonesia: did the Australian government do this? Was it legal? Why won’t the government give a straight answer to the question?
Tony Abbott just deployed his standard formulation(s) in relation to these questions, which are, variously:Tony Abbott just deployed his standard formulation(s) in relation to these questions, which are, variously:
The prime minister was also asked about the government’s relationship with Indonesia given the escalating war of words. (The Australian foreign minister has sent up a red flare, giving Jakarta some free advice about managing its borders. Overnight Indonesia’s vice-president has said that if Australia “bribed” people smugglers to turn back, it could be considered a party to trafficking.)The prime minister was also asked about the government’s relationship with Indonesia given the escalating war of words. (The Australian foreign minister has sent up a red flare, giving Jakarta some free advice about managing its borders. Overnight Indonesia’s vice-president has said that if Australia “bribed” people smugglers to turn back, it could be considered a party to trafficking.)
The prime minister then said something odd in response to the question. The prime minister noted there were many media outlets more interested in promoting discord than in celebrating all the constructive things that happen between our two countries.The prime minister then said something odd in response to the question. The prime minister noted there were many media outlets more interested in promoting discord than in celebrating all the constructive things that happen between our two countries.
(I thought the discord was being perpetrated by ministers in Canberra and Indonesia and reported by news outlets, rather than news outlets promoting discord. I hope the prime minister didn’t mean The Australian’s interview with the foreign minister Julie Bishop yesterday in which she advised Jakarta to close the border. That wouldn’t be friendly.)(I thought the discord was being perpetrated by ministers in Canberra and Indonesia and reported by news outlets, rather than news outlets promoting discord. I hope the prime minister didn’t mean The Australian’s interview with the foreign minister Julie Bishop yesterday in which she advised Jakarta to close the border. That wouldn’t be friendly.)
Updated at 8.29am AESTUpdated at 8.29am AEST
8.02am AEST23:028.02am AEST23:02
Good morning and welcome to Tuesday in Canberra. The forecast today is rain, with rising bluster.Good morning and welcome to Tuesday in Canberra. The forecast today is rain, with rising bluster.
We have several strong news lines in politics this morning (and the prime minister has already been out to inspect a small business in Fyshwick) but we’ll start with the wash-up from last night’s Q&A program last night, where Madam Speaker Bronwyn Bishop advised the president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs, to get a (political) job.We have several strong news lines in politics this morning (and the prime minister has already been out to inspect a small business in Fyshwick) but we’ll start with the wash-up from last night’s Q&A program last night, where Madam Speaker Bronwyn Bishop advised the president of the Human Rights Commission, Gillian Triggs, to get a (political) job.
Bronwyn Bishop, to Triggs:Bronwyn Bishop, to Triggs:
You have to make the decision: are you a statutory officer, carrying out an obligation with the protection of that office, or do you wish to be a political participant?You have to make the decision: are you a statutory officer, carrying out an obligation with the protection of that office, or do you wish to be a political participant?
If you do wish to be a political participant, then you have to be no longer a statutory officer and stand for office.If you do wish to be a political participant, then you have to be no longer a statutory officer and stand for office.
There have been so many right left hook combinations landed on Triggs by various government people over the past few months that being told on national television to seek alternative employment seemed more of the same than anything extraordinary, even though it was, of course, extraordinary.There have been so many right left hook combinations landed on Triggs by various government people over the past few months that being told on national television to seek alternative employment seemed more of the same than anything extraordinary, even though it was, of course, extraordinary.
The thematic territory of ‘get a job’ is always somewhat fraught for politicians, as it was for Paul Keating in 1995 ..The thematic territory of ‘get a job’ is always somewhat fraught for politicians, as it was for Paul Keating in 1995 ..
.. and for Joe Hockey recently when he entered the housing affordability debate... and for Joe Hockey recently when he entered the housing affordability debate.
And so it was for Madam Speaker last night on social media, where a bunch of wags lined up to note that a Speaker routinely criticised for excessive partisanship was in no position to lecture others on being partisan.And so it was for Madam Speaker last night on social media, where a bunch of wags lined up to note that a Speaker routinely criticised for excessive partisanship was in no position to lecture others on being partisan.
The speaker of the parliament is a statutory role too, and has a fairly politicised incumbent just at the moment. #qandaThe speaker of the parliament is a statutory role too, and has a fairly politicised incumbent just at the moment. #qanda
Perhaps the most partisan Speaker in memory lectures the Human Rights Commissioner on becoming a political figure. #auspol #qandaPerhaps the most partisan Speaker in memory lectures the Human Rights Commissioner on becoming a political figure. #auspol #qanda
Anyway, apart from the free advice from Madam Speaker, who at times appeared to be presiding over the program, (except, unusually, everyone managed to remain at the table rather than being booted under 94A) – or perhaps, because of the free advice, Q&A last night was what it too rarely is, a fine and informative program. If you were watching Game of Thrones, or Tiny House Hunt, or smashing your favourite box set instead, my colleague Daniel Hurst can bring you up to speed with this news story.Anyway, apart from the free advice from Madam Speaker, who at times appeared to be presiding over the program, (except, unusually, everyone managed to remain at the table rather than being booted under 94A) – or perhaps, because of the free advice, Q&A last night was what it too rarely is, a fine and informative program. If you were watching Game of Thrones, or Tiny House Hunt, or smashing your favourite box set instead, my colleague Daniel Hurst can bring you up to speed with this news story.
Much more to get across so let’s get cracking. You get cracking too. The thread is open for business, and you can find us on the Twits @murpharoo and Mikearoo’s @mpbowersMuch more to get across so let’s get cracking. You get cracking too. The thread is open for business, and you can find us on the Twits @murpharoo and Mikearoo’s @mpbowers
Buckle up. Here comes Tuesday.Buckle up. Here comes Tuesday.