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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/jun/18/ministers-concerned-citizenship-laws-wont-return-to-cabinet-politics-live
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| Senate debates same-sex marriage motion – as it happened | |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| 6.17pm AEST09:17 | 6.17pm AEST09:17 |
| So long, farewell | So long, farewell |
| They are still talking in the Senate about same sex marriage but the day needs to end for me now. A big thanks for your company throughout the parliamentary week. It’s been mildly surreal, as it so often is. The week, not your company. That utterly delightful Gabrielle Chan will be back driving the Politics Live bus next week. | They are still talking in the Senate about same sex marriage but the day needs to end for me now. A big thanks for your company throughout the parliamentary week. It’s been mildly surreal, as it so often is. The week, not your company. That utterly delightful Gabrielle Chan will be back driving the Politics Live bus next week. |
| So today, Thursday: | So today, Thursday: |
| That’s the main things. | That’s the main things. |
| Have a lovely evening, and I’ll see you real soon. | Have a lovely evening, and I’ll see you real soon. |
| 5.49pm AEST08:49 | 5.49pm AEST08:49 |
| Why should I not be able to attend the marriages of both my sons? | Why should I not be able to attend the marriages of both my sons? |
| This is Green Christine Milne, who has a gay son and a straight son. She references people’s observations in tonight’s debate about the value of their “traditional” marriages. Milne says she’s very glad people have happy marriages but that doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against same sex marriage. | This is Green Christine Milne, who has a gay son and a straight son. She references people’s observations in tonight’s debate about the value of their “traditional” marriages. Milne says she’s very glad people have happy marriages but that doesn’t give anyone the right to discriminate against same sex marriage. |
| 5.39pm AEST08:39 | 5.39pm AEST08:39 |
| Labor senator Doug Cameron is an atheist. He’d like to focus on the role of churches in denying rights to one section of the Australian community. He says equal marriage is a simple discrimination issue – it’s not about what happened recently in Ireland, or Spain or anywhere else. He says churches are trying to stop parliamentarians from advancing human rights for all Australians. This is wrong. | Labor senator Doug Cameron is an atheist. He’d like to focus on the role of churches in denying rights to one section of the Australian community. He says equal marriage is a simple discrimination issue – it’s not about what happened recently in Ireland, or Spain or anywhere else. He says churches are trying to stop parliamentarians from advancing human rights for all Australians. This is wrong. |
| 5.21pm AEST08:21 | 5.21pm AEST08:21 |
| Labor senator Sue Lines is a yes to marriage equality. | Labor senator Sue Lines is a yes to marriage equality. |
| Crossbencher Ricky Muir is speaking now. Muir is a yes vote as well. He points to the alarmingly high statistics for youth suicide, alienation, depression. | Crossbencher Ricky Muir is speaking now. Muir is a yes vote as well. He points to the alarmingly high statistics for youth suicide, alienation, depression. |
| We are not all the same and all people have the right to live their lives without judgment. | We are not all the same and all people have the right to live their lives without judgment. |
| I like to live my own live without judment, and I like to return the favour. | I like to live my own live without judment, and I like to return the favour. |
| 5.05pm AEST08:05 | 5.05pm AEST08:05 |
| O’Sullivan says he supports his party’s policy that marriage is between a man and a woman, and he says that should not change. | O’Sullivan says he supports his party’s policy that marriage is between a man and a woman, and he says that should not change. |
| 4.56pm AEST07:56 | 4.56pm AEST07:56 |
| Liberal senator Barry O’Sullivan is making a contribution now. He references anxiety in the community about this issue. O’Sullivan says he’s motivated by faith, but you can also be driven by an argument of nature. | Liberal senator Barry O’Sullivan is making a contribution now. He references anxiety in the community about this issue. O’Sullivan says he’s motivated by faith, but you can also be driven by an argument of nature. |
| A child cannot be delivered without the union of a man and a woman. | A child cannot be delivered without the union of a man and a woman. |
| O’Sullivan acknowledges that a child in the custody of two same gendered adults can be well nurtured. But he says children have a right to have parents of two different genders. | O’Sullivan acknowledges that a child in the custody of two same gendered adults can be well nurtured. But he says children have a right to have parents of two different genders. |
| (The Greens aren’t very happy with this line of reasoning. O’Sullivan isn’t happy with their displeasure.) | (The Greens aren’t very happy with this line of reasoning. O’Sullivan isn’t happy with their displeasure.) |
| 4.45pm AEST07:45 | 4.45pm AEST07:45 |
| Daniel Hurst | Daniel Hurst |
| Janet Rice says the successful marriage-equality referendum in Ireland was “an incredible turning point for our collective humanity”. | Janet Rice says the successful marriage-equality referendum in Ireland was “an incredible turning point for our collective humanity”. |
| Yet for me and us here in Australia it was a stark reminder of how far behind we are. | Yet for me and us here in Australia it was a stark reminder of how far behind we are. |
| We know that it is love that makes a family, not biology. | We know that it is love that makes a family, not biology. |
| 4.43pm AEST07:43 | 4.43pm AEST07:43 |
| The red room has moved on to a marriage equality debate this afternoon. | The red room has moved on to a marriage equality debate this afternoon. |
| Green senator Rachel Siewert has proposed this motion: | Green senator Rachel Siewert has proposed this motion: |
| That the Senate affirms that people should be able to marry the person they love, in accordance with the principles of equality and personal freedom, to end discrimination, and to support the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Australians and their families. | That the Senate affirms that people should be able to marry the person they love, in accordance with the principles of equality and personal freedom, to end discrimination, and to support the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Australians and their families. |
| Green senator Janet Rice is speaking to it now. | Green senator Janet Rice is speaking to it now. |
| 4.35pm AEST07:35 | 4.35pm AEST07:35 |
| PDuddy wins today’s energiser bunny award. The immigration minister is on Sky News now – his fourth outing today I think about citizenship. | PDuddy wins today’s energiser bunny award. The immigration minister is on Sky News now – his fourth outing today I think about citizenship. |
| Peter Dutton would like his interviewer, political editor David Speers, to get away from process and focus on intentions. | Peter Dutton would like his interviewer, political editor David Speers, to get away from process and focus on intentions. |
| David Speers wants to stick with process. Dutton would like him to wait until next week, when the legislation appears. Speers isn’t that keen to wait but there’s only so many times you can ask politely for an answer your interview subject has no intention of giving you. | David Speers wants to stick with process. Dutton would like him to wait until next week, when the legislation appears. Speers isn’t that keen to wait but there’s only so many times you can ask politely for an answer your interview subject has no intention of giving you. |
| Q: Was rolling out the red carpet to terrorists just a bit of rhetoric? | Q: Was rolling out the red carpet to terrorists just a bit of rhetoric? |
| No, I think it was a very apt point by the prime minister. | No, I think it was a very apt point by the prime minister. |
| 4.26pm AEST07:26 | 4.26pm AEST07:26 |
| Shorten to front the royal commission on 8 July | Shorten to front the royal commission on 8 July |
| While the select committee has been attempting to hold big wind at bay, the royal commission into trade unions has summonsed the leader of the opposition. | While the select committee has been attempting to hold big wind at bay, the royal commission into trade unions has summonsed the leader of the opposition. |
| Here’s the statement that’s just been issued. | Here’s the statement that’s just been issued. |
| Commissioner Dyson Heydon today issued a summons for the Honourable William Shorten to appear before him on Wednesday 8 July 2015. | Commissioner Dyson Heydon today issued a summons for the Honourable William Shorten to appear before him on Wednesday 8 July 2015. |
| The commissioner has agreed to a request from lawyers representing Mr Shorten to bring forward the date of his proposed appearance from August/September. The commission’s preference had been to address all matters concerning Mr Shorten in one sitting. However, given Mr Shorten’s request to bring his examination forward by several months, this will now not be possible. | The commissioner has agreed to a request from lawyers representing Mr Shorten to bring forward the date of his proposed appearance from August/September. The commission’s preference had been to address all matters concerning Mr Shorten in one sitting. However, given Mr Shorten’s request to bring his examination forward by several months, this will now not be possible. |
| The hearing will be pursuant to Practice Direction 1, which means Mr Shorten will initially only be examined by Counsel Assisting. Any person affected by Mr Shorten’s evidence will be able to apply for authorisation to cross examine him at a later date. | The hearing will be pursuant to Practice Direction 1, which means Mr Shorten will initially only be examined by Counsel Assisting. Any person affected by Mr Shorten’s evidence will be able to apply for authorisation to cross examine him at a later date. |
| 4.22pm AEST07:22 | 4.22pm AEST07:22 |
| I’m always grateful to the generous Politics Live extended family who tend to kick in when it’s obvious I’m beginning to run on back up battery power. | I’m always grateful to the generous Politics Live extended family who tend to kick in when it’s obvious I’m beginning to run on back up battery power. |
| @murpharoo Wind farm interim report now tabled http://t.co/H8Suh10w19 | @murpharoo Wind farm interim report now tabled http://t.co/H8Suh10w19 |
| Hat tip to Paula. | Hat tip to Paula. |
| Given windfarms are the story of the afternoon, here are the recommendations of the select committee on wind turbines interim report. Best posted without comment. Just imagine me, with my eyebrows burrowing up into my hairline. | Given windfarms are the story of the afternoon, here are the recommendations of the select committee on wind turbines interim report. Best posted without comment. Just imagine me, with my eyebrows burrowing up into my hairline. |
| Enjoy. | Enjoy. |
| 4.10pm AEST07:10 | 4.10pm AEST07:10 |
| You've been Turnbulled | You've been Turnbulled |
| Bit more superb from Mikearoo – here’s Malcolm Turnbull, a couple of seconds after the prime minister turned Turnbull back in question time. Checking for reactions. | Bit more superb from Mikearoo – here’s Malcolm Turnbull, a couple of seconds after the prime minister turned Turnbull back in question time. Checking for reactions. |
| 4.03pm AEST07:03 | 4.03pm AEST07:03 |
| Thank you for your patience while I accessed some hot herbs. While I brewed a pot of calming camomile I discovered that Lenore’s windfarm commissioner story has sparked a hashtag #allthecommissioners If you need a moment in your happy place have a look – some funny suggestions. | Thank you for your patience while I accessed some hot herbs. While I brewed a pot of calming camomile I discovered that Lenore’s windfarm commissioner story has sparked a hashtag #allthecommissioners If you need a moment in your happy place have a look – some funny suggestions. |
| 3.30pm AEST06:30 | 3.30pm AEST06:30 |
| Question time is a wrap. I’m dying for a cup of tea and then there’s a million things to catch up on before powering forward into the evening. | Question time is a wrap. I’m dying for a cup of tea and then there’s a million things to catch up on before powering forward into the evening. |
| So much still before us, blogans. | So much still before us, blogans. |
| 3.19pm AEST06:19 | 3.19pm AEST06:19 |
| Some vision of the prime minister getting in touch with his inner Freud | Some vision of the prime minister getting in touch with his inner Freud |
| 3.13pm AEST06:13 | 3.13pm AEST06:13 |
| #StopBigWind | #StopBigWind |
| Speaking of red faces, and while the industry minister is talking about science, I can advise that my colleague Lenore Taylor has unearthed a corker of a story associated with the RET deal playing out in the Senate. | Speaking of red faces, and while the industry minister is talking about science, I can advise that my colleague Lenore Taylor has unearthed a corker of a story associated with the RET deal playing out in the Senate. |
| The Abbott government will appoint a “windfarm commissioner” to handle complaints about turbine noise and a new scientific committee to investigate, again, their alleged impacts on human health, in a late-night deal with anti-wind senators over amendments to renewable energy legislation. | The Abbott government will appoint a “windfarm commissioner” to handle complaints about turbine noise and a new scientific committee to investigate, again, their alleged impacts on human health, in a late-night deal with anti-wind senators over amendments to renewable energy legislation. |
| A windfarm commissioner. | A windfarm commissioner. |
| You bet I am. You bet they did. | You bet I am. You bet they did. |
| Updated at 3.16pm AEST | Updated at 3.16pm AEST |
| 3.02pm AEST06:02 | 3.02pm AEST06:02 |
| They never did a single Turnbull! | They never did a single Turnbull! |
| The prime minister just meant to say turnback. Boat turnback. Instead, Abbott said Turnbull. | The prime minister just meant to say turnback. Boat turnback. Instead, Abbott said Turnbull. |
| Freudian slip. | Freudian slip. |
| Labor roars laughing. | Labor roars laughing. |
| Abbott says Labor always laughs when its embarrassed. | Abbott says Labor always laughs when its embarrassed. |
| 2.59pm AEST05:59 | 2.59pm AEST05:59 |
| Labor’s Richard Marles wants to know why the government is ignoring the former national security legislation monitor, Bret Walker, and misrepresenting his recommendations on citizenship revocations. | Labor’s Richard Marles wants to know why the government is ignoring the former national security legislation monitor, Bret Walker, and misrepresenting his recommendations on citizenship revocations. |
| Walker objected earlier this week to the government’s characterisation of his advice. The former INSLM says it never occurred to him that the government would consider revocation of citizenship in cases where there had been no convictions. | Walker objected earlier this week to the government’s characterisation of his advice. The former INSLM says it never occurred to him that the government would consider revocation of citizenship in cases where there had been no convictions. |
| But the prime minister isn’t having it. The government hasn’t got it wrong, Walker has changed his mind. | But the prime minister isn’t having it. The government hasn’t got it wrong, Walker has changed his mind. |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| The former monitor is entitlement to change his mind, and he has changed his mind. | The former monitor is entitlement to change his mind, and he has changed his mind. |
| Abbott says Walker’s advice was a minister be given the revocation power. There was no mention of conviction. | Abbott says Walker’s advice was a minister be given the revocation power. There was no mention of conviction. |
| Nooooo mention. | Nooooo mention. |
| 2.48pm AEST05:48 | 2.48pm AEST05:48 |
| It is all absolutely normal. | It is all absolutely normal. |
| The prime minister is still pinned down in process questions about the citizenship package. | The prime minister is still pinned down in process questions about the citizenship package. |
| 2.46pm AEST05:46 | 2.46pm AEST05:46 |
| Labor is back on citizenship. Could the prime minister specify which ministers are the relevant ministers who have seen the legislation? | Labor is back on citizenship. Could the prime minister specify which ministers are the relevant ministers who have seen the legislation? |
| Tony Abbott says the immigration minister, and the attorney-general. | Tony Abbott says the immigration minister, and the attorney-general. |
| If we go back to an answer by PDuddy this morning – we now can be pretty confident who the fretful learned friend is. We can be reasonably confident the colleague with concerns is the attorney-general George Brandis, given he’s the only other cabinet minister who has seen the proposal. | If we go back to an answer by PDuddy this morning – we now can be pretty confident who the fretful learned friend is. We can be reasonably confident the colleague with concerns is the attorney-general George Brandis, given he’s the only other cabinet minister who has seen the proposal. |
| 2.41pm AEST05:41 | 2.41pm AEST05:41 |
| Manager of government business Christopher Pyne has the royal commission question. | Manager of government business Christopher Pyne has the royal commission question. |
| Labor’s Tony Burke is at the dispatch box. Madam Speaker averts her eyes for about 20 seconds to avoid recognising Burke. This allows Pyne to keep speaking. | Labor’s Tony Burke is at the dispatch box. Madam Speaker averts her eyes for about 20 seconds to avoid recognising Burke. This allows Pyne to keep speaking. |
| Burke is invoking a standing order which requires caution in parliamentary references to royal commissions. Madam Speaker says sub judice doesn’t apply to royal commissions. | Burke is invoking a standing order which requires caution in parliamentary references to royal commissions. Madam Speaker says sub judice doesn’t apply to royal commissions. |
| Pyne says it’s not relevant in any case because he’s not dealing in facts. | Pyne says it’s not relevant in any case because he’s not dealing in facts. |
| 2.36pm AEST05:36 | 2.36pm AEST05:36 |
| Bill Shorten, to Tony Abbott: | Bill Shorten, to Tony Abbott: |
| Q: Who has actually seen the governments proposed citizenship legislation? | Q: Who has actually seen the governments proposed citizenship legislation? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| The relevant ministers. | The relevant ministers. |
| 2.33pm AEST05:33 | 2.33pm AEST05:33 |
| The Dorothy Dixers have shifted to the China FTA. | The Dorothy Dixers have shifted to the China FTA. |
| 2.28pm AEST05:28 | 2.28pm AEST05:28 |
| More north. | More north. |
| Then pure cheek from Labor. Shadow communications minister Jason Clare wants to know whether Malcolm Turnbull, as communications minister, is concerned that the NSC eventual sign-off on the citizenship laws will be announced by The Daily Telegraph? | Then pure cheek from Labor. Shadow communications minister Jason Clare wants to know whether Malcolm Turnbull, as communications minister, is concerned that the NSC eventual sign-off on the citizenship laws will be announced by The Daily Telegraph? |
| Madam Speaker bins that one. | Madam Speaker bins that one. |
| 2.20pm AEST05:20 | 2.20pm AEST05:20 |
| Labor’s Richard Marles says given the divisions in the government, the leaks, the concerns from Malcolm Turnbull about the rule of law, how can Australians be confident that the government will keep them safe? | Labor’s Richard Marles says given the divisions in the government, the leaks, the concerns from Malcolm Turnbull about the rule of law, how can Australians be confident that the government will keep them safe? |
| Tony Abbott says the public knows where Labor stands on terror laws – it always wants to water them down. He says he thinks Bill Shorten is generally sound on security, but constantly undermined by people like Mark Dreyfus and Tanya Plibersek. | Tony Abbott says the public knows where Labor stands on terror laws – it always wants to water them down. He says he thinks Bill Shorten is generally sound on security, but constantly undermined by people like Mark Dreyfus and Tanya Plibersek. |
| 2.14pm AEST05:14 | 2.14pm AEST05:14 |
| The Dorothy Dixers today are all on north on a northern safari, thus far. | The Dorothy Dixers today are all on north on a northern safari, thus far. |
| 2.13pm AEST05:13 | 2.13pm AEST05:13 |
| Labor’s Tony Burke reminds the prime minister of his arguments during the foreign fighters debate. Burke quotes Abbott to himself about how the new laws would assist in bringing jihadists back to face prosecutions. | Labor’s Tony Burke reminds the prime minister of his arguments during the foreign fighters debate. Burke quotes Abbott to himself about how the new laws would assist in bringing jihadists back to face prosecutions. |
| Abbott says it’s quite simple: if jihadists are sole citizens then the government will lock them up. But when they are dual citizens, the government will keep them out. | Abbott says it’s quite simple: if jihadists are sole citizens then the government will lock them up. But when they are dual citizens, the government will keep them out. |
| 2.06pm AEST05:06 | 2.06pm AEST05:06 |
| Question time | Question time |
| No time for me to refresh myself – it’s already 2pm. | No time for me to refresh myself – it’s already 2pm. |
| Labor is opening on citizenship. Is the prime minister taking the legislation only to the NSC because he can’t get it through the full cabinet? | Labor is opening on citizenship. Is the prime minister taking the legislation only to the NSC because he can’t get it through the full cabinet? |
| The prime minister says he’s not the one rolling out the red carpet for terrorists. | The prime minister says he’s not the one rolling out the red carpet for terrorists. |
| Bill Shorten demands Abbott withdraw this disgraceful slur. | Bill Shorten demands Abbott withdraw this disgraceful slur. |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| If I had said something that was unfair, of course, I would withdraw, but I want to quote the exact words of the shadow attorney-general today. Kieran Gilbert on Sky TV said to the shadow attorney-general, “So someone who is fighting in Raqqa in Syria?” and the shadow attorney said: “Well, you get them back here.” | If I had said something that was unfair, of course, I would withdraw, but I want to quote the exact words of the shadow attorney-general today. Kieran Gilbert on Sky TV said to the shadow attorney-general, “So someone who is fighting in Raqqa in Syria?” and the shadow attorney said: “Well, you get them back here.” |
| You get them back here. | You get them back here. |
| So he wants terrorists back in Australia. | So he wants terrorists back in Australia. |
| He wants the terrorists back here, the government wants them out, it’s as simple as that. | He wants the terrorists back here, the government wants them out, it’s as simple as that. |
| Updated at 2.53pm AEST | Updated at 2.53pm AEST |
| 1.56pm AEST04:56 | 1.56pm AEST04:56 |
| The vote is finally taken. Manager of government business Christopher Pyne suggests Ross Vasta may like to have a little break to refresh himself. | The vote is finally taken. Manager of government business Christopher Pyne suggests Ross Vasta may like to have a little break to refresh himself. |
| 1.51pm AEST04:51 | 1.51pm AEST04:51 |
| Labor’s Tony Burke has paper on his head. Things get real in the Reps. | Labor’s Tony Burke has paper on his head. Things get real in the Reps. |
| (This is the antiquated rule that says one must cover one’s head when one speaks during a division.) | (This is the antiquated rule that says one must cover one’s head when one speaks during a division.) |
| Updated at 2.24pm AEST | Updated at 2.24pm AEST |
| 1.45pm AEST04:45 | 1.45pm AEST04:45 |
| Acting speaker Ross Vasta is having a very poor morning. Labor is now challenging a count after one of the divisions. Burke says the official count says 78. He contends there were only 74 votes in the chamber. | Acting speaker Ross Vasta is having a very poor morning. Labor is now challenging a count after one of the divisions. Burke says the official count says 78. He contends there were only 74 votes in the chamber. |
| The tellers, specifically the member for Shortland, Jill Hall, is objecting. | The tellers, specifically the member for Shortland, Jill Hall, is objecting. |
| Vasta is trying to press on. He says it can be dealt with later. | Vasta is trying to press on. He says it can be dealt with later. |
| Anthony Albanese says parliament cannot move on with .. | Anthony Albanese says parliament cannot move on with .. |
| ... phantom Tories on that side of the House! How will this be recorded in Hansard? Will the phantom votes be listed as Tory 1, Tory 2, Tory 3, Tory 4? | ... phantom Tories on that side of the House! How will this be recorded in Hansard? Will the phantom votes be listed as Tory 1, Tory 2, Tory 3, Tory 4? |
| Christopher Pyne says this isn’t a branch meeting in Marrickville. | Christopher Pyne says this isn’t a branch meeting in Marrickville. |
| He advises Albanese to get out of the sandpit. | He advises Albanese to get out of the sandpit. |
| Acting speaker, Ross Vasta: | Acting speaker, Ross Vasta: |
| I haven’t got the forensic ability to rule on what she (Hall) said was correct. | I haven’t got the forensic ability to rule on what she (Hall) said was correct. |
| (Oh dear.) | (Oh dear.) |
| Updated at 2.08pm AEST | Updated at 2.08pm AEST |
| 1.32pm AEST04:32 | 1.32pm AEST04:32 |
| Meanwhile, back to Monty Python in the chamber. | Meanwhile, back to Monty Python in the chamber. |
| 1.27pm AEST04:27 | 1.27pm AEST04:27 |
| Bill Shorten seeks an earlier appearance slot at the trade union royal commission | Bill Shorten seeks an earlier appearance slot at the trade union royal commission |
| Here is the text of the letter sent by Bill Shorten’s lawyer, Leon Zwier, to the solicitor assisting the trade union royal commission, James Beaton. | Here is the text of the letter sent by Bill Shorten’s lawyer, Leon Zwier, to the solicitor assisting the trade union royal commission, James Beaton. |
| The purpose of this letter is to raise an important issue concerning Mr Shorten. Without waiving Mr Shorten’s legal professional privilege, Mr Shorten has been advised by me not to answer questions or comment on the issues that may be the subject of his appearance before the Commission. | The purpose of this letter is to raise an important issue concerning Mr Shorten. Without waiving Mr Shorten’s legal professional privilege, Mr Shorten has been advised by me not to answer questions or comment on the issues that may be the subject of his appearance before the Commission. |
| Mr Shorten has therefore instructed me to write to you to request that the Commission bring forward the date of his proposed appearance from August/September to July when the Parliament is in winter recess. Mr Shorten desires to bring forward the date of his appearance so that he may address all issues of interest to the Commission at the earliest mutually convenient time. | Mr Shorten has therefore instructed me to write to you to request that the Commission bring forward the date of his proposed appearance from August/September to July when the Parliament is in winter recess. Mr Shorten desires to bring forward the date of his appearance so that he may address all issues of interest to the Commission at the earliest mutually convenient time. |
| Can you please provide me with immediate access to all documents that concern Mr Shorten. I await you speedy reply. | Can you please provide me with immediate access to all documents that concern Mr Shorten. I await you speedy reply. |
| 1.19pm AEST04:19 | 1.19pm AEST04:19 |
| While this is going on, the ABC tells me that the Labor leader Bill Shorten has agreed or has offered to appear at the royal commission into trade unions in July – earlier in other words. The indicative timing has previously been August/September. We’ll chase particulars. | While this is going on, the ABC tells me that the Labor leader Bill Shorten has agreed or has offered to appear at the royal commission into trade unions in July – earlier in other words. The indicative timing has previously been August/September. We’ll chase particulars. |
| 1.16pm AEST04:16 | 1.16pm AEST04:16 |
| Labor’s Anthony Albanese is taking up the dissent motion. He says the government has gutted its original pensions bill, without any reference to the opposition. He says Labor doesn’t know whether the government intends to reintroduce the other elements of the budget measure on pensions through new legislation (this would be the measures Labor supports but the Greens don’t yet have a position on). Albanese says this is no way to shepherd significant legislation through the parliament. He says this can be resolved very quickly if the social services minister Scott Morrison will agree to adjourn the debate so they can sort this out. | Labor’s Anthony Albanese is taking up the dissent motion. He says the government has gutted its original pensions bill, without any reference to the opposition. He says Labor doesn’t know whether the government intends to reintroduce the other elements of the budget measure on pensions through new legislation (this would be the measures Labor supports but the Greens don’t yet have a position on). Albanese says this is no way to shepherd significant legislation through the parliament. He says this can be resolved very quickly if the social services minister Scott Morrison will agree to adjourn the debate so they can sort this out. |
| The House is dividing now on the dissent motion. | The House is dividing now on the dissent motion. |
| 1.08pm AEST04:08 | 1.08pm AEST04:08 |
| So what’s going on? The government is attempting to amend the bill to give effect to the agreement it reached this week with the Greens on the pensions assets test. Moreover, it is trying to amend the bill and push it through the House swiftly. | So what’s going on? The government is attempting to amend the bill to give effect to the agreement it reached this week with the Greens on the pensions assets test. Moreover, it is trying to amend the bill and push it through the House swiftly. |
| Labor isn’t happy. It wants to speak to the bill. | Labor isn’t happy. It wants to speak to the bill. |
| Tony Burke: | Tony Burke: |
| This government wants to get away with covering up what it’s doing to Australian pensioners. We have the right to stand up for pensioners in this parliament. | This government wants to get away with covering up what it’s doing to Australian pensioners. We have the right to stand up for pensioners in this parliament. |
| Ross Vasta: | Ross Vasta: |
| You were reflecting on the chair! | You were reflecting on the chair! |
| Tony Burke: | Tony Burke: |
| It’s a dissent motion! | It’s a dissent motion! |
| (Like a Monty Python sketch down there.) | (Like a Monty Python sketch down there.) |
| 1.00pm AEST04:00 | 1.00pm AEST04:00 |
| Vasta looks hesitant. Advice is being sought from the clerk. He then allows Burke to proceed. The dissent motion is underway. | Vasta looks hesitant. Advice is being sought from the clerk. He then allows Burke to proceed. The dissent motion is underway. |
| 12.57pm AEST03:57 | 12.57pm AEST03:57 |
| The manager of opposition business Tony Burke is trying to move dissent in a ruling by the acting speaker Ross Vasta. | The manager of opposition business Tony Burke is trying to move dissent in a ruling by the acting speaker Ross Vasta. |
| The manager of opposition business Christopher Pyne is trying to ensure that doesn’t proceed. | The manager of opposition business Christopher Pyne is trying to ensure that doesn’t proceed. |
| 12.55pm AEST03:55 | 12.55pm AEST03:55 |
| Division bells going off all over the shop right now. The House is considering the pensions bill at the moment. Social services minister Scott Morrison has just suspended the standing orders to move amendments to the bill. Labor has been gagged from speaking. Very testy down there. | Division bells going off all over the shop right now. The House is considering the pensions bill at the moment. Social services minister Scott Morrison has just suspended the standing orders to move amendments to the bill. Labor has been gagged from speaking. Very testy down there. |
| 12.23pm AEST03:23 | 12.23pm AEST03:23 |
| Peter Dutton says the citizenship legislation has been refined after legal advice | Peter Dutton says the citizenship legislation has been refined after legal advice |
| Any detail now? | Any detail now? |
| We’ve said very clearly that we won’t render people stateless, there will be ministerial discretion in the bill that we bring forward, there will be judicial review. | We’ve said very clearly that we won’t render people stateless, there will be ministerial discretion in the bill that we bring forward, there will be judicial review. |
| Why can’t colleagues see the legal advice, Dutton is asked? He says because that’s not the way things are done. | Why can’t colleagues see the legal advice, Dutton is asked? He says because that’s not the way things are done. |
| The immigration minister says he believes the Richard Marles is out now to create a distraction from what Mark Dreyfus said (which is funny because rolling out the red carpet for terrorists sounds a bit like creating a distraction from leaks and cabinet disunity.) Pots. Kettles. | The immigration minister says he believes the Richard Marles is out now to create a distraction from what Mark Dreyfus said (which is funny because rolling out the red carpet for terrorists sounds a bit like creating a distraction from leaks and cabinet disunity.) Pots. Kettles. |
| Dutton is asked whether the government has changed the bill since getting legal advice? | Dutton is asked whether the government has changed the bill since getting legal advice? |
| We have made refinements to bills and drafts as you’d expect. | We have made refinements to bills and drafts as you’d expect. |
| 12.16pm AEST03:16 | 12.16pm AEST03:16 |
| PDuddy is doing his second press conference for the day just in case we’ve missed the development that Labor wants to roll out the red carpet for terrorists. | PDuddy is doing his second press conference for the day just in case we’ve missed the development that Labor wants to roll out the red carpet for terrorists. |
| The fact that we have Mr Dreyfus out this morning saying that they now want to bring terrorists back to Australia is a complete departure and completely the opposite to that which Mr Shorten said only a few days ago, and I think the ALP needs to get their act together and to stand with the government to stare down this threat of terrorism. | The fact that we have Mr Dreyfus out this morning saying that they now want to bring terrorists back to Australia is a complete departure and completely the opposite to that which Mr Shorten said only a few days ago, and I think the ALP needs to get their act together and to stand with the government to stare down this threat of terrorism. |
| We are not going to allow people who go to the Middle East and elsewhere to become even further radicalised, to come back to our country, to kill innocent Australians. And in government from day one has been consistent and strong in relation to what we’ve proposed. | We are not going to allow people who go to the Middle East and elsewhere to become even further radicalised, to come back to our country, to kill innocent Australians. And in government from day one has been consistent and strong in relation to what we’ve proposed. |
| The immigration minister is asked what judicial review will be the in the legislation? | The immigration minister is asked what judicial review will be the in the legislation? |
| The detail will be provided next week. And people can obsess about the process if you like this week, but the most detail will be provided next week. | The detail will be provided next week. And people can obsess about the process if you like this week, but the most detail will be provided next week. |
| Will the government require a conviction? | Will the government require a conviction? |
| Well, the detail of the legislation will be tabled next week. | Well, the detail of the legislation will be tabled next week. |
| Updated at 12.25pm AEST | Updated at 12.25pm AEST |
| 11.52am AEST02:52 | 11.52am AEST02:52 |
| Let's stand still and take stock for a moment | Let's stand still and take stock for a moment |
| Given the hectic pace of the morning I suggest we pause and take stock. | Given the hectic pace of the morning I suggest we pause and take stock. |
| Thursday, since dawn: | Thursday, since dawn: |
| 11.26am AEST02:26 | 11.26am AEST02:26 |
| Saying laws need to be constitutional is a penetrating glimpse of the obvious | Saying laws need to be constitutional is a penetrating glimpse of the obvious |
| The communications minister Malcolm Turnbull has been stopped outside a function. He’s pressed about the citizenship proposal, isn’t this process a botch up? | The communications minister Malcolm Turnbull has been stopped outside a function. He’s pressed about the citizenship proposal, isn’t this process a botch up? |
| Turnbull says there is certainly a lot of work going on and it is very collaborative. | Turnbull says there is certainly a lot of work going on and it is very collaborative. |
| I’m happy with the fact that I’m involved in this process. As I said yesterday, the only thing that matters is the shape of the bill when it emerges and is presented in the parliament. So the process that it gets there is obviously something you are free to comment about – but the acid test is when the bill hits the deck in the parliament. | I’m happy with the fact that I’m involved in this process. As I said yesterday, the only thing that matters is the shape of the bill when it emerges and is presented in the parliament. So the process that it gets there is obviously something you are free to comment about – but the acid test is when the bill hits the deck in the parliament. |
| Q: Have you outlined your reservations with the bill? Are you happy that the final bill will be constitutional? | Q: Have you outlined your reservations with the bill? Are you happy that the final bill will be constitutional? |
| Malcolm Turnbull: | Malcolm Turnbull: |
| I mean, every law has to comply with the constitution. I made this point the other day and someone said that that was breaking ranks. | I mean, every law has to comply with the constitution. I made this point the other day and someone said that that was breaking ranks. |
| Let me tell you, that saying that laws have to comply with the constitution is like saying laws have to pass the Senate as well as the House – it’s a penetrating glimpse of the obvious. | Let me tell you, that saying that laws have to comply with the constitution is like saying laws have to pass the Senate as well as the House – it’s a penetrating glimpse of the obvious. |
| We are a nation subject to the rule of law, and the rule of law applies to the government as much as it does to the governed. | We are a nation subject to the rule of law, and the rule of law applies to the government as much as it does to the governed. |
| 11.19am AEST02:19 | 11.19am AEST02:19 |
| Richard Marles in that outing got another couple of questions about Dreyfus saying this morning that jihadists needed to come back to be prosecuted. It’s fair to say he’s stepping carefully around the Dreyfus formulation, certainly not disavowing it, but not unequivocally owning it. | Richard Marles in that outing got another couple of questions about Dreyfus saying this morning that jihadists needed to come back to be prosecuted. It’s fair to say he’s stepping carefully around the Dreyfus formulation, certainly not disavowing it, but not unequivocally owning it. |
| 11.15am AEST02:15 | 11.15am AEST02:15 |
| Labor’s immigration spokesman Richard Marles is in the Mural Hall, being asked about citizenship. | Labor’s immigration spokesman Richard Marles is in the Mural Hall, being asked about citizenship. |
| Q: It is a red line issue for you that would need to be a conviction for someone? | Q: It is a red line issue for you that would need to be a conviction for someone? |
| We need to see the legislation. We need to see the legislation and that is the first answer to that question. Right now, we have sought a briefing from the government, we have not been given it. The government doesn’t want to talk to us and I think that is because they don’t know what to brief us about: Ice hard to answer these questions when we don’t have in front of us what the law says. But that is not to say that the question you have asked is not a good one. There does need to be an appropriate balance between the roles of the courts and the role of the minister. What I would say is this - Brett Walker, who wrote the report, which underpins these re forms, made the point that he expected that only when somebody had been convicted would their citizenship be stripped. I have to say that does make sense to me but we do want to have this conversation with the Government, but right now they’re not talking to us because they can’t reach a consensus amongst themselves. | We need to see the legislation. We need to see the legislation and that is the first answer to that question. Right now, we have sought a briefing from the government, we have not been given it. The government doesn’t want to talk to us and I think that is because they don’t know what to brief us about: Ice hard to answer these questions when we don’t have in front of us what the law says. But that is not to say that the question you have asked is not a good one. There does need to be an appropriate balance between the roles of the courts and the role of the minister. What I would say is this - Brett Walker, who wrote the report, which underpins these re forms, made the point that he expected that only when somebody had been convicted would their citizenship be stripped. I have to say that does make sense to me but we do want to have this conversation with the Government, but right now they’re not talking to us because they can’t reach a consensus amongst themselves. |
| Q: Why should the changes go back to cabinet as opposed to just the National Security Committee and then the party room? | Q: Why should the changes go back to cabinet as opposed to just the National Security Committee and then the party room? |
| This Government is hopeless when it comes to national security. It is hopeless. It confuses national security with chest beating. It will go out every day and beat the chest around bang the table as if that is the means by which Australians can be kept safe. Let me tell you the way Australians are kept safe is by having a government which makes methodical and thorough and considered decisions through a predictable process, a cabinet process, a process which is underpinned our government since federation. | This Government is hopeless when it comes to national security. It is hopeless. It confuses national security with chest beating. It will go out every day and beat the chest around bang the table as if that is the means by which Australians can be kept safe. Let me tell you the way Australians are kept safe is by having a government which makes methodical and thorough and considered decisions through a predictable process, a cabinet process, a process which is underpinned our government since federation. |
| Q: Can I ask you about the citizenship idea. Your colleague Mark Dreyfus said for this to work suspected terrorists should be brought back to Australia. How is that going to work? | Q: Can I ask you about the citizenship idea. Your colleague Mark Dreyfus said for this to work suspected terrorists should be brought back to Australia. How is that going to work? |
| Again, we need to see the detail of the legislation and we have made clear what our principles are and we’ve been very consistent about that and the starting point with the answer to any of these questions is we actually need to see what the legislation is and I don’t think we are going to see it until the government actually works out its disunity, its division and brings forward a proposition in an adult way. | Again, we need to see the detail of the legislation and we have made clear what our principles are and we’ve been very consistent about that and the starting point with the answer to any of these questions is we actually need to see what the legislation is and I don’t think we are going to see it until the government actually works out its disunity, its division and brings forward a proposition in an adult way. |
| A number of us have made the point and I think this is what Mark was referring to – there is a live question in terms of the propositions that have been raised as to how that interacts with the foreign fighters legislation which was passed last year – which grounds the ability to prosecute people on their being a citizen. | A number of us have made the point and I think this is what Mark was referring to – there is a live question in terms of the propositions that have been raised as to how that interacts with the foreign fighters legislation which was passed last year – which grounds the ability to prosecute people on their being a citizen. |
| The government may well have a good answer to that. | The government may well have a good answer to that. |
| We just want to have a good conversation with the government about what that answer might be. But what we need to hear from the government or see from the government is the legislation so we can actually work through this and we want to do this in a constructively, in a bipartisan way, in an adult, grown up way. | We just want to have a good conversation with the government about what that answer might be. But what we need to hear from the government or see from the government is the legislation so we can actually work through this and we want to do this in a constructively, in a bipartisan way, in an adult, grown up way. |
| But what we have got from the government is really a group of school kids in the school yard scrapping over this, and it is treating the Australian people like mugs. | But what we have got from the government is really a group of school kids in the school yard scrapping over this, and it is treating the Australian people like mugs. |
| 11.00am AEST02:00 | 11.00am AEST02:00 |
| Abbott says the government wants to keep terrorists out, unlike Labor, which wants to roll out the red carpet for them. | Abbott says the government wants to keep terrorists out, unlike Labor, which wants to roll out the red carpet for them. |
| (A prediction for Thursday: rolling out the red carpet will replace raising guns and knives. Or possibly supplement guns and knives.) | (A prediction for Thursday: rolling out the red carpet will replace raising guns and knives. Or possibly supplement guns and knives.) |
| Q: We know a bit more about that last cabinet discussion than we usually know about your cabinet discussions and according to those reports there was no legal advice or cabinet submission, no documentation and since then leading constitutional lawyers have raised problems. In that circumstance why wouldn’t you bring it back to cabinet so it can be proved up and scrutinised? | Q: We know a bit more about that last cabinet discussion than we usually know about your cabinet discussions and according to those reports there was no legal advice or cabinet submission, no documentation and since then leading constitutional lawyers have raised problems. In that circumstance why wouldn’t you bring it back to cabinet so it can be proved up and scrutinised? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| As you also know, from various things that have been in the papers, there’s been very full discussion over many, many weeks in the National Security Committee of the cabinet about this. | As you also know, from various things that have been in the papers, there’s been very full discussion over many, many weeks in the National Security Committee of the cabinet about this. |
| It went to the full cabinet for information and endorsement and the decision is absolutely clear – and the fundamental decision does not and will not be revisited. | It went to the full cabinet for information and endorsement and the decision is absolutely clear – and the fundamental decision does not and will not be revisited. |
| The legislation will be coming before the parliament next week after being in the party room. | The legislation will be coming before the parliament next week after being in the party room. |
| Q: Are you sure it’s constitutional? | Q: Are you sure it’s constitutional? |
| Look, obviously there is all sorts of legal advice that the government gets as a matter of course in a situation such as this. And we are confident, based on the legal advice we have had from a number of different sources over quite a period of time that we can craft effective legislation that minimises constitutional risk. | Look, obviously there is all sorts of legal advice that the government gets as a matter of course in a situation such as this. And we are confident, based on the legal advice we have had from a number of different sources over quite a period of time that we can craft effective legislation that minimises constitutional risk. |
| Does that mean that no-one will bring court cases? Of course it doesn’t. But we are confident that we can bring in legislation which minimises constitutional risk. That is the thing. We’ve got to keep our country safe. | Does that mean that no-one will bring court cases? Of course it doesn’t. But we are confident that we can bring in legislation which minimises constitutional risk. That is the thing. We’ve got to keep our country safe. |
| Updated at 11.33am AEST | Updated at 11.33am AEST |
| 10.54am AEST01:54 | 10.54am AEST01:54 |
| Abbott confirms citizenship will not return to cabinet | Abbott confirms citizenship will not return to cabinet |
| Back to citizenship now. | Back to citizenship now. |
| Q: I was just wondering whether Mr Turnbull or any other minister has registered their concern with you that your citizenship proposals won’t be going back to cabinet for forward approval? | Q: I was just wondering whether Mr Turnbull or any other minister has registered their concern with you that your citizenship proposals won’t be going back to cabinet for forward approval? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| We have made a clear decision. The government has made an absolutely clear decision that we are stripping the citizenship from terrorists who are dual nationals. That is a decision that’s been made. It was made in the National Security Committee. It was ratified by the Cabinet. It’s supported by the party room. | We have made a clear decision. The government has made an absolutely clear decision that we are stripping the citizenship from terrorists who are dual nationals. That is a decision that’s been made. It was made in the National Security Committee. It was ratified by the Cabinet. It’s supported by the party room. |
| Now, legislation to give effect to this will be coming into the party room next week and it will be going into the parliament next week. | Now, legislation to give effect to this will be coming into the party room next week and it will be going into the parliament next week. |
| But the government has made an absolutely clear decision and that is certainly won’t be re visited. | But the government has made an absolutely clear decision and that is certainly won’t be re visited. |
| 10.51am AEST01:51 | 10.51am AEST01:51 |
| It takes an army to develop the north. | It takes an army to develop the north. |
| 10.50am AEST01:50 | 10.50am AEST01:50 |
| The prime minister is asked about the overhaul of native title envisaged in this white paper. | The prime minister is asked about the overhaul of native title envisaged in this white paper. |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| Now, I fully understand the passion of indigenous people to maintain control of their land. But you only have to talk to Indigenous people in Cape York or East Arnhem Land to know that they also want to secure a better economic future for themselves and for their families. | Now, I fully understand the passion of indigenous people to maintain control of their land. But you only have to talk to Indigenous people in Cape York or East Arnhem Land to know that they also want to secure a better economic future for themselves and for their families. |
| So these pilots are about working with the traditional owners, working with the jurisdictions to develop better ways of ensuring that investment and development can come more quickly to these places. | So these pilots are about working with the traditional owners, working with the jurisdictions to develop better ways of ensuring that investment and development can come more quickly to these places. |
| Q: Obviously a lot of this new investment is going to be from foreign investors. Are you concerned that divisions in your own cabinet and government about appropriate levels of foreign investment in Australian agriculture and agribusiness could undermine attempts to attract investment to realise these plans? | Q: Obviously a lot of this new investment is going to be from foreign investors. Are you concerned that divisions in your own cabinet and government about appropriate levels of foreign investment in Australian agriculture and agribusiness could undermine attempts to attract investment to realise these plans? |
| Look, I dispute that there is the contention that you suggest. But obviously this is Liberal-National coalition that has lively discussions of all sort of issues at times. | Look, I dispute that there is the contention that you suggest. But obviously this is Liberal-National coalition that has lively discussions of all sort of issues at times. |
| What we all absolutely support is an Australia which is open for business, an Australia which is open for foreign investment – but it does have to be the right foreign investment. | What we all absolutely support is an Australia which is open for business, an Australia which is open for foreign investment – but it does have to be the right foreign investment. |
| (This questions recent comments from the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce that foreign state owned enterprises should not be able to purchase agricultural land.) | (This questions recent comments from the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce that foreign state owned enterprises should not be able to purchase agricultural land.) |
| Updated at 11.02am AEST | Updated at 11.02am AEST |
| 10.43am AEST01:43 | 10.43am AEST01:43 |
| Abbott is asked about the defence presence up north. He says he’ll have more to say about that in the defence white paper. | Abbott is asked about the defence presence up north. He says he’ll have more to say about that in the defence white paper. |
| The trade minister is asked whether he’s relaxed about relaxing working visas. | The trade minister is asked whether he’s relaxed about relaxing working visas. |
| Andrew Robb: | Andrew Robb: |
| I am very happy with the relaxation of visas. | I am very happy with the relaxation of visas. |
| 10.41am AEST01:41 | 10.41am AEST01:41 |
| I dreamed a dream | I dreamed a dream |
| Does the prime minister have a dream for northern Australia? | Does the prime minister have a dream for northern Australia? |
| He does. He wants folks up north dreaming big dreams. | He does. He wants folks up north dreaming big dreams. |
| Well, my dream for northern Australia is that the creative and dynamic people of northern Australia will be better able to realise their dreams. | Well, my dream for northern Australia is that the creative and dynamic people of northern Australia will be better able to realise their dreams. |
| 10.40am AEST01:40 | 10.40am AEST01:40 |
| The prime minister is asked about dams. | The prime minister is asked about dams. |
| We are saying to people, both public sector and private sector, if you’ve got good proposals, if you are prepared to put skin in the game, we are here to help, with substantial resources. | We are saying to people, both public sector and private sector, if you’ve got good proposals, if you are prepared to put skin in the game, we are here to help, with substantial resources. |
| This is not just a statement of principle in favour of dams. This is putting money where our mouth is. This is saying, ‘If you want to get cracking, we are here to help.’ | This is not just a statement of principle in favour of dams. This is putting money where our mouth is. This is saying, ‘If you want to get cracking, we are here to help.’ |
| 10.38am AEST01:38 | 10.38am AEST01:38 |
| I note that Ian Macdonald didn’t get a moment to speak about the strengths of the great north. | I note that Ian Macdonald didn’t get a moment to speak about the strengths of the great north. |
| We are into questions now. | We are into questions now. |
| Q: Can you rule out a special economic zone to the north as in tax breaks and so on? | Q: Can you rule out a special economic zone to the north as in tax breaks and so on? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| Well, there are all sort of issues with that. One of them is the constitutional issue. So we have here a very significant package of short-term and medium term and long-term benefits for northern Australia. | Well, there are all sort of issues with that. One of them is the constitutional issue. So we have here a very significant package of short-term and medium term and long-term benefits for northern Australia. |
| Q: One of the problems that occurs seems to be the lack of supply of sufficiently trained local workers and an unwillingness apparently for Australians who are trained to move to northern Australia. The report suggests that some of the barriers bringing in foreign workers needs to be reduced. What are you talking about there and what sort of numbers of foreign workers are going to be needed to execute this plan? | Q: One of the problems that occurs seems to be the lack of supply of sufficiently trained local workers and an unwillingness apparently for Australians who are trained to move to northern Australia. The report suggests that some of the barriers bringing in foreign workers needs to be reduced. What are you talking about there and what sort of numbers of foreign workers are going to be needed to execute this plan? |
| Well, we’re not putting a figure on numbers that might come in. But obviously, if people are prepared to work in northern Australia, we want to make them welcome. So provided you are prepared to work in northern Australia, some of the conditions on some visas will be relaxed. | Well, we’re not putting a figure on numbers that might come in. But obviously, if people are prepared to work in northern Australia, we want to make them welcome. So provided you are prepared to work in northern Australia, some of the conditions on some visas will be relaxed. |
| But I do want to make it absolutely crystal clear that people who come into Australia will be working in accordance with standard Australian wages and conditions. | But I do want to make it absolutely crystal clear that people who come into Australia will be working in accordance with standard Australian wages and conditions. |
| 10.29am AEST01:29 | 10.29am AEST01:29 |
| The north is in the tropical zone, the trade minister Andrew Robb, notes. | The north is in the tropical zone, the trade minister Andrew Robb, notes. |
| 10.25am AEST01:25 | 10.25am AEST01:25 |
| I think there may be more ministers than flags at this press conference but I need a wide shot to do a head count. | I think there may be more ministers than flags at this press conference but I need a wide shot to do a head count. |
| 10.22am AEST01:22 | 10.22am AEST01:22 |
| The prime minister wants some real action. | The prime minister wants some real action. |
| It’s very important that this white paper is acted upon, that it doesn’t become yet another government report that gathers dust on shelves. To ensure this white paper is not just a series of good ideas and spending commitments but really is a blueprint for a generation of development in northern Australia, the deputy prime minister will be delivering to the parliament an annual statement on northern development. The strategic partnership that’s already under way involving myself, the premiers of Queensland and WA and the chief minister of the Northern Territory, will continue as an adjunct to every COAG meeting. The Warren Entsch committee, the committee of the parliament, will now continue as a standing committee of the parliament and, as well, we are going to have a new Coalition implementation committee chaired by Senator Ian Macdonald which will ensure ministers and officials are kept up to the mark. | It’s very important that this white paper is acted upon, that it doesn’t become yet another government report that gathers dust on shelves. To ensure this white paper is not just a series of good ideas and spending commitments but really is a blueprint for a generation of development in northern Australia, the deputy prime minister will be delivering to the parliament an annual statement on northern development. The strategic partnership that’s already under way involving myself, the premiers of Queensland and WA and the chief minister of the Northern Territory, will continue as an adjunct to every COAG meeting. The Warren Entsch committee, the committee of the parliament, will now continue as a standing committee of the parliament and, as well, we are going to have a new Coalition implementation committee chaired by Senator Ian Macdonald which will ensure ministers and officials are kept up to the mark. |
| Oh look. Queensland Liberal senator Ian Macdonald, who has delighted in giving the government a piece of his mind ever since he lost his parliamentary secretaryship, has been given a little job. Macdonald (famous for participating in the mining tax repeal debate in a mining costume) said in 2013 losing his parliamentary secretaryship was the worst day of (my) life. Hopefully Thursday is a happy day. | Oh look. Queensland Liberal senator Ian Macdonald, who has delighted in giving the government a piece of his mind ever since he lost his parliamentary secretaryship, has been given a little job. Macdonald (famous for participating in the mining tax repeal debate in a mining costume) said in 2013 losing his parliamentary secretaryship was the worst day of (my) life. Hopefully Thursday is a happy day. |
| 10.15am AEST01:15 | 10.15am AEST01:15 |
| Tony Abbott on the northern Australia white paper | Tony Abbott on the northern Australia white paper |
| The prime minister is down in the Blue Room, telling reporters that folks up north are dynamic people living in dynamic cities, not the sleepy outposts of a generation ago. | The prime minister is down in the Blue Room, telling reporters that folks up north are dynamic people living in dynamic cities, not the sleepy outposts of a generation ago. |
| Today we are launching the northern Australia white paper, a very, very important document which will build on the strengths of our great north and which will be good for the whole of Australia for the years and decades to come. | Today we are launching the northern Australia white paper, a very, very important document which will build on the strengths of our great north and which will be good for the whole of Australia for the years and decades to come. |
| 10.11am AEST01:11 | 10.11am AEST01:11 |
| While we wait for Abbott, Phil Coorey from The Australian Financial Review has businessman Tony Shepherd defending the Labor leader Bill Shorten over The Age story I referenced earlier today, saying the deal he negotiated to build the EastLink road delivered workers one of the highest rates of pay of any project. | While we wait for Abbott, Phil Coorey from The Australian Financial Review has businessman Tony Shepherd defending the Labor leader Bill Shorten over The Age story I referenced earlier today, saying the deal he negotiated to build the EastLink road delivered workers one of the highest rates of pay of any project. |
| I’m sorry I can’t supply a link to that story because my log in to the AFR isn’t working at the moment. Subscribers know where they can find that story if you want to take a look. Here’s a link to the AFR home page. | I’m sorry I can’t supply a link to that story because my log in to the AFR isn’t working at the moment. Subscribers know where they can find that story if you want to take a look. Here’s a link to the AFR home page. |
| 10.00am AEST01:00 | 10.00am AEST01:00 |
| You people. | You people. |
| This morning at approximately 6:15am we annexed New Zealand https://t.co/KO4pa7AOoV | This morning at approximately 6:15am we annexed New Zealand https://t.co/KO4pa7AOoV |
| 9.55am AEST00:55 | 9.55am AEST00:55 |
| Prime ministerial press conference, coming up. | Prime ministerial press conference, coming up. |
| Seven flags for @TonyAbbottMHR northern australia white paper launch #auspol pic.twitter.com/CICbIzNELB | Seven flags for @TonyAbbottMHR northern australia white paper launch #auspol pic.twitter.com/CICbIzNELB |
| 9.46am AEST00:46 | 9.46am AEST00:46 |
| Just a mild passing observation about the current cabinet dynamic. I noted in the first post Tony Abbott would be brave to drive the citizenship proposal through without showing the full cabinet a small gesture of respect. | Just a mild passing observation about the current cabinet dynamic. I noted in the first post Tony Abbott would be brave to drive the citizenship proposal through without showing the full cabinet a small gesture of respect. |
| Presumably the prime minister feels he can do this because he knows the public is fully on side with citizenship revocations. He’s got the wind at his back, so screw the niceities. | Presumably the prime minister feels he can do this because he knows the public is fully on side with citizenship revocations. He’s got the wind at his back, so screw the niceities. |
| Except decisions like that are ultimately pyrrhic. You win the battle right in front of you, but you lose the war. | Except decisions like that are ultimately pyrrhic. You win the battle right in front of you, but you lose the war. |
| Governments, to work, need to be collegiate. People do need to work together and talk and coordinate. It’s always a funny dynamic in politics, given self interest and ambition is the life blood of the artform, putting a premium on cooperation – but cabinet government does matter, and tending the whole does matter. Anyone watching the Killing Season at the moment can see what happens when a government breaks up into warring tribal camps. It’s not good. | Governments, to work, need to be collegiate. People do need to work together and talk and coordinate. It’s always a funny dynamic in politics, given self interest and ambition is the life blood of the artform, putting a premium on cooperation – but cabinet government does matter, and tending the whole does matter. Anyone watching the Killing Season at the moment can see what happens when a government breaks up into warring tribal camps. It’s not good. |
| John Howard performed the balancing act between fostering competition and collegiality exceptionally well as prime minister. Keeping the whole together was in actual fact, the bedrock of his authority as prime minister. | John Howard performed the balancing act between fostering competition and collegiality exceptionally well as prime minister. Keeping the whole together was in actual fact, the bedrock of his authority as prime minister. |
| Abbott is a different character. | Abbott is a different character. |
| 9.22am AEST00:22 | 9.22am AEST00:22 |
| PDuddy. Keeping us safe from lawyer’s fantasy lands. | PDuddy. Keeping us safe from lawyer’s fantasy lands. |
| 9.16am AEST00:16 | 9.16am AEST00:16 |
| Go figure | Go figure |
| The immigration minister Peter Dutton has jumped on to Sky News in order to punch Mark Dreyfus. Dreyfus, in making the argument this morning for citizenship revocations requiring a proper judicial process, says alleged jihadists should be brought back to face trials. | The immigration minister Peter Dutton has jumped on to Sky News in order to punch Mark Dreyfus. Dreyfus, in making the argument this morning for citizenship revocations requiring a proper judicial process, says alleged jihadists should be brought back to face trials. |
| You get them back here. | You get them back here. |
| Dutton thinks this is the maddest thing he’s ever heard. He thinks Mark Dreyfus inhabits a lawyer’s fantasy land. | Dutton thinks this is the maddest thing he’s ever heard. He thinks Mark Dreyfus inhabits a lawyer’s fantasy land. |
| How could Labor contemplate letting these people back into the country? | How could Labor contemplate letting these people back into the country? |
| Having landed his political attack point, Dutton then proceeds to contradict himself. He says the government’s citizenship proposal will contain judicial involvement. He says this is a given. But then in the next sentence he says we are not going to adopt that soft approach of accepting that people need to be tried. So if we follow the logic of that argument, Dutton is not talking about judicial review at all, he’s talking about box ticking. But again, we don’t actually know, because there is still no legislation to look at. | Having landed his political attack point, Dutton then proceeds to contradict himself. He says the government’s citizenship proposal will contain judicial involvement. He says this is a given. But then in the next sentence he says we are not going to adopt that soft approach of accepting that people need to be tried. So if we follow the logic of that argument, Dutton is not talking about judicial review at all, he’s talking about box ticking. But again, we don’t actually know, because there is still no legislation to look at. |
| There’s also a bizarre sub-element of this dicussion for those of us who were here last year for the policy discussion about the foreign fighters legislation. Folks with sharp memories will remember the government told us at the time that legislation was necessary to nab bad folks who’d been fighting in no-go zones in the Middle East and throw them in the slammer. Much was made of stopping these people at airports. That ring a bell? | There’s also a bizarre sub-element of this dicussion for those of us who were here last year for the policy discussion about the foreign fighters legislation. Folks with sharp memories will remember the government told us at the time that legislation was necessary to nab bad folks who’d been fighting in no-go zones in the Middle East and throw them in the slammer. Much was made of stopping these people at airports. That ring a bell? |
| Now, this new legislation that was urgently required to solve a pressing national security problem apparently doesn’t do anything. Dutton says this morning you can’t gather evidence in places overseas and even if you could, it wouldn’t be admissible. (Seriously, what was all the chest beating about last year then? You really cannot have this issue both ways.) | Now, this new legislation that was urgently required to solve a pressing national security problem apparently doesn’t do anything. Dutton says this morning you can’t gather evidence in places overseas and even if you could, it wouldn’t be admissible. (Seriously, what was all the chest beating about last year then? You really cannot have this issue both ways.) |
| Dutton is asked about the cabinet process, or more precisely, the lack of it. | Dutton is asked about the cabinet process, or more precisely, the lack of it. |
| He says one cabinet minister, a learned colleague, has expressed concerns to him about the citizenship proposal. | He says one cabinet minister, a learned colleague, has expressed concerns to him about the citizenship proposal. |
| He won’t name the learned friend but he says he respects his judgment very much. | He won’t name the learned friend but he says he respects his judgment very much. |
| I’m speculating here, I want to make that clear, but a learned friend sounds awfully like a lawyer, doesn’t it? Shall we open a book on the concerned lawyer’s name? | I’m speculating here, I want to make that clear, but a learned friend sounds awfully like a lawyer, doesn’t it? Shall we open a book on the concerned lawyer’s name? |
| Updated at 9.17am AEST | Updated at 9.17am AEST |
| 8.52am AEST23:52 | 8.52am AEST23:52 |
| We’ve .. come too faaaar ... to give upppp ... who we are ... | We’ve .. come too faaaar ... to give upppp ... who we are ... |
| Defying the randomly generated security zone, here’s #BrickPeta Credlin, busting some Top Secret ball moves last night. With a couple of friends. | Defying the randomly generated security zone, here’s #BrickPeta Credlin, busting some Top Secret ball moves last night. With a couple of friends. |
| 8.40am AEST23:40 | 8.40am AEST23:40 |
| The Labor leader Bill Shorten is under some pressure courtesy of the trade union royal commission. Late yesterday The Age published a story saying that one of Australia’s biggest builders paid Shorten’s union nearly $300,000 “after he struck a workplace deal that cut conditions and saved the company as much as $100 million on a major Melbourne road project.” Shorten has already agreed to front the royal commission, he says he’s happy to defend his record as a union offical – but that appearance is not expected until later in the year. The government is unsurprisingly keen to make hay while the sun shines, particularly given Shorten’s other difficulties – the airing of The Killing Season, and Labor’s looming national conference. | The Labor leader Bill Shorten is under some pressure courtesy of the trade union royal commission. Late yesterday The Age published a story saying that one of Australia’s biggest builders paid Shorten’s union nearly $300,000 “after he struck a workplace deal that cut conditions and saved the company as much as $100 million on a major Melbourne road project.” Shorten has already agreed to front the royal commission, he says he’s happy to defend his record as a union offical – but that appearance is not expected until later in the year. The government is unsurprisingly keen to make hay while the sun shines, particularly given Shorten’s other difficulties – the airing of The Killing Season, and Labor’s looming national conference. |
| 8.31am AEST23:31 | 8.31am AEST23:31 |
| Alleged payments to people smugglers is still a big issue. Overnight in London, the former prime minister Julia Gillard has confirmed on the BBC overnight her government never paid people smugglers to turn back boats. | Alleged payments to people smugglers is still a big issue. Overnight in London, the former prime minister Julia Gillard has confirmed on the BBC overnight her government never paid people smugglers to turn back boats. |
| We didn’t have the policy of turning the boats around, so no, Labor did not operate the policy it is now asserted. | We didn’t have the policy of turning the boats around, so no, Labor did not operate the policy it is now asserted. |
| But she doesn’t want to get into other disruption activities that might have happened to our north. | But she doesn’t want to get into other disruption activities that might have happened to our north. |
| Labor is back on the who/what/where/when case, after having a little rest on Tuesday. Accountability is a tiring business I know. | Labor is back on the who/what/where/when case, after having a little rest on Tuesday. Accountability is a tiring business I know. |
| After the government snubbed the Greens return to order in the Senate on Wednesday, the Greens will introduce a motion in the Senate today withholding the introduction of any bills from the immigration minister, Peter Dutton. | After the government snubbed the Greens return to order in the Senate on Wednesday, the Greens will introduce a motion in the Senate today withholding the introduction of any bills from the immigration minister, Peter Dutton. |
| The Greens are also pushing for an inquiry into this (alleged) incident. | The Greens are also pushing for an inquiry into this (alleged) incident. |
| 8.15am AEST23:15 | 8.15am AEST23:15 |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| While Katharine and Mike have been lifting the lid on the Mid Winter Ball, the finance minister Mathias Cormann has been speaking to reporters downstairs. He’s asked whether the citizenship laws will return to the full cabinet. He suggests not, they will go to the National Security Committee – a small sub-committee of cabinet. | While Katharine and Mike have been lifting the lid on the Mid Winter Ball, the finance minister Mathias Cormann has been speaking to reporters downstairs. He’s asked whether the citizenship laws will return to the full cabinet. He suggests not, they will go to the National Security Committee – a small sub-committee of cabinet. |
| Cormann: | Cormann: |
| These changes have gone and will continue to go through all of the proper internal processes. They’ve already been endorsed by the cabinet. They’ve already been endorsed by the party room. These are matters that the cabinet, as a matter of course, delegates to the national security committee of cabinet and so clearly, this is now a matter for the National Security Committee to deal with, before the matter no doubt will be considered by the party room again. | These changes have gone and will continue to go through all of the proper internal processes. They’ve already been endorsed by the cabinet. They’ve already been endorsed by the party room. These are matters that the cabinet, as a matter of course, delegates to the national security committee of cabinet and so clearly, this is now a matter for the National Security Committee to deal with, before the matter no doubt will be considered by the party room again. |
| 8.09am AEST23:09 | 8.09am AEST23:09 |
| Top Secret | Top Secret |
| Regular readers of Politics Live know Mikearoo and I like to work around the many problems and obstacles daily politics likes to construct in order to prevent us telling you various truths. If you were with us yesterday you’ll know I did some full tilt ranting about the absurdity of the annual Mid Winter Ball being declared (by someone or other) an on water operation. | Regular readers of Politics Live know Mikearoo and I like to work around the many problems and obstacles daily politics likes to construct in order to prevent us telling you various truths. If you were with us yesterday you’ll know I did some full tilt ranting about the absurdity of the annual Mid Winter Ball being declared (by someone or other) an on water operation. |
| Given we can’t give you the real thing, we thought we might give you #BrickBall this morning just so you don’t miss out. | Given we can’t give you the real thing, we thought we might give you #BrickBall this morning just so you don’t miss out. |
| Here’s #BrickTones and #BrickBill doing some late night karaoke with a back up band that includes #WarriorWong on base, #ChristopherYesHe’sAUnicorn on harmonies – and #BrickJoe scoping out a good job down the front. | Here’s #BrickTones and #BrickBill doing some late night karaoke with a back up band that includes #WarriorWong on base, #ChristopherYesHe’sAUnicorn on harmonies – and #BrickJoe scoping out a good job down the front. |
| We can, also, exclusively, reveal That Awkward Moment on the dance floor when #BrickTones and #BrickBill discovered they were out in the same tux. | We can, also, exclusively, reveal That Awkward Moment on the dance floor when #BrickTones and #BrickBill discovered they were out in the same tux. |
| Daft Punks. Get down. | Daft Punks. Get down. |
| 7.48am AEST22:48 | 7.48am AEST22:48 |
| Good morning and welcome to the night after the event we are not supposed to talk about for reasons I still don’t comprehend. Today’s forecast: don’t ask, don’t tell. | Good morning and welcome to the night after the event we are not supposed to talk about for reasons I still don’t comprehend. Today’s forecast: don’t ask, don’t tell. |
| Despite the fact the younger folks amongst us are only just now casting off their penguin suits, the political day is already thundering like a freight train. We should begin Thursday with the witches brew that is citizenship revocations. It was clear yesterday that the government’s internal troubles on this issue are far from over. There were complaints that senior ministers had not been given access to advice from the Solicitor General on a proposal that many eminent lawyers think may well be unconstitutional. | Despite the fact the younger folks amongst us are only just now casting off their penguin suits, the political day is already thundering like a freight train. We should begin Thursday with the witches brew that is citizenship revocations. It was clear yesterday that the government’s internal troubles on this issue are far from over. There were complaints that senior ministers had not been given access to advice from the Solicitor General on a proposal that many eminent lawyers think may well be unconstitutional. |
| The purpose of injecting these complaints into the news cycle was clear: some folks are concerned that citizenship will not return to cabinet before it hits the Coaliton partyroom and the parliament, allegedly early next week. (I say allegedly because there’s been talk about this issue since January 2014, and there’s still not one jot of detail.) You might well ask the obvious question. How can it not return to cabinet, given cabinet boiled over on the issue when it was before it a couple of weeks ago? Well, the prime minister could argue the in-principle mandate he was given last time to pursue the first round of legislation for dual citizens means it doesn’t need another detailed discussion. I suspect this would be a brave call on the part of the prime minister, but let’s face it, Tony Abbott is a brave man. | The purpose of injecting these complaints into the news cycle was clear: some folks are concerned that citizenship will not return to cabinet before it hits the Coaliton partyroom and the parliament, allegedly early next week. (I say allegedly because there’s been talk about this issue since January 2014, and there’s still not one jot of detail.) You might well ask the obvious question. How can it not return to cabinet, given cabinet boiled over on the issue when it was before it a couple of weeks ago? Well, the prime minister could argue the in-principle mandate he was given last time to pursue the first round of legislation for dual citizens means it doesn’t need another detailed discussion. I suspect this would be a brave call on the part of the prime minister, but let’s face it, Tony Abbott is a brave man. |
| Labor for its part is playing push-me-pull-you. The opposition said about a week ago it was on board with this proposal, more or less. But each passing day has Labor less on board with the citizenship proposal unless it includes full judicial review. | Labor for its part is playing push-me-pull-you. The opposition said about a week ago it was on board with this proposal, more or less. But each passing day has Labor less on board with the citizenship proposal unless it includes full judicial review. |
| The shadow attorney-general, Mark Dreyfus, has done the early shift on AM. He’s told the host Michael Brissenden Labor supports calm and clear action to protect Australia’s national security but there’s been little calm or clear action on citizenship, there has only been endless talk, no action, and division. He’s added Labor will work constructively with the government in this space but that doesn’t mean we’ll support every single measure. | The shadow attorney-general, Mark Dreyfus, has done the early shift on AM. He’s told the host Michael Brissenden Labor supports calm and clear action to protect Australia’s national security but there’s been little calm or clear action on citizenship, there has only been endless talk, no action, and division. He’s added Labor will work constructively with the government in this space but that doesn’t mean we’ll support every single measure. |
| Lots more on the go, so let’s hop into it. The Politics Live thread is a virgin landscape, so make sure you go in there and clutter it right up. You can also clutter up mightily on the Twits. I’m @murpharoo and Mikearoo’s @mpbowers | Lots more on the go, so let’s hop into it. The Politics Live thread is a virgin landscape, so make sure you go in there and clutter it right up. You can also clutter up mightily on the Twits. I’m @murpharoo and Mikearoo’s @mpbowers |
| Put on sensible shoes for a brisk walk in buffeting winds for ten hours or so. Here comes Thursday. | Put on sensible shoes for a brisk walk in buffeting winds for ten hours or so. Here comes Thursday. |
| Updated at 7.48am AEST | Updated at 7.48am AEST |