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Tony Abbott confirms citizenship laws won't return to cabinet – politics live Tony Abbott confirms citizenship laws won't return to cabinet – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.23pm AEST03:23
Peter Dutton says the citizenship legislation has been refined after legal advice
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Will the government require a conviction?
Well, the detail of the legislation will be tabled next week.
Updated at 12.25pm AEST
11.52am AEST02:5211.52am AEST02:52
Let's stand still and take stock for a momentLet'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 AEST02:2611.26am AEST02:26
Saying laws need to be constitutional is a penetrating glimpse of the obviousSaying 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 AEST02:1911.19am 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 AEST02:1511.15am 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 AEST02:0011.00am 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 AESTUpdated at 11.33am AEST
10.54am AEST01:5410.54am AEST01:54
Abbott confirms citizenship will not return to cabinetAbbott 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 AEST01:5110.51am AEST01:51
It takes an army to develop the north.It takes an army to develop the north.
10.50am AEST01:5010.50am 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 AESTUpdated at 11.02am AEST
10.43am AEST01:4310.43am 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 AEST01:4110.41am AEST01:41
I dreamed a dreamI 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 AEST01:4010.40am 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 AEST01:3810.38am 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 AEST01:2910.29am 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 AEST01:2510.25am 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 AEST01:2210.22am 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 AEST01:1510.15am AEST01:15
Tony Abbott on the northern Australia white paperTony 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 AEST01:1110.11am 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 AEST01:0010.00am AEST01:00
You people.You people.
This morning at approximately 6:15am we annexed New Zealand https://t.co/KO4pa7AOoVThis morning at approximately 6:15am we annexed New Zealand https://t.co/KO4pa7AOoV
9.55am AEST00:559.55am 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/CICbIzNELBSeven flags for @TonyAbbottMHR northern australia white paper launch #auspol pic.twitter.com/CICbIzNELB
9.46am AEST00:469.46am 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 AEST00:229.22am AEST00:22
PDuddy. Keeping us safe from lawyer’s fantasy lands.PDuddy. Keeping us safe from lawyer’s fantasy lands.
9.16am AEST00:169.16am AEST00:16
Go figureGo 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 AESTUpdated at 9.17am AEST
8.52am AEST23:528.52am 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 AEST23:408.40am 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 AEST23:318.31am 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 AEST23:158.15am AEST23:15
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah 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 AEST23:098.09am AEST23:09
Top SecretTop 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 AEST22:487.48am 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 @mpbowersLots 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 AESTUpdated at 7.48am AEST