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Tony Abbott reworks laws to strip citizenship – politics live Tony Abbott reworks laws to strip citizenship – politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.31pm AEST04:31
Clive Palmer is perhaps gazing into the crystal ball.
We need eliminate career politicians who hang around this place for 30years @ceda_news #auspol
We need to remove politicians super entitlements to be the same as the rest of the community. #auspol #son2015 @ceda_news Share if you agree
1.29pm AEST04:29
Lunchtime political summary
According to blogging laws, herewith your lunchtime summary:
Updated at 1.32pm AEST
1.18pm AEST04:18
The Medical Research Future Fund legislation allows for $1bn of uncommitted funds from Kevin Rudd’s Health and Hospitals Fund to go towards the MRFF. Labor opposes this, which health minister Sussan Ley suggests is evidence Labor does not support medical research.
The House is now dividing.
Updated at 1.30pm AEST
1.08pm AEST04:08
We have duelling bills here at the big house. In the House, Labor’s shadow health spokeswoman, Catherine King, is trying to amend the Medical Research Future Fund bill. The House has divided and, barring divine intervention, the vote will go down.
Updated at 1.29pm AEST
1.03pm AEST04:031.03pm AEST04:03
Isn’t the senate lucky to have someone of senator Ludlam’s expertise, says Macdonald. Isn’t the Senate lucky to have someone of Senator Ludlam’s expertise, says Macdonald.
No one knows more than senator Ludlam, Macdonald says. As this is recorded for Hansard, I am saying this with irony. No one knows more than Senator Ludlam, Macdonald says. As this is recorded for Hansard, I am saying this with irony.
Updated at 1.28pm AEST
1.01pm AEST04:011.01pm AEST04:01
The lower house is onto the Medical Research Future Fund. Meanwhile in the red house, senator Scott Ludlam is speaking on the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) bill 2015. The lower house is onto the Medical Research Future Fund. Meanwhile in the red house, Senator Scott Ludlam is speaking on the Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) bill 2015.
My colleague Monica Tan wrote this report, which described the bill.My colleague Monica Tan wrote this report, which described the bill.
If it is passed, copyright owners would be able to apply for a federal court order requiring internet service providers to block overseas sites whose primary purpose is infringing copyright or facilitating the infringement of copyright.If it is passed, copyright owners would be able to apply for a federal court order requiring internet service providers to block overseas sites whose primary purpose is infringing copyright or facilitating the infringement of copyright.
There has been a little tet a tet between the Liberals and the Greens. Liberal senator Ian Macdonald made some remark about Ludlam as presenting a view from the fringes. Ludlam shoots back, I can’t wait for senator Macdonald’s contribution. There has been a little tête-â-tête between the Liberals and the Greens. Liberal senator Ian Macdonald made some remark about Ludlam as presenting a view from the fringes. Ludlam shoots back. I can’t wait for Senator Macdonald’s contribution.
Ludlam is suggesting a second reading amendment, that the debate should be adjourned.Ludlam is suggesting a second reading amendment, that the debate should be adjourned.
(The bill) combines elements of laziness and it is dangerous...I call on Labor to actually be the opposition and try to hold this governmemt to account for a change. (The bill) combines elements of laziness and it is dangerous ... I call on Labor to actually be the opposition and try to hold this government to account for a change.
Updated at 1.27pm AEST
12.46pm AEST03:4612.46pm AEST03:46
The Coalition/Greens pensions bill just passed in the house 82-51.The Coalition/Greens pensions bill just passed in the house 82-51.
12.45pm AEST03:4512.45pm AEST03:45
Christopher Pyne is doing a live interview on Sky News in his office, rather than running the press gallery gauntlet to the Sky studios.Christopher Pyne is doing a live interview on Sky News in his office, rather than running the press gallery gauntlet to the Sky studios.
He is defending his stance making policy statements on Twitter, which Tony Abbott has called “electronic graffitti”.He is defending his stance making policy statements on Twitter, which Tony Abbott has called “electronic graffitti”.
One of the only uses of Twitter is getting a message out very quickly.One of the only uses of Twitter is getting a message out very quickly.
I could see the debate was being conflating on school funding and I wanted to make it absolutely certain that the government remains committed to increasing school funding every year for the next four years.I could see the debate was being conflating on school funding and I wanted to make it absolutely certain that the government remains committed to increasing school funding every year for the next four years.
Pyne goes on to urge Labor to support the registered organisations bill, which set up a new registered organisations commission to monitor the conduct of unions and business groups. Christopher is in full flight.Pyne goes on to urge Labor to support the registered organisations bill, which set up a new registered organisations commission to monitor the conduct of unions and business groups. Christopher is in full flight.
Labor is marooned on an island of political irrelevancy.Labor is marooned on an island of political irrelevancy.
12.36pm AEST03:3612.36pm AEST03:36
Fellow indie Cathy McGowan is also speaking on the pension bill. She makes a similar point to Wilkie that “people are trying to get their affairs in the long term” and constant changing around retirement incomes makes it difficult for her constituents. Fellow indie Cathy McGowan is also speaking on the pension bill. She makes a similar point to Wilkie’s, that “people are trying to get their affairs in the long term” and constant changing around retirement incomes makes it difficult for her constituents.
She also protests that when the changes were made last week under negotiation with the Greens, nobody told the crossbench, “which causes enormous confusion in our community”. She also protests that when the changes were made last week in negotiation with the Greens, nobody told the crossbench, “which causes enormous confusion in our community”.
McGowan has a quaint notion of consulting with her electorate on legislation.McGowan has a quaint notion of consulting with her electorate on legislation.
She says unless ministers give notice to the cross benches regarding a change in proposed laws, it is impossible to go back and consult with her constituents. She says unless ministers give notice to the crossbenches regarding a change in proposed laws, it is impossible to go back and consult with her constituents.
The house is voting on the bill now.The house is voting on the bill now.
Updated at 1.18pm AEST
12.24pm AEST03:2412.24pm AEST03:24
Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie is speaking against the Coalition/Greens pension changes.Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie is speaking against the Coalition/Greens pension changes.
He says current pensioners should not be adversely affected. He would be more likely to vote for the changes if the cuts were grandfathered, affecting those who were say, 10 years out from retirement.He says current pensioners should not be adversely affected. He would be more likely to vote for the changes if the cuts were grandfathered, affecting those who were say, 10 years out from retirement.
Make these changes something for the future.Make these changes something for the future.
Updated at 12.38pm AESTUpdated at 12.38pm AEST
12.14pm AEST03:1412.14pm AEST03:14
Scott Morrison has been speaking to the pensions changes, which Labor’s Jenny Macklin is opposing.Scott Morrison has been speaking to the pensions changes, which Labor’s Jenny Macklin is opposing.
Clive Palmer is also opposing the bill in the house, as an “attack on those who can ill afford it”.Clive Palmer is also opposing the bill in the house, as an “attack on those who can ill afford it”.
Cutting pensions for people on modest incomes is a negative incentive to save for our future, says Palmer.Cutting pensions for people on modest incomes is a negative incentive to save for our future, says Palmer.
We don’t just love our children ... we love our grandparents as well ... Why doesn’t the Liberal party become the party of Bob Menzies that looks after everyone ... Bob Menzies would be rolling in his grave ... we have to all vote against these measures.We don’t just love our children ... we love our grandparents as well ... Why doesn’t the Liberal party become the party of Bob Menzies that looks after everyone ... Bob Menzies would be rolling in his grave ... we have to all vote against these measures.
Updated at 12.31pm AESTUpdated at 12.31pm AEST
11.53am AEST02:5311.53am AEST02:53
Back to citizenship.Back to citizenship.
As we understand the legal advice to get around the constitutional issues, the automatic revocation power under a defined process would come into play at the point at which a “decision” is made.As we understand the legal advice to get around the constitutional issues, the automatic revocation power under a defined process would come into play at the point at which a “decision” is made.
That is, if a fighter tries to exercise their citizenship right (for example, to come home or get a new passport) a court will decide at that point in time.That is, if a fighter tries to exercise their citizenship right (for example, to come home or get a new passport) a court will decide at that point in time.
As Lenore reported, this is a more acceptable version to critics within the government and Labor.As Lenore reported, this is a more acceptable version to critics within the government and Labor.
11.35am AEST02:3511.35am AEST02:35
Liberal MP Andrew Laming has passed an opinion, reports Sky News’s Laura Jayes.Liberal MP Andrew Laming has passed an opinion, reports Sky News’s Laura Jayes.
.@AndrewLamingMP "Should high income earners be paying to attend state school? My view is firmly yes! Most importantly a price signal".@AndrewLamingMP "Should high income earners be paying to attend state school? My view is firmly yes! Most importantly a price signal"
Updated at 11.56am AESTUpdated at 11.56am AEST
11.33am AEST02:3311.33am AEST02:33
The rich get richer, the poor get the pictureThe rich get richer, the poor get the picture
I have been remiss not mentioning Lenore Taylor’s report on the Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) study into incomes. The gap is getting wider, people.I have been remiss not mentioning Lenore Taylor’s report on the Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) study into incomes. The gap is getting wider, people.
Australia’s rich are getting richer, and while inequality here is not as extreme as in the US or the UK, it is heading in that direction, according to a new study by the Australian Council of Social Service.Australia’s rich are getting richer, and while inequality here is not as extreme as in the US or the UK, it is heading in that direction, according to a new study by the Australian Council of Social Service.
Australians earning in the top 20% of incomes receive five times as much as those in the bottom 20%. A person with accumulated wealth in the top 20% has 70 times as much as a person in the bottom 20%.Australians earning in the top 20% of incomes receive five times as much as those in the bottom 20%. A person with accumulated wealth in the top 20% has 70 times as much as a person in the bottom 20%.
The bottom line is we are heading away from the OECD and towards the United States.The bottom line is we are heading away from the OECD and towards the United States.
In Australia, the top 10% owns 45% of wealth, while the bottom owns 5.1%.In Australia, the top 10% owns 45% of wealth, while the bottom owns 5.1%.
In the US, the top 10% owns 76% of wealth while the bottom 40% owns less than half a percent.In the US, the top 10% owns 76% of wealth while the bottom 40% owns less than half a percent.
Updated at 11.58am AESTUpdated at 11.58am AEST
11.17am AEST02:1711.17am AEST02:17
Racial Discrimination Act: Total liberty for the wolves is death to the lambsRacial Discrimination Act: Total liberty for the wolves is death to the lambs
Labor backbencher Tim Watts has moved a private member’s bill in the House to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and recognise:Labor backbencher Tim Watts has moved a private member’s bill in the House to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and recognise:
Regular watchers and hand-wringing left-leaning lawyers will remember the ill-fated attempt by the artful George Brandis to change 18C.Regular watchers and hand-wringing left-leaning lawyers will remember the ill-fated attempt by the artful George Brandis to change 18C.
When the government was swept away by an avalanche of opposition in the form of submissions and lobbying from multicultural communities, Abbott and Brandis backed down on the grounds that they had to build bridges with said communities on new national security laws.When the government was swept away by an avalanche of opposition in the form of submissions and lobbying from multicultural communities, Abbott and Brandis backed down on the grounds that they had to build bridges with said communities on new national security laws.
In a week when parliament will be dominated by a debate over stripping citizenship, Watts said it was important to support the RDA and the HRC. OMG.In a week when parliament will be dominated by a debate over stripping citizenship, Watts said it was important to support the RDA and the HRC. OMG.
Liberal MP for Bennelong John Alexander spoke to the motion. His electorate, formerly held by John Howard and Maxine McKew, has a large Asian population.Liberal MP for Bennelong John Alexander spoke to the motion. His electorate, formerly held by John Howard and Maxine McKew, has a large Asian population.
Liberal MP Craig Laundy placed “on record” his support for the role of the HRC.Liberal MP Craig Laundy placed “on record” his support for the role of the HRC.
Labor MP Michelle Rowland spoke in favour, noting:Labor MP Michelle Rowland spoke in favour, noting:
While I've been talking c/ship today, Dad reminded me that my late mum, Marie became an Oz Citizen on this day in 88. pic.twitter.com/qMIw3Dxvc2While I've been talking c/ship today, Dad reminded me that my late mum, Marie became an Oz Citizen on this day in 88. pic.twitter.com/qMIw3Dxvc2
Labor MP Michael Danby talks about the history of the government’s desire to change 18C, which goes all the way back to a judgement against broadcaster Andrew Bolt.Labor MP Michael Danby talks about the history of the government’s desire to change 18C, which goes all the way back to a judgement against broadcaster Andrew Bolt.
Danby quotes Isaiah Berlin:Danby quotes Isaiah Berlin:
Total liberty for the wolves is death to the lambs.Total liberty for the wolves is death to the lambs.
Then Danby notes:Then Danby notes:
I have been banned from the Andrew Bolt program. The great irony ...I have been banned from the Andrew Bolt program. The great irony ...
But then he is out of time and the microphone is cut off.But then he is out of time and the microphone is cut off.
Updated at 12.04pm AESTUpdated at 12.04pm AEST
10.53am AEST01:5310.53am AEST01:53
Policy or electronic graffiti?Policy or electronic graffiti?
Consistency has not been a strong suit of this government. Witness the schools funding story this morning.Consistency has not been a strong suit of this government. Witness the schools funding story this morning.
We awoke to the news that a Prime Minister and Cabinet discussion paper was considering a range of options, including charging wealthy families for public education.We awoke to the news that a Prime Minister and Cabinet discussion paper was considering a range of options, including charging wealthy families for public education.
After brekkie at 8am, Tony Abbott suggested school funding was a matter for states.After brekkie at 8am, Tony Abbott suggested school funding was a matter for states.
Thirty minutes after, Pyne knocked it off.Thirty minutes after, Pyne knocked it off.
Charging wealthy parents for their children to attend public schools is not the government's policy. I don't support it. #auspoICharging wealthy parents for their children to attend public schools is not the government's policy. I don't support it. #auspoI
Two minutes later, perhaps once he had received the PM’s transcript, the minister said:Two minutes later, perhaps once he had received the PM’s transcript, the minister said:
If the states and territories want to charge wealthy parents fees for public schools that's a matter for them. #auspoIIf the states and territories want to charge wealthy parents fees for public schools that's a matter for them. #auspoI
At the same time on Sky, the assistant education minister, Simon Birmingham, said the proposal had prompted a “hysterical overreaction” from several quarters and that the government did not want “to pre-empt the outcome” of the federation white paper. The Commonwealth is trying to reduce duplication in school spending, Birmingham said.At the same time on Sky, the assistant education minister, Simon Birmingham, said the proposal had prompted a “hysterical overreaction” from several quarters and that the government did not want “to pre-empt the outcome” of the federation white paper. The Commonwealth is trying to reduce duplication in school spending, Birmingham said.
Then Pyne followed up with another:Then Pyne followed up with another:
The Australian Government does not and will not support a means test for public education. Full stop. End of story. #auspoIThe Australian Government does not and will not support a means test for public education. Full stop. End of story. #auspoI
Remember the main education points in the Commission of Audit:Remember the main education points in the Commission of Audit:
So whether it is on the table or off the table, remains unclear. The last word goes to Scott Morrison, who when asked about the proposal, said he would let the education minister deal with it.So whether it is on the table or off the table, remains unclear. The last word goes to Scott Morrison, who when asked about the proposal, said he would let the education minister deal with it.
I’m always backing Christopher Pyne.I’m always backing Christopher Pyne.
Updated at 12.09pm AESTUpdated at 12.09pm AEST
10.22am AEST01:2210.22am AEST01:22
The one thing worse than a fiddler? Hand-wringing left-leaning lawyersThe one thing worse than a fiddler? Hand-wringing left-leaning lawyers
On matters of ministerial discretion, in case you were wondering, Scott Morrison says ministers work hard to make decisions properly.On matters of ministerial discretion, in case you were wondering, Scott Morrison says ministers work hard to make decisions properly.
There’s a very significant process which you engage in as a minister to ensure you make these decisions properly and I would envisage a very similar process.There’s a very significant process which you engage in as a minister to ensure you make these decisions properly and I would envisage a very similar process.
Morrison says he’s very pleased to have “got to this point” given he first moved the changes as immigration minister. (Moi.)Morrison says he’s very pleased to have “got to this point” given he first moved the changes as immigration minister. (Moi.)
Then he proceeds to take the mickey out of barrister Mark Dreyfus, whom he says is running a “bring them home campaign”.Then he proceeds to take the mickey out of barrister Mark Dreyfus, whom he says is running a “bring them home campaign”.
I mean he’s got his silks at the dry cleaners waiting to defend them when they come back and I think that really betrays the heart of Labor on many of these things ... Mark Dreyfus wants a lawyer’s picnic over these things and bringing these people back.I mean he’s got his silks at the dry cleaners waiting to defend them when they come back and I think that really betrays the heart of Labor on many of these things ... Mark Dreyfus wants a lawyer’s picnic over these things and bringing these people back.
Ray Hadley:Ray Hadley:
This is the problem minister, he can’t forget he’s a lawyer, he can’t forget this, you see and that’s a dangerous thing. Particularly if you’ve got a hand-wringing left-leaning lawyer as your shadow attorney general.This is the problem minister, he can’t forget he’s a lawyer, he can’t forget this, you see and that’s a dangerous thing. Particularly if you’ve got a hand-wringing left-leaning lawyer as your shadow attorney general.
Morrison:Morrison:
I don’t think it inspires confidence.I don’t think it inspires confidence.
I wonder if “hand-wringing left-leaning lawyers” applies to his fellow cabinet members who famously split on the issue.I wonder if “hand-wringing left-leaning lawyers” applies to his fellow cabinet members who famously split on the issue.
Updated at 12.16pm AESTUpdated at 12.16pm AEST
10.05am AEST01:0510.05am AEST01:05
Scott Morrison is discussing the latest version of the legislation to strip dual nationals.Scott Morrison is discussing the latest version of the legislation to strip dual nationals.
He likens this latest idea, of making an “automatic” declaration under section 35 to strip citizenship on the basis of membership of a terrorist organisation, to visa cancellations.He likens this latest idea, of making an “automatic” declaration under section 35 to strip citizenship on the basis of membership of a terrorist organisation, to visa cancellations.
Morrison gives the example of Alex Vella, the Rebels motorcycle club national president who had his visa cancelled last year under character provisions in the Migration Act.Morrison gives the example of Alex Vella, the Rebels motorcycle club national president who had his visa cancelled last year under character provisions in the Migration Act.
I am really struggling to understand the “automatic” nature of this new law. Vella may have been easy to identify but presumably terror suspects don’t flash their Isis membership cards around like a badge at the MCG. What is the test?I am really struggling to understand the “automatic” nature of this new law. Vella may have been easy to identify but presumably terror suspects don’t flash their Isis membership cards around like a badge at the MCG. What is the test?
In a fog of confusion, I can only offer you this picture of Joe Hockey representing the trajectory of Sydney property prices.In a fog of confusion, I can only offer you this picture of Joe Hockey representing the trajectory of Sydney property prices.
Not really. He was speaking at Ceda.Not really. He was speaking at Ceda.
Updated at 12.22pm AESTUpdated at 12.22pm AEST
9.47am AEST00:479.47am AEST00:47
Back to Scott Morrison’s regard for Richard Di Natale compared with his predecessor:Back to Scott Morrison’s regard for Richard Di Natale compared with his predecessor:
At least he can sit in a room and have a sensible conversation about these things ... whether I have exhausted the set of issues we can agree about, we’ll find out. I imagine we’re close.At least he can sit in a room and have a sensible conversation about these things ... whether I have exhausted the set of issues we can agree about, we’ll find out. I imagine we’re close.
Updated at 10.28am AESTUpdated at 10.28am AEST
9.37am AEST00:379.37am AEST00:37
The conversation between Ray Hadley and Scott Morrison is quite distracting. They were just criticising the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, for acting like the lawyer he is, by insisting on sticking to the letter of the law around stripping citizenship.The conversation between Ray Hadley and Scott Morrison is quite distracting. They were just criticising the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, for acting like the lawyer he is, by insisting on sticking to the letter of the law around stripping citizenship.
I will bring you more quotes in a mo.I will bring you more quotes in a mo.
Updated at 10.28am AESTUpdated at 10.28am AEST
9.32am AEST00:329.32am AEST00:32
Sometimes it’s the last place you look. @cpyne was on Twitter declaring federal education policy.Sometimes it’s the last place you look. @cpyne was on Twitter declaring federal education policy.
The Australian Government does not and will not support a means test for public education. Full stop. End of story. #auspoIThe Australian Government does not and will not support a means test for public education. Full stop. End of story. #auspoI
9.32am AEST00:329.32am AEST00:32
ScoMo is talking to 2GB and while it may be the kiss of death, the social services minister has praised the new Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, as being easier to deal with than his predecessor, Christine Milne.ScoMo is talking to 2GB and while it may be the kiss of death, the social services minister has praised the new Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, as being easier to deal with than his predecessor, Christine Milne.
Updated at 12.23pm AESTUpdated at 12.23pm AEST
9.30am AEST00:309.30am AEST00:30
Sky News is reporting the education minister, Christopher Pyne, has ruled out means testing in public schools. We are still trying to track down where Pyne delivered his missive.Sky News is reporting the education minister, Christopher Pyne, has ruled out means testing in public schools. We are still trying to track down where Pyne delivered his missive.
Patience people.Patience people.
Thanks to Twitter corros Marie McInerney and Leroy Lynch for the link to the original Centre for Independent Studies report by Jennifer Buckingham which raised the idea of charging wealthy families for public education.Thanks to Twitter corros Marie McInerney and Leroy Lynch for the link to the original Centre for Independent Studies report by Jennifer Buckingham which raised the idea of charging wealthy families for public education.
Updated at 12.24pm AESTUpdated at 12.24pm AEST
9.23am AEST00:239.23am AEST00:23
For those concerned with details, parliament is due to sit at 10am today.For those concerned with details, parliament is due to sit at 10am today.
Elements on the notice paper include the bills:Elements on the notice paper include the bills:
There is also a report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security into a review of the re-listing of Hezbollah’s external security organisation.There is also a report from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security into a review of the re-listing of Hezbollah’s external security organisation.
Updated at 12.27pm AESTUpdated at 12.27pm AEST
9.07am AEST00:079.07am AEST00:07
Caffeine did deliver a brighter PM than the man in the message last night.Caffeine did deliver a brighter PM than the man in the message last night.
Updated at 12.27pm AESTUpdated at 12.27pm AEST
8.59am AEST23:598.59am AEST23:59
The health minister, Sussan Ley, was on the ABC earlier and was asked about stripping citizenship from dual nationals and whether it would get support from the party room.The health minister, Sussan Ley, was on the ABC earlier and was asked about stripping citizenship from dual nationals and whether it would get support from the party room.
They deserve the worst possible ramifications when it comes to breaking that promise with Australian society.They deserve the worst possible ramifications when it comes to breaking that promise with Australian society.
Just to be clear, Ley was speaking there about terror suspects, not the Coalition party room.Just to be clear, Ley was speaking there about terror suspects, not the Coalition party room.
We meet today and then I understand the legislation will be referred to a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security. And again, another layer of scrutiny and the party room itself will thrash out the questions and answers that individuals may reasonably have about what this legislation means.We meet today and then I understand the legislation will be referred to a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security. And again, another layer of scrutiny and the party room itself will thrash out the questions and answers that individuals may reasonably have about what this legislation means.
The citizenship legislation has not yet been sighted.The citizenship legislation has not yet been sighted.
Updated at 12.28pm AESTUpdated at 12.28pm AEST
8.47am AEST23:478.47am AEST23:47
Our gallery colleague Matthew Knott at Fairfax has a scooperoo about some pretty radical fiddling regarding schools. The concepts come from a discussion paper developed within Abbott’s own Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Knott reports the paper includes:Our gallery colleague Matthew Knott at Fairfax has a scooperoo about some pretty radical fiddling regarding schools. The concepts come from a discussion paper developed within Abbott’s own Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Knott reports the paper includes:
Under the fourth option, the federal government would provide funding for all students “adjusted for student need and the ability of families to make a contribution”.Under the fourth option, the federal government would provide funding for all students “adjusted for student need and the ability of families to make a contribution”.
The first question to Abbott is around this issue, regarding universality of public education – yatteh yatteh – and the PM deadbats it as a states issue.The first question to Abbott is around this issue, regarding universality of public education – yatteh yatteh – and the PM deadbats it as a states issue.
We have no role at all in the running of public schools, public schools are absolutely the business of the state and territory governments, and whether state or territory governments choose to change the way schools are funded in their states and territories is absolutely a matter for them. Obviously there is a federation reform white paper process taking place now. I think it’s good that some of the states and territories at least are thinking creatively about how they can responsibly fund their operations. But any question of how you fund public schools in terms of what contribution parents might be expected to make is absolutely a matter for the states and territories.We have no role at all in the running of public schools, public schools are absolutely the business of the state and territory governments, and whether state or territory governments choose to change the way schools are funded in their states and territories is absolutely a matter for them. Obviously there is a federation reform white paper process taking place now. I think it’s good that some of the states and territories at least are thinking creatively about how they can responsibly fund their operations. But any question of how you fund public schools in terms of what contribution parents might be expected to make is absolutely a matter for the states and territories.
Updated at 12.29pm AESTUpdated at 12.29pm AEST
8.25am AEST23:258.25am AEST23:25
This government ... needs more sleepThis government ... needs more sleep
Citizenship is the key issue of this last week of parliamentary sitting afore the break. Lenore Taylor has the new development, designed to get around pesky lawyers inside and outside government who insist on peripheral issues like constitutionality. This is Lenore:Citizenship is the key issue of this last week of parliamentary sitting afore the break. Lenore Taylor has the new development, designed to get around pesky lawyers inside and outside government who insist on peripheral issues like constitutionality. This is Lenore:
The government has modified the plan – proposing to amend section 35 of the Citizenship Act which automatically revokes the citizenship an Australian dual citizen who “serves the armed forces of a country at war with Australia” to include those who take up arms with a declared terrorist group. This would not involve ministerial discretion, and if anyone losing their citizenship in this way tried to re-enter Australia or reapply for a passport a court could review all the facts behind the revocation as well as the process by which the decision was made. There is no precedent for making decisions under section 35 because it has never been used.The government has modified the plan – proposing to amend section 35 of the Citizenship Act which automatically revokes the citizenship an Australian dual citizen who “serves the armed forces of a country at war with Australia” to include those who take up arms with a declared terrorist group. This would not involve ministerial discretion, and if anyone losing their citizenship in this way tried to re-enter Australia or reapply for a passport a court could review all the facts behind the revocation as well as the process by which the decision was made. There is no precedent for making decisions under section 35 because it has never been used.
And this is your prime minister this morn:And this is your prime minister this morn:
Obviously we have had legal advice from a number of sources and we are confident that this legislation can minimise constitutional risk. But the main point, and this is the point I want to stress, our message to people who leave Australia to fight for terrorist armies in the Middle East is that we don’t want you back. If you are a dual national, we won’t let you back because the first duty of government is to keep our country safe and the last thing any of us want to see is terrorists loose on our streets.Obviously we have had legal advice from a number of sources and we are confident that this legislation can minimise constitutional risk. But the main point, and this is the point I want to stress, our message to people who leave Australia to fight for terrorist armies in the Middle East is that we don’t want you back. If you are a dual national, we won’t let you back because the first duty of government is to keep our country safe and the last thing any of us want to see is terrorists loose on our streets.
Tony Abbott has delivered his usual video message and the main point would appear to be that he needs a lot more sleep to complete the complicated business of government.Tony Abbott has delivered his usual video message and the main point would appear to be that he needs a lot more sleep to complete the complicated business of government.
Updated at 12.34pm AESTUpdated at 12.34pm AEST
8.12am AEST23:128.12am AEST23:12
Good morning punks and fiddlers.Good morning punks and fiddlers.
The day has dawned on the last sitting week before the winter recess and I can report from the long trek into the nation’s capital that the fog is lifting to reveal a severe frost.The day has dawned on the last sitting week before the winter recess and I can report from the long trek into the nation’s capital that the fog is lifting to reveal a severe frost.
The week will be dominated by the citizenship issue, which I will get to in a moment.The week will be dominated by the citizenship issue, which I will get to in a moment.
But as I dropped my not insubstantial baggage on the office floor, Tony Abbott took to the stage at the National Gallery for a Canberra Business Chamber breakfast.But as I dropped my not insubstantial baggage on the office floor, Tony Abbott took to the stage at the National Gallery for a Canberra Business Chamber breakfast.
Abbott was spruiking the small business tax write-offs and giving a plug to Harvey Norman, which has set aside great swathes of the store to sell stuff.Abbott was spruiking the small business tax write-offs and giving a plug to Harvey Norman, which has set aside great swathes of the store to sell stuff.
Elsewhere around the country, the PM says:Elsewhere around the country, the PM says:
waves of confidence are lifting up businesses large and small.waves of confidence are lifting up businesses large and small.
And then Abbott segues into something that smells like a campaign speech, mentioningAnd then Abbott segues into something that smells like a campaign speech, mentioning
government that knows its place.government that knows its place.
His three broad points of differentiation with Labor:His three broad points of differentiation with Labor:
We won’t go “clobbering” Australia with a fixed or floating tax, the PM says.We won’t go “clobbering” Australia with a fixed or floating tax, the PM says.
Onwards and upwards. Tony Abbott is now doing a doorstop. Join us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.Onwards and upwards. Tony Abbott is now doing a doorstop. Join us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.
Updated at 12.36pm AESTUpdated at 12.36pm AEST