This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2016/feb/09/labor-maintains-pressure-over-stuart-roberts-china-trip-politics-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Gillian Triggs says she was not consulted on Philip Ruddock's human rights job – politics live Gillian Triggs says she was not consulted on Philip Ruddock's human rights job – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.35am GMT
00:35
Inconvenient alternative explanations notwithstanding, O’Sullivan would like Gillian Triggs to review the hansard of yesterday’s evidence from the border protection chief, Mike Pezzullo.
More fizz than pop. And the hearing moves on.
12.33am GMT
00:33
O’Sullivan asks whether Triggs knows why children are being held in detention. The HRC president says children are held in detention in compliance with the law. O’Sullivan begs to differ. He says children are detained because of concern about their parents. Triggs then begs to differ. That’s correct in some cases, she says, but incorrect in others. The attorney-general points out that some children are in detention because they are babies, and they need to be with their mothers.
12.30am GMT
00:30
As promised, the LNP senator Barry O’Sullivan is now performing a warm up lap in order to set “the professor” straight.
O’Sullivan wonders whether Gillian Triggs accepts the high court’s decision on offshore detention, that children are detained by Nauru? She does.
I think O’Sullivan intends to suggest that Australia has no responsibility for what goes on on Nauru because asylum seekers are detained by Nauru, not by Australia. The attorney-general is having to translate his interventions slightly. I think. You’ll have to bear with me.
O’Sullivan then asks Triggs whether she believes children detained on Nauru are being tortured?
Gillian Triggs:
We have never, ever, made that assertion.
She explains there’s a difference between torture and cruel punishment.
12.15am GMT
00:15
The Human Rights Commission estimates are back from their short break. The Labor senator Jacinta Collins wants to know first off the bat whether or not the government considered Tony Abbott’s former chief of staff, Peta Credlin, as Australia’s new (as yet unannounced) sex discrimination commissioner.
Attorney-general George Brandis:
The answer no.
12.00am GMT12.00am GMT
00:0000:00
Also, reporter beavers away on party room updates, and a voice from the ether chimes in.Also, reporter beavers away on party room updates, and a voice from the ether chimes in.
David Gillespie tells Coalition party room they can't "wimp out" on tax reform, otherwise why are we here?David Gillespie tells Coalition party room they can't "wimp out" on tax reform, otherwise why are we here?
Christopher Pyne replies to David Gillespie: "we are here to get elected" in party room discussionChristopher Pyne replies to David Gillespie: "we are here to get elected" in party room discussion
@jamesmassola - if you don't get elected, you can't deliver for the people. Governments deliver, not oppositions or protest parties #auspol@jamesmassola - if you don't get elected, you can't deliver for the people. Governments deliver, not oppositions or protest parties #auspol
It being Tuesday, both the Coalition party room and the Labor caucus have been meeting downstairs.It being Tuesday, both the Coalition party room and the Labor caucus have been meeting downstairs.
11.56pm GMT11.56pm GMT
23:5623:56
Fortunately for all our sanity that committee has broken for tea.Fortunately for all our sanity that committee has broken for tea.
On my quick survey of the daily field I see the ABC’s Chris Uhlmann now has a story about the prime minister urging the former small business minister Bruce Billson not to leave politics. Bruce! Don’t gooooo.On my quick survey of the daily field I see the ABC’s Chris Uhlmann now has a story about the prime minister urging the former small business minister Bruce Billson not to leave politics. Bruce! Don’t gooooo.
Uhlmann has popped onto ABC24 to flog his wares (as it were).Uhlmann has popped onto ABC24 to flog his wares (as it were).
Uhlmann:Uhlmann:
In a conversation between Christmas and new year, that he had with the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull urged him not to leave politics. You might recall back in 2010, Malcolm Turnbull himself announced he would leave politics. They talked about that and Malcolm Turnbull held open the possibility that Bruce Billson, at only 50 years of age, could work his way back into cabinet.In a conversation between Christmas and new year, that he had with the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull urged him not to leave politics. You might recall back in 2010, Malcolm Turnbull himself announced he would leave politics. They talked about that and Malcolm Turnbull held open the possibility that Bruce Billson, at only 50 years of age, could work his way back into cabinet.
(Readers will remember that a reshuffle is hovering, defiantly, in the background right at the moment. The prime minister is waiting for Warren Truss to reveal his hand before sweeping up his small Christmas messes by the name of Briggs and Brough, and now, of course, Stuart Robert’s future is in play.)(Readers will remember that a reshuffle is hovering, defiantly, in the background right at the moment. The prime minister is waiting for Warren Truss to reveal his hand before sweeping up his small Christmas messes by the name of Briggs and Brough, and now, of course, Stuart Robert’s future is in play.)
11.47pm GMT11.47pm GMT
23:4723:47
Collins has moved on to asking whether Tim Wilson has resigned as a member of the Liberal party. He says he has. Why did he do that? Wilson says he did that at the request of the attorney general.Collins has moved on to asking whether Tim Wilson has resigned as a member of the Liberal party. He says he has. Why did he do that? Wilson says he did that at the request of the attorney general.
Collins asks Triggs whether that was the right call. She doesn’t want to get into this rooster fight. It’s a matter of judgment, she says, delicately.Collins asks Triggs whether that was the right call. She doesn’t want to get into this rooster fight. It’s a matter of judgment, she says, delicately.
Collins then asks Brandis why he asked Wilson to resign his Liberal party membership. Brandis says he’s happy to answer but the question might be out of order. Hint hint. Senator Macdonald. Hint. So prompted, I think the question is deemed out of order, but it’s hard to tell. There’s a steep nosedive under way in this committee.Collins then asks Brandis why he asked Wilson to resign his Liberal party membership. Brandis says he’s happy to answer but the question might be out of order. Hint hint. Senator Macdonald. Hint. So prompted, I think the question is deemed out of order, but it’s hard to tell. There’s a steep nosedive under way in this committee.
Daggers at dawn, presently.Daggers at dawn, presently.
Ian Macdonald:Ian Macdonald:
Senator Collins you are entitled to your own opinions but don’t bore the committee with them.Senator Collins you are entitled to your own opinions but don’t bore the committee with them.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.09am GMTat 12.09am GMT
11.42pm GMT11.42pm GMT
23:4223:42
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.46pm GMTat 11.46pm GMT
11.42pm GMT11.42pm GMT
23:4223:42
Barry O’Sullivan is outraged now by the indulgence of Jacinta Collins mining for Tim Wilson’s travel receipts from the Holiday Inn when there has been this outrageous allegation of torture on Nauru.Barry O’Sullivan is outraged now by the indulgence of Jacinta Collins mining for Tim Wilson’s travel receipts from the Holiday Inn when there has been this outrageous allegation of torture on Nauru.
Collins inquires of O’Sullivan whether or not he learned anything at the United Nations. (I dimly remember O’Sullivan was on the annual UN delegation.) He informs her that he did.Collins inquires of O’Sullivan whether or not he learned anything at the United Nations. (I dimly remember O’Sullivan was on the annual UN delegation.) He informs her that he did.
Jacinta Collins:Jacinta Collins:
That’s good.That’s good.
There is much muttering about the program. The attorney-general is unhappy we won’t get to the Australian Federal Police and their national security update.There is much muttering about the program. The attorney-general is unhappy we won’t get to the Australian Federal Police and their national security update.
11.35pm GMT11.35pm GMT
23:3523:35
Outrageous.Outrageous.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.45pm GMTat 11.45pm GMT
11.33pm GMT11.33pm GMT
23:3323:33
Sarah Hanson Young tells Ian Macdonald he is the most biased chair in the Senate. Before actual violence breaks out in the committee, we’ve switched back to Tim Wilson’s travel arrangements.Sarah Hanson Young tells Ian Macdonald he is the most biased chair in the Senate. Before actual violence breaks out in the committee, we’ve switched back to Tim Wilson’s travel arrangements.
Funny how Barry O’Sullivan and Ian Macdonald missed the memo about the government suing for peace with the HRC. Missed. The. Memo.Funny how Barry O’Sullivan and Ian Macdonald missed the memo about the government suing for peace with the HRC. Missed. The. Memo.
11.29pm GMT11.29pm GMT
23:2923:29
The committee chairman, Ian Macdonald says it is outrageous, this talk of torturing children.The committee chairman, Ian Macdonald says it is outrageous, this talk of torturing children.
Outrageous.Outrageous.
11.26pm GMT11.26pm GMT
23:2623:26
LNP senator Barry O’Sullivan, listening on as Hanson-Young and Triggs discuss whether we are breaching commitments on torture on Nauru, cracks a wobbly.LNP senator Barry O’Sullivan, listening on as Hanson-Young and Triggs discuss whether we are breaching commitments on torture on Nauru, cracks a wobbly.
Barry O’Sullivan, furious:Barry O’Sullivan, furious:
Q: Do you share the view, professor, that we are torturing these children?Q: Do you share the view, professor, that we are torturing these children?
Hanson-Young is furious. She doesn’t want to be interrupted. O’Sullivan suggests “the professor” will have it coming when it is his turn to ask questions.Hanson-Young is furious. She doesn’t want to be interrupted. O’Sullivan suggests “the professor” will have it coming when it is his turn to ask questions.
Hanson-Young:Hanson-Young:
You can wait to be a pig then.You can wait to be a pig then.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.33pm GMTat 11.33pm GMT
11.22pm GMT11.22pm GMT
23:2223:22
A nice estimates sequence from Mr Bowers, as Gillian Triggs speaks about people’s fear for their safety on Nauru.A nice estimates sequence from Mr Bowers, as Gillian Triggs speaks about people’s fear for their safety on Nauru.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.30pm GMTat 11.30pm GMT
11.18pm GMT11.18pm GMT
23:1823:18
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has moved on to immigration detention. She asks Triggs whether or not she has a view about whether families should be returned to Nauru in the wake of the recent high court judgment.Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has moved on to immigration detention. She asks Triggs whether or not she has a view about whether families should be returned to Nauru in the wake of the recent high court judgment.
Triggs says the commission’s view is conditions on Nauru breach Australia’s international obligations.Triggs says the commission’s view is conditions on Nauru breach Australia’s international obligations.
We have a strong view and that is the conditions on Nauru are conditions are dangerous and unsafe.We have a strong view and that is the conditions on Nauru are conditions are dangerous and unsafe.
She says the families should not be returned.She says the families should not be returned.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.28pm GMTat 11.28pm GMT
11.09pm GMT11.09pm GMT
23:0923:09
Labor is plugging away now at an overseas trip taken by Tim Wilson, the human rights/freedom commissioner. Labor senator Jacinta Collins is perturbed Wilson has tacked on some personal time to a work trip. Wilson says everything is absolutely above board. She’s persisting anyway.Labor is plugging away now at an overseas trip taken by Tim Wilson, the human rights/freedom commissioner. Labor senator Jacinta Collins is perturbed Wilson has tacked on some personal time to a work trip. Wilson says everything is absolutely above board. She’s persisting anyway.
Brandis, the minister at the table, eventually chides Collins for being “unfair” to Wilson when she makes a passing reference to the remuneration of a human rights commissioner. Collins digs in, saying she has no dispute with the formal part of Wilson’s program, her questions relate to the private business.Brandis, the minister at the table, eventually chides Collins for being “unfair” to Wilson when she makes a passing reference to the remuneration of a human rights commissioner. Collins digs in, saying she has no dispute with the formal part of Wilson’s program, her questions relate to the private business.
The committee’s chair, LNP senator Ian Macdonald, cuts across and asks Gillian Triggs to provide records of everybody’s overseas travel: all commissioners. He chides Collins on her line of questioning. She tells him he has no business reflecting on her questioning.The committee’s chair, LNP senator Ian Macdonald, cuts across and asks Gillian Triggs to provide records of everybody’s overseas travel: all commissioners. He chides Collins on her line of questioning. She tells him he has no business reflecting on her questioning.
Ian Macdonald:Ian Macdonald:
I’m reluctant to do it.I’m reluctant to do it.
Jacinta Collins:Jacinta Collins:
Then don’t.Then don’t.
Ian Macdonald:Ian Macdonald:
It just seems an unfortunate waste of your time.It just seems an unfortunate waste of your time.
10.52pm GMT10.52pm GMT
22:5222:52
The Attorney General’s Department wasn’t consulted on the Ruddock appointment either. It’s not clear to me whether or not the attorney general George Brandis was consulted. His locution is deliberately convoluted.The Attorney General’s Department wasn’t consulted on the Ruddock appointment either. It’s not clear to me whether or not the attorney general George Brandis was consulted. His locution is deliberately convoluted.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.24pm GMTat 11.24pm GMT
10.49pm GMT10.49pm GMT
22:4922:49
In my other ear, I can hear LNP senator Matt Canavan grilling the HRC president Gillian Triggs in estimates about whether or not Australia has an international obligation to legislate for marriage equality. Triggs is hedging her answer. It’s yes, but on the basis laws are never immutable. Her point is compared countries are moving in that direction, and so should we.In my other ear, I can hear LNP senator Matt Canavan grilling the HRC president Gillian Triggs in estimates about whether or not Australia has an international obligation to legislate for marriage equality. Triggs is hedging her answer. It’s yes, but on the basis laws are never immutable. Her point is compared countries are moving in that direction, and so should we.
Gillian Triggs:Gillian Triggs:
There is an evolving principle of equality. International law does evolve.There is an evolving principle of equality. International law does evolve.
Labor senator Jacinta Collins then asks whether or not she was consulted about Philip Ruddock’s new job – revealed yesterday – as a new human rights envoy.Labor senator Jacinta Collins then asks whether or not she was consulted about Philip Ruddock’s new job – revealed yesterday – as a new human rights envoy.
Triggs:Triggs:
No I was not.No I was not.
(In our office yesterday, we wondered whether or not Ruddock had been given the job the government dangled before Gillian Triggs during all the unpleasantness between Triggs and the government that we now don’t talk about because relations are in a New Phase.)(In our office yesterday, we wondered whether or not Ruddock had been given the job the government dangled before Gillian Triggs during all the unpleasantness between Triggs and the government that we now don’t talk about because relations are in a New Phase.)
10.36pm GMT10.36pm GMT
22:3622:36
The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is on ABC radio in Melbourne now. He says the government is determined to ensure that new arrivals don’t fill detention centres.The immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is on ABC radio in Melbourne now. He says the government is determined to ensure that new arrivals don’t fill detention centres.
Host Jon Faine is determined to emerge from this interview with a commitment for some kind of transparency. Faine points out that the asylum issue is now so divisive in Australia, it might be time to start some healing, some bringing of people together. PDuddy says the national healing will start when some journalists start looking at border protection in a “dispassionate” way. Faine blows a short gasket.Host Jon Faine is determined to emerge from this interview with a commitment for some kind of transparency. Faine points out that the asylum issue is now so divisive in Australia, it might be time to start some healing, some bringing of people together. PDuddy says the national healing will start when some journalists start looking at border protection in a “dispassionate” way. Faine blows a short gasket.
Hang on, he says, you want to talk about facts? How about opening our offshore detention facilities for scrutiny? Dutton notes the host is ignorant of the facts. Faine insists he’s not ignorant of any facts, he knows he can’t go to Nauru. He asks if the minister will facilitate a visit to the island, given there’s apparently no problem with scrutiny.Hang on, he says, you want to talk about facts? How about opening our offshore detention facilities for scrutiny? Dutton notes the host is ignorant of the facts. Faine insists he’s not ignorant of any facts, he knows he can’t go to Nauru. He asks if the minister will facilitate a visit to the island, given there’s apparently no problem with scrutiny.
PDudds is somewhat in a corner here, but he’s a man inclined to press on, undaunted.PDudds is somewhat in a corner here, but he’s a man inclined to press on, undaunted.
PDuddy.PDuddy.
I have no problem with that Jon, but visa issue is a matter for the Nauru government.I have no problem with that Jon, but visa issue is a matter for the Nauru government.
Faine ends the interview by noting he looks forward to his Nauru visit. PDuddy ends the interview by saying he looks forward to another conversation soon.Faine ends the interview by noting he looks forward to his Nauru visit. PDuddy ends the interview by saying he looks forward to another conversation soon.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23pm GMTat 11.23pm GMT
10.13pm GMT10.13pm GMT
22:1322:13
Senate estimates are underway now. The Human Rights Commission is up early. As my colleague Shalailah Medhora reports, a new sex discrimination commissioner is on the way.Senate estimates are underway now. The Human Rights Commission is up early. As my colleague Shalailah Medhora reports, a new sex discrimination commissioner is on the way.
Attorney general says sex discrimination commissioner will be announced this week, filling vacancy left by @LizBroderick in Sept #estimatesAttorney general says sex discrimination commissioner will be announced this week, filling vacancy left by @LizBroderick in Sept #estimates
Cabinet confirmed decision of who will become the next sex discrimination commissioner yesterday, Brandis said #estimatesCabinet confirmed decision of who will become the next sex discrimination commissioner yesterday, Brandis said #estimates
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.14pm GMTat 10.14pm GMT
10.06pm GMT10.06pm GMT
22:0622:06
Having given you a taste of Paul’s thoughts, I’ll just add one (considerably less than perfectly formed thought) about Turnbull and Indigenous affairs. It is inevitable that Turnbull’s approach will be compared to and contrasted with his predecessor, Tony Abbott.Having given you a taste of Paul’s thoughts, I’ll just add one (considerably less than perfectly formed thought) about Turnbull and Indigenous affairs. It is inevitable that Turnbull’s approach will be compared to and contrasted with his predecessor, Tony Abbott.
Readers will remember Abbott prided himself on putting Indigenous affairs at the heart of decision making (leaving aside, briefly, the millions of dollars he cut from programs in that process). While his efforts may have looked meagre to many people spectating from the sidelines, the focus nonetheless caused Abbott grief internally, with conservatives both within the Coalition and with commentators like Andrew Bolt. The teensy tiny hedged activism cost him something.Readers will remember Abbott prided himself on putting Indigenous affairs at the heart of decision making (leaving aside, briefly, the millions of dollars he cut from programs in that process). While his efforts may have looked meagre to many people spectating from the sidelines, the focus nonetheless caused Abbott grief internally, with conservatives both within the Coalition and with commentators like Andrew Bolt. The teensy tiny hedged activism cost him something.
If we project that thought to Turnbull, who of course has his own trouble with conservatives on a range of fronts, you can start to see the some of the delicacy for Turnbull associated with defining his own terms of engagement.If we project that thought to Turnbull, who of course has his own trouble with conservatives on a range of fronts, you can start to see the some of the delicacy for Turnbull associated with defining his own terms of engagement.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.08pm GMTat 10.08pm GMT
9.54pm GMT9.54pm GMT
21:5421:54
Good morning Mike Bowers, who is down at the reconciliation event.Good morning Mike Bowers, who is down at the reconciliation event.
Paul Daley has written a typically terrific piece this morning about closing the gap. Given several prominent Indigenous leaders are out and about this morning calling on Malcolm Turnbull to define the terms of his relationship with Indigenous people – a couple of interesting observations from Paul here.Paul Daley has written a typically terrific piece this morning about closing the gap. Given several prominent Indigenous leaders are out and about this morning calling on Malcolm Turnbull to define the terms of his relationship with Indigenous people – a couple of interesting observations from Paul here.
Malcolm Turnbull, who has shown no sign that the shameful crisis in Indigenous wellbeing is a priority for his government (tick tax reform, tick border control and immigration, but what about the blackfellas?) has, however, done two things right during his brief tenure.Malcolm Turnbull, who has shown no sign that the shameful crisis in Indigenous wellbeing is a priority for his government (tick tax reform, tick border control and immigration, but what about the blackfellas?) has, however, done two things right during his brief tenure.
The first was that he did not succumb to pressure to reappoint Mal - Mr Intervention – Brough to the Indigenous Affairs portfolio. Brough, possessed of the paternalism of the old mission manager and the unquestioning strong arm of the bullying drill sergeant, was loathed during the Howard government era by all but a few select Indigenous leaders as an arrogant and destructive blow-hard who used the portfolio for little but furtherance of his deluded leadership ambitions.The first was that he did not succumb to pressure to reappoint Mal - Mr Intervention – Brough to the Indigenous Affairs portfolio. Brough, possessed of the paternalism of the old mission manager and the unquestioning strong arm of the bullying drill sergeant, was loathed during the Howard government era by all but a few select Indigenous leaders as an arrogant and destructive blow-hard who used the portfolio for little but furtherance of his deluded leadership ambitions.
Turnbull stuck with journeyman Nigel Scullion instead.Turnbull stuck with journeyman Nigel Scullion instead.
Turnbull’s second, small positive initiative, was to make his first low-key formal contact with an Aboriginal community at La Perouse in Sydney, rather than through a PR-driven Abbott era carnival-style sweep through a “real” remote community in northern Australia trailed by a largely unquestioning, ill-informed, media pack. This reflected the (encouraging) realisation of Turnbull – or that of someone in his office – that three-quarters of first Australians do not live in the bush, and that the developing world-poverty, appalling life expectancies and other associated Closing the Gap indicators of Indigenous Australians that can be linked back to invasion in 1788 and dispossession, are right under the noses of non-Indigenous city people.Turnbull’s second, small positive initiative, was to make his first low-key formal contact with an Aboriginal community at La Perouse in Sydney, rather than through a PR-driven Abbott era carnival-style sweep through a “real” remote community in northern Australia trailed by a largely unquestioning, ill-informed, media pack. This reflected the (encouraging) realisation of Turnbull – or that of someone in his office – that three-quarters of first Australians do not live in the bush, and that the developing world-poverty, appalling life expectancies and other associated Closing the Gap indicators of Indigenous Australians that can be linked back to invasion in 1788 and dispossession, are right under the noses of non-Indigenous city people.
That’s it for Turnbull so far. So let’s watch his response to the latest appalling indicators on Wednesday to see if he offers a response beyond the algorithmic, beyond the bipartisan smokescreen that might assuage non-Indigenous guilt and reassure a horrified global community that the Australian commonwealth is at least vigilant when it comes to the appalling plight of its indigenes.That’s it for Turnbull so far. So let’s watch his response to the latest appalling indicators on Wednesday to see if he offers a response beyond the algorithmic, beyond the bipartisan smokescreen that might assuage non-Indigenous guilt and reassure a horrified global community that the Australian commonwealth is at least vigilant when it comes to the appalling plight of its indigenes.
You can read Paul’s column here.You can read Paul’s column here.
9.41pm GMT9.41pm GMT
21:4121:41
The shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus has surfaced now in the Sky News studios. He’s asked whether it is possible that the Chinese officials just misinterpreted Stuart Robert’s appearance at a contract signing.The shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus has surfaced now in the Sky News studios. He’s asked whether it is possible that the Chinese officials just misinterpreted Stuart Robert’s appearance at a contract signing.
Dreyfus doesn’t think so.Dreyfus doesn’t think so.
He (Robert) has misused his public office. I think that is absolutely clear. I don’t accept for a moment he went in a private capacity. The only proper approach was not to be there at all.He (Robert) has misused his public office. I think that is absolutely clear. I don’t accept for a moment he went in a private capacity. The only proper approach was not to be there at all.
Q: Does it warrant sacking?Q: Does it warrant sacking?
It’s a clear breach of ministerial standards. Mr Turnbull needs to show some leadership.It’s a clear breach of ministerial standards. Mr Turnbull needs to show some leadership.
Q: You are stopping short then of calling for him to be sacked?Q: You are stopping short then of calling for him to be sacked?
It’s the clearest possible breach of ministerial standards. We need a full [explanatory] statement [of the conduct] and that’s what should happen today.It’s the clearest possible breach of ministerial standards. We need a full [explanatory] statement [of the conduct] and that’s what should happen today.
9.33pm GMT9.33pm GMT
21:3321:33
As far as I am aware, Robert has made no public statements since the story of his 2014 travels surfaced yesterday in the Herald Sun, but a copy of his letter to the prime minister yesterday has been circulated. I’ll transcribe it here so you are across the contents.As far as I am aware, Robert has made no public statements since the story of his 2014 travels surfaced yesterday in the Herald Sun, but a copy of his letter to the prime minister yesterday has been circulated. I’ll transcribe it here so you are across the contents.
Dear Malcolm,Dear Malcolm,
As you are aware certain questions have arisen publicly regarding a visit I undertook overseas in a personal capacity in 2014. I am confident that I have not acted inappropriately but I am cognisant of the high standards expected of all ministers and I write to ask you to seek advice from the secretary of the department of prime minister and cabinet on these matters. I will, of course, fully assist the secretary.As you are aware certain questions have arisen publicly regarding a visit I undertook overseas in a personal capacity in 2014. I am confident that I have not acted inappropriately but I am cognisant of the high standards expected of all ministers and I write to ask you to seek advice from the secretary of the department of prime minister and cabinet on these matters. I will, of course, fully assist the secretary.
Yours sincerely,Yours sincerely,
Stuart RobertStuart Robert
9.27pm GMT9.27pm GMT
21:2721:27
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
Morning, just a quick overnight report on Stuart Robert. In Senate estimates some senators sought to find out how the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet would handle the investigation into the possible breach of ministerial standards.Morning, just a quick overnight report on Stuart Robert. In Senate estimates some senators sought to find out how the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet would handle the investigation into the possible breach of ministerial standards.
Alas, most of the questions went unanswered on the basis the prime minister had only just put in the request that afternoon. Labor’s deputy Senate leader, Stephen Conroy, wanted to know if Robert would be interviewed personally and whether the full transcript of his controversial speech at the mining celebration in Beijing would be released publicly. The PM&C deputy secretary, Elizabeth Kelly, told the committee she was yet to talk to the newly appointed secretary, Martin Parkinson, about the way in which he wanted to proceed: “I don’t think there is a usual process. The secretary’s advice is sought, the secretary then determines the appropriate way to inform himself.”Alas, most of the questions went unanswered on the basis the prime minister had only just put in the request that afternoon. Labor’s deputy Senate leader, Stephen Conroy, wanted to know if Robert would be interviewed personally and whether the full transcript of his controversial speech at the mining celebration in Beijing would be released publicly. The PM&C deputy secretary, Elizabeth Kelly, told the committee she was yet to talk to the newly appointed secretary, Martin Parkinson, about the way in which he wanted to proceed: “I don’t think there is a usual process. The secretary’s advice is sought, the secretary then determines the appropriate way to inform himself.”
Kelly confirmed Robert’s request for personal leave from 15 to 22 August 2014 had been approved by the former prime minister, Tony Abbott. (The mining event that he said he attended in a “private capacity” occurred on 18 August 2014.) As for the claim that Robert bestowed a medal on behalf of the prime minister, Kelly said she was unaware of the existence of such a medal: “I’m not familiar with such a thing.”Kelly confirmed Robert’s request for personal leave from 15 to 22 August 2014 had been approved by the former prime minister, Tony Abbott. (The mining event that he said he attended in a “private capacity” occurred on 18 August 2014.) As for the claim that Robert bestowed a medal on behalf of the prime minister, Kelly said she was unaware of the existence of such a medal: “I’m not familiar with such a thing.”
9.22pm GMT9.22pm GMT
21:2221:22
I’ll come back to some necessary bits and pieces about Stuart Robert but first, an update on the other major themes of this morning.I’ll come back to some necessary bits and pieces about Stuart Robert but first, an update on the other major themes of this morning.
My neighbour, the West Australian’s political editor, Andrew Probyn, helpfully reminds us about a privatisation proposal we’d all almost forgotten about: a proposal that Medicare, pharmaceutical and aged-care benefits be delivered in the future by the private sector. (From memory, this idea first appeared in Tony Abbott’s commission of audit report.)My neighbour, the West Australian’s political editor, Andrew Probyn, helpfully reminds us about a privatisation proposal we’d all almost forgotten about: a proposal that Medicare, pharmaceutical and aged-care benefits be delivered in the future by the private sector. (From memory, this idea first appeared in Tony Abbott’s commission of audit report.)
Andrew reports this morning “that planning for the ambitious but politically risky outsourcing of government payments is well-advanced, with a view to making it a key feature of treasurer Scott Morrison’s first budget in May.”Andrew reports this morning “that planning for the ambitious but politically risky outsourcing of government payments is well-advanced, with a view to making it a key feature of treasurer Scott Morrison’s first budget in May.”
Shorten’s nostrils flared happily at the mere mention of the word Medicare this morning. He’s declared if the prime minister wants to have an election on Medicare, then B-I-O-B. (Bring it on, baby.)Shorten’s nostrils flared happily at the mere mention of the word Medicare this morning. He’s declared if the prime minister wants to have an election on Medicare, then B-I-O-B. (Bring it on, baby.)
With the “closing the gap” statement to parliament due this week, my colleague Bridie Jabour has a curtain raiser.With the “closing the gap” statement to parliament due this week, my colleague Bridie Jabour has a curtain raiser.
The latest State of Reconciliation in Australia report finds that thirty per cent of the general Australian community socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and while support for reconciliation is increasing, the government needs a more focused policy approach. While government intentions for Indigenous Australians were sound, there was only a “piecemeal” approach in policy.The latest State of Reconciliation in Australia report finds that thirty per cent of the general Australian community socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and while support for reconciliation is increasing, the government needs a more focused policy approach. While government intentions for Indigenous Australians were sound, there was only a “piecemeal” approach in policy.
There is a breakfast on this morning in the parliament to mark the release of this report. Indigenous leaders have already hit the airwaves to call on the new prime minister to engage on Indigenous affairs.There is a breakfast on this morning in the parliament to mark the release of this report. Indigenous leaders have already hit the airwaves to call on the new prime minister to engage on Indigenous affairs.
9.02pm GMT9.02pm GMT
21:0221:02
Good morning good people and welcome to Tuesday.Good morning good people and welcome to Tuesday.
The prime minister has barely had time to clear the rowing machine and mop his brow before Labor is unloading on every open microphone about Turnbull’s (insert your adjective of choice) human services minister, Stuart Robert.The prime minister has barely had time to clear the rowing machine and mop his brow before Labor is unloading on every open microphone about Turnbull’s (insert your adjective of choice) human services minister, Stuart Robert.
Readers with me yesterday will know Robert is in the soup courtesy of a trip he took to China with a mining mate and generous donor to the Liberal party in order to witness a commercial agreement. The prime minister has asked his departmental head to report to him about whether the trip constitutes a breach of the ministerial code, which forbids ministers acting as “a consultant or adviser to any company, business, or other interests, whether paid or unpaid, or provide assistance to any such body, except as may be appropriate in their official capacity as minister.”Readers with me yesterday will know Robert is in the soup courtesy of a trip he took to China with a mining mate and generous donor to the Liberal party in order to witness a commercial agreement. The prime minister has asked his departmental head to report to him about whether the trip constitutes a breach of the ministerial code, which forbids ministers acting as “a consultant or adviser to any company, business, or other interests, whether paid or unpaid, or provide assistance to any such body, except as may be appropriate in their official capacity as minister.”
As we launch this morning Bill Shorten is on Radio National and the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is down at the House doors declaring Robert has questions to answer. Adding to the story, the Australian Financial Review is also reporting this morning the minister “met with a senior Chinese minister to discuss Chinese investment in Australia” while on the trip, which Robert has thus far characterised as a self-funded private holiday.As we launch this morning Bill Shorten is on Radio National and the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, is down at the House doors declaring Robert has questions to answer. Adding to the story, the Australian Financial Review is also reporting this morning the minister “met with a senior Chinese minister to discuss Chinese investment in Australia” while on the trip, which Robert has thus far characterised as a self-funded private holiday.
Shorten spoke to reporters before entering the ABC studios, noting “the Stuart Robert scandal is going to become a test of Malcolm Turnbull” – before adding that the prime minister “has lost more ministers than he’s released tax policies.” (You see what he did there, right?)Shorten spoke to reporters before entering the ABC studios, noting “the Stuart Robert scandal is going to become a test of Malcolm Turnbull” – before adding that the prime minister “has lost more ministers than he’s released tax policies.” (You see what he did there, right?)
Once seated in the ABC studio, Shorten noted to his host Fran Kelly “the signs aren’t promising for one of Malcolm Turnbull’s ministers. There’s a lot of explanation required. The opposition is not satisfied that we know all the facts and we will not rest until we do.”Once seated in the ABC studio, Shorten noted to his host Fran Kelly “the signs aren’t promising for one of Malcolm Turnbull’s ministers. There’s a lot of explanation required. The opposition is not satisfied that we know all the facts and we will not rest until we do.”
That gives you an opening picture for the day. Let’s sail forth into this bracing headwind and the million other things I’ve not yet told you about. You can sail forth in the thread, which is now open for your jolly business. You can also reach the Marvellous Mikearoo and I on the twits. He’s @mpbowers and @murpharooThat gives you an opening picture for the day. Let’s sail forth into this bracing headwind and the million other things I’ve not yet told you about. You can sail forth in the thread, which is now open for your jolly business. You can also reach the Marvellous Mikearoo and I on the twits. He’s @mpbowers and @murpharoo
Pop on your life jackets. Here comes Tuesday.Pop on your life jackets. Here comes Tuesday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.29pm GMTat 9.29pm GMT