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Tony Abbott leadership pressure: PM says his government will go 'to the middle of next year' – politics live Tony Abbott leadership pressure: PM says his government will go 'to the middle of next year' – politics live
(35 minutes later)
5.14am BST05:14
Labor asks Warren Truss, deputy PM, about funding for stage two of the Perth freight link.
Truss says the government is totally committed.
5.12am BST05:12
Shorten to Abbott: The PM said earlier today, ‘I’m worried about being the best possible PM.’ Can the PM nominate a single person sitting behind him who thinks he is the best possible PM?
Leader of the house Christopher Pyne suggests to Speaker Tony Smith should rule the question out of order.
It is an argument dressed up as a question.
Speaker concurs and the next question goes to the government on infrastructure projects in Western Australia and the importance of the China Free Trade Agreement. *CANNING*
Trussy gets the question.
It’s quite staggering to know that exports to China from WA have increased from $5bn dollars to $64bn dollars in the last decade.
5.08am BST05:08
Another entry for MT. Go the full anteater.
@MattGlassDarkly @samanthamaiden @TurnbullMalcolm @gabriellechan if youre serious about top job, go the full anteater pic.twitter.com/jdPBEnGlWY
5.06am BST05:06
First question from Bill Shorten on domestic violence.
In the past week, Australians have looked on in horror as three women have been killed at the hands of someone they knew allegedly, highlighting the need for urgent and meaningful action on family violence. Will the PM declare that family violence is a national crisis and will the PM join with me and commit to a family violence package including front line legal services to be funded to ensure women suffering from family violence get the right legal support and programs to keep women safe at home and to help identify opportunities to prevent violence by mapping perpetrator activities?
Abbott says he respects Shorten’s commitment to the debate.
I certainly don’t rule out another summit. I do not rule that out at all. I know that this suggestion is made this very good faith by the leader of the opposition. Obviously much is already happening. There was a COAG summit on domestic violence earlier this year.
Abbott says he will have more to say on domestic violence in the next few days. Abbott also said this yesterday, so Labor is laying the groundwork on the issue.
Next question is on the China Free Trade Agreement.
4.56am BST04:56
More advice for Malcolm T from the twits. You would never be smarmy with a pig.
@MattGlassDarkly @samanthamaiden @gabriellechan If ducks aren't your thing, you could walk a pig @TurnbullMalcolm pic.twitter.com/qC3QQK20gW
4.55am BST04:55
Question time coming up.
4.27am BST04:274.27am BST04:27
Senator McKenzie says farmers want to get rid of the duplication in the water trigger legislation, otherwise known as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation act.Senator McKenzie says farmers want to get rid of the duplication in the water trigger legislation, otherwise known as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation act.
She says the environmental regulations, brought about by “paper pushers”, was costing businesses $426m every year and causing an average time for project approvals of 37 months.She says the environmental regulations, brought about by “paper pushers”, was costing businesses $426m every year and causing an average time for project approvals of 37 months.
We want to ensure our business and farmers as as internationally competitive as they can be so they can employ more Australians.We want to ensure our business and farmers as as internationally competitive as they can be so they can employ more Australians.
We want to see one application.We want to see one application.
4.20am BST04:204.20am BST04:20
Water trigger legislation in the senateWater trigger legislation in the senate
The water trigger legislation is being debated in the senate.The water trigger legislation is being debated in the senate.
National senator Bridget McKenzie says the water trigger, which must examine large projects like mines, is just red tape, causing “overlap” and:National senator Bridget McKenzie says the water trigger, which must examine large projects like mines, is just red tape, causing “overlap” and:
pushing around of papers.pushing around of papers.
If you’re parties that represent bureaucrats...you want to see those jobs protected over working class Australians.If you’re parties that represent bureaucrats...you want to see those jobs protected over working class Australians.
4.15am BST04:154.15am BST04:15
Mike BowersMike Bowers
As the water continued to rise Peter’s witty remarks suddenly didn’t seem as funny anymore. #BrickParliamentAs the water continued to rise Peter’s witty remarks suddenly didn’t seem as funny anymore. #BrickParliament
4.12am BST04:124.12am BST04:12
Alternatives to smarmy dog walking for Malcolm Turnbull, via our Twitter corro Matt Hatter.Alternatives to smarmy dog walking for Malcolm Turnbull, via our Twitter corro Matt Hatter.
@TurnbullMalcolm Have you considered walking a duck? No-one could object to you walking a duck. @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/4zpc9qLOaN@TurnbullMalcolm Have you considered walking a duck? No-one could object to you walking a duck. @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/4zpc9qLOaN
4.08am BST04:084.08am BST04:08
High watermarks.High watermarks.
Updated at 4.15am BSTUpdated at 4.15am BST
4.03am BST04:034.03am BST04:03
Sharman Stone has shattered my image of our workplace, via Olivia Leeming of 2UE.Sharman Stone has shattered my image of our workplace, via Olivia Leeming of 2UE.
@SharmanStone on leadership speculation "if you walk the corridors of parliament today, you wouldn't find universal bliss and peace" #auspol@SharmanStone on leadership speculation "if you walk the corridors of parliament today, you wouldn't find universal bliss and peace" #auspol
#blissandpeace#blissandpeace
3.52am BST03:523.52am BST03:52
Lunchtime politics: a summaryLunchtime politics: a summary
Updated at 4.13am BSTUpdated at 4.13am BST
3.43am BST03:433.43am BST03:43
We are all jumping at shadows today.We are all jumping at shadows today.
Julie Bishop was at a book launch in one of the rooms off the mural hall in Parliament House. My colleague Shalailah Medhora was there to cover it but the entrance to the room was in lockdown after security guards found an unattended backpack. Bishop had to take an alternative exit and refused to comment on leadership on her way out.Julie Bishop was at a book launch in one of the rooms off the mural hall in Parliament House. My colleague Shalailah Medhora was there to cover it but the entrance to the room was in lockdown after security guards found an unattended backpack. Bishop had to take an alternative exit and refused to comment on leadership on her way out.
Mike Bowers reports it’s all fine now. It was a visitor’s bag left in the wrong spot.Mike Bowers reports it’s all fine now. It was a visitor’s bag left in the wrong spot.
Updated at 3.46am BSTUpdated at 3.46am BST
3.28am BST03:283.28am BST03:28
The double dissolution election: what's the go?The double dissolution election: what's the go?
After Laurie Oakes reported that Abbott favours a DD election, there have been many ministers and voters asking why, given the long-term trend in the polls against the government.After Laurie Oakes reported that Abbott favours a DD election, there have been many ministers and voters asking why, given the long-term trend in the polls against the government.
The Machiavellian theory goes that if the government scrapes through the Canning byelection, Abbott would call a snap DD election to ward off a challenge from Malcolm Turnbull.The Machiavellian theory goes that if the government scrapes through the Canning byelection, Abbott would call a snap DD election to ward off a challenge from Malcolm Turnbull.
Under this theory, Abbott may reckon that he could win an election against Bill Shorten and so would prefer a chance to go down fighting – rather than being knocked off as leader and retiring as an ex-prime minister.Under this theory, Abbott may reckon that he could win an election against Bill Shorten and so would prefer a chance to go down fighting – rather than being knocked off as leader and retiring as an ex-prime minister.
Just to reprise the rules of the dreaded DD, this is a method to break a parliamentary deadlock between the houses. It requires that a bill is rejected twice, with three months in between the two votes.Just to reprise the rules of the dreaded DD, this is a method to break a parliamentary deadlock between the houses. It requires that a bill is rejected twice, with three months in between the two votes.
If you cast your mind back, the last DD election was in 1987.If you cast your mind back, the last DD election was in 1987.
The government already has two double-dissolution election triggers, being:The government already has two double-dissolution election triggers, being:
The CEFC is not an ideal issue to fight an election on – if you are the Coalition.The CEFC is not an ideal issue to fight an election on – if you are the Coalition.
The registered orgs bill is more in the ballpark. All things being equal, this could be fought in conjunction with the findings of the royal commission into trade unions.The registered orgs bill is more in the ballpark. All things being equal, this could be fought in conjunction with the findings of the royal commission into trade unions.
BUT:BUT:
If Abbott were to call a DD election, it would mean the quota to get elected to the Senate halves, making it easier for senators from small parties to win office, possibly increasing the difficulty of passing legislation.If Abbott were to call a DD election, it would mean the quota to get elected to the Senate halves, making it easier for senators from small parties to win office, possibly increasing the difficulty of passing legislation.
That is the bit that doesn’t compute.That is the bit that doesn’t compute.
Bear in mind, this very morning Abbott himself said he expected the government would go until at least halfway into next year.Bear in mind, this very morning Abbott himself said he expected the government would go until at least halfway into next year.
Bets, anyone?Bets, anyone?
Updated at 3.32am BSTUpdated at 3.32am BST
2.47am BST02:472.47am BST02:47
Meanwhile:Meanwhile:
an indication of someone being a bit up themselves.an indication of someone being a bit up themselves.
Ray Hadley: collar up. pic.twitter.com/mYYoQA4C4jRay Hadley: collar up. pic.twitter.com/mYYoQA4C4j
2.43am BST02:432.43am BST02:43
In his press conference on the water amendment, environment minister Greg Hunt has been helping his parliamentary secretary, Bob Baldwin, who was on the Daily Telegraph’s hit list to lose his position.In his press conference on the water amendment, environment minister Greg Hunt has been helping his parliamentary secretary, Bob Baldwin, who was on the Daily Telegraph’s hit list to lose his position.
A reporter asks Baldwin if he has the prime minister’s support, at which point Hunt says he contacted Baldwin to reassure him. Here is Hunt:A reporter asks Baldwin if he has the prime minister’s support, at which point Hunt says he contacted Baldwin to reassure him. Here is Hunt:
Let me say something here. I know from talking with the prime minister that Bob’s at an absolute high watermark in his career. He’s just achieved something which many people thought was impossible. It was viewed that we could never bring the states together [on the water bill]. I would like to claim responsibility for this achievement. The fact is Bob Baldwin brought all the states together.Let me say something here. I know from talking with the prime minister that Bob’s at an absolute high watermark in his career. He’s just achieved something which many people thought was impossible. It was viewed that we could never bring the states together [on the water bill]. I would like to claim responsibility for this achievement. The fact is Bob Baldwin brought all the states together.
I wonder if Hunt knows what a high watermark is...I wonder if Hunt knows what a high watermark is...
Updated at 4.15am BSTUpdated at 4.15am BST
2.24am BST02:242.24am BST02:24
Apologies. I would love to join the comment thread but I am having some technical issues accessing them.Apologies. I would love to join the comment thread but I am having some technical issues accessing them.
2.23am BST02:232.23am BST02:23
Queen of the Girl Guides.Queen of the Girl Guides.
Updated at 2.45am BSTUpdated at 2.45am BST
2.03am BST02:032.03am BST02:03
The Senate is debating the Treasury Legislation amendment (small business and unfair contract terms) bill 2015.The Senate is debating the Treasury Legislation amendment (small business and unfair contract terms) bill 2015.
When the bill was introduced, minister Nigel Scullion explained the effect in the Senate.When the bill was introduced, minister Nigel Scullion explained the effect in the Senate.
Under the new protections, a court will be able to strike out a term of a small business contract that it considers unfair. For example, a term that allows the business offering the contract to unilaterally change the price or key terms could be considered unfair.Under the new protections, a court will be able to strike out a term of a small business contract that it considers unfair. For example, a term that allows the business offering the contract to unilaterally change the price or key terms could be considered unfair.
In this way, this bill provides a remedy for small businesses when an unfair contract term is included in a standard form contract. This will reduce the incentive to include and enforce unfair terms in contracts with small businesses, providing for a more efficient allocation of risk and giving small businesses greater confidence to enter into contracts to invest and grow their business.In this way, this bill provides a remedy for small businesses when an unfair contract term is included in a standard form contract. This will reduce the incentive to include and enforce unfair terms in contracts with small businesses, providing for a more efficient allocation of risk and giving small businesses greater confidence to enter into contracts to invest and grow their business.
Updated at 2.05am BSTUpdated at 2.05am BST
1.43am BST01:431.43am BST01:43
Environment minister Greg Hunt is coming out at 11am to speak about the Water Act.Environment minister Greg Hunt is coming out at 11am to speak about the Water Act.
1.42am BST01:421.42am BST01:42
Bill Shorten was stopped at the airport to comment on the Liberal leadership. He said, without a hint of irony:Bill Shorten was stopped at the airport to comment on the Liberal leadership. He said, without a hint of irony:
I just wish the Liberal party would get on with doing their day job of running the Australian economy well. It’s not which salesman the Liberal party pick that matters to Australia, it’s what they’re trying to sell Australians. Growth is down, unemployment is up, confidence is down and all we see is this ugly spectacle of Mr Abbott trying to save his job and other people in his own party, the Liberal party, tearing Mr Abbott down. It is long overdue for the Liberal party of Australia to start focussing on the jobs of ordinary Australians, not just their own jobs.I just wish the Liberal party would get on with doing their day job of running the Australian economy well. It’s not which salesman the Liberal party pick that matters to Australia, it’s what they’re trying to sell Australians. Growth is down, unemployment is up, confidence is down and all we see is this ugly spectacle of Mr Abbott trying to save his job and other people in his own party, the Liberal party, tearing Mr Abbott down. It is long overdue for the Liberal party of Australia to start focussing on the jobs of ordinary Australians, not just their own jobs.
Updated at 1.44am BSTUpdated at 1.44am BST
1.32am BST01:321.32am BST01:32
The third reading vote on the amendment to the Water Act, mentioned earlier, was:The third reading vote on the amendment to the Water Act, mentioned earlier, was:
Aye – 39; no – 9Aye – 39; no – 9
The Water Amendment Bill 2015 has passed the #Senate without amendmentThe Water Amendment Bill 2015 has passed the #Senate without amendment
Updated at 1.44am BSTUpdated at 1.44am BST
1.29am BST01:291.29am BST01:29
I support the leader.I support the leader.
1.27am BST01:271.27am BST01:27
No upturned collars here.No upturned collars here.
1.25am BST01:251.25am BST01:25
The Senate is voting now on a water bill – not the water trigger.The Senate is voting now on a water bill – not the water trigger.
The bill would:The bill would:
Amend: the Water Act 2007, to impose a duty on the commonwealth not to exceed the 1,500 gigalitre limit on surface water purchases in the Murray-Darling Basin at the time of entering into a water purchase contract; and the Basin Plan 2012, to provide flexibility in the recovery of 450 gigalitres of water for the environment through efficiency measures funded under the Water for the Environment Special Account.Amend: the Water Act 2007, to impose a duty on the commonwealth not to exceed the 1,500 gigalitre limit on surface water purchases in the Murray-Darling Basin at the time of entering into a water purchase contract; and the Basin Plan 2012, to provide flexibility in the recovery of 450 gigalitres of water for the environment through efficiency measures funded under the Water for the Environment Special Account.
Essentially, it caps the water which government can buy back from irrigators.Essentially, it caps the water which government can buy back from irrigators.
Updated at 1.30am BSTUpdated at 1.30am BST
12.56am BST00:5612.56am BST00:56
Scott Morrison is doing a doorstop after the Ray Hadley interview.Scott Morrison is doing a doorstop after the Ray Hadley interview.
He knows nothing. No one has spoken to him about leadership. Someone asks about refugee resettlement.He knows nothing. No one has spoken to him about leadership. Someone asks about refugee resettlement.
A policy question. Excellent.A policy question. Excellent.
He is urging people to help by engaging with local members or local community centres.He is urging people to help by engaging with local members or local community centres.
It’s a tough thing to move where people have been unsettled in places for years ... It’s tough to move from that environment into a country like Australia and get on your feet ... You don’t just bring them all in a big plane and put them in a tent and say good luck.It’s a tough thing to move where people have been unsettled in places for years ... It’s tough to move from that environment into a country like Australia and get on your feet ... You don’t just bring them all in a big plane and put them in a tent and say good luck.
His point is the settlement of 12,000 Syrian refugees needs to be an orderly process.His point is the settlement of 12,000 Syrian refugees needs to be an orderly process.
Updated at 12.59am BSTUpdated at 12.59am BST
12.49am BST00:4912.49am BST00:49
Boom boom boom.Boom boom boom.
Cab Min @ScottMorrisonMP on #boomgate - "We'll all look heavenward everyroom we walk into to look for that big boom" pic.twitter.com/cBXed3PvI5Cab Min @ScottMorrisonMP on #boomgate - "We'll all look heavenward everyroom we walk into to look for that big boom" pic.twitter.com/cBXed3PvI5
12.47am BST00:4712.47am BST00:47
Ray Hadley is onto the Peter Dutton joke about climate change.Ray Hadley is onto the Peter Dutton joke about climate change.
Hadley suggests Andrew Bolt has provided evidence that sea levels won’t engulf those Pacific islands.Hadley suggests Andrew Bolt has provided evidence that sea levels won’t engulf those Pacific islands.
Scott Morrison: Hmmmm.Scott Morrison: Hmmmm.
It was just not a very good joke, says Hadley.It was just not a very good joke, says Hadley.
It was light-hearted remark not intended to offend, says Morrison.It was light-hearted remark not intended to offend, says Morrison.
It’s back to footy now. ScoMo sounds quite relieved.It’s back to footy now. ScoMo sounds quite relieved.
Updated at 12.48am BSTUpdated at 12.48am BST
12.40am BST00:4012.40am BST00:40
Scott Morrison is saying nothing to see here Ray. Andrew Robb and Ian Macfarlane are terrific ministers, says Morrison, who is calming the waters after they were on the infamous Daily Telegraph hit list.Scott Morrison is saying nothing to see here Ray. Andrew Robb and Ian Macfarlane are terrific ministers, says Morrison, who is calming the waters after they were on the infamous Daily Telegraph hit list.
Hadley hops in to Malcolm Turnbull again:Hadley hops in to Malcolm Turnbull again:
Don’t forget that stupid collar (which was turned up).Don’t forget that stupid collar (which was turned up).
It doesn’t happen in the western suburbs but it is “the domain of eastern suburbs types”.It doesn’t happen in the western suburbs but it is “the domain of eastern suburbs types”.
It’s a bit of a wank ... it’s an indication of someone being a bit up themselves.It’s a bit of a wank ... it’s an indication of someone being a bit up themselves.
Updated at 12.42am BSTUpdated at 12.42am BST
12.35am BST00:3512.35am BST00:35
Ray Hadley sets in to Malcolm Turnbull and his destabilising behaviour.Ray Hadley sets in to Malcolm Turnbull and his destabilising behaviour.
Are people plotting at the moment, demands Ray.Are people plotting at the moment, demands Ray.
I don’t know mate. I’m not going to amplify this.I don’t know mate. I’m not going to amplify this.
Hadley demands Morrison condemn Turnbull. Morrison says he hasn’t seen Turnbull doing anything naughty. Hadley:Hadley demands Morrison condemn Turnbull. Morrison says he hasn’t seen Turnbull doing anything naughty. Hadley:
I saw him, smarmy, walking down the street with his dog and having an organised chat with his wife ... honestly, you didn’t come down in the last shower.I saw him, smarmy, walking down the street with his dog and having an organised chat with his wife ... honestly, you didn’t come down in the last shower.
Hadley wants to know why Morrison doesn’t condemn Turnbull, given Turnbull needs Morrison if he is going to win a challenge. Hadley knows this because Graham Richardson said so.Hadley wants to know why Morrison doesn’t condemn Turnbull, given Turnbull needs Morrison if he is going to win a challenge. Hadley knows this because Graham Richardson said so.
Morrison says Richardson overstates his (Morrison’s) importance.Morrison says Richardson overstates his (Morrison’s) importance.
Updated at 12.38am BSTUpdated at 12.38am BST
12.30am BST00:3012.30am BST00:30
Social services minister Scott Morrison is coming up via his morning slot with Ray Hadley.Social services minister Scott Morrison is coming up via his morning slot with Ray Hadley.
Morrison reports he is a happy shark.Morrison reports he is a happy shark.
12.24am BST00:2412.24am BST00:24
Getting on with decisive governmentGetting on with decisive government
The prime minister is asked about Jay Weatherill’s threat to come after the federal government over the state of South Australia’s economy due to manufacturing closures, notably that of the car industry.The prime minister is asked about Jay Weatherill’s threat to come after the federal government over the state of South Australia’s economy due to manufacturing closures, notably that of the car industry.
Q: You’re standing next to a premier who said he was going to come after you, after Christopher Pyne, after Jamie Briggs ... every Liberal MP he could think of, he was going to come after them at the next election. It’s not just in Canberra, you have people coming at you. You have state premiers coming at you. Don’t you have to take some decisive action to protect your leadership?Q: You’re standing next to a premier who said he was going to come after you, after Christopher Pyne, after Jamie Briggs ... every Liberal MP he could think of, he was going to come after them at the next election. It’s not just in Canberra, you have people coming at you. You have state premiers coming at you. Don’t you have to take some decisive action to protect your leadership?
The decisive action I’m doing ... is things like committing to build the northern connector, committing to things like the Perth gateway and the Armadale road. Committing to things like a fleet build centred here in Adelaide. I am getting on with decisive government. I’m not going to play the Canberra game. I’m just not.The decisive action I’m doing ... is things like committing to build the northern connector, committing to things like the Perth gateway and the Armadale road. Committing to things like a fleet build centred here in Adelaide. I am getting on with decisive government. I’m not going to play the Canberra game. I’m just not.
Updated at 12.29am BSTUpdated at 12.29am BST
12.14am BST00:1412.14am BST00:14
Abbott won't chase rabbits.Abbott won't chase rabbits.
Prime minister, why do you think you’ve been unable to stop leadership speculation?Prime minister, why do you think you’ve been unable to stop leadership speculation?
Well, again, I’m just not going to chase all of these rabbits down all of the burrows that you are inviting me to go down. I’m just not gonna play the Canberra games. Other people can play Canberra games. The public don’t like this insider gossip. The public don’t like the Canberra games, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m never going play them.Well, again, I’m just not going to chase all of these rabbits down all of the burrows that you are inviting me to go down. I’m just not gonna play the Canberra games. Other people can play Canberra games. The public don’t like this insider gossip. The public don’t like the Canberra games, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m never going play them.
Updated at 12.23am BSTUpdated at 12.23am BST
12.12am BST00:1212.12am BST00:12
Abbott: I expect the government to go three years and then submit myself to the peopleAbbott: I expect the government to go three years and then submit myself to the people
Tony Abbott is asked, given ministers are leaking against him, why not just call an election and be done with it?Tony Abbott is asked, given ministers are leaking against him, why not just call an election and be done with it?
My job is to do what the public elected me to do two years ago, and that is to govern effectively everyday for three years and then submit myself to the judgment of the people. But I expect that the government will go to the middle of next year and maybe a bit beyond, because that’s what we were elected to do three years ago.My job is to do what the public elected me to do two years ago, and that is to govern effectively everyday for three years and then submit myself to the judgment of the people. But I expect that the government will go to the middle of next year and maybe a bit beyond, because that’s what we were elected to do three years ago.
12.10am BST00:1012.10am BST00:10
The infrastructure prime minister is announcing a $1bn northern connector road project.The infrastructure prime minister is announcing a $1bn northern connector road project.
As you know, I’m in Adelaide quite often. I was in Adelaide a few weeks ago to make a very, very significant commitment, not just to ship building but to fleet building focused here in South Australia.As you know, I’m in Adelaide quite often. I was in Adelaide a few weeks ago to make a very, very significant commitment, not just to ship building but to fleet building focused here in South Australia.
The first question is about leadership. He says, not in so many words, fair cop. A couple of questions on this “$1bn commitment”.The first question is about leadership. He says, not in so many words, fair cop. A couple of questions on this “$1bn commitment”.
Second question is on the Coalition seats in danger in South Australia. Abbott raises an eyebrow but then answers reluctantly, segueing into keeping his commitments like building roads and creating jobs.Second question is on the Coalition seats in danger in South Australia. Abbott raises an eyebrow but then answers reluctantly, segueing into keeping his commitments like building roads and creating jobs.
Updated at 12.21am BSTUpdated at 12.21am BST
12.04am BST00:0412.04am BST00:04
Tony Abbott is up now with South Australian premier Jay Weatherill.Tony Abbott is up now with South Australian premier Jay Weatherill.
It’s a great day in a great state with a great future.It’s a great day in a great state with a great future.
12.02am BST00:0212.02am BST00:02
Mathais Cormann: I am focused on the job.Mathais Cormann: I am focused on the job.
Updated at 12.08am BSTUpdated at 12.08am BST
11.45pm BST23:4511.45pm BST23:45
There is an important bill coming up in the Senate, expected today.There is an important bill coming up in the Senate, expected today.
It is related to the water trigger. This is the law that gives the federal government powers over large environmental projects like the Adani and Shenhua coalmines, to assess the effect of such projects on water and biodiversity.It is related to the water trigger. This is the law that gives the federal government powers over large environmental projects like the Adani and Shenhua coalmines, to assess the effect of such projects on water and biodiversity.
The law came in under Labor after the bill was pushed and negotiated by former independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott. You may remember long, long ago, back at the 2013 election, Tony Abbott and environment minister Greg Hunt promised an environmental one-stop shop, which would send that power back to the states. In other words, no federal oversight over mega-projects. The Coalition were overwhelmingly open about this, even though environmental groups and sections of the farming community went nuts. (Technical term.)The law came in under Labor after the bill was pushed and negotiated by former independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott. You may remember long, long ago, back at the 2013 election, Tony Abbott and environment minister Greg Hunt promised an environmental one-stop shop, which would send that power back to the states. In other words, no federal oversight over mega-projects. The Coalition were overwhelmingly open about this, even though environmental groups and sections of the farming community went nuts. (Technical term.)
So the amendment was drafted but the Senate was not going to wear this particular legislation and it was blocked. It went into a bottom drawer from there, somewhere in a Senate desk, and there it sat. Ticking.So the amendment was drafted but the Senate was not going to wear this particular legislation and it was blocked. It went into a bottom drawer from there, somewhere in a Senate desk, and there it sat. Ticking.
Now it is back on the business paper in the Senate.Now it is back on the business paper in the Senate.
Here is what it actually says, in part. The bill:Here is what it actually says, in part. The bill:
amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in relation to bilateral agreements by providing that:amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in relation to bilateral agreements by providing that:
Updated at 11.57pm BSTUpdated at 11.57pm BST
11.07pm BST23:0711.07pm BST23:07
While everyone is talking about him, Tony Abbott continues his schedule. He is in Adelaide to visit to the South Australian Traffic Management Centre and will appear at 8.30am Canberra time. Adelaide spells trouble for the Coalition, where independent senator Nick Xenophon’s plan for world domination is going from strength to strength. I will bring you pictures as soon as they are posted.While everyone is talking about him, Tony Abbott continues his schedule. He is in Adelaide to visit to the South Australian Traffic Management Centre and will appear at 8.30am Canberra time. Adelaide spells trouble for the Coalition, where independent senator Nick Xenophon’s plan for world domination is going from strength to strength. I will bring you pictures as soon as they are posted.
Updated at 11.45pm BSTUpdated at 11.45pm BST
10.58pm BST22:5810.58pm BST22:58
Good morning political punters.Good morning political punters.
The blossom trees are putting on a show in the national capital this morning as MPs gather in Canberra. A number of tracksuit-clad members could be seen on the way in, taking the airs, as Jane Austen might say. In this highly febrile atmosphere, it is very important to clear the head – if only to get away from the phones.The blossom trees are putting on a show in the national capital this morning as MPs gather in Canberra. A number of tracksuit-clad members could be seen on the way in, taking the airs, as Jane Austen might say. In this highly febrile atmosphere, it is very important to clear the head – if only to get away from the phones.
Just to recap, leadership chatter started again late last week but it was Channel Nine’s Laurie Oakes who added fuel to the fire last night when he reported that Malcolm Turnbull had been both asked to challenge and asked to rule out a challenge by his colleagues.Just to recap, leadership chatter started again late last week but it was Channel Nine’s Laurie Oakes who added fuel to the fire last night when he reported that Malcolm Turnbull had been both asked to challenge and asked to rule out a challenge by his colleagues.
Oakes also reported that Tony Abbott was considering a snap election after the Canning byelection, in theory to head off any Turnbull challenge.Oakes also reported that Tony Abbott was considering a snap election after the Canning byelection, in theory to head off any Turnbull challenge.
Lenore Taylor reports that Andrew Nikolic demanded Turnbull issue a public statement disavowing any intention of a challenge. Ministers have told her that the current situation is untenable and that a challenge is inevitable.Lenore Taylor reports that Andrew Nikolic demanded Turnbull issue a public statement disavowing any intention of a challenge. Ministers have told her that the current situation is untenable and that a challenge is inevitable.
Mathias Cormann, finance minister and keeper of the lines, is telling Fran Kelly he is not at all distracted by the political noise.Mathias Cormann, finance minister and keeper of the lines, is telling Fran Kelly he is not at all distracted by the political noise.
No, he is not distracted. No, he is not frustrated. No, he is not angry. He is focussed.No, he is not distracted. No, he is not frustrated. No, he is not angry. He is focussed.
I support the leadership team of Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop.I support the leadership team of Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop.
Cormann, is of course, a man of the west and he has been doing his bit in Canning. This morning, an Ipsos poll in Fairfax has a two-party-preferred swing in that seat of 9.8% against the government, which is pretty close to the poll by Galaxy over the weekend which had the swing at 10%. The Coalition holds the seat by 11.8%.Cormann, is of course, a man of the west and he has been doing his bit in Canning. This morning, an Ipsos poll in Fairfax has a two-party-preferred swing in that seat of 9.8% against the government, which is pretty close to the poll by Galaxy over the weekend which had the swing at 10%. The Coalition holds the seat by 11.8%.
Cormann is asked whether anyone is talking about Tony Abbott in Canning.Cormann is asked whether anyone is talking about Tony Abbott in Canning.
The mood in the west is very good.The mood in the west is very good.
Which could mean they are talking Abbott. Or not.Which could mean they are talking Abbott. Or not.
On Sky earlier, Cormann said Tony Abbott will be prime minister at the election.On Sky earlier, Cormann said Tony Abbott will be prime minister at the election.
Stick with us. There are some interesting things happening in the parliament itself. Yes, I’m talking about legislation: *drink*Stick with us. There are some interesting things happening in the parliament itself. Yes, I’m talking about legislation: *drink*
So fire up the Twits with me @gabriellechan and that man with the lens @mpbowers.So fire up the Twits with me @gabriellechan and that man with the lens @mpbowers.
Updated at 11.46pm BSTUpdated at 11.46pm BST