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| Malcolm Turnbull gets down to work as Tony Abbott declares he will stay – question time live | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 5.48am BST05:48 | |
| A government question to Peter Dutton: Will the minister update the house on the role of the 457 visa in creating jobs and building the economy and how does engagement with our overseas neighbours help boost jobs and growth here in Australia and what obstacles are there to that engagement? | |
| PDuddy’s answer is all about the CFMEU. I think there was a 457 in there somewhere. | |
| Labor’s Richard Marles asks PDuddy about his text to Turnbull offering his resignation. Labor wants to know if he has had an answer back yet or even a conversation. | |
| Dutton says he has had a conversation with Turnbull about the 12,000 Syrians coming into the country under the special humanitarian intake. Dutton says because the government stopped the boats, the government could take extra people. | |
| We don’t know if he has had an answer to the resignation text. | |
| 5.43am BST05:43 | |
| Kevin Andrews steps into the broad church | |
| Labor to the outgoing defence minister Kevin Andrews: Does the minister stand by his statement on Monday about the prime minister, and I quote, “to bring on a leadership challenge within days. What is it? Five days of an important Canning by-election shows a lack of judgment in my view and reinforces why Mr Turnbull didn’t remain leader last time he was.” Is the minister concerned by what this lack of judgment will mean for government policies? | |
| Andrews is quite manic. | |
| The Labor Party never learns. Here they are this week, question an question, wasting an opportunity to ask questions about the real issues facing the people of Australia.... | |
| It goes on...faster and louder. Then he talks about the leadership spill. | |
| As happens from time to time in politics there are challenges that occur. They occur on both sides of the fence and committed people say things in those challenges but what we are doing under the leadership of the prime minister as a broad church, as a party representing conservative and liberal values, as that broad church, we’re getting on with the job of representing the people of Australia. Pity you’re not thinking about them. | |
| 5.37am BST05:37 | |
| A treasurer and his assistant. | |
| Joe Hockey and Assistant Josh Frydenberg #swansongQT? as Treasurer @gabriellechan @GuardianAus http://t.co/TQXRtLKNtj pic.twitter.com/je3RdD1LWL | |
| 5.36am BST05:36 | |
| A question to treasurer, Joe Hockey, who is supposed to be talking about the benefits of the government’s economic plan. | |
| Hockey uses it to take the mickey out of Labor’s economist and assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh. | |
| As Hockey finishes his answer, Labor counts him down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. It could be his last question as treasurer, I guess. | |
| But the next Labor question is a cheeky one, from chief Labor cheekster Ed Husic. | |
| Husic asks: In the Treasurer’s first budget, he slugged Australians with a GP tax. In his second budget, he locked in $80 billion of cuts to schools and hospitals. Treasurer, what have you got planned for your third budget? | |
| I tell you what, whatever’s planned for the third budget is a hell of a lot better than Labor’s last budget. | |
| Former Labor treasurer Wayne Swan is looking quietly satisfied as Hockey continues on through what may be his final day in parliament as treasurer. | |
| 5.29am BST05:29 | |
| A Chafta question to foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop. | |
| Then, Labor asks about former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett’s spray about Turnbull as: | |
| An individual who has always put self-interest before anything else. | |
| Christopher Pyne calls it a “general slur” on the PM and he shouldn’t have to ask it. | |
| Labor’s Catherine King rephrases with a reference to environment, health and marriage equality policy. | |
| Turnbull: | |
| What she has done, what she provides is simply an allegation, a pointless piece of argument that so frustratesAustralians and I ask again, the thousands of Australians that watch this question time would dearly love to see a proper political debate about the real issues, the slanging match should be over. | |
| 5.20am BST05:20 | |
| Bob Katter asks Turnbull to institute a range of new projects to make sure he lives up to the “faith of the Australian people”. (It was a very long question.) | |
| Turnbull notes his “passionate patriotism” and then notes: | |
| the government that I lead is committed to considering all of the economic challenges facing Australia, the opportunities for driving productivity and increasing economic growth to ensure that the consequence of the decline in terms of trade is offset by new industries, new jobs, greater productivity. That’s the big challenge for us and I want the honourable member to know that we’re taking on that task with great seriousness, careful thought and consideration and his constituents, like the constituents of every other member in this chamber. | |
| 5.16am BST05:16 | |
| Warren Truss is asked about infrastructure policy in Western Australia. Canning. *DRINK* | |
| Labor to Turnbull: In his press conference on Tuesday, the former Prime Minister gave an assurance that he had never leaked or backgrounded against any of his colleagues so, prime minister, what is the government policy on leaking and will you, the new PrimeMinister, give the same assurance as your predecessor? | |
| Turnbull says when there are so many economic issues in Australia, Labor should be discussing the economy. In more words than that. | |
| 5.12am BST05:12 | 5.12am BST05:12 |
| Labor to Turnbull: I refer to the leak of a cabinet document marked “protected sensitive Cabinet.” Is it government policy that there will be personal and political consequences for leaking and given leaks from cabinet are an offence under section 70 of the Crimes Act, what action will the prime minister take to address this cabinet link which was aimed directly at him? | Labor to Turnbull: I refer to the leak of a cabinet document marked “protected sensitive Cabinet.” Is it government policy that there will be personal and political consequences for leaking and given leaks from cabinet are an offence under section 70 of the Crimes Act, what action will the prime minister take to address this cabinet link which was aimed directly at him? |
| Turnbull says he has already dealt with the question (regarding the leak on women on boards). | Turnbull says he has already dealt with the question (regarding the leak on women on boards). |
| 5.11am BST05:11 | 5.11am BST05:11 |
| A dixer to Turnbull: will the prime minister update the house on the government’s economic plan? How will the plan help families in places like Canning, Gilmore other and places around Australia with the cost-of-living pressures? | A dixer to Turnbull: will the prime minister update the house on the government’s economic plan? How will the plan help families in places like Canning, Gilmore other and places around Australia with the cost-of-living pressures? |
| Turnbull uses it to talk to the China Free Trade Agreement (Chafta) to talk about economic benefits of the Chafta and Labor’s scare campaign. | Turnbull uses it to talk to the China Free Trade Agreement (Chafta) to talk about economic benefits of the Chafta and Labor’s scare campaign. |
| The efforts of this government, the efforts of this trade minister (Robb) have seen the doors to that economy flung open and the Labor Party wants to stand in the way and say, ‘stop the future. No! Go back. You should be afraid.” The Labor Party thinks they can frighten people, Mr Speaker. They will succeed if they win government into frightening people into poverty. | The efforts of this government, the efforts of this trade minister (Robb) have seen the doors to that economy flung open and the Labor Party wants to stand in the way and say, ‘stop the future. No! Go back. You should be afraid.” The Labor Party thinks they can frighten people, Mr Speaker. They will succeed if they win government into frightening people into poverty. |
| 5.07am BST05:07 | 5.07am BST05:07 |
| Labor’s first question to Malcolm Turnbull on the leak regarding women on boards. Christopher Pyne objects to beginning the question with a false assertion. | Labor’s first question to Malcolm Turnbull on the leak regarding women on boards. Christopher Pyne objects to beginning the question with a false assertion. |
| Bill Shorten: Given that it’s only taken two days for the Liberal Cabinet to start leaking again, doesn’t this just prove that even though there’s a new Liberal leader, it’s the same policies, the same chaos and the same division? | Bill Shorten: Given that it’s only taken two days for the Liberal Cabinet to start leaking again, doesn’t this just prove that even though there’s a new Liberal leader, it’s the same policies, the same chaos and the same division? |
| Turnbull gets up: | Turnbull gets up: |
| It is indicative of the engaging and collaborative style of my government that I’m prepared to help the Leader of theOpposition and actually show him a question. So the question could have been, “how does the Prime Minister react to the claim that a very small percentage of women were appointed by him to government boards?” That would be areasonable question and I’ll give him the answer. The government remains committed to its target of women holding 40% of positions on AustralianGovernment boards and I point to the official data which will be published in the gender balance on Australian government boards report 2014/15 later this year and it shows that women held 40% of communications portfolio board appointments. | It is indicative of the engaging and collaborative style of my government that I’m prepared to help the Leader of theOpposition and actually show him a question. So the question could have been, “how does the Prime Minister react to the claim that a very small percentage of women were appointed by him to government boards?” That would be areasonable question and I’ll give him the answer. The government remains committed to its target of women holding 40% of positions on AustralianGovernment boards and I point to the official data which will be published in the gender balance on Australian government boards report 2014/15 later this year and it shows that women held 40% of communications portfolio board appointments. |
| Midway through, Anthony Albanese suggests that it’s called question time and one side asks the questions and the side answers them. He is sat down. | Midway through, Anthony Albanese suggests that it’s called question time and one side asks the questions and the side answers them. He is sat down. |
| 4.47am BST04:47 | 4.47am BST04:47 |
| Just in case you haven’t seen this, the superb David Rowe of the Financial Review. | Just in case you haven’t seen this, the superb David Rowe of the Financial Review. |
| fellowship of the onion @FinancialReview #auspol @PoliticsFairfax pic.twitter.com/7BHtZnmBtk | fellowship of the onion @FinancialReview #auspol @PoliticsFairfax pic.twitter.com/7BHtZnmBtk |
| 4.45am BST04:45 | 4.45am BST04:45 |
| Noted woman of the right, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, did not miss the opportunity to put a bid in for the ministry. | Noted woman of the right, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, did not miss the opportunity to put a bid in for the ministry. |
| It helps when you’ve been around a long, long time so you’ve done a lot of things. But, as I said, I’m grateful to work in this area or in any other area that the prime minister chooses to use my skills. | It helps when you’ve been around a long, long time so you’ve done a lot of things. But, as I said, I’m grateful to work in this area or in any other area that the prime minister chooses to use my skills. |
| 4.38am BST04:38 | 4.38am BST04:38 |
| Question time coming up at 2pm. | Question time coming up at 2pm. |
| 4.20am BST04:20 | 4.20am BST04:20 |
| Things to think about: 12,000 lives. | Things to think about: 12,000 lives. |
| 4.15am BST04:15 | 4.15am BST04:15 |
| Tiring business, these coups. | Tiring business, these coups. |
| 3.58am BST03:58 | 3.58am BST03:58 |
| Lunchtime politics | Lunchtime politics |
| As we enter this sandwich zone, the government is filibustering in the chamber as the government scrambles to get its you-know-what together. | As we enter this sandwich zone, the government is filibustering in the chamber as the government scrambles to get its you-know-what together. |
| 3.26am BST03:26 | 3.26am BST03:26 |
| Meanwhile back in the chamber, the government MPs are still deeply compelled by the bonfire of redtape: otherwise known as the omnibus repeal day. I’m told there are 12 more speakers coming - on top of the 10 speakers already gone. Two speakers have been Labor, otherwise they are all Coalition. | Meanwhile back in the chamber, the government MPs are still deeply compelled by the bonfire of redtape: otherwise known as the omnibus repeal day. I’m told there are 12 more speakers coming - on top of the 10 speakers already gone. Two speakers have been Labor, otherwise they are all Coalition. |
| I think we can safely call this an organised filibuster, in the vein of: | I think we can safely call this an organised filibuster, in the vein of: |
| JUST GET US TO QUESTION TIME AND A THREE WEEK BREAK. | JUST GET US TO QUESTION TIME AND A THREE WEEK BREAK. |
| Talk amongst yourselves. | Talk amongst yourselves. |
| 3.19am BST03:19 | 3.19am BST03:19 |
| Is the dog wagging the tail or is the tail wagging the dog? | Is the dog wagging the tail or is the tail wagging the dog? |
| Daniel Hurst | Daniel Hurst |
| The assistant education and training minister and a key Turnbull backer, Simon Birmingham, has called on his colleagues to pull together after the leadership change. | The assistant education and training minister and a key Turnbull backer, Simon Birmingham, has called on his colleagues to pull together after the leadership change. |
| He was asked, at a doorstop media conference a short time ago, about the leak to Fairfax Media that appeared designed to damage the new prime minister over his record on appointing women to boards. | He was asked, at a doorstop media conference a short time ago, about the leak to Fairfax Media that appeared designed to damage the new prime minister over his record on appointing women to boards. |
| Birmingham said it had been a bruising time for individuals, and his “heart goes out” to Tony Abbott and his family and staff. | Birmingham said it had been a bruising time for individuals, and his “heart goes out” to Tony Abbott and his family and staff. |
| “I hope that all members of the government will come together and work cooperatively … I think overwhelmingly colleagues have acted with great professionalism.” | “I hope that all members of the government will come together and work cooperatively … I think overwhelmingly colleagues have acted with great professionalism.” |
| Birmingham wouldn’t comment on speculation he was set for a promotion in the ministerial reshuffle. His immediate focus was on his training portfolio, responding to reports about “deeply disturbing allegations” about a registered training organisation and foreshadowing a swift investigation and action. He was open to further reforms to improve the sector. | Birmingham wouldn’t comment on speculation he was set for a promotion in the ministerial reshuffle. His immediate focus was on his training portfolio, responding to reports about “deeply disturbing allegations” about a registered training organisation and foreshadowing a swift investigation and action. He was open to further reforms to improve the sector. |
| Birmingham also spoke about “an optimistic Liberal party” led by a person who wanted to build consensus. | Birmingham also spoke about “an optimistic Liberal party” led by a person who wanted to build consensus. |
| When asked whether Turnbull, in that spirit, should meet with Labor leader Bill Shorten to find a way forward on the China-Australia free trade agreement (Chafta), Birmingham said he was yet to see specific proposals from the opposition but: | When asked whether Turnbull, in that spirit, should meet with Labor leader Bill Shorten to find a way forward on the China-Australia free trade agreement (Chafta), Birmingham said he was yet to see specific proposals from the opposition but: |
| I would trust as a government we would be willing to listen to all sensible proposals, but what we’ve seen from the Labor party in this case it appears to be the dog wagging the tail, the tail wagging the dog, sorry… | I would trust as a government we would be willing to listen to all sensible proposals, but what we’ve seen from the Labor party in this case it appears to be the dog wagging the tail, the tail wagging the dog, sorry… |
| He was referring to the CFMEU and other unions encouraging the Labor party to oppose Chafta. | He was referring to the CFMEU and other unions encouraging the Labor party to oppose Chafta. |
| 3.09am BST03:09 | 3.09am BST03:09 |
| National party MP David Gillespie was Tony Abbott’s best man at his wedding. He won Rob Oakeshott’s old electorate of Lyne. This morning, he has spoken at the launch of the Where’s William campaign at parliament house. It marks one year since William Tyrrell went missing in the little town of Kendall, which is in Lyne. The campaign is designed to build awareness and gather information to find the little boy. | National party MP David Gillespie was Tony Abbott’s best man at his wedding. He won Rob Oakeshott’s old electorate of Lyne. This morning, he has spoken at the launch of the Where’s William campaign at parliament house. It marks one year since William Tyrrell went missing in the little town of Kendall, which is in Lyne. The campaign is designed to build awareness and gather information to find the little boy. |
| 2.41am BST02:41 | 2.41am BST02:41 |
| Never one to miss an opportunity, Clive Palmer has called on his sometime dinner companion Malcolm Turnbull to bring more intelligent women to the cabinet. | Never one to miss an opportunity, Clive Palmer has called on his sometime dinner companion Malcolm Turnbull to bring more intelligent women to the cabinet. |
| Palmer described Murray MP Sharman Stone as “an outstanding parliamentarian” and said Brisbane MP Teresa Gambaro, “understands the economy”. As does Stone, who has a PhD in economics and business. | Palmer described Murray MP Sharman Stone as “an outstanding parliamentarian” and said Brisbane MP Teresa Gambaro, “understands the economy”. As does Stone, who has a PhD in economics and business. |
| There are a lot of mouths to feed. | There are a lot of mouths to feed. |
| 2.21am BST02:21 | 2.21am BST02:21 |
| The endless bonfire of redtape | The endless bonfire of redtape |
| The omnibus repeal day (autumn 2015) bill is being debated in the house. The word autumn is a bit of a giveaway. | The omnibus repeal day (autumn 2015) bill is being debated in the house. The word autumn is a bit of a giveaway. |
| I am not entirely sure why it has not been voted on, given how many times it has been debated. | I am not entirely sure why it has not been voted on, given how many times it has been debated. |
| 1.45am BST01:45 | 1.45am BST01:45 |
| In the senate, private senators are introducing their own bills. | In the senate, private senators are introducing their own bills. |
| Labor’s Kim Carr has introduced a bill which would enact a section of the government’s higher education package. The bill is the only bit they liked of the university reforms. | Labor’s Kim Carr has introduced a bill which would enact a section of the government’s higher education package. The bill is the only bit they liked of the university reforms. |
| It would give access to higher education loans for New Zealand citizens born here or who came as a minor. | It would give access to higher education loans for New Zealand citizens born here or who came as a minor. |
| Then Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm is introducing his amendment to the Turnbull government’s fair work bill, which would exempt small businesses (20 employees or less) from paying penalty rates. | Then Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm is introducing his amendment to the Turnbull government’s fair work bill, which would exempt small businesses (20 employees or less) from paying penalty rates. |
| He is talking about the “dead hand of government regulation”. It is a familiar theme. | He is talking about the “dead hand of government regulation”. It is a familiar theme. |
| 1.38am BST01:38 | 1.38am BST01:38 |
| The Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council is meeting now to work out how to best settle 12,000 Syrian refugees. These are the members. | The Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council is meeting now to work out how to best settle 12,000 Syrian refugees. These are the members. |
| Updated at 2.00am BST | Updated at 2.00am BST |
| 1.34am BST01:34 | 1.34am BST01:34 |
| Turnbull worst performing Abbott minister for appointing women to boards | Turnbull worst performing Abbott minister for appointing women to boards |
| The leakers are out already. Someone has provided Latika Bourke at Fairfax with documents which purport to show Malcolm Turnbull was the worst performing minister when it came to appointment women to boards. | The leakers are out already. Someone has provided Latika Bourke at Fairfax with documents which purport to show Malcolm Turnbull was the worst performing minister when it came to appointment women to boards. |
| This comes after the new PM described himself as an enthusiast when it comes to putting women in positions of power and influence. | This comes after the new PM described himself as an enthusiast when it comes to putting women in positions of power and influence. |
| The leak, just days after Mr Turnbull rolled Mr Abbott for the prime ministership, shows that of the 16 appointments made to boards in the communications portfolio, only one was a woman. | The leak, just days after Mr Turnbull rolled Mr Abbott for the prime ministership, shows that of the 16 appointments made to boards in the communications portfolio, only one was a woman. |
| 1.27am BST01:27 | 1.27am BST01:27 |
| Former treasurer Wayne Swan flies into the gallery. Is that a smile? | Former treasurer Wayne Swan flies into the gallery. Is that a smile? |
| Updated at 1.28am BST | Updated at 1.28am BST |
| 1.16am BST01:16 | 1.16am BST01:16 |
| Liberal senator Ian Macdonald rarely covers himself with glory. You may have heard about his interjection, “learn to speak Australian mate” to Labor senator Doug Cameron, who has a Scottish accent. | Liberal senator Ian Macdonald rarely covers himself with glory. You may have heard about his interjection, “learn to speak Australian mate” to Labor senator Doug Cameron, who has a Scottish accent. |
| Labor’s Penny Wong took up the point and looked pretty upset in this video, especially after the senate president Stephen Parry ruled that it was not a problem. | Labor’s Penny Wong took up the point and looked pretty upset in this video, especially after the senate president Stephen Parry ruled that it was not a problem. |
| You will note that Eric Abetz’s face would suggest he thought it was a storm in a teacup. | You will note that Eric Abetz’s face would suggest he thought it was a storm in a teacup. |
| 1.00am BST01:00 | 1.00am BST01:00 |
| Scott Morrison, key minister of the right, is speaking now and dancing between raindrops. Morrison voted for Abbott, but would not swing his supporters either way. | Scott Morrison, key minister of the right, is speaking now and dancing between raindrops. Morrison voted for Abbott, but would not swing his supporters either way. |
| I will follow the former prime minister’s advice, I’m not going to engage in all the insider gossip on these things. My record of achievement under Mr Abbott in policy, working with Mr Abbott as a member of the National Security Committee of Cabinet and the Expenditure Review Committee speak for themselves. If people have criticisms of my performance as a minister, then they have every right to raise them and I have every right to respond to them. | I will follow the former prime minister’s advice, I’m not going to engage in all the insider gossip on these things. My record of achievement under Mr Abbott in policy, working with Mr Abbott as a member of the National Security Committee of Cabinet and the Expenditure Review Committee speak for themselves. If people have criticisms of my performance as a minister, then they have every right to raise them and I have every right to respond to them. |
| Did you agree not to rally your colleagues to support Tony Abbott in exchange for a senior role in the Turnbull government? | Did you agree not to rally your colleagues to support Tony Abbott in exchange for a senior role in the Turnbull government? |
| Morrison: | Morrison: |
| I made it clear I supported the former prime minister on Monday night. I won’t be getting into the insider gossip. The former prime minister gave helpful advice to the media. I’m going to follow his advice. Whether you choose to follow his advice is up to you. | I made it clear I supported the former prime minister on Monday night. I won’t be getting into the insider gossip. The former prime minister gave helpful advice to the media. I’m going to follow his advice. Whether you choose to follow his advice is up to you. |
| 12.53am BST00:53 | 12.53am BST00:53 |
| You can’t sell a crop till you’ve tilled the soil. | You can’t sell a crop till you’ve tilled the soil. |
| Special envoy on citizenship and father of the house, Phillip Ruddock, has been giving his view of the leadership spill. He was interviewed on the ABC and stopped to talk to reporters outside the studio. Thanks to Shalailah Medhora for this snippet. | Special envoy on citizenship and father of the house, Phillip Ruddock, has been giving his view of the leadership spill. He was interviewed on the ABC and stopped to talk to reporters outside the studio. Thanks to Shalailah Medhora for this snippet. |
| When asked by reporters if Abbott’s communication style contributed to his downfall: | When asked by reporters if Abbott’s communication style contributed to his downfall: |
| Everybody has a different style, don’t they? | Everybody has a different style, don’t they? |
| The point that I make is that you need to be able to argue your case, and I think that Malcolm is demonstrating the capacity to be able to do some of the things that you need to be able to do, and I think that’s a good thing. | The point that I make is that you need to be able to argue your case, and I think that Malcolm is demonstrating the capacity to be able to do some of the things that you need to be able to do, and I think that’s a good thing. |
| You can’t sell a crop till you’ve tilled the soil, and in my view, if you want to bring Australians with you when you are making very important changes you need to have them understand that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. With hindsight, when you look back, some explanation may have been better for our first budget. | You can’t sell a crop till you’ve tilled the soil, and in my view, if you want to bring Australians with you when you are making very important changes you need to have them understand that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. With hindsight, when you look back, some explanation may have been better for our first budget. |
| We know the reason it didn’t happen: because there were state elections. I understand that. But it doesn’t diminish my view that in public life, difficult decisions sometimes have to be taken, and if you have to make difficult decisions, it’s important to bring people with you. | We know the reason it didn’t happen: because there were state elections. I understand that. But it doesn’t diminish my view that in public life, difficult decisions sometimes have to be taken, and if you have to make difficult decisions, it’s important to bring people with you. |
| So if I understand his argument correctly, the Abbott government would have told people they were going to break promises and cut before the 2014 budget but there were too many state elections. | So if I understand his argument correctly, the Abbott government would have told people they were going to break promises and cut before the 2014 budget but there were too many state elections. |
| Updated at 1.02am BST | Updated at 1.02am BST |
| 12.43am BST00:43 | 12.43am BST00:43 |
| Just so you know, the house is sitting amongst all of this. | Just so you know, the house is sitting amongst all of this. |
| Education minister Christopher Pyne has introduced four bills relating to overseas students. Health minister Sussan Ley is introducing the ehealth bill, which allows people to access their health records electronically, and a food regulation bill. | Education minister Christopher Pyne has introduced four bills relating to overseas students. Health minister Sussan Ley is introducing the ehealth bill, which allows people to access their health records electronically, and a food regulation bill. |
| Updated at 1.18am BST | Updated at 1.18am BST |
| 12.29am BST00:29 | 12.29am BST00:29 |
| That great Country party leader Dave Anthony | That great Country party leader Dave Anthony |
| Queenslander and Kennedy MP Bob Katter has been complaining about the National party rolling over for the Liberals in two hours during their negotiations on the coalition agreement. | Queenslander and Kennedy MP Bob Katter has been complaining about the National party rolling over for the Liberals in two hours during their negotiations on the coalition agreement. |
| The Nats managed to get the responsibility for water moved from environment to agriculture as well as promises to maintain policies on marriage equality and climate change. | The Nats managed to get the responsibility for water moved from environment to agriculture as well as promises to maintain policies on marriage equality and climate change. |
| Their jobs are more important to them than the survival of rural Australia. | Their jobs are more important to them than the survival of rural Australia. |
| Katter, who is a former National party member, put out a press release lamenting the strength of the former Country party, which became the Nats. | Katter, who is a former National party member, put out a press release lamenting the strength of the former Country party, which became the Nats. |
| The National Party rolled over in two hours. We’re deeply, deeply, disappointed. Minister Joyce raised our expectations, he made a very strong statement that they weren’t going to just walk into a Coalition Agreement and yet two hours later they had a Coalition, but with virtually nothing to show for it. | The National Party rolled over in two hours. We’re deeply, deeply, disappointed. Minister Joyce raised our expectations, he made a very strong statement that they weren’t going to just walk into a Coalition Agreement and yet two hours later they had a Coalition, but with virtually nothing to show for it. |
| The last time we had a Country Party and Dave Anthony was leader, negotiations went on for two weeks and it was very doubtful at the end whether there was going to be a Coalition, because the Country Party were quite happy to sit as a minority government if they did not get what they needed for rural Australia. | The last time we had a Country Party and Dave Anthony was leader, negotiations went on for two weeks and it was very doubtful at the end whether there was going to be a Coalition, because the Country Party were quite happy to sit as a minority government if they did not get what they needed for rural Australia. |
| Of course that Dave Anthony was Doug Anthony, leader of the Country party from 1971-84. He is also father of the former Shenhua lobbyist, now president of the National party, Barry Anthony. Err, sorry. Larry Anthony. | Of course that Dave Anthony was Doug Anthony, leader of the Country party from 1971-84. He is also father of the former Shenhua lobbyist, now president of the National party, Barry Anthony. Err, sorry. Larry Anthony. |
| 12.18am BST00:18 | 12.18am BST00:18 |
| Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer did touch on that story yesterday, where the chief whip Scott Buchholz told her to express more breast milk for her three month old baby so she did not miss votes. Buchholz did not know that Labor had changed the rules which ensured proxy votes for feeding mothers. | Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer did touch on that story yesterday, where the chief whip Scott Buchholz told her to express more breast milk for her three month old baby so she did not miss votes. Buchholz did not know that Labor had changed the rules which ensured proxy votes for feeding mothers. |
| Women can be mothers, and they can be parliamentarians. They can do both together, that is the take-out. | Women can be mothers, and they can be parliamentarians. They can do both together, that is the take-out. |
| 12.14am BST00:14 | 12.14am BST00:14 |
| Peter Dutton is coming up on Ray Hadley so that should be entertaining, given Hadley is on the warpath over the leadership coup. | Peter Dutton is coming up on Ray Hadley so that should be entertaining, given Hadley is on the warpath over the leadership coup. |
| Oops! Scratch that. Hadley is not on today. He may have popped a bile valve. | Oops! Scratch that. Hadley is not on today. He may have popped a bile valve. |
| There is a whole lot around this morning on the fury of the right wing MPs, who I’m told are demanding other MPs tell them how they voted. Some predicted the rise of the right wing party, given Turnbull’s damp tendencies on social issues. | There is a whole lot around this morning on the fury of the right wing MPs, who I’m told are demanding other MPs tell them how they voted. Some predicted the rise of the right wing party, given Turnbull’s damp tendencies on social issues. |
| And we really want to go down that path again, don’t we? | And we really want to go down that path again, don’t we? |
| 12.01am BST00:01 | 12.01am BST00:01 |
| Rising Liberal star Kelly O’Dwyer has just told Sky: | Rising Liberal star Kelly O’Dwyer has just told Sky: |
| We don’t want to go through the entrails of this. | We don’t want to go through the entrails of this. |
| To which, Bowers yelled: “We are in the entrails business.” | To which, Bowers yelled: “We are in the entrails business.” |
| Firstly, the transition process. | Firstly, the transition process. |
| As Lenore reported, Turnbull is also constructing a new prime ministerial office, and sources did not discount that former treasury secretary Martin Parkinson could be offered the position of chief of staff – although no offer has been made. Remember treasurer Joe Hockey flagged he would terminate Parkinson’s contract before the 2013 election at the behest of Abbott’s office. | As Lenore reported, Turnbull is also constructing a new prime ministerial office, and sources did not discount that former treasury secretary Martin Parkinson could be offered the position of chief of staff – although no offer has been made. Remember treasurer Joe Hockey flagged he would terminate Parkinson’s contract before the 2013 election at the behest of Abbott’s office. |
| We know Tony Nutt, the NSW Liberal Party state director and former principal private secretary to John Howard, is back in the PM’s office as director of transition. Remember Nutt was touted to come back but Peta Credlin was standing guard. | We know Tony Nutt, the NSW Liberal Party state director and former principal private secretary to John Howard, is back in the PM’s office as director of transition. Remember Nutt was touted to come back but Peta Credlin was standing guard. |
| The outgoing head of the communications department, Drew Clarke, will act as chief of staff until a permanent one can be found. | The outgoing head of the communications department, Drew Clarke, will act as chief of staff until a permanent one can be found. |
| After he is done with the transition, don’t be suprised to see Nutt replace Liberal director Brian Loughnane, Credlin’s other half. | After he is done with the transition, don’t be suprised to see Nutt replace Liberal director Brian Loughnane, Credlin’s other half. |
| Following Turnbull’s comments on his enthusiasm for women in positions of influence and power, O’Dwyer, Michaela Cash and Marise Payne are set for promotions according to the rumours. | Following Turnbull’s comments on his enthusiasm for women in positions of influence and power, O’Dwyer, Michaela Cash and Marise Payne are set for promotions according to the rumours. |
| Secondly, the entrails business and that Savva column. | Secondly, the entrails business and that Savva column. |
| Savva goes through the Abbott’s mistakes and the role taken by his former chief of staff Peta Credlin. | Savva goes through the Abbott’s mistakes and the role taken by his former chief of staff Peta Credlin. |
| No one was immune from Credlin’s compulsive micromanagement, including him. Bit by bit the internal structures, along with the people who made them work, were dismantled once Abbott became prime minister. | No one was immune from Credlin’s compulsive micromanagement, including him. Bit by bit the internal structures, along with the people who made them work, were dismantled once Abbott became prime minister. |
| James Boyce was an effective press secretary who had a great relationship with Abbott. He left after an argument with Credlin. One of the Coalition’s most respected operators, Tony O’Leary, left when it was made clear he was superfluous. James Newbury, one of the Coalition’s sharpest researchers cum political advisers, was denied a job with two ministers because Credlin (who could be heard shouting it at the prime minister) reckoned she could not work with either of those offices if he were employed there. | James Boyce was an effective press secretary who had a great relationship with Abbott. He left after an argument with Credlin. One of the Coalition’s most respected operators, Tony O’Leary, left when it was made clear he was superfluous. James Newbury, one of the Coalition’s sharpest researchers cum political advisers, was denied a job with two ministers because Credlin (who could be heard shouting it at the prime minister) reckoned she could not work with either of those offices if he were employed there. |
| Everything or everybody who impinged on her level of control was removed or contained, including Margie Abbott. On one occasion, Abbott asked an adviser to help Margie with some speaking notes. When Credlin found out, she admonished the adviser, telling him it was not the White House, he did not work for the prime minister’s wife, he worked for the prime minister. | Everything or everybody who impinged on her level of control was removed or contained, including Margie Abbott. On one occasion, Abbott asked an adviser to help Margie with some speaking notes. When Credlin found out, she admonished the adviser, telling him it was not the White House, he did not work for the prime minister’s wife, he worked for the prime minister. |
| And on Scott Morrison’s role: | And on Scott Morrison’s role: |
| [Bishop] shifted to Turnbull. Others, such as Andrew Robb and Morrison, did not shift. Nor did they mobilise against Turnbull or for Abbott. Late on Monday, as it was all crashing down around him, Abbott offered Morrison the deputy leadership and by implication the treasurer’s job, as deputies can choose their portfolios. Morrison made Abbott spell it out. Yes, Abbott wanted him as treasurer. Morrison clarified Bishop’s position — that she was not on a ticket with Turnbull — then sought counsel from friends including former Peter Costello adviser David Gazard and Costello himself, who has acted as a mentor. | [Bishop] shifted to Turnbull. Others, such as Andrew Robb and Morrison, did not shift. Nor did they mobilise against Turnbull or for Abbott. Late on Monday, as it was all crashing down around him, Abbott offered Morrison the deputy leadership and by implication the treasurer’s job, as deputies can choose their portfolios. Morrison made Abbott spell it out. Yes, Abbott wanted him as treasurer. Morrison clarified Bishop’s position — that she was not on a ticket with Turnbull — then sought counsel from friends including former Peter Costello adviser David Gazard and Costello himself, who has acted as a mentor. |
| Morrison did not want to run against Bishop, does not want to be deputy. He was uncomfortable about dudding Joe Hockey like that, particularly given the repeated assurances from Abbott to Hockey. It was all too late. He refused. He told Abbott he would vote for him and would tell his supporters what he was doing, but he would not be advising (telling) them how to vote. | Morrison did not want to run against Bishop, does not want to be deputy. He was uncomfortable about dudding Joe Hockey like that, particularly given the repeated assurances from Abbott to Hockey. It was all too late. He refused. He told Abbott he would vote for him and would tell his supporters what he was doing, but he would not be advising (telling) them how to vote. |
| Entrails. | Entrails. |
| 11.36pm BST23:36 | 11.36pm BST23:36 |
| Lenore Taylor has written about the polls, which on a two party preferred basis, have the Turnbull government at 50-50 compared with 53-47 under Tony Abbott. | Lenore Taylor has written about the polls, which on a two party preferred basis, have the Turnbull government at 50-50 compared with 53-47 under Tony Abbott. |
| One of Turnbull’s key supporters Arthur Sinodinos says the government is hoping to remain predictable and even boring. | One of Turnbull’s key supporters Arthur Sinodinos says the government is hoping to remain predictable and even boring. |
| What we want is boring, predictable, competent government,” said senator Arthur Sinodinos, former chief of staff to John Howard and close Turnbull supporter. | What we want is boring, predictable, competent government,” said senator Arthur Sinodinos, former chief of staff to John Howard and close Turnbull supporter. |
| He’s been leader once before and there were fireworks and he’s had six years to reflect on that. When you get a second break like this you really want to hold on,” Sinodinos told Sky News. | He’s been leader once before and there were fireworks and he’s had six years to reflect on that. When you get a second break like this you really want to hold on,” Sinodinos told Sky News. |
| Certainly the Turnbull leadership appears to have made question time a little more boring, though it is early days. When I suggested that to a Liberal MP yesterday, he said “that’s exactly what we want”. | Certainly the Turnbull leadership appears to have made question time a little more boring, though it is early days. When I suggested that to a Liberal MP yesterday, he said “that’s exactly what we want”. |
| Liberals are hoping that the leadership change will put a lid on the febrile political era that included Rudd-Gillard-Rudd-Abbott. I am of the opinion that Tony Abbott would never have got elected without the shambolic instability in the Labor government, notwithstanding Gillard’s ability to get through some big reforms. | Liberals are hoping that the leadership change will put a lid on the febrile political era that included Rudd-Gillard-Rudd-Abbott. I am of the opinion that Tony Abbott would never have got elected without the shambolic instability in the Labor government, notwithstanding Gillard’s ability to get through some big reforms. |
| The challenge for Turnbull though is to get his own mandate. That means there may be a tug of war between the need to lay down better agenda balanced against the seduction of an earlier election if things are going well. | The challenge for Turnbull though is to get his own mandate. That means there may be a tug of war between the need to lay down better agenda balanced against the seduction of an earlier election if things are going well. |
| 11.22pm BST23:22 | 11.22pm BST23:22 |
| Furphy alert: If Cory Bernardi replaced Tony Abbott they would have got a bounce. | Furphy alert: If Cory Bernardi replaced Tony Abbott they would have got a bounce. |
| 11.15pm BST23:15 | 11.15pm BST23:15 |
| Morning politics | Morning politics |
| Good morning political peeps, | Good morning political peeps, |
| As Malcolm Turnbull crafts his frontbench and brings people into key positions in the bureaucracy and the party, Liberal MPs try to adjust to the new regime and work out what the hell went on this week. The right wing of the party is cranky and while you may hear some of the right suggesting they are getting on with the job, there are a small number of very angry MPs demanding to know how everyone voted - Ray Hadley style. So much for secret ballots. | As Malcolm Turnbull crafts his frontbench and brings people into key positions in the bureaucracy and the party, Liberal MPs try to adjust to the new regime and work out what the hell went on this week. The right wing of the party is cranky and while you may hear some of the right suggesting they are getting on with the job, there are a small number of very angry MPs demanding to know how everyone voted - Ray Hadley style. So much for secret ballots. |
| At the centre of the recriminations is Scott Morrison. The right feel he has betrayed Abbott because even though he voted for the former PM, he ran dead rather than actively pushing his supporters to swing behind Abbott. Some accuse Morrison of doing a deal with Turnbull. Given he is almost certainly getting the treasurer’s job, we can safely assume the speculation around a deal could be correct. | At the centre of the recriminations is Scott Morrison. The right feel he has betrayed Abbott because even though he voted for the former PM, he ran dead rather than actively pushing his supporters to swing behind Abbott. Some accuse Morrison of doing a deal with Turnbull. Given he is almost certainly getting the treasurer’s job, we can safely assume the speculation around a deal could be correct. |
| At the same time, Tony Abbott has told News that he will stay in politics and use the next period to spend time with his family and have a think about his future. Tick, tick, tick. While he has not been in the chamber since the leadership change, he has been allocated a backbench spot next to Andrew Laming. Every cloud has a silver lining. | At the same time, Tony Abbott has told News that he will stay in politics and use the next period to spend time with his family and have a think about his future. Tick, tick, tick. While he has not been in the chamber since the leadership change, he has been allocated a backbench spot next to Andrew Laming. Every cloud has a silver lining. |
| Everyone is trying to guess whether Turnbull will change policies over time. Or not. Indigenous leaders are pressing him to state where he will take the portfolio and most importantly the recognition campaign. On marriage equality, a non-government dominated senate committee has urged the Coalition to avoid a plebiscite on the grounds it would be divisive and costly. | Everyone is trying to guess whether Turnbull will change policies over time. Or not. Indigenous leaders are pressing him to state where he will take the portfolio and most importantly the recognition campaign. On marriage equality, a non-government dominated senate committee has urged the Coalition to avoid a plebiscite on the grounds it would be divisive and costly. |
| Independent senator Glenn Lazarus’ report says: | Independent senator Glenn Lazarus’ report says: |
| the matter of marriage is not one which should be decided by a popular vote. | the matter of marriage is not one which should be decided by a popular vote. |
| Slowly, the focus turns to Bill Shorten and Labor. Shorten has played down Turnbull’s popularity, reprising the old drover’s dog line first employed by former Labor leader Bill Hayden about Bob Hawke when he took the leadership in 1983. For those of you under 30, Hayden said a drover’s dog could have won the 1983 election for Labor, so unpopular was Malcolm Fraser’s government. | Slowly, the focus turns to Bill Shorten and Labor. Shorten has played down Turnbull’s popularity, reprising the old drover’s dog line first employed by former Labor leader Bill Hayden about Bob Hawke when he took the leadership in 1983. For those of you under 30, Hayden said a drover’s dog could have won the 1983 election for Labor, so unpopular was Malcolm Fraser’s government. |
| Shorten also suggested: | Shorten also suggested: |
| If Cory Bernardi had replaced Tony Abbott they would have got a bounce in the polls. | If Cory Bernardi had replaced Tony Abbott they would have got a bounce in the polls. |
| Personally, I think that is taking is taking things a little far. | Personally, I think that is taking is taking things a little far. |
| Asked if Turnbull made his job harder, Shorten said through gritted teeth “leading the opposition is always a hard job”. | Asked if Turnbull made his job harder, Shorten said through gritted teeth “leading the opposition is always a hard job”. |
| There’s a whole lot out there and a cracking column by Niki Savva in The Oz that has some fascinating details on Abbott’s downfall. | There’s a whole lot out there and a cracking column by Niki Savva in The Oz that has some fascinating details on Abbott’s downfall. |
| Also today, the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council led by Paris Aristotle is meeting on the nuts and bolts of settling 12,000 Syrian refugees. | Also today, the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council led by Paris Aristotle is meeting on the nuts and bolts of settling 12,000 Syrian refugees. |
| Mike Bowers is dripping with cameras and has already filed some shots I will bring you shortly. Join us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers. Here we go. | Mike Bowers is dripping with cameras and has already filed some shots I will bring you shortly. Join us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers. Here we go. |
| Updated at 11.19pm BST | Updated at 11.19pm BST |