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/2015/sep/21/turnbulls-new-ministry-sworn-in-politics-live

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Malcolm Turnbull's new ministry sworn in – as it happened Malcolm Turnbull's new ministry sworn in – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
4.17am BST04:174.17am BST04:17
Until next timeUntil next time
Here’s one for every woman in the Liberal party who has ever been asked when they plan to have children at their preselection. I think this more than answers the question: when I’m in cabinet Mrs Fogg-Foley. Let there be much more of it.Here’s one for every woman in the Liberal party who has ever been asked when they plan to have children at their preselection. I think this more than answers the question: when I’m in cabinet Mrs Fogg-Foley. Let there be much more of it.
In signing off after a full tilt week, on behalf of Gabrielle Chan, Mike Bowers and myself, we thank you all for tuning in, which you have in astonishing numbers. We are grateful for your company.In signing off after a full tilt week, on behalf of Gabrielle Chan, Mike Bowers and myself, we thank you all for tuning in, which you have in astonishing numbers. We are grateful for your company.
Let’s hug that out by wrapping the political week that was.Let’s hug that out by wrapping the political week that was.
That’s it – seven days, top to tail.That’s it – seven days, top to tail.
See you soon. Until we see you soon, take care.See you soon. Until we see you soon, take care.
Updated at 4.37am BST Updated at 6.05am BST
3.44am BST03:443.44am BST03:44
21st century ministry, a bit more.21st century ministry, a bit more.
Kelly O'Dwyer's daughter Olivia at the group photo of women in the ministry @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/MoQswJts7YKelly O'Dwyer's daughter Olivia at the group photo of women in the ministry @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/MoQswJts7Y
Meanwhile is the new social services minister, Christian Porter, unhappy with his new gig?Meanwhile is the new social services minister, Christian Porter, unhappy with his new gig?
He’s just told Sky News:He’s just told Sky News:
There’s plenty of detail to grind through.There’s plenty of detail to grind through.
3.32am BST03:323.32am BST03:32
Some more treasures from Mr Bowers to give you the atmosphere of the morning.Some more treasures from Mr Bowers to give you the atmosphere of the morning.
3.20am BST03:203.20am BST03:20
Superb. Full time foreign minister and part time conductor Julie Bishop arranges the team for the team photo.Superb. Full time foreign minister and part time conductor Julie Bishop arranges the team for the team photo.
So much to love about this picture.So much to love about this picture.
3.15am BST03:153.15am BST03:15
Some reader feedback, and thank you for it.Some reader feedback, and thank you for it.
Dying for a LIBERAL MUD MAP @murpharoo - Is Turnbull a wet or a dry, a small-l Lib or a socially progressive?Dying for a LIBERAL MUD MAP @murpharoo - Is Turnbull a wet or a dry, a small-l Lib or a socially progressive?
@murpharoo Activists have insisted Turnbull is a DRY and others have reprimanded me that he's a small-l Liberal- hope of all Labor betrayed!@murpharoo Activists have insisted Turnbull is a DRY and others have reprimanded me that he's a small-l Liberal- hope of all Labor betrayed!
This is an entirely reasonable question to ask me. But the thing is views in the Liberal party often are hard to contain in distinct or rigid categories.This is an entirely reasonable question to ask me. But the thing is views in the Liberal party often are hard to contain in distinct or rigid categories.
A few general observations. There are more moderates in senior positions in this new ministry than in Tony Abbott’s ministry. But moderates are not necessarily “wet” when it comes to matters of economics. Many moderates are bone dry when it comes to economics. Turnbull is in that camp, so is Kelly O’Dwyer, the new assistant treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and others. Socially progressive, pro-market, small ‘l’ Liberal. The outgoing treasurer Joe Hockey was also in that camp.A few general observations. There are more moderates in senior positions in this new ministry than in Tony Abbott’s ministry. But moderates are not necessarily “wet” when it comes to matters of economics. Many moderates are bone dry when it comes to economics. Turnbull is in that camp, so is Kelly O’Dwyer, the new assistant treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and others. Socially progressive, pro-market, small ‘l’ Liberal. The outgoing treasurer Joe Hockey was also in that camp.
Conservatives in the Liberal party can also be proudly anti-progressive on social issues, but “wet” on economics. I’d put Tony Abbott, Kevin Andrews and Eric Abetz in that camp. Abbott used to be mocked by the pro-market right of the Liberal party for his lack of appetite for economic reform. Cory Bernardi is one person you’d nominate as both socially conservative but libertarian on economics.Conservatives in the Liberal party can also be proudly anti-progressive on social issues, but “wet” on economics. I’d put Tony Abbott, Kevin Andrews and Eric Abetz in that camp. Abbott used to be mocked by the pro-market right of the Liberal party for his lack of appetite for economic reform. Cory Bernardi is one person you’d nominate as both socially conservative but libertarian on economics.
I’d love to be able to explain the economic thinking of the new treasurer, Scott Morrison, but I have no specific idea about his philosophy in this space. He’s never really articulated it, which makes him an interesting appointment as treasurer. That’s a rare kind of appointment, reflecting more realpolitik than ideology.I’d love to be able to explain the economic thinking of the new treasurer, Scott Morrison, but I have no specific idea about his philosophy in this space. He’s never really articulated it, which makes him an interesting appointment as treasurer. That’s a rare kind of appointment, reflecting more realpolitik than ideology.
There’s one proposition that might explain the fault lines – Tony Abbott for example would have been very unlikely to take up a new round of labour market deregulation as prime minister but I think Malcolm Turnbull would be more relaxed about prosecuting reform in that space.There’s one proposition that might explain the fault lines – Tony Abbott for example would have been very unlikely to take up a new round of labour market deregulation as prime minister but I think Malcolm Turnbull would be more relaxed about prosecuting reform in that space.
So to put this simply: factions in the Liberal party are not monolithic. They tend to cluster around people rather than ideology.So to put this simply: factions in the Liberal party are not monolithic. They tend to cluster around people rather than ideology.
I hope that assists.I hope that assists.
2.59am BST02:592.59am BST02:59
This was without doubt the finest moment of the morning.This was without doubt the finest moment of the morning.
The GG lends Anne Ruston his glasses at the swearing in ceremony @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/HQaFByFQSvThe GG lends Anne Ruston his glasses at the swearing in ceremony @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/HQaFByFQSv
2.52am BST02:522.52am BST02:52
The ladies photo is underway now, complete with baby O’Dwyer.The ladies photo is underway now, complete with baby O’Dwyer.
2.50am BST02:502.50am BST02:50
Watch that boom microphone, Julie Bishop advises the newbies, and Peter Dutton.Watch that boom microphone, Julie Bishop advises the newbies, and Peter Dutton.
Out for the class photo. "Everybody sees the boom mic," says BishopOut for the class photo. "Everybody sees the boom mic," says Bishop
2.47am BST02:472.47am BST02:47
Say fromage. A display of cosmetic dentistry ensues. I’ll have some more lovely pictures for you shortly.Say fromage. A display of cosmetic dentistry ensues. I’ll have some more lovely pictures for you shortly.
2.45am BST02:452.45am BST02:45
Christopher Pyne is roaring with laughter as the ministry streams out the front door.Christopher Pyne is roaring with laughter as the ministry streams out the front door.
2.44am BST02:442.44am BST02:44
Key Turnbull backer, 25-year-old Wyatt Roy, is looking quite delighted with his junior woodchuck assignment. He’s the last person to be sworn in.Key Turnbull backer, 25-year-old Wyatt Roy, is looking quite delighted with his junior woodchuck assignment. He’s the last person to be sworn in.
Next stop, class photo on the front steps.Next stop, class photo on the front steps.
2.42am BST02:422.42am BST02:42
Liberal Anne Ruston can’t manage her statement. The Governor General, Peter Cosgrove, understands the nature of her predicament. He hands her over his reading glasses. She pops them on her nose. Proceedings recommence smoothly.Liberal Anne Ruston can’t manage her statement. The Governor General, Peter Cosgrove, understands the nature of her predicament. He hands her over his reading glasses. She pops them on her nose. Proceedings recommence smoothly.
The new assistant minister for agriculture and water resources, also known as Barnaby’s babysitter, looks a bit pink. She shouldn’t. Many of us need visual assistance.The new assistant minister for agriculture and water resources, also known as Barnaby’s babysitter, looks a bit pink. She shouldn’t. Many of us need visual assistance.
2.38am BST02:382.38am BST02:38
Let’s back track to a happier moment to recover.Let’s back track to a happier moment to recover.
Marise Payne is sworn in as Minister for Defence @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/7g1ufLr0SgMarise Payne is sworn in as Minister for Defence @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/7g1ufLr0Sg
2.36am BST02:362.36am BST02:36
Concetta Fierravanti Wells, clutching a much more modest white bible, looks quite fierce as she’s being sworn in. Almost as if something terrible has happened.Concetta Fierravanti Wells, clutching a much more modest white bible, looks quite fierce as she’s being sworn in. Almost as if something terrible has happened.
2.34am BST02:342.34am BST02:34
Scott Ryan again wins the massive family bible award. He is clutching a an aged bible the size of a large wombat. The Victorian senator is now assistant cabinet secretary. We’ve seen the family tome a few times but it’s always a show stopper.Scott Ryan again wins the massive family bible award. He is clutching a an aged bible the size of a large wombat. The Victorian senator is now assistant cabinet secretary. We’ve seen the family tome a few times but it’s always a show stopper.
2.30am BST02:302.30am BST02:30
As we work through our procession of new ministers here, just for the record, the new prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, opened today’s proceeding thus.As we work through our procession of new ministers here, just for the record, the new prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, opened today’s proceeding thus.
Your Excellency, today we are ... forming a government for the 21st century. A ministry whose composition and focus reflects our determination, to ensure that Australia seizes the opportunities of this, the most exciting times in human history.Your Excellency, today we are ... forming a government for the 21st century. A ministry whose composition and focus reflects our determination, to ensure that Australia seizes the opportunities of this, the most exciting times in human history.
Turnbull mate James McGrath, former Queensland state director of the Liberal party, has just been sworn in.Turnbull mate James McGrath, former Queensland state director of the Liberal party, has just been sworn in.
2.24am BST02:242.24am BST02:24
Back on his feet after sporting an injury last week ..Back on his feet after sporting an injury last week ..
Sky News political editor David Speers, having a modest chuckle as the new minister for cities, Jamie Briggs, is sworn in.Sky News political editor David Speers, having a modest chuckle as the new minister for cities, Jamie Briggs, is sworn in.
2.22am BST02:222.22am BST02:22
Mal Brough, the new special minister of state, is affirming now.Mal Brough, the new special minister of state, is affirming now.
2.19am BST02:192.19am BST02:19
Arthur Sinodinos has just been sworn in as cabinet secretary. It’s a Howard era reunion over there this morning – Sinodinos ran Howard’s office during the then government’s most successful period. I’ve also seen Tony Nutt, who was Howard’s political adviser and Tony O’Leary, the senior press secretary. Nutt is in Canberra overseeing the transition.Arthur Sinodinos has just been sworn in as cabinet secretary. It’s a Howard era reunion over there this morning – Sinodinos ran Howard’s office during the then government’s most successful period. I’ve also seen Tony Nutt, who was Howard’s political adviser and Tony O’Leary, the senior press secretary. Nutt is in Canberra overseeing the transition.
The new assistant treasurer and small business minister Kelly O’Dwyer has just been sworn in. When Michaelia Cash was sworn in a moment ago, she mouthed “thank you” to the prime minister.The new assistant treasurer and small business minister Kelly O’Dwyer has just been sworn in. When Michaelia Cash was sworn in a moment ago, she mouthed “thank you” to the prime minister.
2.15am BST02:152.15am BST02:15
2.13am BST02:132.13am BST02:13
Babies are burbling as the new minister for women, Michaelia Cash, is sworn in.Babies are burbling as the new minister for women, Michaelia Cash, is sworn in.
Michaelia Cash is sworn in as Minister for Women @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/AMoHUYA86cMichaelia Cash is sworn in as Minister for Women @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive pic.twitter.com/AMoHUYA86c
We are still swearing to the Queen in this ceremony.We are still swearing to the Queen in this ceremony.
Over at the podium, a mightily keyed up Malcolm Turnbull is rising to the balls of his feet and lowering again. Good to keep those hamstrings nimble. Avoids injuries inflicted by sudden movements.Over at the podium, a mightily keyed up Malcolm Turnbull is rising to the balls of his feet and lowering again. Good to keep those hamstrings nimble. Avoids injuries inflicted by sudden movements.
Here comes Christian Porter, Australia’s new social services minister.Here comes Christian Porter, Australia’s new social services minister.
Updated at 2.26am BSTUpdated at 2.26am BST
2.08am BST02:082.08am BST02:08
Sorry about that. I was diverted from the swears by John Oliver.Sorry about that. I was diverted from the swears by John Oliver.
So far we have sworn in the attorney-general George Brandis, the new treasurer Scott Morrison, the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, and innovation minister Christopher Pyne.So far we have sworn in the attorney-general George Brandis, the new treasurer Scott Morrison, the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, and innovation minister Christopher Pyne.
Marise Payne gets a big round of applause. Defence minister.Marise Payne gets a big round of applause. Defence minister.
2.04am BST02:042.04am BST02:04
Readers may know that the Emmys are also on today.Readers may know that the Emmys are also on today.
John Oliver has given a shout out to the land down under.John Oliver has given a shout out to the land down under.
Oliver says he doesn’t know what the point of Tony Abbott was, but he’s very glad the world was given that rich vein of comedy.Oliver says he doesn’t know what the point of Tony Abbott was, but he’s very glad the world was given that rich vein of comedy.
Updated at 2.08am BSTUpdated at 2.08am BST
1.59am BST01:591.59am BST01:59
Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop have just arrived at Government House. Underway with the formalities now.Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop have just arrived at Government House. Underway with the formalities now.
1.53am BST01:531.53am BST01:53
21st century government. A cabinet minister and her stroller. Morning Mike Bowers.21st century government. A cabinet minister and her stroller. Morning Mike Bowers.
Updated at 1.53am BSTUpdated at 1.53am BST
1.51am BST01:511.51am BST01:51
ABC24 has a split screen, Bill Shorten opening the post-leadership spill policy batting with his higher education policy – arrivals at Government House.ABC24 has a split screen, Bill Shorten opening the post-leadership spill policy batting with his higher education policy – arrivals at Government House.
Chuckles all round.Chuckles all round.
I can share some breaking news. Jamie Briggs seems to have recovered the ankle injury he may or may not have sustained in a wild send off for Tony Abbott, which reportedly involved the former prime minister briefly abandoning his shirt, and an unnamed minister abandoning the contents of his stomach.I can share some breaking news. Jamie Briggs seems to have recovered the ankle injury he may or may not have sustained in a wild send off for Tony Abbott, which reportedly involved the former prime minister briefly abandoning his shirt, and an unnamed minister abandoning the contents of his stomach.
Yes, we all need to move right past that. I agree.Yes, we all need to move right past that. I agree.
1.42am BST01:421.42am BST01:42
Well played, House of Cards.Well played, House of Cards.
@TurnbullMalcolm feel free to stop by any time. pic.twitter.com/2FnGZSeeAL@TurnbullMalcolm feel free to stop by any time. pic.twitter.com/2FnGZSeeAL
1.41am BST01:411.41am BST01:41
So many chuckles at Government House. The attorney-general and the new government senate leader George Brandis looks like he just won the lottery.So many chuckles at Government House. The attorney-general and the new government senate leader George Brandis looks like he just won the lottery.
1.39am BST01:391.39am BST01:39
Now I promised you a snapshot of the commentary about the reshuffle and its consequences. Here are some of the first run views as the new ministers start arriving at Government House.Now I promised you a snapshot of the commentary about the reshuffle and its consequences. Here are some of the first run views as the new ministers start arriving at Government House.
Laura Tingle, Australian Financial ReviewLaura Tingle, Australian Financial Review
Malcolm Turnbull has put a long overdue bomb under the Coalition, not just clearing out dead wood or Abbott loyalists but repositioning the government on key policy areas and, as a result, stealing the future from Labor.Malcolm Turnbull has put a long overdue bomb under the Coalition, not just clearing out dead wood or Abbott loyalists but repositioning the government on key policy areas and, as a result, stealing the future from Labor.
Paul Kelly, The AustralianPaul Kelly, The Australian
There has never been anything like this in our politics — a sweeping reconstruction and renewal of a first-term government. There has been no election but there is a new government. Malcolm­ Turnbull has put his stamp all over the Liberal party. The ­unifying concept, as he said, is “a contemporary 21st-century govern­ment”. As a circuit-breaker, this is a decisiv­e moment. The key prin­ciples have been generational change, merit mostly, the eleva­tion of women and rewarding of supporters. Turnbull has been decisive­, ruthless and clever.There has never been anything like this in our politics — a sweeping reconstruction and renewal of a first-term government. There has been no election but there is a new government. Malcolm­ Turnbull has put his stamp all over the Liberal party. The ­unifying concept, as he said, is “a contemporary 21st-century govern­ment”. As a circuit-breaker, this is a decisiv­e moment. The key prin­ciples have been generational change, merit mostly, the eleva­tion of women and rewarding of supporters. Turnbull has been decisive­, ruthless and clever.
Michael Gordon, The AgeMichael Gordon, The Age
The biggest punt in Malcolm Turnbull’s sweeping transformation of the ministry concerns the elevation that everyone predicted, whether or not Tony Abbott stayed as prime minister: that of Scott Morrison to treasurer. Can the man who appealed so effectively to the worst instincts of the electorate as immigration minister when stopping the boats excel as the preacher of optimism and hope in starting the economy?The biggest punt in Malcolm Turnbull’s sweeping transformation of the ministry concerns the elevation that everyone predicted, whether or not Tony Abbott stayed as prime minister: that of Scott Morrison to treasurer. Can the man who appealed so effectively to the worst instincts of the electorate as immigration minister when stopping the boats excel as the preacher of optimism and hope in starting the economy?
Paula Matthewson, The DrumPaula Matthewson, The Drum
Former PM Tony Abbott made this inherent conservatism an advantage by playing up to the various manifestations of voter anxiety about our changing future. Now his successor Malcolm Turnbull plans to turn Abbott’s approach on its head, making change something that voters embrace rather than fear. It is a risky, but not unsurprising, move for the entrepreneurial parliamentarian. And it will define Turnbull’s success or failure.Former PM Tony Abbott made this inherent conservatism an advantage by playing up to the various manifestations of voter anxiety about our changing future. Now his successor Malcolm Turnbull plans to turn Abbott’s approach on its head, making change something that voters embrace rather than fear. It is a risky, but not unsurprising, move for the entrepreneurial parliamentarian. And it will define Turnbull’s success or failure.
Lenore Taylor, Guardian AustraliaLenore Taylor, Guardian Australia
He’s sneaked in little checks and balances. To secure a new Coalition agreement with the Nationals, Turnbull agreed to transfer responsibility for water policy (although not the water trigger in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) to the agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce, from the environment minister, Greg Hunt. Last week he said environmentalists should not be too concerned about this because the bulk of the work on water reform had been finished. In the fineprint of the reshuffle he also made South Australian senator Anne Ruston assistant minister for water, giving that state an assurance of close scrutiny of any decisions that might impact on its supply of water. Arthur Sinodinos, whose careful management style as John Howard’s chief of staff was a factor in the former prime minister’s longevity in government, has become cabinet secretary. In fact with Howard’s former “enforcer” Tony Nutt overseeing the prime ministerial transition and his old press secretary Tony O’Leary lending a hand for a while, the office changeover had a back to the future flavour.He’s sneaked in little checks and balances. To secure a new Coalition agreement with the Nationals, Turnbull agreed to transfer responsibility for water policy (although not the water trigger in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act) to the agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce, from the environment minister, Greg Hunt. Last week he said environmentalists should not be too concerned about this because the bulk of the work on water reform had been finished. In the fineprint of the reshuffle he also made South Australian senator Anne Ruston assistant minister for water, giving that state an assurance of close scrutiny of any decisions that might impact on its supply of water. Arthur Sinodinos, whose careful management style as John Howard’s chief of staff was a factor in the former prime minister’s longevity in government, has become cabinet secretary. In fact with Howard’s former “enforcer” Tony Nutt overseeing the prime ministerial transition and his old press secretary Tony O’Leary lending a hand for a while, the office changeover had a back to the future flavour.
Updated at 1.47am BSTUpdated at 1.47am BST
1.28am BST01:281.28am BST01:28
The Labor leader Bill Shorten is launching the opposition’s higher education policy now in Melbourne. My colleague Lenore Taylor previewed this policy this morning.The Labor leader Bill Shorten is launching the opposition’s higher education policy now in Melbourne. My colleague Lenore Taylor previewed this policy this morning.
Take it away Lenore.Take it away Lenore.
The policy promises a $2.5bn net increase to higher education funding – more than reversing the Coalition’s proposed 20% cut to the average federal funding for a bachelor degree, a saving that has been factored into the current budget even though the measure has not passed the Senate. Labor will abandon the Coalition’s controversial plan to deregulate university fees, allowing them to charge more. It will retain the Gillard government’s 2012 decision to remove previous limits on bachelor degree student numbers, but will ditch plans to extend this demand-driven system to diplomas and associate degrees from non-university providers, like private colleges. And it will impose new restrictions on universities to ensure higher rates of completion.The policy promises a $2.5bn net increase to higher education funding – more than reversing the Coalition’s proposed 20% cut to the average federal funding for a bachelor degree, a saving that has been factored into the current budget even though the measure has not passed the Senate. Labor will abandon the Coalition’s controversial plan to deregulate university fees, allowing them to charge more. It will retain the Gillard government’s 2012 decision to remove previous limits on bachelor degree student numbers, but will ditch plans to extend this demand-driven system to diplomas and associate degrees from non-university providers, like private colleges. And it will impose new restrictions on universities to ensure higher rates of completion.
Shorten (who faces a number of challenges courtesy of the leadership change in the government, and Turnbull’s change of messaging) is telling his audience he wants the next election to be a referendum on the future, not a personality contest.Shorten (who faces a number of challenges courtesy of the leadership change in the government, and Turnbull’s change of messaging) is telling his audience he wants the next election to be a referendum on the future, not a personality contest.
1.23am BST01:231.23am BST01:23
The new prime minister has batted away every question about the ins and outs of last week’s changing of the guard. What promises were made to whom and when?The new prime minister has batted away every question about the ins and outs of last week’s changing of the guard. What promises were made to whom and when?
It’s interesting he feels he can get away with that. Perhaps he thinks the electorate’s attachment to the old regime was thin enough that he can bat away these questions as so much insider nonsense. Perhaps he thinks that people genuinely don’t care how the leadership was changed, as long as it was changed.It’s interesting he feels he can get away with that. Perhaps he thinks the electorate’s attachment to the old regime was thin enough that he can bat away these questions as so much insider nonsense. Perhaps he thinks that people genuinely don’t care how the leadership was changed, as long as it was changed.
Voters were very confused when the Labor party moved against Kevin Rudd, Labor recognised that dynamic all too late. Turnbull’s conclusion from what he’s saying and from what he’s not saying is he doesn’t need to explain the nuts and bolts of this transaction.Voters were very confused when the Labor party moved against Kevin Rudd, Labor recognised that dynamic all too late. Turnbull’s conclusion from what he’s saying and from what he’s not saying is he doesn’t need to explain the nuts and bolts of this transaction.
Updated at 1.47am BSTUpdated at 1.47am BST
1.17am BST01:171.17am BST01:17
Just a fraction more from Sunrise on the theme of the king is dead, long live the king. Malcolm Turnbull on it’s tough to be shown the door – I ought to know.Just a fraction more from Sunrise on the theme of the king is dead, long live the king. Malcolm Turnbull on it’s tough to be shown the door – I ought to know.
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
As you know, there was a spill in February this year. Tony accepted that he had been given I think he said a warning shot across the bows. So there was the clear – there was clearly an issue that he was given time to change the party’s or the government’s fortunes and as it turned out, the party room concluded that he had not done that. That’s why he was replaced.As you know, there was a spill in February this year. Tony accepted that he had been given I think he said a warning shot across the bows. So there was the clear – there was clearly an issue that he was given time to change the party’s or the government’s fortunes and as it turned out, the party room concluded that he had not done that. That’s why he was replaced.
So I think there was a – the process if you like, was very different (to Labor’s decision to depose Kevin Rudd in 2010.)So I think there was a – the process if you like, was very different (to Labor’s decision to depose Kevin Rudd in 2010.)
That still means it’s very tough on Tony. I know what it’s like to be removed as leader of the Liberal party. It’s horrible. It is a dark, black experience. It’s awful. That sense of rejection. I deeply empathise with him.That still means it’s very tough on Tony. I know what it’s like to be removed as leader of the Liberal party. It’s horrible. It is a dark, black experience. It’s awful. That sense of rejection. I deeply empathise with him.
I am one of the few people who actually has a pretty good insight.I am one of the few people who actually has a pretty good insight.
1.09am BST01:091.09am BST01:09
The new prime minister did the rounds of breakfast television as well at the ABC’s flagship AM program. Turnbull was clearly enjoying himself. Here’s a little section from the Sunrise interview on the Seven Network. I think we can all admire Turnbull’s attention to detail in the House of Cards exchange.The new prime minister did the rounds of breakfast television as well at the ABC’s flagship AM program. Turnbull was clearly enjoying himself. Here’s a little section from the Sunrise interview on the Seven Network. I think we can all admire Turnbull’s attention to detail in the House of Cards exchange.
Q: You and Lucy have been sort of dubbed the new power couple, very similar to Francis and Clare Underwood in House of Cards. Do you see that as an insult or a compliment?Q: You and Lucy have been sort of dubbed the new power couple, very similar to Francis and Clare Underwood in House of Cards. Do you see that as an insult or a compliment?
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
I have nothing in common with Frank Underwood other than we both use a rowing machine.I have nothing in common with Frank Underwood other than we both use a rowing machine.
Q: And, it has been noted.Q: And, it has been noted.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
I’ve got a different model. I have one of the more traditional ones. It is rather interesting that he has – the one he has with the big bowl of water in it.I’ve got a different model. I have one of the more traditional ones. It is rather interesting that he has – the one he has with the big bowl of water in it.
Q: The water. We all notice you are not wearing a blue tie, you’ve moved to the red.Q: The water. We all notice you are not wearing a blue tie, you’ve moved to the red.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Can I just say a to you, I decide the colour of my ties and the manner in which I wear them.Can I just say a to you, I decide the colour of my ties and the manner in which I wear them.
(Yes, the new prime minister is certainly enjoying himself. They generally do at the beginning.)(Yes, the new prime minister is certainly enjoying himself. They generally do at the beginning.)
12.53am BST00:5312.53am BST00:53
Good morning lovely people and welcome to another special edition of Politics Live to cover the swearing in of Malcolm Turnbull’s new front bench. And a few other worthy bits and pieces.Good morning lovely people and welcome to another special edition of Politics Live to cover the swearing in of Malcolm Turnbull’s new front bench. And a few other worthy bits and pieces.
Many of you tuned in to our coverage yesterday of the ministerial reshuffle, which was a big bold move by the new occupant of the prime ministerial suite. Women are back in frontline roles (including Australia’s first female defence minister, Marise Payne), the moderates are back running the show (Turnbull, Bishop, Brandis, Pyne, Birmingham) and Tony Abbott’s Praetorian guard are, by and large, out the back door.Many of you tuned in to our coverage yesterday of the ministerial reshuffle, which was a big bold move by the new occupant of the prime ministerial suite. Women are back in frontline roles (including Australia’s first female defence minister, Marise Payne), the moderates are back running the show (Turnbull, Bishop, Brandis, Pyne, Birmingham) and Tony Abbott’s Praetorian guard are, by and large, out the back door.
The new prime minister has also sent an industrial strength hint that key policies could be revised, particularly policies with no prospect of achieving Senate support. In case we missed Sunday’s hint he repeated it again on ABC Radio this morning. Turnbull cited no higher authority than John Howard on the “iron laws of arithmetic.”The new prime minister has also sent an industrial strength hint that key policies could be revised, particularly policies with no prospect of achieving Senate support. In case we missed Sunday’s hint he repeated it again on ABC Radio this morning. Turnbull cited no higher authority than John Howard on the “iron laws of arithmetic.”
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
If you can’t get something through the Senate, I would say it’s highly possible you could change it to something that will get through the Senate. This is what John Howard calls the iron laws of arithmetic.If you can’t get something through the Senate, I would say it’s highly possible you could change it to something that will get through the Senate. This is what John Howard calls the iron laws of arithmetic.
A bit more, again, in case you missed it. No specific plans, but those plans, they can change quickly, so don’t leave the room.A bit more, again, in case you missed it. No specific plans, but those plans, they can change quickly, so don’t leave the room.
There will be changes to policies if they don’t work as well as we think, or we think others can work better. None of this is written in stone, but I don’t have any plan to change those policies because everything we see at the moment suggests they’re working very well.There will be changes to policies if they don’t work as well as we think, or we think others can work better. None of this is written in stone, but I don’t have any plan to change those policies because everything we see at the moment suggests they’re working very well.
Turnbull has done a couple of interviews this morning and I’ll give you a bit more of those shortly, as well as the first run commentary from various people about the new team. Then we’ll turn our minds to blooming camellias and tulips and the rolling lawns of Government House, where the new ministry will be formalised as kangaroos hop serenely by. And all that.Turnbull has done a couple of interviews this morning and I’ll give you a bit more of those shortly, as well as the first run commentary from various people about the new team. Then we’ll turn our minds to blooming camellias and tulips and the rolling lawns of Government House, where the new ministry will be formalised as kangaroos hop serenely by. And all that.
The comments thread is open for your business and Mikearoo and I are at your disposal on the twits. He’s @mpbowers and I’m @murpharooThe comments thread is open for your business and Mikearoo and I are at your disposal on the twits. He’s @mpbowers and I’m @murpharoo
Put your pinkies out. Starch and iron the napkins.Put your pinkies out. Starch and iron the napkins.
Let’s get cracking.Let’s get cracking.
Updated at 12.55am BSTUpdated at 12.55am BST