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Labor questions Turnbull on mechanics of marriage equality plebiscite – politics live
Labor questions Turnbull on mechanics of marriage equality plebiscite – politics live
(3 months later)
6.09pm AEST08:09
8.09am BST
08:09
Nighty night
Nighty night
Rightio that’s enough for today. Thanks as always for marvellous company. Special thanks to Daniel Hurst for minding shop in the middle of the day. Enduring thanks to Mike Bowers who started with the sparrows to capture Joe Hockey at his breakfast and then powered on all day with rolling wonderments. Bless them.
Rightio that’s enough for today. Thanks as always for marvellous company. Special thanks to Daniel Hurst for minding shop in the middle of the day. Enduring thanks to Mike Bowers who started with the sparrows to capture Joe Hockey at his breakfast and then powered on all day with rolling wonderments. Bless them.
We’ll be back in the morning.
We’ll be back in the morning.
Until then, let’s review Wednesday.
Until then, let’s review Wednesday.
There was more of course, but they were the big ticket items of the day.
There was more of course, but they were the big ticket items of the day.
Until the morrow, go with your Gods.
Until the morrow, go with your Gods.
Updated at 6.10pm AEST
Updated
5.48pm AEST07:48
at 8.10am BST
7.48am BST
07:48
Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin has issued a statement in the wake of Christian Porter’s interview on Sky earlier today. It was an untidy appearance. Macklin is harsher than me. She’s characterised it as a train wreck.
Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin has issued a statement in the wake of Christian Porter’s interview on Sky earlier today. It was an untidy appearance. Macklin is harsher than me. She’s characterised it as a train wreck.
As I posted earlier, Porter conceded that grandparent carers would be worse off under the government’s package “in isolation.” By that he meant the proposed reforms are swings and roundabouts – what benefit recipients lose in cuts they might gain on additional spending on childcare, which is structured as an incentive to encourage parents and carers to work.
As I posted earlier, Porter conceded that grandparent carers would be worse off under the government’s package “in isolation.” By that he meant the proposed reforms are swings and roundabouts – what benefit recipients lose in cuts they might gain on additional spending on childcare, which is structured as an incentive to encourage parents and carers to work.
Macklin isn’t buying the rationale.
Macklin isn’t buying the rationale.
Mr Porter: 15 year-old children aren’t going to childcare. Is Mr Porter seriously suggesting a 70 year old grandparent carer go back to work to make up for the government’s cuts to his family payments? Its clear Mr Porter isn’t across his brief. Christian Porter is completely out of his depth. Labor is very concerned about how these cuts will affect grandparent carers.
Mr Porter: 15 year-old children aren’t going to childcare. Is Mr Porter seriously suggesting a 70 year old grandparent carer go back to work to make up for the government’s cuts to his family payments? Its clear Mr Porter isn’t across his brief. Christian Porter is completely out of his depth. Labor is very concerned about how these cuts will affect grandparent carers.
Perhaps Macklin should go and have that cup of tea Porter offered her in question time. Porter is new in Canberra but he’s no political novice, having had a career in state politics before arriving here. He’s regarded by colleagues as extremely bright. But there are few people in the country who know as much about social policy as Jenny Macklin. It’s her thing, and she has the experience to run rings around people who aren’t across their brief.
Perhaps Macklin should go and have that cup of tea Porter offered her in question time. Porter is new in Canberra but he’s no political novice, having had a career in state politics before arriving here. He’s regarded by colleagues as extremely bright. But there are few people in the country who know as much about social policy as Jenny Macklin. It’s her thing, and she has the experience to run rings around people who aren’t across their brief.
5.39pm AEST07:39
7.39am BST
07:39
I keep chuckling about the prime minister’s artful non-answer on the same sex marriage plebiscite question in question time today. Chuckling in a rueful way.
I keep chuckling about the prime minister’s artful non-answer on the same sex marriage plebiscite question in question time today. Chuckling in a rueful way.
Just consider Turnbull’s real-world scenario here. Conservatives in the Liberal party were very happy with referendums and people’s votes when it was a delaying tactic to hold off parliamentary consideration of marriage equality. Now of course, a plebiscite looms, and the party is headed by a leader in favour of change, not a leader who would have moved heaven and earth to sink it.
Just consider Turnbull’s real-world scenario here. Conservatives in the Liberal party were very happy with referendums and people’s votes when it was a delaying tactic to hold off parliamentary consideration of marriage equality. Now of course, a plebiscite looms, and the party is headed by a leader in favour of change, not a leader who would have moved heaven and earth to sink it.
People in favour of reform of the marriage act within the government would like enabling legislation for the plebiscite to contain a provision automatically triggering marriage equality in the legislation in the event Australian voters say yes.
People in favour of reform of the marriage act within the government would like enabling legislation for the plebiscite to contain a provision automatically triggering marriage equality in the legislation in the event Australian voters say yes.
Maybe Turnbull can convince conservatives this is the only moral course given the Liberal party (famously) deliberated and chose not to press ahead with a conscience vote to settle the issue. It chose to have a “people’s vote” instead.
Maybe Turnbull can convince conservatives this is the only moral course given the Liberal party (famously) deliberated and chose not to press ahead with a conscience vote to settle the issue. It chose to have a “people’s vote” instead.
An automatic provision would lock in the change. Conservatives are unlikely to be happy about that.
An automatic provision would lock in the change. Conservatives are unlikely to be happy about that.
Just bringing on the discussion internally (let alone acting) is like reopening a nasty wound.
Just bringing on the discussion internally (let alone acting) is like reopening a nasty wound.
Tricky. Hence the fudge, which might be a signpost, but is nonetheless a fudge.
Tricky. Hence the fudge, which might be a signpost, but is nonetheless a fudge.
5.14pm AEST07:14
7.14am BST
07:14
I know Daniel Hurst posted this quote when he was minding the Politics Live shop earlier today but I’m really very fond of it in the Sir Humphrey Appleby way one is fond of diplomatic formulations from politicians or their advisers.
I know Daniel Hurst posted this quote when he was minding the Politics Live shop earlier today but I’m really very fond of it in the Sir Humphrey Appleby way one is fond of diplomatic formulations from politicians or their advisers.
Simon Birmingham, belting Bjørn Lomborg to the bleachers.
Simon Birmingham, belting Bjørn Lomborg to the bleachers.
If any Australian university wants to engage with Bjørn Lomborg, they should feel absolutely free to do so. Certainly a specific incentive from the government for such an institute is no longer available.
If any Australian university wants to engage with Bjørn Lomborg, they should feel absolutely free to do so. Certainly a specific incentive from the government for such an institute is no longer available.
4.56pm AEST06:56
6.56am BST
06:56
I’m conscious that I couldn’t stretch this morning to covering the treasury secretary John Fraser’s appearance before estimates this morning. Fortunately Jacob Greber from the Financial Review has done a more than stirling job of covering key points. AFR subscribers can read him in full here.
I’m conscious that I couldn’t stretch this morning to covering the treasury secretary John Fraser’s appearance before estimates this morning. Fortunately Jacob Greber from the Financial Review has done a more than stirling job of covering key points. AFR subscribers can read him in full here.
For our purposes, what do we need to know?
For our purposes, what do we need to know?
Firstly, Fraser was negative about the global debt outlook. He said global conditions underscored the imperative of budget repair in Australia.
Firstly, Fraser was negative about the global debt outlook. He said global conditions underscored the imperative of budget repair in Australia.
We need to address Australia’s structural budget problem through greater expenditure restraint.
We need to address Australia’s structural budget problem through greater expenditure restraint.
(Want to know why Scott Morrison says we have a spending problem not a revenue problem? Listen to the advice he gets. Moving forward.)
(Want to know why Scott Morrison says we have a spending problem not a revenue problem? Listen to the advice he gets. Moving forward.)
Fraser also appeared pleased that economic reform was back cooking away under the new Turnbull regime.
Fraser also appeared pleased that economic reform was back cooking away under the new Turnbull regime.
It’s good there’s been progress. I’m delighted, as I think most people are, that Harper is very much back on the table. I think the tax reform discussion, whatever you want to call it, has been moving in a very intelligent direction with all parties airing options.
It’s good there’s been progress. I’m delighted, as I think most people are, that Harper is very much back on the table. I think the tax reform discussion, whatever you want to call it, has been moving in a very intelligent direction with all parties airing options.
4.42pm AEST06:42
6.42am BST
06:42
Trade unions are not exactly thrilled with the CHAFTA peace in our time deal between the government and the opposition today. The Australian quotes Allen Hicks, the national secretary of the ETU, expressing disappointment.
Trade unions are not exactly thrilled with the CHAFTA peace in our time deal between the government and the opposition today. The Australian quotes Allen Hicks, the national secretary of the ETU, expressing disappointment.
Allen Hicks:
Allen Hicks:
The fact that the ALP could not achieve concessions on key areas of job security, safety and sovereignty is of significant concern to our union and its members.
The fact that the ALP could not achieve concessions on key areas of job security, safety and sovereignty is of significant concern to our union and its members.
ACTU president Ged Kearney isn’t thrilled either. She says Labor didn’t emerge with enough concessions, and has just told Sky News that the unions will press ahead with campaigning against the deal.
ACTU president Ged Kearney isn’t thrilled either. She says Labor didn’t emerge with enough concessions, and has just told Sky News that the unions will press ahead with campaigning against the deal.
Unfortunately they (the ALP) didn’t cover off all the gaps we have with the free trade agreement.
Unfortunately they (the ALP) didn’t cover off all the gaps we have with the free trade agreement.
4.35pm AEST06:35
6.35am BST
06:35
Speers asks when we’ll see the childcare package. The social services minister says when the parliament gets serious about the savings required to pay for it.
Speers asks when we’ll see the childcare package. The social services minister says when the parliament gets serious about the savings required to pay for it.
Christian Porter:
Christian Porter:
We want to know we are going to have support from the crossbench and the opposition.
We want to know we are going to have support from the crossbench and the opposition.
4.31pm AEST06:31
6.31am BST
06:31
The social services minister Christian Porter is on Sky News now being grilled about today’s family benefit package.
The social services minister Christian Porter is on Sky News now being grilled about today’s family benefit package.
Sky News political editor David Speers is troubled by the numbers. He counts a $2.4b saving and a $3.5b spend. How does this help the budget? Porter says additional savings have been found. Speers moves on to the issue raised by Labor in question time – grandparent carers. They are worse off under this package, aren’t they?
Sky News political editor David Speers is troubled by the numbers. He counts a $2.4b saving and a $3.5b spend. How does this help the budget? Porter says additional savings have been found. Speers moves on to the issue raised by Labor in question time – grandparent carers. They are worse off under this package, aren’t they?
Christian Porter:
Christian Porter:
In isolation.
In isolation.
4.17pm AEST06:17
6.17am BST
06:17
I’m sorry I’ve been detained briefly, in part by Sydney nudists, but we are back in formation now for the afternoon.
I’m sorry I’ve been detained briefly, in part by Sydney nudists, but we are back in formation now for the afternoon.
3.37pm AEST05:37
5.37am BST
05:37
I should have said, further questions have been placed on the notice paper.
I should have said, further questions have been placed on the notice paper.
Here’s a neat little chamber sequence of the prime minister, by Mr Bowers.
Here’s a neat little chamber sequence of the prime minister, by Mr Bowers.
3.20pm AEST05:20
5.20am BST
05:20
Meanwhile.
Meanwhile.
House of Reps has agreed to a Government motion to extend sitting hours tonight until the #ChAFTA legislation is debated and passed #auspol
House of Reps has agreed to a Government motion to extend sitting hours tonight until the #ChAFTA legislation is debated and passed #auspol
3.17pm AEST05:17
5.17am BST
05:17
It might. Time to talk turkey though, isn’t it?
It might. Time to talk turkey though, isn’t it?
..which MIGHT indicate he's considering structuring plebiscite bill to include changing Marriage Act with start date pegged to yes vote #QT
..which MIGHT indicate he's considering structuring plebiscite bill to include changing Marriage Act with start date pegged to yes vote #QT
3.10pm AEST05:10
5.10am BST
05:10
It’s a great sentiment from Turnbull, people vote yes, parliament votes yes, but how does it vote yes? If it’s a conscience vote, the numbers might not be there for a change. Does Cory Bernardi vote yes? Does Joe Bullock?
It’s a great sentiment from Turnbull, people vote yes, parliament votes yes, but how does it vote yes? If it’s a conscience vote, the numbers might not be there for a change. Does Cory Bernardi vote yes? Does Joe Bullock?
3.07pm AEST05:07
5.07am BST
05:07
Fudge of the week?
Fudge of the week?
Marriage equality.
Marriage equality.
Q: My question is to the prime minister. I refer to the prime minister’s support for a plebiscite on marriage equality. Will the national result of the plebiscite be binding on Coalition members or will individual Coalition members be bound by the results in their individual seats or will the vote not be binding on Coalition members at all?
Q: My question is to the prime minister. I refer to the prime minister’s support for a plebiscite on marriage equality. Will the national result of the plebiscite be binding on Coalition members or will individual Coalition members be bound by the results in their individual seats or will the vote not be binding on Coalition members at all?
An excellent question, which produces an early contender for fudge of the week from Malcolm Turnbull.
An excellent question, which produces an early contender for fudge of the week from Malcolm Turnbull.
That is a very good question and I thank you for it. Well, I think it’s fair – I think it’s an absolutely reasonable request and the answer is that the consequence of a yes vote in the plebiscite will be that same-sex marriage will be legal in Australia.
That is a very good question and I thank you for it. Well, I think it’s fair – I think it’s an absolutely reasonable request and the answer is that the consequence of a yes vote in the plebiscite will be that same-sex marriage will be legal in Australia.
3.02pm AEST05:02
5.02am BST
05:02
Labor has moved on to science funding now on the theme of ‘Malcolm Turnbull is all talk and no action.’
Labor has moved on to science funding now on the theme of ‘Malcolm Turnbull is all talk and no action.’
Q: Last year, the now prime minister took the German chancellor to NICTA, Australia’s flagship research agency. Why has the government cut funding to NICTA?
Q: Last year, the now prime minister took the German chancellor to NICTA, Australia’s flagship research agency. Why has the government cut funding to NICTA?
Don’t you worry about NICTA, the prime minister says. It’s a powerhouse.
Don’t you worry about NICTA, the prime minister says. It’s a powerhouse.
I have great confidence in this work in the CSIRO, great confidence in Larry Marshall, the CEO, and great confidence in David Thodey and that whole team at CSIRO. This is going to be a much more dynamic organisation as a result of the merger with NICTA.
I have great confidence in this work in the CSIRO, great confidence in Larry Marshall, the CEO, and great confidence in David Thodey and that whole team at CSIRO. This is going to be a much more dynamic organisation as a result of the merger with NICTA.
2.50pm AEST04:50
4.50am BST
04:50
Social services minister Christian Porter has indicated he will shout Jenny Macklin a cup of tea.
Social services minister Christian Porter has indicated he will shout Jenny Macklin a cup of tea.
I might take this opportunity to put to the member for Jagajaga that if the grandparent cohort is the only concern that Labor has about (the family benefits package) then let’s have a cup of tea.
I might take this opportunity to put to the member for Jagajaga that if the grandparent cohort is the only concern that Labor has about (the family benefits package) then let’s have a cup of tea.
Macklin laughs at this invitation. Porter presses on.
Macklin laughs at this invitation. Porter presses on.
It’s a very, very small cohort. It is about 3,000.
It’s a very, very small cohort. It is about 3,000.
It’s a genuine offer. I will shout the cup of tea and we can sit down and talk about that.
It’s a genuine offer. I will shout the cup of tea and we can sit down and talk about that.
2.45pm AEST04:45
4.45am BST
04:45
While the prime minister is some distance from the node (his words) ..
While the prime minister is some distance from the node (his words) ..
2.43pm AEST04:43
4.43am BST
04:43
Judy Garland, the member for Jagajaga, has told us you have to pay for this somehow. Somewhere over the rainbow. Way up high.
Judy Garland, the member for Jagajaga, has told us you have to pay for this somehow. Somewhere over the rainbow. Way up high.
This is the treasurer, Scott Morrison, a musical theatre buff.
This is the treasurer, Scott Morrison, a musical theatre buff.
Those opposite have engaged in a discussion today, the old discussion about winners and losers.
Those opposite have engaged in a discussion today, the old discussion about winners and losers.
(Yes, that old discussion. The one voters are very often interested in.)
(Yes, that old discussion. The one voters are very often interested in.)
2.39pm AEST04:39
4.39am BST
04:39
Back to question time. Labor is persisting with the NBN despite Turnbull’s delight at digressions into Conrovia.
Back to question time. Labor is persisting with the NBN despite Turnbull’s delight at digressions into Conrovia.
Q: Before the last election, the prime minister promised that he would build his second-rate version of the NBN for $29.5b. The NBN corporate plan now reveals the cost will be almost almost double that, up to $56b. Does the prime minister admit that this massive blow-out is a broken promise?
Q: Before the last election, the prime minister promised that he would build his second-rate version of the NBN for $29.5b. The NBN corporate plan now reveals the cost will be almost almost double that, up to $56b. Does the prime minister admit that this massive blow-out is a broken promise?
Turnbull says Labor needs to wake up and depart the socialist paradise.
Turnbull says Labor needs to wake up and depart the socialist paradise.
He says Labor were flying blind with the project.
He says Labor were flying blind with the project.
The fact is that nobody knew what the real numbers were with the NBN until very recently. Nobody knew.
The fact is that nobody knew what the real numbers were with the NBN until very recently. Nobody knew.
The government didn’t know, (in) opposition we made our best estimates and our best forecasts.
The government didn’t know, (in) opposition we made our best estimates and our best forecasts.
Updated at 3.23pm AEST
Updated
2.34pm AEST04:34
at 5.23am BST
4.34am BST
04:34
Speaking as we were just a moment ago of taxpayer funded advertising, a statement has just come in from the shadow treasurer Chris Bowen. He says in estimates earlier on, treasury officials revealed the government spent over $24m in 2014-15 buying ad spots; $6.4m on design and more than $1.3m on market research and public relations for the promotion of the intergenerational report.
Speaking as we were just a moment ago of taxpayer funded advertising, a statement has just come in from the shadow treasurer Chris Bowen. He says in estimates earlier on, treasury officials revealed the government spent over $24m in 2014-15 buying ad spots; $6.4m on design and more than $1.3m on market research and public relations for the promotion of the intergenerational report.
This was the IGR campaign featuring Karl Kruszelnicki – who many readers will remember later tried to distance himself from the document he was hired to sell.
This was the IGR campaign featuring Karl Kruszelnicki – who many readers will remember later tried to distance himself from the document he was hired to sell.
Chris Bowen says this number is three times the previously-revealed figure – and all to sell a document that wasn’t worth the paper it was written on.
Chris Bowen says this number is three times the previously-revealed figure – and all to sell a document that wasn’t worth the paper it was written on.
Just to be clear, I’m quite certain Cathy McGowan doesn’t want more Karl Kruszelnicki.
Just to be clear, I’m quite certain Cathy McGowan doesn’t want more Karl Kruszelnicki.
2.27pm AEST04:27
4.27am BST
04:27
Labor has now asked how much copper will be required to make the government’s second-rate NBN work?
Labor has now asked how much copper will be required to make the government’s second-rate NBN work?
Malcolm Turnbull is delighted to get this question. I sense a quick digression into Conrovia. Ah yes, there it was.
Malcolm Turnbull is delighted to get this question. I sense a quick digression into Conrovia. Ah yes, there it was.
Updated at 2.28pm AEST
Updated
2.22pm AEST04:22
at 4.28am BST
4.22am BST
04:22
The member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, wants a commitment that more government programs will be advertised in regional Australia so that constituents know about them and can access the various opportunities.
The member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, wants a commitment that more government programs will be advertised in regional Australia so that constituents know about them and can access the various opportunities.
It’s an unusual request. Normally politicians are slightly embarrassed about taxpayer funded advertising, given they cop a lot of criticism for it.
It’s an unusual request. Normally politicians are slightly embarrassed about taxpayer funded advertising, given they cop a lot of criticism for it.
Special minister of state Mal Brough says if McGowan has ideas, she should come and make some suggestions.
Special minister of state Mal Brough says if McGowan has ideas, she should come and make some suggestions.
2.19pm AEST04:19
4.19am BST
04:19
Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin has returned.
Labor’s families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin has returned.
Q: Is it still Liberal government policy to cut paid parental leave for 80,000 new parents each year?
Q: Is it still Liberal government policy to cut paid parental leave for 80,000 new parents each year?
As the honourable member knows, we’ve chosen to reprioritise, to change spending to ensure the paid parental leave scheme is affordable and that additional childcare support can be provided through our jobs for families package.
As the honourable member knows, we’ve chosen to reprioritise, to change spending to ensure the paid parental leave scheme is affordable and that additional childcare support can be provided through our jobs for families package.
(Yes, in other words.)
(Yes, in other words.)
Turnbull, continuing.
Turnbull, continuing.
I note the honourable member’s party, the opposition, have indicated they won’t support these changes, meaning that there is yet another $1bn hole in their budget calculations.
I note the honourable member’s party, the opposition, have indicated they won’t support these changes, meaning that there is yet another $1bn hole in their budget calculations.
(The government’s budget calculations, I believe. The hole.)
(The government’s budget calculations, I believe. The hole.)
Updated at 2.25pm AEST
Updated
2.16pm AEST04:16
at 4.25am BST
4.16am BST
04:16
It’s now the trade minister Andrew Robb’s turn to inform the electorate that today is a happy happy day for Australia. Right now he’s on the potent trifecta of the free trade agreements in Asia.
It’s now the trade minister Andrew Robb’s turn to inform the electorate that today is a happy happy day for Australia. Right now he’s on the potent trifecta of the free trade agreements in Asia.
2.14pm AEST04:14
4.14am BST
04:14
Turnbull gets a Dorothy Dixer in order to better inform the electorate that this is a great day for Australia.
Turnbull gets a Dorothy Dixer in order to better inform the electorate that this is a great day for Australia.
Labor then dives back into the family benefits package.
Labor then dives back into the family benefits package.
Q: My question is to the prime minister. Is it true that a grandparent carer with a 15-year-old in their care will be about $2,500 a year worse off because of the government’s proposed changes to family tax benefits?
Q: My question is to the prime minister. Is it true that a grandparent carer with a 15-year-old in their care will be about $2,500 a year worse off because of the government’s proposed changes to family tax benefits?
Malcolm Turnbull:
Malcolm Turnbull:
As the honourable member, the member for Jagajaga said, not so long ago, when she welcomed the government’s changes to childcare arrangements, which she welcomed, she said they will have to be paid for somehow. And changes have to be made. We live in a world of finite resources.
As the honourable member, the member for Jagajaga said, not so long ago, when she welcomed the government’s changes to childcare arrangements, which she welcomed, she said they will have to be paid for somehow. And changes have to be made. We live in a world of finite resources.
Clearly we have to allocate resources in a manner that ensures we get the best outcome for families, whether they are single parent families, whether they are families with grandparents as the primary carer, whether they are couples.
Clearly we have to allocate resources in a manner that ensures we get the best outcome for families, whether they are single parent families, whether they are families with grandparents as the primary carer, whether they are couples.
We can’t spend all the money in an ideal world that one would like to spend. We have to be careful and systematic and, if the honourable member has specific challenges about a particular part of the policy, then she should raise them and they will be taken into account.
We can’t spend all the money in an ideal world that one would like to spend. We have to be careful and systematic and, if the honourable member has specific challenges about a particular part of the policy, then she should raise them and they will be taken into account.
But we shouldn’t be trying to play an old-fashioned gotcha game here in the house.
But we shouldn’t be trying to play an old-fashioned gotcha game here in the house.
Let’s focus on substantive policy just for a change.
Let’s focus on substantive policy just for a change.
(Two things are clear. Pursuing accountability about a major package of social policy reform isn’t a gotcha game. And Turnbull is not fully across the fine print of this package.)
(Two things are clear. Pursuing accountability about a major package of social policy reform isn’t a gotcha game. And Turnbull is not fully across the fine print of this package.)
Updated at 2.20pm AEST
Updated
2.08pm AEST04:08
at 4.20am BST
4.08am BST
04:08
Question time
Question time
Labor opens today on the family benefits package.
Labor opens today on the family benefits package.
Q: Today the Liberal government has announced new changes and cuts to family payments. So with regard to the prime minister’s announcement today, just how many families will be better off compared to the benefits they receive now? And how many families will be worse off?
Q: Today the Liberal government has announced new changes and cuts to family payments. So with regard to the prime minister’s announcement today, just how many families will be better off compared to the benefits they receive now? And how many families will be worse off?
Malcolm Turnbull says he’s been listening. Much listening.
Malcolm Turnbull says he’s been listening. Much listening.
The prime minister says 1.2m families with children will benefit from an increase or the increase in the FTB(A) rates, including those with children above the age of 13, from the first of July 2018
The prime minister says 1.2m families with children will benefit from an increase or the increase in the FTB(A) rates, including those with children above the age of 13, from the first of July 2018
He goes through the costings.
He goes through the costings.
Now, put together, the range of changes will save the budget $4.8bn over the forward estimates, and the package will help pay for the $3.5bn jobs-for-families package.
Now, put together, the range of changes will save the budget $4.8bn over the forward estimates, and the package will help pay for the $3.5bn jobs-for-families package.
And as a result of the new childcare package, families using childcare services from July 2017 with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will on average be $30 a week better off.
And as a result of the new childcare package, families using childcare services from July 2017 with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will on average be $30 a week better off.
If I can give one example, one case study: Jodie and Darren have a three-year-old daughter. Darren works full-time and earns $85,000 a year. Jodie works three days a week and earns $51,000 a year ..
If I can give one example, one case study: Jodie and Darren have a three-year-old daughter. Darren works full-time and earns $85,000 a year. Jodie works three days a week and earns $51,000 a year ..
Shorten cuts him off with a point of order. This isn’t an answer to the question.
Shorten cuts him off with a point of order. This isn’t an answer to the question.
Turnbull resumes his seat. Question time rolls on.
Turnbull resumes his seat. Question time rolls on.
Updated at 2.10pm AEST
Updated
1.57pm AEST03:57
at 4.10am BST
3.57am BST
03:57
Hello, just time to refresh the tea pot before the hour of glower. Do it. You deserve it.
Hello, just time to refresh the tea pot before the hour of glower. Do it. You deserve it.
1.48pm AEST03:48
3.48am BST
03:48
Daniel Hurst
Daniel Hurst
Thanks for your company. This is the point at which I will pass the baton back to Murph.
Thanks for your company. This is the point at which I will pass the baton back to Murph.
1.47pm AEST03:47
Daniel Hurst
While we’ve been focused on Chafta (that dreaded acronym) and the Lomborg funding decision, the National Press Club has been hearing from the assistant minister for multicultural affairs, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.
Fierravanti-Wells is one of the conservatives from NSW who led the charge against a free vote on same-sex marriage. The topic of her speech today was: “How conservative is contemporary Australia?”
In the course of her speech, Fierravanti-Wells made some observations about the new Turnbull era:
So I come to recent events and what some have described as the purge of the conservatives from the ministerial ranks. I’m pleased to have survived. As the senior conservative from NSW, I have spent a lot of time talking to our base. In NSW, it is well known the left control the division but the base is mostly conservative. Many are devastated by the change. Some have left and many have threatened to down tools. I have done my best to talk to people, talk people into staying for the good of the Liberal party we all serve.
The change of leadership will have an impact on our party. Unlike the ALP we do not have the heavy arm of the union movement to come and hand out how to votes. We rely on a volunteer base, mostly of older members, some who have had enough. Former prime minister Howard and his committee proposed reforms to the NSW division which included plebiscites, and other important changes. Those reforms would have ensured a more equitable treatment for conservatives in the division.
I should point out that advocates of party reform within the NSW branch of the Liberal party were crying foul over a recent factional deal that they claimed was slowing progress towards the types of plebiscites proposed by Howard.
At present, a combination of delegates from local branches and head office decide on who is endorsed as a candidate. Critics say this entrenches factional power.
The compromise commits the party to a plebiscite in one federal NSW metropolitan seat for the 2016 election, two seats for the following federal election, and three seats for the 2019 state election.
You can read my recent story about that issue here.
Updated at 1.52pm AEST
1.32pm AEST03:32
Daniel Hurst
The Greens, on the other hand, have welcomed the decision to withdraw funding for the Lomborg centre.
The party’s higher education spokesman, Senator Robert Simms, said in a statement:
I am relieved to today learn that the federal government have dropped their $4m ‘captain’s pick’ of setting up a Bjorn Lomborg ‘Consensus Centre’ in Australia.
It’s curious that the government had made the decision to abandon this some weeks ago yet appear to have sat on the decision. Nonetheless, we welcome the decision. This is great news for the academic integrity of our universities and it is testament to the strong community campaign.
I hope that the federal government will now focus on increasing funding across the board to invest in our universities.
Updated at 1.33pm AEST
1.29pm AEST03:29
Daniel Hurst
The Copenhagen Consensus Centre has issued a statement in response to the government’s decision to withdraw the funding offer.
A spokesman for the centre said:
It is disappointing that a significant global research effort attracting top economists to look at development priorities will no longer be associated with Australia.
Those who used the announcement of Australia Consensus as a political football had no interest in our record of ten years’ work on development issues, or our work with hundreds of world-class economists and Nobel laureates.
We are just wrapping up our successful year-long analysis of the United Nations’ major new “Global Goals” development targets. This has involved collaboration with 100+ top academics, global philanthropic organisations, many United Nations bodies, and national governments.
Next, we will be helping individual countries set their own development priorities. Projects are getting underway in Haiti and Bangladesh with broad support from across the political spectrum, NGOs, academics, and civil society. We are working closely with development ministries and top economists.
Australia could have played a leadership role in setting global development priorities. It is a pity for Australian researchers and civil society that won’t be the case.
Updated at 1.30pm AEST
1.27pm AEST03:27
Government withdraws funding for Lomborg centre
Daniel Hurst
The new education minister, Simon Birmingham, has confirmed the $4m funding for Bjorn Lomborg’s “Consensus Centre” has been withdrawn. In Senate estimates, Birmingham said it was one of the last acts of his predecessor, Christopher Pyne.
Here is the relevant exchange:
Birmingham: The previous minister, Mr Pyne, did make a determination that this proposal was unlikely to enjoy success, and that the funds could be better utilised elsewhere.
Labor senator Kim Carr: The project money has been withdrawn?
Birmingham: Correct, Senator Carr.
Greens senator Robert Simms: So the money is off the table?
Birmingham: Correct, Senator Simms.
Simms: When was that decision made?
Birmingham: That was made by Mr Pyne, I think in the last short while as his time as minister. In the last week or so. I think it was within the last week of his time as minister.
Simms: Is Flinders University aware of that? Because there have been some media reports that they are still trying to get their hands on that money.
Birmingham: Knowing that it was likely to be raised today, I spoke to Professor Stirling [the vice chancellor] this morning.
Simms: So we can say today with clarity that that is the end of the Lomborg matter. It’s not going to be hosted here in Australia?
Birmingham: If any Australian university wants to engage with Bjorn Lomborg, they should feel absolutely free to do so... Certainly a specific incentive from the government for such an institute is no longer available.
(Thanks to my colleague Shalailah for transcribing this exchange.)
1.18pm AEST03:18
We are hearing there has been some significant news out of the education estimates committee relating to Bjorn Lomborg’s “Consensus Centre”. AAP reports the government has dropped its funding offer. We’ll have more details for your shortly.
1.16pm AEST03:16
Exit stage right...
Updated at 1.21pm AEST
1.08pm AEST03:08
Daniel Hurst
The House of Representatives continues to debate the implementation legislation for the free trade agreement.
Government MPs are praising the deal with Labor secured by Andrew Robb, even though they are playing down the significance of the concessions.
Angus Taylor had some cautionary words about the effectiveness of labour market testing, the requirement that employers place job ads seeking Australian workers before turning overseas. Fellow government MP Andrew Nikolic acccused Labor of “myopia”, and had sterner words about the unions. The opposition employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor said Labor had simply stood up in defence of Australian jobs.
12.59pm AEST02:59
Daniel Hurst
Hello and thanks for your company while Murph steps away from Politics Live for a short time. All things going to plan, she will be back to steer us through question time.
I’ve been spending my morning looking through the detail of the deal to pass the China-Australia free trade agreement. My updated news wrap has just been published to take in the day’s developments. Here’s the big picture:
The Coalition and Labor have reached a deal to pass legislation for the China-Australia free trade agreement (Chafta), ending an intense political dispute in Canberra and clearing the way for tariff cuts before the end of the year.
The breakthrough follows the government’s offer to amend migration regulations to ensure employers have made genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers before seeking them from overseas under a work agreement.
The prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, hailed the bipartisan deal, saying it showed the parliament could work together and marked a “great day for Australians”. The Labor leader, Bill Shorten, said the opposition had achieved “some legally enforceable grunt behind protecting Australian jobs”.
The main political parties argued the move to toughen migration regulations did not jeopardise the previously signed agreement with China, and did not discriminate against Australia’s biggest trading partner because they had broader effect.
The trade minister, Andrew Robb, said he had “stayed in touch with the Chinese” about the proposed measures and “found that they were satisfied” there was no breach of the Chafta commitments.
You can read the full story here.
Updated at 1.01pm AEST
12.49pm AEST02:49
Now believe it or not, because I forgot something critical when I came into the office this morning, I need to dash out for an hour of so to retrieve said item. First world problems.
The wonderful Daniel Hurst will be minding the Politics Live shop in my absence with a few guest posts. Round of applause please. Heeeeere’s Daniel. See you at question time.
12.44pm AEST02:44
Politics this lunchtime
Let’s use this very brief break in ‘volume-up-to-eleven’ transmission to recap the main events of Wednesday morning.
Today, thus far.
Like live blogs really.
Onwards, upwards.
Updated at 12.47pm AEST
12.24pm AEST02:24
The chamber debate on the China free trade legislation has resumed. Labor’s deputy leader, Tanya Plibersek, is telling the house currently if Labor was in power, it would not have negotiated a trade agreement with an investor state dispute settlement clause. Labor has pledged to review ISDS clauses if it wins government.
Updated at 12.31pm AEST
12.22pm AEST02:22
The House has now resumed normal transmission but just one more Hockey picture before we move on.
This was young Adelaide Hockey’s response to being mentioned. Lovely frame from Mikearoo.
12.09pm AEST02:09
Some of the onlookers, apart from the Hockey family.
12.03pm AEST02:03
The tributes to Hockey are continuing. Labor’s deputy leader Tanya Plibersek has given a shout out to the Hockey children, who are watching on today. Plibersek says if they remember this experience, this day, she hopes that the Hockey kids will remember that politicians from all sides of the divide stood up to pay tribute to Hockey’s service to public life.
11.45am AEST01:45
Malcolm Turnbull, paying tribute.
This is a big day in the life of a big man. One of the giants of the parliament is taking his leave and all of us rose together and applauded him because we admire you, Joe, we love you, you have made an enormous contribution over nearly 20 years.
Bill Shorten.
This is no ordinary day. You are no ordinary Joe.
It is an unusual day. People leave this place, some remark that it’s actually easier to get here than to leave. But it isn’t always easy to leave at your timing and with the mutual respect of the people who serve here. The standing ovation spontaneously from your colleagues and the opposition should be one of the memories you cherish here because you can’t get that by just turning up, you can’t get that sort of respect, respect can’t be given by a position or a title, it can’t be given by longevity alone.
There’s something else involved in achieving that.
Updated at 11.59am AEST
11.40am AEST01:40
11.36am AEST01:36
He ends thus.
We should encourage Australians to be their best, to achieve what they can and to share the rewards as they choose. As a nation, as a parliament we must continue to be ambitious and bold.
So I say to this House, as I say to my own children seated here in this chamber, it is far better to dream mighty things, to see glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to be amongst those poor souls who neither suffer much nor enjoy much because they live in the great twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.
Updated at 11.37am AEST
11.34am AEST01:34
Hockey's actual tax agenda
Hockey risks life and limb to praise a Labor initiative – the national broadband network.
He also leaves a bunch of policy thoughts. He says Australia needs more labour market flexibility. The current structure of penalty rates is profit murder for small business, particularly if they’re competing on a digital platform.
Now tax.
Mr Speaker, our taxation system needs reform for the 21st century economy, integrity is crucial for that and through our leadership of the G20 we hardened the resolve of major economies to address base erosion and profit shifting.
Integrity is hugely important but the best way to get compliance is to have lower, simpler taxes. We abolished seven taxes and fixed 96 tax problems but reform had to go further and through a comprehensive review of the tax system.
I endeavoured, and failed, to keep all options on the table.
We must increase and over time broaden the GST, we must lower all income tax those people and companies are given more incentive to take risks and receive rewards.
As a minimum, we should aim for a 40-20-20 rule. 40% top personal tax rate at a much higher threshold, 20% tax rate for most taxpayers and 20% tax rate for businesses.
We should be wiser and more consistent on tax concessions to help pay for that, in particular tax concessions on superannuation should be carefully pared back.
In that framework, negative gearing should be skewed towards new housing so that there is an incentive to add to the housing stock rather than an incentive to speculate on existing property and we should never ever forget small business.
Updated at 12.14pm AEST
11.28am AEST01:28
With all due respect to the departing Hockey, this particular over-statement is absurd.
I challenge all and sundry to name a speech in the last 20 years that has influenced the national debate in the way that ‘the end of the age of entitlement’ speech did.
I gave it in opposition to a group of just 40 people in London, quite a few Tory MPs, no media were present.
Yet the speech had an impact in a number of different countries from opposition – it gave the Labor party, in government, a leave pass to start to wind back unfair welfare entitlements.
(He’s on the theme of austerity: fiscal sustainability is necessary to prevent intergenerational theft. The end of the age of entitlement speech was not that influential, not really – the thinking was hardly novel – and in any case he was given power to deliver on the theme, and he failed to deliver.)
Updated at 11.30am AEST
11.24am AEST01:24
Hockey, on the Jesuitical concept of man for others.
Mr Speaker, I grew up in a house full of integrity. There was no back door you could sneak out of with a temporary leave pass to be disloyal or dishonest for just a few days. Growing up in a small-business family, I learned that reward will come as a result of hard work and innovation. In particular, you should never, never, ever put your honesty or your integrity up for sale.
I was taught by the Jesuits that it’s better to serve than be served, to be a man for others, and it would have been impossible for me to serve in this place without the support of my wife, Melissa, and our children.
You know, last Monday was Iggy’s sixth birthday and I’ve missed every single one of his birthdays.
I won’t miss another one.
Updated at 12.17pm AEST
11.21am AEST01:21
Hockey says people would like Tony Abbott if they knew him.
It was a great honour to serve as a minister in a number of Howard government ministries. It was an even greater honour to serve as treasurer in the Abbott government. Tony Abbott, who sadly is overseas today, is one of the most selfless, hard-working and honourable people I have ever met.
Yes, at times we have clashed, I confess. For more than 30 years we’ve argued our differences on everything from the republic to budget savings, but I say directly to the Australian people that the real Tony Abbott is more of a good and decent man than you may know.
Then, the predictable self-justifications and defence of the legacy:
Mr Speaker, the Abbott government was good at policy but struggled with politics. When faced with a choice, I would always prefer to do what was right than what was popular.
I admit that we could have done more to win over third-party endorsements and to win over the Senate. And we could have done more to win over the Australian people. We tried to achieve a lot in a short period of time and whilst we were dealing with significant domestic policy challenges in health, welfare and education, we underestimated the massive time requirements associated with national security and chairing the G20.
Nothing illustrated this better than the 2014 budget, where the government had more courage than the parliament. As my good mate, the outstanding minister for finance, Senator Mathias Cormann, will tell you, it is easier to spend money than to save money. Unfortunately, in modern politics it’s far easier to demolish good policy proposals than to build and implement them.
Updated at 11.23am AEST
11.16am AEST01:16
The revolving door in Australian politics must be jammed shut
An anecdote from the Canberra share house from Joe Hockey.
I can now confess that our happiest moments were sitting at home late at night eating Paddle Pops watching Jerry Springer and admiring the latest Nickelback album, in my case alone.
Then commentary on the moment.
Ladies and gentlemen, if everyday Australians are to be their best then we, as community leaders, must be even better.
That’s why the revolving door in Australian politics must be jammed shut. If we don’t show enough respect to each other then how can we hope that the electorate will respect us?
The stability of the Howard government has been replaced with rapid and unpredictable changes of government on both sides. That turnover has dramatically weakened the policy hand of whoever occupies the government benches in this chamber.
Most public servants are very good but some, confused by the inconsistency of policy and the rapid change in the number of ministers, they will simply wait out a minister or a government when they are asked to implement very difficult decisions. In this parliament, the Senate has the capacity to turn every policy proposal into a bit of a mess, thus undermining public confidence in the process of government.
Ultimately, this chamber can end up being responsible for its own undoing. We cannot make it normal to have four prime ministers and four treasurers in just four years. Leadership instability and ministerial turnover is the enemy of good public policy.
11.12am AEST01:12
Joe Hockey bows out of Canberra
A clearly emotional Joe Hockey is stepping up now for his valedictory address.
I would like to begin by thanking the people of my electorate of North Sydney for giving me the honour, the opportunity and the privilege of representing them in this great chamber. We’ve walked a successful journey together and I appreciate the enormous effort many locals made in helping me along the way.
There is the predictable shout outs to staff and supporters. Then ..
In particular I want to thank all of you, the members of this great house and senators that have come along today. For the enormous effort you put in every single day to serve the Australian people.
Most people leave this parliament as a result of defeat, death, disillusionment or disgrace. We all have to work harder to leave with dignity.
There are plenty of Australians who are critical of the politicians that they’ve never met. Our jobs have become much more challenging over the years with the advent of a need-it-now culture. That’s been backed by the unending and often unreasonable demands of social media. The 24-hour news cycle has changed politics forever but I’m not sure the system has kept pace with that change. It is now far more difficult to examine and debate policy issues in a measured and considered way.
Of course, one of the things that sustains us all in this place is the friendships we make and I have mostly met very honourable people in this place. To all of my colleagues, thank you for making me laugh and on a couple of occasions making me cry. You’ve stirred me to great anger but equally we’ve all shared many laughs. Above all else, you’ve made me very proud to be an Australian.
Updated at 11.38am AEST
11.04am AEST01:04
Mr Chairman.
Malcolm Turnbull hesitates.
Mr Speaker!
(Turnbull is in full flight on his China stump speech – the story of the great economic transformation to Australia’s north. Hence the chairman slip.)
I don’t want to set the hares running but Christopher Pyne has been sighted with a little red book.
10.58am AEST00:58
Shorten has struck out of the slipstream: Turnbull
Q: Have you communicated, prior to signing this deal, did you communicate it to China and what was their reaction? And also, given it applies to wider countries than China, do you expect any ripples from anything you’ve agreed from any of the other countries we have agreement s with?
Andrew Robb:
Good question. I have stayed in touch with the Chinese. I haven’t seen the absolute final version over the last 24 hours but the essence of what we’ve agreed to has been understood for a few days and in that time I’ve taken the opportunity to informally run some of it past them and I’ve found that they were satisfied that it in no way halted what we’d agreed and it didn’t discriminate against them.
Q: When will the first tariffs for exports – will they go before Christmas now?
I think we’re now well placed. We’ve still got to go through the Senate process but it should – we should now be on track to be able to have an exchange of letters with the Chinese before the end of the year.
Down in the House, the prime minister is hailing the morning’s developments. Malcolm Turnbull says from this – from this outbreak of bipartisanship – we see the Australian parliament works. It delivers.
Turnbull addresses this remark to Bill Shorten. A few weeks ago he described Shorten as a cork in the slipstream of the CFMEU.
Today the opposition leader has struck out of the slipstream!
Updated at 11.01am AEST
10.50am AEST00:50
Andrew Robb, continuing:
Importantly, the agreement we’ve reached with the opposition will in no way contravene the commitments that have been made in the free trade agreement and it in no way discriminates against our major trading partner.
Essentially, what we have done is seek to provide clarity and assurance, clarity and assurance in a number of areas for Labor in regard to the issues that they have raised.
10.47am AEST00:47
Trade minister, Andrew Robb, taking his turn in the Blue Room.
I’m pleased to say that today we’ve reached an agreement with the opposition that is consistent with ... the tradition of bipartisanship.
It’s a very positive development for the country.
This deal with China is the biggest series of concessions that they have made with any other developed country in the world. It gives us an advantage across services, across agriculture, across manufacturing, resources and energy and also, importantly, with investment, that no other country has got this level of advantage.
It’s also very important for business confidence that we have established bipartisan agreement with the legislation that is now to be debated today in the parliament. It’s also very important for our relationship with China.
The last few months has created confusion with China about what is the attitude of Australians to our biggest trading partner. It has very wide implications, very important implications, and we’re grateful that the opposition has properly recognised that issue as well.
Updated at 11.42am AEST
10.41am AEST00:41
The House of Representatives is now debating the China free trade agreement legislation. Bill Shorten is making his contribution in the chamber. We expect the trade minister Andrew Robb to address reporters shortly.
10.37am AEST00:37
Looking in on defence estimates
Shalailah Medhora
Australian forces in air and training missions in the Middle East are prepared for chemical weapon attacks by Isis, as Coalition forces warn of an increased threat of those type of attacks from the extremist group.
The Australian defence chief, Mark Binskin, offered an update on operations in Iraq and Syria during Senate estimates on Wednesday. He said that Coalition troops have been aware of an increased threat from chemical weapons usage by Isis, also known as Daesh or Islamic State.
“The one area that we have increased our force protection that’s been an emerging threat … is the use of some limited chemical weapons by Daesh,” Binskin said. Chlorine weapons and mustard gas are the weapons of choice for the extremist group. Binskin said that Australian troops have not yet been the target of such weapons, but that it is prepared for any possible future chemical attack.
Updated at 10.40am AEST
10.19am AEST00:19
Updated at 10.36am AEST
10.12am AEST00:12
Updated at 10.38am AEST
10.08am AEST00:08
Back in the caucus room, Penny Wong is getting questions about how effective the various Chafta safeguards will be.
Concerning the proposed pegging of wages to relevant enterprise agreements, aren’t many of the likely projects likely to be greenfields sites?
That’s true. There are always particular circumstances that the immigration department will have to assess, but in terms of the legal obligation, you can say the legal obligation on employers to observe Australian wages and conditions, and for overseas workers to be paid the same, will be far greater as a result of the safeguards Labor has achieved.
Q: What’s your understanding of the time frame to lock this in?
Penny Wong:
The government will bring this bill on today. It was intended to be debated tomorrow but obviously in good faith, given the negotiations were on foot, it was agreed to delay consideration till after Labor had – the negotiations had been finalised.
Obviously, I’m a senator, so I don’t like to make commitments about what happens in the house because I get very grumpy when they make commitments at our end, but I understand obviously Tony Burke will negotiate with Christopher Pyne on that in terms of passage.
Q: You will facilitate it quickly through the Senate as well, will you?
Look, I think we understand the importance of passage prior to the end of this year.
Updated at 10.30am AEST
9.57am AEST23:57
Face washing in the Blue Room
Over in the Blue Room, the treasurer, Scott Morrison, appears to have come up with a brand new term for budget neutrality.
Asked whether the changes to family benefits will boost the surplus (given they are accompanied by a large childcare spend), Morrison says the combination of the benefits overhaul and the proposed childcare package largely washes its face over the forward estimates.
Over time, the changes will improve the budget bottom line, Morrison says.
Updated at 10.23am AEST
9.52am AEST23:52
The Labor leader Bill Shorten is standing up in the Labor caucus room with shadow trade minister Penny Wong to declare peace in our time on the China free trade agreement.
In supporting trade liberalisation and the benefits it brings, Labor’s always believed that trade should benefit all Australians, not just some people. That’s why Labor has stood up and expressed our concerns that there was insufficient legal safeguards and protections for Australian jobs, for Australian wages and conditions, for Australian skills and occupational licensing.
So I am pleased today to announce that through the hard work of Penny Wong, working with minister Andrew Robb, that Labor now has achieved what we believe to be satisfactory legal protections which weren’t previously proposed, which means that Labor can now support the speedy passage of the China/Australia Free Trade Agreement.
9.48am AEST23:48
If you are just tuning in
Given that run of bouncy bouncy, and in the event you are just back from the office coffee run and tuning in – a quick summary of Wednesday thus far.
What you need to know:
9.41am AEST23:41
Mind the channel surf: correspondence between Andrew Robb and Penny Wong
Daniel Hurst
Sorry to burst in Murph. Back to Chafta very quickly. We’ve addressed the main points of the deal, now a bit of back and forward between Andrew Robb and Penny Wong.
In a letter to the shadow trade minister, Andrew Robb has committed to amend project agreement and labour agreement guidelines to add extra criteria for the immigration minister to consider in approving such agreements.
“These criteria include: analysis of labour market need; training plains; overseas worker support plans; and additional conditions that may be imposed by the minister,” Robb said.
The government will create a new regulation “to ensure observance of the criteria”.
Robb has also pledged to amend regulations for the 457 visa program to ensure that the minister must ensure the terms and conditions of employment “will be no less favourable than the terms and conditions” that would be provided to an Australian performing equivalent work at the same location.
This could include looking at the terms and conditions set out in an enterprise agreement. He has also pledged to consider increasing the base rate of pay for 457 visa holders and indexing it, as part of a review to begin before the end of the year. The review will consult business bodies and unions.
Updated at 9.49am AEST
9.38am AEST23:38
I did mention first up today would be brisk. Hold onto your hats. Just saying.
I need to leave Chafta for a moment to look in on a press conference from the treasurer, Scott Morrison, the social services minister Christian Porter, and the childcare minister Simon Birmingham. We are back to the families package.
Scott Morrison.
This is about delivering the savings. If you want to do something important for childcare, you have to deliver the savings to pay for it. Jenny Macklin said you gotta pay for it somehow.
Well, this is the somehow. This is the somehow.
Updated at 9.44am AEST
9.35am AEST23:35
Daniel Hurst
A bit of Chafta context from my colleague Daniel Hurst. Regulations versus legislation.
Trade minister Andrew Robb has committed to amend regulations under the Migration Act to ensure that “the proposed party to the work agreement ... must have demonstrated that they have made recent and genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers in the occupation and location covered by the work agreement”.
While this falls short of enshrining the requirement in the Migration Act itself, such regulations would be able to be struck out by the parliament, providing the Senate with the ability to step in if a minister changes the measures in future.
Updated at 9.43am AEST
9.31am AEST23:31
A new deal on Chafta, main points
I gather the deal between Labor and the government on the China-Australia free trade agreement is as follows:
The government has agreed to reflect Labor’s concerns about the deal as it currently stands via changes to migration regulations, not legislation.
Three main points.
Updated at 9.42am AEST
9.23am AEST23:23
Labor say yes to the China-Australia free trade agreement (Chafta)
The family tax benefits parliamentary debate has now been adjourned.
Caucus has just ticked the China free trade agreement deal the shadow trade minister Penny Wong struck with the trade minister, Andrew Robb, last night.
I’ll bring you details of that agreement shortly.
Updated at 9.42am AEST
9.20am AEST23:20
The social services minister is currently stepping through the main points I posted a bit earlier. Looking at the big picture, Porter says the overhaul reduces the number of supplements in the system.
9.15am AEST23:15
Down in the House, the social services minister Christian Porter is introducing the revised families legislation now.
In estimates, the treasury secretary is giving evidence.
John Fraser kicks off Treasury estimates with debt warning - says some govt debt globally unsustainable. Oz needs to cut debt
9.12am AEST23:12
Estimates also continues today – defence and treasury are fronting committees. Defence chief Mark Binskin is currently updating senators about Australia’s operations in Iraq and Syria.
8.57am AEST22:57
With thanks to my colleague Lenore Taylor, here’s the main (adjusted) components of the families legislation.
8.43am AEST22:43
The government is expected to introduce the legislation giving effect to the families package at 9am in the house.
Updated at 9.04am AEST
8.39am AEST22:39
Just before the day swallows me whole and spits me out, for people endlessly fascinated by US politics, bookmark this fun chat between Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight and the blog’s political team about Donald Trump’s chances of winning the Republican nomination. Have a read when time permits.
Nate Silver:
If you’re being purely empirical — well, nobody quite like Trump has won a party nomination before, or even come all that close to it. So there’s some universe where his chances are 0%.
Updated at 9.04am AEST
8.17am AEST22:17
Labor’s families spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin, has also been on AM about the families package. Macklin says the revised package is a significant backdown by the government, and that’s progress, but she maintains some “first read” concerns. The new package still hurts some current benefit recipients.
We don’t believe in robbing one set of families to pay another.
Macklin also picks up Morrison’s point that this benefits revamp is to pay for a new childcare package. Where is it?
Where is their childcare package? They announced it in May, no-one has seen it.
Updated at 9.03am AEST
8.12am AEST22:12
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, has been doing the rounds of breakfast TV and radio this morning. He’s just washed up in the AM studio. Host Michael Brissenden is pressing Morrison on the losers from the revised family payments deal.
Morrison doesn’t want to talk about losers. He wants to talk about freeing up money to spend on childcare.
The treasurer:
What we are doing is ensuring the money we are spending on family benefits is better directed.
Q: People expecting a bonus payment in July won’t be getting it?
If a payment has outlived its purpose, why would we continue to spend money on it?
Brissenden asks whether or not he has the votes to pass the package in its current form. Morrison says he’s working on it. He says everyone needs to strive to achieve the “new politics” – oppositionism is the old politics that most of us have put behind.
I’m sorry, I know the rule of contemporary politics is we are all supposed to exist credulously in some permanent present tense, but it’s going to take me quite a while to adjust to Scott Morrison disavowing oppositionism.
Updated at 9.02am AEST
8.02am AEST22:02
See you Joe: a pre-valedictory round-up
Shalailah Medhora
The government’s economic team has been out in force this morning, talking up the new changes to the financial system. They’ve also been talking up the contribution of their colleague, former treasurer Joe Hockey, who will give his valedictory speech today, around 11am.
The finance minister, Mathias Cormann, who was snapped alongside the treasurer smoking a cigar after the ill-received 214 budget, has called Hockey a “very good friend”.
“It’ll be sad to see him say goodbye to the parliament,” Cormann told ABC Radio. “I wish him and his family all the best.”
The small business minister, Kelly O’Dwyer, hailed Hockey’s “stellar” career. “Not many people get to have a 20-year career in this place, and he has,” O’Dwyer told Sky News. “I think he can walk out of this place with his head held high,” she added. “I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
The man who took Hockey’s job in the revamped Turnbull ministry, Scott Morrison, has hit back at suggestions he stabbed Hockey in the back. “That is a ridiculous question and it is quite offensive actually,” he told Channel Nine’s Karl Stefanovic. Despite the acrimonious change in leadership, Morrison insists the two have a “professional” relationship. “There is no bitterness that goes on from these things. It is not Joe’s nature, it is not mine,” he said.
Updated at 9.00am AEST
7.55am AEST21:55
Welcome to Wednesday
Good morning blogans, bloganistas, and welcome to wet Wednesday. I predict today in the people’s house will be brisk.
Mike Bowers was up early to catch up with the former treasurer Joe Hockey as he enjoyed a morning coffee in Manuka on his last day in the parliament.
Hockey was gatecrashed not only by Mikearoo, but also a couple of Labor types – Ed Husic and Jason Clare. The member for North Sydney is a convivial sort. It doesn’t look like he minded. Hockey is expected to make his valedictory speech later on today, around 11am, and we strongly suspect his next destination will be Washington, replacing Kim Beazley, who will return to Australia after a very long stint in the United States as ambassador.
But Malcolm Farr from news.com.au says this morning don’t expect Tony Abbott to follow Hockey anytime in the near future. “Joe Hockey today waves goodbye to 19 years in parliament, fellow Liberals are alerting each other: Don’t expect Tony Abbott to do the same anytime soon. The former PM remains angry after four weeks on the backbench and has not shed a belief he can get his old job back from Malcolm Turnbull.”
Just me sighing? No. Excellent. Onwards, upwards.
Fresh from releasing its response to the Murray report yesterday, Team Turnbull is powering on today with a new offer on family benefits reform. My colleague Lenore Taylor reports this morning that single parents and single income families will get lower government benefits when their youngest child turns 13 under a revamped families package that abandons many of the cuts proposed in the Abbott government’s 2014 budget in order to get some savings through the Senate. We expect various announcements today confirming that – and we’ll see what Labor and the crossbench has to say. There’s been horse trading at 20 paces in the red room over the past couple of weeks.
And there is the prospect of peace on another issue. I’m told that Labor MPs have been called to a special caucus meeting at 8am to “discuss and consider our response” to the China-Australia free trade agreement. That suggests the major parties are close to coming to terms on Chafta – caucus and various trade union folks willing. I’ll keep an eye on that over the course of the day.
So chop chop, let’s get chatting. The comments thread is open for your business and I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed on the twits. Mikearoo has already consumed three double-shot flat whites, so he’s good to go. You can find us there @murpharoo and @mpbowers
Salute the sun. Avoid child’s pose. Here comes Wednesday.
