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Version 4 Version 5
Pressure on Peter Dutton to report details of refugee's death – politics live Dutton: 'No suspicious circumstances' around refugee's death' – as it happened
(about 2 months later)
11.51pm GMT23:51 5.14pm AEST06:14
11.43pm GMT23:43 Night time politics
That’s your lot for the evening. We will be back bright and early in the morning. Thanks to Shalailah Medhora and Lenore Taylor. Also to the tall jockey (for Insiders’ watchers) Mike Bowers, who happens to be handy with a camera.
Good night.
Updated at 5.24pm AEST
4.38pm AEST05:38
Shalailah Medhora
A Greens-backed motion paving the way for employees take their long service leave entitlements from job to job has just passed in the Senate, after it secured the support of Labor.
The motion calls on the establishment of a national standard for long service leave across industries and states, and on entitlements to be portable so workers can take it with them to new jobs.
The nature of work is changing and people are churning through contract and casual jobs more than ever before, but our workplace laws haven’t caught up. As jobs become more precarious, we need to ensure people still have the right to take a break after years in the workforce.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions backs the moves.
It has the weight of the Senate behind it but not the government. Which means it has little chance of translating to law.
Updated at 4.39pm AEST
4.07pm AEST05:07
The Senate president has announced that tomorrow the Senate will vote on motions relating to an allegation that unnamed witnesses gave false and misleading evidence to a Senate select committee.
The evidence related to allegations that security guards spied on Greens senator Hanson-Young. Greens leader Richard di Natale referred the matter and tomorrow the Senate will vote on whether its privileges committee should investigate for contempt.
It is unclear whether the witness/es at the centre of the allegations will be publicly revealed.
Updated at 4.08pm AEST
3.31pm AEST04:31
3.15pm AEST04:15
Labor to Turnbull: Natsem modelling shows that an increase in the GST, even when paired with a 5% reduction in income tax, still leaves almost two-thirds of Australian households worse off. How fair is it, PM, to make two-thirds of Australian households worse off?
Turnbull:
The outcome that is presupposed in the Natsem modelling would have not be fair. That is pretty obvious but it is not the government’s policy.
Updated at 3.23pm AEST
3.12pm AEST04:12
The first government question from a constituent, via Nationals MP Kevin Hogan, on the north coast of NSW. David asks: when will people living in our area get better internet and mobile-phone service?
Minister Paul Fletcher delivers a prepared answer, saying most of David’s town is covered by the NBN and for those out of town, a new satellite has been launched.
This constituent questioning was to revolutionise question time. But it sounds pretty similar to the old QT.
Updated at 3.20pm AEST
3.07pm AEST04:07
Labor’s Tanya Plibersek to Turnbull: Natsem modelling shows increasing the GST to 15% would mean a family on $26,000 a year would pay more than 20% of its household income in GST but a family on about $170,000 a year would pay only 7.8% of its household income on the GST.
Why is the PM intent on putting the highest burden on low and middle-income households?
We are in the business of considering all of these matters and coming to a fully informed decision. So when the honourable member stands up and says, ‘You are going to put a 15% GST on all households and this will, without any compensation, and this will damage or relatively damage lower-income households’, she is creating a completely false premise. The government is not proposing to do that at all. The honourable member is completely addicted to the old political paradigm of rule-in, rule-out.
Updated at 3.15pm AEST
3.01pm AEST04:01
3.00pm AEST04:00
Labor’s Joel Fitzgibbon asks a droll question of agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, delivered with immaculate timing, on the GST and the cost of a lamb roast.
It’s based on a false premise because there is no policy direction on an increase to the GST, says Barnaby.
Updated at 3.14pm AEST
2.57pm AEST03:57
#whereisTony
2.56pm AEST03:56
Labor had a question on ruling out GST on nursing homes, which Turnbull flicked to Scott Morrison. The treasurer just had another go at Labor frontbencher and economist Andrew Leigh, who has talked about a GST in the past.
Now a Dixer to Paul Fletcher, minister for territories and local government, on the M5 east in Sydney.
Updated at 3.13pm AEST
2.52pm AEST03:52
Syrian refugees by numbers, via Peter Dutton.
$44m which will provide assistance to some 240,000 humanitarian refugees within the camps.
12,000 humanitarian places to displaced people from Syria and Iraq.
As at 1 November, there have been 2,218 people that have had initial assessments undertaken.
We are continuing the security and health checks of those people so we might settle those people as quickly as possible into Australia.
2.49pm AEST03:49
2.46pm AEST03:46
Labor’s Ed Husic asks Turnbull: My electorate in Chifley has one of the highest rates of diabetes. How will slugging a GST on fresh fruit and vegetables encourage them to buy healthy food for their families and will the PM now rule out hitting every Australian with a GST on fresh fruit and vegetables?
The fact is that good policy formation requires open discussion. Now, the honourable member obviously believes the GST should not be extended to fresh food, and that is a powerful point and he should make that point. But the honourable member should understand that the government is going to consider all of the options which are being raised, right across the board.
2.42pm AEST03:42
Chris Bowen asks Malcolm Turnbull: the treasurer has promised an increase in the GST will not lead to an increase in the total tax take. This would require every dollar raised by the GST increase to be spent on tax cuts. So how will the government compensate pensioners, veterans and carers?
We haven’t got a proposal to increase the GST on the table, he says.
Turnbull says any reform must meet two requirements. The first is that it will not be “reform for reform’s sake”, that it increases jobs, improves the economy and is fair. The second is that the reform is as a result of wide consultations.
... that we have not taken things off the table in some sort of panic response to feeble scare campaigns. That we have gone about the business of government in an open and adult way.
Updated at 3.11pm AEST
2.36pm AEST03:36
There is a government question to innovation minister Christopher Pyne, asked by former speaker Bronwyn Bishop.
Bronwyn Bishop gets to her feet, @RobMitchellMP yells out: "Hello chopper!" #auspol
Pyne:
Because leadership is not just about talking - it is about listening to what the public are saying. It is about listening to the sector.
2.34pm AEST03:34
Parliamentary question time is an Tony Abbott-free zone.
2.33pm AEST03:33
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie asks Turnbull to support a light rail project for north Hobart.
Turnbull says the government will consider any proposal by the state government.
2.31pm AEST03:31
Malcolm Turnbull mentions the government’s childcare package announced earlier this year.
But then this:
It is pretty obvious that, if you were to increase the GST, without any compensation, without any other arrangements, households on lower incomes would be disadvantaged. That is why it would never be done. That is why it wasn’t done in the past. That is why it’s inconceivable. The fact of the matter is that any changes to the tax system will be fair.
Updated at 3.10pm AEST
2.26pm AEST03:26
Labor asks a question calling on Malcolm Turnbull to rule out a GST on childcare.
2.25pm AEST03:25
2.24pm AEST03:24
Innovation! *drink*
2.24pm AEST03:24
There has been two Dixers; one on economic leadership and one on transitioning from the mining boom to a more competitive economy.
Treasurer Scott Morrison is speaking on the second question now.
I’m waiting for innovation.
2.22pm AEST03:22
Bill Shorten asks Malcolm Turnbull: Given the various advocates in the PM’s party have suggested that an increased GST could pay for cutting personal income tax, cutting business tax, compensating pensioners, funding schools and hospitals and paying down national debt, will the PM please explain what exactly his 15% GST will pay for?
I thank the honourable member for what appears to be the beginning of not an especially scary campaign today.
Turnbull says the government is working through many options, there are a range of views. He’s talking to Acoss, the unions, business and the states.
2.16pm AEST03:16
No suspicious circumstances in Fazel Chegeni's death
Labor asks Peter Dutton for an update on Christmas Island. He makes the following points.
In regard to Fazel Chegeni’s death:
I’m advised there are no suspicious circumstances in relation to the death.
Updated at 2.24pm AEST
2.07pm AEST03:07
Malcolm Turnbull points out his black and white tie, having lost a bet to NZ PM John Key.
Bill Shorten follows up with congratulations to his constituent jockey Michelle Payne. He mentions the jockeys and track workers who have been killed, the last six of whom have been women.
He also pays tributes to the Diamonds Australian netball team and the Southern Stars reclaiming the Ashes.
Updated at 2.09pm AEST
2.04pm AEST03:04
This is most unusual...
2.03pm AEST03:03
Malcolm Turnbull pays tribute to jockey Michelle Payne, smashing glass ceiling and her brother Stevie
Malcolm Turnbull is addressing the chamber on indulgence regarding Michelle Payne and her win at the Melbourne Cup.
Michelle did not just win a race, she smashed through one of the most stubborn glass ceilings.
2.01pm AEST03:01
No large scale riots at Christmas Island, says immigration department
A statement from the immigration department after the death of Fazel Chegeni.
The Christmas Island Immigration Detention Facility remains secure and the Department is working with its service providers to respond to a major disturbance.
There is currently no large scale ‘riot’ involving the majority of the centre’s population, as claimed by some advocates and in social media reporting, but the centre remains tense and staff have been withdrawn from compounds for safety reasons.
A group of detainees, believed to be non-citizens whose visas have been cancelled under mandatory cancellation provisions, continue to agitate and cause damage to the facility.
The protest action began when a small group of Iranian detainees took part in a peaceful protest following the escape from, and death outside the centre, of a detainee on Sunday.
While peaceful protest is permissible, other detainees took advantage of the situation to engage in property damage and general unrest.
A number of small fires have been lit within the centre.
There is believed to be damage to medical, educational and sporting facilities but a full assessment is yet to be conducted. There are no reports at this time of any injuries to detainees or staff.
The perimeter of the centre remains secure and patrols by service provider staff are continuing. The Department is endeavouring to make contact with detainees involved in the protest to resolve the situation in a peaceful and safe manner.
The Department will continue to work with its partners, including the Australian Federal Police on island, to restore order. Any criminal offences will be referred to the police for investigation.
The majority of those currently accommodated at the centre are individuals whose visas were cancelled under mandatory cancellation provisions, or on character grounds.
1.56pm AEST02:56
Greens leader Richard di Natale says the riot squad is on the way to the Christmas Island detention centre.
He has urged Malcolm Turnbull to change tack on asylum seeker policy and he has committed to work with the government to change things.
Show some leadership...one that shows more compassion.
1.51pm AEST02:51
Question time coming up. Grab your beverage of choice.
1.51pm AEST02:51
The Senate standing committee on economics is grilling captains of industry for their enquiry into the difference between the Reserve Bank cash rates and credit card interest rates.
This is the one pushed by Labor senator Sam Dastyari.
Updated at 1.54pm AEST
1.14pm AEST02:14
The social services amendment, which allows more generous means-testing for youth payments, is being debated in the house. Labor is supporting the bill which, among other things, tweaks the means testing of youth payments, including more generous assets test guidelines for farm families.
This is what it does:
Updated at 1.39pm AEST
1.06pm AEST02:06
Here is the audio of Andrew Probyn of the West Australian interviewing a detainee on Christmas Island. Matej Cuperka, a Slovakian who overstayed his visa, has described the conditions in the detention centre during the riots and it is well worth a listen. You can hear the sirens in the background and he describes the lock down going on in the centre.
12.50pm AEST01:50
Lunchtime politics
Updated at 1.40pm AEST
12.19pm AEST01:19
Senator Bill Heffernan has taken issue with his LNP colleagues on the China-Australia free trade agreement (ChAFTA). The Senate is debating the customs amendment for the ChAFTA implementation bill. Heffernan is having a general spray about some of the broader issues concerning him on the power of corporations in modern-day free trade agreements.
He says he is not going to let his colleague Liberal senator Zed Seselja “get away with bullshit” on the ChAFTA.
The US corporates, they lobbied the US politicians. Now if it costs $1.4bn for Hilary Clinton’s campaign for the presidency, and they are corporate donations, you can imagine the corporates have got the ear of the particular politician. I’m not saying there is anything going wrong there.
But then the corporates get up and say ‘we’re not worrying about the amount of tax we are not paying in America – we’re supplying employment’. Hello? They wonder why the health system is breaking down and all the other things.
So while free trade agreements are a great idea, they have got to have some safeguards around them ... I’ll go back to my first question. How can you really have a free trade agreement ... you can’t have the potential to have something shoved up you if the country you have the free trade agreement with won’t put their currency on the market?
Otherwise they can just play with us.
He moves on to say northern Australia has to be developed to grow food, given projections Asia is losing its food production capacity and a billion more people will need feeding in the next 50 years. He also reminds the chamber that by 2050-70, “barring catastrophe”, 1.6bn people will be displaced around the world. He notes there is plenty of space in northern Australia.
Updated at 12.39pm AEST
11.30am AEST00:30
Sussan Ley says about health survey "absolutely not" US-style health system
Health minister Sussan Ley has addressed Labor’s criticism of the government’s move to survey the community on private health insurance.
Q: On the online poll, the changes to private health care insurance, the opposition is saying that it’s a move towards a US-style system. What do you say to that?
Absolutely not. We are absolutely not moving to Americanising our system of health.
Q: The AMA seems concerned that these changes being canvassed could lead to things like genetic testing or obese people or smokers paying more for health care.
Absolutely not. This is a consultation with people who have private health insurance products who are coming back to me ... with stories of why they are not happy with their health insurance. But I want to reassure them that this is not about changing their product, or taking a risk management approach to how they are looked after right here and now. This is about the future. This is about young people growing up who say to me ‘what incentives can you build in that, if I keep myself healthy, I can look after my own health care in partnership with government’ and take the steps that we know people need to do in order that the health system overall can sustain every single Australian.
Updated at 12.24pm AEST
11.24am AEST00:24
Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson has moved an amendment to the China-Australia free trade agreement implementation bill on investor state dispute clauses. These are the little suckers that allow corporations to sue governments for laws that affect their profits.
The motion would call on the government:
to negotiate any future articles relating minimum standard treatment and expropriation in the China-Australia free trade agreement
(a) within the terms of current international law;
(b) to exclude investor losses due to changes in government policy or regulation; and
(c) to ensure that governments can change policy and regulate in Australia’s public interest, without legal recourse from another party.
The intent of the motion is to try to limit what the ISDS clause covers in the future.
Updated at 11.46am AEST
11.10am AEST00:10
I’ve been waiting for @MattGlassDarkly to come out.
@gabriellechan Good morning🌇 An *exclusive* for you - the first picture of Bracket F. Creep, aka The Silent Taxer. pic.twitter.com/23B2iXiWU1
11.09am AEST00:09
More Catherine King:
It clearly is saying that they think that there should be a differential pricing structure and I think again, the government really needs to come clean about what its plans are, rather than trying to have this false survey out there that is basically showing it’s got an intention to get rid of community rating and in fact start to charge people more because of their gender.
Updated at 11.21am AEST
11.06am AEST00:06
Labor’s Catherine King is speaking on the government’s plans to survey the community on allowing private health into Medicare-only services. Critics have suggested it is a method of softening up the electorate to go to a US-style health system.
King calls it a “push poll”.
The government’s intention to introduce private health insurance into currently Medicare-only funded services. If the government intends to do that, the cost on our Medicare system will be unimaginable. It is a breakdown of the universal health insurance scheme that is Medicare and if the government is intending to go down this pathway of a two-tiered American system where you have private health insurance getting into the business that is now Medicare, then they will have a very big fight on their hands.
Updated at 11.16am AEST
10.59am AEST23:59
Football cares (for Syrian refugees).
10.55am AEST23:55
10.51am AEST23:51
10.43am AEST23:43
.@ABFComm "(#ChristmasIsland) is secure and we're taking a calm and steady approach to resettling the centre" More details 11am @SkyNewsAust.@ABFComm "(#ChristmasIsland) is secure and we're taking a calm and steady approach to resettling the centre" More details 11am @SkyNewsAust
11.42pm GMT23:42 10.42am AEST23:42
Andrew Tillett and Andrew Probyn of the West Australian have more reports on the riots on Christmas Island. Probyn has been speaking to Matej Cuperka, a 25-year-old Slovakian who overstayed his tourist visa.Andrew Tillett and Andrew Probyn of the West Australian have more reports on the riots on Christmas Island. Probyn has been speaking to Matej Cuperka, a 25-year-old Slovakian who overstayed his tourist visa.
The Andrews report “with the fall in the boat people, the Government is increasingly using the Christmas Island detention centre to house hardened criminals and former prisoners awaiting deportation, leading it to be dubbed “Kiwi Alcatraz” because of the number of New Zealanders detainees”. The Andrew’s report that “with the fall in the boat people, the Government is increasingly using the Christmas Island detention centre to house hardened criminals and former prisoners awaiting deportation, leading it to be dubbed “Kiwi Alcatraz” because of the number of New Zealander detainees”.
There are other people with no criminal record but awaiting deportation on immigration offences such as overstaying visas, held there, along with some asylum seekers. There are other people with no criminal record who are awaiting deportation on immigration offences such as overstaying visas, being held there along with some asylum seekers.
The guys just broke into the canteen, broke into the property and just started burning the place down and well it is continuing. The guys just broke into the canteen, broke into the property and just started burning the place down and, well, it is continuing.
It is pretty smoky here, we can see the fire from different compounds. Our compound is sort of a protection area so no one has got in here so far but we’re pretty scared that the Kiwi guys are going to get in here when they get bored and they will start bashing people up.It is pretty smoky here, we can see the fire from different compounds. Our compound is sort of a protection area so no one has got in here so far but we’re pretty scared that the Kiwi guys are going to get in here when they get bored and they will start bashing people up.
We saw the smoke coming from the top but we can’t see because we are under lockdown so from the other compounds. We see burning in the property area. The guys have been setting off the fires everywhere they possibly could. We saw the smoke coming from the top but we can’t see because we are under lockdown so [sic] from the other compounds. We see burning in the property area. The guys have been setting off the fires everywhere they possibly could.
I call the police and fire rescue myself, no one gives a flying fuck about it.I call the police and fire rescue myself, no one gives a flying fuck about it.
Updated at 11.44pm GMT Updated at 11.07am AEST
11.28pm GMT23:28 10.28am AEST23:28
I should also note that Liberal MP Andrew Southcott pointed out that, in the past, a senator complained when Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young brought her two year old daughter into the chamber.I should also note that Liberal MP Andrew Southcott pointed out that, in the past, a senator complained when Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young brought her two year old daughter into the chamber.
This was the incident, reported in a parliamentary paper.This was the incident, reported in a parliamentary paper.
On 18 June 2009, during the second reading debate on the Protecting children from junk food advertising bill 2006 [2008] in the Senate, a division was called on a motion from Greens leader senator Bob Brown. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young entered the chamber to vote carrying her two year old daughter. The president of the Senate ruled that the child be removed from the chamber. One of the senator’s staff then carried the crying child out of the chamber. Of the incident, Hanson-Young later remarked, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so humiliated in my life.On 18 June 2009, during the second reading debate on the Protecting children from junk food advertising bill 2006 [2008] in the Senate, a division was called on a motion from Greens leader senator Bob Brown. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young entered the chamber to vote carrying her two year old daughter. The president of the Senate ruled that the child be removed from the chamber. One of the senator’s staff then carried the crying child out of the chamber. Of the incident, Hanson-Young later remarked, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so humiliated in my life.
The paper points out the rules have only changed in the past 20 years.The paper points out the rules have only changed in the past 20 years.
On 18 June 2009, the president of the Senate ruled that a child of a senator be removed from the chamber. Formal parliamentary procedures do not allow for senators or members to bring their children onto floor of the Senate and House of Representatives chamber. The only exception is for breastfeeding mothers in the Senate.On 18 June 2009, the president of the Senate ruled that a child of a senator be removed from the chamber. Formal parliamentary procedures do not allow for senators or members to bring their children onto floor of the Senate and House of Representatives chamber. The only exception is for breastfeeding mothers in the Senate.
That is still not the case in the lower house.That is still not the case in the lower house.
The issue of allowing senators and members to take their children onto the floor of the parliamentary chambers cuts across a number of conflicting values. These values concern the requirements of a modern workplace, the importance of a representative parliament, the need to provide a safe working environment free from disturbance and the importance of upholding the Westminster tradition of parliamentary practice.The issue of allowing senators and members to take their children onto the floor of the parliamentary chambers cuts across a number of conflicting values. These values concern the requirements of a modern workplace, the importance of a representative parliament, the need to provide a safe working environment free from disturbance and the importance of upholding the Westminster tradition of parliamentary practice.
Updated at 11.49pm GMT Updated at 10.49am AEST
11.19pm GMT23:19 10.19am AEST23:19
Robyne Young has pointed to me towards this:Robyne Young has pointed to me towards this:
In Australian federal law breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege.In Australian federal law breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege.
Under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 it is illegal in Australia to discriminate against a person either directly or indirectly on the grounds of breastfeeding. Direct discrimination happens when a person treats someone less favourably than another person. For example, it is discriminatory for a waiter to decline to serve a patron who is breastfeeding. Indirect discrimination happens when an apparently neutral condition has the effect of disadvantaging a particular group, in this case women who are breastfeeding. For example, an employer may impose a requirement on all employees that they must not make any breaks for set periods during the day under any circumstances. Such a condition would particularly disadvantage women who need to express milk.Under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 it is illegal in Australia to discriminate against a person either directly or indirectly on the grounds of breastfeeding. Direct discrimination happens when a person treats someone less favourably than another person. For example, it is discriminatory for a waiter to decline to serve a patron who is breastfeeding. Indirect discrimination happens when an apparently neutral condition has the effect of disadvantaging a particular group, in this case women who are breastfeeding. For example, an employer may impose a requirement on all employees that they must not make any breaks for set periods during the day under any circumstances. Such a condition would particularly disadvantage women who need to express milk.
Updated at 11.39pm GMT Updated at 10.39am AEST
11.14pm GMT23:14 10.14am AEST23:14
Liberal MP Andrew Southcott is reporting to the house regarding the standing committee’s intended inquiry into procedures governing nursing mothers.Liberal MP Andrew Southcott is reporting to the house regarding the standing committee’s intended inquiry into procedures governing nursing mothers.
He says 10 MPs have had babies in the past year, which has represented a “baby boom” in parliament.He says 10 MPs have had babies in the past year, which has represented a “baby boom” in parliament.
One of the challenges for women returning to work is the ability to continue to breast feed.One of the challenges for women returning to work is the ability to continue to breast feed.
At the moment, breast feeding mothers are allowed to vote by proxy and, as a result of a number of enquiries, the standing committee on procedures will look at whether members are allowed to feed in the chamber.At the moment, breast feeding mothers are allowed to vote by proxy and, as a result of a number of enquiries, the standing committee on procedures will look at whether members are allowed to feed in the chamber.
It is technically against the rules to have a child in the chamber.It is technically against the rules to have a child in the chamber.
Southcott says it is important that the parliament reflects the members and the wider community and he urged all MPs to contribute to the inquiry.Southcott says it is important that the parliament reflects the members and the wider community and he urged all MPs to contribute to the inquiry.
Updated at 11.32pm GMT Updated at 10.32am AEST
11.01pm GMT23:01 10.01am AEST23:01
Re nursing mothers, you will remember this story:Re nursing mothers, you will remember this story:
The office of the Liberal MP who was reportedly urged by the chief whip, Scott Buchholz, to express more milk for her newborn child to avoid missing important votes in the chamber while she was breastfeeding, has said the issue has been resolved.The office of the Liberal MP who was reportedly urged by the chief whip, Scott Buchholz, to express more milk for her newborn child to avoid missing important votes in the chamber while she was breastfeeding, has said the issue has been resolved.
A spokeswoman for Kelly O’Dwyer would not be drawn on the specifics of the report by Fairfax Media but confirmed that an issue with the chief whip relating to breastfeeding during sitting weeks “has been resolved”.A spokeswoman for Kelly O’Dwyer would not be drawn on the specifics of the report by Fairfax Media but confirmed that an issue with the chief whip relating to breastfeeding during sitting weeks “has been resolved”.
Updated at 11.12pm GMT Updated at 10.12am AEST
10.58pm GMT22:58 9.58am AEST22:58
We love you, About the House.We love you, About the House.
The bells are ringing! Petitions up first followed by adequacy of provisions for nursing mothers in the House https://t.co/8DB1X3Ss2vThe bells are ringing! Petitions up first followed by adequacy of provisions for nursing mothers in the House https://t.co/8DB1X3Ss2v
10.57pm GMT22:57 9.57am AEST22:57
Scott Morrison is asked whether we can have large scale tax reform without a GST rise.Scott Morrison is asked whether we can have large scale tax reform without a GST rise.
The treasurer says the government is going through all the options and he’s not going play the rule-in-rule-out game.The treasurer says the government is going through all the options and he’s not going play the rule-in-rule-out game.
That’s the whole point of getting past what has been for the last eight years, the time of gotcha politics and rule in and rule out, which I said on the weekend has euthanised, I think, good policy debate in this country ... So we’re not going to go back to that conflict-driven time.That’s the whole point of getting past what has been for the last eight years, the time of gotcha politics and rule in and rule out, which I said on the weekend has euthanised, I think, good policy debate in this country ... So we’re not going to go back to that conflict-driven time.
Updated at 11.10pm GMT Updated at 10.10am AEST
10.52pm GMT22:52 9.52am AEST22:52
Bracket creep – the silent tax, says Scott MorrisonBracket creep – the silent tax, says Scott Morrison
Treasurer Scott Morrison has been doorstopped after his regular Ray Hadley interview.Treasurer Scott Morrison has been doorstopped after his regular Ray Hadley interview.
Morrison is talking tax and the need for a restructure. His target is personal income tax cuts and he points out that the GST has been raised by the state premiers, not him.Morrison is talking tax and the need for a restructure. His target is personal income tax cuts and he points out that the GST has been raised by the state premiers, not him.
Bracket creep is a thing.Bracket creep is a thing.
The tax system is one of the things that can hold Australians back. In particular for those who will be on an average wage next year, they will go into the second highest tax bracket. They might not know that, because they may not be getting a pay slip every fortnight or week or month any more. The money just goes to the bank account. You go to the ATM, you pull your money out, you don’t see the 19c or the 37c or the 45c that’s already gone, let alone the Medicare levy on top of that. This is a silent, forgotten tax.The tax system is one of the things that can hold Australians back. In particular for those who will be on an average wage next year, they will go into the second highest tax bracket. They might not know that, because they may not be getting a pay slip every fortnight or week or month any more. The money just goes to the bank account. You go to the ATM, you pull your money out, you don’t see the 19c or the 37c or the 45c that’s already gone, let alone the Medicare levy on top of that. This is a silent, forgotten tax.
Updated at 11.08pm GMT Updated at 10.08am AEST
10.43pm GMT22:43 9.43am AEST22:43
Labor’s Richard Marles has put out a statement on the death of Fazel Chegeni and the subsequent riots.Labor’s Richard Marles has put out a statement on the death of Fazel Chegeni and the subsequent riots.
Labor is aware of the death of a man from the Christmas Island immigration detention centre.Labor is aware of the death of a man from the Christmas Island immigration detention centre.
This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go to the family and friends of this man.This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go to the family and friends of this man.
We understand this is now the subject of a coronial inquiry. It is important we determine exactly what happened and what the circumstances of his death were.We understand this is now the subject of a coronial inquiry. It is important we determine exactly what happened and what the circumstances of his death were.
It is also appropriate that this process is conducted with transparency.It is also appropriate that this process is conducted with transparency.
Labor has sought a briefing from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection into the details of this incident.Labor has sought a briefing from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection into the details of this incident.
Labor is also aware of reports about unrest at the Christmas Island facility following this incident.Labor is also aware of reports about unrest at the Christmas Island facility following this incident.
The government needs to immediately provide an assurance that people within this facility are safe.The government needs to immediately provide an assurance that people within this facility are safe.
There needs to be greater transparency of all Australian-funded facilities.There needs to be greater transparency of all Australian-funded facilities.
Labor would put in place independent oversight of all Australian-funded facilities.Labor would put in place independent oversight of all Australian-funded facilities.
Updated at 10.59pm GMT Updated at 9.59am AEST
10.35pm GMT22:35 9.35am AEST22:35
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
The Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, has spoken to reporters on the Christmas Island disturbance. He said the situation is volatile and needs to be investigated.The Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, has spoken to reporters on the Christmas Island disturbance. He said the situation is volatile and needs to be investigated.
We have grave concerns about what’s happening on Christmas Island. This is a stain on our national character. We’ve got a policy now that is morally unsustainable, that is financially unsustainable ... This is something that Malcolm Turnbull needs to demonstrate some leadership on.We have grave concerns about what’s happening on Christmas Island. This is a stain on our national character. We’ve got a policy now that is morally unsustainable, that is financially unsustainable ... This is something that Malcolm Turnbull needs to demonstrate some leadership on.
The Greens will work with the government on changing asylum seeker policies, he said.The Greens will work with the government on changing asylum seeker policies, he said.
I’ll be talking to Malcolm Turnbull to let him know that I’m prepared to work with him to change our current system of offshore detention to ensure that it is more decent and more compassionate ... We are pushing people to breaking point ... This is a symptom of a government policy that is now in crisis.I’ll be talking to Malcolm Turnbull to let him know that I’m prepared to work with him to change our current system of offshore detention to ensure that it is more decent and more compassionate ... We are pushing people to breaking point ... This is a symptom of a government policy that is now in crisis.
Updated at 10.51pm GMT Updated at 9.51am AEST
10.20pm GMT22:20 9.20am AEST22:20
Michelle Grattan of the Conversation, has addressed the issue of the royal commission, notwithstanding his sigh of relief at the news on Friday.Michelle Grattan of the Conversation, has addressed the issue of the royal commission, notwithstanding his sigh of relief at the news on Friday.
The details of union corruption and thuggery that have come out at the commission are appalling. It is true, as Shorten and Labor keep saying, that the commission was set up as a political exercise with him as one of its targets. But that does not alter the fact that it has exposed shocking conduct.The details of union corruption and thuggery that have come out at the commission are appalling. It is true, as Shorten and Labor keep saying, that the commission was set up as a political exercise with him as one of its targets. But that does not alter the fact that it has exposed shocking conduct.
Some of the worst behaviour has involved the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).Some of the worst behaviour has involved the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).
Surely that union should be disaffiliated by the ALP, or at least have its affiliation suspended until there is clear evidence the situation has been rectified.Surely that union should be disaffiliated by the ALP, or at least have its affiliation suspended until there is clear evidence the situation has been rectified.
But here’s the problem.But here’s the problem.
But the CFMEU forms part of Shorten’s power base. It was vital at this year’s ALP national conference in helping him with the numbers on key issues, most notably the policy that allows a future Labor government to turn back asylum seeker boats.But the CFMEU forms part of Shorten’s power base. It was vital at this year’s ALP national conference in helping him with the numbers on key issues, most notably the policy that allows a future Labor government to turn back asylum seeker boats.
Updated at 10.48pm GMT Updated at 9.48am AEST
10.14pm GMT22:14 9.14am AEST22:14
If you can hark back to your carefree hours on Friday night, you will remember that the trade union royal commission effectively cleared opposition leader Bill Shorten of any wrong doing in regard to his time at the head of the AWU.If you can hark back to your carefree hours on Friday night, you will remember that the trade union royal commission effectively cleared opposition leader Bill Shorten of any wrong doing in regard to his time at the head of the AWU.
Commissioner Dyson Heydon said the information dump – commonly known in the trade as taking out the trash – at 8pm on Friday night was not intended to cause any “disrespect” but was in keeping with his timetable. His defence amounted to commission staff being really, really busy.Commissioner Dyson Heydon said the information dump – commonly known in the trade as taking out the trash – at 8pm on Friday night was not intended to cause any “disrespect” but was in keeping with his timetable. His defence amounted to commission staff being really, really busy.
Bill Shorten, when asked by reporters in Perth on Saturday afternoon what he made of the timing, said it spoke for itself.Bill Shorten, when asked by reporters in Perth on Saturday afternoon what he made of the timing, said it spoke for itself.
Well you’re experienced members of the media, if something’s coming out at 8.00 at night, I’m not going to speculate, but it does speak for itself.Well you’re experienced members of the media, if something’s coming out at 8.00 at night, I’m not going to speculate, but it does speak for itself.
In spite of the findings, Shorten was not cut any slack by one old stager.In spite of the findings, Shorten was not cut any slack by one old stager.
Former NSW Labor treasurer Michael Costa, a regular critic of his old party, has criticised Shorten for failing to use the commission to reform Labor and get rid of undue union influence.Former NSW Labor treasurer Michael Costa, a regular critic of his old party, has criticised Shorten for failing to use the commission to reform Labor and get rid of undue union influence.
Updated at 10.38pm GMT Updated at 9.38am AEST
9.55pm GMT21:55 8.55am AEST21:55
Back to the parliamentary agenda, the following bills are on the program today:Back to the parliamentary agenda, the following bills are on the program today:
Updated at 10.30pm GMT Updated at 9.30am AEST
9.48pm GMT21:48 8.48am AEST21:48
If there is a single question raised by the death of Fazel Chegeni, it is this one:If there is a single question raised by the death of Fazel Chegeni, it is this one:
The young man who died on Christmas Is was found to be a refugee years ago. So why was he in detention, exactly?The young man who died on Christmas Is was found to be a refugee years ago. So why was he in detention, exactly?
9.45pm GMT21:45 8.45am AEST21:45
Reports of riots at Christmas IslandReports of riots at Christmas Island
A detainee has told Alex Lee at Buzzfeed “everything’s on fire” at the Christmas Island detention centre, after the death of Fazel Chegeni. Riots have involved 100-150 people.A detainee has told Alex Lee at Buzzfeed “everything’s on fire” at the Christmas Island detention centre, after the death of Fazel Chegeni. Riots have involved 100-150 people.
They ripped off the walls, broke into the canteen and stole cigarettes. They’ve broken into the offices, and they’ve got the fire extinguishers and they’re smashing all the cameras in this place. I’m just laying low. I’m not afraid right now but I’m afraid of what’s going to happen – what will be the repercussions from this? ... I was meant to have an appointment with immigration today, that’s not going to happen now.They ripped off the walls, broke into the canteen and stole cigarettes. They’ve broken into the offices, and they’ve got the fire extinguishers and they’re smashing all the cameras in this place. I’m just laying low. I’m not afraid right now but I’m afraid of what’s going to happen – what will be the repercussions from this? ... I was meant to have an appointment with immigration today, that’s not going to happen now.
Updated at 10.23pm GMT Updated at 9.23am AEST
9.39pm GMT21:39 8.39am AEST21:39
Parliament starts at 10am this morning.Parliament starts at 10am this morning.
Environment minister Greg Hunt is at the talks before the climate talks in Paris.Environment minister Greg Hunt is at the talks before the climate talks in Paris.
Spoke at #PreCOP in Paris today about our commitment to tackling climate change & keeping warming to below 2 degrees pic.twitter.com/G5u6KxcSKFSpoke at #PreCOP in Paris today about our commitment to tackling climate change & keeping warming to below 2 degrees pic.twitter.com/G5u6KxcSKF
9.29pm GMT21:29 8.29am AEST21:29
Refugee's body found at bottom of cliffs away from detention centre, Immigration department confirmsRefugee's body found at bottom of cliffs away from detention centre, Immigration department confirms
Another statement just released from the department on the death of Fazel Chegeni:Another statement just released from the department on the death of Fazel Chegeni:
The department can confirm a disturbance in progress at the Christmas Island immigration detention centre. The department and its service providers are at the centre, working together to assess and resolve the situation. While there are reports of damage inside the centre its perimeter remains secure. There are no reports of any injuries.The department can confirm a disturbance in progress at the Christmas Island immigration detention centre. The department and its service providers are at the centre, working together to assess and resolve the situation. While there are reports of damage inside the centre its perimeter remains secure. There are no reports of any injuries.
The department is working with its partners to restore the good order of the centre. Any criminal offences will be referred to the police for investigation.The department is working with its partners to restore the good order of the centre. Any criminal offences will be referred to the police for investigation.
The disturbance follows an incident on Saturday (November 7) in which a detainee escaped from the centre. A search and rescue operation was immediately undertaken, however, the escapee’s body was later discovered by search and rescue teams on Sunday at the bottom of island cliffs away from the centre. The cause of his death is not currently known and a report is being prepared for the coroner.The disturbance follows an incident on Saturday (November 7) in which a detainee escaped from the centre. A search and rescue operation was immediately undertaken, however, the escapee’s body was later discovered by search and rescue teams on Sunday at the bottom of island cliffs away from the centre. The cause of his death is not currently known and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
The department will make further comments as events unfold throughout the day.The department will make further comments as events unfold throughout the day.
Updated at 10.20pm GMT Updated at 9.20am AEST
9.20pm GMT21:20 8.20am AEST21:20
Detainees allege refugee found dead near perimeter fence, New Zealand MP reportsDetainees allege refugee found dead near perimeter fence, New Zealand MP reports
Shalailah MedhoraShalailah Medhora
New Zealand Labor MP Kelvin Davis, who visited the detention centre a few weeks ago, said that Kiwis on Christmas Island have asked for help.New Zealand Labor MP Kelvin Davis, who visited the detention centre a few weeks ago, said that Kiwis on Christmas Island have asked for help.
He has spoken to New Zealand detainees housed on the island. The disturbance, he said, started after an Iranian detainee asked a guard what happened to the dead Iranian-Kurdish refugee. The guard assaulted the man and other asylum seekers retaliated, Davis said.He has spoken to New Zealand detainees housed on the island. The disturbance, he said, started after an Iranian detainee asked a guard what happened to the dead Iranian-Kurdish refugee. The guard assaulted the man and other asylum seekers retaliated, Davis said.
They’re scared, they’ve asked me to try and get New Zealand consulate people over to Christmas Island to be witness to the injuries that they believe they’re going to receive in the coming days.They’re scared, they’ve asked me to try and get New Zealand consulate people over to Christmas Island to be witness to the injuries that they believe they’re going to receive in the coming days.
Detainees “feared the worst” had happened to the Kurdish man, Davis said.Detainees “feared the worst” had happened to the Kurdish man, Davis said.
If he was out for a couple of days and on the run, he wouldn’t have been found near the perimeter of the detention centre, and there’s nowhere to run on Christmas Island either ... So there’s a lot of grey areas. I think there’s quite a bit of propaganda coming out from both sides.If he was out for a couple of days and on the run, he wouldn’t have been found near the perimeter of the detention centre, and there’s nowhere to run on Christmas Island either ... So there’s a lot of grey areas. I think there’s quite a bit of propaganda coming out from both sides.
The behaviour of guards isn’t helping, he warned.The behaviour of guards isn’t helping, he warned.
They’re scared that these guys will come in with batons waving, rather than trying to calm the situation in the first instance ... I don’t think that the situation will be helped if they come in guns blazing, so to speak.They’re scared that these guys will come in with batons waving, rather than trying to calm the situation in the first instance ... I don’t think that the situation will be helped if they come in guns blazing, so to speak.
Most detainees are now huddled together outside the detention centre on a sports ground, Davis said.Most detainees are now huddled together outside the detention centre on a sports ground, Davis said.
There’s safety in numbers there and they want to be outside.There’s safety in numbers there and they want to be outside.
Updated at 10.06pm GMT Updated at 9.06am AEST
9.07pm GMT21:07 8.08am AEST21:08
Good morning political meerkats,Good morning political meerkats,
When I drove into a watermelon sunrise the day seemed calm enough, but it was a ruse.When I drove into a watermelon sunrise the day seemed calm enough, but it was a ruse.
There are many items on the political agenda.There are many items on the political agenda.
At the top is the death of a refugee, believed to be Fazel Chegeni, who was in his 30s.At the top is the death of a refugee, believed to be Fazel Chegeni, who was in his 30s.
Gordon Taylor, shire president of Christmas Island, has told the ABC he was disappointed the immigration department had “allowed rumour to spread”. The government’s information shutters have gone down, even though this is an on-land issue.Gordon Taylor, shire president of Christmas Island, has told the ABC he was disappointed the immigration department had “allowed rumour to spread”. The government’s information shutters have gone down, even though this is an on-land issue.
Now there are reports of rioting on the island and suggestions the staff at the centre have gone AWOL.Now there are reports of rioting on the island and suggestions the staff at the centre have gone AWOL.
This is the statement from the immigration department:This is the statement from the immigration department:
The department can confirm a disturbance at Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre.The department can confirm a disturbance at Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre.
The department and its service providers are working together to resolve the situation.The department and its service providers are working together to resolve the situation.
The department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for detainees, and maintaining the good order of detention facilities.The department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for detainees, and maintaining the good order of detention facilities.
Any criminal offences will be referred to the police.Any criminal offences will be referred to the police.
No injuries have been reported. It would not be appropriate to make further detailed comments on matters that are subject to ongoing operations.No injuries have been reported. It would not be appropriate to make further detailed comments on matters that are subject to ongoing operations.
With border force staff striking today and causing delays at airports, the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is in high demand. He has yet to be sighted. But rest assured we are on high alert – like a meerkat – for any further details.With border force staff striking today and causing delays at airports, the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is in high demand. He has yet to be sighted. But rest assured we are on high alert – like a meerkat – for any further details.
Parliament resumes for the week. There is more counter-terrorism legislation on the agenda this week, including the bill to remove Australian citizenship from dual nationals suspected of terrorism.Parliament resumes for the week. There is more counter-terrorism legislation on the agenda this week, including the bill to remove Australian citizenship from dual nationals suspected of terrorism.
And we await with bated breath the Charles and Camilla Show, which hits the national capital on Wednesday.And we await with bated breath the Charles and Camilla Show, which hits the national capital on Wednesday.
Stick with us, join the conversation below or on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.Stick with us, join the conversation below or on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.
Updated at 10.05pm GMT Updated at 9.05am AEST