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Version 19 Version 20
Tax transparency, national security and Mal Brough – as it happened Tax transparency, national security and Mal Brough – as it happened
(6 days later)
6.34am GMT6.34am GMT
06:3406:34
Night time politicsNight time politics
Tomorrow, Greg Hunt is speaking at the National Press Club. Thanks for your company and thanks to the brains trust, Lenore Taylor, Daniel Hurst, Shalailah Medhora and Mike Bowers as well as his lens.Tomorrow, Greg Hunt is speaking at the National Press Club. Thanks for your company and thanks to the brains trust, Lenore Taylor, Daniel Hurst, Shalailah Medhora and Mike Bowers as well as his lens.
Good night.Good night.
6.03am GMT6.03am GMT
06:0306:03
Labor’s Stephen Conroy is enjoying the in the senate. He says he loves it when the Liberals are dragged “kicking and screaming” into a tax transparency debate.Labor’s Stephen Conroy is enjoying the in the senate. He says he loves it when the Liberals are dragged “kicking and screaming” into a tax transparency debate.
This is about the Liberal party protecting its mates. It’s about the Liberals protecting its leader who believes its OK to run his assets through the Cayman Islands. It’s fine but I want to make Australians, he says, pay a GST of 15% on food.This is about the Liberal party protecting its mates. It’s about the Liberals protecting its leader who believes its OK to run his assets through the Cayman Islands. It’s fine but I want to make Australians, he says, pay a GST of 15% on food.
5.53am GMT5.53am GMT
05:5305:53
Nationals vote against giving farmers a right of veto over miningNationals vote against giving farmers a right of veto over mining
Senator Larissa Waters has just lost a motion that the senate notes:Senator Larissa Waters has just lost a motion that the senate notes:
i. the Victorian National Party’s announcement in early 2015 that they ‘support landowners having the right to say no to coal seam gas extraction activity on their land’,i. the Victorian National Party’s announcement in early 2015 that they ‘support landowners having the right to say no to coal seam gas extraction activity on their land’,
ii. comments by the Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Mr Truss MP, that farmers should have the right to say yes or no to coal seam gas exploration and extraction on their property,ii. comments by the Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Mr Truss MP, that farmers should have the right to say yes or no to coal seam gas exploration and extraction on their property,
iii. comments by: A. the Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Joyce MP, andiii. comments by: A. the Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Joyce MP, and
B.the Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and Minister for Rural Health, Senator Nash, supporting a right for farmers to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land,B.the Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and Minister for Rural Health, Senator Nash, supporting a right for farmers to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land,
iv. reports that: A. the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr McCormack MP, andiv. reports that: A. the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr McCormack MP, and
B. Mr Broad MP, and Senators McKenzie, Williams and Canavan, support the right of farmers to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land; andB. Mr Broad MP, and Senators McKenzie, Williams and Canavan, support the right of farmers to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land; and
(b) agrees that landowners should have the right to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land.(b) agrees that landowners should have the right to say no to coal seam gas activity on their land.
The Nationals voted against the motion.The Nationals voted against the motion.
5.45am GMT5.45am GMT
05:4505:45
Senator Ian Macdonald is speaking to tax transparency. He is defending the changes which have allowed wealthy private companies an exemption from publication of tax details.Senator Ian Macdonald is speaking to tax transparency. He is defending the changes which have allowed wealthy private companies an exemption from publication of tax details.
It will ensure companies that operate in Australia do pay the right amount of tax...I urge the Labor party to get involved in instructive issues like that rather than having these base debates and trying to malign and smear fellow Australians.It will ensure companies that operate in Australia do pay the right amount of tax...I urge the Labor party to get involved in instructive issues like that rather than having these base debates and trying to malign and smear fellow Australians.
Senator David Leyonhjelm says:Senator David Leyonhjelm says:
Tax transparency is not important. Government should be transparent about what they do with our tax dollars. Government should not be transparent about the affairs of people who pay that tax.Tax transparency is not important. Government should be transparent about what they do with our tax dollars. Government should not be transparent about the affairs of people who pay that tax.
He says senators who want tax transparency are either meddlesome, unbalanced or conniving.He says senators who want tax transparency are either meddlesome, unbalanced or conniving.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.48am GMTat 5.48am GMT
5.31am GMT5.31am GMT
05:3105:31
Apropos the earlier photos of MPs getting punted, speaker Tony Smith has ejected a total 58 Labor MPs and 3 Coalition MPs.Apropos the earlier photos of MPs getting punted, speaker Tony Smith has ejected a total 58 Labor MPs and 3 Coalition MPs.
5.25am GMT5.25am GMT
05:2505:25
Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson on tax transparency:Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson on tax transparency:
Most Australians pay their tax and they expect large corporations to pay their tax. They don’t expect to have a government to slug them...with cuts to pensions and a whole range of things...but they won’t take on the issue of multinational tax avoidance.Most Australians pay their tax and they expect large corporations to pay their tax. They don’t expect to have a government to slug them...with cuts to pensions and a whole range of things...but they won’t take on the issue of multinational tax avoidance.
5.13am GMT5.13am GMT
05:1305:13
The tax transparency debate has begun in the senate. South Australian Liberal senator Sean Edwards is speaking for the government now.The tax transparency debate has begun in the senate. South Australian Liberal senator Sean Edwards is speaking for the government now.
5.12am GMT5.12am GMT
05:1205:12
Bad Albo.Bad Albo.
4.53am GMT4.53am GMT
04:5304:53
I made an omission in the flurry of midday and national security statements. That was the word “machismo”. Luckily, Daniel Hurst has written up a summary.I made an omission in the flurry of midday and national security statements. That was the word “machismo”. Luckily, Daniel Hurst has written up a summary.
Malcolm Turnbull has ruled out dramatically ramping up Australia’s military role in the Middle East and reinforced his plea for community unity at home in a security speech aimed at reassuring people about efforts to prevent terrorism.Malcolm Turnbull has ruled out dramatically ramping up Australia’s military role in the Middle East and reinforced his plea for community unity at home in a security speech aimed at reassuring people about efforts to prevent terrorism.
The prime minister said the government was working to keep people safe and revealed he had asked law enforcement agencies to test their responses to a mass-casualty attack because there was little room for negotiation.The prime minister said the government was working to keep people safe and revealed he had asked law enforcement agencies to test their responses to a mass-casualty attack because there was little room for negotiation.
But he also warned against being “fooled by the hype” of Islamic State (Isis) and called for calm and effective action against terrorism rather than anger-fuelled “gestures or machismo”. He restated support for multiculturalism and urged the community to uphold mutual respect, saying “our unity mocks their attempts to divide us”.But he also warned against being “fooled by the hype” of Islamic State (Isis) and called for calm and effective action against terrorism rather than anger-fuelled “gestures or machismo”. He restated support for multiculturalism and urged the community to uphold mutual respect, saying “our unity mocks their attempts to divide us”.
4.39am GMT4.39am GMT
04:3904:39
The long walk.The long walk.
4.35am GMT4.35am GMT
04:3504:35
4.17am GMT4.17am GMT
04:1704:17
Here is the official confirmation of senior public servant changes, via a statement from the prime minister’s office. On-going speculation has it that Martin Parkinson, former treasury head, will head up the department of prime minister and cabinet. There is still no confirmation of that.Here is the official confirmation of senior public servant changes, via a statement from the prime minister’s office. On-going speculation has it that Martin Parkinson, former treasury head, will head up the department of prime minister and cabinet. There is still no confirmation of that.
Michael Thawley AO has advised me that he wishes to return to the private sector, and will be leaving the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in late January 2016. Mr Thawley returned to the Australian Public Service (APS) in December 2014 after working at a senior level in the finance sector in the US since 2005. His earlier public service career included Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, and a range of significant diplomatic roles. I am grateful for Michael’s support as my Department Head and I thank him for his leadership of the APS.Michael Thawley AO has advised me that he wishes to return to the private sector, and will be leaving the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in late January 2016. Mr Thawley returned to the Australian Public Service (APS) in December 2014 after working at a senior level in the finance sector in the US since 2005. His earlier public service career included Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, and a range of significant diplomatic roles. I am grateful for Michael’s support as my Department Head and I thank him for his leadership of the APS.
Peter Varghese AO has advised me that he will be stepping down as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in July 2016 to take up the position of Chancellor of the University of Queensland. Mr Varghese has had a distinguished career in Australia’s diplomatic service, with postings in India, Malaysia, Tokyo, Washington and Vienna, and as Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. I congratulate Mr Varghese on this prestigious new appointment.Peter Varghese AO has advised me that he will be stepping down as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in July 2016 to take up the position of Chancellor of the University of Queensland. Mr Varghese has had a distinguished career in Australia’s diplomatic service, with postings in India, Malaysia, Tokyo, Washington and Vienna, and as Director-General of the Office of National Assessments. I congratulate Mr Varghese on this prestigious new appointment.
Drew Clarke PSM FTSE has accepted my offer to become my ongoing Chief of Staff, after acting in the role since my appointment as Prime Minister. Mr Clarke was previously Secretary of the Department of Communications, and Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. His earlier public service career included roles in energy policy, and in industry, science and mapping agencies. I am very pleased that Mr Clarke will bring his APS and policy experience to my Office.Drew Clarke PSM FTSE has accepted my offer to become my ongoing Chief of Staff, after acting in the role since my appointment as Prime Minister. Mr Clarke was previously Secretary of the Department of Communications, and Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. His earlier public service career included roles in energy policy, and in industry, science and mapping agencies. I am very pleased that Mr Clarke will bring his APS and policy experience to my Office.
4.13am GMT4.13am GMT
04:1304:13
The final constituent question from LNP MP Jane Prentice to foreign minister Julie Bishop: many of my constituents have contacted me to ask what Australia’s role will be at the upcoming climate change conference in Paris.Minister. Would you please update the House on the details of the Paris climate change agreement and what will Australia’s role be in negotiations?The final constituent question from LNP MP Jane Prentice to foreign minister Julie Bishop: many of my constituents have contacted me to ask what Australia’s role will be at the upcoming climate change conference in Paris.Minister. Would you please update the House on the details of the Paris climate change agreement and what will Australia’s role be in negotiations?
4.09am GMT4.09am GMT
04:0904:09
Mark Dreyfus to Mal Brough: I refer to the minister’s answer yesterday in the house and to his answer just now. When asked the same question on ‘60 Minutes’ last year, the minister responded”Yes, I did.” Minister, what’s changed? Why won’t he repeat that answer now? And is the reason he won’t repeat that answer now because the government believes such action is inappropriate?Mark Dreyfus to Mal Brough: I refer to the minister’s answer yesterday in the house and to his answer just now. When asked the same question on ‘60 Minutes’ last year, the minister responded”Yes, I did.” Minister, what’s changed? Why won’t he repeat that answer now? And is the reason he won’t repeat that answer now because the government believes such action is inappropriate?
I would remind you that these matters are subject to other inquiries and I have nothing further that I can add to what I have made in the statements.I would remind you that these matters are subject to other inquiries and I have nothing further that I can add to what I have made in the statements.
The inquiries are by the Australian Federal Police.The inquiries are by the Australian Federal Police.
4.06am GMT4.06am GMT
04:0604:06
Constituent question!!Constituent question!!
Louise Markus to Warren Truss: I have received correspondence from some concerned residence in the lower Blue Mountains, concerned about the proposed western Sydney airport’s impact on aerial fire fighting and hazard reduction in the Blue Mountains given this is a bushfire-prone area. Can you please advise my constituents what impact the proposed airport will have on these activities?Louise Markus to Warren Truss: I have received correspondence from some concerned residence in the lower Blue Mountains, concerned about the proposed western Sydney airport’s impact on aerial fire fighting and hazard reduction in the Blue Mountains given this is a bushfire-prone area. Can you please advise my constituents what impact the proposed airport will have on these activities?
4.04am GMT4.04am GMT
04:0404:04
Mark Dreyfus to special minister of state Mal Brough: I refer to the minister’s answer yesterday during question time where he referred to a statement, that statement makes reference to “allegations involving the disclosure of diary notes of Mr Slipper directly in that context”. I ask the minister, did you ask James Ashby to procure copies of Peter Slipper’s diary for you and does the government regard an action of that nature as appropriate?Mark Dreyfus to special minister of state Mal Brough: I refer to the minister’s answer yesterday during question time where he referred to a statement, that statement makes reference to “allegations involving the disclosure of diary notes of Mr Slipper directly in that context”. I ask the minister, did you ask James Ashby to procure copies of Peter Slipper’s diary for you and does the government regard an action of that nature as appropriate?
Brough refuses to answer the question and refers him to his previous comments.Brough refuses to answer the question and refers him to his previous comments.
4.02am GMT4.02am GMT
04:0204:02
A Dixer to territories minister Paul Fletcher on the progress of the construction of the Moreton Bay rail link?A Dixer to territories minister Paul Fletcher on the progress of the construction of the Moreton Bay rail link?
3.57am GMT3.57am GMT
03:5703:57
Bowen to Scott Morrison: Why is the treasurer unwilling to disclose to the house whether he discussed the Foreign Investment Review Board application relating to S Kidman and Co with the minister for agriculture? Does the Treasurer stand by his previous claim that his decision to reject the application was based on formal FIRB advice?Bowen to Scott Morrison: Why is the treasurer unwilling to disclose to the house whether he discussed the Foreign Investment Review Board application relating to S Kidman and Co with the minister for agriculture? Does the Treasurer stand by his previous claim that his decision to reject the application was based on formal FIRB advice?
I canvassed widely with colleagues about this issue. It’s part of the normal process, Mr Speaker. And that’s important because I talked to my colleagues about many issues...this government knows that you need to ensure you have good, strong laws that protect the national interest and that you act on them and that you implement them in the national interest. And that’s what we did on Kidman.I canvassed widely with colleagues about this issue. It’s part of the normal process, Mr Speaker. And that’s important because I talked to my colleagues about many issues...this government knows that you need to ensure you have good, strong laws that protect the national interest and that you act on them and that you implement them in the national interest. And that’s what we did on Kidman.
3.54am GMT3.54am GMT
03:5403:54
3.52am GMT3.52am GMT
03:5203:52
A Dixer to vocational education minister Luke Hartsuyker on supporting young people develop their skills and their future.A Dixer to vocational education minister Luke Hartsuyker on supporting young people develop their skills and their future.
3.51am GMT3.51am GMT
03:5103:51
Chris Bowen asks agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce if he has had any discussions with Australian buyers about S.Kidman and Co.Chris Bowen asks agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce if he has had any discussions with Australian buyers about S.Kidman and Co.
Barnaby says no.Barnaby says no.
3.50am GMT3.50am GMT
03:5003:50
A Dixer to Greg Hunt: The Ash Wednesday bushfires in1983 devastated parts of the Dandenong Ranges including Cockatoo and Belgrave Heights. Tragically lives wor lost and12 CFA volunteers - paid the ultimate price in Beaconsfield. What is the government taking to reduce excessive weed growth in the Dandenong Ranges and what benefits are there to the environment?A Dixer to Greg Hunt: The Ash Wednesday bushfires in1983 devastated parts of the Dandenong Ranges including Cockatoo and Belgrave Heights. Tragically lives wor lost and12 CFA volunteers - paid the ultimate price in Beaconsfield. What is the government taking to reduce excessive weed growth in the Dandenong Ranges and what benefits are there to the environment?
3.48am GMT
03:48
94a.
3.47am GMT
03:47
Labor to Scott Morrison: Did the treasurer discuss the Foreign Investment Review Board application relating to S.Kidman and Company with the minister for agriculture prior to making his decision to reject the application?
The decision was taken in accordance with the normal process.
3.45am GMT
03:45
Fiona Scott Dixer to Turnbull: Western Sydney is Australia’s third largest economy. As one of our nation’s fastest growing regions over the next decade a million more people will call our region home. As it stands, two thirds of our work force must commute every day for their employment. Can the PM please explain how the government’s agenda in innovation, infrastructure and cities will create the smart jobs for our children in western Sydney.
Werrington business park. Sydney science park. Second airport. Start ups. Innovation. International hub. Balls of feet. Agility. Exciting time to be alive.
3.41am GMT
03:41
Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce gets a Dixer on the Brisbane West Wellcamp airport and how it is helping exports.
The Labor’s Tanya Plibersek to Turnbull: According to the Housing Industry Association, “An increase of 5% in the GST on a typical house and land package in Sydney will increase the cost of a mortgage by around $60,000 over the life of the loan.” Why is the PM so intent on making the dream of home ownership even harder by increasing the GST?
Scott Morrison takes the question for Turnbull.
I thank the PM, it’s my turn on this one. Same question but we’ll take it in turns to give you the same answer.
3.37am GMT
03:37
There has been a Dixer to Julie Bishop, foreign minister: Will the Minister update the house on Australia’s international security cooperation and how this supports efforts to counter-terrorism at home and abroad?
Then another Labor GST question to Turnbull: Earlier this year the chief executive of the Housing Industry Association, Graham Wolfe said, and “Adding another 5% in GST on top of the price of a new home would put housing out of reach of many people that are trying desperately to get into the market.” Can the PM explain why he thinks it’s fair to make buying a house even more expensive by increasing the GST?
Turnbull goes to the planning laws, which he says are slowing the process of building and therefore, limiting supply.
The big obstacle are planning laws and systems where it takes too long to get consent, to get a DA. And many developers have told me it takes three times as long in Sydney to get a DA as it does in Brisbane, for example. So that is why the type of reforms that the treasurer is seeking to achieve with the states, and obviously planning is very much in the realm of state and local government, is so important.
3.33am GMT
03:33
Queensland MP George Christensen wants death penalty for terrorists
According to AAP, Christensen has said taking citizenship from dual national terrorism suspects, which he said was just the start of measures needed in the “war against radical Islam”.
He also wants citizenship revoked for those who advocated Shariah law in Australia.
3.27am GMT
03:27
Andrew Robb gets a Dixer on Indonesia.
Labor to Turnbull: According to Australia’s first rental affordability index,families in Queensland who are on $500 a week have to spend 54% of their income to rent a home. While these families are already doing it tough, will the PM rule out making it even harder for them by raising the price of everything with an increased GST?
Turnbull flicks the question to Scott Morrison.
Morrison uses the Harper review to answer the question, namely speaking to the states and territories to work out issues effecting short supply.
3.23am GMT
03:23
Independent Andrew Wilkie to Turnbull: in 2012 the federal government agreed to a $325m health funding boost for Tasmania to patch up the health system and put it on a more sustainable footing. But that money runs out next year so our health services and consumers will be set back badly unless follow-on funding is forthcoming. PM, will you commit to a new funding package and when do you expect to be able to announce the details?
Turnbull says it was a four-year funding package and while the state government works through its health reform agenda. The federal government has provided additional funding of $148.5m to the Mersey hospital operations over the next two years and an additional $20.7m for acute and sub-acute projects.
Updated
at 4.03am GMT
3.19am GMT
03:19
Speaker Tony Smith:
It’s OK, the Member for Isaacs will relax. I’m sure there’s a standing order for it.
3.17am GMT
03:17
Labor to Turnbull: According to Australia’s first rental affordability index, families in NSW on $500 a week have to spend 65% of their income to rent a home. Will the PM rule out making it even harder for renters by applying an increased GST to rent?
What’s happened to the Labor party since 1996, says Turnbull. It’s resorting to the old politics.
It has gone back to the old anvil. It has walked away from financial innovation, from opening up the economy. Now those are not my words. Those are the words of Paul Keating himself. Since theHawke/Keating reform era, which was followed by the Howard/Costello reforms, Labor has lost its imagination.
Updated
at 3.23am GMT
3.15am GMT
03:15
Shorten to Turnbull: Last night Guardian Australia published a list of 1,500 companies that can keep their tax arrangements a secret from Australians. The government continues to oppose Labor amendments to its multinational tax bill in the Senate to ensure tax transparency. Why is the PM fighting tooth and nail for mega-wealthy companies to keep their tax arrangements secret from Australians but it wants to make every Australian pay more with an increased GST?
Turnbull says the Labor/Greens changes will not raise an extra cent of tax. (Which is not the point. The point of the amendment is transparency.)
He then mentions his own company, which was on the list of companies which received exemptions to publishing tax information. Turnbull says it was an old “passive” company – Turnbull & Partners Holdings Pty Ltd – held with his former partner and former Labor premier Neville Wran.
That was back in the 90s, the Turnbull and Partners Investment Bank. You see many of us actually had a career before we came into politics. So mine was actually, you know, I know it’s a shock but a lot of us have made a living doing other things.
He says he will be writing to Asic to ask for it to be taken off the list.
Updated
at 3.22am GMT
3.08am GMT
03:08
A Dixer to Turnbull: will the PM update the house on new opportunities to expand trade and investment with Indonesia. How will this help strengthen Australia’s relationship with our important neighbour?
Updated
at 3.20am GMT
3.04am GMT
03:04
First question from Shorten to Turnbull asking the government to join with Labor to increase tobacco excise rather than a GST increase.
Turnbull says he would like to know how much revenue it would raise, the reduction in the number of smokers and whether it would be a regressive or a progressive tax.
2.59am GMT
02:59
Lunchtime politics
Wow. Question time coming up and no lunchtime summary yet.
Updated
at 3.20am GMT
2.53am GMT
02:53
2.47am GMT
02:47
Stephen Harper, the author of the review, said it was perfectly reasonable to consider the effects test separately given it was the “most controversial area” of his report.
Updated
at 3.19am GMT
2.45am GMT
02:45
Government parks the effects test on misuse of market power
Morrison is asked about the effects test on the misuse of market power. The government has pushed the effects test back to next year so we won’t know what will happen on that until then.
If you put the consumer at the top of the tree, that is the ultimate test about how competition reforms are working in this country. So it’s about what’s best for consumers, and there are a range of complex legal arguments that go around section 46, but my purpose today is to make the point that that is an important issue, there is no doubt about that.
But the other 55 recommendations are critical to the functioning of our economy, particularly whether it’s in health and social services, and the opportunities that are there, in planning and zoning reforms, retail trading hours, all of these things, the unfinished business in energy markets, water and so on, there is a lot in this report. That’s what’s going to drive the economic jobs and growth, not technical arguments in a lawyer’s picnic about section 46.
Essentially, the effects test has been parked.
Updated
at 3.18am GMT
2.38am GMT
02:38
Bear with me while I sift through the response to the Harper competition review.
Morrison says the government will embrace the Harper review recommendations by “specifically supporting” in whole or in part 44 of the 56 recommendations.
We will remain open to the remaining 12 recommendations depending on the outcome of further review and consultation with the states and territories and other stakeholders.
Updated
at 3.18am GMT
2.28am GMT
02:28
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, is on to the Harper review now in a press conference in the ministerial blue room while the citizenship legislation continues in the lower house and the higher education bill continues in the Senate.
Things are not slowing down.
The tax transparency bill will be coming up later in the Senate.
Updated
at 3.17am GMT
2.25am GMT
02:25
Shalailah has been attending a Coalition party room briefing.
Now is not the time for "gung-ho machismo", Turnbull tells the party room @gabriellechan
"The best allies we have in this fight is the Muslim community," Turnbull tells the party room @gabriellechan
She reports Turnbull also thanked the party room for their “discipline and loyalty in these trying times”.
2.21am GMT
02:21
Shorten ends with a bipartisan note.
I can assure those who are listening that despite our very fierce debates about many aspects of Australia, that we go together into the future with a united strength in terms of national security. There can be no 100% guarantee against terrorism occurring here. We already know this. There can be even perhaps a lesser guarantee for the safety of Australians overseas, no matter how much we wish to protect our family and friends and children when they travel ... But Australians should be reassured that our defence forces and security forces, indeed our parliament, indeed leaders across various faith communities, are committed to securing our future together.
Updated
at 2.52am GMT
2.18am GMT
02:18
Shorten: don't cut defence and technology, it will slow the fight against terrorism
Shorten says Labor supports giving agencies and communities “all the support we can to enhance their capability and to counter the radicalisation of vulnerable youth”.
He calls on engagement with international organisations to “cripple” financial operations of terrorist organisations and counter the adoption of low-cost technology which aid terrorists.
That is why it’s essential for Australia to nurture its national defence, research and development effort. If we are not in the business of creating new ideas and quickly turning new ideas into new technologies, the ADF will become slower to respond and less effective over time. Now is not the time to be making cuts to important organisations like the defence, science and technology group.
Updated
at 2.51am GMT
2.11am GMT
02:11
Bill Shorten says the events in the Middle East have profound consequences for Australia, which has already suffered from terrorist incidents in the region.
In the medium term we face the risk of people returning from Syria not just to Australia but to the region, poisoned by fanaticism with ill-intent in their hearts and skilled in combat and conflict. Australia has to show leadership here, particularly through multilateral institutions.
Updated
at 2.51am GMT
2.08am GMT
02:08
Shorten: Assad should be in jail, not in charge
Bill Shorten talks about the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.
Talk of pragmatism in the search of peace is fine but it cannot result in Assad remaining permanently in power. His ongoing presence would only serve as a spur to armed resistance and provide a rallying call for extremists. A leader who uses chemical weapons against his civilians, who orders massacres of the innocent with impunity, who commands the imprisonment and torture of children for painting graffiti on the wall, who thinks nothing of the mass slaughter of his own, belongs in a jail cell, not in charge.
2.05am GMT
02:05
Bill Shorten raises the prospect of the 2003 Iraq invasion and makes the point that interventions cannot create dependency but should build capacity.
Since day one of Australia’s involvement in this conflict, Labor has said success in the Iraq depends most upon the government and the people of Iraq themselves. The conflict in Iraq is for Iraq to win. Australia’s role in the region is to build capacity, not dependency. We do not want to perpetuate another cycle as occurred following the invasion of 2003. A large-scale troop movement, civil unrest and ongoing violence, escalation, withdrawal and eventual return. We can and we must provide Iraqi armed forces with the skills and trainings to overcome Daesh, to focus on building their own capacity to train themselves and to protect themselves.
Updated
at 2.49am GMT
2.01am GMT
02:01
Labor has supported all the national security legislation, says Shorten.
Labor has engaged with the issues deeply and thoughtfully and, in doing so, we have supported and enhanced four rounds of national security legislation, including the citizenship legislation which is currently before the parliament. We will work with the government to progress the fifth round of legislation which was introduced into the Senate in the last sittings. We have made over 100 substantive amendments to the national security bills put forward by this government, including 26 substantive amendments to the citizenship bill before the parliament. Many of these amendments have established new measures to strengthen accountability and oversight of newly created powers and include measures such as the creation of a public interest advocate to help protect the sources of journalists and freedom of the press.
Updated
at 2.49am GMT
1.58am GMT
01:58
Bill Shorten has delivered a bipartisan speech on national security.
In recent times, we have been reminded that whilst we may be an island, we are not immune to the fanaticism and the psychopathic crime that we have seen witness. Terrorism is an affront to all humanity, wherever it occurs and whoever it affects. It’s a crime engineered expressly to strike at the innocent, to spread fear, to engender hatred and, at times when terror threatens our way of life, it is right that Australians expect cooperation from their national leaders. That is why Labor has consistently sought bipartisanship on national security. We worked with Mr Abbott and we will do so again with Mr Turnbull.
Updated
at 2.43am GMT
1.55am GMT
01:55
Malcolm Turnbull finishes with a promise to engage in domestic and regional counter-terrorism efforts.
Across the region, our engagement will intensify, pursuing collective counter-terrorism objectives by better prioritising and coordinating with regional partners. We will defeat these terrorists. And the strongest weapons we bring to this battle are ourselves, our values, our way of life. Our unity mocks their attempts to divide us. Our freedom under law mocks their cruel tyranny. Our mutual respect mocks their bitter intolerance. And the strength of our free people will see off these thugs and tyrants as it has seen off so many of their kind before.
Updated
at 2.42am GMT
1.53am GMT
01:53
Turnbull thanked Muslim leaders who made statements condemning the Paris attacks.
Importantly, governments cannot win this battle alone. Community leaders and groups have great responsibility both in denouncing violent extremism and teaching unity in diversity, mutual respect instead of hatred.
1.51am GMT
01:51
The Turnbull government’s counter-terrorism strategy calls for partnerships, he says.
It emphasises the need to limit the spread and influence of violent extremist ideas. The root cause of the current threat we face is a perverted strain of Islamist extremist ideology. Not all extremism ends in violence but all politically motivated violence begins with extremist ideology.
Any war with Isil is not just one in a military sense, but also a war of ideas. Through their extensive use of social media, they seek the maximum propaganda advantage from any territorial gains as cover for their fundamental military weakness and the barbaric nature of their mindset.
Updated
at 2.41am GMT
1.49am GMT
01:49
Turnbull has asked that law enforcement agencies test their responses to a mass casualty attack.
Such an attack leaves little, if any, room for negotiation.
1.47am GMT
01:47
New national terrorism threat advisory system
Turnbull has announced a transition to a new system after the Council of Australian governments (Coag) agreed in July to develop a new threat advisory system to make threats clearer to the public.
The new framework has been recommended by Asio.
I can inform the house ... that the national threat assessment centre, or NTAC, that sits within Asio will this week transition to the new national terrorism threat advisory system. The new system will provide the public with more information on the nature of the threat we are facing. The adoption of a five-tiered system will also provide Asio with greater flexibility in determining threat levels, reflecting the need to adapt to an evolving security environment.
Updated
at 2.39am GMT
1.44am GMT
01:44
Malcolm Turnbull:
As your prime minister, my highest duty, and that of my government, is to keep Australians safe. We cannot eliminate entirely the risk of terror, any more than we can eliminate entirely the risk of any serious crime, but we can mitigate it and we will continue to thwart and frustrate many attacks before they occur.
Updated
at 2.37am GMT
1.42am GMT
01:42
Malcolm Turnbull: a terrorist incident in Australia remains likely
The Paris attacks demonstrate ISIL has an ability to launch concerted attacks in western cities. It was also a reminder that, while coordinated, there is not much sophisticated planning required for armed fanatics to slaughter unarmed civilians with military assault rifles and suicide vests. As prime minister, speaking on behalf of the heads of ASIO and the AFP, as well as the chief of the Defence Force, I want Australians to be aware that a terrorist incident on our soil remains likely but also that Australians should be reassured that our security agencies are working diligently and expertly to prevent that happening.
Updated
at 2.36am GMT
1.40am GMT
01:40
Turnbull says the advice from military experts suggests ground troops are not feasible or practical.
Under the circumstances that I have outlined, and mindful that Australia has a range of security priorities across the globe and in our own region, there are currently no plans for a significant change in the level or the nature of Australia’s military commitment in Iraq and Syria. No such change has been sought by our allies ... The current advice to the government is that the unilateral deployment of Australian combat troops on the ground in Iraq or Syria is neither feasible nor practical.
Updated
at 2.35am GMT
1.38am GMT
01:38
Speaking to the chamber, which includes Tony Abbott who has called for boots on the ground, Turnbull says:
The consensus of the leaders I met at the G20, at APEC, and at the East Asia sSummit is that there is no support currently for a large US-led western army to attempt to conquer and hold ISIL-controlled areas. In Syria, the broader conflict and the absence of a central government that the west can work with makes action against ISIL even more complicated. Following the destruction of the Russian airliner over the Sinai, and the Paris attacks, Russia and France have raised their operational tempo against ISIL. But ultimately a political solution is needed in Syria.
Updated
at 2.35am GMT
1.36am GMT
01:36
Australia’s contribution to coalition forces is second only to the United States.
Larger, for example, than that of any European nation. Larger than Canada or any of the neighbouring Arab states. We have six FA-18s involved in missions in that theatre, with 240 personnel in the air task group, 90 special forces advisers and around 300 soldiers training the Iraqi army.
Updated
at 2.34am GMT
1.34am GMT
01:34
Turnbull says Isis has more smartphones than guns. He makes the point that we should not believe the hype about Isis. By its actions, it has strengthened the resolve of nations around the world to defeat it, including Russia.
Updated
at 2.32am GMT
1.33am GMT
01:33
Malcolm Turnbull begins his statement.
He says after the killings around the world, anger and grief is understandable but the attacks call for a clear-eyed, strategic response.
Updated
at 2.31am GMT
1.19am GMT
01:19
Bill Shorten is asked again about his leadership. Shorten replies that when he came to the job, media editorials said Tony Abbott would be around for a long time. Now he is gone because Labor has been strong. Shorten says that he is offering the tobacco excise policy in the “spirit of bipartisanship”.
Labor has been doing a job as a strong opposition. Today again we are fronting up.
1.13am GMT
01:13
Shorten has been asked about the tax transparency debate, which is due in the Senate later this afternoon.
If you want the rest of us to pay tax and accept the system’s working, I think it’s very important that the big end of town be transparent and clear in what they do.
Updated
at 2.31am GMT
1.10am GMT
01:10
Bill Shorten moves to climate change and describes the governments targets of 26-28% as “knee-high expectations”.
He says Labor’s targets will be revealed shortly.
Asked if he will increase the excise on alcohol – given its health effects – he says Labor is focusing on tobacco at this stage.
Updated
at 2.31am GMT
1.08am GMT
01:08
Asked whether he will lead the Labor party at the next election, Bill Shorten says he will never give up.
I accept what’s going on with Malcolm Turnbull at the moment. Truth be told, I share in the national relief that Tony Abbott’s no longer prime minister of Australia. I understand that’s what’s happening. But what I also understand is Malcolm Turnbull hasn’t been subject to any real economic tests yet.
1.06am GMT
01:06
Bill Shorten makes the point Labor is prepared to put policies out there rather than making itself a small target, as Tony Abbott did.
Q: In order to implement the policy, you have to win the next election. Aren’t you alienating the people who are going to vote for you?
Actually, we are showing a degree of trust in the Australian people that Malcolm Turnbull is not. You are all experienced political writers. The game book says: ‘Don’t announce your policies until the election and be a small target.’ We have taken a different approach. We have outlined what we will do in terms of reining the excessive superannuation tax concessions which currently exist. We have proposed measures to make sure multinationals pay their fair share. Today we announce further measures. We are not treating the Australian people inappropriately. We are not engaging in an insincere debate. We have seen the debate in parliament ‘let’s have every idea on the table’ but we never hear any of them.
Updated
at 2.30am GMT
1.01am GMT
01:01
Bill Shorten addresses the effect on the poor.
This argument which is often used by big tobacco, says somehow making people pay more for cigarettes is anti-poor people. Both my parents smoked. Both my parents had tobacco-related diseases. Neither of my parents have lived to the age which I hoped they would have.
12.59am GMT
00:59
Labor’s health spokeswoman, Catherine King, gives the numbers.
Updated
at 2.28am GMT
12.58am GMT
00:58
Bill Shorten, Chris Bowen and Catherine King are now speaking on Labor’s policy for an increase in tobacco excise.
Bowen is dealing with an issue he has touched on already this morning.
This is a decision which will be controversial. We know some people won’t like this decision. We have always said that tough and controversial decisions will be necessary. Let me deal with one matter head-on. Poor people do smoke more. Poor people die earlier. That is unacceptable to us in the Labor party. Peoples’ wealth is leading to lower life expectancy right across the country. There is a number of reasons why that is the case. Smoking is up there as a cause for people who are on low incomes dying earlier than people on high incomes. That is offensive to us as the Labor party. This is a measure which will make a contribution to doing something about that.
Updated
at 2.27am GMT
12.54am GMT
00:54
One of the more controversial aspects of the Harper review was around a so-called “effects test” to curb the misuse of market power by big business.
The former small biz minister, Billson, was in favour of an effects test but was meeting stiff opposition in the cabinet, some of whom were particularly worried about a campaign by the Business Council of Australia. The National party lined up with Billson – particularly given the issue of food producers supplying big supermarkets such as Woolies and Coles.
When he negotiated the Coalition agreement after coming to the leadership, Turnbull agreed to push the effects test in cabinet – although he is not bound to enact the test, if the cabinet does not agree.
Updated
at 2.26am GMT
12.36am GMT
00:36
A stocktake.
Bill Shorten coming up soon.
Turnbull’s national security statement at midday.
The government is expected to release its response to the Harper competition review shortly after that. The report by Ian Harper was released in March this year.
You can remind yourself of the recommendations using Daniel Hurst’s story here:
A review of Australia’s competition laws has called for pharmacy regulations to be pared back, the full deregulation of retail trading hours and the removal of import restrictions on books and secondhand cars.
The final report of the Coalition-commissioned review also called on the government to reform a “deficient” section of the Competition and Consumer Act dealing with companies that misuse their market power.
A further review of taxi regulation was placed on the agenda, but the report stopped short of backing some Coalition politicians’ calls for changes to prevent environmental groups campaigning for boycotts against particular companies.
Prof Ian Harper, the economist who headed the review, said the 56 recommendations were “the result of widespread consultation” and aimed to reinvigorate competition to encourage innovation and improve productivity.
Updated
at 12.58am GMT
11.57pm GMT
23:57
Bruce Billson: I've loved these days
Serial enthusiast Bruce Billson has channelled Billy Joel in his statement announcing his retirement.
I have loved these days and make public this decision with no regret, remorse or bitterness.
Billson is known for his infectious enthusiasm, particularly for his former ministry of small business. But like all good gigs, it had to come to an end, which happened with the rise of ReTurnbull.
Then, like politicians everywhere, as soon as the climb ends, it becomes very important to spend more time with family.
Today I advised my parliamentary colleagues I will not be seeking to earn the support of my beloved Dunkley community at the next election to represent ‘Melbourne’s Riviera’ for an eighth term.
After two decades in public life, my family and I have reflected on circumstances following the change of leadership and decided it is the right time to ‘hang up the campaign R.M. Williams’.
It has become clear to us that while I love what I do, it is not possible for me to fully do what I love....
Billson committed not to white-ant the Turnbull government to ensure the Coalition has “maximum opportunity for ‘clear air’ and a sure-footed start”.
Doing this means curtailing my disposition to seek to lead, strongly advocate and implement policy initiatives and reform ideas.
Our [family] conclusion after much consideration is that the goal of a more family-friendly professional life of purpose, challenge and impact is best pursued in another field.
Goodbye Bruce, via Billy.
We drown our doubts in dry champagneAnd soothe our souls with fine cocaineI don’t know why I even careWe’ll get so high and get nowhereWe’ll have to change our jaded waysBut I’ve loved these daysSo before we end and then beginWe’ll drink a toast to how it’s beenA few more hours to be completeA few more nights on satin sheetsA few more times that I can sayI’ve loved these days.
11.20pm GMT
23:20
Confirmation, @BruceBillsonMP to retire at the next election #auspol
10.53pm GMT
22:53
Many people have commented on the different tone of the national security debate with the change from Tony Abbott to Malcolm Turnbull, while noting there has not been a change in policy.
In June this year, Tony Abbott commented after a lone wolf terrorist attack in France.
Regrettably, as we saw in France, all you need for terrorism these days is a knife, a flag, a camera phone and a victim.
The Turnbull government appears to have moved from that to a mode of assurance. The justice minister, Michael Keenan, is worth quoting at some length to contrast the tone of the debate. Keenan was asked about the possibility of a Paris-style attack in Australia.
I mean I think we’ve got some natural advantages that unfortunately European countries don’t have at the moment, including the fact that we’re in control over people who come to Australia.
Now obviously at the moment they’ve got great security vulnerabilities in the fact they’ve got hundreds of thousands of people moving around in a completely uncontrolled way.
Secondly, the robust gun control that we’ve had in Australia for the past 20 years would mean that it would be very difficult to get your hands on those sort of high-powered weapons that we saw used in those Paris attacks.
And finally our community relations here are as good as anywhere in the world and we’ve made an enormous effort to work with the Muslim community in Australia, to make sure that they are our partners in addressing this challenge.
So look, there’s things, there’s natural advantages that we have here. But I think that’s twinned with the fact that we have done so much to equip our agencies to address it. And the proof that our agencies are successful in keeping us safe is the fact that over the past 12 months, they have stopped six terror attacks on Australian soil.
Updated
at 2.25am GMT
10.37pm GMT
22:37
No country for old zingers.
10.13pm GMT
22:13
Bill Shorten gave a pretty strong speech at the event organised by the minister Michaelia Cash which focused on media reporting of domestic violence. Shorten thanked Cash and said this:
Family violence, violence against women, is all about power. It is about power and it is about gender. Family violence does not respect geography. It’s not about alcohol or drug abuse. It’s not caused by that. It is not caused by poverty, it is not caused by ethnicity or religion. It occurs principally when men assault, hurt and even murder women. It is a terrible crime – it is carried out by people who say that they once loved someone and are now in a position where they are hurting someone. But it is caused fundamentally by an imbalance in our society.
He also had a reminder for the media about (false) balance on the issue.
What the media choose to say and report about family violence can make a big difference to how people feel about speaking up.
What we need to be very clear about, I think in the reporting, is we shouldn’t always assume there are two sides to every story, that each are of equal weight and both deserving of equal respect.
Women deserve more than the lazy moral relativism which says there is his side and then there’s her side, that must be it and they must be of competing weights.
I think we are right in our society to call out offensive and outdated attitudes to women and not call them ‘harmless fun’.
Updated
at 10.37pm GMT
10.03pm GMT
22:03
The house sits at midday, the Senate slightly later at 12.30pm.
Turnbull’s national security statement will be at 12.30pm in the house.
In the lower house, the legislation is as follows:
In the Senate:
That last bill on multinational tax avoidance was amended, you will remember, last sitting week by a Greens/Labor motion.
The Senate voted to change the laws that shield large private companies (earning more than $100m a year) from publishing tax details. This was the so-called “kidnap clause” – that is, if people knew rich people like Gina Rinehart were rich, their lives might be at risk from extortion or kidnapping.
The amendment was a bit of an add-on – because Labor forgot to call a division last month on the bill that the kidnap clause actually related to. So the Greens found a way to include it in the “combating multinational tax” bill.
Treasurer Scott Morrison rejected the Senate’s changes and has sent it back to the Senate. In doing so, he risks losing the whole bill – which does good things like stop multinationals avoiding their tax through transfer pricing and other tricky accounting measures. If he makes a stand, it will be on the issue of protecting very rich people from tax scrutiny.
So that forms the basis for a showdown in the Senate today.
Updated
at 10.41pm GMT
9.40pm GMT
21:40
As treasurer, Peter Costello gave a strong speech in 2006 in which he complained about “mushy misguided multiculturalism”. In an echo of recent debates, Costello then warned migrants who do not share Australian values should be stripped of their citizenship.
At this very moment, legislation to strip Australian citizenship from dual nationals is making its way through the parliament. While some have expressed concerns at its extent, only the Greens Adam Bandt, independents Cathy McGowan and Andrew Wilkie have spoken against it.
Costello’s 2006 speech reported in the Age said migrants should be forced to honour a pledge of allegiance to Australia or face the prospect of being kicked out.
Those who are outside this compact threaten the rights and liberties of others. They should be refused citizenship if they apply for it. Where they have it they should be stripped of it if they are dual citizens and have some other country that recognises them as citizens.
Mr Costello said the citizenship pledge should be “a big flashing warning sign” to Muslims wanting to live under sharia law.
Before entering a mosque visitors are asked to take off their shoes. This is a sign of respect. If you have a strong objection to walking in your socks don’t enter the mosque. Before becoming an Australian you will be asked to subscribe to certain values. If you have strong objection to those values don’t come to Australia.
Updated
at 10.41pm GMT
9.28pm GMT
21:28
Former treasurer Peter Costello has written a column for the Tele on terrorism. It has some confronting
After each atrocity complacent political leaders trot out the same platitudes. They tell us: “This has nothing to do with Islam, etc.” It is wearing thin with the public. All these attacks are coming from people who subscribe to one religion, which is not Catholic or Protestant or Jewish or Buddhist or Yazidi. Plainly it has something to do with Islam. And the people who are doing it think it has everything to do with Islam. That is why they shout Allahu Akbar while firing their guns and detonating their explosives.
Now it may be they have got Islam all wrong — and the good thing is that their interpretation seems to be a tiny, minority one. But the fact is this interpretation has followers from different continents and different cultures, which tells us there is something in the source documents and history of Islam that gives them a peg to hang their hat on. If there were an easy demolition of this school of theology why hasn’t it been done by now?
These are difficult questions to ask, but after the level of death in recent years we have to be honest and ask them.
One great illusion that Western liberals use to console themselves is that all religions are more or less the same. They know little of religion but find this belief to be comforting. It means there is no need to worry that Muslim immigration is bringing unique problems to Western cities. Everyone just believes the same thing anyway.
Peter Costello rejects this idea. He singles out Islam in a very specific way.
Religions are not all the same. Christ never sought to establish an earthly kingdom — “My kingdom is not of this world,” he said. But Mohammed did. He led an army in the conquest of Mecca. As an earthly ruler he had quite a lot to say about how to wage war and make peace. These are the teachings radical Islamists rely on to justify their conduct.
So what we need from the Islamic scholars is to tell us, and more importantly to tell would-be jihadis, why these difficult sections of the Koran and the Hadiths are not to be taken literally and not to be followed today. They should explain why “jihad”, which once did include warfare, no longer means that, and why what might have been acceptable in the 7th century cannot be justified now. Like the rest of us, it is not in their interest to let one extremist use the Koran to justify mass murder.
Discuss.
9.16pm GMT
21:16
9.05pm GMT
21:05
Why is this man smiling?
Polls, polls, polls,
polls
, POLLS.
The bane of political lives everywhere. Bill Shorten, The Oz has declared, is Mr 15%.
Newspoll shows in the past fortnight on the question of who would make the better prime minister, 15% of voters think Bill Shorten is the person, compared with 64% for Malcolm Turnbull. Shortens numbers are down from 41% in September, ahead of Abbott on 37%.
The interesting this is people have not changed their perception of Shorten’s performance - so it would appear that he has not done anything to put voters off. They just prefer the other bloke.
Labor’s primary vote has fallen to 33%, compared with the Coalition on 46. The Greens are up one point to 11%.
8.42pm GMT
20:42
Good morning bloganistas,
I am sensing a certain acceleration in the new politics. As we roll down towards the final sitting week, I’m getting the feeling that while everything has been on the table, certain priorities are rising to the top. Decisions are being made behind closed doors. Agendas are solidifying. #justsaying
Lots on for today.
There is a national security statement this morning.
The prime minister has a speech to an event right now to combat domestic violence.
Lenore Taylor has a corker of a story regarding shield laws for wealthy private companies. The exemption for these private companies was a deal done under the Keating government in 1995. There goes his halo.
Private companies associated with Australia’s business elite, including prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, are on a list of entities not required to publish tax information under an historical secrecy provision that will continue if the Senate caves in on its demand that the government introduce new tax transparency rules.
Guardian Australia can reveal the full list of 1,498 companies that were – as of 2011 – exempted from filing annual financial reports with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (Asic) under a deal done by the Keating government in 1995.
The list is a who’s who of corporate Australia, including private companies associated with the Myer family, the Pratt family’s Visy Industries, media proprietor John B. Fairfax, Transfield Holdings, News Corp subsidiaries Courier Newspaper Operations and General Newspapers Pty Ltd, chicken producer Inghams, the Moran Health Care Group, construction giant Grocon and pastoral companies such as S Kidman and Co, currently up for sale.
Meanwhile, cigs may go up! (My favourite budget headline from the eighties.)
Labor announced the policy to raise the tobacco excise by 12.5% a year which would see a packet of cigarettes cost more than $40 in four years. Treasurer shadow Chris Bowen is speaking on the ABC about the reality that the tax rise will hit the poor, who are more likely to smoke. It’s a health issue, he says, that also helps the budget.
There is nothing fair about poorer people dying Fran.
Mike Bowers is chasing the PM as we speak and we are both on Twitter @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.