This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2015/nov/24/malcolm-turnbull-to-deliver-national-security-statement-politics-live

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Malcolm Turnbull to deliver national security statement – politics live Gun laws make Paris-style attack less likely in Australia, says justice minister – politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.20pm GMT23:20
Confirmation, @BruceBillsonMP to retire at the next election #auspol
10.53pm GMT22:5310.53pm GMT22:53
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.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.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.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. 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.The Turnbull government appears to have moved from that to a mode of assurance. 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 thatwe’re in control over people who come to Australia.I mean I think we’ve got some natural advantages that unfortunately European countries don’t have at the moment, including the fact thatwe’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.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 o f high-powered weapons that we saw used in those Paris attacks.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 o f 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.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 6 terror attacks on Australian soil.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 6 terror attacks on Australian soil.
10.37pm GMT22:3710.37pm GMT22:37
No country for old zingers.No country for old zingers.
10.13pm GMT22:1310.13pm GMT22:13
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: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.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.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 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.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.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’.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 GMTUpdated at 10.37pm GMT
10.03pm GMT22:0310.03pm GMT22:03
The house sits at midday, the Senate slightly later at 12.30pm.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.Turnbull’s national security statement will be at 12.30pm in the house.
In the lower house, the legislation is as follows:In the lower house, the legislation is as follows:
In the Senate:In the Senate:
That last bill on multinational tax avoidance was amended, you will remember, last sitting week by a Greens/Labor motion.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 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.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.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.So that forms the basis for a showdown in the Senate today.
Updated at 10.41pm GMTUpdated at 10.41pm GMT
9.40pm GMT21:409.40pm GMT21:40
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.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.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.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.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.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.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 GMTUpdated at 10.41pm GMT
9.28pm GMT21:289.28pm GMT21:28
Former treasurer Peter Costello has written a column for the Tele on terrorism. It has some confrontingFormer 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.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?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.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.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.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.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.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.Discuss.
9.16pm GMT21:169.16pm GMT21:16
9.05pm GMT21:059.05pm GMT21:05
Why is this man smiling?Why is this man smiling?
Polls, polls, polls,Polls, polls, polls,
pollspolls
, POLLS., POLLS.
The bane of political lives everywhere. Bill Shorten, The Oz has declared, is Mr 15%.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%.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.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%.Labor’s primary vote has fallen to 33%, compared with the Coalition on 46. The Greens are up one point to 11%.
8.42pm GMT20:428.42pm GMT20:42
Good morning bloganistas,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. #justsayingI 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.Lots on for today.
There is a national security statement this morning.There is a national security statement this morning.
The prime minister has a speech to an event right now to combat domestic violence.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.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.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.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.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.)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.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.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.Mike Bowers is chasing the PM as we speak and we are both on Twitter @gabriellechan and @mpbowers.