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| Will you act in the public interest and resign? No, says Mal Brough – as it happened | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 6.39am GMT06:39 | |
| That is it for the day. MPs will be running for planes, trains and automobiles. Here is what we know: | |
| Next week is the last sitting week of parliament. Many bills were flicked off to next week so the senate will have a pile of business, including the multinational tax avoidance bill. I predict by Monday afternoon or possibly Tuesday morning, Christopher Pyne will threaten to make the senate sit over the weekend. Then Murpharoo will drag you towards the Thursday night, the chamber will be full of back-slapping and everyone will go home. | |
| Thanks to the Bowers machine, Lenore Taylor, Daniel Hurst and Shalailah Medhora for their input in the blog. I shall not see you in this space until next year. Hallelujah! you may all cry. | |
| Thanks for your company and I wish you good night. | |
| @gabriellechan That's a great pic of Mal Brough @mpbowers; in a crisis, you quickly learn who your real friends are. pic.twitter.com/4UiCP3Zvn2 | |
| Updated at 6.44am GMT | |
| 6.06am GMT06:06 | 6.06am GMT06:06 |
| Malcolm Turnbull should consider Truss' role over shipping bill, says cruise operator | Malcolm Turnbull should consider Truss' role over shipping bill, says cruise operator |
| Back to the shipping bill, which would have freed up boats in Australian waters to hire more foreign crews. If the bill is passed, workers on non-Australian flagged vessels would only have to pay Australian wages and conditions if the ships trade in Australia for more than 183 days. It would also streamline requirements to a single shipping licence for boats operating between domestic ports. | Back to the shipping bill, which would have freed up boats in Australian waters to hire more foreign crews. If the bill is passed, workers on non-Australian flagged vessels would only have to pay Australian wages and conditions if the ships trade in Australia for more than 183 days. It would also streamline requirements to a single shipping licence for boats operating between domestic ports. |
| It caused a kerfuffle while Tony Abbott was still prime minister. An Australian cruise operator Bill Milby alleged that when he asked how he could compete with foriegn boats hiring cheaper crews, government bureaucrats advised him he could sack his Australian crew and hire foreign crew himself. | It caused a kerfuffle while Tony Abbott was still prime minister. An Australian cruise operator Bill Milby alleged that when he asked how he could compete with foriegn boats hiring cheaper crews, government bureaucrats advised him he could sack his Australian crew and hire foreign crew himself. |
| Milby took offence at that suggestion, fond of his own young Australian crew, as he was. Both Warren Truss as infrastructure minister and Tony Abbott suggested Milby was not telling the truth, to which Milby dug his heels in even further. It all came to a head at a senate inquiry when it turned out, the bureaucrats admitted they did discuss the option of replacing his Australian crew with Milby. | Milby took offence at that suggestion, fond of his own young Australian crew, as he was. Both Warren Truss as infrastructure minister and Tony Abbott suggested Milby was not telling the truth, to which Milby dug his heels in even further. It all came to a head at a senate inquiry when it turned out, the bureaucrats admitted they did discuss the option of replacing his Australian crew with Milby. |
| The legislation narrowly was voted down today: 27 - 31. | The legislation narrowly was voted down today: 27 - 31. |
| I contacted Milby this afternoon to see what he made of it all. He said: | I contacted Milby this afternoon to see what he made of it all. He said: |
| I followed the proceedings today, it’s good to see common sense prevail. | I followed the proceedings today, it’s good to see common sense prevail. |
| I am of the personal opinion that neither minister Truss or the then prime minister (Abbott) really understood what the public servants responsible for the preparation of the bill, had in fact written into it. If they did, then they should not hold the parliamentary positions they currently do. Fortunately Mr Abbott is no longer prime minister and prime minister Turnbull should look long and hard at the role of minister Truss. | I am of the personal opinion that neither minister Truss or the then prime minister (Abbott) really understood what the public servants responsible for the preparation of the bill, had in fact written into it. If they did, then they should not hold the parliamentary positions they currently do. Fortunately Mr Abbott is no longer prime minister and prime minister Turnbull should look long and hard at the role of minister Truss. |
| In my opinion, no Australian national government should ever propose legislation that deliberately sets out to deprive by (legislation) the opportunity for Australian citizens to work in Australia, it’s territories and territorial waters. The (now defeated) Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 did exactly that. | In my opinion, no Australian national government should ever propose legislation that deliberately sets out to deprive by (legislation) the opportunity for Australian citizens to work in Australia, it’s territories and territorial waters. The (now defeated) Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 did exactly that. |
| As of this afternoon, Warren Truss is acting prime minister. I am seeking a comment. | As of this afternoon, Warren Truss is acting prime minister. I am seeking a comment. |
| 5.47am GMT05:47 | 5.47am GMT05:47 |
| Meanwhile in the Victorian parliament: | Meanwhile in the Victorian parliament: |
| Liberal MP Graham Watt refused to stand when Rosie Batty addressed Vic parliament, citing 'personal reasons' pic.twitter.com/K6tTNGORVW | Liberal MP Graham Watt refused to stand when Rosie Batty addressed Vic parliament, citing 'personal reasons' pic.twitter.com/K6tTNGORVW |
| 4.51am GMT04:51 | 4.51am GMT04:51 |
| 4.49am GMT04:49 | 4.49am GMT04:49 |
| 4.45am GMT04:45 | 4.45am GMT04:45 |
| Updated at 5.07am GMT | Updated at 5.07am GMT |
| 4.43am GMT04:43 | 4.43am GMT04:43 |
| Updated at 5.06am GMT | Updated at 5.06am GMT |
| 4.38am GMT04:38 | 4.38am GMT04:38 |
| If you want to read up on so-called Ashbygate, David Marr wrote a good wrap in 2013 and the original Rares judgement is here. | If you want to read up on so-called Ashbygate, David Marr wrote a good wrap in 2013 and the original Rares judgement is here. |
| Legal commentator Richard Ackland wrote on Ashbygate the following year, 2014, in which he said: | Legal commentator Richard Ackland wrote on Ashbygate the following year, 2014, in which he said: |
| The main game was always about politics. The litigation was a means by which maximum distress could be inflicted on the minority government, and Liberal politicians were in there with their ears back. | The main game was always about politics. The litigation was a means by which maximum distress could be inflicted on the minority government, and Liberal politicians were in there with their ears back. |
| But one of the more recent pieces is from Paula Matthewson on the ABC site The Drum. | But one of the more recent pieces is from Paula Matthewson on the ABC site The Drum. |
| Given Brough’s claims today, it is worth remembering this: | Given Brough’s claims today, it is worth remembering this: |
| In his finding against Ashby’s original complaint, the federal court judge, Justice Steven Rares, described the case as an abuse of political process. Rares pointed the finger squarely at Brough, concluding that Ashby and fellow staff member Karen Doane had worked with Brough ‘to cause Mr Slipper as much political and public damage as they could inflict on him’. | In his finding against Ashby’s original complaint, the federal court judge, Justice Steven Rares, described the case as an abuse of political process. Rares pointed the finger squarely at Brough, concluding that Ashby and fellow staff member Karen Doane had worked with Brough ‘to cause Mr Slipper as much political and public damage as they could inflict on him’. |
| Brough also admitted in a media interview that he’d asked Ashby to make copies of the then speaker’s diary, apparently to prove Slipper’s suspected abuse of travel allowances ... | Brough also admitted in a media interview that he’d asked Ashby to make copies of the then speaker’s diary, apparently to prove Slipper’s suspected abuse of travel allowances ... |
| Whatever the reason for its resurgence, the revival of Ashbygate is not something Turnbull should take lightly. The PM needs to take a brutally dispassionate look at the evidence that could be levelled against Brough, Wyatt Roy and Christopher Pyne, and make a clear-headed decision – does the political cost of keeping them outweigh the cost of cutting them loose? | Whatever the reason for its resurgence, the revival of Ashbygate is not something Turnbull should take lightly. The PM needs to take a brutally dispassionate look at the evidence that could be levelled against Brough, Wyatt Roy and Christopher Pyne, and make a clear-headed decision – does the political cost of keeping them outweigh the cost of cutting them loose? |
| Updated at 5.06am GMT | Updated at 5.06am GMT |
| 4.15am GMT04:15 | 4.15am GMT04:15 |
| Labor loses the Brough motion on the numbers. | Labor loses the Brough motion on the numbers. |
| What about the new politics, | What about the new politics, |
| yells Anthony Albanese to Malcolm Turnbull as question time ends. | yells Anthony Albanese to Malcolm Turnbull as question time ends. |
| 4.08am GMT04:08 | 4.08am GMT04:08 |
| Government wins gag on Burke 82-47. | Government wins gag on Burke 82-47. |
| Pyne wants to bring on the Brough. | Pyne wants to bring on the Brough. |
| Burke yells across the chamber something along the lines of the government not being keen to defend Brough. | Burke yells across the chamber something along the lines of the government not being keen to defend Brough. |
| 4.05am GMT04:05 | 4.05am GMT04:05 |
| The government wins the gag 83-47. | The government wins the gag 83-47. |
| Tony Burke gets up to second the motion. | Tony Burke gets up to second the motion. |
| Christopher Pyne moves to gag Burke. | Christopher Pyne moves to gag Burke. |
| A division is called. | A division is called. |
| Ring the bells. | Ring the bells. |
| 4.03am GMT04:03 | 4.03am GMT04:03 |
| The rod Turnbull made for his own back. | The rod Turnbull made for his own back. |
| Updated at 4.13am GMT | Updated at 4.13am GMT |
| 4.00am GMT04:00 | 4.00am GMT04:00 |
| Anthony Albanese is yelling out something which I cannot make out. | Anthony Albanese is yelling out something which I cannot make out. |
| The speaker Tony Smith reminds members that parliamentary privilege does not apply during divisions. In other words, say something defamatory and you will have no protection. | The speaker Tony Smith reminds members that parliamentary privilege does not apply during divisions. In other words, say something defamatory and you will have no protection. |
| 3.57am GMT03:57 | 3.57am GMT03:57 |
| Christopher Pyne tries to gag debate. | Christopher Pyne tries to gag debate. |
| Which the government will win on the numbers. | Which the government will win on the numbers. |
| 3.56am GMT03:56 | 3.56am GMT03:56 |
| Mark Dreyfus is moving a motion relating to Mal Brough for the James Ashby affair (details coming) and the prime ministerial judgement in appointing him as minister. | Mark Dreyfus is moving a motion relating to Mal Brough for the James Ashby affair (details coming) and the prime ministerial judgement in appointing him as minister. |
| The motion has been denied. | The motion has been denied. |
| He seeks to suspend standing orders. | He seeks to suspend standing orders. |
| We will have a number of votes coming up. | We will have a number of votes coming up. |
| Updated at 3.57am GMT | Updated at 3.57am GMT |
| 3.54am GMT03:54 | 3.54am GMT03:54 |
| Andrew Nikolic asks defence materiel minister Mal Brough about defence ration packs. | Andrew Nikolic asks defence materiel minister Mal Brough about defence ration packs. |
| Would the minister advise the house of new innovative opportunities being considered for the Scotsdale facility, including the potential of new microwave-assisted thermal sterilisation technology which I have been strongly advocating for? | Would the minister advise the house of new innovative opportunities being considered for the Scotsdale facility, including the potential of new microwave-assisted thermal sterilisation technology which I have been strongly advocating for? |
| 3.52am GMT03:52 | 3.52am GMT03:52 |
| A constituent question to Warren Truss on a dispute between the Northern Midlands Council and the Launceston airport. | A constituent question to Warren Truss on a dispute between the Northern Midlands Council and the Launceston airport. |
| Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull: In former prime minister Abbott’s ministry Senator Sinodinos had to stand aside. Since then the new prime minister has appointed a special minister of state, a person who by his own admission on 60 Minutes has engaged in behaviour incompatible with the responsibility he now holds. Are the standards of this prime minister lower than the standards of the member for Warringah [Tony Abbott]? | Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull: In former prime minister Abbott’s ministry Senator Sinodinos had to stand aside. Since then the new prime minister has appointed a special minister of state, a person who by his own admission on 60 Minutes has engaged in behaviour incompatible with the responsibility he now holds. Are the standards of this prime minister lower than the standards of the member for Warringah [Tony Abbott]? |
| Turnbull: | Turnbull: |
| I say to the honourable member that the standards of conduct, as set out in the ministerial standards, are unchanged, as he well knows. | I say to the honourable member that the standards of conduct, as set out in the ministerial standards, are unchanged, as he well knows. |
| Updated at 3.55am GMT | Updated at 3.55am GMT |
| 3.47am GMT03:47 | 3.47am GMT03:47 |
| Dreyfus to Turnbull: I refer to clause 7.1 of the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards. I refer to the special minister of state’s answer to the question, “Did you ask James Ashby to procure copies of Peter Slipper’s diary for you?” Answer, “Yes I did.” How does that reconcile with your statement of ministerial standards? | Dreyfus to Turnbull: I refer to clause 7.1 of the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards. I refer to the special minister of state’s answer to the question, “Did you ask James Ashby to procure copies of Peter Slipper’s diary for you?” Answer, “Yes I did.” How does that reconcile with your statement of ministerial standards? |
| Malcolm Turnbull: | Malcolm Turnbull: |
| The facts, matters and circumstances relating to this matter have been very well known for some years and well known prior to the last election when Mr Brough stood for parliament and was elected to represent his constituency. Now there are no new facts, matters or circumstances that have come to hand and so there is no basis for the shadow attorney general’s withering torrent of cross-examination. If there are new developments, obviously they will be considered. | The facts, matters and circumstances relating to this matter have been very well known for some years and well known prior to the last election when Mr Brough stood for parliament and was elected to represent his constituency. Now there are no new facts, matters or circumstances that have come to hand and so there is no basis for the shadow attorney general’s withering torrent of cross-examination. If there are new developments, obviously they will be considered. |
| Updated at 3.54am GMT | Updated at 3.54am GMT |
| 3.43am GMT03:43 | 3.43am GMT03:43 |
| Will you act in the public interest and resign? No, says Brough | Will you act in the public interest and resign? No, says Brough |
| Dreyfus to Brough: Clause 1.2 of the Prime Minister’s statement of ministerial standards states, “In recognition that public office is a public trust, therefore the people of Australia are entitled to expect that as a matter of principle ministers will act with due regard for integrity, fairness, accountability, responsibility and the public interest.” Will the minister act in the public interest and resign? | Dreyfus to Brough: Clause 1.2 of the Prime Minister’s statement of ministerial standards states, “In recognition that public office is a public trust, therefore the people of Australia are entitled to expect that as a matter of principle ministers will act with due regard for integrity, fairness, accountability, responsibility and the public interest.” Will the minister act in the public interest and resign? |
| Shouts of “resign” from the Labor benches. | Shouts of “resign” from the Labor benches. |
| With a look of disdain to Labor, Mal Brough says: | With a look of disdain to Labor, Mal Brough says: |
| After due consideration, no. | After due consideration, no. |
| 3.38am GMT03:38 | 3.38am GMT03:38 |
| A Dixer on the bushfires in South Australia, 2 deaths, 16 homes destroyed, 85,000ha land burned. | A Dixer on the bushfires in South Australia, 2 deaths, 16 homes destroyed, 85,000ha land burned. |
| 3.37am GMT03:37 | 3.37am GMT03:37 |
| Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. As a matter of government policy, what action does the minister take when a staff member employed under that act provides documents held on a computer in a member of parliament’s office to a person who is not authorised to access those documents? | Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. As a matter of government policy, what action does the minister take when a staff member employed under that act provides documents held on a computer in a member of parliament’s office to a person who is not authorised to access those documents? |
| Mal Brough: | Mal Brough: |
| If I’m to understand the member’s question, the answer I would provide is that you would seek advice from the department against the specific issues that are raised and deal with it appropriately. | If I’m to understand the member’s question, the answer I would provide is that you would seek advice from the department against the specific issues that are raised and deal with it appropriately. |
| Updated at 3.39am GMT | Updated at 3.39am GMT |
| 3.34am GMT03:34 | 3.34am GMT03:34 |
| Mal Brough. | Mal Brough. |
| Walking the green mile, it's a long way to the dispatch box from the cross benches @gabriellechan @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/wn1jjayUmZ | Walking the green mile, it's a long way to the dispatch box from the cross benches @gabriellechan @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/wn1jjayUmZ |
| 3.33am GMT03:33 | 3.33am GMT03:33 |
| Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s previous answer and to the minister’s responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. Can the minister explain why it is appropriate or acceptable to offer inducements to an employee under the [parliamentary staff act] to provide unauthorised access to a member of parliament’s official diary? | Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s previous answer and to the minister’s responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. Can the minister explain why it is appropriate or acceptable to offer inducements to an employee under the [parliamentary staff act] to provide unauthorised access to a member of parliament’s official diary? |
| Let me make ... it very clear that I never said any such thing and as much as you may try to avoid the unfortunate fact for you ... the shadow attorney general, that the full bench of the federal court examined all of the matters that you are wishing to prosecute here today and found in full and I would refer you to those comments ... | Let me make ... it very clear that I never said any such thing and as much as you may try to avoid the unfortunate fact for you ... the shadow attorney general, that the full bench of the federal court examined all of the matters that you are wishing to prosecute here today and found in full and I would refer you to those comments ... |
| Updated at 3.41am GMT | Updated at 3.41am GMT |
| 3.29am GMT03:29 | 3.29am GMT03:29 |
| Journos watch a pre recorded interview with @TurnbullMalcolm for @abc730 in the gallery studios @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/voLJGoj3gj | Journos watch a pre recorded interview with @TurnbullMalcolm for @abc730 in the gallery studios @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/voLJGoj3gj |
| 3.25am GMT03:25 | 3.25am GMT03:25 |
| Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s repeat references this week to his previous statement in which he referred to material he provided to the federal court and I refer to an email to the minister from Karen Doane, which was tendered in federal court evidence. “Please find attached a resume for consideration by Mr Palmer for a position at the Coolum Golf and Spa Resort.” Given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s actions appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? | Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to the minister’s repeat references this week to his previous statement in which he referred to material he provided to the federal court and I refer to an email to the minister from Karen Doane, which was tendered in federal court evidence. “Please find attached a resume for consideration by Mr Palmer for a position at the Coolum Golf and Spa Resort.” Given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s actions appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? |
| Brough says yes. | Brough says yes. |
| Updated at 3.44am GMT | Updated at 3.44am GMT |
| 3.24am GMT03:24 | 3.24am GMT03:24 |
| Bob Katter to trade minister Andrew Robb: Minister, wouldn’t prudent development fear the granting of monopoly powers over all Northern Australia exports to a foreign checkpoint Charlie? | Bob Katter to trade minister Andrew Robb: Minister, wouldn’t prudent development fear the granting of monopoly powers over all Northern Australia exports to a foreign checkpoint Charlie? |
| Andrew Robb: | Andrew Robb: |
| The sale of the port of Darwin was one which was totally, totally compliant with all of the requirements that we have legally in this country to look at foreign investment but the Territory government decided to go well beyond the legal requirements that they faced. | The sale of the port of Darwin was one which was totally, totally compliant with all of the requirements that we have legally in this country to look at foreign investment but the Territory government decided to go well beyond the legal requirements that they faced. |
| Including, says Robb, the Foreign Investment Review Board and the defence department. | Including, says Robb, the Foreign Investment Review Board and the defence department. |
| 3.20am GMT03:20 | 3.20am GMT03:20 |
| Brough: the federal court found I acted appropriately | Brough: the federal court found I acted appropriately |
| Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to a text message to the Minister from Karen Doane, a staffer to the former speaker, which was tendered into Federal Court evidence and I quote, “I look forward to your assistance with Clive and the possibility of working with him.” Given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s actions appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? | Dreyfus to Brough: I refer to a text message to the Minister from Karen Doane, a staffer to the former speaker, which was tendered into Federal Court evidence and I quote, “I look forward to your assistance with Clive and the possibility of working with him.” Given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s actions appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? |
| I would presume that in your former role as a Queen’s Counsel you would have some respect for the full bench of the Federal Court ... I say to the shadow Attorney-General I refer you to the findings of the full bench of the Federal Court which dealt with all of the evidence put before it and found entirely that I acted appropriately. | I would presume that in your former role as a Queen’s Counsel you would have some respect for the full bench of the Federal Court ... I say to the shadow Attorney-General I refer you to the findings of the full bench of the Federal Court which dealt with all of the evidence put before it and found entirely that I acted appropriately. |
| 3.15am GMT03:15 | 3.15am GMT03:15 |
| A Dixer to Sussan Ley on the mental health response. | A Dixer to Sussan Ley on the mental health response. |
| 3.14am GMT03:14 | 3.14am GMT03:14 |
| Dreyfus to Brough: Can the minister confirm that he asked the member for Fairfax to hand over $200,000 to fund James Ashby’ slegal case, given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s action appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? | Dreyfus to Brough: Can the minister confirm that he asked the member for Fairfax to hand over $200,000 to fund James Ashby’ slegal case, given the minister is responsible for government integrity, were the minister’s action appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister? |
| Mal Brough: | Mal Brough: |
| When these allegation were made two years ago I responded to them decisively then and those words continue. | When these allegation were made two years ago I responded to them decisively then and those words continue. |
| 3.11am GMT03:11 | 3.11am GMT03:11 |
| The Shipping bill went down: ayes - 28; noes - 31 | The Shipping bill went down: ayes - 28; noes - 31 |
| 3.11am GMT03:11 | 3.11am GMT03:11 |
| A Dixer to Malcolm Turnbull on the mental health response. | A Dixer to Malcolm Turnbull on the mental health response. |
| 3.10am GMT03:10 | 3.10am GMT03:10 |
| Mal Brough: integrity is upper most in everything I have ever done | Mal Brough: integrity is upper most in everything I have ever done |
| Mark Dreyfus to Mal Brough: Given the minister is in charge of integrity, is it appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister following the statement by Clive Palmer in the parliament yesterday. | Mark Dreyfus to Mal Brough: Given the minister is in charge of integrity, is it appropriate and in keeping with the standards he would enforce as minister following the statement by Clive Palmer in the parliament yesterday. |
| Mal Brough: | Mal Brough: |
| I say to the honourable member that integrity is upper most in everything I have ever done and that I will always continue to do. | I say to the honourable member that integrity is upper most in everything I have ever done and that I will always continue to do. |
| Brough says Clive Palmer’s comments were not new. | Brough says Clive Palmer’s comments were not new. |
| They were so new he made them as a press conference in the lead up to the last election in Brisbane. He made all those allegations and I answered them in full at that time. Furthermore, he then proceeded to take defamation actions against me ...he subsequently withdrew those, informing the media that he was handing out an olive branch. I have answered these queries, these allegations in full in the past. | They were so new he made them as a press conference in the lead up to the last election in Brisbane. He made all those allegations and I answered them in full at that time. Furthermore, he then proceeded to take defamation actions against me ...he subsequently withdrew those, informing the media that he was handing out an olive branch. I have answered these queries, these allegations in full in the past. |
| 3.05am GMT03:05 | 3.05am GMT03:05 |
| A response by Bill Shorten: | A response by Bill Shorten: |
| We offer our deep condolences to the loved ones of the lost and the injured. I’ve just spoken in the last 30 minutes to Nick Champion, member for Wakefield, who has returned to be with his family and to be 1-W his constituents in fire-affected SA. He tells me that right now there are still lots of blocked roads and that the CFS are still putting fires out. He fells me that the fire has lapped right up to thetown of Kapunda where he is and where he grew up. | We offer our deep condolences to the loved ones of the lost and the injured. I’ve just spoken in the last 30 minutes to Nick Champion, member for Wakefield, who has returned to be with his family and to be 1-W his constituents in fire-affected SA. He tells me that right now there are still lots of blocked roads and that the CFS are still putting fires out. He fells me that the fire has lapped right up to thetown of Kapunda where he is and where he grew up. |
| 3.04am GMT03:04 | 3.04am GMT03:04 |
| A statement on indulgence from Malcolm Turnbull in the house for the South Australian fire victims. | A statement on indulgence from Malcolm Turnbull in the house for the South Australian fire victims. |
| People need to stay vigilant and monitor closely the advice for emergency services and provided over the ABC. The bushfire season is upon us, as we know. And our Australian summer is challenging, unpredictable and often, as we’ve seen just in this week, very cruel. I want to pay tribute and record our great admiration and thanks to the firefighters and their crews who are tackling the South Australian fires. | People need to stay vigilant and monitor closely the advice for emergency services and provided over the ABC. The bushfire season is upon us, as we know. And our Australian summer is challenging, unpredictable and often, as we’ve seen just in this week, very cruel. I want to pay tribute and record our great admiration and thanks to the firefighters and their crews who are tackling the South Australian fires. |
| 3.01am GMT03:01 | 3.01am GMT03:01 |
| The shipping bill has been voted down. | The shipping bill has been voted down. |
| The shipping bill has been voted down. Day and Leyonhjelm voted with the government. Everyone else agin. | The shipping bill has been voted down. Day and Leyonhjelm voted with the government. Everyone else agin. |
| Updated at 3.01am GMT | Updated at 3.01am GMT |
| 2.59am GMT02:59 | 2.59am GMT02:59 |
| Senate is voting on the shipping bill now - which will test my ears. I need horse’s ears, which twitch in opposite directions. | Senate is voting on the shipping bill now - which will test my ears. I need horse’s ears, which twitch in opposite directions. |
| 2.58am GMT02:58 | 2.58am GMT02:58 |
| Lunch time politics | Lunch time politics |
| 2.54am GMT02:54 | 2.54am GMT02:54 |
| Turnbull finally gives a stump speech which will form the basis for the next election campaign. It involves vision, capacity, strong, innovative economy, fair, and fair, and fair. | Turnbull finally gives a stump speech which will form the basis for the next election campaign. It involves vision, capacity, strong, innovative economy, fair, and fair, and fair. |
| 2.48am GMT02:48 | 2.48am GMT02:48 |
| On climate change: | On climate change: |
| I am optimistic (about achieving an outcome in Paris). | I am optimistic (about achieving an outcome in Paris). |
| Do you have full control of the right wing in the party? | Do you have full control of the right wing in the party? |
| In the Liberal party, there’s a long tradition of backbenchers crossing the floor. | In the Liberal party, there’s a long tradition of backbenchers crossing the floor. |
| Is Tony Abbott leading an insurgency against you? | Is Tony Abbott leading an insurgency against you? |
| Of course not. | Of course not. |
| What about Kevin Andrews? | What about Kevin Andrews? |
| I wouldn’t interpret those comments that way, says Turnbull and then goes into why troops should not go to the Middle East. | I wouldn’t interpret those comments that way, says Turnbull and then goes into why troops should not go to the Middle East. |
| Have you talked to Tony since the leadership spill? | Have you talked to Tony since the leadership spill? |
| I have had a good chat with Tony. Tony and I have obviously had some differences ... | I have had a good chat with Tony. Tony and I have obviously had some differences ... |
| Updated at 3.14am GMT | Updated at 3.14am GMT |
| 2.43am GMT02:43 | 2.43am GMT02:43 |
| On the budget, Sales wants to know if, as part of new politics, Turnbull will introduce policies that mean some people will miss out. | On the budget, Sales wants to know if, as part of new politics, Turnbull will introduce policies that mean some people will miss out. |
| (This is the reform argument and the lament that no governments can ever touch anything.) | (This is the reform argument and the lament that no governments can ever touch anything.) |
| It has to be fair, says Turnbull. | It has to be fair, says Turnbull. |
| Ultimately the proof of this pudding ... will be in the eating, whether the whole outcome is seen to be equitable. If it’s not fair, it won’t get the public support it needs to be successful. | Ultimately the proof of this pudding ... will be in the eating, whether the whole outcome is seen to be equitable. If it’s not fair, it won’t get the public support it needs to be successful. |
| Updated at 2.51am GMT | Updated at 2.51am GMT |
| 2.39am GMT02:39 | 2.39am GMT02:39 |
| Turnbull is asked at whom the “machismo” comment was directed. | Turnbull is asked at whom the “machismo” comment was directed. |
| He says we need a calm, measured and emphatic response, as opposed to a vengeful response. | He says we need a calm, measured and emphatic response, as opposed to a vengeful response. |
| We have to be clear-eyed. | We have to be clear-eyed. |
| What about boots on the ground? | What about boots on the ground? |
| It depends whose boots and which ground. | It depends whose boots and which ground. |
| Updated at 2.42am GMT | Updated at 2.42am GMT |
| 2.37am GMT02:37 | 2.37am GMT02:37 |
| Sales asks whether Australians should feel let down by policy decisions since 9/11. | Sales asks whether Australians should feel let down by policy decisions since 9/11. |
| Turnbull says it is difficult to completely eliminate the threat of terrorism. | Turnbull says it is difficult to completely eliminate the threat of terrorism. |
| Sales: We are told we are less safe than ever | Sales: We are told we are less safe than ever |
| I’m not sure that is a fair comment. | I’m not sure that is a fair comment. |
| We haven’t to date had an attack on Australian soil on par with Paris, he says. | We haven’t to date had an attack on Australian soil on par with Paris, he says. |
| Updated at 2.41am GMT | Updated at 2.41am GMT |
| 2.35am GMT02:35 | 2.35am GMT02:35 |
| Turnbull says as a nation we have had limited experience of terrorism domestically – though there have been victims overseas. | Turnbull says as a nation we have had limited experience of terrorism domestically – though there have been victims overseas. |
| Updated at 2.39am GMT | Updated at 2.39am GMT |
| 2.34am GMT02:34 | 2.34am GMT02:34 |
| National security. Sales asks if Isis is weak, why have the coalition forces been unable to defeat it. | National security. Sales asks if Isis is weak, why have the coalition forces been unable to defeat it. |
| Turnbull says it is weak, relative to the strength of the United States or Australia. | Turnbull says it is weak, relative to the strength of the United States or Australia. |
| Updated at 2.39am GMT | Updated at 2.39am GMT |
| 2.33am GMT02:33 | 2.33am GMT02:33 |
| Malcolm Turnbull is doing an interview on the ABC’s 7.30 program. It is being pre-recorded now and we love the ABC for letting us watch and report on the interview now. | Malcolm Turnbull is doing an interview on the ABC’s 7.30 program. It is being pre-recorded now and we love the ABC for letting us watch and report on the interview now. |
| Updated at 2.38am GMT | Updated at 2.38am GMT |
| 2.19am GMT02:19 | 2.19am GMT02:19 |
| The government’s national security website has the full explanation of the system. It also has information on where the threat is coming from. I have never seen this written so explicitly before. This is from the page: | The government’s national security website has the full explanation of the system. It also has information on where the threat is coming from. I have never seen this written so explicitly before. This is from the page: |
| Where does the threat come from? | Where does the threat come from? |
| A small number of people in Australia adhere to an interpretation of Islam that is selective, violent and extreme. They are influenced by extreme messaging from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) who are active online, spreading their violent ideology and channelling persuasive propaganda to susceptible, vulnerable and easily influenced individuals. | A small number of people in Australia adhere to an interpretation of Islam that is selective, violent and extreme. They are influenced by extreme messaging from terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) who are active online, spreading their violent ideology and channelling persuasive propaganda to susceptible, vulnerable and easily influenced individuals. |
| The radicalisation and recruitment of Australians is increasing. Violent extremists are reaching out to those willing to listen and encouraging them either to join Isil or conduct attacks in its name. In some cases specific directions have been provided to conduct acts of terrorism here. Others, including those that are not in direct contact with violent extremists overseas, may be influenced by propaganda to undertake acts of terrorism in Australia. Those radicalised to violent extremism may display behavioural changes, develop new social networks and associations, withdraw from previous ones and promote an extremist ideology. | The radicalisation and recruitment of Australians is increasing. Violent extremists are reaching out to those willing to listen and encouraging them either to join Isil or conduct attacks in its name. In some cases specific directions have been provided to conduct acts of terrorism here. Others, including those that are not in direct contact with violent extremists overseas, may be influenced by propaganda to undertake acts of terrorism in Australia. Those radicalised to violent extremism may display behavioural changes, develop new social networks and associations, withdraw from previous ones and promote an extremist ideology. |
| Recent large, coordinated terrorist attacks are concerning and the small number of Australia-based Isil sympathisers and supporters might be emboldened by the perceived success of their overseas counterparts. Additionally, Isil will glorify recent attacks, such as those in France and Mali and the attack on Metrojet flight 9268, in propaganda to motivate and inspire their Western-based sympathisers and supporters. Elements of some of these recent attacks, such as the use of firearms and explosives as weapons, the capturing of hostages, and the focus on ‘soft’ targets, could be employed in an attack in Australia. | Recent large, coordinated terrorist attacks are concerning and the small number of Australia-based Isil sympathisers and supporters might be emboldened by the perceived success of their overseas counterparts. Additionally, Isil will glorify recent attacks, such as those in France and Mali and the attack on Metrojet flight 9268, in propaganda to motivate and inspire their Western-based sympathisers and supporters. Elements of some of these recent attacks, such as the use of firearms and explosives as weapons, the capturing of hostages, and the focus on ‘soft’ targets, could be employed in an attack in Australia. |
| Updated at 2.29am GMT | Updated at 2.29am GMT |
| 2.10am GMT02:10 | 2.10am GMT02:10 |
| AFP chief Andrew Colvin: words matter on terrorism | AFP chief Andrew Colvin: words matter on terrorism |
| A journalist asks about the change in tone between prime ministers and some reports that police were having difficulty liaising with the Muslim community due to Tony Abbott’s language of Team Australia and “death cults”. | A journalist asks about the change in tone between prime ministers and some reports that police were having difficulty liaising with the Muslim community due to Tony Abbott’s language of Team Australia and “death cults”. |
| Brandis says different prime ministers express themselves differently. | Brandis says different prime ministers express themselves differently. |
| The question turns to AFP head Andrew Colvin: were the police having trouble? | The question turns to AFP head Andrew Colvin: were the police having trouble? |
| I think I will leave commentary around the political narrative to others, but clearly at different stages over the last 15 months in particular, as we’ve seen police actions around this country, as we’ve seen operations unfold, the community has felt under siege. | I think I will leave commentary around the political narrative to others, but clearly at different stages over the last 15 months in particular, as we’ve seen police actions around this country, as we’ve seen operations unfold, the community has felt under siege. |
| Both my organisation [AFP], Duncan’s organisation [Asio] and state and territory police around the country work very hard to make sure there isn’t misinterpretation of those actions by police. | Both my organisation [AFP], Duncan’s organisation [Asio] and state and territory police around the country work very hard to make sure there isn’t misinterpretation of those actions by police. |
| Words matter, as does narrative and we work very hard on what we need to do to make sure the community understand that we are trying to work with them and that we need their cooperation, so I think we will leave it at that. | Words matter, as does narrative and we work very hard on what we need to do to make sure the community understand that we are trying to work with them and that we need their cooperation, so I think we will leave it at that. |
| Updated at 2.20am GMT | Updated at 2.20am GMT |
| 2.02am GMT02:02 | 2.02am GMT02:02 |
| Daniel Hurst asks: What’s the threshold for a potential move. Also, how can you be certain of anything? | Daniel Hurst asks: What’s the threshold for a potential move. Also, how can you be certain of anything? |
| George Brandis: | George Brandis: |
| As the director general has said it is not profitable to deal in hypotheticals. That will be a call ultimately made by the director general, informed by the processes which he has described. | As the director general has said it is not profitable to deal in hypotheticals. That will be a call ultimately made by the director general, informed by the processes which he has described. |
| Updated at 2.19am GMT | Updated at 2.19am GMT |
| 2.00am GMT02:00 | 2.00am GMT02:00 |
| There is no evidence right now of anything that would change the terrorist threat level from probable, says Duncan Lewis, DG of Asio. | There is no evidence right now of anything that would change the terrorist threat level from probable, says Duncan Lewis, DG of Asio. |
| 1.59am GMT01:59 | 1.59am GMT01:59 |
| AFP head: If you see something, report it. | AFP head: If you see something, report it. |
| Andrew Colvin, head of the AFP, says: | Andrew Colvin, head of the AFP, says: |
| We want you to go about your normal business, be vigilant about the environment as well and if you see something that changes, that concerns you, we want you to contact authorities. We have given the number for the hotline before. If people see something, we ask they report it. | We want you to go about your normal business, be vigilant about the environment as well and if you see something that changes, that concerns you, we want you to contact authorities. We have given the number for the hotline before. If people see something, we ask they report it. |
| 1.56am GMT01:56 | 1.56am GMT01:56 |
| Duncan Lewis describes the decision making process in Asio. | Duncan Lewis describes the decision making process in Asio. |
| Asio’s National Threat Assessment Centre has officers from a spectrum of national security agencies, including from the Australian Federal Police, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and state police forces. | Asio’s National Threat Assessment Centre has officers from a spectrum of national security agencies, including from the Australian Federal Police, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and state police forces. |
| They collectively come to a view and a judgement is made. | They collectively come to a view and a judgement is made. |
| Updated at 2.18am GMT | Updated at 2.18am GMT |
| 1.54am GMT01:54 | 1.54am GMT01:54 |
| Director general of Asio, Duncan Lewis, says of the system: | Director general of Asio, Duncan Lewis, says of the system: |
| What we are looking at here is a process by which we can better inform the community of our assessment of the threat that persists on any given day and, most importantly, so that the community can, as a result of that knowledge, then take the necessary proportionate action for their own protection. | What we are looking at here is a process by which we can better inform the community of our assessment of the threat that persists on any given day and, most importantly, so that the community can, as a result of that knowledge, then take the necessary proportionate action for their own protection. |
| He says the maths alone will tell you that the new system gives more room for nuance. | He says the maths alone will tell you that the new system gives more room for nuance. |
| 1.50am GMT01:50 | 1.50am GMT01:50 |
| Terror threat remains the same | Terror threat remains the same |
| Under the old system the terrorist threat is known as “high”. | Under the old system the terrorist threat is known as “high”. |
| Under the new system the terrorist threat is known as “probable”. | Under the new system the terrorist threat is known as “probable”. |
| This is the same level, expressed with a different word. | This is the same level, expressed with a different word. |
| 1.47am GMT01:47 | 1.47am GMT01:47 |
| New terrorist threat advisory system takes effect today. | New terrorist threat advisory system takes effect today. |
| AG George Brandis says the new system (outlined below) will take effect today. | AG George Brandis says the new system (outlined below) will take effect today. |
| This government, and the government of Mr Abbott before it, has done everything that we believe is necessary and appropriate to keep the Australian people as safe as we can make them from the threat of terrorism. | This government, and the government of Mr Abbott before it, has done everything that we believe is necessary and appropriate to keep the Australian people as safe as we can make them from the threat of terrorism. |
| Updated at 1.48am GMT | Updated at 1.48am GMT |
| 1.44am GMT01:44 | 1.44am GMT01:44 |
| I do heart @MattGlassDarkly. | I do heart @MattGlassDarkly. |
| @gabriellechan I reminded Dutton that the first rule of Monkey Pod Club is you do not talk about Monkey Pod Club . pic.twitter.com/R8U4TMbCli | @gabriellechan I reminded Dutton that the first rule of Monkey Pod Club is you do not talk about Monkey Pod Club . pic.twitter.com/R8U4TMbCli |
| 1.36am GMT01:36 | 1.36am GMT01:36 |
| Senators Madigan, Day, Lazarus, Wang, Bernardi and Leyonhjelm have just tried to change the rules for compulsory student union fees. | Senators Madigan, Day, Lazarus, Wang, Bernardi and Leyonhjelm have just tried to change the rules for compulsory student union fees. |
| Their motion: | Their motion: |
| calls on the government to amend the Higher Education Support Act so that the Student Services and Amenities Fee can only be levied with the support of the majority of students at each university campus in a mandatory ballot conducted once an academic year | calls on the government to amend the Higher Education Support Act so that the Student Services and Amenities Fee can only be levied with the support of the majority of students at each university campus in a mandatory ballot conducted once an academic year |
| This is very familiar landscape for anyone who has dabbled in student politics. They were joined on the benches by none other than Eric Abetz, who has released a statement on the issue. | This is very familiar landscape for anyone who has dabbled in student politics. They were joined on the benches by none other than Eric Abetz, who has released a statement on the issue. |
| Compulsory student unionism is what first inspired me to be involved in politics and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is merely compulsory student unionism by another name. | Compulsory student unionism is what first inspired me to be involved in politics and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is merely compulsory student unionism by another name. |
| The SSAF is unfair, unpopular, undemocratic and used as a political plaything by political activists. There are numerous examples of inappropriate use of these fees for rorts, rackets and ripoffs. | The SSAF is unfair, unpopular, undemocratic and used as a political plaything by political activists. There are numerous examples of inappropriate use of these fees for rorts, rackets and ripoffs. |
| What is worse is that students are denied their results or enrolment if they refuse to pay the fee to the union. The right to a tertiary education should never be predicated on joining a union. | What is worse is that students are denied their results or enrolment if they refuse to pay the fee to the union. The right to a tertiary education should never be predicated on joining a union. |
| I firmly believe in the full abolition of SSAF. The proposal that was put before the Senate by the crossbench calling for a vote of students prior to the fee being levied is a small step in the right direction. | I firmly believe in the full abolition of SSAF. The proposal that was put before the Senate by the crossbench calling for a vote of students prior to the fee being levied is a small step in the right direction. |
| The motion failed 6 to 35. | The motion failed 6 to 35. |
| 1.25am GMT01:25 | 1.25am GMT01:25 |
| Tip of the family payment iceberg passes the house | Tip of the family payment iceberg passes the house |
| A sliver of the government’s family payments changes has passed the house. | A sliver of the government’s family payments changes has passed the house. |
| The bill will remove the benefit for couple families (other than grandparents) with a youngest child 13 years of age or over. | The bill will remove the benefit for couple families (other than grandparents) with a youngest child 13 years of age or over. |
| The rest of the bill has been put back on the table. | The rest of the bill has been put back on the table. |
| We shall try to find out what the government will do with it. | We shall try to find out what the government will do with it. |
| Updated at 1.28am GMT | Updated at 1.28am GMT |
| 1.15am GMT01:15 | 1.15am GMT01:15 |
| The new terror alert system was flagged in July this year after the Coag meeting. | The new terror alert system was flagged in July this year after the Coag meeting. |
| The current system is: | The current system is: |
| The new system is: | The new system is: |
| Updated at 1.27am GMT | Updated at 1.27am GMT |
| 1.13am GMT01:13 | 1.13am GMT01:13 |
| Division now on the family payment bill in the lower house. | Division now on the family payment bill in the lower house. |
| 1.05am GMT01:05 | 1.05am GMT01:05 |
| The new national terrorism threat advisory system released at 12.45pm. | The new national terrorism threat advisory system released at 12.45pm. |
| Joint press conference. | Joint press conference. |
| Updated at 1.15am GMT | Updated at 1.15am GMT |
| 12.50am GMT00:50 | 12.50am GMT00:50 |
| I promised to come back to two very different analyses in The Oz around the conservative cell developing (or not?) on the backbench around Tony Abbott. | I promised to come back to two very different analyses in The Oz around the conservative cell developing (or not?) on the backbench around Tony Abbott. |
| Dennis Shanahan: | Dennis Shanahan: |
| The jibes about machismo were directed against Abbott and former defence minister Kevin Andrews, who publicly advocated, from the backbench, a greater military presence — SAS forces on missions — in Syria. | The jibes about machismo were directed against Abbott and former defence minister Kevin Andrews, who publicly advocated, from the backbench, a greater military presence — SAS forces on missions — in Syria. |
| Turnbull’s public putdown added to a growing atmosphere of paranoia and resentment between thwarted conservative Coalition MPs and those who supported Turnbull’s seizure of the leadership ten weeks ago. | Turnbull’s public putdown added to a growing atmosphere of paranoia and resentment between thwarted conservative Coalition MPs and those who supported Turnbull’s seizure of the leadership ten weeks ago. |
| Yet the idea of considering limited “boots on the ground” is not limited to a coterie of Abbott supporters, with West Australian Liberal Luke Simpkins, one of the signatories of the leadership spill against Abbott in February, telling parliament it was something we “need to do”. | Yet the idea of considering limited “boots on the ground” is not limited to a coterie of Abbott supporters, with West Australian Liberal Luke Simpkins, one of the signatories of the leadership spill against Abbott in February, telling parliament it was something we “need to do”. |
| It’s also clear that leaks to the media and conspiracy theories about secret lunches, including Abbott bringing a chocolate cake; complaints on Abbott and his colleagues speaking out; and potential damage to Turnbull’s standing on security are growing into dangerous divisions which can become entrenched and corrosive. | It’s also clear that leaks to the media and conspiracy theories about secret lunches, including Abbott bringing a chocolate cake; complaints on Abbott and his colleagues speaking out; and potential damage to Turnbull’s standing on security are growing into dangerous divisions which can become entrenched and corrosive. |
| Nikki Savva: | Nikki Savva: |
| Like Turnbull said, this is not a time for gestures or machismo. The old regime had plenty of time to muscle up the allies on the issue of ground troops but couldn’t. For good reason. Turnbull’s wisdom in urging calm and caution has been vindicated by the polls and the shooting down by Turkey of the Russian warplane. | Like Turnbull said, this is not a time for gestures or machismo. The old regime had plenty of time to muscle up the allies on the issue of ground troops but couldn’t. For good reason. Turnbull’s wisdom in urging calm and caution has been vindicated by the polls and the shooting down by Turkey of the Russian warplane. |
| The feather dusters ruled the roost for five unhindered, unchallenged years before everything went seriously belly-up. While it’s legitimate to protect their legacy, their rewriting of the history of the full six years borders on delusional. | The feather dusters ruled the roost for five unhindered, unchallenged years before everything went seriously belly-up. While it’s legitimate to protect their legacy, their rewriting of the history of the full six years borders on delusional. |
| On September 9, Andrews, then defence minister, emphatically ruled out boots on the ground in Syria. | On September 9, Andrews, then defence minister, emphatically ruled out boots on the ground in Syria. |
| He told the ABC’s Rafael Epstein: “Yes, I’m ruling it out because we’ve got no intention of doing that. We’re basically in Iraq in an advise-and-assist capacity and that’s not going beyond the wire, to use the cliche military expression. | He told the ABC’s Rafael Epstein: “Yes, I’m ruling it out because we’ve got no intention of doing that. We’re basically in Iraq in an advise-and-assist capacity and that’s not going beyond the wire, to use the cliche military expression. |
| Savva’s book – The Road to Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin Destroyed Their Own Government – is out next year. | Savva’s book – The Road to Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin Destroyed Their Own Government – is out next year. |
| Updated at 12.54am GMT | Updated at 12.54am GMT |
| 11.57pm GMT23:57 | 11.57pm GMT23:57 |
| Laura Tingle at the Fin is having a little fun this morning. | Laura Tingle at the Fin is having a little fun this morning. |
| not a news photo.... pic.twitter.com/MXL87dly9I | not a news photo.... pic.twitter.com/MXL87dly9I |
| It comes from Brough’s own website. | It comes from Brough’s own website. |
| 11.56pm GMT23:56 | 11.56pm GMT23:56 |
| The shipping bill is due for debate again in the Senate just after midday. This is the bill that makes it easier for foreign crews to work ships in Australian waters. The numbers are looking increasingly shaky. | The shipping bill is due for debate again in the Senate just after midday. This is the bill that makes it easier for foreign crews to work ships in Australian waters. The numbers are looking increasingly shaky. |
| Updated at 11.57pm GMT | Updated at 11.57pm GMT |
| 11.47pm GMT23:47 | 11.47pm GMT23:47 |
| Larissa Waters is speaking to a private member’s bill by former Greens leader Christine Milne: | Larissa Waters is speaking to a private member’s bill by former Greens leader Christine Milne: |
| to abolish fossil fuel subsidies for the mining industry from 1 January 2015, including: the diesel fuel rebate; accelerated asset depreciation for aircraft, the oil and gas industry and vehicles; and immediate deductibility for exploration and prospecting expenses. | to abolish fossil fuel subsidies for the mining industry from 1 January 2015, including: the diesel fuel rebate; accelerated asset depreciation for aircraft, the oil and gas industry and vehicles; and immediate deductibility for exploration and prospecting expenses. |
| Updated at 11.49pm GMT | Updated at 11.49pm GMT |
| 11.44pm GMT23:44 | 11.44pm GMT23:44 |
| Exit stage right. | Exit stage right. |
| 11.40pm GMT23:40 | 11.40pm GMT23:40 |
| There is a curious story in the Fin today by Phil Coorey. He reports there were secret plans to do a major renovation of Parliament House under the former leadership. | There is a curious story in the Fin today by Phil Coorey. He reports there were secret plans to do a major renovation of Parliament House under the former leadership. |
| Secret plans by Tony Abbott and his former chief of staff Peta Credlin to extend Parliament House have been quietly killed off. | Secret plans by Tony Abbott and his former chief of staff Peta Credlin to extend Parliament House have been quietly killed off. |
| Senior sources said the “previous administration” had flagged the construction of two large extensions protruding from the ministerial entrance at the south-west of the building, reaching across the ring road towards two uncovered car parks. | Senior sources said the “previous administration” had flagged the construction of two large extensions protruding from the ministerial entrance at the south-west of the building, reaching across the ring road towards two uncovered car parks. |
| When Mr Abbott lost the leadership on September 14, no design had been drawn up and the approval process was not very advanced, but funds had been set aside in the contingency reserve of the federal budget. | When Mr Abbott lost the leadership on September 14, no design had been drawn up and the approval process was not very advanced, but funds had been set aside in the contingency reserve of the federal budget. |
| Updated at 11.42pm GMT | Updated at 11.42pm GMT |
| 11.33pm GMT23:33 | 11.33pm GMT23:33 |
| Jenny Macklin spoke on the changes to family payments this morning but she was asked about the Labor policy of moving single parents off the pension and on to the Newstart unemployment payment. | Jenny Macklin spoke on the changes to family payments this morning but she was asked about the Labor policy of moving single parents off the pension and on to the Newstart unemployment payment. |
| Q: Isn’t it a bit hypocritical for you to be crying crocodile tears for single-parent families now when as minister you cut the single-parenting payment? | Q: Isn’t it a bit hypocritical for you to be crying crocodile tears for single-parent families now when as minister you cut the single-parenting payment? |
| Well, I think one thing that’s very clear, first of all, we’ve made it clear that we thought that that was too harsh, so that’s the first thing. The second is we have never supported these cuts to family tax benefits that would so affect single-parent families. I’ll just give you an example of a single-parent family with teenage children, they would be nearly $5,000 a year worse off if these cuts got through the parliament and Labor has done everything in our power to prevent these cuts and today the government will remove them from the legislation and I’m calling on them to remove the legislation and remove the cuts from the budget altogether. | Well, I think one thing that’s very clear, first of all, we’ve made it clear that we thought that that was too harsh, so that’s the first thing. The second is we have never supported these cuts to family tax benefits that would so affect single-parent families. I’ll just give you an example of a single-parent family with teenage children, they would be nearly $5,000 a year worse off if these cuts got through the parliament and Labor has done everything in our power to prevent these cuts and today the government will remove them from the legislation and I’m calling on them to remove the legislation and remove the cuts from the budget altogether. |
| Updated at 11.41pm GMT | Updated at 11.41pm GMT |
| 11.26pm GMT23:26 | 11.26pm GMT23:26 |
| Love your work Mr Bowers. | Love your work Mr Bowers. |
| Updated at 11.44pm GMT | Updated at 11.44pm GMT |
| 11.19pm GMT23:19 | 11.19pm GMT23:19 |
| Peter Dutton statement on the dual nationals citizenship amendment | Peter Dutton statement on the dual nationals citizenship amendment |
| Debate on the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) bill 2015 will resume next week. | Debate on the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) bill 2015 will resume next week. |
| The solicitor general has provided the government with further advice and the government will add a further amendment to those already recommended by the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security to deal with the solicitor general’s advice. | The solicitor general has provided the government with further advice and the government will add a further amendment to those already recommended by the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security to deal with the solicitor general’s advice. |
| The government has informed the chair and deputy chair of the PJCIS and the opposition of this further technical amendment to the bill. | The government has informed the chair and deputy chair of the PJCIS and the opposition of this further technical amendment to the bill. |
| The opposition has asked that it have time to consider this amendment through its party processes and the government has agreed to defer debate until next week. | The opposition has asked that it have time to consider this amendment through its party processes and the government has agreed to defer debate until next week. |
| The government expects the bill to be passed into law by both houses of the parliament before the end of the next sitting week. | The government expects the bill to be passed into law by both houses of the parliament before the end of the next sitting week. |
| Updated at 11.22pm GMT | Updated at 11.22pm GMT |
| 11.15pm GMT23:15 | 11.15pm GMT23:15 |
| A bit of housekeeping. | A bit of housekeeping. |
| After question time, Malcolm Turnbull is off to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on 27-29 November. | After question time, Malcolm Turnbull is off to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on 27-29 November. |
| From there, he goes to Paris for the climate talks on 30 November. Foreign minister Julie Bishop and environment minister Greg Hunt will also attend. | From there, he goes to Paris for the climate talks on 30 November. Foreign minister Julie Bishop and environment minister Greg Hunt will also attend. |
| Here is what Turnbull says about the emissions targets: | Here is what Turnbull says about the emissions targets: |
| Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, a target which is both fair and achievable. It is a tremendous achievement that over 170 countries have now submitted their emissions reduction targets. | Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, a target which is both fair and achievable. It is a tremendous achievement that over 170 countries have now submitted their emissions reduction targets. |
| Updated at 11.18pm GMT | Updated at 11.18pm GMT |
| 11.11pm GMT23:11 | 11.11pm GMT23:11 |
| The family payments amendment is being debated in the lower house. The Senate is debating a freedom of information amendment which is the private member’s bill of Joe Ludwig, the former ag minister. | The family payments amendment is being debated in the lower house. The Senate is debating a freedom of information amendment which is the private member’s bill of Joe Ludwig, the former ag minister. |
| It tries to force the government to publish the exact wording of freedom of information requests, in the interests of transparency. It would include the exact words of requests to match with the reasons governments say no. It would allow the public and journalists to see if there is any trickiness afoot. | It tries to force the government to publish the exact wording of freedom of information requests, in the interests of transparency. It would include the exact words of requests to match with the reasons governments say no. It would allow the public and journalists to see if there is any trickiness afoot. |
| Updated at 11.18pm GMT | Updated at 11.18pm GMT |
| 11.07pm GMT23:07 | 11.07pm GMT23:07 |
| The prime minister, health minister Sussan Ley and Ian Hickie, Professor Ian Hickie and Professor Allan Fels are talking about the government’s response to the mental health report. | The prime minister, health minister Sussan Ley and Ian Hickie, Professor Ian Hickie and Professor Allan Fels are talking about the government’s response to the mental health report. |
| 10.59pm GMT22:59 | 10.59pm GMT22:59 |
| As if, says Peter Dutton. Would the conservatives plot next to the bleeding moderate Christopher Pyne? | As if, says Peter Dutton. Would the conservatives plot next to the bleeding moderate Christopher Pyne? |
| Peter Dutton has also addressed the Monkey Pod Club. This is the story, broken by James Massola, about a regular lunch of like-minded conservatives, who meet in a room with a monkey pod table. | Peter Dutton has also addressed the Monkey Pod Club. This is the story, broken by James Massola, about a regular lunch of like-minded conservatives, who meet in a room with a monkey pod table. |
| Dutton clips Massola and points out it’s a regular lunch and the room is next to Christopher Pyne’s office. He suggests Massola was embarrassed by the way the meeting was portrayed by some. | Dutton clips Massola and points out it’s a regular lunch and the room is next to Christopher Pyne’s office. He suggests Massola was embarrassed by the way the meeting was portrayed by some. |
| I’ve been going to Tuesday lunch for 14 years, for as long as I’ve been in parliament, I’ve gone to a Tuesday lunch with colleagues and with friends. I think it’s fair to say … Look, I had a drink with James Massola, the journalist who broke this so-called story on Tuesday night, I think it was. Look, the story wasn’t even put to us before it was printed so that’s speaking out of school. Mr Massola is a bit embarrassed at the way in which some had tried to portray the catch-up. | I’ve been going to Tuesday lunch for 14 years, for as long as I’ve been in parliament, I’ve gone to a Tuesday lunch with colleagues and with friends. I think it’s fair to say … Look, I had a drink with James Massola, the journalist who broke this so-called story on Tuesday night, I think it was. Look, the story wasn’t even put to us before it was printed so that’s speaking out of school. Mr Massola is a bit embarrassed at the way in which some had tried to portray the catch-up. |
| Just bearing in mind the monkey pod is a meeting room located between my office and Mr Pyne’s office – Christopher, who is a very good friend of mine, a bleeding moderate. If there was some underground movement by the right, we wouldn’t be holding a meeting in a lunch room beside Christopher Pyne’s office. I don’t think this adds up to anything more than colleagues catching up for lunch. | Just bearing in mind the monkey pod is a meeting room located between my office and Mr Pyne’s office – Christopher, who is a very good friend of mine, a bleeding moderate. If there was some underground movement by the right, we wouldn’t be holding a meeting in a lunch room beside Christopher Pyne’s office. I don’t think this adds up to anything more than colleagues catching up for lunch. |
| Updated at 11.05pm GMT | Updated at 11.05pm GMT |
| 10.46pm GMT22:46 | 10.46pm GMT22:46 |
| Peter Dutton to amend citizenship bill after advice from solicitor general | Peter Dutton to amend citizenship bill after advice from solicitor general |
| The immigration minister says the change is more “technical” than “controversial”. | The immigration minister says the change is more “technical” than “controversial”. |
| He can’t tell us what the change is, even though it will go to the parliament next week. It sounds like it is around constitutionality and warding off a challenge. | He can’t tell us what the change is, even though it will go to the parliament next week. It sounds like it is around constitutionality and warding off a challenge. |
| Q: In terms of shoring up any possibility of a court challenge, a high court challenge? | Q: In terms of shoring up any possibility of a court challenge, a high court challenge? |
| Obviously the government’s intent has been to minimise the risk as best you can. What you don’t want to do is open yourself up to a high court challenge risk, and with any piece of legislation that is always a possibility. So the government has taken advice and I think steps to minimise the risk of a challenge and we will make an amendment which we think further enhances the bill and that will be debated next week. I don’t believe it to be controversial but I think it clarifies some wording within a particular part of the bill and on that basis I think we have a stronger bill to defend, which is always the case with any piece of national security legislation, lawyers will challenge it. | Obviously the government’s intent has been to minimise the risk as best you can. What you don’t want to do is open yourself up to a high court challenge risk, and with any piece of legislation that is always a possibility. So the government has taken advice and I think steps to minimise the risk of a challenge and we will make an amendment which we think further enhances the bill and that will be debated next week. I don’t believe it to be controversial but I think it clarifies some wording within a particular part of the bill and on that basis I think we have a stronger bill to defend, which is always the case with any piece of national security legislation, lawyers will challenge it. |
| Updated at 10.48pm GMT | Updated at 10.48pm GMT |
| 10.38pm GMT22:38 | 10.38pm GMT22:38 |
| If you think people want a GST rise, you must be living on another planet, says Shorten | If you think people want a GST rise, you must be living on another planet, says Shorten |
| Q: Mr Shorten the polling would suggest that people aren’t as adverse to potentially increasing the GST if compensation is attached to it. | Q: Mr Shorten the polling would suggest that people aren’t as adverse to potentially increasing the GST if compensation is attached to it. |
| Let’s talk straight. You must live on another planet if you think people want to pay another 15% in GST. People who work every day are not going to get compensated. Pensioners, they are deeply sceptical that any change in their pension is going to keep change with the inflationary impact of a GST. I think fresh food, going to the doctor, the school books and the uniforms the kids will need next year - Australians don’t want a GST and if the government thinks they do, or if some commentators think they do, they are so out of touch with the way Australians make ends meet, it’s breathtaking. | Let’s talk straight. You must live on another planet if you think people want to pay another 15% in GST. People who work every day are not going to get compensated. Pensioners, they are deeply sceptical that any change in their pension is going to keep change with the inflationary impact of a GST. I think fresh food, going to the doctor, the school books and the uniforms the kids will need next year - Australians don’t want a GST and if the government thinks they do, or if some commentators think they do, they are so out of touch with the way Australians make ends meet, it’s breathtaking. |
| 10.31pm GMT22:31 | 10.31pm GMT22:31 |
| Bill Shorten is doing a press conference in front of a chicken shop. | Bill Shorten is doing a press conference in front of a chicken shop. |
| He has been asked about special minister of state, Mal Brough and his position in charge of integrity in government, given the AFP investigations at the mo. | He has been asked about special minister of state, Mal Brough and his position in charge of integrity in government, given the AFP investigations at the mo. |
| That is not just any position in the government. The special minister of state is in charge of government integrity. I think it’s not a matter of whether Mal Brough should stand aside, which he probably should. It is becoming a matter of Malcolm Turnbull’s judgment why he won’t act. | That is not just any position in the government. The special minister of state is in charge of government integrity. I think it’s not a matter of whether Mal Brough should stand aside, which he probably should. It is becoming a matter of Malcolm Turnbull’s judgment why he won’t act. |
| 10.25pm GMT22:25 | 10.25pm GMT22:25 |
| Coalition amends family payments | Coalition amends family payments |
| The social services family payments bill, which sought to cut some payments from single parent families, is in da house today. | The social services family payments bill, which sought to cut some payments from single parent families, is in da house today. |
| There is frantic last-minute negotiations going on. We hear from Labor that the government is amending its own bill – on pain of death from the Senate. | There is frantic last-minute negotiations going on. We hear from Labor that the government is amending its own bill – on pain of death from the Senate. |
| This is what the government proposed originally: | This is what the government proposed originally: |
| Labor says the only thing out of that list that will survive is this: | Labor says the only thing out of that list that will survive is this: |
| Because that is the only bit that Labor will support. | Because that is the only bit that Labor will support. |
| Labor’s Jenny Mackin has a particular bounce to her step today. She continues to be the quiet achiever on the Labor frontbench. | Labor’s Jenny Mackin has a particular bounce to her step today. She continues to be the quiet achiever on the Labor frontbench. |
| Updated at 10.37pm GMT | Updated at 10.37pm GMT |
| 9.56pm GMT21:56 | 9.56pm GMT21:56 |
| Professor Ian Hickie is a national mental health commissioner. He has just enthused about the government’s mental health response – which has taken a year. The clear message from his comments is that finally a federal government is moving in the right direction. | Professor Ian Hickie is a national mental health commissioner. He has just enthused about the government’s mental health response – which has taken a year. The clear message from his comments is that finally a federal government is moving in the right direction. |
| This is a response worth waiting for ... This requires prime ministerial support and, for a change, we have got it. | This is a response worth waiting for ... This requires prime ministerial support and, for a change, we have got it. |
| Updated at 10.00pm GMT | Updated at 10.00pm GMT |
| 9.41pm GMT21:41 | 9.41pm GMT21:41 |
| Also coming today is a big mental health announcement. Health minister Sussan Ley will do a press conference with Malcolm Turnbull at 9.45am. It forms the government response to the 25 recommendations of a report by the National Mental Health Commission. It streamlines the mental health services and aims to respond locally, and so far mental health experts have responded well. | Also coming today is a big mental health announcement. Health minister Sussan Ley will do a press conference with Malcolm Turnbull at 9.45am. It forms the government response to the 25 recommendations of a report by the National Mental Health Commission. It streamlines the mental health services and aims to respond locally, and so far mental health experts have responded well. |
| If you want more detail, Shalailah Medhora has written up the response here. Here is a snap: | If you want more detail, Shalailah Medhora has written up the response here. Here is a snap: |
| People living with mental illness will soon be able to access personalised care through the government’s primary health networks under sweeping changes to be announced on Thursday. | People living with mental illness will soon be able to access personalised care through the government’s primary health networks under sweeping changes to be announced on Thursday. |
| People who are identified by healthcare professionals as having complex needs will be able to access a range of services to manage their illness, including psychiatric care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and community and peer support systems. | People who are identified by healthcare professionals as having complex needs will be able to access a range of services to manage their illness, including psychiatric care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and community and peer support systems. |
| The health minister, Sussan Ley, said the changes would move Australia away from a “one-size-fits-all” mentality towards a “more modern, flexible model of care”. | The health minister, Sussan Ley, said the changes would move Australia away from a “one-size-fits-all” mentality towards a “more modern, flexible model of care”. |
| “Just like any other chronic disease, mental illness is often complex and requires access to multiple health professionals and support services to address it properly,” Ley said. “Experts recognise many patients with severe or complex mental health needs would benefit from an integrated healthcare package tailored to their individual needs and that’s what we’re delivering.” | “Just like any other chronic disease, mental illness is often complex and requires access to multiple health professionals and support services to address it properly,” Ley said. “Experts recognise many patients with severe or complex mental health needs would benefit from an integrated healthcare package tailored to their individual needs and that’s what we’re delivering.” |
| Ley will also announce the consolidation of more than 30 government-funded phone and online services into a single helpline for people living with mental illness. | Ley will also announce the consolidation of more than 30 government-funded phone and online services into a single helpline for people living with mental illness. |
| Updated at 9.59pm GMT | Updated at 9.59pm GMT |
| 9.32pm GMT21:32 | 9.32pm GMT21:32 |
| There is a story over at the Daily Telegraph of a super-duper special Australian Federal Police taskforce to crack down on WELFARE CHEATS. | There is a story over at the Daily Telegraph of a super-duper special Australian Federal Police taskforce to crack down on WELFARE CHEATS. |
| Simon Benson reports that cheats have defrauded the commonwealth of $5bn, with more than 1.1m in Centrelink debts now owed to the government. All payments have been defrauded, according to the story, including Newstart, the Disability Support Pension, Medicare, youth allowances and family payments. | Simon Benson reports that cheats have defrauded the commonwealth of $5bn, with more than 1.1m in Centrelink debts now owed to the government. All payments have been defrauded, according to the story, including Newstart, the Disability Support Pension, Medicare, youth allowances and family payments. |
| Human services minister Stuart Robert’s office has confirmed the story’s numbers are correct but will release them later today. There is $3bn in outstanding Centrelink debts and another $1.7bn being chased up through forensic data matching. All that guff will be handed over to the AFP taskforce. | Human services minister Stuart Robert’s office has confirmed the story’s numbers are correct but will release them later today. There is $3bn in outstanding Centrelink debts and another $1.7bn being chased up through forensic data matching. All that guff will be handed over to the AFP taskforce. |
| Updated at 9.57pm GMT | Updated at 9.57pm GMT |
| 9.15pm GMT21:15 | 9.15pm GMT21:15 |
| Good morning all, | Good morning all, |
| There is still a bit of of low-level rumbling by conservatives, described today by Nikki Savva as the feather-duster faction. I will come to that in a minute. | There is still a bit of of low-level rumbling by conservatives, described today by Nikki Savva as the feather-duster faction. I will come to that in a minute. |
| The crankiness revolves around Turnbull’s national security statement, in which he said “this is not a time for gestures or machismo”. It was obviously a bit of a slap to Tony Abbott. If the word machismo did not exist before the man was born, surely it would have been coined for young Tony. | The crankiness revolves around Turnbull’s national security statement, in which he said “this is not a time for gestures or machismo”. It was obviously a bit of a slap to Tony Abbott. If the word machismo did not exist before the man was born, surely it would have been coined for young Tony. |
| But Julie Bishop says she did not see it that way. She told Kieran Gilbert on Sky: | But Julie Bishop says she did not see it that way. She told Kieran Gilbert on Sky: |
| I didn’t see it that way. The prime minister has a very broad audience that he must address, both here in Australia, in our region and internationally and his comments were directed far more broadly than one member of parliament. I think it was entirely appropriate that he call for calm and measured judgement in relation to this. We are in this for the long haul. | I didn’t see it that way. The prime minister has a very broad audience that he must address, both here in Australia, in our region and internationally and his comments were directed far more broadly than one member of parliament. I think it was entirely appropriate that he call for calm and measured judgement in relation to this. We are in this for the long haul. |
| The terrorist organisations may be defeated militarily but the ideology also has to be defeated. Otherwise, when you have one military success and withdraw from the field, the terrorists can come back. | The terrorist organisations may be defeated militarily but the ideology also has to be defeated. Otherwise, when you have one military success and withdraw from the field, the terrorists can come back. |
| Bishop also spoke about the increasing tension between Turkey and Russia. She was encouraged that both countries have referred the shooting down of the jet to the UN security council. | Bishop also spoke about the increasing tension between Turkey and Russia. She was encouraged that both countries have referred the shooting down of the jet to the UN security council. |
| They are clearly of a mind to de-escalate and there is less likelihood of a military retaliation. | They are clearly of a mind to de-escalate and there is less likelihood of a military retaliation. |
| We are winding up the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or join the thread below. Last sitting day people. | We are winding up the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or join the thread below. Last sitting day people. |
| Updated at 9.54pm GMT | Updated at 9.54pm GMT |