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Coalition and Greens to discuss Senate voting reforms – politics live Malcolm Turnbull: 'people smugglers will not prevail over our sovereignty' – question time live
(35 minutes later)
4.03am GMT
04:03
Tony Burke to Malcolm Turnbull: Given the Parliamentary Budget Office costings have multinational tax policy at $7bn, tobacco excise at $47bn, superannuation loopholes at 14billion, which together with the abolition of the emissions reduction fundraise more than $70 billion, exactly which costing was the Prime Minister disagreeing with in Question Time yesterday?
Turnbull:
The savings that have been announced by Labor, are claimed by Labor to amount to $8bn, that’s around $2bn a year so on average their claimed savings would cover around 0.4% of spending every year. Now they would still need to find...another $50bn over the next four years to make up for the shortfall of the savings they’re blocking .
3.59am GMT
03:59
The Greens, through Rachel Siewert, have lodged a disallowance motion in the senate to stop the Ceduna cashless welfare card trials from going ahead.
3.58am GMT
03:58
Resources minister Josh Frydenberg gets a Dixer about the resources sector, particularly in the electorate of Durack.
3.56am GMT
03:56
Plibersek to Morrison: Given the Australian economy is experiencing global volatility, low wages growth, falling consumer confidence and a slow-down in China, has the government done any modelling on the impact on the economy of increasing the price of everything with a 15% GST and if not, why not?
Morrison says he doesn’t know of a proposal for a tax on everything (given the GST is not on food etc) and says the conversation on tax reform remains open.
3.53am GMT
03:53
A health Dixer to Sussan Ley asks about new breakthrough medicines. The government has funded a new drug but I am just checking spelling and details. I will clarify after question time.
3.50am GMT
03:50
Shorten to Turnbull: The Prime Minister has now been in office for 141 days, he’s had 141 days to tell the Australian people about his plan to increase the GST. Will the Prime Minister increase the GST to 15%? Yes or no?
Turnbull says there is a “live debate” on tax and GST informed by the government, the states and others. The government is considering all options, no decision has been made and when a decision is made, Shorten will be the first to know. He says.
3.47am GMT
03:47
A Dixer to health minister Sussan Ley on an update on the zika virus.
Ley says people should take note of travel advice, particularly if they are pregnant or considering getting pregnant. It is a notifiable disease so the federal government is working with the states to disinfect carriers at the borders.
3.44am GMT
03:44
Bowen to Morrison: Was the Minister for education correct when he stated that the figures for schools funding for 2018 in the budget are indicative only?
Morrison fudges the answer.
3.43am GMT
03:43
A Dixer to Warren Truss from Ken O’Dowd: Will the minister update the house on how the Coalition government is delivering economic benefits to the communities across Australia?
I think O’Dowd followed that question with a bark.
Truss is going through the Stronger Regions fund and the Bridges program.
3.39am GMT
03:39
Bowen to Morrison: yesterday the minister for education said the government’s school funding from 2018 is, and I quote, “indicative only.” But on the same day the minister for finance said, and I quote, “The formula we’ve put into the trajectory beyond 2018 is the number that’s currently reflected in the Budget and that reflects the government’s policy position.” Treasurer, who is right?
Morrison quotes the figures in the budget and then says the government is assuring education spending by getting the budget under control.
3.35am GMT
03:35
3.34am GMT
03:34
Christopher Pyne gets a Dixer on the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
He might win the prize for getting “jobs and growth” more times than any other minister into one answer.
3.33am GMT
03:33
Chris Bowen to Morrison: Why did the treasurer fail to mention another Paul Keating quote from this morning, and I quote, “The GST is just a flat bang-you-over-the-head tax. It changes nothing. No behaviour other than to put the tax weight on to the wrong people”.
Morrison refers to Keating’s brief GST campaign in the Hawke government.
We all remember it was Mr Keating himself who was the proponent of option C for a consumption tax all those years ago.
After yattah yattah, Morrison says re tax:
These are the decisions governments have to make and we’re going through a very open process, we’re consulting.
3.28am GMT3.28am GMT
03:2803:28
Dixer to the treasurer Scott Morrison on “sound fiscal policy”. It involves jobs and growth.Dixer to the treasurer Scott Morrison on “sound fiscal policy”. It involves jobs and growth.
Morrison is quoting Paul Keating. (There is something for everyone in Keating’s comments.)Morrison is quoting Paul Keating. (There is something for everyone in Keating’s comments.)
I agree with Paul Keating because he said today that higher taxes for higher spending is not a plan for jobs and growth. What he said today is the big falls in commodity prices mean Australia’s income has been cut. We cannot pretend we can go on spending as though nothing has happened.I agree with Paul Keating because he said today that higher taxes for higher spending is not a plan for jobs and growth. What he said today is the big falls in commodity prices mean Australia’s income has been cut. We cannot pretend we can go on spending as though nothing has happened.
3.26am GMT3.26am GMT
03:2603:26
Cathy McGowan: Will the Minister please outline to the House the new funding arrangements under the jobs for family childcare packages and guaranteed assistance to support the move to the new childcare funding scheme particularly for mobile childcare services in rural locations currently funded under the budget-based funding programs?Cathy McGowan: Will the Minister please outline to the House the new funding arrangements under the jobs for family childcare packages and guaranteed assistance to support the move to the new childcare funding scheme particularly for mobile childcare services in rural locations currently funded under the budget-based funding programs?
Luke Hartsuyker:Luke Hartsuyker:
For the first time, families using the (mobile) service will be eligible to claim the same assistance as families using other types of childcare. The subsidy will be paid directly to childcare providers and the income will be assured, which is great news, and it will also be able to be expanded as the size of the particular service increases. These providers have not previously had this opportunity.For the first time, families using the (mobile) service will be eligible to claim the same assistance as families using other types of childcare. The subsidy will be paid directly to childcare providers and the income will be assured, which is great news, and it will also be able to be expanded as the size of the particular service increases. These providers have not previously had this opportunity.
3.23am GMT3.23am GMT
03:2303:23
Labor to Turnbull: Why did the Liberal party promise to match school funding dollar for dollar before the election but after the election announced a cut which is the equivalent of $3.2 million for every school in Australia or the equivalent as sacking one in seventeachers? Isn’t this just another example of the Prime Minister saying one thing and doing another?Labor to Turnbull: Why did the Liberal party promise to match school funding dollar for dollar before the election but after the election announced a cut which is the equivalent of $3.2 million for every school in Australia or the equivalent as sacking one in seventeachers? Isn’t this just another example of the Prime Minister saying one thing and doing another?
Unlike the leader of the opposition, the government will not promise money first and then seek to negotiate outcomes later.Unlike the leader of the opposition, the government will not promise money first and then seek to negotiate outcomes later.
Turnbull uses Weatherill’s comments again. He says Labor thinks money is the answer to everything. And says Labor’s school funding has not been costed.Turnbull uses Weatherill’s comments again. He says Labor thinks money is the answer to everything. And says Labor’s school funding has not been costed.
(The point of the Gonski reforms was to rebalance funding according to need.)(The point of the Gonski reforms was to rebalance funding according to need.)
3.19am GMT3.19am GMT
03:1903:19
A Dixer on the innovation agenda to Turnbull.A Dixer on the innovation agenda to Turnbull.
The unquestionable fact of life for us is that if we are to maintain our success as a high-wage generous social welfare net first-world economy, if we want our children and grandchildren to have high-quality jobs, well-paying jobs, then we have to be at the frontier of innovation and what we need to do in many respects is to change the culture of business and of government. We need to move to a culture that does notassume the way you did things yesterday is any longer appropriate.The unquestionable fact of life for us is that if we are to maintain our success as a high-wage generous social welfare net first-world economy, if we want our children and grandchildren to have high-quality jobs, well-paying jobs, then we have to be at the frontier of innovation and what we need to do in many respects is to change the culture of business and of government. We need to move to a culture that does notassume the way you did things yesterday is any longer appropriate.
3.13am GMT3.13am GMT
03:1303:13
Shorten to Turnbull: The national Catholic education commission has warned the government’s $30bn cuts to schools will mean, and I quote, “Fees will increase,schools could close and the quality of education will be compromised. In light of this serious warning, why is the prime minister persisting with his cuts to schools, refusing to adopt Labor’s Your Child Our Future plan which will give every student in every school every opportunity.Shorten to Turnbull: The national Catholic education commission has warned the government’s $30bn cuts to schools will mean, and I quote, “Fees will increase,schools could close and the quality of education will be compromised. In light of this serious warning, why is the prime minister persisting with his cuts to schools, refusing to adopt Labor’s Your Child Our Future plan which will give every student in every school every opportunity.
Turnbull flicks the question to well-known frontbencher Luke Hartsuyker. Minister for vocational education.Turnbull flicks the question to well-known frontbencher Luke Hartsuyker. Minister for vocational education.
3.10am GMT3.10am GMT
03:1003:10
A Dixer to Turnbull on the government’s “steadfast” commitment to border control.A Dixer to Turnbull on the government’s “steadfast” commitment to border control.
Turnbull comes out stronger than he has so far on asylum seeker border policy.Turnbull comes out stronger than he has so far on asylum seeker border policy.
Nobody should ever doubt the resolve of this government to keep our borders secure. To prevent the people smuggling racket, to break their business model and keep lives safe, to prevent drownings at sea and to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs. Twice in our history, Coalition governments have acted decisively to ensure that this pernicious, criminal trade of people smuggling cannot succeed. Our commitment today is simply this: The people smugglers will not prevail over our sovereignty. Our borders are secure. The line has to be drawn somewhere and it is drawn at our border.Nobody should ever doubt the resolve of this government to keep our borders secure. To prevent the people smuggling racket, to break their business model and keep lives safe, to prevent drownings at sea and to protect vulnerable people from being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs. Twice in our history, Coalition governments have acted decisively to ensure that this pernicious, criminal trade of people smuggling cannot succeed. Our commitment today is simply this: The people smugglers will not prevail over our sovereignty. Our borders are secure. The line has to be drawn somewhere and it is drawn at our border.
3.06am GMT3.06am GMT
03:0603:06
Turnbull says Labor is creating a scare campaign on school funding.Turnbull says Labor is creating a scare campaign on school funding.
School funding will continue to grow and schools can make those decisions with confidence.School funding will continue to grow and schools can make those decisions with confidence.
He reminds the parliament of South Australia premier Jay Weatherill’s critical comments question the costings on Labor’s schools policy.He reminds the parliament of South Australia premier Jay Weatherill’s critical comments question the costings on Labor’s schools policy.
3.03am GMT
03:03
First question from Labor asking Malcolm Turnbull if he supports Gonski reforms.
Turnbull talks about the increases in funding but he has not referred to Gonki’s recommendations or the model.
2.56am GMT
02:56
Question time coming up at 2pm.
2.54am GMT
02:54
Thanks to News Ltd’s photographer Gary Ramage for a look at what Bowers does to get pictures to the blog. #filinginthesun
The Guardian Australia's photographer at large Mike Bowers hard at work.@guardian @mpbowers pic.twitter.com/MWGu11BfKW
Note Daniel Hurst in the background.
2.45am GMT
02:45
As I said that, Pacific island minister Steve Ciobo has appeared.
What’s clear from today’s decision that the High Court has effectively endorsed the government’s position, we know that we’re acting within the bounds of the constitution.
2.43am GMT
02:43
And from Richard Marles, opposition immigration spokesman, a statement on the High Court ruling:
Following today’s High Court decision on offshore processing, the Turnbull Government must immediately secure proper third country settlement options for refugees.
The Abbott/Turnbull Government has failed abysmally in securing any meaningful resettlement plan with a viable third country, instead wasting $55 million on a botched deal with Cambodia that has resettled only 3 people.
Over the last 24 months, media have also reported the Government has held talks to resettle refugees with the countries of Philippines and Kyrgyzstan.
All the while, people have been left to languish in processing centres without any certainty for their future.
There needs to be a credible third country option to resolve the fate of these people. If Peter Dutton is unable to negotiate such a plan, Mr Turnbull or Ms Bishop must personally intervene.
Nothing yet on the ruling from the government.
2.41am GMT
02:41
Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek tells ABC 24 that Labor has had discussions with Australia’s neighbours over a regional solution.
Q: Would you seek to revive a deal with Malaysia?
We would be talking to all of our neighbours to ensure we have a regional approach.
2.24am GMT
02:24
This is an interesting thing to note, via Greens senator Larissa Waters.
The Senate notes that:
a) It has been over 150 days since the term of former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick stepped down at the end of her term.
b) During that time, there have been multiple of high-profile examples of sexism and sexual harassment
c) In October 2015 the Attorney General told a Senate Committee that the selection process to appoint the next Sex Discrimination Commissioner had been under way for “some months”.
d) There is no longer a full-time Disability Discrimination Commissioner
2. The Senate calls on the federal Government to appoint a female full-time Sex Discrimination Commissioner without delay.
2.20am GMT
02:20
Updated
at 2.44am GMT
2.19am GMT
02:19
Richard Di Natale is speaking on the high court ruling. He says it a moral question, rather than a legal question.
He concedes there are challenges with the movement of people around the world.
We can’t argue we don’t know what is happening now ... we are hearing from those brave medical professionals who are facing punishment ... who are speaking out about what is happening in our detention centres.
The question now is for the prime minister who promised with his election we would see a new page in Aus history ... this is happening under his watch ... this detention network is a mental illness factory.
He wants to PM to agree that children should never be detained.
Updated
at 2.23am GMT
2.10am GMT
02:10
Michaelia Cash would appear to be just having a swipe at Labor’s Brendan O’Connor.
Updated
at 2.12am GMT
2.02am GMT
02:02
Albo hanging with his crew.
The Maritime Union of Australia is in town to protest the scrapping of the MV Portland and the use of foreign crew by owner Alcoa.
Updated
at 2.12am GMT
1.57am GMT
01:57
The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, is coming up at 1pm on the ABCC. Compromise?
Updated
at 2.06am GMT
1.55am GMT
01:55
From Bowers at the high court.
Updated
at 2.03am GMT
1.50am GMT
01:50
The other thing Dreyfus did before the high court judgment was express his horror at the time spent in detention by women and children. He called for the government to do more – notwithstanding Labor’s establishment of Manus and reinstitution of offshore detention centres. (The policy area has been ratcheted up by both Labor and the Coalition over the past four governments.)
This was the exchange between Michael Brissenden and Dreyfus this morning.
Q: So do you think the policy should be overturned?
The policy has been instrumental in bringing the flow of refugees to Australia by boat to an end.
Q: But do you believe it’s time to overturn the policy?
We did not envisage, when we introduced this policy, that two and half years on you would have more than 1,000 men, women and children languishing in indefinite detention. It is time for the government to do a great deal more to end the dreadful circumstances in which these men women and children -
Q: Is it time to end offshore detention?
I don’t think it’s necessary to say that, that it is time to end that policy. What does need to be done is that the government’s got to do a great deal more so that we don’t have people in this situation. Two and a half years is an eternity, particularly for children and this present situation can’t be allowed to continue.
Updated
at 2.02am GMT
1.43am GMT
01:43
Just picking up on some comments by Labor’s shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, on the Senate reform. Just for background, Lenore Taylor did a story last year, which sums up the history. This is the Labor position today, enunciated by Dreyfus.
The opposition is talking with the government and we are talking among ourselves as to what is the right way to reform Senate voting processes. We are not in government, it’s a matter for the government to put forward that proposal, we are hoping that occurs soon.
Updated
at 1.48am GMT
1.38am GMT
01:38
Lunchtime politics
Updated
at 1.40am GMT
1.23am GMT
01:23
While you are digesting the high court ruling, there was a bill that passed the house yesterday that Shalailah Medhora reported on here.
The bill would make it easier for Australia to return people if they were deemed eligible for “behaviour modification” to reduce the harm they might face in their home countries.
Some of the examples used include being charged in their home country for drinking alcohol. In that case, the government could argue that an asylum seeker could simply not drink and return to their country safely. Then it comes down to the definition of behaviour modification. Would a LGBTI person be told their behaviour could be modified?
Labor’s Andrew Giles spoke on the bill in the house and described the provision “a terribly Orwellian concept”.
Updated
at 1.25am GMT
1.01am GMT
01:01
The Nationals senator Keith Pitt is speaking for the ABCC bill, saying he has seen it all as a former member of the building industry.
He said he has seen toolboxes filled with glue, lockers welded shut and tyres let down because people didn’t agree with the union.
I have seen all of it and it is absolutely appalling.
Updated
at 1.23am GMT
12.58am GMT
00:58
Greens MP Adam Bandt is just moving an amendment for a national corruption body. This is what he wants to do to the building watchdog bill:
The house declines to give the bill a second reading because the objective of dealing with alleged wrongdoing in Australian society would be better achieved by establishing a broad-based national anti-corruption watchdog.
It has been seconded by the Tassie independent MP Andrew Wilkie.
Updated
at 1.23am GMT
12.53am GMT
00:53
Greens MP Adam Bandt:
If you really want to tackle (corruption), what we will have instead is an anti-corruption watchdog. If there is wrongdoing in the building industry, they will find it. And if there is corruption elsewhere, they will find it too.
Updated
at 1.23am GMT