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Trade minister Andrew Robb set to retire – politics live Trade minister Andrew Robb set to retire – politics live
(35 minutes later)
6.33am GMT
06:33
All of these events, of course, clear the way for Malcolm Turnbull to embark on a frontbench reshuffle that he’s had on ice while waiting for Truss to outline his future intentions.
6.29am GMT
06:29
Today's later breaker in three points
Because the last thirty minutes or so have been very choppy in a reporting sense, and respecting the fact some readers will be just tuning in, let me recap our late breaker.
Tomorrow, Thursday, we expect the following things to happen.
6.18am GMT
06:18
On Sky News now, the cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos has confirmed that Warren Truss will make a statement about his future tomorrow. He says it’s been known for some time that Andrew Robb did not intend to re-contest his seat at the coming election, so the statement tomorrow will clarify his intentions.
5.55am GMT5.55am GMT
05:5505:55
We are all still in information gathering mode. It looks highly likely (at this stage) that we will have the results of the Parkinson inquiry into Stuart Robert tomorrow.We are all still in information gathering mode. It looks highly likely (at this stage) that we will have the results of the Parkinson inquiry into Stuart Robert tomorrow.
5.49am GMT5.49am GMT
05:4905:49
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
I understand Andrew Robb has decided to retire from politics, however the timing of his departure from the frontbench is still unclear. A source close to Robb said he would “stay in the ministry until a later date.” As for Warren Truss, there’s no confirmation about his intentions, one way or the other. Warren likes to keep us guessing.I understand Andrew Robb has decided to retire from politics, however the timing of his departure from the frontbench is still unclear. A source close to Robb said he would “stay in the ministry until a later date.” As for Warren Truss, there’s no confirmation about his intentions, one way or the other. Warren likes to keep us guessing.
5.35am GMT5.35am GMT
05:3505:35
Daniel Hurst has confirmed the Robb story is correct. Robb is retiring. We are chasing further details.Daniel Hurst has confirmed the Robb story is correct. Robb is retiring. We are chasing further details.
5.33am GMT5.33am GMT
05:3305:33
Movement at several stations?Movement at several stations?
We have breaking news this afternoon. Phil Coorey from The Australian Financial Review is pointing to tomorrow being a super Thursday. We’ve been waiting for the National leader Warren Truss to clarify his future. Coorey is reporting that the trade minister Andrew Robb may join Truss in announcing his retirement from politics – as early as Thursday.We have breaking news this afternoon. Phil Coorey from The Australian Financial Review is pointing to tomorrow being a super Thursday. We’ve been waiting for the National leader Warren Truss to clarify his future. Coorey is reporting that the trade minister Andrew Robb may join Truss in announcing his retirement from politics – as early as Thursday.
And we might also get the Parkinson review. Which could mean a reshuffle on Friday.And we might also get the Parkinson review. Which could mean a reshuffle on Friday.
All speculative right now. Buckle in.All speculative right now. Buckle in.
5.27am GMT5.27am GMT
05:2705:27
Thank you to Naomi Woodley from the ABC for catching this brief statement after question time when I was preoccupied with the travails of Stuart Robert.Thank you to Naomi Woodley from the ABC for catching this brief statement after question time when I was preoccupied with the travails of Stuart Robert.
Labor's Gary Gray is speaking in the House abt the deaths of Adam Coleman & Dean Lucas in Mexico last year. The Mexican Ambassador is here.Labor's Gary Gray is speaking in the House abt the deaths of Adam Coleman & Dean Lucas in Mexico last year. The Mexican Ambassador is here.
Gary Gray says the men's families thank the Mexican government for being "supportive & co-operative & never shying away from the horror".Gary Gray says the men's families thank the Mexican government for being "supportive & co-operative & never shying away from the horror".
Gary Gray also offers the Coleman & Lucas families thanks to Julie Bishop & Michael Keenan and DFAT & the AFP.Gary Gray also offers the Coleman & Lucas families thanks to Julie Bishop & Michael Keenan and DFAT & the AFP.
Here is Gary Gray afterwards with the ambassador and the foreign minister Julie Bishop, a lovely picture from Mike Bowers.Here is Gary Gray afterwards with the ambassador and the foreign minister Julie Bishop, a lovely picture from Mike Bowers.
As well as recording this event, Magic Mike and I are sending love in this post to Jane Cattermole, a great friend of Politics Live, who was impacted by this tragedy.As well as recording this event, Magic Mike and I are sending love in this post to Jane Cattermole, a great friend of Politics Live, who was impacted by this tragedy.
5.15am GMT5.15am GMT
05:1505:15
Because I have a little bit of time, I want to share some broader thoughts on the Stuart Robert fracas, at the risk of becoming a broken record on the subject of political reform.Because I have a little bit of time, I want to share some broader thoughts on the Stuart Robert fracas, at the risk of becoming a broken record on the subject of political reform.
Late last year, Jonathan Green, the editor of Meanjin, very kindly invited me to write an essay about whether Malcolm Turnbull could change the state of our politics. A number of people have read the essay, and contributed their thoughts on social media, which has been marvellous. If you haven’t read it and you’d like to, here’s a link. If you are in Canberra, and you are interested in this topic, I’ll be hosting an event on this theme later in the month. You can find details for that here.Late last year, Jonathan Green, the editor of Meanjin, very kindly invited me to write an essay about whether Malcolm Turnbull could change the state of our politics. A number of people have read the essay, and contributed their thoughts on social media, which has been marvellous. If you haven’t read it and you’d like to, here’s a link. If you are in Canberra, and you are interested in this topic, I’ll be hosting an event on this theme later in the month. You can find details for that here.
My thesis in that Meanjin piece is we need to get serious about political reform on several fronts. We have to consider ways of stopping the current cycle of politicians chasing money. We have to look at reforms to the donations and disclosure regime to ensure people know what’s going on in a timely fashion. And we have to consider ways of bringing the public in to decision making, rather than locking up the reform conversation as a transaction of appeasement between special interests.My thesis in that Meanjin piece is we need to get serious about political reform on several fronts. We have to consider ways of stopping the current cycle of politicians chasing money. We have to look at reforms to the donations and disclosure regime to ensure people know what’s going on in a timely fashion. And we have to consider ways of bringing the public in to decision making, rather than locking up the reform conversation as a transaction of appeasement between special interests.
So how does this relate to Stuart Robert?So how does this relate to Stuart Robert?
Well, riding shotgun to a major political donor during one of his business transactions in China, in some ill-defined private capacity, to my mind at least, is a symptom of a system where the inhabitants don’t quite know where to draw the lines. It suggests there’s not enough clarity of purpose and rigour in the system. Whether Robert ultimately stays in a ministry or whether he goes, this broader observation will remain valid.Well, riding shotgun to a major political donor during one of his business transactions in China, in some ill-defined private capacity, to my mind at least, is a symptom of a system where the inhabitants don’t quite know where to draw the lines. It suggests there’s not enough clarity of purpose and rigour in the system. Whether Robert ultimately stays in a ministry or whether he goes, this broader observation will remain valid.
We need to view these case studies as small systemic cries for help, a bit like the case study the former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, supplied, when she thought it was ok to charter a helicopter at taxpayer expense to fly from Melbourne to Geelong. And we mustn’t waste opportunities to ask politicians to act on the systemic problems as well as clean up individual messes that periodically arise. Because when these things happen –the periodic imbroglios over entitlements and relationships with donors, politicians just go into fire fighting mode, the only imperative is shut down the controversy, and move on as quickly as possible. It’s a recipe for nothing ever changing.We need to view these case studies as small systemic cries for help, a bit like the case study the former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, supplied, when she thought it was ok to charter a helicopter at taxpayer expense to fly from Melbourne to Geelong. And we mustn’t waste opportunities to ask politicians to act on the systemic problems as well as clean up individual messes that periodically arise. Because when these things happen –the periodic imbroglios over entitlements and relationships with donors, politicians just go into fire fighting mode, the only imperative is shut down the controversy, and move on as quickly as possible. It’s a recipe for nothing ever changing.
So, in a sense, I don’t really care if Stuart Robert remains in the ministry or not. I care more about whether this latest example of misplaced priorities from a parliamentarians can lead to more serious consideration of institutional and cultural change.So, in a sense, I don’t really care if Stuart Robert remains in the ministry or not. I care more about whether this latest example of misplaced priorities from a parliamentarians can lead to more serious consideration of institutional and cultural change.
4.34am GMT4.34am GMT
04:3404:34
Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus has taken it outside. He’s in the courtyard talking to the cameras. What else does the prime minister need to know, he wonders? What more information do you need in order to sack Stuart Robert?Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus has taken it outside. He’s in the courtyard talking to the cameras. What else does the prime minister need to know, he wonders? What more information do you need in order to sack Stuart Robert?
4.25am GMT4.25am GMT
04:2504:25
As Mr Bowers so neatly terms it, Stuart Robert, walking the green pile.As Mr Bowers so neatly terms it, Stuart Robert, walking the green pile.
4.20am GMT4.20am GMT
04:2004:20
Further questions have been placed on the notice paper. I’ll be back shortly with pictures and particulars.Further questions have been placed on the notice paper. I’ll be back shortly with pictures and particulars.
4.12am GMT4.12am GMT
04:1204:12
Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, seconding the motion.Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, seconding the motion.
He needs to be sacked, everybody knows it. But the prime minister can’t make a decision!He needs to be sacked, everybody knows it. But the prime minister can’t make a decision!
Christopher Pyne:Christopher Pyne:
I move the member be no longer heard.I move the member be no longer heard.
4.04am GMT4.04am GMT
04:0404:04
Bill Shorten:Bill Shorten:
It is time for this do nothing prime minister to do something. We must sack the minister!It is time for this do nothing prime minister to do something. We must sack the minister!
Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne.Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne.
I’ll put the leader of the opposition out of his misery. I move the member be no longer heard.I’ll put the leader of the opposition out of his misery. I move the member be no longer heard.
Speaker Smith is not amused. He advises Pyne to leave off the commentary.Speaker Smith is not amused. He advises Pyne to leave off the commentary.
4.01am GMT4.01am GMT
04:0104:01
Shorten is now launching into a suspension of the standing orders, which culminates in censuring the prime minister for failing to sack Stuart Robert.Shorten is now launching into a suspension of the standing orders, which culminates in censuring the prime minister for failing to sack Stuart Robert.
3.59am GMT3.59am GMT
03:5903:59
Is that the time? Here comes the censure motion.Is that the time? Here comes the censure motion.
3.57am GMT3.57am GMT
03:5703:57
Bill Shorten is back wondering whether the prime minister is too arrogant to sack his minister while the parliament sits?Bill Shorten is back wondering whether the prime minister is too arrogant to sack his minister while the parliament sits?
The Speaker Tony Smith thinks that’s a bit rude.The Speaker Tony Smith thinks that’s a bit rude.
The prime minister says won’t detain the House by repeating his last answer, but then proceeds to repeat it.The prime minister says won’t detain the House by repeating his last answer, but then proceeds to repeat it.
And he ends with a zinger.And he ends with a zinger.
The leader of the opposition is as convincing in his indignation as he was in his defence of the lettuces of Australia.The leader of the opposition is as convincing in his indignation as he was in his defence of the lettuces of Australia.
3.54am GMT3.54am GMT
03:5403:54
‘Now, Stuart.’ A shepherd, tending his flock.‘Now, Stuart.’ A shepherd, tending his flock.
3.52am GMT3.52am GMT
03:5203:52
Bill Shorten takes his turn now. He’s back with the ministerial code. Given there’s a breach of the code, Shorten reasons, why hasn’t the prime minister sacked the minister?Bill Shorten takes his turn now. He’s back with the ministerial code. Given there’s a breach of the code, Shorten reasons, why hasn’t the prime minister sacked the minister?
Malcolm Turnbull says, because, well, the Parkinson review. Which you keep referencing. Bill.Malcolm Turnbull says, because, well, the Parkinson review. Which you keep referencing. Bill.
The prime minister, who doesn’t approve of this pumped up indignation, yet remains genial in the face of it, chortling, to better project his profound non-concern with this small controversy .. offers the following:The prime minister, who doesn’t approve of this pumped up indignation, yet remains genial in the face of it, chortling, to better project his profound non-concern with this small controversy .. offers the following:
Dr Parkinson will complete his inquiry and when he does I will review it and obviously the House will be very well aware of the conclusions I will make.Dr Parkinson will complete his inquiry and when he does I will review it and obviously the House will be very well aware of the conclusions I will make.
3.45am GMT3.45am GMT
03:4503:45
Dreyfus is persisting. What has Robert given to the Parkinson inquiry? Has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with a copy of the letter of appointment he presented to an official of a state Chinese state-owned company? Will the minister also provide this letter to the parliament?Dreyfus is persisting. What has Robert given to the Parkinson inquiry? Has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with a copy of the letter of appointment he presented to an official of a state Chinese state-owned company? Will the minister also provide this letter to the parliament?
No comment.No comment.
Stuart Robert:Stuart Robert:
I thank the honourable member for his question and I refer him to my response yesterday.I thank the honourable member for his question and I refer him to my response yesterday.
3.42am GMT3.42am GMT
03:4203:42
Third question on Robert. Mark Dreyfus says the holding line is insufficient because the short statement the minister has given to parliament contains no particulars.Third question on Robert. Mark Dreyfus says the holding line is insufficient because the short statement the minister has given to parliament contains no particulars.
Q: I refer to the minister’s previous answer. The minister has referred the parliament to his statement yesterday, given that his statement was silent on what would be provided to the Parkinson inquiry, will he now answer the question: has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with evidence that proves that at the time he undertook his trip to China, the minister paid for his own flights, accommodation, internal travel and incidentals?Q: I refer to the minister’s previous answer. The minister has referred the parliament to his statement yesterday, given that his statement was silent on what would be provided to the Parkinson inquiry, will he now answer the question: has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with evidence that proves that at the time he undertook his trip to China, the minister paid for his own flights, accommodation, internal travel and incidentals?
Nope, nope, nope.Nope, nope, nope.
Stuart Robert:Stuart Robert:
I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my previous response yesterday.I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my previous response yesterday.
3.37am GMT3.37am GMT
03:3703:37
The second question on Robert. Still on the theme of assisting the Parkinson inquiry.The second question on Robert. Still on the theme of assisting the Parkinson inquiry.
Q: Has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with evidence that proves that at the time he undertook his trip to China the minister paid for his own flights to and from China, accommodation in China, internal travel in China and incidentals, including meals in China? Will the minister also provide this evidence to the parliament?Q: Has the minister provided the Parkinson inquiry with evidence that proves that at the time he undertook his trip to China the minister paid for his own flights to and from China, accommodation in China, internal travel in China and incidentals, including meals in China? Will the minister also provide this evidence to the parliament?
No, he will not.No, he will not.
Stuart Robert:Stuart Robert:
I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my response yesterday.I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my response yesterday.
3.32am GMT3.32am GMT
03:3203:32
We are back now to Stuart Robert. The shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus wants to know whether Robert is providing assistance to Turnbull’s departmental head by informing him that he met a Chinese minister while on holidays in Beijing, and was accompanied to that meeting by a representative of Nimrod Resources.We are back now to Stuart Robert. The shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus wants to know whether Robert is providing assistance to Turnbull’s departmental head by informing him that he met a Chinese minister while on holidays in Beijing, and was accompanied to that meeting by a representative of Nimrod Resources.
Q: Will he also give that information to the parliament?Q: Will he also give that information to the parliament?
No, Robert will not.No, Robert will not.
Stuart Robert:Stuart Robert:
Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my previous answer yesterday.Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the member for his question and I refer the member to my previous answer yesterday.
3.27am GMT3.27am GMT
03:2703:27
Clive Palmer decides today is a day to troll the government on the lack of women’s representation. Where are all the women, Malcolm, is a paraphrase of the Palmer question. Don’t they have merit?Clive Palmer decides today is a day to troll the government on the lack of women’s representation. Where are all the women, Malcolm, is a paraphrase of the Palmer question. Don’t they have merit?
The prime minister notes he is concerned for the women who have lost their jobs in one of Palmer’s businesses, Queensland Nickel.The prime minister notes he is concerned for the women who have lost their jobs in one of Palmer’s businesses, Queensland Nickel.
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
The honourable member for Fairfax should consider his responsibilities to those men and women when he - when he raises issues of this kind.The honourable member for Fairfax should consider his responsibilities to those men and women when he - when he raises issues of this kind.
(A government backbencher was just turfed by the Speaker, Tony Smith, for making precisely this point.)(A government backbencher was just turfed by the Speaker, Tony Smith, for making precisely this point.)
3.22am GMT3.22am GMT
03:2203:22
Morrison: why wouldn't we look at negative gearing?Morrison: why wouldn't we look at negative gearing?
Back to question time now.Back to question time now.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen is attempting to bait the treasurer Scott Morrison.Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen is attempting to bait the treasurer Scott Morrison.
Q: My question is to the treasurer. Last year when asked about changing negative gearing, the treasurer replied: “No, I don’t think we should change it.” Is that still the treasurer’s position?Q: My question is to the treasurer. Last year when asked about changing negative gearing, the treasurer replied: “No, I don’t think we should change it.” Is that still the treasurer’s position?
Morrison is slightly between rock and hard place here. Morrison is the self appointed champion of the strivers. But the government right now is clearly considering winding back the generosity of current negative gearing concessions.Morrison is slightly between rock and hard place here. Morrison is the self appointed champion of the strivers. But the government right now is clearly considering winding back the generosity of current negative gearing concessions.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
If there are areas where the system is being abused or where they’re excessive and there’s away to channel that sort of high end investment into other areas, Mr Speaker, of course the government would look at those things.If there are areas where the system is being abused or where they’re excessive and there’s away to channel that sort of high end investment into other areas, Mr Speaker, of course the government would look at those things.
Why wouldn’t the government look at those things?Why wouldn’t the government look at those things?
(The eternal why, right there. Except this is a new construction from the treasurer.)(The eternal why, right there. Except this is a new construction from the treasurer.)
3.15am GMT3.15am GMT
03:1503:15
Tax commissioner reads the riot act to multinationalsTax commissioner reads the riot act to multinationals
Lenore TaylorLenore Taylor
Sorry we need to cut into question time with some breaking news in another forum. Tax commissioner Chris Jordan says he has run out of patience with multinational companies using “over the top excuses” to “string along” the tax department and “game the system” – promising more legal action and a “much harder stance” to force them to pay tax in Australia.Sorry we need to cut into question time with some breaking news in another forum. Tax commissioner Chris Jordan says he has run out of patience with multinational companies using “over the top excuses” to “string along” the tax department and “game the system” – promising more legal action and a “much harder stance” to force them to pay tax in Australia.
“The excuses we hear from these companies are frankly over the top,” Jordan told a Senate estimates committee, acknowledging he was responding to deep public concerns about revelations of tax avoidance and profit shifting by major corporations.“The excuses we hear from these companies are frankly over the top,” Jordan told a Senate estimates committee, acknowledging he was responding to deep public concerns about revelations of tax avoidance and profit shifting by major corporations.
Chris Jordan:Chris Jordan:
How is it possible that companies known for their new-age technology and innovative products and services, fail to be able to furnish us with basic reports showing their business structures, their profits, how much tax they’ve paid and where. Their clear tactic is to delay and obstruct. They game the system. They even have the gall to complain that we are uncooperative and unreasonable simply because we don’t agree with them or their advisors on what are, at times, quite outlandish claims.How is it possible that companies known for their new-age technology and innovative products and services, fail to be able to furnish us with basic reports showing their business structures, their profits, how much tax they’ve paid and where. Their clear tactic is to delay and obstruct. They game the system. They even have the gall to complain that we are uncooperative and unreasonable simply because we don’t agree with them or their advisors on what are, at times, quite outlandish claims.
These companies have pushed the envelope on reasonableness – they play games, they string us along, they believe we can be stooged. Enough is enough. No more. We will be reasonable with those that genuinely cooperate, but we will now take a much harder stance on those who do not. We will not be rolling over and giving further extensions of time. We are ruling the line under these protracted negotiations and proceeding immediately to raise assessments and create liabilities on these cases –potentially taking them all the way to court if necessary.These companies have pushed the envelope on reasonableness – they play games, they string us along, they believe we can be stooged. Enough is enough. No more. We will be reasonable with those that genuinely cooperate, but we will now take a much harder stance on those who do not. We will not be rolling over and giving further extensions of time. We are ruling the line under these protracted negotiations and proceeding immediately to raise assessments and create liabilities on these cases –potentially taking them all the way to court if necessary.
3.08am GMT3.08am GMT
03:0803:08
Question timeQuestion time
Here we go, the hour of glower.Here we go, the hour of glower.
Labor opens on the government’s secret plan to privatise Medicare. The one it flagged in 2014.Labor opens on the government’s secret plan to privatise Medicare. The one it flagged in 2014.
Q: This morning it was revealed in senate estimates committee that the prime minister has established a 20-person taskforce at a cost of $5m to taxpayers to oversee his radical plan to privatise Medicare. Isn’t this just another case of the PM saying one thing and doing something completely different?Q: This morning it was revealed in senate estimates committee that the prime minister has established a 20-person taskforce at a cost of $5m to taxpayers to oversee his radical plan to privatise Medicare. Isn’t this just another case of the PM saying one thing and doing something completely different?
The prime minister says this secret plan to privatise government service delivery was hiding in plain sight in the 2014-15 budget.The prime minister says this secret plan to privatise government service delivery was hiding in plain sight in the 2014-15 budget.
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
There was an expression of interest issued or called for in August 2014, and the current request for quotations are all part of a carefully considered approach. Any outsourcing would only apply to back office operations and the administrative actions of making payments to individuals and providers. It doesn’t include setting fees or rebates and it doesn’t have any impact on the cost of health care,other than that it may result in services being delivered more efficiently.There was an expression of interest issued or called for in August 2014, and the current request for quotations are all part of a carefully considered approach. Any outsourcing would only apply to back office operations and the administrative actions of making payments to individuals and providers. It doesn’t include setting fees or rebates and it doesn’t have any impact on the cost of health care,other than that it may result in services being delivered more efficiently.