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Closing the Gap progress has been 'mixed, says Malcolm Turnbull – politics live Closing the Gap progress has been 'mixed, says Malcolm Turnbull – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.40am GMT
00:40
A few more lovely shots from the chamber.
12.24am GMT
00:24
Daniel Hurst
Richardson told the hearing the department became aware after he got back to Australia that Robert had met a Chinese vice minister while in Beijing in 2014.
It seems there were some disclosures made internally at the time.
Here’s Richardson:
Following his return to Australia, minister Robert asked his office to advise the department who he had met in China.
12.22am GMT
00:22
We became aware of the trip ... at some point
Daniel Hurst
While the chamber has been preoccupied with closing the gap, the secretary of the Department of Defence, Dennis Richardson, has been fielding a barrage of questions about Stuart Robert’s infamous China trip.
Robert was, of course, the assistant defence minister at the time.
Richardson says the department become aware of the Beijing trip “at some point”.
We were aware that the minister was in Beijing simply because he was designated to represent the defence minister at a meeting in Singapore immediately after ... I’m not aware that we were advised that he was travelling to China privately ... There’s a difference between being aware he was going to China and sorting arrangements for his visit to Singapore once it’d been decided that he would represent the minister for defence in Singapore.
Asked whether the defence attache in Australia’s Beijing embassy was involved, Richardson hints the officer was not aware before the trip but may have assisted with the minister’s onward travel to Singapore. “He was not aware of the visit by Minister Robert to China; in terms of his engagement in Minister Robert’s departure from Beijing, again I’ll need to take that on notice.”
As to whether Robert or his office had sought advice from the department about China-related matters prior to his visit, Richardson says: “My inquiries have drawn a blank on that, so to the best of my knowledge, no.”
Labor senator Stephen Conroy was preoccupied with whether Robert took his Defence Department-issued phone to China, and whether such action would have left it vulnerable to hacking and security risks. Richardson told the committee he did not know if Robert took his official phone.
Conroy successfully secured a commitment from the defence minister, Marise Payne, to raise the phone issue with the prime minister or his department. “Yes, of course … I suspect on reflection it would be more appropriate for me to refer that matter to the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet [who is investigating ministerial standards].”
12.17am GMT
00:17
Closing the gap: some quick analytical thoughts
Some initial helicopter thoughts from those two speeches.
Turnbull obviously had to take the opportunity of today to set out some general approaches to Indigenous affairs. He did that. He sent an important message: I will work with Indigenous leaders and with communities, not impose things. This will be a welcome message, particularly if it signals a genuine intent to broaden the sources of advice and input. Under Tony Abbott, many Indigenous leaders felt excluded in favour of voices who were more in sync with Abbott’s view of the policy terrain. That’s the good news.
The less good news is, frankly, Turnbull’s natural optimism. The prime minister is always that guy who thinks you get stuff done just by force of will. You get people together and you get it done. Infectious enthusiasm and sunny side up is one of the prime minister’s most charming attributes, but ebullience doesn’t work in Indigenous policy. The problems are too complex, too protracted, and have proven remarkably resistant to policy interventions of all kinds. He’s talking to a community burdened by the weight of previous disappointments, and connecting with the community requires an acknowledgement of that grief and frustration. I think the tone of today’s contribution was absolutely well intended, but ever so slightly off.
As for Shorten? The tone was better. There was that strain of humility – the acknowledgment that the problems are real and endemic, and that all we’ve really done for generations is toss out money and walk on by, comfortably immersed in our own lives.
Shorten is right that progress in this area requires truth telling. That aspiration rang like a bell in today’s parliamentary debate.
But the major truth really is this.
The purpose of closing the gap was to impose some evidence, some benchmarks, to inform public policy making in Indigenous affairs. It was an effort to impose some rigour to counter someone’s latest theory or feeling or random prejudice.
Good thought.
We have to look at what the benchmarks are telling us. The current approach is not working. We need another approach entirely, not just fiddling at the edges.
That’s the truth, and I’m yet to really hear that from the parliament of Australia, acknowledged in those stark, unvarnished terms.
Perhaps the task just feels too enormous.
To borrow from TS Eliot, if we let the human voices wake us, then we drown.
Updated
at 12.32am GMT
11.57pm GMT11.57pm GMT
23:5723:57
I call this sequence, Malcolm in the middle. Don’t shoot. I know that’s terrible.I call this sequence, Malcolm in the middle. Don’t shoot. I know that’s terrible.
11.48pm GMT11.48pm GMT
23:4823:48
Shorten has some nice rhetoric to build to his close. One day we’ll be able to say Australia is one country and mean it. One day we will get past racism. One day, there will be opportunity for all.Shorten has some nice rhetoric to build to his close. One day we’ll be able to say Australia is one country and mean it. One day we will get past racism. One day, there will be opportunity for all.
And with that, this debate is a wrap. I’ll be back shortly with pictures and analytical thoughts and an update about what else is going on.And with that, this debate is a wrap. I’ll be back shortly with pictures and analytical thoughts and an update about what else is going on.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.48pm GMTat 11.48pm GMT
11.45pm GMT11.45pm GMT
23:4523:45
On funding cuts and the subsequent (nonsense) rationalisations.On funding cuts and the subsequent (nonsense) rationalisations.
Mr Speaker, it’s easy in the current political discourse to say that throwing money at the problem won’t solve it and if it was going to solve it, it would have solved it in the past.Mr Speaker, it’s easy in the current political discourse to say that throwing money at the problem won’t solve it and if it was going to solve it, it would have solved it in the past.
This is an alibi to justify cutting funding because pretending that money doesn’t matter, pretending that empowerment through greater resources doesn’t make a difference is an arrogant falsehood.This is an alibi to justify cutting funding because pretending that money doesn’t matter, pretending that empowerment through greater resources doesn’t make a difference is an arrogant falsehood.
It is generally used by people for whom lack of money and lack of power has never been a problem.It is generally used by people for whom lack of money and lack of power has never been a problem.
When an Aboriginal woman is 34 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence and 11 times more likely to die, when family violence is the number one cause of Aboriginal children being removed from their family and their community, when too many women seeking help from family violence face significant legal, psychological and cultural barriers, how can repeatedly cutting millions of dollars from Aboriginal legal and specialist support services possibly be part of the solution in there is no excuse for these cuts.When an Aboriginal woman is 34 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family violence and 11 times more likely to die, when family violence is the number one cause of Aboriginal children being removed from their family and their community, when too many women seeking help from family violence face significant legal, psychological and cultural barriers, how can repeatedly cutting millions of dollars from Aboriginal legal and specialist support services possibly be part of the solution in there is no excuse for these cuts.
You cannot cut your way to closing the gap.You cannot cut your way to closing the gap.
11.42pm GMT11.42pm GMT
23:4223:42
Shorten outlines Labor’s approach to criminal justice reform, then segues to education, and the importance of needs based funding. Then to health, and high rates of vision loss among Indigenous people.Shorten outlines Labor’s approach to criminal justice reform, then segues to education, and the importance of needs based funding. Then to health, and high rates of vision loss among Indigenous people.
This country is rich enough and generous enough to deal with this issue right now. So today I’m pleased to announce that a Labor government will commit $9m to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vision loss.This country is rich enough and generous enough to deal with this issue right now. So today I’m pleased to announce that a Labor government will commit $9m to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vision loss.
11.40pm GMT11.40pm GMT
23:4023:40
Bill Shorten:Bill Shorten:
It is a national disgrace, it’s not one which I believe anyone consciously signs up to in this parliament.It is a national disgrace, it’s not one which I believe anyone consciously signs up to in this parliament.
But when we know the problem exists, to walk past the problem makes us part of the problem.But when we know the problem exists, to walk past the problem makes us part of the problem.
11.39pm GMT11.39pm GMT
23:3923:39
Shorten zeroes in on incarceration rates.Shorten zeroes in on incarceration rates.
It is un-Australian that if you are an Aboriginal man you are 15 times more likely to be imprisoned than a non-Aboriginal man. Half of all Aboriginal prisoners in custody are under the age of 30. The reimprisonment rate for Aboriginal young people is higher than the school retention rate.It is un-Australian that if you are an Aboriginal man you are 15 times more likely to be imprisoned than a non-Aboriginal man. Half of all Aboriginal prisoners in custody are under the age of 30. The reimprisonment rate for Aboriginal young people is higher than the school retention rate.
In the last decade imprisonment rates have more than doubled, growing faster than the crime rate. And for Aboriginal women, there has been a 74% increase in the past 15 years, meaning they make up one-third of our female prison population, far too many prisoners have poorly understood disability, particularly cognitive and mental impairment.In the last decade imprisonment rates have more than doubled, growing faster than the crime rate. And for Aboriginal women, there has been a 74% increase in the past 15 years, meaning they make up one-third of our female prison population, far too many prisoners have poorly understood disability, particularly cognitive and mental impairment.
Far too many young people see jail time as a preordained destination, part of the natural order of things.Far too many young people see jail time as a preordained destination, part of the natural order of things.
It is not natural. These facts are more than uncomfortable. They are not the nation that we wish to see in the mirror.It is not natural. These facts are more than uncomfortable. They are not the nation that we wish to see in the mirror.
It cannot be correct that the colour of your skin is a greater predictor of going to prison and until we address this problem we will never close the gap.It cannot be correct that the colour of your skin is a greater predictor of going to prison and until we address this problem we will never close the gap.
We cannot tolerate a criminal justice system built on processing people rather than administering justice.We cannot tolerate a criminal justice system built on processing people rather than administering justice.
11.36pm GMT11.36pm GMT
23:3623:36
Bill Shorten is contributing now. He says constitutional change cannot be a mere poetic sentence or two stapled to front of our constitution.Bill Shorten is contributing now. He says constitutional change cannot be a mere poetic sentence or two stapled to front of our constitution.
Platitudes just don’t cut it, do they? It must be real, it must be substantive change. It must eliminate racism and signal a declaration of national intent. Equality in our constitution must be twinned with a real world of equal opportunity. In housing, health, employment , education and justice. And perhaps the most basic right of all: empowering our first Australians with the right to grow old.Platitudes just don’t cut it, do they? It must be real, it must be substantive change. It must eliminate racism and signal a declaration of national intent. Equality in our constitution must be twinned with a real world of equal opportunity. In housing, health, employment , education and justice. And perhaps the most basic right of all: empowering our first Australians with the right to grow old.
Today, eight years after prime minister Rudd extended a hand of healing, grasped in friendship, supported by the then leader of the opposition, Mr Brendan Nelson, we now need to examine our progress in closing the gap. Not in the spirit of self-congratulation, nor trenchant self-criticism, but just with clarity and honesty, with a determination to speak the truth about what is working and what is not.Today, eight years after prime minister Rudd extended a hand of healing, grasped in friendship, supported by the then leader of the opposition, Mr Brendan Nelson, we now need to examine our progress in closing the gap. Not in the spirit of self-congratulation, nor trenchant self-criticism, but just with clarity and honesty, with a determination to speak the truth about what is working and what is not.
To recognise that the progress we’ve made is uneven and too slow, to redouble our efforts in an equal, engaged and empowered partnership with the first Australians.To recognise that the progress we’ve made is uneven and too slow, to redouble our efforts in an equal, engaged and empowered partnership with the first Australians.
11.31pm GMT11.31pm GMT
23:3123:31
He wraps up thus.He wraps up thus.
We have to be agile and we have to allow for new approaches. This will enable us to continue to build the evidence base where it doesn’t yet exist. It’s equally important we listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they tell us what it working and what needs to change.We have to be agile and we have to allow for new approaches. This will enable us to continue to build the evidence base where it doesn’t yet exist. It’s equally important we listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they tell us what it working and what needs to change.
It’s our role as a government to provide an environment that enables Indigenous leaders to develop local solutions. Again, Mr Speaker, it is time for governments to do things with Aboriginal people, not do things to them.It’s our role as a government to provide an environment that enables Indigenous leaders to develop local solutions. Again, Mr Speaker, it is time for governments to do things with Aboriginal people, not do things to them.
Now, we are the most successful multicultural society in the world. The glue that holds us together is mutual respect. A deep recognition that each of us is entitled to the same respect, the same dignity, the same opportunities.Now, we are the most successful multicultural society in the world. The glue that holds us together is mutual respect. A deep recognition that each of us is entitled to the same respect, the same dignity, the same opportunities.
Closing The Gap is more than another government Indigenous policy. It speaks to all of us, and it speaks about all of us.Closing The Gap is more than another government Indigenous policy. It speaks to all of us, and it speaks about all of us.
It is our best selves, our deep, just, fair values, given practical form.It is our best selves, our deep, just, fair values, given practical form.
When we close the gap, we make ourselves more whole, more complete, more Australian.When we close the gap, we make ourselves more whole, more complete, more Australian.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.31pm GMTat 11.31pm GMT
11.28pm GMT11.28pm GMT
23:2823:28
Turnbull says he wants to acknowledge the grim realities, while also telling the positive stories.Turnbull says he wants to acknowledge the grim realities, while also telling the positive stories.
I want us as a nation to tell the rich story of Indigenous creativity, of innovation, and entrepreneurship.I want us as a nation to tell the rich story of Indigenous creativity, of innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Now, while we should celebrate those successes, we cannot of course sugar-coat the enormity of the job that remains.Now, while we should celebrate those successes, we cannot of course sugar-coat the enormity of the job that remains.
We do face very real and difficult challenges. Particularly in isolated communities. We must be honest about the catastrophe and violence created by drug and alcohol misuse and confront and respond to the cries for help, particularly from women and children.We do face very real and difficult challenges. Particularly in isolated communities. We must be honest about the catastrophe and violence created by drug and alcohol misuse and confront and respond to the cries for help, particularly from women and children.
11.25pm GMT11.25pm GMT
23:2523:25
Turnbull says he endorses the advice Sarra gave him. He segues to the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution, noting that Indigenous people must be happy with whatever is ultimately proposed in terms of constitutional change.Turnbull says he endorses the advice Sarra gave him. He segues to the recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution, noting that Indigenous people must be happy with whatever is ultimately proposed in terms of constitutional change.
He then drills into the closing the gap benchmarks. Turnbull acknowledges things are changing fast enough. But then we get to the bootstraps.He then drills into the closing the gap benchmarks. Turnbull acknowledges things are changing fast enough. But then we get to the bootstraps.
A key driver of progress has to be economic empowerment through employment, through entrepreneurship, and through the use of our human capital.A key driver of progress has to be economic empowerment through employment, through entrepreneurship, and through the use of our human capital.
Forty years after Gough Whitlam poured dirt into the hands of Vincent Lingiari, we continue to ensure hard-fought Indigenous land rights are protected, while enabling those rights to be converted into economic opportunities.Forty years after Gough Whitlam poured dirt into the hands of Vincent Lingiari, we continue to ensure hard-fought Indigenous land rights are protected, while enabling those rights to be converted into economic opportunities.
Last year, we saw Indigenous leaders come together at the Growing with Governance forum to develop the Indigenous investment principles. In the year ahead, working closely with Indigenous Australians and state and territory governments, we’ll implement the recommendations from COAG’s investigation into land use, to better enable Indigenous landowners and native title holders to use their land for economic development.Last year, we saw Indigenous leaders come together at the Growing with Governance forum to develop the Indigenous investment principles. In the year ahead, working closely with Indigenous Australians and state and territory governments, we’ll implement the recommendations from COAG’s investigation into land use, to better enable Indigenous landowners and native title holders to use their land for economic development.
We are starting to see returns on reform we’ve undertaken in employment policy.We are starting to see returns on reform we’ve undertaken in employment policy.
11.20pm GMT11.20pm GMT
23:2023:20
Turnbull says he sought advice from Chris Sarra when he crossed paths with him a few weeks after becoming prime minister.Turnbull says he sought advice from Chris Sarra when he crossed paths with him a few weeks after becoming prime minister.
I asked him what three things we could do in Indigenous policy that would truly make a difference. He said to me it was too complex a question to answer straightaway. But later, at his Senate occasional lecture, he answered my question.I asked him what three things we could do in Indigenous policy that would truly make a difference. He said to me it was too complex a question to answer straightaway. But later, at his Senate occasional lecture, he answered my question.
This is what he said: “firstly, acknowledge, embrace and celebrate the humanity of Indigenous Australians. Secondly, bring us policy approaches that nurture hope and optimism, rather than entrenched despair.This is what he said: “firstly, acknowledge, embrace and celebrate the humanity of Indigenous Australians. Secondly, bring us policy approaches that nurture hope and optimism, rather than entrenched despair.
And lastly, do things with us, not to us.And lastly, do things with us, not to us.
Do things with us, not to us.Do things with us, not to us.
11.17pm GMT11.17pm GMT
23:1723:17
One nation, shared values.One nation, shared values.
In 2008, the national apology to the stolen generations was a great milestone in the healing of our nation. It was a long overdue acknowledgement of grief and the suffering and the loss inflicted on generations ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.In 2008, the national apology to the stolen generations was a great milestone in the healing of our nation. It was a long overdue acknowledgement of grief and the suffering and the loss inflicted on generations ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We all recognise that healing takes time. And our generation seeks to make a further amends, a further setting-right, through formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution. Our nation’s founding document should reflect Australia as it is, not how it was perceived 120 years ago.We all recognise that healing takes time. And our generation seeks to make a further amends, a further setting-right, through formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution. Our nation’s founding document should reflect Australia as it is, not how it was perceived 120 years ago.
We recognise and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and peoples. And we’re proud that their history is our history. Their culture is our culture. Their values are our values.We recognise and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and peoples. And we’re proud that their history is our history. Their culture is our culture. Their values are our values.
We recognise that prior to the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians spoke hundreds of languages and over 600 dialects. These words carry knowledge. Tragically, many of these languages have been lost and many are critically endangered.We recognise that prior to the arrival of European settlers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians spoke hundreds of languages and over 600 dialects. These words carry knowledge. Tragically, many of these languages have been lost and many are critically endangered.
And that is why, today, we are announcing $20m in additional funding over two years for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. This will enable the collection of critical cultural knowledge and promote an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander culture, traditions and stories past and present.And that is why, today, we are announcing $20m in additional funding over two years for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. This will enable the collection of critical cultural knowledge and promote an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander culture, traditions and stories past and present.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.23pm GMTat 11.23pm GMT
11.14pm GMT11.14pm GMT
23:1423:14
From adversity, comes opportunity.From adversity, comes opportunity.
The closing the gap challenge is often described as a problem to be solved. But more than anything, it is an opportunity. If our greatest assets are our people, if our richest capital is our human capital, then the opportunity to empower the imagination, the enterprise, the wisdom and the full potential of our first Australians is an exciting one.The closing the gap challenge is often described as a problem to be solved. But more than anything, it is an opportunity. If our greatest assets are our people, if our richest capital is our human capital, then the opportunity to empower the imagination, the enterprise, the wisdom and the full potential of our first Australians is an exciting one.
And when we focus on the gap to be closed and ending the disadvantage that entails, we should not overlook or fail to celebrate the many successes of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.And when we focus on the gap to be closed and ending the disadvantage that entails, we should not overlook or fail to celebrate the many successes of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are studying at universities, at home and abroad, at Oxford and Harvard, are completing medicine degrees, and apprenticeships, are sending their children to school, buying homes, starting and running businesses, and have dreams for the future that are as optimistic and as different as the rest of us.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are studying at universities, at home and abroad, at Oxford and Harvard, are completing medicine degrees, and apprenticeships, are sending their children to school, buying homes, starting and running businesses, and have dreams for the future that are as optimistic and as different as the rest of us.
11.11pm GMT11.11pm GMT
23:1123:11
Malcolm Turnbull is aware this is a big occasion for him. He’s adopted a slightly Churchillian inflection in his opening.Malcolm Turnbull is aware this is a big occasion for him. He’s adopted a slightly Churchillian inflection in his opening.
For more than 40,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have cared for this country. Theirs are the oldest continuing cultures on earth. Our nation is as old as humanity itself. The stories of the Dreamtime, the rock carvings on the Burrup peninsula – these speak to us from thousands of years, so far away, time out of mind.For more than 40,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have cared for this country. Theirs are the oldest continuing cultures on earth. Our nation is as old as humanity itself. The stories of the Dreamtime, the rock carvings on the Burrup peninsula – these speak to us from thousands of years, so far away, time out of mind.
Linked by the imagination, the humanity, of our first Australians. Yet we have not always shown you our first Australians the respect you deserve.Linked by the imagination, the humanity, of our first Australians. Yet we have not always shown you our first Australians the respect you deserve.
But despite the injustices and the trauma, you are and your families have shown the greatest tenacity and resilience.But despite the injustices and the trauma, you are and your families have shown the greatest tenacity and resilience.
11.08pm GMT11.08pm GMT
23:0823:08
Defence officials are currently being quizzed about Stuart Robert’s travel plans. But we’ll stick with Closing the Gap for now. The prime minister is opening his contribution in an Indigenous language.Defence officials are currently being quizzed about Stuart Robert’s travel plans. But we’ll stick with Closing the Gap for now. The prime minister is opening his contribution in an Indigenous language.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.24pm GMTat 11.24pm GMT
11.03pm GMT11.03pm GMT
23:0323:03
Only two Closing the gGap targets on track to be metOnly two Closing the gGap targets on track to be met
Here’s my colleague Shalailah Medhora, with the main points of the Closing the Gap report. It makes for depressing reading.Here’s my colleague Shalailah Medhora, with the main points of the Closing the Gap report. It makes for depressing reading.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.25pm GMTat 11.25pm GMT
10.57pm GMT10.57pm GMT
22:5722:57
Just before we roll into the formal Closing the Gap speeches, a bit more of Bill Shorten’s contribution at the breakfast earlier today. I’ve already shared his observation about bootstraps and boots. Here’s a bit more.Just before we roll into the formal Closing the Gap speeches, a bit more of Bill Shorten’s contribution at the breakfast earlier today. I’ve already shared his observation about bootstraps and boots. Here’s a bit more.
Bill Shorten:Bill Shorten:
This week, in our parliament and around our country we ask Australians to face up, to remedy together, the entrenched unfairness that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples confront every day. This is about facing up to the facts.This week, in our parliament and around our country we ask Australians to face up, to remedy together, the entrenched unfairness that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples confront every day. This is about facing up to the facts.
It is always a dilemma, isn’t it? Do you look at all the good things that are happening and be a bit too blue-sky and try then to overlook the problems. Or do you just simply look at the problems and then somehow you are perhaps not acknowledging the progress. I don’t think we have to resolve that question, I think we just have to be honest. And if the honesty is uncomfortable listening, well we need to listen even harder.It is always a dilemma, isn’t it? Do you look at all the good things that are happening and be a bit too blue-sky and try then to overlook the problems. Or do you just simply look at the problems and then somehow you are perhaps not acknowledging the progress. I don’t think we have to resolve that question, I think we just have to be honest. And if the honesty is uncomfortable listening, well we need to listen even harder.
We need to tell the full truth.We need to tell the full truth.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.26pm GMTat 11.26pm GMT
10.53pm GMT10.53pm GMT
22:5322:53
Alan Finkel says climate research demands a national approachAlan Finkel says climate research demands a national approach
The new chief scientist, Alan Finkel, has also made an opening statement to Senate estimates this morning which is implicitly critical of the recent decision by the CSIRO to exit climate science research. Climate study is a collaborative activity, and it needs a national approach, Finkel has told senators.The new chief scientist, Alan Finkel, has also made an opening statement to Senate estimates this morning which is implicitly critical of the recent decision by the CSIRO to exit climate science research. Climate study is a collaborative activity, and it needs a national approach, Finkel has told senators.
The importance of these responsibilities has been underscored in my mind by the recent conversation on the priorities of the CSIRO. As the committee will be aware, the CEO of the CSIRO announced last week a change of strategic direction that will affect programmes across the organisation, including climate research.The importance of these responsibilities has been underscored in my mind by the recent conversation on the priorities of the CSIRO. As the committee will be aware, the CEO of the CSIRO announced last week a change of strategic direction that will affect programmes across the organisation, including climate research.
There is no question that Australia needs a continuous and highly effective commitment to climate science, both to meet our national needs and to fulfil our international commitments. Our contribution is particularly important in light of our central role in understanding the climate of the Southern Hemisphere.There is no question that Australia needs a continuous and highly effective commitment to climate science, both to meet our national needs and to fulfil our international commitments. Our contribution is particularly important in light of our central role in understanding the climate of the Southern Hemisphere.
It is reflected in the National Science and Research Priorities, one of which specifically commits us to: “Build Australia’s capacity to respond to environmental change and integrate research outcomes from biological, physical, social and economic systems.” Australian climate research is a broad activity across many institutions and many disciplines including science, engineering, humanities and social sciences.It is reflected in the National Science and Research Priorities, one of which specifically commits us to: “Build Australia’s capacity to respond to environmental change and integrate research outcomes from biological, physical, social and economic systems.” Australian climate research is a broad activity across many institutions and many disciplines including science, engineering, humanities and social sciences.
It relies on collaboration and it demands a national approach.It relies on collaboration and it demands a national approach.
Our most immediate national concern must be to ensure that long-term data collections will be funded and staffed; and that the climate modelling capabilities developed by the CSIRO will continue to be made available for scientists to use and refine.Our most immediate national concern must be to ensure that long-term data collections will be funded and staffed; and that the climate modelling capabilities developed by the CSIRO will continue to be made available for scientists to use and refine.
I am pleased that the CSIRO has this week committed to working with stakeholders to develop a transition plan to maintain this capacity.I am pleased that the CSIRO has this week committed to working with stakeholders to develop a transition plan to maintain this capacity.
10.44pm GMT10.44pm GMT
22:4422:44
I have an ear on a couple of estimates committees as we wait for the closing the gap speeches to kick off in the chamber.I have an ear on a couple of estimates committees as we wait for the closing the gap speeches to kick off in the chamber.
The ABC’s Frank Keany listened in on an estimates committee last night where the AFP was giving evidence. I gather the officers were asked what the hold up was with the current investigation into the special minister of state, Mal Brough – and his connections with James Ashby and Peter Slipper, the former speaker of the House.The ABC’s Frank Keany listened in on an estimates committee last night where the AFP was giving evidence. I gather the officers were asked what the hold up was with the current investigation into the special minister of state, Mal Brough – and his connections with James Ashby and Peter Slipper, the former speaker of the House.
This was the explanation.This was the explanation.
AFP's Leanne Close says #ashbygate investigators sifting thru 7600 emails, 141000 docs, 161000+ images & thousands of attachments #estimatesAFP's Leanne Close says #ashbygate investigators sifting thru 7600 emails, 141000 docs, 161000+ images & thousands of attachments #estimates
Down in the House, the health minister, Sussan Ley, is introducing the medicinal cannabis legislation.Down in the House, the health minister, Sussan Ley, is introducing the medicinal cannabis legislation.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.26pm GMTat 11.26pm GMT
10.24pm GMT10.24pm GMT
22:2422:24
Today's #auspol theme @murpharoo pic.twitter.com/nCRNvIDqKOToday's #auspol theme @murpharoo pic.twitter.com/nCRNvIDqKO
10.16pm GMT10.16pm GMT
22:1622:16
Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, seconding the motion:Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, seconding the motion:
The prime minister is incapable of making a decision!The prime minister is incapable of making a decision!
Trade minister Andrew Robb:Trade minister Andrew Robb:
I move the member be no longer heard.I move the member be no longer heard.
Things moving to their inevitable, numerical conclusion here.Things moving to their inevitable, numerical conclusion here.
10.10pm GMT10.10pm GMT
22:1022:10
Here’s the motion.Here’s the motion.
That the House:That the House:
Notes that during a trip to China in August 2014, the minister for human services provided assistance to Nimrod Resources by:Notes that during a trip to China in August 2014, the minister for human services provided assistance to Nimrod Resources by:
(a) Participating in a signing ceremony which sealed a mining deal between Nimrod Resources and a Chinese state-owned company;(a) Participating in a signing ceremony which sealed a mining deal between Nimrod Resources and a Chinese state-owned company;
(b) Presenting what have been described as a “letter of appointment” and “a medal” from the prime minister to an official of the Chinese state-owned company; and(b) Presenting what have been described as a “letter of appointment” and “a medal” from the prime minister to an official of the Chinese state-owned company; and
(c) Meeting with the Chinese vice-minister for Land and Resources accompanied by executives of Nimrod Resources; and(c) Meeting with the Chinese vice-minister for Land and Resources accompanied by executives of Nimrod Resources; and
Notes that:Notes that:
(a) The minister himself has stated in the House that his visit to China was in a “personal capacity”;(a) The minister himself has stated in the House that his visit to China was in a “personal capacity”;
(b) Except where the prime minister has given permission to continue an interest in a family business, the prime minister’s own statement of ministerial standards puts a blanket ban on ministers providing assistance to companies in a personal capacity; and(b) Except where the prime minister has given permission to continue an interest in a family business, the prime minister’s own statement of ministerial standards puts a blanket ban on ministers providing assistance to companies in a personal capacity; and
(c) The minister repeatedly answers each question asked in the House by referring to his earlier statement even where it bears no relevance to the question being asked; and(c) The minister repeatedly answers each question asked in the House by referring to his earlier statement even where it bears no relevance to the question being asked; and
Calls on the minister for human services to immediately attend the House to:Calls on the minister for human services to immediately attend the House to:
(a) Give a full and comprehensive account of his activities during his trip to China, including a full account of his itinerary, program, meetings and speeches; and(a) Give a full and comprehensive account of his activities during his trip to China, including a full account of his itinerary, program, meetings and speeches; and
(b) Explain to the House and to the people of Australia why he has not yet resigned for breaching the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards.(b) Explain to the House and to the people of Australia why he has not yet resigned for breaching the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards.
10.07pm GMT10.07pm GMT
22:0722:07
Down in the House, procedural fun times, Labor is again attempting to suspend the standing orders.Down in the House, procedural fun times, Labor is again attempting to suspend the standing orders.
10.03pm GMT10.03pm GMT
22:0322:03
The Labor leader Bill Shorten has been stopped by reporters.The Labor leader Bill Shorten has been stopped by reporters.
Q: What do you think about Greg Hunt’s award?Q: What do you think about Greg Hunt’s award?
I’d like to see what competition he was up against. Goodness only knows what the entry requirement was.I’d like to see what competition he was up against. Goodness only knows what the entry requirement was.
Q: Why should Stuart Robert go?Q: Why should Stuart Robert go?
It doesn’t take a Rolex watch to know the time is up for Stuart Robert.It doesn’t take a Rolex watch to know the time is up for Stuart Robert.
10.00pm GMT10.00pm GMT
22:0022:00
I’ll have to get back to you.I’ll have to get back to you.