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Malcolm Turnbull expected to get Stuart Robert report this afternoon – politics live Kate Jenkins is Australia's new sex discrimination commissioner – politics live
(35 minutes later)
4.39am GMT
04:39
Kate Jenkins, Australia's new sex discrimination commissioner
Onwards and upwards through the political afternoon. A quick update on some breaking news: Australia has a new sex discrimination commissioner. It’s Kate Jenkins, who has been the the human rights commissioner in Victoria. From her bio:
Kate is the convener of the Victorian Male Champions of Change, the Chair of the Independent Review into sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including predatory behaviour in Victoria Police and the Co-Chair of Play by the Rules. She is also the Co-Chair of the Commission’s Disability Reference Group and a member of the Aboriginal Justice Forum.
4.29am GMT
04:29
The prime minister has placed further questions on the notice paper.
4.28am GMT
04:28
A brief time travel while we wait for the vote. Some pictures of the suspension debate.
4.22am GMT
04:22
The House is dividing now.
4.13am GMT4.13am GMT
04:1304:13
Manager of government business Christopher Pyne is up to rebut Shorten. It’s quite interesting the government has let the debate run today, no gag motion today.Manager of government business Christopher Pyne is up to rebut Shorten. It’s quite interesting the government has let the debate run today, no gag motion today.
Pyne says the government is not going to be lectured on accountability by the party of Eddie Obeid, of Craig Thomson, of Cleanevent.Pyne says the government is not going to be lectured on accountability by the party of Eddie Obeid, of Craig Thomson, of Cleanevent.
The idea of being lectured by the Labor Party on standards is like Dean Martin lecturing people on alcohol abuse, Mr Speaker.The idea of being lectured by the Labor Party on standards is like Dean Martin lecturing people on alcohol abuse, Mr Speaker.
4.08am GMT4.08am GMT
04:0804:08
Shorten is taking the big bash cricket approach.Shorten is taking the big bash cricket approach.
Prime minister Turnbull just wants this issue to go away. He’d like to save one of his cash cows and donors, he’d like to save minister Roberts (sic) because he did vote for him in the leadership ballot.Prime minister Turnbull just wants this issue to go away. He’d like to save one of his cash cows and donors, he’d like to save minister Roberts (sic) because he did vote for him in the leadership ballot.
What he’s doing is letting his loyalty to some people overwhelm his obligation to the nation. What we won’t have on this side is – you got Tony Abbott once, we are not going to let you get him again by blaming him ... he should not be hung out to dry because you won’t act because you need that hopeless treasurer to keep backing up your machine.What he’s doing is letting his loyalty to some people overwhelm his obligation to the nation. What we won’t have on this side is – you got Tony Abbott once, we are not going to let you get him again by blaming him ... he should not be hung out to dry because you won’t act because you need that hopeless treasurer to keep backing up your machine.
We know exactly what is going on!We know exactly what is going on!
The government of Australia and the ministers of Australia are not valets for donors in the Liberal party, opening doors, closing doors.The government of Australia and the ministers of Australia are not valets for donors in the Liberal party, opening doors, closing doors.
Does (Stuart Robert) have an interest in watching big deals being signed and he just likes to turn up?Does (Stuart Robert) have an interest in watching big deals being signed and he just likes to turn up?
Is it an affectation? And we do want to know who paid his air fare. We do want to know that.Is it an affectation? And we do want to know who paid his air fare. We do want to know that.
We do want to know how he travelled around, what equipment from the Australian government he took. I cannot believe that this issue has gone on for the last number of days!We do want to know how he travelled around, what equipment from the Australian government he took. I cannot believe that this issue has gone on for the last number of days!
4.02am GMT4.02am GMT
04:0204:02
Shorten, enjoying himself.Shorten, enjoying himself.
Then we have got this hapless traveller, Stuart Robert... The hapless minister for human services wandering around in China ... and not only did he fortuitously meet the donor, Paul Marks, fantastic, what a surprise meeting you here! Then he happens to stumble across a signing ceremony in his personal capacity. Then, glory be, he’s got a meeting with the vice minister for land and resources.Then we have got this hapless traveller, Stuart Robert... The hapless minister for human services wandering around in China ... and not only did he fortuitously meet the donor, Paul Marks, fantastic, what a surprise meeting you here! Then he happens to stumble across a signing ceremony in his personal capacity. Then, glory be, he’s got a meeting with the vice minister for land and resources.
He should buy a Tatts Lotto ticket, he’s so lucky in his travels.He should buy a Tatts Lotto ticket, he’s so lucky in his travels.
Did that Chinese minister think he was just having a chat to citizen Roberts of Australia or was he under the misapprehension that this man was a minister in the government? We have asked the prime minister to act.Did that Chinese minister think he was just having a chat to citizen Roberts of Australia or was he under the misapprehension that this man was a minister in the government? We have asked the prime minister to act.
But what he’s done is he has contracted out his leadership to Martin Parkinson. He must be so happy to be back working for the Liberal government. He got run out of town by one bunch of this government, now he’s been brought back in to carry out the night soil for this current prime minister!But what he’s done is he has contracted out his leadership to Martin Parkinson. He must be so happy to be back working for the Liberal government. He got run out of town by one bunch of this government, now he’s been brought back in to carry out the night soil for this current prime minister!
3.55am GMT3.55am GMT
03:5503:55
Shorten is back with a question to Turnbull. Is he attempting to construct an outcome here post Parkinson review where he blames his predecessor Tony Abbott in order to protect Stuart Robert?Shorten is back with a question to Turnbull. Is he attempting to construct an outcome here post Parkinson review where he blames his predecessor Tony Abbott in order to protect Stuart Robert?
There’s some procedural argument about the validity of this question. Then Shorten moves to suspend the standing orders. There’s a double censure today: one for Stuart Robert for failing to resign and another for Turnbull for failing to sack him.There’s some procedural argument about the validity of this question. Then Shorten moves to suspend the standing orders. There’s a double censure today: one for Stuart Robert for failing to resign and another for Turnbull for failing to sack him.
3.50am GMT3.50am GMT
03:5003:50
Question seven to Robert.Question seven to Robert.
Q: I refer to the minister’s previous answers on the Parkinson inquiry. Did the minister inform the Parkinson inquiry of how he travelled to China, including whether he took a private jet? Who paid for his travel and whether it was properly declared on his register of members interest? Will the minister now provide that information to the parliament and is the minister aware that his previous answer does not answer this question?Q: I refer to the minister’s previous answers on the Parkinson inquiry. Did the minister inform the Parkinson inquiry of how he travelled to China, including whether he took a private jet? Who paid for his travel and whether it was properly declared on his register of members interest? Will the minister now provide that information to the parliament and is the minister aware that his previous answer does not answer this question?
You can guess the response.You can guess the response.
3.45am GMT3.45am GMT
03:4503:45
Question six (I think) on Robert.Question six (I think) on Robert.
Q: Has the minister informed the Parkinson inquiry that when he wrote to the former prime minister applying for personal leave for his trip to China, he did not inform him that he would attend a signing ceremony between Nimrod Resources and a Chinese state-owned corporation or that he would meet with the Chinese vice minister for land and resources accompanied by Nimrod Resources executives? Is the minister aware that his previous answer does no the answer this question?Q: Has the minister informed the Parkinson inquiry that when he wrote to the former prime minister applying for personal leave for his trip to China, he did not inform him that he would attend a signing ceremony between Nimrod Resources and a Chinese state-owned corporation or that he would meet with the Chinese vice minister for land and resources accompanied by Nimrod Resources executives? Is the minister aware that his previous answer does no the answer this question?
You guessed it. Robert refers Mark Dreyfus to his statement.You guessed it. Robert refers Mark Dreyfus to his statement.
3.41am GMT3.41am GMT
03:4103:41
Dreyfus, to Robert:Dreyfus, to Robert:
Q: Has the minister provided to the secretary all emails, letters and invitations which caused him to be attending the meeting with the Chinese vice minister for land and resources and Nimrod Resources? Will he also provide those documents to the parliament, and is the minister aware that his previous statement does not answer this question?Q: Has the minister provided to the secretary all emails, letters and invitations which caused him to be attending the meeting with the Chinese vice minister for land and resources and Nimrod Resources? Will he also provide those documents to the parliament, and is the minister aware that his previous statement does not answer this question?
Stuart Robert refers Dreyfus to his statement.Stuart Robert refers Dreyfus to his statement.
3.36am GMT3.36am GMT
03:3603:36
Question four on Stuart Robert. Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus this time. Did Stuart Robert use proper security protocols with his government devices while in Beijing?Question four on Stuart Robert. Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus this time. Did Stuart Robert use proper security protocols with his government devices while in Beijing?
Robert won’t say either way. Like yesterday, he refers Dreyfus to the statement he made to parliament a few days ago, which confirms nothing of a substantive nature.Robert won’t say either way. Like yesterday, he refers Dreyfus to the statement he made to parliament a few days ago, which confirms nothing of a substantive nature.
3.29am GMT3.29am GMT
03:2903:29
Shorten is back on Stuart Robert. He’s referencing today’s senate estimates evidence that I covered earlier: that there is a Chinese government record of the controversial meeting in Beijing, but no Australian record, because there were no Australian officials in the room. Has Dr Parkinson sought the record of the meeting?Shorten is back on Stuart Robert. He’s referencing today’s senate estimates evidence that I covered earlier: that there is a Chinese government record of the controversial meeting in Beijing, but no Australian record, because there were no Australian officials in the room. Has Dr Parkinson sought the record of the meeting?
The prime minister is disposed to be genial. Accountability and due process is important, in accordance with the code, the prime minister says.The prime minister is disposed to be genial. Accountability and due process is important, in accordance with the code, the prime minister says.
Then geniality ceases. He’s back onto Shorten’s record with the workers at Cleanevent.Then geniality ceases. He’s back onto Shorten’s record with the workers at Cleanevent.
Labor says hang on a second, Shorten gave a personal explanation a couple of days ago, taking issue with the prime minister’s misrepresentations on this issue. That should be the end of the matter, says the manager of opposition business, Tony Burke.Labor says hang on a second, Shorten gave a personal explanation a couple of days ago, taking issue with the prime minister’s misrepresentations on this issue. That should be the end of the matter, says the manager of opposition business, Tony Burke.
Christopher Pyne, across the table.Christopher Pyne, across the table.
Toughen up Bill.Toughen up Bill.
Turnbull is powering on with Cleanevent.Turnbull is powering on with Cleanevent.
3.22am GMT3.22am GMT
03:2203:22
The next Dixer invites the foreign minister to update the House on how her forthcoming visit to China will strengthen our economic relationship and help boost our domestic economy leading to jobs and growth.The next Dixer invites the foreign minister to update the House on how her forthcoming visit to China will strengthen our economic relationship and help boost our domestic economy leading to jobs and growth.
Labor’s Anthony Albanese notes that standing order 100(d)(6) clearly rules out irony and given today ...Labor’s Anthony Albanese notes that standing order 100(d)(6) clearly rules out irony and given today ...
Speaker Smith gongs him off. Albanese is ejected from the House under standing order 94A.Speaker Smith gongs him off. Albanese is ejected from the House under standing order 94A.
3.18am GMT3.18am GMT
03:1803:18
Shorten is back to Stuart Robert and he’d like the prime minister to table letters confirming that the minister sought and was granted leave for his trip to Beijing. Shorten has reference numbers for the correspondence.Shorten is back to Stuart Robert and he’d like the prime minister to table letters confirming that the minister sought and was granted leave for his trip to Beijing. Shorten has reference numbers for the correspondence.
The prime minister is inclined to see this as another polite request for information. Which he’ll decline for now. Just be patient, Bill, is the Turnbull counsel.The prime minister is inclined to see this as another polite request for information. Which he’ll decline for now. Just be patient, Bill, is the Turnbull counsel.
I will consider (Shorten’s) request and consider what material should be tabled in the context of reporting (after the Parkinson inquiry). So I thank him for his suggestion.I will consider (Shorten’s) request and consider what material should be tabled in the context of reporting (after the Parkinson inquiry). So I thank him for his suggestion.
3.14am GMT3.14am GMT
03:1403:14
Daniel HurstDaniel Hurst
Sorry to break into question time, and I know we already know this, but it’s worth recording properly, now he’s put his position on the record.Sorry to break into question time, and I know we already know this, but it’s worth recording properly, now he’s put his position on the record.
Nationals MP Michael McCormack has confirmed he is not eyeing the leadership. There’s a brief statement:Nationals MP Michael McCormack has confirmed he is not eyeing the leadership. There’s a brief statement:
I am not challenging for the leadership and have told the party as much.I am not challenging for the leadership and have told the party as much.
And now, back to question time.And now, back to question time.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.15am GMTat 3.15am GMT
3.12am GMT3.12am GMT
03:1203:12
First Dorothy Dixer is on the resilience of the Australian economy.First Dorothy Dixer is on the resilience of the Australian economy.
Then Shorten is back, on Stuart Robert.Then Shorten is back, on Stuart Robert.
Q: Isn’t it the case the prime minister has one choice: sack the minister, or sack your ministerial standards?Q: Isn’t it the case the prime minister has one choice: sack the minister, or sack your ministerial standards?
(I think that’s two choices, but let’s not quibble).(I think that’s two choices, but let’s not quibble).
Turnbull says in the Robert investigation, he’s following the process set out in the code. This is called due process, the prime minister says.Turnbull says in the Robert investigation, he’s following the process set out in the code. This is called due process, the prime minister says.
3.05am GMT3.05am GMT
03:0503:05
Question timeQuestion time
Thank heavens question time has arrived and we can now walk right by the dreams of men in Australian political leadership.Thank heavens question time has arrived and we can now walk right by the dreams of men in Australian political leadership.
Here’s Bill Shorten, to the prime minister.Here’s Bill Shorten, to the prime minister.
Q: When does good government start?Q: When does good government start?
Malcolm Turnbull says today we’ve had warm words about the National party, lovely words, and he intends to treat this question from Shorten as a polite request for information. We are back into excitement territory. Why is Bill so gloomy? Why does he get his questions from sarcastic newspaper columns?Malcolm Turnbull says today we’ve had warm words about the National party, lovely words, and he intends to treat this question from Shorten as a polite request for information. We are back into excitement territory. Why is Bill so gloomy? Why does he get his questions from sarcastic newspaper columns?
2.59am GMT2.59am GMT
02:5902:59
Just in case you think I might have been joking about the boulevard of dry dreams.Just in case you think I might have been joking about the boulevard of dry dreams.
Former PM Tony Abbott jokes about "wet dreams" in Parliament, while farewelling Warren Truss #auspol pic.twitter.com/HaqTFMTOAsFormer PM Tony Abbott jokes about "wet dreams" in Parliament, while farewelling Warren Truss #auspol pic.twitter.com/HaqTFMTOAs
2.54am GMT2.54am GMT
02:5402:54
Tony Abbott congratulates Warren Truss #reps #politicslive @murpharoo @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/oCgMCm81XjTony Abbott congratulates Warren Truss #reps #politicslive @murpharoo @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/oCgMCm81Xj
2.47am GMT2.47am GMT
02:4702:47
Tony Abbott, continuing:Tony Abbott, continuing:
You know, in this parliament, we are very good at saying the right thing. We are not always nearly so good at doing the right thing, but both the member for Wide Bay and the Member for Goldstein have done the right thing, in every way.You know, in this parliament, we are very good at saying the right thing. We are not always nearly so good at doing the right thing, but both the member for Wide Bay and the Member for Goldstein have done the right thing, in every way.
In everyway.In everyway.
Our country is better for their public life and I join with my other senior colleagues in saying to both of them: “Well done, good and faithful servants.”Our country is better for their public life and I join with my other senior colleagues in saying to both of them: “Well done, good and faithful servants.”
2.44am GMT2.44am GMT
02:4402:44
Tony Abbott and the boulevard of dry dreamsTony Abbott and the boulevard of dry dreams
Tony Abbott is his making his contribution now. He notes very few people leave politics at a time of their choosing. But both of these men have managed it.Tony Abbott is his making his contribution now. He notes very few people leave politics at a time of their choosing. But both of these men have managed it.
He’s running through their respective legacies and their remarkable achievements. Warren Truss he says, has transformed the country. He says he used to talk about adult government, then look to Warren Truss to see that it was delivered.He’s running through their respective legacies and their remarkable achievements. Warren Truss he says, has transformed the country. He says he used to talk about adult government, then look to Warren Truss to see that it was delivered.
Tony Abbott:Tony Abbott:
The foreign minister talked about the deputy prime minister’s dry and droll wit. I can remember after listening to one of his colleagues in leadership group, Warren said: “That sounds a bit like a Treasury wet dream,” and then he said, “No, Treasury only has dry dreams.”The foreign minister talked about the deputy prime minister’s dry and droll wit. I can remember after listening to one of his colleagues in leadership group, Warren said: “That sounds a bit like a Treasury wet dream,” and then he said, “No, Treasury only has dry dreams.”
2.36am GMT
02:36
2.34am GMT
02:34
The foreign minister, Julie Bishop, is paying tribute to Warren Truss’s wonderful sense of humour.
He’s a very droll fellow, she notes.
2.27am GMT
02:27
2.24am GMT
02:24
Barnaby Joyce:
When they think of Truss they will think of decency: a decent man, a gentle man, a good man.
2.21am GMT
02:21
Barnaby Joyce is taking his turn now. His description of the departing leader’s personal qualities is very precise.
Warren has personified decency, self-control, attention to detail, leadership, strength.
Warren, Joyce says, does not wing it.
If he gets the file, he reads the file. He will read yours as well. He does not rise to the bait of the personal barb.
Warren’s capacity to hold a confidence is legendary. As we have said, there are probably three people who know what Warren is thinking on sensitive issues. Warren, his wife and his God.
2.17am GMT
02:17
Shorten pays tribute to Andrew Robb’s pragmatism, an inclination he suspects will be missed around the corridors after he departs political life. He also pays tribute to the courage Robb has shown in managing his depression.
What you did, your example, your honesty, has helped break down some of the counter-productive and ill-informed stigma that inflicts many who suffer in silence. Because of you and your honesty, other people will have better lives. There is not much more than a member of this parliament can claim to do.
2.14am GMT
02:14
Bill Shorten, in his tribute to Warren Truss, reminds the chamber that Truss has the distinct honour of having a cameo in the US TV show, Lost.
Bill Shorten:
There was a character named Sawyer, he is dragged before a detective who had extremely unconvincing Australian accent. He is told he is being charged with involvement in a bar fight to which he protests that this is a badge of honour in Australia, at which point the detective leans in to tell him the bad news and I quote exactly: “You head-butted the honourable Warren Truss, minister for agriculture, forestries and fishery, one of the most important people.” Sawyer interrupts: “He head-butted me.”
For some reason I’m just not sold on the image of Warren Truss, bar-room brawler.
2.11am GMT
02:11
2.08am GMT
02:08
Malcolm Turnbull:
Mr Speaker, the most important thing for all of us to say to these men is thank you. They have made Australia different. They’ve made Australia better. They’ve shaped Australia. They’ve shaped our future, whether it is in trade or it is in infrastructure – or in their example of clear, warm, humane patriotism, a love of country.
2.06am GMT
02:06
Turnbull is pressing on with the salutations. Robb is the best trade minister in Australian history. Truss is a coalitionist – knowing the Liberal and National parties are stronger together than at loggerheads.
The prime minister:
He understands the importance of the National party distinct identity, but also the reality that we are so much stronger when we are working closely together.
(Are you listening, Barnaby, hint hint.)