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Ricky Muir moves to disrupt the Senate program – politics live Ricky Muir moves to disrupt the Senate program – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.13am GMT
00:13
It’s that kind of week, the sequel.
The Greens party room will report its position on whether or not the party will vote against its own marriage equality bill at 11.30am.
11.59pm GMT
23:59
So perhaps this is a shadow cabinet decision? Or a decision in-principle leaving discretion for Labor’s Senate leadership to decide which way to jump on the floor of the chamber in about an hour.
Sorry I did warn you. It will be this kind of week.
11.54pm GMT
23:54
Strange, the official Labor caucus debrief suggests Labor’s support or otherwise for the Muir motion on the ABCC was not considered this morning. Funny that Labor’s deputy Senate leader just said it was being considered.
Here’s Conroy on the ABC, on the ABCC and caucus, about ten minutes ago.
Q: Time management becomes critical here because lurking in the background is what time, if any, might be left over to debate the building and construction commission watchdog. If Labor is opposed to it would you be opposed to bringing that on so you could bring it down?
Stephen Conroy:
That is something the caucus is deciding right now. There were many perspectives in the last few days.
Q: That is a live option?
That is being considered.
Updated
at 12.10am GMT
11.40pm GMT
23:40
Gabrielle Chan
Meanwhile, back at the NBN. We have just had a tech lesson from another contractor, Su-Vun Chung of Corning Optical Communications, who is the NBN executive account manager.
Corning has done two trials in Ballarat and Karingal for NBN Co for their new technology known as skinny fibre which reduces the number of cables and removes the Malcolm Turnbull cabinet and the need for to rely on the old copper wires. Chung brought in a show-and-tell bag of technology. The skinny cable to the house looks like your average TV aerial cable and the box that replaces the big green cabinet is the size of a mobile phone and goes into the ground. The connection is just a plug rather than splicing wires.
It looks like a no-brainer but hey, as Tony Abbott once said, I’m no tech head. Notwithstanding the skinny fibre trials, NBN Co is still going ahead with the FTTN office cupboard rollout.
Updated
at 11.54pm GMT
11.37pm GMT11.37pm GMT
23:3723:37
Speaking of the Muir (and Leyonhjelm) procedural forays, I’ve mentioned the fur will start flying during the hours debate, which should be first up when the chamber meets at lunchtime.Speaking of the Muir (and Leyonhjelm) procedural forays, I’ve mentioned the fur will start flying during the hours debate, which should be first up when the chamber meets at lunchtime.
Some scene setting before we get lost in the invective. Some scene-setting before we get lost in the invective.
Updated
at 11.56pm GMT
11.31pm GMT11.31pm GMT
23:3123:31
Conroy has attempted to distance himself from the fact Labor has shifted position on senate voting reform. He suggests some Labor parliamentarians signed up to a model of Senate voting reform like the model the government is currently pursuing during the joint standing committee on electoral matters inquiry – but the caucus didn’t. Conroy has attempted to distance himself from the fact Labor has shifted position on Senate voting reform. He suggests some Labor parliamentarians signed up to a model of Senate voting reform like the model the government is currently pursuing during the joint standing committee on electoral matters inquiry – but the caucus didn’t.
Q: So those who were undertaking committee work as Labor Senators or members aren’t to be in future regarded as reflecting the view of their party? Q: So those who were undertaking committee work as Labor senators or members aren’t to be in future regarded as reflecting the view of their party?
Stephen Conroy:Stephen Conroy:
Not at all. The only time something becomes official Labor policy is when the caucus decides.Not at all. The only time something becomes official Labor policy is when the caucus decides.
Speaking of caucus, Conroy says colleagues are currently considering whether to support Ricky Muir’s foray on the ABCC.Speaking of caucus, Conroy says colleagues are currently considering whether to support Ricky Muir’s foray on the ABCC.
Updated
at 11.58pm GMT
11.25pm GMT11.25pm GMT
23:2523:25
Labor senator Stephen Conroy has zipped out of the NBN hearing and onto the television.Labor senator Stephen Conroy has zipped out of the NBN hearing and onto the television.
Q: A lot of mind games, Senator, but why doesn’t Labor just accept the inevitability of [Senate voting reform] and have a workman-like debate and be done with it. So why all the brinkmanship? Q: A lot of mind games, senator, but why doesn’t Labor just accept the inevitability of [Senate voting reform] and have a workmanlike debate and be done with it. Why all the brinkmanship?
Stephen Conroy:Stephen Conroy:
This is the most significant voting change in 30 years. It will be have a dramatic impact on the representation in the chamber, whether you like or dislike the current make-up of the Senate, this new voting system will dramatically change the outcome. This is the most significant voting change in 30 years. It will have a dramatic impact on the representation in the chamber, whether you like or dislike the current make-up of the Senate, this new voting system will dramatically change the outcome.
Updated
at 11.57pm GMT
11.18pm GMT11.18pm GMT
23:1823:18
A joint statement just in from the prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Labor leader Bill Shorten says Pat Anderson has been appointed as the new co-chair of the Referendum Council, following the resignation of Patrick Dodson.A joint statement just in from the prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Labor leader Bill Shorten says Pat Anderson has been appointed as the new co-chair of the Referendum Council, following the resignation of Patrick Dodson.
The Referendum Council was tasked in December 2015 with providing advice on progress and next steps towards a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. Ms Anderson has been a member of the Referendum Council since it was formed. The work of the council builds upon the extensive work of the expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians and the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.The Referendum Council was tasked in December 2015 with providing advice on progress and next steps towards a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. Ms Anderson has been a member of the Referendum Council since it was formed. The work of the council builds upon the extensive work of the expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians and the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Pat Anderson is an Alyawarre woman and the chairperson of the Lowitja Institute. Previously Ms Anderson was chief executive officer of the Danila Dilba Health Service in Darwin, chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and executive officer and chair of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory. Anderson also co-authored the Little Children Are Sacred Report.Pat Anderson is an Alyawarre woman and the chairperson of the Lowitja Institute. Previously Ms Anderson was chief executive officer of the Danila Dilba Health Service in Darwin, chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and executive officer and chair of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory. Anderson also co-authored the Little Children Are Sacred Report.
In June 2014, Ms Anderson was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, educational and protection outcomes for children. Ms Anderson was awarded the Public Health Association of Australia’s Sidney Sax Public Health Medal in recognition of her achievements, and she was awarded the Human Rights Community Individual Award (Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Award).In June 2014, Ms Anderson was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Indigenous community as a social justice advocate, particularly through promoting improved health, educational and protection outcomes for children. Ms Anderson was awarded the Public Health Association of Australia’s Sidney Sax Public Health Medal in recognition of her achievements, and she was awarded the Human Rights Community Individual Award (Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Award).
Ms Anderson joins Mark Leibler as co-chair of the council.Ms Anderson joins Mark Leibler as co-chair of the council.
11.11pm GMT11.11pm GMT
23:1123:11
For close watchers of ministerial locutions, the finance minister Mathias Cormann has told Sky News this morning the government will consider the ABCC bill ..For close watchers of ministerial locutions, the finance minister Mathias Cormann has told Sky News this morning the government will consider the ABCC bill ..
... at the earliest opportunity when we come back in May.... at the earliest opportunity when we come back in May.
The quote he gave at the doors of the Senate this morning was just May, not the earliest opportunity in May. Make of that something, or nothing.The quote he gave at the doors of the Senate this morning was just May, not the earliest opportunity in May. Make of that something, or nothing.
10.51pm GMT10.51pm GMT
22:5122:51
Gabrielle ChanGabrielle Chan
As Murph mentioned, I’m eyes on the NBN committee. Labor’s Stephen Conroy, a former communications minister, is grilling Broadspectrum executives this morning in a senate select committee, before moving to the NBN Co.As Murph mentioned, I’m eyes on the NBN committee. Labor’s Stephen Conroy, a former communications minister, is grilling Broadspectrum executives this morning in a senate select committee, before moving to the NBN Co.
Before the committee started, Conroy had a win of sorts, succeeding in forcing the NBN Co chief technology officer Dennis Steiger to appear before a senate select committee later this morning. Albeit by video conference. NBN Co had been resisting Steiger’s appearance until the chair senator Jan McLucas reminded the NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow that the committee “had the power to send for and examine persons or documents”. Steiger is up at 10.30am, all things being equal. Before the committee started, Conroy had a win of sorts, succeeding in forcing the NBN Co chief technology officer Dennis Steiger to appear before a Senate select committee later this morning. Albeit by video conference. NBN Co had been resisting Steiger’s appearance until the chair, senator Jan McLucas, reminded the NBN Co chief executive Bill Morrow that the committee “had the power to send for and examine persons or documents”. Steiger is up at 10.30am, all things being equal.
Conroy’s first forays seem to be digging into the delays of the NBN rollout with one of the contractors, Broadspectrum - formerly known as Transfield. Conroy is trying to establish the delay through the contractors financials. Conroy’s first forays seem to be digging into the delays of the NBN rollout with one of the contractors, Broadspectrum – formerly known as Transfield. Conroy is trying to establish the delay through the contractors financials.
Updated
at 12.01am GMT
10.48pm GMT10.48pm GMT
22:4822:48
Stutchbury is concerned that 80% of older Australians are on the pension. As Tony Harrison might say, this is an outrage. Doesn’t this have to change, the AFR editor wonders.Stutchbury is concerned that 80% of older Australians are on the pension. As Tony Harrison might say, this is an outrage. Doesn’t this have to change, the AFR editor wonders.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
Well it depends on the composition of the 80%.Well it depends on the composition of the 80%.
After about fifteen minutes.After about fifteen minutes.
My objective would be to see that be less.My objective would be to see that be less.
10.45pm GMT10.45pm GMT
22:4522:45
They are into Q&A now in Melbourne. This must be an AFR conference because AFR editor in chief Michael Stutchbury is now manfully trying to get a news line out of Morrison. No far, no banana. The treasurer is in artful non-specific mode.They are into Q&A now in Melbourne. This must be an AFR conference because AFR editor in chief Michael Stutchbury is now manfully trying to get a news line out of Morrison. No far, no banana. The treasurer is in artful non-specific mode.
10.37pm GMT10.37pm GMT
22:3722:37
Action on super taxes in the budget, if not before: MorrisonAction on super taxes in the budget, if not before: Morrison
Morrison has flagged some movement on super taxes will be contained in the budget, if it’s not announced before.Morrison has flagged some movement on super taxes will be contained in the budget, if it’s not announced before.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
How tax incentives are structured will ... form part of these changes but the changes will be about delivering a fairer and more sustainable retirement income system for our 21st century economy building on the pension reforms in last year’s budget.How tax incentives are structured will ... form part of these changes but the changes will be about delivering a fairer and more sustainable retirement income system for our 21st century economy building on the pension reforms in last year’s budget.
It’s not about revenue raising. It is not about higher taxes to fund higher spending. It’s about a better retirement incomes.It’s not about revenue raising. It is not about higher taxes to fund higher spending. It’s about a better retirement incomes.
Morrison says the pension is a welfare payment that applies to people who can’t fund their own retirements.Morrison says the pension is a welfare payment that applies to people who can’t fund their own retirements.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.02pm GMTat 11.02pm GMT
10.26pm GMT10.26pm GMT
22:2622:26
What if you never had a tie?What if you never had a tie?
#JustAsking#JustAsking
10.26pm GMT10.26pm GMT
22:2622:26
Morrison, on FinTech. Shiny, happy, tie-less people, hubbing away on landing pads in Shanghai.Morrison, on FinTech. Shiny, happy, tie-less people, hubbing away on landing pads in Shanghai.
It is shiny. A lot of the people involved in it are quite shiny. It’s an exciting industry.It is shiny. A lot of the people involved in it are quite shiny. It’s an exciting industry.
If you want to get involved in it, you better you better get a T-shirt and lose the tie.If you want to get involved in it, you better you better get a T-shirt and lose the tie.
10.24pm GMT10.24pm GMT
22:2422:24
The treasurer Scott Morrison is currently giving a speech at a conference in Melbourne. We are deep in FinTech right now.The treasurer Scott Morrison is currently giving a speech at a conference in Melbourne. We are deep in FinTech right now.
10.21pm GMT10.21pm GMT
22:2122:21
This morning there is also a Senate committee hearing on the NBN. My colleague Gabi Chan has ears on that.This morning there is also a Senate committee hearing on the NBN. My colleague Gabi Chan has ears on that.
10.18pm GMT10.18pm GMT
22:1822:18
The government’s move to alter the Senate business for this week is the point at which the procedural throw downs will commence.The government’s move to alter the Senate business for this week is the point at which the procedural throw downs will commence.
10.16pm GMT10.16pm GMT
22:1622:16
Here is the "hours" motion the government will put to the Senate this morning for this week's businessHere is the "hours" motion the government will put to the Senate this morning for this week's business
1) The Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016 have precedence over all government business until determined.1) The Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016 have precedence over all government business until determined.
(2) On Tuesday, 15 March 2016:(2) On Tuesday, 15 March 2016:
(a) the hours of meeting shall be 12.30 pm to 7 pm and 7.30 pm to adjournment;(a) the hours of meeting shall be 12.30 pm to 7 pm and 7.30 pm to adjournment;
(b) the routine of business from 7.30 pm shall be government business only; and(b) the routine of business from 7.30 pm shall be government business only; and
(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10.30 pm.(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10.30 pm.
(3) On Wednesday, 16 March 2016:(3) On Wednesday, 16 March 2016:
(a) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to 7 pm and 7.30 pm 11.10 pm;(a) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to 7 pm and 7.30 pm 11.10 pm;
(b) the routine of business from 7.30 pm shall be government business only; and(b) the routine of business from 7.30 pm shall be government business only; and
(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10.30 pm.(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10.30 pm.
(4) If by adjournment of the Senate on Wednesday, 16 March 2016, the following bills have not been finally considered:(4) If by adjournment of the Senate on Wednesday, 16 March 2016, the following bills have not been finally considered:
(a) on Thursday, 17 March 2016:(a) on Thursday, 17 March 2016:
(i) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to adjournment,(i) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to adjournment,
(ii) consideration of general business and consideration of committee reports, government responses and Auditor-General’s reports under standing order 62(1) and (2) shall not be proceeded with,(ii) consideration of general business and consideration of committee reports, government responses and Auditor-General’s reports under standing order 62(1) and (2) shall not be proceeded with,
(iii) the routine of business from not later than 4.30 pm shall be government business only, and(iii) the routine of business from not later than 4.30 pm shall be government business only, and
(iv) divisions may take place after 4.30 pm; and(iv) divisions may take place after 4.30 pm; and
(b) the Senate shall adjourn after it has finally considered the bills listed above in paragraph (4) only, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.(b) the Senate shall adjourn after it has finally considered the bills listed above in paragraph (4) only, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.