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| Election 2016: changes to superannuation 'fair and well targeted', Turnbull says – politics live | Election 2016: changes to superannuation 'fair and well targeted', Turnbull says – politics live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 11.56pm BST | |
| 23:56 | |
| If you are still interested in black holes, Gareth Hutchens has done a handy fact check on the numbers. | |
| 11.51pm BST | |
| 23:51 | |
| Good morning, | |
| Today heralds the end of the cold war, between the king of the shock jocks Alan Jones and Malcolm Turnbull, the man who had the temerity to knock him back a few pegs in 2014, after Tony Abbott’s first budget. | |
| At that time, Jones told Malcolm Turnbull he “had no hope of ever being the leader, you have got to get that into your head”. | |
| The record shows Turnbull did not get that into his head. Peta Credlin recently said in her new role as commentator on Sky that the PM could not win an election without talking to the likes of Alan Jones and Ray Hadley because they speak to the Coalition’s base. | |
| Liberals on the moderate end of the spectrum have disputed that call to me. They don’t think it is as necessary as everyone makes out. Never-the-less, it was a job that needed to be done, a bit like going to the dentist. This morning, it was carried out in a workman-like fashion. | |
| Both men were on their best behaviour, careful not to rile the other. By the end, there was very little to report. | |
| Elsewhere in the campaign universe, Turnbull will carry on his tour of Victoria. He has some announceables worth up to $20m for tourism infrastructure in the Dandenongs, which happens to be in the seat of Bruce. It includes $6.5m for the Puffing Billy railway. | |
| Labor MP and Rudd numbers man Alan Griffin is the retiring MP in that seat with a margin of 1.8%. In his recent valedictory, he likened retirement from parliament to release from prison - a bit like the movie The Shawshank Redemption. | |
| The government’s announcement is to highlight the fact that tourism is about to overtake coal as our second biggest export, after iron ore. China is driving the increase, with one million Chinese tourists visiting Australia last year. | |
| Bill Shorten is announcing $8m for ovarian cancer research before heading to Darwin. He has @mpbowers in tow. | |
| There is a regional leaders debate tonight with Barnaby Joyce, Labor’s Joel Fitzgibbon and Greens leader Richard Di Natale. | |
| You can talk to me in the thread below, on the Twits @gabriellechan or at my Facebook page. | |
| 11.32pm BST | |
| 23:32 | |
| Thanks for joining me, Melissa Davey, this morning. I’m handing you over to Gabrielle Chan in Canberra now. | |
| I’ll leave you with this piece from Fairfax, which says there is trouble brewing in Warringah: | |
| Tony Abbott’s campaign in the Sydney stronghold of Warringah has succumbed to bitter infighting as rank-and-file Liberals complain over strategy and position for “life-after-Abbott”, tipping the former prime minister will quit if left off Malcolm Turnbull’s post-election frontbench”. | |
| Despite his public statements to the contrary, many local Liberals expect Mr Abbott to move on after the election. A popular theory is that he will be offered a prominent diplomatic post such as Australia’s high commissioner to London. | |
| See you at 6am tomorrow. | |
| Updated | |
| at 11.47pm BST | |
| 11.24pm BST | 11.24pm BST |
| 23:24 | 23:24 |
| The Coalition have just issued a press release detailing its support for Australian dairy farmers who have had their incomes retrospectively cut by dairy processors Murray-Goulburn and Fonterra. | |
| Deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce said the Coalition will deliver immediate assistance. | Deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce said the Coalition will deliver immediate assistance. |
| The key elements of the support package include: $555 million in dairy recovery concessional loans, $20 million to fast track the upgrade of the Macalister irrigation district, $2 million to establish a commodity milk price index, $900,000 for an additional nine rural financial counsellors in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales, and $900,000 for Dairy Australia’s ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ program. | The key elements of the support package include: $555 million in dairy recovery concessional loans, $20 million to fast track the upgrade of the Macalister irrigation district, $2 million to establish a commodity milk price index, $900,000 for an additional nine rural financial counsellors in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales, and $900,000 for Dairy Australia’s ‘Tactics for Tight Times’ program. |
| Household allowance applications will also be fast-tracked, with 18 more department of human services employees processing claims. A dairy industry liaison officer has been appointed, and two department of human services mobile service centres will be redirected to dairy regions. | Household allowance applications will also be fast-tracked, with 18 more department of human services employees processing claims. A dairy industry liaison officer has been appointed, and two department of human services mobile service centres will be redirected to dairy regions. |
| Minister for human services, Alan Tudge says: | Minister for human services, Alan Tudge says: |
| Where a farmer is facing real hardship and we have received the full details, a decision can be made almost immediately. If there is any difficulty obtaining the information we need to assess a claim, Farm Household Case Officers can talk to the farmer’s accountant or financial adviser to help get the information needed. | Where a farmer is facing real hardship and we have received the full details, a decision can be made almost immediately. If there is any difficulty obtaining the information we need to assess a claim, Farm Household Case Officers can talk to the farmer’s accountant or financial adviser to help get the information needed. |
| The announcement comes ahead of a debate on regional issues tonight between Joyce, Greens leader Richard Di Natale and Labor’s agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon. | The announcement comes ahead of a debate on regional issues tonight between Joyce, Greens leader Richard Di Natale and Labor’s agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.34pm BST | |
| 11.15pm BST | 11.15pm BST |
| 23:15 | 23:15 |
| A bit more on that interview of Turnbull by Alan Jones earlier this morning. | A bit more on that interview of Turnbull by Alan Jones earlier this morning. |
| Turnbull has refused to talk to Jones since an on-air stoush two years ago. During that interview, Jones grilled Turnbull about his support for an Abbott-Hockey leadership. Turnbull replied: “Alan, I’m not going to take dictation from you.” | Turnbull has refused to talk to Jones since an on-air stoush two years ago. During that interview, Jones grilled Turnbull about his support for an Abbott-Hockey leadership. Turnbull replied: “Alan, I’m not going to take dictation from you.” |
| Jones was not impressed, firing back: “You’ve no hope of being the leader — you’ve got to get that into your head”. | Jones was not impressed, firing back: “You’ve no hope of being the leader — you’ve got to get that into your head”. |
| News Ltd asks whether poor polling this week was behind Turnbull’s decision to appear on the 2GB program today. | News Ltd asks whether poor polling this week was behind Turnbull’s decision to appear on the 2GB program today. |
| A media expert has told news.com.au, the early morning chat has less to do with two finding common ground and everything to do with the man dubbed “Mr Harbourside Mansion” failing to connect with voters in more humble abodes whose tick of approval will be crucial if Turnbull hopes to win the July 2 federal election. | A media expert has told news.com.au, the early morning chat has less to do with two finding common ground and everything to do with the man dubbed “Mr Harbourside Mansion” failing to connect with voters in more humble abodes whose tick of approval will be crucial if Turnbull hopes to win the July 2 federal election. |
| Jones opened this morning’s interview with a disclaimer: | Jones opened this morning’s interview with a disclaimer: |
| For those of you expecting some kind of brawl, forget it. Won’t happen. This is an election campaign and it is a very serious matter. I will be focusing in this interview, as I always do, on policy. | For those of you expecting some kind of brawl, forget it. Won’t happen. This is an election campaign and it is a very serious matter. I will be focusing in this interview, as I always do, on policy. |
| #politicslive has been up since the wee hours, with @MelissaLDavey Latest: Alan Jones and PM kiss and make up https://t.co/O0HqkQqtlC | #politicslive has been up since the wee hours, with @MelissaLDavey Latest: Alan Jones and PM kiss and make up https://t.co/O0HqkQqtlC |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.18pm BST | at 11.18pm BST |
| 11.04pm BST | 11.04pm BST |
| 23:04 | 23:04 |
| More on the package for dairy farmers being announced by the deputy PM, Barnaby Joyce, today. He’s just spoken to the ABC’s AM program and says the package will include access to concessional loans at the cheapest rates possible, and welfare payments of up to $1000 a fortnight. | More on the package for dairy farmers being announced by the deputy PM, Barnaby Joyce, today. He’s just spoken to the ABC’s AM program and says the package will include access to concessional loans at the cheapest rates possible, and welfare payments of up to $1000 a fortnight. |
| BREAKING: Barnaby_Joyce announces $550m in concessional loans for dairy farmers at 2.66% interest rate from 1 August #ausvotes @abcnews | BREAKING: Barnaby_Joyce announces $550m in concessional loans for dairy farmers at 2.66% interest rate from 1 August #ausvotes @abcnews |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.04pm BST | at 11.04pm BST |
| 10.58pm BST | 10.58pm BST |
| 22:58 | 22:58 |
| To the front pages, courtesy of Guardian Australia’s audience editor, Dave Earley: | To the front pages, courtesy of Guardian Australia’s audience editor, Dave Earley: |
| The Financial Review reports that outgoing Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has “warned the bickering political parties that whichever side wins the federal election will face years of hard decisions if they carry through on promises to repair the budget”. | The Financial Review reports that outgoing Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has “warned the bickering political parties that whichever side wins the federal election will face years of hard decisions if they carry through on promises to repair the budget”. |
| Financial Review front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @FinancialReview #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/92F3dFzMCV | Financial Review front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @FinancialReview #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/92F3dFzMCV |
| The Labor senator Stephen Conroy has formally claimed parliamentary privilege on documents seized from his Melbourne office and a staffer’s home in last Thursday’s NBN raids, The ABC says: | The Labor senator Stephen Conroy has formally claimed parliamentary privilege on documents seized from his Melbourne office and a staffer’s home in last Thursday’s NBN raids, The ABC says: |
| Senator Conroy demanded the documents seized from the two premises be sealed and delivered to the Senate in Canberra. | Senator Conroy demanded the documents seized from the two premises be sealed and delivered to the Senate in Canberra. |
| “I will write to the clerk of the Senate, Dr Rosemary Laing, to commence an action to seek a ruling from the Senate on the claim,” Senator Conroy wrote. | “I will write to the clerk of the Senate, Dr Rosemary Laing, to commence an action to seek a ruling from the Senate on the claim,” Senator Conroy wrote. |
| “I expect the seized items to remain in the Clerk’s possession until the Senate rules on my privilege claim.” | “I expect the seized items to remain in the Clerk’s possession until the Senate rules on my privilege claim.” |
| ABC News front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @abcnews #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/8jePza9jt2 | ABC News front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @abcnews #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/8jePza9jt2 |
| And in the Courier Mail: lawyers from Heritage Bank have accused the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, of breaching consumer law by using their “people first” trademark. They have have threatened to begin court proceedings as soon as 4pm today if the ALP doesn’t stop using it, the report says: | And in the Courier Mail: lawyers from Heritage Bank have accused the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, of breaching consumer law by using their “people first” trademark. They have have threatened to begin court proceedings as soon as 4pm today if the ALP doesn’t stop using it, the report says: |
| But Labor has rejected demands to stop using its “putting people first” slogan and pointed out the bank has close ties to the Liberal National party in Queensland. | But Labor has rejected demands to stop using its “putting people first” slogan and pointed out the bank has close ties to the Liberal National party in Queensland. |
| Heritage Bank donated more than $10,000 to the LNP in 2014 and the bank’s head of banking operations, David Janetzki, is running as the party’s candidate for the byelection in the state seat of Toowoomba South. | Heritage Bank donated more than $10,000 to the LNP in 2014 and the bank’s head of banking operations, David Janetzki, is running as the party’s candidate for the byelection in the state seat of Toowoomba South. |
| The Courier-Mail front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @couriermail #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/yY4RikJ9kz | The Courier-Mail front page. Wednesday 25 May 2016. @couriermail #ausvotes #election2016 #auspol pic.twitter.com/yY4RikJ9kz |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.12pm BST | at 11.12pm BST |
| 10.46pm BST | 10.46pm BST |
| 22:46 | 22:46 |
| Guardian Australia’s photographer, Mike Bowers, has seen many early mornings since the campaign began just over a fortnight ago. Morning Mike. Just under six more weeks of these ahead. | Guardian Australia’s photographer, Mike Bowers, has seen many early mornings since the campaign began just over a fortnight ago. Morning Mike. Just under six more weeks of these ahead. |
| Election dawns top left-Bris,Melb,Syd,Perth,Syd,Perth,Perth,Darwin & Melbourne today @MelissaLDavey @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/OVbHWd4fC6 | Election dawns top left-Bris,Melb,Syd,Perth,Syd,Perth,Perth,Darwin & Melbourne today @MelissaLDavey @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/OVbHWd4fC6 |
| 10.43pm BST | 10.43pm BST |
| 22:43 | 22:43 |
| Alan Jones also asked the prime minister about the government’s crackdown on high-income superannuation tax concessions. Turnbull tells him that high-income earners – like himself and Jones – are the ones who will be affected, and says that’s only fair: | Alan Jones also asked the prime minister about the government’s crackdown on high-income superannuation tax concessions. Turnbull tells him that high-income earners – like himself and Jones – are the ones who will be affected, and says that’s only fair: |
| We believe our changes to superannuation are fair and well targeted. The reality is we have to live within our means. The super concessions are very generous. What we’ve done is dial them in a bit, so people like you and me are paying more tax. | We believe our changes to superannuation are fair and well targeted. The reality is we have to live within our means. The super concessions are very generous. What we’ve done is dial them in a bit, so people like you and me are paying more tax. |
| “I’m not in your league,” Jones replies. | “I’m not in your league,” Jones replies. |
| Jones gets in a final question about the Safe Schools program, aimed at making LGBTI children feel included and safe. Jones is concerned that school children are apparently being asked to put themselves in a LGBTI person’s shoes as part of the program. Turnbull says changes to the program mean that parents will have to consent to their children taking part. | Jones gets in a final question about the Safe Schools program, aimed at making LGBTI children feel included and safe. Jones is concerned that school children are apparently being asked to put themselves in a LGBTI person’s shoes as part of the program. Turnbull says changes to the program mean that parents will have to consent to their children taking part. |
| There is no substitute for very active, involved and engaged parents. We believe parents should be right into it. | There is no substitute for very active, involved and engaged parents. We believe parents should be right into it. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.56pm BST | at 10.56pm BST |
| 10.35pm BST | 10.35pm BST |
| 22:35 | 22:35 |
| The prime minister has just been interviewed by Alan Jones on 2GB. Jones went straight into this week’s Newspoll, which showed a boost to Shorten’s popularity. Turnbull tells Jones that voters have a “very clear choice” come polling day. | The prime minister has just been interviewed by Alan Jones on 2GB. Jones went straight into this week’s Newspoll, which showed a boost to Shorten’s popularity. Turnbull tells Jones that voters have a “very clear choice” come polling day. |
| We are presenting a national economic plan, every element of which is promoting economic growth and jobs. We need a clear economic plan. On the other hand, you’ve got Labor offering higher taxes, bigger deficits and there is nothing in what they’ve proposed that will create jobs or drive economic growth. What we’re doing is the opposite. We’re promoting jobs and promoting growth. | We are presenting a national economic plan, every element of which is promoting economic growth and jobs. We need a clear economic plan. On the other hand, you’ve got Labor offering higher taxes, bigger deficits and there is nothing in what they’ve proposed that will create jobs or drive economic growth. What we’re doing is the opposite. We’re promoting jobs and promoting growth. |
| But how do you plan on turning around the budget deficit, Jones asks. | But how do you plan on turning around the budget deficit, Jones asks. |
| It is a slog, there is no doubt about that. But the absolute key to this is growing the economy. You’ve got to grow the economy faster than expenditure. | It is a slog, there is no doubt about that. But the absolute key to this is growing the economy. You’ve got to grow the economy faster than expenditure. |
| Turnbull goes on to say that Labor’s negative gearing proposal to allow negative gearing to be claimed on new properties only is a “massive constriction on economic freedom”. To encourage more young people into the housing market and improve affordability, Turnbull tells Jones that it all comes down to supply and demand. State governments needed to free up land for development, he says. | Turnbull goes on to say that Labor’s negative gearing proposal to allow negative gearing to be claimed on new properties only is a “massive constriction on economic freedom”. To encourage more young people into the housing market and improve affordability, Turnbull tells Jones that it all comes down to supply and demand. State governments needed to free up land for development, he says. |
| Now what constrains supply is local government and state government, and what we have said in our cities policy is we are no longer going to be just a passive ATM that hands out money to the states. I approach these things as a businessman. I believe we have to look at our investments in cities that maximises the benefit to the people living. That includes increasing housing supply. | Now what constrains supply is local government and state government, and what we have said in our cities policy is we are no longer going to be just a passive ATM that hands out money to the states. I approach these things as a businessman. I believe we have to look at our investments in cities that maximises the benefit to the people living. That includes increasing housing supply. |
| To black holes now. Turnbull says that the government’s promises are fully funded. | To black holes now. Turnbull says that the government’s promises are fully funded. |
| A key part of our national economic plan is living within our means. When we talk about funding for health, education, rail, roads, all of those commitments are fully funded. | A key part of our national economic plan is living within our means. When we talk about funding for health, education, rail, roads, all of those commitments are fully funded. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.55pm BST | at 10.55pm BST |
| 10.04pm BST | 10.04pm BST |
| 22:04 | 22:04 |
| Coming up shortly: | Coming up shortly: |
| Prime Minister @TurnbullMalcolm will be interviewed by Alan Jones after the 7am news. Listen here https://t.co/9CH8iZfOdK #ausvotes | Prime Minister @TurnbullMalcolm will be interviewed by Alan Jones after the 7am news. Listen here https://t.co/9CH8iZfOdK #ausvotes |
| 10.03pm BST | 10.03pm BST |
| 22:03 | 22:03 |
| Black holes within black holes. The Coalition’s botched attack on Labor over the size of the black hole in their budget costings is continuing to make news today. | Black holes within black holes. The Coalition’s botched attack on Labor over the size of the black hole in their budget costings is continuing to make news today. |
| Michelle Grattan writes for The Conversation that: | Michelle Grattan writes for The Conversation that: |
| “Black holes” are part of the meat and potatoes of election campaigns – and often of the early days of new governments too, though the Charter of Budget Honesty has made them harder at that stage. | “Black holes” are part of the meat and potatoes of election campaigns – and often of the early days of new governments too, though the Charter of Budget Honesty has made them harder at that stage. |
| Just as with border protection, Labor is usually thought to be vulnerable on its spending plans, so it wasn’t surprising when Morrison and Cormann launched the assault. | Just as with border protection, Labor is usually thought to be vulnerable on its spending plans, so it wasn’t surprising when Morrison and Cormann launched the assault. |
| In such exercises the figures are almost always dodgy but these were embarrassing. One would have thought that after his bad experience over the GST issue, Morrison in particular would have understood the danger of overreach. | In such exercises the figures are almost always dodgy but these were embarrassing. One would have thought that after his bad experience over the GST issue, Morrison in particular would have understood the danger of overreach. |
| 9.50pm BST | 9.50pm BST |
| 21:50 | 21:50 |
| The Salvation Army’s Major Paul Moulds has told ABC News 24 that the voices of those who are most marginalised “tend to get overlooked in elections”. A new report from the Salvos found one in five of its customers are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, and some are living off less than $16 a day after expenses. Moulds says: | The Salvation Army’s Major Paul Moulds has told ABC News 24 that the voices of those who are most marginalised “tend to get overlooked in elections”. A new report from the Salvos found one in five of its customers are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, and some are living off less than $16 a day after expenses. Moulds says: |
| This report, taken from 1,600 people who have approached the Salvation Army for help, really gives an insight into their lives. And year after year we release this report and it’s amazing that in five years of releasing it, we really haven’t seen any great progress being made. That’s because I think no one’s prepared to really tackle the hard issues that we need to look at as regarding poverty in Australia. | This report, taken from 1,600 people who have approached the Salvation Army for help, really gives an insight into their lives. And year after year we release this report and it’s amazing that in five years of releasing it, we really haven’t seen any great progress being made. That’s because I think no one’s prepared to really tackle the hard issues that we need to look at as regarding poverty in Australia. |
| A lack of affordable housing is hurting people badly, Moulds said. Of the 1,600 people that responded to the Salvo’s survey, 40% of said they had moved three times in the past 12 months. | A lack of affordable housing is hurting people badly, Moulds said. Of the 1,600 people that responded to the Salvo’s survey, 40% of said they had moved three times in the past 12 months. |
| There’s a whole lot of people out there that don’t have the income to get into a lease property. They’re living in insecure tenancy so they’re getting room shares off Gumtree, places like that, they’re living in boarding houses. | There’s a whole lot of people out there that don’t have the income to get into a lease property. They’re living in insecure tenancy so they’re getting room shares off Gumtree, places like that, they’re living in boarding houses. |
| These are the people we want to participate in the economic jobs thing that the government’s talking about, but they can’t. It’s really hard to do that when you don’t have secure accommodation. The rents are just so difficult to match that they resort to moving between places so quickly. So it’s an insight, I think, into how difficult it is for people in the housing market. | These are the people we want to participate in the economic jobs thing that the government’s talking about, but they can’t. It’s really hard to do that when you don’t have secure accommodation. The rents are just so difficult to match that they resort to moving between places so quickly. So it’s an insight, I think, into how difficult it is for people in the housing market. |
| Interesting to see implications of this for the education of children living in these circumstances https://t.co/CTBean9XnS | Interesting to see implications of this for the education of children living in these circumstances https://t.co/CTBean9XnS |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.32pm BST | at 10.32pm BST |
| 9.37pm BST | 9.37pm BST |
| 21:37 | 21:37 |
| Turnbull and Shorten will both be in Melbourne today. | Turnbull and Shorten will both be in Melbourne today. |
| Also in Melbourne, 3AW is reporting that political signs promoting Turnbull and local candidate Julia Banks have been stolen from the front yard of a home in Melbourne’s east. Scandal. | Also in Melbourne, 3AW is reporting that political signs promoting Turnbull and local candidate Julia Banks have been stolen from the front yard of a home in Melbourne’s east. Scandal. |
| The brazen theft has been captured on CCTV. | The brazen theft has been captured on CCTV. |
| 9.19pm BST | 9.19pm BST |
| 21:19 | 21:19 |
| Budget black holes have dominated week three of the election campaign. | Budget black holes have dominated week three of the election campaign. |
| Yesterday, the Coalition, namely Scott Morrison and Mathias Cormann, attempted to discredit Labor’s budget costings, saying the opposition’s budget would blowout to $67bn over four years, which would reach $200bn in 10 years. But by yesterday afternoon after some scrutiny and questioning, this figure had come down to $32bn. | Yesterday, the Coalition, namely Scott Morrison and Mathias Cormann, attempted to discredit Labor’s budget costings, saying the opposition’s budget would blowout to $67bn over four years, which would reach $200bn in 10 years. But by yesterday afternoon after some scrutiny and questioning, this figure had come down to $32bn. |
| Laura Tingle writes for the Australian Financial Review that the blunder in the blowout estimates had left Morrison and Cormann with “with over-egging all over their face”. | Laura Tingle writes for the Australian Financial Review that the blunder in the blowout estimates had left Morrison and Cormann with “with over-egging all over their face”. |
| The most spectacular road crash remains the Coalition’s insistence there is a $19.27bn cost to Labor’s commitment to returning foreign aid to 0.5% of national income. | The most spectacular road crash remains the Coalition’s insistence there is a $19.27bn cost to Labor’s commitment to returning foreign aid to 0.5% of national income. |
| Morrison and Cormann persisted with this on Tuesday, despite Labor’s Tanya Plibersek releasing a policy on Sunday limiting the increase to just $800m more than the Liberals over the next four years, and that the Coalition’s own policy is also for a return to 0.5%. | Morrison and Cormann persisted with this on Tuesday, despite Labor’s Tanya Plibersek releasing a policy on Sunday limiting the increase to just $800m more than the Liberals over the next four years, and that the Coalition’s own policy is also for a return to 0.5%. |
| The point about all of this is that, despite outlining a range of measures to fund its promises, Labor still does need to provide a reckoning on how they stack up, particularly over the next four years. | The point about all of this is that, despite outlining a range of measures to fund its promises, Labor still does need to provide a reckoning on how they stack up, particularly over the next four years. |
| But in so spectacularly over-egging the case, the government has destroyed its own authority to critique Labor’s numbers later in the campaign. | But in so spectacularly over-egging the case, the government has destroyed its own authority to critique Labor’s numbers later in the campaign. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.30pm BST | at 10.30pm BST |
| 9.07pm BST | 9.07pm BST |
| 21:07 | 21:07 |
| The first official debate of the campaign between Turnbull and Shorten will take place on Sunday night, Fairfax reports. Chris Uhlmann, the ABC’s political editor, is expected to moderate the debate. | The first official debate of the campaign between Turnbull and Shorten will take place on Sunday night, Fairfax reports. Chris Uhlmann, the ABC’s political editor, is expected to moderate the debate. |
| The hour-long debate at the National Press Club in Canberra is expected to be broadcast live at 7.30pm on the ABC and made available to commercial networks. | The hour-long debate at the National Press Club in Canberra is expected to be broadcast live at 7.30pm on the ABC and made available to commercial networks. |
| An announcement of the debate is expected on Wednesday, following negotiations between the two campaigns. | An announcement of the debate is expected on Wednesday, following negotiations between the two campaigns. |
| With no movement in the polls in the first two weeks of campaigning, the debate will assume even greater importance as an opportunity for both leaders to generate momentum. | With no movement in the polls in the first two weeks of campaigning, the debate will assume even greater importance as an opportunity for both leaders to generate momentum. |
| Full story here. | Full story here. |
| 8.54pm BST | 8.54pm BST |
| 20:54 | 20:54 |
| We’re almost halfway through the week but barely a quarter of the way through this election campaign. Welcome to Wednesday, our live politics coverage, and yet another poll to ponder. | We’re almost halfway through the week but barely a quarter of the way through this election campaign. Welcome to Wednesday, our live politics coverage, and yet another poll to ponder. |
| Melissa Davey with you this morning, I’ll be handing over to Guardian Australia’s deputy political editor, Katharine Murphy, at 8.30am. Katharine was yesterday announced as Guardian Australia’s new political editor and will be taking on the position next month when Lenore Taylor takes on the role of editor of Guardian Australia. | Melissa Davey with you this morning, I’ll be handing over to Guardian Australia’s deputy political editor, Katharine Murphy, at 8.30am. Katharine was yesterday announced as Guardian Australia’s new political editor and will be taking on the position next month when Lenore Taylor takes on the role of editor of Guardian Australia. |
| A huge congratulations to them. | A huge congratulations to them. |
| Very, very pleased to say @GuardianAus new political editor is @murpharoo and chief political correspondent is @gabriellechan #auspol | Very, very pleased to say @GuardianAus new political editor is @murpharoo and chief political correspondent is @gabriellechan #auspol |
| The big picture | The big picture |
| The prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is “arrogant, but people like him”. That’s the headline on this story in the Australian today, after a special Newspoll was taken to ask people about character traits they believe the leaders exhibit. | The prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is “arrogant, but people like him”. That’s the headline on this story in the Australian today, after a special Newspoll was taken to ask people about character traits they believe the leaders exhibit. |
| Of the 1,709 people surveyed, six out of 10 said Turnbull was arrogant, an increase from 55%. However, the former Labor leader Kevin Rudd and the former prime minister Tony Abbott were considered far more arrogant in similar, previous polls. Just under half of those surveyed said the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, was arrogant, with his measure falling from 49% to 47%. | Of the 1,709 people surveyed, six out of 10 said Turnbull was arrogant, an increase from 55%. However, the former Labor leader Kevin Rudd and the former prime minister Tony Abbott were considered far more arrogant in similar, previous polls. Just under half of those surveyed said the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, was arrogant, with his measure falling from 49% to 47%. |
| But the Aus story also says: | But the Aus story also says: |
| Voters considered Mr Turnbull far more likeable, even though his standing fell three points to 68% and Mr Shorten rose nine points to 57%. | Voters considered Mr Turnbull far more likeable, even though his standing fell three points to 68% and Mr Shorten rose nine points to 57%. |
| While both men are former ministers leading their parties for the first time in an election campaign, Mr Turnbull was judged to be a more experienced leader at 74%, down three points. Mr Shorten’s score rose five points to 62%. | While both men are former ministers leading their parties for the first time in an election campaign, Mr Turnbull was judged to be a more experienced leader at 74%, down three points. Mr Shorten’s score rose five points to 62%. |
| In recent months, voter satisfaction with Mr Turnbull has declined while it has risen for Mr Shorten. This week’s Newspoll showed both leaders had a net satisfaction rating of minus 12 points, the first time they have been tied. | In recent months, voter satisfaction with Mr Turnbull has declined while it has risen for Mr Shorten. This week’s Newspoll showed both leaders had a net satisfaction rating of minus 12 points, the first time they have been tied. |
| Mr Turnbull remains the preferred prime minister by 46% to Mr Shorten on 31%, but the lead over his Labor rival has been more than halved since mid-November, when 64% of people favoured him in the top job. Mr Shorten has more than doubled his standing since he fell to the equal record low for a Labor leader in December of 14 points.” | Mr Turnbull remains the preferred prime minister by 46% to Mr Shorten on 31%, but the lead over his Labor rival has been more than halved since mid-November, when 64% of people favoured him in the top job. Mr Shorten has more than doubled his standing since he fell to the equal record low for a Labor leader in December of 14 points.” |
| Sixty-one per cent of respondents said Shorten, who has been campaigning on health and Medicare, understood the major issues, a seven-point increase, while Turnbull was judged by 63% to understand the major issues, down one point, with his focus on “jobs and growth”. | Sixty-one per cent of respondents said Shorten, who has been campaigning on health and Medicare, understood the major issues, a seven-point increase, while Turnbull was judged by 63% to understand the major issues, down one point, with his focus on “jobs and growth”. |
| Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, is expected to announce a support package for dairy farmers affected by milk price cuts. He’s expected to head to the electorate of New England in NSW to give details of the relief package today. | Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, is expected to announce a support package for dairy farmers affected by milk price cuts. He’s expected to head to the electorate of New England in NSW to give details of the relief package today. |
| On the campaign trail | On the campaign trail |
| Bill Shorten is in Melbourne. I’m still trying to confirm where Turnbull is headed – bear with me. | Bill Shorten is in Melbourne. I’m still trying to confirm where Turnbull is headed – bear with me. |
| And the Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, the Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, and Labor’s agriculture spokesman, Joel Fitzgibbon, will take part in a debate focused on regional issues tonight. | And the Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, the Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, and Labor’s agriculture spokesman, Joel Fitzgibbon, will take part in a debate focused on regional issues tonight. |
| The campaign you should be watching | The campaign you should be watching |
| Page, NSW. According to Antony Green’s election blog, the electorate on the far north coast includes Lismore, Kyogle, the Richmond river and Clarence river and is currently held by the Nationals. It has only ever been held by the ALP or the Nationals. | Page, NSW. According to Antony Green’s election blog, the electorate on the far north coast includes Lismore, Kyogle, the Richmond river and Clarence river and is currently held by the Nationals. It has only ever been held by the ALP or the Nationals. |
| But the 18-year-old Greens candidate, Kudra Falla-Ricketts, hopes to shake things up a bit in the electorate by capitalising on her local popularity and the strong anti-CSG sentiment in the community, writes Amanda King: | But the 18-year-old Greens candidate, Kudra Falla-Ricketts, hopes to shake things up a bit in the electorate by capitalising on her local popularity and the strong anti-CSG sentiment in the community, writes Amanda King: |
| The chances of her being elected are remote – the Greens won only 6% of first-preference votes in 2013, well behind the Nationals’ Kevin Hogan, who narrowly beat the incumbent, Labor’s Janelle Saffin. Both are standing again. | The chances of her being elected are remote – the Greens won only 6% of first-preference votes in 2013, well behind the Nationals’ Kevin Hogan, who narrowly beat the incumbent, Labor’s Janelle Saffin. Both are standing again. |
| The Greens hope to make some inroads. At the 2015 New South Wales state elections of 2015, the Greens came a close second to the Nationals in Lismore, which is part of the Page federal electoral district. | The Greens hope to make some inroads. At the 2015 New South Wales state elections of 2015, the Greens came a close second to the Nationals in Lismore, which is part of the Page federal electoral district. |
| And another thing(s) | And another thing(s) |
| There’s been a lot of comment about Nova Peris and her announcement yesterday that she will be leaving the Senate after one term. Michelle Grattan writes for The Conversation that her decision is “very awkward” for Labor. | There’s been a lot of comment about Nova Peris and her announcement yesterday that she will be leaving the Senate after one term. Michelle Grattan writes for The Conversation that her decision is “very awkward” for Labor. |
| Especially because of the timing, apparent lack of warning, and confusion surrounding it when opposition leader Bill Shorten initially could not reach her to clarify the situation. | Especially because of the timing, apparent lack of warning, and confusion surrounding it when opposition leader Bill Shorten initially could not reach her to clarify the situation. |
| Shorten told a news conference Peris had been a “trailblazer” both on the athletics track and in the Senate. | Shorten told a news conference Peris had been a “trailblazer” both on the athletics track and in the Senate. |
| Peris said that as a “champion of change I will continue to fight racism and prejudice”. She noted that Labor had six Indigenous candidates contesting the election. | Peris said that as a “champion of change I will continue to fight racism and prejudice”. She noted that Labor had six Indigenous candidates contesting the election. |
| Labor now has to move quickly to get a replacement candidate for the NT Senate spot. | Labor now has to move quickly to get a replacement candidate for the NT Senate spot. |
| Meanwhile the Australian says that Peris had approached senior AFL executives about the position as the organisation’s head of diversity. | Meanwhile the Australian says that Peris had approached senior AFL executives about the position as the organisation’s head of diversity. |
| However, the Australian understands she is not the presumptive candidate for the hotly contested role, which is expected to be filled within weeks. | However, the Australian understands she is not the presumptive candidate for the hotly contested role, which is expected to be filled within weeks. |
| The never ending dog stoush | The never ending dog stoush |
| “He looks inbred with a tomato”. This is the comment made by actor Johnny Depp on the US talkshow Jimmy Kimmel Live when asked about the deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce. | “He looks inbred with a tomato”. This is the comment made by actor Johnny Depp on the US talkshow Jimmy Kimmel Live when asked about the deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce. |
| Johnny Depp on Barnaby Joyce: ‘He looks inbred with a tomato’ https://t.co/KDjW4xzFGI | Johnny Depp on Barnaby Joyce: ‘He looks inbred with a tomato’ https://t.co/KDjW4xzFGI |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.28pm BST | at 10.28pm BST |