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Version 10 Version 11
Malcolm Turnbull concedes LBTQI Australians at greater risk of mental illness – question time live Malcolm Turnbull concedes LBTQI Australians at greater risk of mental illness – question time live
(35 minutes later)
5.05am BST
05:05
CAAAARP!
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05:04
Paul Karp
Christopher Pyne gets a question on the ASC restructure.
Meanwhile, in the senate:
Senator Penny Wong has gone on the attack in Senate Question Time, noting statements by senator Ian MacDonald that the solicitor-general Justin Gleeson’s advice was “was subject to question” because he was an Labor appointee.
Attorney-general George Brandis said he hadn’t seen or read that speech.Wong then asked him to guarantee he wouldn’t offer Gleeson an inducement to quit.
Brandis gave the commitment, but disagreed with the premise that he had done so to get rid of Australian Human Rights Commission president, Gillian Triggs.
5.01am BST
05:01
A government question to PDuddy, otherwise known as Peter Dutton: Will the minister update the House on action taken by the government to make our community safer including the cancellations of visas held by members of outlaw motorcycle gangs and is the minister aware of any different approaches to the protection of our borders?
Dutton launches into an attack on the CFMEU and the Labor party.
Tony Burke, Labor manager of business raises standing order 90 “imputing improper motives which is considered highly disorderly”.
Speaker Tony Smith says he was sailing close to the wind. Dutton hooks in again.
When the Australian public ask themselves a question - is this Leader of the Opposition fit to be Prime Minister of this country, they need to look at his dirty grubby links back to the union thugs and bosses who are dictating terms to this man and it is unacceptable for a person who seeks the highest office in the country.
Burke objects again. Smith says, all G.
We do get tough questions and tough answers in this place and as I have said many times, I don’t want to be ruling out tough questions as well. I have listened carefully. I don’t think there was anything directly there, Speaker Smith says.
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04:56
Christopher Pyne: the new serial enthusiast.
JBish inspects Christopher Pynes #headspace wristband before #QT @gabriellechan @GuardianAus https://t.co/dDqaVGBXj6 pic.twitter.com/KjEQgzo5U4
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04:55
Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison: the final budget outcome for 2015/16 was dumped out late on a Friday afternoon two weeks ago. If a projected deficit of $4. 7bn for 2015-16 warranted a budget emergency, what does the treasurer call the government’s final deficit figure of $39. 6bn? A deficit more than eight times larger than that projected when this government came to office?
Morrison hyperventilates ...
I notice from those opposite a hubris and arrogance after the election, a hubris and arrogance. We had the leader of the opposition do a lap of honour for an election he never won, Mr Speaker. Perhaps he was celebrating his victory over the shadow transport and tourism minister. (Albo).
But he does not answer the question.
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04:52
A government question to the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop: Will the minister explain to the house the importance of clarity and consistency on policy in the South China Sea and is she aware of any alternative approaches?
(This is the Sam Dastyari, Paul Keating, Richard Marles question.)
Labor’s shadow defence minister decided Australia should escalate tensions by having our navy conduct freedom-of-navigation operations within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-controlled land features that are also contested by other claimants. We hear vague mutterings from the leader of the opposition but it took the former Labor prime minister Paul Keating to denounce Labor’s latest pronouncements as shocking.
I call on the leader of the opposition to confirm that it is Labor’s policy that the Australian navy should sail within 12 nautical miles of contested features in the South China Sea, something Australia has not ever done before.
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Labor’s Anne Ally to Turnbull: Almost a year ago in this house the former Liberal member for Cowan spoke about poor internet coverage in the Cowan electorate. Speaking about the suburb of Greenwood, the former member said: “A lot of people just cannot get a service of any kind.” What has the prime minister done in the past year to provide broadband access to [Greenwood]?
I will give the honourable member the benefit of the history ... [history lesson ensues] ... She succeeded a very capable member for Cowan, a member who was very assiduous in standing up for his constituents and ensuring that they had the services that they need.
The PM will get back to her.
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04:44
Enterprise tax plan again, this time to small biz minister Michael McCormack.
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04:44
Labor to Turnbull: On 28 October 2014, the now prime minister told the parliament that one of the big changes he would be making in relation to the NBN would be “upgrading HFC networks to ensure everyone gets a very fast broadband but at much less cost”. Can the prime minister confirm the scaling back of up to 1. 5m HFC premises in the latest corporate plan, a significant increase in the cost of HFC connections and NBNCo abandoning the Optus HFC network?
Turnbull says NBNCo is “activating, signing up new customers – at the rate of around 90,000 every four weeks. In six years Labor connected 50,000”.
The turn-around of the NBN is one of the great achievements of the Coalition government.
i.e. Me.
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04:40
A government question to the financial services minister, Kelly O’Dwyer: Will the minister update the house on the government’s support for small business through tax cuts and tax concessions? Is the minister aware of any alternative policies?
Enterprise tax plan.
The enterprise tax plan announced in the budget is now a plan to deliver “company tax cuts for small businesses with a turnover of less than $10m”. The big biz side of things does not get so much coverage these days.
This is probably because the larger business end has little hope of getting through the senate where crossbenchers will only cop up to $10m turnovers.
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04:3304:33
Paul KarpPaul Karp
Labor has used its first questions in Senate question time to probe attorney-general George Brandis about the controversy over advice from the solicitor-general. Labor has used its first questions in Senate question time to probe attorney general George Brandis about the controversy over advice from the solicitor general.
Eventually a Dorothy Dixer from the government’s side draws this response from Brandis about the plebiscite:Eventually a Dorothy Dixer from the government’s side draws this response from Brandis about the plebiscite:
This morning the Labor party has driven a stake through the heart of marriage equality.This morning the Labor party has driven a stake through the heart of marriage equality.
Brandis accused Labor leader in the Senate, Penny Wong, of “being part of a caucus that has put a roadblock in front of the only feasible pathway to marriage equality any time soon”. Brandis accused the Labor leader in the Senate, Penny Wong, of “being part of a caucus that has put a roadblock in front of the only feasible pathway to marriage equality any time soon”.
It is not too late to reconsider your position to give Australians marriage equality - which you say they deserve - and to give it within four months, by supporting this bill. It is not too late to reconsider your position to give Australians marriage equality which you say they deserve and to give it within four months, by supporting this bill.
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04:3204:32
Anthony Albanese to trade and tourism minister Steve Ciobo: I refer to the Minister’s comments of 31 August 2016 when he told the House “the increases in the passenger movement charge was choking the golden goose that is Australia’s tourism industry”. Given that just 28 days later the government increased the charge by $5, does the minister stand by his comments and, if he does, doesn’t that make him look like a golden goose? Anthony Albanese to the trade and tourism minister, Steve Ciobo: I refer to the minister’s comments of 31 August 2016 when he told the House “the increases in the passenger movement charge was choking the golden goose that is Australia’s tourism industry”. Given that just 28 days later the government increased the charge by $5, does the minister stand by his comments and, if he does, doesn’t that make him look like a golden goose?
Ciobo says the government is fiscally responsible and it was Labor’s fault. *drink* Labor had increased the charges in the past by a lot and the Coalition had increased the passenger movement charge by a “modest amount”.Ciobo says the government is fiscally responsible and it was Labor’s fault. *drink* Labor had increased the charges in the past by a lot and the Coalition had increased the passenger movement charge by a “modest amount”.
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A government question to Scott Morrison: Will the treasurer update the House on how the government is managing the successful transition of the Australian economy? In particular, how will the enterprise tax plan stimulate investment, especially by small and medium-sized businesses in new jobs and higher wages to improve living standards for hardworking Australians?A government question to Scott Morrison: Will the treasurer update the House on how the government is managing the successful transition of the Australian economy? In particular, how will the enterprise tax plan stimulate investment, especially by small and medium-sized businesses in new jobs and higher wages to improve living standards for hardworking Australians?
ScoMo shorthand: Tax cuts help the economy.ScoMo shorthand: Tax cuts help the economy.
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04:2804:28
Cathy McGowan asks Turnbull: It is a question about the provision of childcare in rural, regional and remote Australia and what the government commitment is to families who live outside our major cities and towns. The chairperson of the National Association of Mobile Services, Anne Bowler, recently told a Senate committee addressing the jobs for families childcare package that the legislation would ensure the closure of up to 90% of the 46 child mobile services including four in Victoria and one in Indi. Can you please assure the House the government really cares about the provision of childcare to farming and Aboriginal areas and those who live in remote areas and will guarantee funding for the values services which cannot be supported under childcare funding?Cathy McGowan asks Turnbull: It is a question about the provision of childcare in rural, regional and remote Australia and what the government commitment is to families who live outside our major cities and towns. The chairperson of the National Association of Mobile Services, Anne Bowler, recently told a Senate committee addressing the jobs for families childcare package that the legislation would ensure the closure of up to 90% of the 46 child mobile services including four in Victoria and one in Indi. Can you please assure the House the government really cares about the provision of childcare to farming and Aboriginal areas and those who live in remote areas and will guarantee funding for the values services which cannot be supported under childcare funding?
Turnbull says the system was not working well and the government is transitioning to a new system. He says some services were receiving less than $100 per child and other services were receiving thousands of dollars per child.Turnbull says the system was not working well and the government is transitioning to a new system. He says some services were receiving less than $100 per child and other services were receiving thousands of dollars per child.
The reality is that some of the budget-based funded services are not delivering childcare but we recognise they are delivering a vital community service. Where that is the case, we’ll identify alternative funding sources appropriate to the type of service they’re offering and the number of children being cared for.The reality is that some of the budget-based funded services are not delivering childcare but we recognise they are delivering a vital community service. Where that is the case, we’ll identify alternative funding sources appropriate to the type of service they’re offering and the number of children being cared for.
I think the translation of that answer is “we’ll get back to you”.I think the translation of that answer is “we’ll get back to you”.
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04:2304:23
Shorten to Turnbull: Australian of the year and mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry has warned a plebiscite on same-sex marriage was a dangerous thing to do that will harm people’s mental health. What is the prime minister’s response to Professor McGorry’s warning last week?Shorten to Turnbull: Australian of the year and mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry has warned a plebiscite on same-sex marriage was a dangerous thing to do that will harm people’s mental health. What is the prime minister’s response to Professor McGorry’s warning last week?
Turnbull says he has respect for McGorry and has spoken with him about the issue directly but will not go into a private conversation.Turnbull says he has respect for McGorry and has spoken with him about the issue directly but will not go into a private conversation.
I recognise and have some understanding of the special, the additional, mental stress and the prevalence of mental illness among the gay community. There is no issue about that. We understand that. The member for Sydney and I both understand that, in particular given our electorates, and we have both been involved with organisations that seek to address it and, indeed, have supported them. I might say very collaboratively. We do understand that.I recognise and have some understanding of the special, the additional, mental stress and the prevalence of mental illness among the gay community. There is no issue about that. We understand that. The member for Sydney and I both understand that, in particular given our electorates, and we have both been involved with organisations that seek to address it and, indeed, have supported them. I might say very collaboratively. We do understand that.
But then he says the plebiscite is a democratic process and Shorten has supported the idea in the past. As Turnbull has supported the free parliamentary vote.But then he says the plebiscite is a democratic process and Shorten has supported the idea in the past. As Turnbull has supported the free parliamentary vote.
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Barnaby Joyce gets a government question: will the deputy prime minister update the house on how the government is helping rebuild stronger communities and more jobs in regional Australia? Is the deputy prime minister aware of any alternative approaches?Barnaby Joyce gets a government question: will the deputy prime minister update the house on how the government is helping rebuild stronger communities and more jobs in regional Australia? Is the deputy prime minister aware of any alternative approaches?
Roads. Dams. Dog fences. Bringing sheep back.Roads. Dams. Dog fences. Bringing sheep back.
It comes on the back of record ag exports, record prices in cattle, meat sheep, portion, turn-around in the wool market, the wine market. Record prices in sugar. Turn-around in the price of oranges, potatoes, chickpeas ...It comes on the back of record ag exports, record prices in cattle, meat sheep, portion, turn-around in the wool market, the wine market. Record prices in sugar. Turn-around in the price of oranges, potatoes, chickpeas ...
Not sure how the government effects commodity prices. Or rather, if they are responsible, there are milk prices which they need to think about.Not sure how the government effects commodity prices. Or rather, if they are responsible, there are milk prices which they need to think about.
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04:1604:16
Turnbull is still cranky about the texts.Turnbull is still cranky about the texts.
I think all of us know, all of us know, many Australians that were frightened out of their wits by those text messages, that were frightened and misled, we have all heard stories of people in old people’s homes, of older Australians and the Labor party scoffs ...I think all of us know, all of us know, many Australians that were frightened out of their wits by those text messages, that were frightened and misled, we have all heard stories of people in old people’s homes, of older Australians and the Labor party scoffs ...
The opposition leader asked me “How is the AFP going?”. He knows very well what the AFP concluded. While there is a very serious criminal offence of impersonating a federal officer. There is, five years in jail actually, so there is apparently a loophole in the law which the Labor party managed to sail through. That loophole will be plugged.The opposition leader asked me “How is the AFP going?”. He knows very well what the AFP concluded. While there is a very serious criminal offence of impersonating a federal officer. There is, five years in jail actually, so there is apparently a loophole in the law which the Labor party managed to sail through. That loophole will be plugged.
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04:1204:12
Labor’s Catherine King to Turnbull: Is it seriously the contention of the government that the prime minister’s credibility on Medicare was unharmed by your Medicare freeze, unharmed by your cuts to pathology, unharmed by your plans to make Australians even pensioners pay more for medicines but couldn’t withstand a text message?Labor’s Catherine King to Turnbull: Is it seriously the contention of the government that the prime minister’s credibility on Medicare was unharmed by your Medicare freeze, unharmed by your cuts to pathology, unharmed by your plans to make Australians even pensioners pay more for medicines but couldn’t withstand a text message?
Turnbull:Turnbull:
She is like somebody who is charged or sued for misrepresentation, for telling a falsehood, for misleading somebody and whose defence is not that the statement was accurate, not that it did not mislead but that it didn’t have any effect. That’s basically her defence. How low has the Labor party sunk to that?She is like somebody who is charged or sued for misrepresentation, for telling a falsehood, for misleading somebody and whose defence is not that the statement was accurate, not that it did not mislead but that it didn’t have any effect. That’s basically her defence. How low has the Labor party sunk to that?
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04:08
Momentarily distracted by a tweet.
To Battle people #qt #auspol #ssm #marriageequality pic.twitter.com/54UpdHA6HE
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First government question is on the Coalition’s national economic plan.
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04:04
First question from Shorten on Medicare to Turnbull: Does the prime minister stand by his promise that he made the day before the election that no Australian will pay more to see a doctor because of his six-year Medicare freeze?
Turnbull:
The reality is the indexation freeze was introduced by Labor as a cost measure. It has been maintained by us for precisely the same reason and what we have been able to do is to bring one new drug after another, one new lifesaving drug after another, on to the PBS. We’ve been able to use the scarce resources available.
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Happy days. Question time coming up.
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03:51
Sorry. Just having a quick kip before question time.
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Just to clarify, Turnbull said the legislation for a plebiscite would continue its passage through the lower house and the Senate – notwithstanding Labor’s opposition to the bill.
But he would not rule out a free vote to amend the Marriage Act to allow for marriage equality – if the plebiscite bill fails.
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Somewhere over the rainbow...
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The Coalition will push the plebiscite bill, does not rule out a free vote
Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed the plebiscite bill will still be debated in the lower house today and then it will move to the Senate. Asked whether he will allow a free vote, he does not rule it out.
A question from Katharine Murphy:
Q: We do know that today the numbers are not there for the plebiscite to pass the parliament. So it really is a simple question. The plebiscite will fail. Will you allow a free vote in this parliament?
It is all very well to say the Senate will not vote for it. We respect the Senate. The bill is not even in the Senate yet. The Senate has to deal with the bill. It will come through and I am confident that it will pass the House. Then it will come to the Senate and the Senate has to deal with a bill. So that is the focus.
So he wants Labor to argue their case against the plebiscite in both chambers, which may be a calculation there is popular support for it. But the PM also keeps his cards close to his chest on a free vote in parliament – which, up until last September, he supported.
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The prime minister has been asked about Paul Keating’s criticism of Labor’s defence shadow, Richard Marles, on the South China Sea dispute. He made the critique in a Troy Bramston story:
Paul Keating has slammed Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles for saying that the government must authorise the military to ­determine freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to defend Australia’s interest and send a clear message to China.
The former prime minister has also expressed concern that Labor is too compliant in its attitude ­towards US naval interests in the Pacific rather than adopting a more independent outlook that better balanced strategic and economic priorities.
Mr Keating told the Australian that Mr Marles’s comments “if ­reported correctly, were shocking to hear from a Labor spokesman”.
“A decision to sail a naval vessel through a disputed area in which we know there is a risk of conflict with the forces of another power – large or small – is one which should only ever be taken by the elected government in the full awareness of the circumstances at the time.”
Malcolm Turnbull agrees with Keating.
I agree with former prime minister Paul Keating on this. Decisions of that kind should be taken by governments ... Outsourcing that to naval officers, no matter how distinguished, misses the point.
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The defence minister, Marise Payne, on the restructure of ASC:
It is absolutely vital that we have the right ship-building structures in place to deliver on what are very ambitious plans to deliver historic, continuous naval ship-building programs. It is absolutely essential. Whether it is our offshore patrol vessels, or our future frigates, or the Pacific patrol boats being constructed in advance of those. These platforms which not only for a core of our naval capability but they provide engagement and support in our region and they will do that for many decades to come.
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