This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2016/oct/11/labor-expected-to-lock-in-opposition-to-marriage-equality-plebiscite-politics-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Malcolm Turnbull concedes LBTQI Australians at greater risk of mental illness – question time live Malcolm Turnbull says he understands risk of mental illness in LGBTI people – politics live
(35 minutes later)
5.41am BST
05:41
If it pleases you...
5.37am BST
05:37
Anne Aly Attitude.
Labor's Anne Aly talks to PM Malcolm Turnbull after #QT @gabriellechan @GuardianAus https://t.co/dDqaVGBXj6 pic.twitter.com/IK6yeIv7yn
5.35am BST
05:35
5.25am BST
05:25
I really don’t know the back story of this.
But feel free to enlighten me, MPs.
5.19am BST
05:19
And another thing...
5.10am BST
05:10
Mark Dreyfus puts two questions to the justice minister, Michael Keenan, representing Brandis. They relate to the dispute between the attorney general and the solicitor general.
Q: Nearly 24 hours has passed since the minister took on notice questions about whether the attorney general had misled the Senate and the joint committee on intelligence and security. Why has the minister failed to meet the commitments that he gave to the House yesterday?
Keenan says check out the AG’s submission to the senate committee.
Q: I refer to the legal services direction relating to the solicitor general. Can the minister please explain to the House how it was possible for the attorney general to consult with the solicitor general in November 2015 about a document which did not exist until April 2016?
I’m really amused by the fact those opposite are interjecting so heavily about this as if they understand a word of what it is about the role of the solicitor general. I mean, seriously. I will give credit to the shadow attorney general that he might actually know something about the role of the solicitor general.
Keenan says Brandis consulted.
Updated
at 5.12am BST
5.05am BST5.05am BST
05:0505:05
CAAAARP!CAAAARP!
5.04am BST5.04am BST
05:0405:04
Paul KarpPaul Karp
Christopher Pyne gets a question on the ASC restructure.Christopher Pyne gets a question on the ASC restructure.
Meanwhile, in the senate: 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. 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. The 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. 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.
Updated
at 5.13am BST
5.01am BST5.01am BST
05:0105:01
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?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.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”. 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.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. 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.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. 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.
Updated
at 5.14am BST
4.56am BST4.56am BST
04:5604:56
Christopher Pyne: the new serial enthusiast.Christopher Pyne: the new serial enthusiast.
JBish inspects Christopher Pynes #headspace wristband before #QT @gabriellechan @GuardianAus https://t.co/dDqaVGBXj6 pic.twitter.com/KjEQgzo5U4JBish inspects Christopher Pynes #headspace wristband before #QT @gabriellechan @GuardianAus https://t.co/dDqaVGBXj6 pic.twitter.com/KjEQgzo5U4
4.55am BST4.55am BST
04:5504:55
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?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 ...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).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.But he does not answer the question.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.02am BSTat 5.02am BST
4.52am BST4.52am BST
04:5204:52
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?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.)(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.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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.03am BSTat 5.03am BST
4.49am BST4.49am BST
04:4904:49
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]? Labor’s Anne Aly 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.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.The PM will get back to her.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.03am BST at 5.35am BST
4.44am BST4.44am BST
04:4404:44
Enterprise tax plan again, this time to small biz minister Michael McCormack.Enterprise tax plan again, this time to small biz minister Michael McCormack.
4.44am BST
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.
Updated
at 5.03am BST
4.40am BST
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.
Updated
at 4.41am BST
4.33am BST
04:33
Paul 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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 4.42am BST
4.32am BST
04:32
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”.
Updated
at 4.43am BST
4.29am BST
04:29
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.
Updated
at 4.31am BST
4.28am BST
04:28
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?
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.
I think the translation of that answer is “we’ll get back to you”.
Updated
at 4.32am BST
4.23am BST
04:23
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?
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.
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.
Updated
at 4.33am BST
4.19am BST
04:19
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.
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.
Updated
at 4.33am BST
4.16am BST
04:16
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 ...
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.
Updated
at 4.19am BST
4.12am BST
04:12
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?
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?
Updated
at 4.15am BST