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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2016/oct/20/david-leyonhjelm-its-inconceivable-tony-abbott-would-not-know-about-gun-deal-politics-live

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Version 5 Version 6
David Leyonhjelm: it's inconceivable Tony Abbott would not know about gun deal – politics live NSW deputy premier supports putting Adler shotgun into 'tighter' category – politics live
(35 minutes later)
1.39am BST
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We are hearing there might be a vote on the plebiscite bill before question time.
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Tony Abbott’s overseas travel this year has been listed in estimates.
Trips included:
Brandis comes in after to talk about former prime ministers travel this year.
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The NSW deputy premier Troy Grant has changed his position slightly on the Adler.
Previously he supported categorising the Adler seven plus one shot into B category. This was backed by a number of National party members including Mark Coulton. A is the most accessible category with D the most restricted category.
Grant says now he supports putting the Adler into a “tighter one”.
He also supports the ban on importing lever action shotguns with a capacity of more than five rounds until the gun is reclassified.
Our position represents a strengthening of the current A classification of the Adler, but the ultimate decision is a matter for national consensus, Grant says.
This is purely speculation only but it sounds like there might be some behind the scenes movements to put the Adler into a higher category.
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Paul KarpPaul Karp
Labor senators including Murray Watt are using Senate Estimates to undermine social services minister Christian Porter’s case for another round of welfare cuts.Labor senators including Murray Watt are using Senate Estimates to undermine social services minister Christian Porter’s case for another round of welfare cuts.
Watt has made the point that quoting the absolute number of people on the dole is misleading, as it doesn’t account for population growth.Watt has made the point that quoting the absolute number of people on the dole is misleading, as it doesn’t account for population growth.
Social Services Department deputy secretary Serena Wilson gives him a win on this point, revealing that since 1996 there has been a decrease in those aged 16-64 receiving income support, from 24.7% to 16.6%.Social Services Department deputy secretary Serena Wilson gives him a win on this point, revealing that since 1996 there has been a decrease in those aged 16-64 receiving income support, from 24.7% to 16.6%.
Labor senators are now trying to push the point home by getting department officials to say the welfare budget is sustainable, but no dice so far.Earlier, Watt probed figures provided to Guardian Australia by the government, including the fact that 75% of Newstart recipients receive the energy supplement and two other payments.Labor senators are now trying to push the point home by getting department officials to say the welfare budget is sustainable, but no dice so far.Earlier, Watt probed figures provided to Guardian Australia by the government, including the fact that 75% of Newstart recipients receive the energy supplement and two other payments.
Wilson conceded that “most of the supplements relate to particular cost or activity” (and not just getting by day to day on income support).Wilson conceded that “most of the supplements relate to particular cost or activity” (and not just getting by day to day on income support).
She said some, including the energy supplement and pharmaceutical allowance, can be very small but added the Family Tax Benefit payments “can be considerable”.She said some, including the energy supplement and pharmaceutical allowance, can be very small but added the Family Tax Benefit payments “can be considerable”.
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The plebiscite bill is now being debated in the house again.The plebiscite bill is now being debated in the house again.
Just regarding Paul Karp’s earlier post, Barnaby Joyce obviously opened the possibility of anyone in the Nats in favour of marriage equality crossing the floor.Just regarding Paul Karp’s earlier post, Barnaby Joyce obviously opened the possibility of anyone in the Nats in favour of marriage equality crossing the floor.
As he says, the National party MPs do have the right to cross the floor. That is why Barnaby has crossed the floor 28 times in the early part of the career.As he says, the National party MPs do have the right to cross the floor. That is why Barnaby has crossed the floor 28 times in the early part of the career.
It was obviously not a career limiting move in Barnaby’s case but it would be a big call for Darren Chester or any other supporters of marriage equality to cross the floor on a crossbench marriage bill.It was obviously not a career limiting move in Barnaby’s case but it would be a big call for Darren Chester or any other supporters of marriage equality to cross the floor on a crossbench marriage bill.
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DFAT says most of their contracts have expired except for the one with Clinton Health Access Initiative,CHAI told DFAT they are doing reviewDFAT says most of their contracts have expired except for the one with Clinton Health Access Initiative,CHAI told DFAT they are doing review
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Tony Abbott has updated his register to interests to say he is now a patron of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy.Tony Abbott has updated his register to interests to say he is now a patron of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy.
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Paul KarpPaul Karp
I’ve had a look back at Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce’s, contribution in the same-sex marriage plebiscite bill debate last night in the lower house.I’ve had a look back at Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce’s, contribution in the same-sex marriage plebiscite bill debate last night in the lower house.
He said:He said:
It is no secret that in the Nationals the majority view, but not the exclusive view, is that we believe in the current definition of marriage.It is no secret that in the Nationals the majority view, but not the exclusive view, is that we believe in the current definition of marriage.
Those of a contrary view, like Darren Chester, “are to be totally respected and given the space to express their views, which we do”.Those of a contrary view, like Darren Chester, “are to be totally respected and given the space to express their views, which we do”.
There is no one held out as an example, and everyone is allowed that space. And there are other people as well, and that is completely and utterly their right. Within the National party, more than any other party, we say, ‘If you really wish to cross the floor, you can; if you really wish to express a different view, you can; you just have to put some cogency into your reasons as to why.”There is no one held out as an example, and everyone is allowed that space. And there are other people as well, and that is completely and utterly their right. Within the National party, more than any other party, we say, ‘If you really wish to cross the floor, you can; if you really wish to express a different view, you can; you just have to put some cogency into your reasons as to why.”
It’s unclear whether Nationals (or Liberals) will get the ability to cross the floor, given the current marriage equality bills are private members bills which the government does not have to allow a vote on. What did Joyce mean? Are Nationals free to cross the floor and force a vote?It’s unclear whether Nationals (or Liberals) will get the ability to cross the floor, given the current marriage equality bills are private members bills which the government does not have to allow a vote on. What did Joyce mean? Are Nationals free to cross the floor and force a vote?
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#justsaying#justsaying
pic.twitter.com/JakwL6BKgfpic.twitter.com/JakwL6BKgf
#jesuis?#jesuis?
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Penny Wong has questioned Dfat on the Vietnamese government’s decision to cancel a 50th anniversary ceremony of the battle of Long Tân.Penny Wong has questioned Dfat on the Vietnamese government’s decision to cancel a 50th anniversary ceremony of the battle of Long Tân.
It happened in August this year, as we reported at the time:It happened in August this year, as we reported at the time:
The Vietnam government’s refusal to allow the veterans day commemoration at the Long Tân cross site a day before it was to take place prompted official complaints by Australia, including by its ambassador, Craig Chittick.The Vietnam government’s refusal to allow the veterans day commemoration at the Long Tân cross site a day before it was to take place prompted official complaints by Australia, including by its ambassador, Craig Chittick.
The Vietnamese have cited “deep sensitivities” over the battle as the reason for the last-minute cancellation, according to Dan Tehan, Australia’s minister for veterans affairs. It comes despite 18 months of collaboration about the event between the two governments.The Vietnamese have cited “deep sensitivities” over the battle as the reason for the last-minute cancellation, according to Dan Tehan, Australia’s minister for veterans affairs. It comes despite 18 months of collaboration about the event between the two governments.
A joint statement by Tehan and Julie Bishop, the minister for foreign affairs, said the government was “deeply disappointed at this decision, and the manner in which it was taken, so close to the commemoration taking place”.A joint statement by Tehan and Julie Bishop, the minister for foreign affairs, said the government was “deeply disappointed at this decision, and the manner in which it was taken, so close to the commemoration taking place”.
Wong has established that coordination was going on between Australia’s posts in Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.Wong has established that coordination was going on between Australia’s posts in Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.
Australian posts were organising for the ceremony about 18 months ahead of the anniversary.Australian posts were organising for the ceremony about 18 months ahead of the anniversary.
A Vietnamese minister phoned the Australian consul general in Ho Chi Minh city on 16 August to give an “unofficial message” that the Vietnamese government was cancelling the ceremony.A Vietnamese minister phoned the Australian consul general in Ho Chi Minh city on 16 August to give an “unofficial message” that the Vietnamese government was cancelling the ceremony.
Aaaaand morning tea break in estimates.Aaaaand morning tea break in estimates.
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Political advertising and the pre-election splurge:Political advertising and the pre-election splurge:
Every voter has seen dodgy advertising in the lead-up to elections by incumbent governments. The Audit Office has belled the cat on a few campaigns.Every voter has seen dodgy advertising in the lead-up to elections by incumbent governments. The Audit Office has belled the cat on a few campaigns.
Special awards go to the controversial “By Boat, No Visa” campaign Labor ran before the 2013 election.Special awards go to the controversial “By Boat, No Visa” campaign Labor ran before the 2013 election.
And the Abbott government’s higher education reform advertising campaign.And the Abbott government’s higher education reform advertising campaign.
Katharine Murphy reported this morning:Katharine Murphy reported this morning:
The Australian National Audit Office has said incumbent governments splurge on taxpayer-funded advertising in the lead-up to elections, with a clear trend established over the past five federal campaigns.The Australian National Audit Office has said incumbent governments splurge on taxpayer-funded advertising in the lead-up to elections, with a clear trend established over the past five federal campaigns.
A new report into government advertising between March 2013 and June 2015 has also determined that the federal government’s campaign advertising framework was “weaker than it could be” because of changes in the government’s internal third-party advisory processes.A new report into government advertising between March 2013 and June 2015 has also determined that the federal government’s campaign advertising framework was “weaker than it could be” because of changes in the government’s internal third-party advisory processes.
The latest audit has clearly established the trend of the pre-election splurge. “Increased expenditure has been observed prior to the last five elections,” the audit office says.The latest audit has clearly established the trend of the pre-election splurge. “Increased expenditure has been observed prior to the last five elections,” the audit office says.
“In 2013 and 2016 around $100m and $95m respectively, was spent on media placement alone in the three months leading up to the caretaker period.”“In 2013 and 2016 around $100m and $95m respectively, was spent on media placement alone in the three months leading up to the caretaker period.”
In a non-election year, the average annual spend is $186m.In a non-election year, the average annual spend is $186m.
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Double dippers beware: paid parental leave bill in da houseDouble dippers beware: paid parental leave bill in da house
Social services minister Christian Porter is introducing the Fairer Paid Parental Leave bill. This is the so-called “double-dipping bill” that removes the right to claim government both a government scheme and an employer scheme.Social services minister Christian Porter is introducing the Fairer Paid Parental Leave bill. This is the so-called “double-dipping bill” that removes the right to claim government both a government scheme and an employer scheme.
The bill has been blocked previously but in April the minister said the government would press on. Paul Karp reported:The bill has been blocked previously but in April the minister said the government would press on. Paul Karp reported:
The social services minister has admitted it is unrealistic to expect parliament will pass a bill banning access to so-called paid parental leave “double-dipping” by 1 July, but confirmed it remains the government’s intention to do so.The social services minister has admitted it is unrealistic to expect parliament will pass a bill banning access to so-called paid parental leave “double-dipping” by 1 July, but confirmed it remains the government’s intention to do so.
Christian Porter also promised to address potential confusion created by a government website, which warns the changes will take effect from 1 July.Christian Porter also promised to address potential confusion created by a government website, which warns the changes will take effect from 1 July.
At the moment, parents are able to access 18 weeks’ of paid leave at the minimum wage from the federal government, worth about $11,500, and also access separate paid leave provided by their employer.At the moment, parents are able to access 18 weeks’ of paid leave at the minimum wage from the federal government, worth about $11,500, and also access separate paid leave provided by their employer.
In the 2015-16 budget the government announced plans to ban the practice of “double-dipping” from 1 July, 2016. But legislation which would prevent accessing both schemes, or limit federal government payments to a top-up of the employer’s scheme to the value of $11,500, failed to pass the Senate.In the 2015-16 budget the government announced plans to ban the practice of “double-dipping” from 1 July, 2016. But legislation which would prevent accessing both schemes, or limit federal government payments to a top-up of the employer’s scheme to the value of $11,500, failed to pass the Senate.
The bill has been amended and combines a few different measures. The bill’s explainer says:The bill has been amended and combines a few different measures. The bill’s explainer says:
In the revised package, government-funded parental leave pay will be targeted at individuals who have no employer-provided paid primary carer leave, or whose employer-provided paid primary carer leave is for a period less than 18 weeks or is paid at a rate below the full-time National Minimum Wage.In the revised package, government-funded parental leave pay will be targeted at individuals who have no employer-provided paid primary carer leave, or whose employer-provided paid primary carer leave is for a period less than 18 weeks or is paid at a rate below the full-time National Minimum Wage.
Under the new measure, parents’ access to government-funded parental leave pay will be limited according to the number of weeks of employer-provided paid primary carer leave they receive, if any.Under the new measure, parents’ access to government-funded parental leave pay will be limited according to the number of weeks of employer-provided paid primary carer leave they receive, if any.
This means that, where a person is entitled to employer-provided leave of less than 18 weeks, the government scheme will provide the residual number of weeks of government-funded parental leave pay up to the maximum period of 18 weeks.This means that, where a person is entitled to employer-provided leave of less than 18 weeks, the government scheme will provide the residual number of weeks of government-funded parental leave pay up to the maximum period of 18 weeks.
The other interesting points to note are:The other interesting points to note are:
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Cap executive pay? Not between consenting adultsCap executive pay? Not between consenting adults
Gareth HutchensGareth Hutchens
The heads of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (Apra) are facing Senate estimates this morning.The heads of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (Apra) are facing Senate estimates this morning.
The Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson just asked them if they would consider capping executive pay, to change the culture within Australia’s banks.The Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson just asked them if they would consider capping executive pay, to change the culture within Australia’s banks.
Whish-Wilson is big on this.Whish-Wilson is big on this.
He’s an economist who worked years on Wall Street, before moving his family to Tasmania.He’s an economist who worked years on Wall Street, before moving his family to Tasmania.
He believes culture comes from the top in big organisations.He believes culture comes from the top in big organisations.
He’s been working up a policy for the Greens that will cap executive pay by anchoring it to the average employee’s wages in a company. He says that would be a simple way of getting rid of the bonus culture, and the sales culture, in vertically integrated businesses.He’s been working up a policy for the Greens that will cap executive pay by anchoring it to the average employee’s wages in a company. He says that would be a simple way of getting rid of the bonus culture, and the sales culture, in vertically integrated businesses.
But Apra boss Wayne Byres wasn’t enthused by the idea.But Apra boss Wayne Byres wasn’t enthused by the idea.
He said he tries not to intervene “in the affairs of consenting adults”.He said he tries not to intervene “in the affairs of consenting adults”.
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Frances Adamson jumps in. The world is divided into six regions and the regions hold these conferences regularly to train staff, around matters like security, passports etc. For this conference the chief security officer addressed the conference.Frances Adamson jumps in. The world is divided into six regions and the regions hold these conferences regularly to train staff, around matters like security, passports etc. For this conference the chief security officer addressed the conference.
It is important to train the officers in a range of issues, given a lot of the posts are small posts and they don’t have much support.It is important to train the officers in a range of issues, given a lot of the posts are small posts and they don’t have much support.
These events have been happening for 30 years, she says.These events have been happening for 30 years, she says.
Wong asks whether it was necessary to send Australian-based staff to attend the conference. Adamson said the staff were appropriate.Wong asks whether it was necessary to send Australian-based staff to attend the conference. Adamson said the staff were appropriate.
Chair and Liberal senator Chris Back suggests:Chair and Liberal senator Chris Back suggests:
Paris is not necessarily the desired location that it was in the past ... I can assure you the hotels are empty.Paris is not necessarily the desired location that it was in the past ... I can assure you the hotels are empty.
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Dfat says the corporate conference is a regular 18-month affair.Dfat says the corporate conference is a regular 18-month affair.
The total cost is not possible immediately because it comes from the budgets of many different training buckets from different departments of Dfat.The total cost is not possible immediately because it comes from the budgets of many different training buckets from different departments of Dfat.
Canberra-based staff flew business class.Canberra-based staff flew business class.
There were 46 Dfat employees in total.There were 46 Dfat employees in total.
Of those, 40 were based in the European region and six were from from contingent regions – such as south Asia and the Middle East.Of those, 40 were based in the European region and six were from from contingent regions – such as south Asia and the Middle East.
Penny Wong:Penny Wong:
So you flew people to Paris to talk about how to save money?So you flew people to Paris to talk about how to save money?
John Fisher, chief people officer of Dfat:John Fisher, chief people officer of Dfat:
We flew people to Paris to talk about how to do things better.We flew people to Paris to talk about how to do things better.
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