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Labor says George Brandis 'lying about lying' over Gleeson affair – politics live Labor says George Brandis 'lying about lying' over Gleeson affair – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.37am GMT
00:37
The counter-terrorism bill has passed on the voices with Labor’s support. Pauline Hanson’s amendment trying to means test legal aid failed, as did an amendment by the Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm.
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#abcnews24 you would think Oz reporters on #ElectionDay wld occasionally mention Oz women got vote 1901 and Gillard PM first female #auspol
Consider it mentioned.
12.24am GMT12.24am GMT
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Just moving onto 18C, where there is a whole lot of shouting going on.Just moving onto 18C, where there is a whole lot of shouting going on.
The Australian reports today:The Australian reports today:
Gillian Triggs is under renewed fire and facing a defamation ­action from Queensland University of Technology students who accused her yesterday of making false and damaging statements implying they and their Facebook posts were racist.Gillian Triggs is under renewed fire and facing a defamation ­action from Queensland University of Technology students who accused her yesterday of making false and damaging statements implying they and their Facebook posts were racist.
The Human Rights Commission president was asked by the students’ barrister Tony Morris QC yesterday to publish a retraction and apology, make no further “defamatory” comments about the students, and pay damages and costs. The warning to Professor Triggs that she faces being sued comes after she told Fairfax Media and the ABC’s 7.30 that the human rights body had acted in “good faith” and in consultation with the students during a 14-month investigation into Facebook posts from May 2013. The Human Rights Commission president was asked by the students’ barrister, Tony Morris QC, yesterday to publish a retraction and apology, make no further “defamatory” comments about the students and pay damages and costs. The warning to Prof Triggs that she faces being sued comes after she told Fairfax Media and the ABC’s 7.30 that the human rights body had acted in “good faith” and in consultation with the students during a 14-month investigation into Facebook posts from May 2013.
George Brandis announced the terms of reference for the parliamentary inquiry into section 18C announced yesterday.George Brandis announced the terms of reference for the parliamentary inquiry into section 18C announced yesterday.
Those with us yesterday will now that president of the Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs told the ABC she was open to overhauling the act, including replacing the terms “offend” and “insult” with “vilify”. Those with us yesterday will know that the president of the Human Rights Commission told the ABC she was open to overhauling the act, including replacing the terms “offend” and “insult” with “vilify”.
But her race commissioner Tim Soutphommasane has stood fast on 18C, given he has consistently said there was no need to change it. But her race commissioner, Tim Soutphommasane, has stood fast on 18C, given he has consistently said there was no need to change it.
In his monthly update Soutphommasane writes:In his monthly update Soutphommasane writes:
The Attorney-General has announced a parliamentary inquiry into freedom of speech and Part IIA of the Racial Discrimination Act, which will be conducted by the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. I will, as a matter of course, make my views known to the inquiry. The attorney general has announced a parliamentary inquiry into freedom of speech and part IIA of the Racial Discrimination Act, which will be conducted by the joint parliamentary committee on human rights. I will, as a matter of course, make my views known to the inquiry.
It remains my view that there is no case for changing section 18C of the Act. Our society must have strong protections against racial abuse and vilification, while guaranteeing freedom of speech. As the Attorney-General made clear, all those with an interest should consider putting their views to the Joint Committee, which has been asked to report by 28 February 2017. It remains my view that there is no case for changing section 18C of the act. Our society must have strong protections against racial abuse and vilification, while guaranteeing freedom of speech. As the attorney general made clear, all those with an interest should consider putting their views to the joint committee, which has been asked to report by 28 February 2017.
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12.01am GMT12.01am GMT
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In the lower house, in government business time, speakers are making statements on the death of former Israeli president Shimon Peres.In the lower house, in government business time, speakers are making statements on the death of former Israeli president Shimon Peres.
There have been eight speakers, which is odd. Usually condolence motions go to the Federation (minor) chamber.There have been eight speakers, which is odd. Usually condolence motions go to the Federation (minor) chamber.
11.52pm GMT11.52pm GMT
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at 11.58pm GMTat 11.58pm GMT
11.34pm GMT11.34pm GMT
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The brumby advocates have been out the front of parliament, protesting NSW government plans for a brumby cull.The brumby advocates have been out the front of parliament, protesting NSW government plans for a brumby cull.
No horsing around in Canberra today with a serious message from Snowy Mountains' locals to save the wild brumbies. pic.twitter.com/Zu7z9719j4No horsing around in Canberra today with a serious message from Snowy Mountains' locals to save the wild brumbies. pic.twitter.com/Zu7z9719j4
11.32pm GMT11.32pm GMT
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The counter-terrorism bill amends the Crimes Act. In regard to the control order on people 14 years and up, the bill will, among other things:The counter-terrorism bill amends the Crimes Act. In regard to the control order on people 14 years and up, the bill will, among other things:
Impose an obligation on a person subject to a requirement to wear a tracking device to maintain the tracking device in good operational order and create offences for interfering with the operation of a tracking device; authorise the Australian federal police to ensure that the tracking device remains operational and to enter premises to install equipment necessary for the operation of the tracking device.Impose an obligation on a person subject to a requirement to wear a tracking device to maintain the tracking device in good operational order and create offences for interfering with the operation of a tracking device; authorise the Australian federal police to ensure that the tracking device remains operational and to enter premises to install equipment necessary for the operation of the tracking device.
Pauline Hanson is trying to amend the counter-terrorism bill to ensure legal aid for juveniles under control orders is means tested. Under the bill, legal aid is only provided for minors who do not have a lawyer.Pauline Hanson is trying to amend the counter-terrorism bill to ensure legal aid for juveniles under control orders is means tested. Under the bill, legal aid is only provided for minors who do not have a lawyer.
Hanson has been arguing that other legal aid is means tested. Why not means test this legal aid for control orders?Hanson has been arguing that other legal aid is means tested. Why not means test this legal aid for control orders?
People have to take responsibility, says Hanson.People have to take responsibility, says Hanson.
George Brandis says there have only been six control orders in the past 12 years.George Brandis says there have only been six control orders in the past 12 years.
He underlines that legal aid is only available for minors who do not have a lawyer.He underlines that legal aid is only available for minors who do not have a lawyer.
Nick Xenophon makes the point that, while he understands Hanson’s reasons for the amendment, minors who are suspected of planning terrorist attacks are often separated or estranged from family. In other words, no matter how much money their families have, the minor may not have access to it.Nick Xenophon makes the point that, while he understands Hanson’s reasons for the amendment, minors who are suspected of planning terrorist attacks are often separated or estranged from family. In other words, no matter how much money their families have, the minor may not have access to it.
Brandis again says very few control orders have been issued and none to juveniles. He says to Hanson, “We’ll have a talk about it.”Brandis again says very few control orders have been issued and none to juveniles. He says to Hanson, “We’ll have a talk about it.”
It may well be that the mischief you point to may be cured by regulation, says Brandis.It may well be that the mischief you point to may be cured by regulation, says Brandis.
Under questioning from the Greens senator Nick McKim, Brandis says no have been no cases where control orders have been applied for and denied.Under questioning from the Greens senator Nick McKim, Brandis says no have been no cases where control orders have been applied for and denied.
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11.13pm GMT11.13pm GMT
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In the Senate, another counter-terrorism bill is in committee.In the Senate, another counter-terrorism bill is in committee.
The bill extends juvenile control orders from 16-year-olds to children as young as 14 and creates a new offence of advocacy of genocide.The bill extends juvenile control orders from 16-year-olds to children as young as 14 and creates a new offence of advocacy of genocide.
When a bill is in committee, it means all the senators get to ask the minister questions. The minister, in this case, is the attorney general, George Brandis.When a bill is in committee, it means all the senators get to ask the minister questions. The minister, in this case, is the attorney general, George Brandis.
The committee process is a very constructive one because senators can actually discover the details and the purpose of bills.The committee process is a very constructive one because senators can actually discover the details and the purpose of bills.
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11.05pm GMT11.05pm GMT
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I am wary that this is the perfect day to take out the trash for the government, given all eyes are on the US.I am wary that this is the perfect day to take out the trash for the government, given all eyes are on the US.
So I will be keeping an eye on the chambers. This morning, the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, has introduced the Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill 2016.So I will be keeping an eye on the chambers. This morning, the foreign affairs minister, Julie Bishop, has introduced the Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill 2016.
This is what the bill does:This is what the bill does:
The Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill 2016 (the ‘bill’) clarifies that decisions approving civil nuclear transfers to India are taken not to be taken as inconsistent with, or have been made with due regard to, Australia’s obligations relating to nuclear safeguards under specified international agreements if particular conditions are met.The Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill 2016 (the ‘bill’) clarifies that decisions approving civil nuclear transfers to India are taken not to be taken as inconsistent with, or have been made with due regard to, Australia’s obligations relating to nuclear safeguards under specified international agreements if particular conditions are met.
The proposed bill will ensure that uranium mining companies in Australia may fulfil contracts to supply Australian uranium to India for civil use with confidence that exports would not be hindered by domestic legal action challenging the consistency of the safeguards applied by the International Atomic Energy Agency in India with certain of Australia’s international non-proliferation obligations. Any future bilateral trade in other nuclear-related material or items for civil use will also be protected.The proposed bill will ensure that uranium mining companies in Australia may fulfil contracts to supply Australian uranium to India for civil use with confidence that exports would not be hindered by domestic legal action challenging the consistency of the safeguards applied by the International Atomic Energy Agency in India with certain of Australia’s international non-proliferation obligations. Any future bilateral trade in other nuclear-related material or items for civil use will also be protected.
That snippet is from the explanatory memo of the bill.That snippet is from the explanatory memo of the bill.
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10.58pm GMT10.58pm GMT
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I think Bill Shorten is having a press conference in Canberra but we have no vision of it because of the American election. Shorten is meeting bank victims but I will bring you the highlights as soon as I can see it.I think Bill Shorten is having a press conference in Canberra but we have no vision of it because of the American election. Shorten is meeting bank victims but I will bring you the highlights as soon as I can see it.
10.48pm GMT10.48pm GMT
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The various ministers and shadows have been out and about this morning. Government ministers are being careful not to pick a side given “we have to work with whoever wins”.The various ministers and shadows have been out and about this morning. Government ministers are being careful not to pick a side given “we have to work with whoever wins”.
Tanya Plibersek has not been so careful.Tanya Plibersek has not been so careful.
Certainly a Clinton presidency would see, I think, a US that continues to be much more engaged and focused on our region. But, of course, the relationship between the United States and Australia is bigger than any one person, and Australia would deal with any result in this election, no doubt.Certainly a Clinton presidency would see, I think, a US that continues to be much more engaged and focused on our region. But, of course, the relationship between the United States and Australia is bigger than any one person, and Australia would deal with any result in this election, no doubt.
You’re voting Clinton, asks the interviewer?You’re voting Clinton, asks the interviewer?
Well, if I had a vote. It is a terrifically robust democracy, the United States, and I’m sure they’ll manage to do what they always do which is see someone elected who can continue the relationship between our two nations. But, yes, if I had a vote I’d be voting Hillary.Well, if I had a vote. It is a terrifically robust democracy, the United States, and I’m sure they’ll manage to do what they always do which is see someone elected who can continue the relationship between our two nations. But, yes, if I had a vote I’d be voting Hillary.
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10.35pm GMT10.35pm GMT
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I will give you a little more Peter Dutton from his speech yesterday because the House will start at 9.30am and, after a few procedural flurries and introductions of other bills, they will get around to the refugee ban.I will give you a little more Peter Dutton from his speech yesterday because the House will start at 9.30am and, after a few procedural flurries and introductions of other bills, they will get around to the refugee ban.
This is Dutton yesterday claiming harsh government policies are not developed using fear to scare people away because Australia is a multicultural country.This is Dutton yesterday claiming harsh government policies are not developed using fear to scare people away because Australia is a multicultural country.
These policies and practices were not developed from a basis of fear – how could they be, because more than one in four Australian residents were born overseas and close to half of the population have at least one parent born elsewhere. Immigrants and their descendants are foundational to Australia’s human capital and social fabric.These policies and practices were not developed from a basis of fear – how could they be, because more than one in four Australian residents were born overseas and close to half of the population have at least one parent born elsewhere. Immigrants and their descendants are foundational to Australia’s human capital and social fabric.
The ban will apply to all visas, both temporary and permanent.The ban will apply to all visas, both temporary and permanent.
It is critical that the bar apply to all visas to Australia. Any visa that allows a former illegal maritime arrival to come to Australia has the potential to provide a pathway to permanent residence. We cannot and will not leave the door open for people smugglers to find a backdoor once again into our country.It is critical that the bar apply to all visas to Australia. Any visa that allows a former illegal maritime arrival to come to Australia has the potential to provide a pathway to permanent residence. We cannot and will not leave the door open for people smugglers to find a backdoor once again into our country.
People are coming:People are coming:
In particular, if people believe that the door in Europe has now closed for them, they will make a path to Sri Lanka, to Vietnam, to Indonesia, to elsewhere to make their onward journey to this country. And this government is not going to preside over a re-emergence of boat arrivals, because we are not going to allow those 17 detention centres to be reopened. We are not going to allow the 2,000 children in detention, a legacy we inherited when we came to government, to stay in detention. And we have got those 2,000 children out of detention. Most importantly, we are not going to allow the deaths at sea of innocent men, women and children.In particular, if people believe that the door in Europe has now closed for them, they will make a path to Sri Lanka, to Vietnam, to Indonesia, to elsewhere to make their onward journey to this country. And this government is not going to preside over a re-emergence of boat arrivals, because we are not going to allow those 17 detention centres to be reopened. We are not going to allow the 2,000 children in detention, a legacy we inherited when we came to government, to stay in detention. And we have got those 2,000 children out of detention. Most importantly, we are not going to allow the deaths at sea of innocent men, women and children.
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10.16pm GMT10.16pm GMT
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Today the government is focused on the forever ban on Australian travel for those on Manus and Nauru, otherwise known as the Migration Legislation Amendment (Regional Processing Cohort).Today the government is focused on the forever ban on Australian travel for those on Manus and Nauru, otherwise known as the Migration Legislation Amendment (Regional Processing Cohort).
The bill was introduced to the House yesterday and the debate will begin in earnest today.The bill was introduced to the House yesterday and the debate will begin in earnest today.
It will be interesting to watch because it will be the first time in a while that the major parties have been divided on the issue of asylum seeker policy.It will be interesting to watch because it will be the first time in a while that the major parties have been divided on the issue of asylum seeker policy.
This was the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, yesterday:This was the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, yesterday:
The bill will amend the Migration Act to further strengthen Australia’s maritime border protection arrangements by barring certain illegal maritime arrivals, who are subject to regional processing, from applying for an Australian visa.The bill will amend the Migration Act to further strengthen Australia’s maritime border protection arrangements by barring certain illegal maritime arrivals, who are subject to regional processing, from applying for an Australian visa.
The legislation will apply to people transferred to a regional processing country after 19 July 2013, including people who are currently in a regional processing country, have left a regional processing country and are in another country, are in Australia awaiting transfer back to a regional processing country and who are taken to a regional processing country in the future.The legislation will apply to people transferred to a regional processing country after 19 July 2013, including people who are currently in a regional processing country, have left a regional processing country and are in another country, are in Australia awaiting transfer back to a regional processing country and who are taken to a regional processing country in the future.
This includes people temporarily transferred from regional processing countries to Australia for medical treatment and those who have since settled in another country or returned home.This includes people temporarily transferred from regional processing countries to Australia for medical treatment and those who have since settled in another country or returned home.
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at 10.25pm GMTat 10.25pm GMT
10.02pm GMT10.02pm GMT
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I’ve actually wondered about the same thing. If there is a press conference and no one is listening, did it actually happen?I’ve actually wondered about the same thing. If there is a press conference and no one is listening, did it actually happen?
"Is anyone actually listening out there?" Canberra is fixated on the US election, so @JamesMcGrathLNP confronts some philosophical questions pic.twitter.com/Gb7ivhkdKe"Is anyone actually listening out there?" Canberra is fixated on the US election, so @JamesMcGrathLNP confronts some philosophical questions pic.twitter.com/Gb7ivhkdKe
9.52pm GMT9.52pm GMT
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Good morning and happy US election day.Good morning and happy US election day.
There are a few plates spinning in the air today as the United States election slides down to a resolution of sorts. I am trying not to watch because once I start, I may not stop and #politicslive will slide to a stop. But Mike Bowers is having fun.There are a few plates spinning in the air today as the United States election slides down to a resolution of sorts. I am trying not to watch because once I start, I may not stop and #politicslive will slide to a stop. But Mike Bowers is having fun.
We shall overcomb. Happy election Day #PoliticsLive @mpbowers @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/hMZdlMaxN1We shall overcomb. Happy election Day #PoliticsLive @mpbowers @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/hMZdlMaxN1
Onwards people.Onwards people.
Three (Australian) issues up front:Three (Australian) issues up front:
George Brandis:George Brandis:
The backwash of the opposition-dominated Senate committee, which said – essentially – that the attorney general, George Brandis, was unfit to remain a minister because he failed to consult the former solicitor general Justin Gleeson over a legal direction. Brandis has said he did consult and his defence revolved around the Oxford definition of “consultation”.The backwash of the opposition-dominated Senate committee, which said – essentially – that the attorney general, George Brandis, was unfit to remain a minister because he failed to consult the former solicitor general Justin Gleeson over a legal direction. Brandis has said he did consult and his defence revolved around the Oxford definition of “consultation”.
Mark Dreyfus has been around this morning calling for Brandis to be sacked.Mark Dreyfus has been around this morning calling for Brandis to be sacked.
He’s misled the Senate and, worse than that, he’s now lying about lying because he is pretending that he didn’t mislead the Senate.He’s misled the Senate and, worse than that, he’s now lying about lying because he is pretending that he didn’t mislead the Senate.
Backpacker tax:Backpacker tax:
Labor’s last-minute support of a Jacqui Lambie proposal to drop the Coalition’s proposed 19% backpacker tax to 10.5% has the government in a spin. The backpacker bills (and associated savings of 95% tax on backpacker superannuation and a $5 increase in the passenger movement charge) have passed the lower house. But they are yet to pass the Senate.Labor’s last-minute support of a Jacqui Lambie proposal to drop the Coalition’s proposed 19% backpacker tax to 10.5% has the government in a spin. The backpacker bills (and associated savings of 95% tax on backpacker superannuation and a $5 increase in the passenger movement charge) have passed the lower house. But they are yet to pass the Senate.
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, said Labor lied about the backpacker tax at the last election because they said they would resolve it in a revenue neutral way. He says a 10.5% tax rate would cost the budget $500m. Agricultural industries – which use backpackers for 25% of their labour – has been crippled by nearly two years of uncertainty.The treasurer, Scott Morrison, said Labor lied about the backpacker tax at the last election because they said they would resolve it in a revenue neutral way. He says a 10.5% tax rate would cost the budget $500m. Agricultural industries – which use backpackers for 25% of their labour – has been crippled by nearly two years of uncertainty.
Morrison said not us, your honour.Morrison said not us, your honour.
He said backpacker numbers had falling since 2012 – by 35,000 – well before Tony Abbott proposed a 32.5% tax in the 2015 budget. That’s why he was using some of the tax increase to pay for a tourism marketing campaign.He said backpacker numbers had falling since 2012 – by 35,000 – well before Tony Abbott proposed a 32.5% tax in the 2015 budget. That’s why he was using some of the tax increase to pay for a tourism marketing campaign.
[Labor] want to give a bigger tax cut to foreign workers and ask Australians to pay for it.[Labor] want to give a bigger tax cut to foreign workers and ask Australians to pay for it.
Morrison said a lower rate would also give growers a greater disincentive to employ locals.Morrison said a lower rate would also give growers a greater disincentive to employ locals.
Lifetime ban on travel to Australia for asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru:Lifetime ban on travel to Australia for asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru:
The government’s plans will be debated in the lower house but, with Labor and the Greens voting against the bill, it is all in the hands of the crossbenchers. The government needs 8 out of 10.The government’s plans will be debated in the lower house but, with Labor and the Greens voting against the bill, it is all in the hands of the crossbenchers. The government needs 8 out of 10.
Senator Nick Xenophon is one who is crucial given he holds three votes.Senator Nick Xenophon is one who is crucial given he holds three votes.
I’ve got to say at this stage I think it’s pretty touch and go as to whether this legislation gets through. It’s a conscience issue for the team and I respect that.I’ve got to say at this stage I think it’s pretty touch and go as to whether this legislation gets through. It’s a conscience issue for the team and I respect that.
The Xenophones will not vote as a block. The government needs at least one of them.The Xenophones will not vote as a block. The government needs at least one of them.
Apologies for the longest post in history. You can contact me on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or on Facebook. We shall overcomb.Apologies for the longest post in history. You can contact me on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or on Facebook. We shall overcomb.
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at 10.11pm GMTat 10.11pm GMT