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Government agrees to set backpacker tax at 15% – politics live
Government agrees to set backpacker tax at 15% – politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.17pm GMT
23:17
Backpacker tax would never be 32%. We fought to take it to 19%. We said it would be resolved by Christmas. Welcome 15% break-through.
This statement is very confusing, given the government announced a backpacker tax rate of 32.5% in the 2015 budget.
Does Barnaby mean that the preferred government tax rate of 32.5 was never going to succeed?
Or does he mean that in his head, it was not 32.5%, even though it was 32.5% in the budget documents?
I am very confused.
11.12pm GMT
23:12
The Senate is now on to ABCC.
There are 21 speakers – at 20 minutes each – listed on the ABCC bill so it should go all morning.
Updated
at 11.19pm GMT
11.11pm GMT
23:11
The Greens senator Nick McKim says he still believes there should be a Senate inquiry.
The LNP senator Ian Macdonald says as deputy of the legal and constitutional affairs committee, he and the other Liberal senators would not have the time to attend.
To which, there is heckling from Labor:
Labor may not understand that Coalition senators work. It will be a Labor Greens committee and will have no credibility at all.
Updated
at 11.20pm GMT
11.06pm GMT
23:06
Brandis will make a statement to the Senate re Bell Resources litigation
Brandis will make the statement in the Senate at 12pm and Penny Wong is still going ahead with a motion which is quite specific. I will have that to you shortly.
The motion also allows other senators to “make note of the statement” afterwards.
Updated
at 11.20pm GMT
11.04pm GMT
23:04
George Brandis is making a statement now. He says he will make a statement to the Senate regarding the Bell Resources matter. Brandis says he was planning to make the statement anyway, before the Labor motion.
Updated
at 11.20pm GMT
11.01pm GMT
23:01
Senate and house start now.
10.59pm GMT
22:59
Updated
at 11.12pm GMT
10.53pm GMT
10.53pm GMT
22:53
22:53
Ah, the path of #backpackertax never did run smooth... despite new 15% compromise, bills are not actually listed for today. Yet. #auspol
Ah, the path of #backpackertax never did run smooth... despite new 15% compromise, bills are not actually listed for today. Yet. #auspol
Anna is correct. The backpackers bills are not yet listed.
Anna is correct. The backpackers bills are not yet listed.
10.51pm GMT
10.51pm GMT
22:51
22:51
Back to backpackers tax.
Back to the backpackers tax.
If Labor does not support the 15% compromise, the government needs 8 of 10 crossbenchers.
If Labor does not support the 15% compromise, the government needs eight of 10 crossbenchers.
So far the Coalition have One Nation and Scott Morrison has said Nick Xenophon’s amendments will be honoured so we assume they have three Xenophones and Derryn Hinch.
So far the Coalition has One Nation and Scott Morrison has said Nick Xenophon’s amendments will be honoured so we assume they have three Xenophones and Derryn Hinch.
Lambie is still looking at the proposal but it would not seem to matter much if those eight senators are across the line.
Lambie is still looking at the proposal but it would not seem to matter much if those eight senators are across the line.
Hanson was quick out of the blocks claiming the win, saying politicians should listen to what they wanted because that’s how One Nation achieved such heady success.
Hanson was quick out of the blocks claiming the win, saying politicians should listen to what they wanted because that’s how One Nation achieved such heady success.
Most importantly this is a win for farmers, small business and tourism but this is also a win for One Nation and a win for common sense. Instead of letting lobbyists and special interests groups dictate policy politicians should be visiting their voters and listening.
Most importantly this is a win for farmers, small business and tourism but this is also a win for One Nation and a win for common sense. Instead of letting lobbyists and special interests groups dictate policy politicians should be visiting their voters and listening.
Updated
at 11.09pm GMT
10.37pm GMT
10.37pm GMT
22:37
22:37
Things are speeding up here. So I might need some caffeine to keep up.
Things are speeding up here. So I might need some caffeine to keep up.
Both chambers of parliament will sit at 10am. As per the last post, the first business of the senate is Penny Wong’s Brandis motion.
Both chambers of parliament will sit at 10am. As per the last post, the first business of the senate is Penny Wong’s Brandis motion.
We await colour and movement.
We await colour and movement.
After that, the ABCC bill is listed, followed by the VET (vocational education) bills.
After that, the ABCC bill is listed, followed by the VET (vocational education) bills.
HOWEVER, given the backpacker compromise, that may change things considerably.
HOWEVER, given the backpacker compromise, that may change things considerably.
All things subject to change at a moment’s notice.
All things subject to change at a moment’s notice.
10.29pm GMT
10.29pm GMT
22:29
22:29
Penny Wong calls on George Brandis to explain his actions on Bell Group litigation
Penny Wong calls on George Brandis to explain his actions on Bell Group litigation
Labor leader of the Senate, Penny Wong to George Brandis:
The Labor leader of the Senate, Penny Wong, to George Brandis:
Explanation of actions in the Bell Group litigation
Explanation of actions in the Bell Group litigation
When the Senate meets at 10am this morning I will seek leave to move a motion requiring you to explain your actions with respect to the Bell Group litigation.
When the Senate meets at 10am this morning I will seek leave to move a motion requiring you to explain your actions with respect to the Bell Group litigation.
If leave is not forthcoming, I intend to make use of the relevant contingent notice of motion to move to suspend standing orders and bring on debate on the motion.
If leave is not forthcoming, I intend to make use of the relevant contingent notice of motion to move to suspend standing orders and bring on debate on the motion.
You may wish to consider seeking leave to make an explanation when the Senate meets. Were you to do so, the opposition would give leave and it would not be necessary to move such a motion.
You may wish to consider seeking leave to make an explanation when the Senate meets. Were you to do so, the opposition would give leave and it would not be necessary to move such a motion.
Updated
Updated
at 10.31pm GMT
at 11.08pm GMT
10.28pm GMT
10.28pm GMT
22:28
22:28
Both leaders are outside the parliament with Rirratjingu elders and No More campaign founder Charlie King and community leaders who are calling on the parliament to address the issue of family violence in Indigenous communities.
Both leaders are outside the parliament with Rirratjingu elders and No More campaign founder Charlie King and community leaders who are calling on the parliament to address the issue of family violence in Indigenous communities.
Rirratjingu dancers will perform the Djan’kawu ceremony for Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.
Rirratjingu dancers will perform the Djan’kawu ceremony for Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten.
Updated
Updated
at 10.31pm GMT
at 11.08pm GMT
10.19pm GMT
10.19pm GMT
22:19
22:19
Paul Karp pushed the treasurer on the George Brandis/Justin Gleeson matter. At first he would not answer and then he said the Australian Tax Office proceeded with the case on behalf of the commonwealth so it’s all good.
Paul Karp pushed the treasurer on the George Brandis/Justin Gleeson matter. At first he would not answer and then he said the Australian Tax Office proceeded with the case on behalf of the commonwealth so it’s all good.
The ATO proceeded with the case. I look at what happens and what the outcomes are and what I’m standing in front of you here today is explaining an outcome that we are going to achieve on the backpacker’s tax and you can jump into the sausage machine all you like, but what matters is what happens, and what has happened on these matters, I thinks fairly crystal clear.
The ATO proceeded with the case. I look at what happens and what the outcomes are and what I’m standing in front of you here today is explaining an outcome that we are going to achieve on the backpackers tax and you can jump into the sausage machine all you like, but what matters is what happens, and what has happened on these matters, I think is fairly crystal clear.
Updated
Updated
at 10.28pm GMT
at 11.07pm GMT
10.14pm GMT
22:14
How can you secure the Xenophon team if he is refusing to negotiate until the Murray Darling Basin plan is sorted? Scott Morrison says he is confident.
I’m very confident that the backpacker tax will be sorted out. I’ve spoken to senator Xenophon this morning saying we are honouring an arrangement we had come to with senator Xenophon at 19% and senator Xenophon was prepared to accept the more responsible 19% rate, but in this parliament, the 45th parliament, it’s about what you get done.
Updated
at 10.29pm GMT
10.10pm GMT
22:10
Scott Morrison has put the compromise to One Nation’s Pauline Hanson and he is awaiting a response.
The savings will have to be made up in the budget – which will be announced at the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (Myefo).
Updated
at 10.11pm GMT
10.06pm GMT
22:06
Coalition backs down on backpacker tax, supports 15% rate
Scott Morrison will support a 15% backpacker tax.
The Labor party’s objective here has just been to play wrecker. On one hand they come into the parliament every day and say that we need to address revenue issues, and then on the same day they attack the government for a resolution of the backpacker issues which actually protects the revenue.
The hypocrisy and phony nature of the Labor party on the backpacker tax has been absolutely appalling. But it’s for the government to make sure that we provide certainty and we get outcomes, and today the government will be working to put in place a bill which will propose 15% on the backpackers’ arrangement. We will honour the arrangement that we’ve come to with senator Xenophon and we appreciate his continued support on this, as well as senator Hinch.
It will cost $120m, says Morrison.
Updated
at 10.15pm GMT
9.58pm GMT
21:58
Paul Karp
The Greens have said they will move to set up a Senate inquiry into whether the attorney general, George Brandis, engaged in “corrupt conduct” over an alleged sweetheart deal with the West Australian government.
Brandis allegedly told then solicitor general Justin Gleeson not to dispute the constitutionality of a WA law to get the state top priority among Bell Group creditors, which would have cost the ATO and the commonwealth $300m, but Gleeson refused and won the case anyway.
The Greens want to set up a Senate inquiry into the matter. Asked about an inquiry on ABC AM this morning, the Labor leader in the Senate, Penny Wong, said:
We’re happy to have an inquiry ... but I think there’s a first step, Senator Brandis should attend the chamber ... he should front up and give his version of events.”
Brandis has so far refused to comment. Even when Labor questioned whether his behaviour was “at worst corrupt or at best morally bankrupt” a spokesman for the attorney general said on Friday only that “the government does not comment on litigation in which the commonwealth was a party”.
Wong said an inquiry should consider the conduct of other ministers including former WA treasurer Christian Porter and then assistant treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer. But a committee was “no substitute” for Brandis explaining himself.
One Nation does not back the inquiry. It’s a curious position for the party, given its leader Pauline Hanson agreed to the referral of its WA senator Rodney Culleton to the high court because politicians have to be accountable.
Senator Derryn Hinch told Guardian Australia:
[I’m] waiting to hear an explanation from Brandis. From the news reports it would been to be a good one. We will see what develops in the Senate today.
Updated
at 10.25pm GMT
9.55pm GMT
21:55
Barnaby Joyce has stepped into the 457 visa debate. He spoke to Guardian Australia about the importance of the 457 program to fill workforce gaps in rural and regional areas such as doctors and meatworkers.
Seen in the context of George Christiansen’s call for a ban of 457 and Labor’s newly energised crackdown post-Trump, it is a brave move to advocate for foreign workers. Speaking from experience, our town has relied on foreign doctors who transitioned to Australian residency for 40 years.
Here is a taste of Barnaby:
In abattoirs, too, there are certain jobs that others just won’t do.
Do you want to pack offal, or the smelly guts of a cow? Do you want to bone out skulls, do a bovine form of “alas poor Yorick”? No you don’t.
Most people would want to work as the accountant at the abattoir or one of the other higher level jobs. But someone has to do these unpopular jobs if the abattoir is to work properly. And when people come in from overseas to do it, the town is happy, the abattoir is working, and people have jobs.
In Rockhampton, the number of meat workers on 457 visas has actually gone down. What happened? Well, these 457 workers wanted to become Australians and constructive members of the community: buying houses, bringing up their kids. And that’s exactly what happened.
9.39pm GMT
21:39
Mike Bowers has a full gallery of pictures from the Sunday Christmas party Malcolm Turnbull hosted at the Lodge, but here is an assortment for your viewing pleasure:
Updated
at 9.44pm GMT
9.29pm GMT
21:29
The art of the doorstop.
9.27pm GMT
21:27
Labor says Christian Porter and Kelly O'Dwyer have questions to answer over Gleeson-Brandis stoush
You will know by now that the attorney general, George Brandis, has got a serious problem on his hands as more details of the Justin Gleeson stoush rolled out late last week. The West Australian’s Andrew Probyn and Shane Wright reported on it here.
At the heart of the fight was revenue due to creditors from the collapse of the Bell Resources group. The allegation is that Brandis worked to try to ensure revenue went to the West Australian government rather than the commonwealth under a deal initially agreed to by the former treasurer Joe Hockey.
Penny Wong says it is completely inappropriate for someone who is supposed to uphold the law to instruct (Gleeson) not to run a particular proposition because it is “politically inconvenient”.
It’s all very well to lay the blame at Joe Hockey’s feet. We know from what was said in the West Australian that there are a number of ministers with serious questions to answer about this. Christian Porter was identified as being part of this arrangement in the West Australian parliament as was Kelly O’Dwyer. So those ministers really do need to front up and explain their actions as well.
Updated
at 9.34pm GMT
9.14pm GMT
21:14
David Leyonhjelm told ABC AM he has secured a deal with the Coalition to increase the onus of proof standard in the ABCC. We will await details of that deal when we hear it from the government’s lips.
Updated
at 9.23pm GMT
9.07pm GMT
21:07
Good morning blogans and welcome to the last parliamentary sitting week.
These last sitting weeks are always 50 shades of crazy but 2016 might just take the cake.
Malcolm Turnbull’s government needs legislation passed that is crucial to its agenda, namely:
Turnbull needs eight of 10 crossbenchers, which is no mean feat.
Already, South Australian senator Nick Xenophon – wielder of three Senate votes – is cranky because Barnaby Joyce suggested his state might not get the extra 450GL promised if it caused no detrimental effect upstream.
The Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm is cranky because he feels dudded on the Adler shotgun deal, done with the Abbott government.
One Nation has proposed a 15% backpacker tax compromise, in between the Jacqui Lambie 10.5% rate and the government’s proposed 19% rate. One of the government’s own backbenchers, Andrew Broad, has supported this over the weekend.
Which may explain why the crossbenchers were invited to a Christmas party at the prime minister’s Lodge last night. Mike Bowers, knowing the Lodge inside out, staked out the back entrance and Pauline Hanson was not happy to see him on her departure.
Go away.
So with that hot mess before him, Malcolm Turnbull woke to a Fairfax-Ipsos poll which showed increased support to 18% for crossbenchers and independents. So the appearance of chaos no longer turns off the electorate. On a two-party-preferred basis, Labor holds a lead over the Coalition 51-49%.
Fairfax’s Mark Kenny reports the poll also showed:
A ray of hope for government MPs heading into the summer break is that Mr Turnbull has opened up his lead as the preferred prime minister to 51-30, with 19 per cent undecided. He also leads Mr Shorten on eight of 11 leadership attributes.
But in many of those, the trend is negative for Mr Turnbull, with a 9 per cent drop in his rating as a “strong leader”, a 7-point drop in his “ability to make things happen”, and a 6-point drop in the two areas of being “competent” and “open to ideas”.
Nick Xenophon has been speaking to Michael Brissenden on ABC AM.
He told Brisso there remains some “stumbling blocks” to his support for the ABCC bill.
Xenophon wants security of payments for subcontractors and procurement rules to make sure Australian standard building materials are used on construction sites.
And he goes to the water issue, saying it is in the national interest not to trash the national agreement made in 2013.
The prime minister has made a number of assurances on water.
But he wants any agreements made in writing.
I have a power of crossbench party pics from Mike Bowers and I will get to Tony Abbott and his helpful interventions shortly. Not to mention George Brandis and the WA deal. Speak to me in the thread, or on the Twits @gabriellechan or on Facebook.
