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Susan Kiefel becomes first female high court chief justice – politics live George Brandis may face snap Senate inquiry over Bell Group – politics live
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Party room meditation.
11.43pm GMT
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Immigration minister Peter Dutton is really polishing up his lines of late. He always does a bit of a comic act in question time – usually involving Bill Shorten and the CFMEU.
This morning, Dutton turned his attention to Labor shadow attorney Mark Dreyfus, who Dutton believes is obsessed with George Brandis. After an interview with the ABC, he said Dreyfus was like the Robin Williams character in One Hour Photo – a creepy film in which Williams plays a stalker.
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A statement from the first female chief justice of the high courtA statement from the first female chief justice of the high court
The Chief Justice Designate of the high court of Australia, the Hon. Justice Susan Kiefel AC, today said she was deeply honoured to have been appointed and would work to uphold the importance of the High Court as an institution in our society and to maintain its independence. The chief justice designate of the high court of Australia, the Hon Justice Susan Kiefel AC, today said she was deeply honoured to have been appointed and would work to uphold the importance of the High Court as an institution in our society and to maintain its independence.
“The High Court remains as relevant today to Australians as it did at Federation. The issues that come before the High Court affect many aspects of the life of the nation. “The high court remains as relevant today to Australians as it did at federation. The issues that come before the high court affect many aspects of the life of the nation.
“It will be a privilege to walk in the footsteps of the eminent jurists who have been appointed Chief Justices since the Court was established in 1903,” Justice Kiefel said. “It will be a privilege to walk in the footsteps of the eminent jurists who have been appointed chief justices since the court was established in 1903.”
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NSW premier Mike Baird will be speaking at the National Press Club at lunchtime. Katharine Murphy has previewed the speech and provided the context. For federal Liberals, this is important.NSW premier Mike Baird will be speaking at the National Press Club at lunchtime. Katharine Murphy has previewed the speech and provided the context. For federal Liberals, this is important.
Baird’s appearance in Canberra on Tuesday follows a public intervention last week by Rob Stokes, the NSW planning minister, who urged Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison to rethink their opposition to negative gearing reform.Baird’s appearance in Canberra on Tuesday follows a public intervention last week by Rob Stokes, the NSW planning minister, who urged Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison to rethink their opposition to negative gearing reform.
Stokes argued that boosting supply alone would not solve Sydney’s problem with housing affordability. The tax system needed to be geared towards productive investments.Stokes argued that boosting supply alone would not solve Sydney’s problem with housing affordability. The tax system needed to be geared towards productive investments.
“Earlier this year the NSW government was ready, willing and able to have a discussion about tax,” the planning minister said. “Disappointingly our leadership on this issue fell victim to the Canberra culture that promotes opposition over consensus.”“Earlier this year the NSW government was ready, willing and able to have a discussion about tax,” the planning minister said. “Disappointingly our leadership on this issue fell victim to the Canberra culture that promotes opposition over consensus.”
This will be a major focus of questions today.This will be a major focus of questions today.
10.56pm GMT10.56pm GMT
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Malcolm Turnbull addressed his party room.Malcolm Turnbull addressed his party room.
And we said we would make the 45th Parliament work, and we said that we would deliver. And we are delivering. Thanks to you. Thanks to your hard work, thanks to working with the crossbenchers in the house and above all, in the Senate.And we said we would make the 45th Parliament work, and we said that we would deliver. And we are delivering. Thanks to you. Thanks to your hard work, thanks to working with the crossbenchers in the house and above all, in the Senate.
Turnbull names:Turnbull names:
When we wrap up the parliament this week for the summer vacation, for the Christmas vacation, all of us will be able to go back to our electorates and say ‘we came to you in the election with an economic plan’. We laid it out. We sought your support and you returned us to government and we are delivering. We are getting the runs on the board. We are defying the critics. We are delivering the 45th Parliament is working, the government is governing, the government is leading, the government is delivering on its promises.When we wrap up the parliament this week for the summer vacation, for the Christmas vacation, all of us will be able to go back to our electorates and say ‘we came to you in the election with an economic plan’. We laid it out. We sought your support and you returned us to government and we are delivering. We are getting the runs on the board. We are defying the critics. We are delivering the 45th Parliament is working, the government is governing, the government is leading, the government is delivering on its promises.
10.45pm GMT10.45pm GMT
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Bill Shorten says the Coalition is about the “survival of the fittest” and “the law of the economic jungle”.Bill Shorten says the Coalition is about the “survival of the fittest” and “the law of the economic jungle”.
If you fall behind, you get left behind. We are different. We’ve always been different and we remain strong and proud in our difference to the Liberals. We know that it is our job in this parliament to make economic change work for everybody, to make the economy work in the interests of working class and middle class people.If you fall behind, you get left behind. We are different. We’ve always been different and we remain strong and proud in our difference to the Liberals. We know that it is our job in this parliament to make economic change work for everybody, to make the economy work in the interests of working class and middle class people.
10.42pm GMT10.42pm GMT
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Shorten reminds everyone of Turnbull’s cabinet reshuffle last year when former minister Jamie Briggs and Mal Brough were dumped just before Christmas.Shorten reminds everyone of Turnbull’s cabinet reshuffle last year when former minister Jamie Briggs and Mal Brough were dumped just before Christmas.
I don’t think that Malcolm Turnbull has the guts to sack the most accident-prone and incompetent minister in an accident prone and incompetent government whilst parliament sits. But as soon as the Christmas turkey goes in the oven, George Brandis will be cooked. And again, we saw it at this time last year – do you have confidence in Mal Brough and Jamie Briggs? Absolutely. Between Christmas and new year, when no one is watching, out they go with the rest of the Christmas rubbish.I don’t think that Malcolm Turnbull has the guts to sack the most accident-prone and incompetent minister in an accident prone and incompetent government whilst parliament sits. But as soon as the Christmas turkey goes in the oven, George Brandis will be cooked. And again, we saw it at this time last year – do you have confidence in Mal Brough and Jamie Briggs? Absolutely. Between Christmas and new year, when no one is watching, out they go with the rest of the Christmas rubbish.
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Bill Shorten is addressing caucus prior to Labor’s party room meeting.Bill Shorten is addressing caucus prior to Labor’s party room meeting.
We finish the year as amore determined, more united and bigger Caucus than we started the year. And our contrast with our rivals, I don’t believe, could be any more stark. Over the weekend, we saw a watershed moment where we saw our old friend Tony Abbott make an hour-long job interview on PVO and Kelly, as you do!We finish the year as amore determined, more united and bigger Caucus than we started the year. And our contrast with our rivals, I don’t believe, could be any more stark. Over the weekend, we saw a watershed moment where we saw our old friend Tony Abbott make an hour-long job interview on PVO and Kelly, as you do!
He wants to be the minister for defence, but I suspect he wants to go on the attack in the government. And we’ve seen the sorry saga of Satin George continue to wind its way through parliament. Such a long statement. So many words, desperately trying to say as little as possible. But in the end, he did what the Liberals have been doing for the best part of 1,400 days – he blamed Joe Hockey.He wants to be the minister for defence, but I suspect he wants to go on the attack in the government. And we’ve seen the sorry saga of Satin George continue to wind its way through parliament. Such a long statement. So many words, desperately trying to say as little as possible. But in the end, he did what the Liberals have been doing for the best part of 1,400 days – he blamed Joe Hockey.
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Andrew Probyn of the West Australian asks under what circumstances Brandis will lift his legal waiver on his advice to former solicitor general Justin Gleeson regarding the Bell litigation.Andrew Probyn of the West Australian asks under what circumstances Brandis will lift his legal waiver on his advice to former solicitor general Justin Gleeson regarding the Bell litigation.
Brandis will not go into it, having made his statement to the Senate (which did not touch on this).Brandis will not go into it, having made his statement to the Senate (which did not touch on this).
The PM is asked if he is assured that the attorney general did not tell the solicitor general NOT to convey the argument which would have favoured the commonwealth over the state government in the Bell matter.The PM is asked if he is assured that the attorney general did not tell the solicitor general NOT to convey the argument which would have favoured the commonwealth over the state government in the Bell matter.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
The attorney has addressed all of these matters in a statement in the Senate which was lengthy but nonetheless captivating.The attorney has addressed all of these matters in a statement in the Senate which was lengthy but nonetheless captivating.
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10.26pm GMT10.26pm GMT
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Malcolm Turnbull appoints Susan Kiefel as chief justice, the first woman in the roleMalcolm Turnbull appoints Susan Kiefel as chief justice, the first woman in the role
On the retirement of Robert French, Turnbull and the attorney general, George Brandis, appoint the first woman to become Australia’s chief justice.On the retirement of Robert French, Turnbull and the attorney general, George Brandis, appoint the first woman to become Australia’s chief justice.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
Susan Kiefel’s story is one that is an inspiration. She left school at 15. She began her working life as a legal secretary. She studied for her completion of high-school qualifications part-time. She studied law part-time through the barristers admission board. She was admitted to the bar in 1975. She went on after practising at the bar to win a master of laws at the University of Cambridge. She took silk in 1987. The first woman in Queensland to do so. In 1993 she became the first woman to be appointed a judge of the supreme court of Queensland. She has been one of Australia’s most outstanding judicial officers.Susan Kiefel’s story is one that is an inspiration. She left school at 15. She began her working life as a legal secretary. She studied for her completion of high-school qualifications part-time. She studied law part-time through the barristers admission board. She was admitted to the bar in 1975. She went on after practising at the bar to win a master of laws at the University of Cambridge. She took silk in 1987. The first woman in Queensland to do so. In 1993 she became the first woman to be appointed a judge of the supreme court of Queensland. She has been one of Australia’s most outstanding judicial officers.
Brandis said Justice Kiefel had emerged as the “consensus candidate” after extensive consultations with the legal profession.Brandis said Justice Kiefel had emerged as the “consensus candidate” after extensive consultations with the legal profession.
James Edelman has been appointed to fill Kiefel’s role on the high court. Turnbull describes him as “one of the most outstanding legal minds of his generation”.James Edelman has been appointed to fill Kiefel’s role on the high court. Turnbull describes him as “one of the most outstanding legal minds of his generation”.
He was born on the 9 January 1974 so he is a different generation to most of the other judges of the high court but he was a professor of law at Oxford at the age of 34. Quite precocious. He became a judge in Western Australia in 2011 when he sat on the supreme court of Western Australia and since 2015 he has been a judge of the federal court of Australia. He has established himself by practising at the Western Australian bar and indeed at the London bar. In 2008 he was professor of the law of obligations at the University of Oxford … George and I are delighted, as is the government, to have been able to recommend his appointment to the governor general. So, these are two critically important, historic appointments – as all high court appointments are – to this court which stands at the very apex of our judicial system.He was born on the 9 January 1974 so he is a different generation to most of the other judges of the high court but he was a professor of law at Oxford at the age of 34. Quite precocious. He became a judge in Western Australia in 2011 when he sat on the supreme court of Western Australia and since 2015 he has been a judge of the federal court of Australia. He has established himself by practising at the Western Australian bar and indeed at the London bar. In 2008 he was professor of the law of obligations at the University of Oxford … George and I are delighted, as is the government, to have been able to recommend his appointment to the governor general. So, these are two critically important, historic appointments – as all high court appointments are – to this court which stands at the very apex of our judicial system.
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10.16pm GMT10.16pm GMT
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Labor is to introduce a private member’s bill on political donation reform. Given that the joint standing committee on electoral matters is in the middle of reviewing the last election, political donations and truth in advertising, the government will probably suggest Labor wait until the report.Labor is to introduce a private member’s bill on political donation reform. Given that the joint standing committee on electoral matters is in the middle of reviewing the last election, political donations and truth in advertising, the government will probably suggest Labor wait until the report.
But Labor want to make the point it is ready with a reform package, which would:But Labor want to make the point it is ready with a reform package, which would:
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10.02pm GMT10.02pm GMT
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Malcolm Turnbull and George Brandis have a press conference at 9.15am.Malcolm Turnbull and George Brandis have a press conference at 9.15am.
Hang on to your hats.Hang on to your hats.
10.01pm GMT10.01pm GMT
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Mark Kenny of Fairfax reports that non-elites – ordinary people – may not be allowed to walk over the lawns on top of the parliamentary building.Mark Kenny of Fairfax reports that non-elites – ordinary people – may not be allowed to walk over the lawns on top of the parliamentary building.
An imminent tightening of security at Parliament House threatens to deny public access to its signature sloping lawns, as authorities worry about the iconic building’s ongoing vulnerability to a terrorist attack.An imminent tightening of security at Parliament House threatens to deny public access to its signature sloping lawns, as authorities worry about the iconic building’s ongoing vulnerability to a terrorist attack.
The restriction of access to the upper lawns – which has been pushed by security agencies in the past but never eventuated on heritage grounds – could alter the nature of the giant complex, which was designed to allow the people of Australia to walk over the heads of their elected representatives.The restriction of access to the upper lawns – which has been pushed by security agencies in the past but never eventuated on heritage grounds – could alter the nature of the giant complex, which was designed to allow the people of Australia to walk over the heads of their elected representatives.
While details of the proposed upgrade are being tightly held, Fairfax Media understands a number of changes have already received the support of the major parties in the House of Representatives and will be progressed with senators this week, with a view to works beginning over summer.While details of the proposed upgrade are being tightly held, Fairfax Media understands a number of changes have already received the support of the major parties in the House of Representatives and will be progressed with senators this week, with a view to works beginning over summer.
The special minister of state, Scott Ryan, has just told Sky that it is a matter for the presiding officers, being the Speaker and president.The special minister of state, Scott Ryan, has just told Sky that it is a matter for the presiding officers, being the Speaker and president.
Ryan and the Labor frontbencher Matt Thistlethwaite both agreed that the security environment had changed markedly and members of the public, staff and pollies need to be kept safe.Ryan and the Labor frontbencher Matt Thistlethwaite both agreed that the security environment had changed markedly and members of the public, staff and pollies need to be kept safe.
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Penny Wong was also asked on Lateline about Labor’s policy to crackdown on 457 visas which require stronger labour market testing before temporary foreign workers are employed.Penny Wong was also asked on Lateline about Labor’s policy to crackdown on 457 visas which require stronger labour market testing before temporary foreign workers are employed.
Wong said 457 workers have been a part of the Australian labour market for a long time.Wong said 457 workers have been a part of the Australian labour market for a long time.
The key policy question that I think most Australians want to ensure is that those jobs are available first to Australians who are willing and able to do them.The key policy question that I think most Australians want to ensure is that those jobs are available first to Australians who are willing and able to do them.
Emma Alberici: Labor gave 285 foreign workers jobs at McDonald’s in Australia, 74 at Hungry Jack’s and 88 at KFC. Were there no Australians that could do those jobs when Labor was in government?Emma Alberici: Labor gave 285 foreign workers jobs at McDonald’s in Australia, 74 at Hungry Jack’s and 88 at KFC. Were there no Australians that could do those jobs when Labor was in government?
I’m responding to the direct policy point which is we had an approach which required labour market testing, that is the safeguard.I’m responding to the direct policy point which is we had an approach which required labour market testing, that is the safeguard.
Alberici: These happened … when you were in government.Alberici: These happened … when you were in government.
I’m not able to tell you what happened in respect of every single one of those workers.I’m not able to tell you what happened in respect of every single one of those workers.
Alberici: Bill Shorten was employment minister at the time.Alberici: Bill Shorten was employment minister at the time.
The reality is there was a safeguard which existed under the Labor government. The government sought to remove that under trade agreements. I and others raised concerns about that because we think it’s legitimate and a fair safeguard. At the time, I recall being criticised, as Labor was, by the government about that fact.The reality is there was a safeguard which existed under the Labor government. The government sought to remove that under trade agreements. I and others raised concerns about that because we think it’s legitimate and a fair safeguard. At the time, I recall being criticised, as Labor was, by the government about that fact.
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9.28pm GMT9.28pm GMT
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Penny Wong appeared on Lateline last night – why not, with the Senate sitting until 1am?Penny Wong appeared on Lateline last night – why not, with the Senate sitting until 1am?
She enunciated the line of attack against George Brandis today.She enunciated the line of attack against George Brandis today.
Let’s start with the primary problem. It is this … statements and undertakings given to the Senate today are inconsistent with statements made by the Western Australian treasurer, to the Western Australian parliament. So either George Brandis isn’t telling the truth in this parliament, or Dr Nahan is not telling the truth in the Western Australian parliament. Because both sets of statements in respect of three key facts cannot be true.Let’s start with the primary problem. It is this … statements and undertakings given to the Senate today are inconsistent with statements made by the Western Australian treasurer, to the Western Australian parliament. So either George Brandis isn’t telling the truth in this parliament, or Dr Nahan is not telling the truth in the Western Australian parliament. Because both sets of statements in respect of three key facts cannot be true.
And the three key differences are: was there any agreement?And the three key differences are: was there any agreement?
Second, the involvement of Christian Porter.Second, the involvement of Christian Porter.
And thirdly, the involvement of Kelly O’Dwyer.And thirdly, the involvement of Kelly O’Dwyer.
Completely inconsistent statements made to two parliaments. Who is telling the truth?Completely inconsistent statements made to two parliaments. Who is telling the truth?
I again remind you and all of the fact that Dr Nahan has said, the treasurer of Western Australia has said, very clearly to the Australian parliament they had a deal. “We had a deal.”I again remind you and all of the fact that Dr Nahan has said, the treasurer of Western Australia has said, very clearly to the Australian parliament they had a deal. “We had a deal.”
That’s inconsistent with what Senator Brandis said today.That’s inconsistent with what Senator Brandis said today.
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9.11pm GMT9.11pm GMT
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Good morning after the night before,Good morning after the night before,
There is a whole lot of bluff and bluster around this morning and the only way to pick our way through it is to follow the chambers like a good kelpie.There is a whole lot of bluff and bluster around this morning and the only way to pick our way through it is to follow the chambers like a good kelpie.
Those chambers don’t sit until midday to allow party-room meetings to occur.Those chambers don’t sit until midday to allow party-room meetings to occur.
The Senate sat until nearly 1am debating the Australian Building and Construction Commission bill to bring back the Howard industry watchdog. The bill has passed its second reading stage which means it now goes to committee stage, when other senators get to act like journalists and fire off questions at the minister in charge.The Senate sat until nearly 1am debating the Australian Building and Construction Commission bill to bring back the Howard industry watchdog. The bill has passed its second reading stage which means it now goes to committee stage, when other senators get to act like journalists and fire off questions at the minister in charge.
The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, told the ABC this morning the government had One Nation support and David Leyonhjelm but discussions were continuing in efforts to win Nick Xenophon’s three votes and Derryn Hinch.The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, told the ABC this morning the government had One Nation support and David Leyonhjelm but discussions were continuing in efforts to win Nick Xenophon’s three votes and Derryn Hinch.
Fifield is asked about the hoary old chestnut, extending the parliamentary sitting past Thursday – being the last sitting day of the year.Fifield is asked about the hoary old chestnut, extending the parliamentary sitting past Thursday – being the last sitting day of the year.
Everything is in the hands of the chamber itself … the crossbench has accepted management of Senate is the responsibility of all senators.Everything is in the hands of the chamber itself … the crossbench has accepted management of Senate is the responsibility of all senators.
The political attention will be heaped on George Brandis today as the Greens and Labor try to get up an inquiry into the Bell Group litigation matter.The political attention will be heaped on George Brandis today as the Greens and Labor try to get up an inquiry into the Bell Group litigation matter.
The Fin’s Laura Tingle, who broke the original story about the falling out between Justin Gleeson and Brandis, neatly encapsulates the key question left hanging after the attorney general’s statement yesterday.The Fin’s Laura Tingle, who broke the original story about the falling out between Justin Gleeson and Brandis, neatly encapsulates the key question left hanging after the attorney general’s statement yesterday.
Did George Brandis prevent, discourage or inhibit attempts to challenge a West Australian bill that would have favoured WA over federal taxpayers to the tune of $300 million?Did George Brandis prevent, discourage or inhibit attempts to challenge a West Australian bill that would have favoured WA over federal taxpayers to the tune of $300 million?
Paul Karp is beavering away to check the numbers for a Brandis Senate inquiry. We know Greens and Labor will support. Xenophon is a no. One Nation is a no as of yesterday. Hinch said Brandis had better have a good explanation. Leyonhjelm and Lambie are maybes.Paul Karp is beavering away to check the numbers for a Brandis Senate inquiry. We know Greens and Labor will support. Xenophon is a no. One Nation is a no as of yesterday. Hinch said Brandis had better have a good explanation. Leyonhjelm and Lambie are maybes.
Onwards and upwards. Talk to us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or you can talk to me on Facebook or in the thread.Onwards and upwards. Talk to us on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or you can talk to me on Facebook or in the thread.
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