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Peter Dutton calls Cory Bernardi's defection a 'betrayal' – politics live Peter Dutton calls Cory Bernardi's defection a 'betrayal' – politics live
(35 minutes later)
10.28pm GMT
22:28
Joyce: PM to make a statement on land acquisitions for Shoalwater Bay defence force facility
Some of you may have read my piece last week on the barney going on in central Queensland regarding a decision to acquire land for the expansion of the Shoalwater Bay military training facility. The expansion is required because of the deal signed last year with Singapore to allow its troops to train for 18 weeks a year with Australian troops in Australia. As an important ally, Singapore is also funding the expansion of the facility. The fight occurred after the defence department wrote to landholders with a threat of acquisition before they knew which properties were required, leaving farmers upset and angry.
Pauline Hanson was making hay while the sun shone. Labor was campaigning there. Shock jocks were getting in on the act.
Barnaby Joyce visited landholders on Friday and he told them he was hopeful there would be no compulsory acquisitions. He has just told John Laws the prime minister will be making a statement to the joint party room about Shoalwater Bay.
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Peter Dutton: There is no chance of others following Bernardi
Paul Karp
As reported earlier, the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, has spoken on ABC’s AM about the “betrayal” of Senator Cory Bernardi in quitting the Liberal party. Here are fuller quotes.
It is a betrayal when somebody leaves a political party. Because … the grassroots members, the people who have handed out how to votes in election after election because they believe in good government, in the cause of the Liberal party … [it’s] certainly a sense of betrayal they would feel when somebody leaves our ranks.
The principal that we have to adhere to here is the enemy of the Liberal party and of good government here in Australia is the Labor party. We can most effectively defeat the Labor party at the next election if we’re united and we stick together as a party”
Asked about whether George Christensen, who has ruled out joining Bernardi for now, could jump ship over issues including marriage equality, Dutton noted that Christensen has said he is loyal to Barnaby Joyce, to the LNP and to the Coalition.
I take George Christensen at his word. To answer your question, I think there is no chance of others following. I think people … will be angry about any defection, angry about the betrayal of Liberal party values.
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10.15pm GMT
22:15
If God were polled, would she tick Cory or me?
10.11pm GMT
22:11
Stuntman and NXT leader Nick Xenophon, channelling the zeitgeist.
Xenophon brings together equal parts nationalism and oppositional defiance disorder.
10.05pm GMT
22:05
It is worth concentrating on the question asked in the poll relating to the Trump travel ban. Because the Essential poll found that when you added Donald Trump to the equation, support for a ban dropped. From Paul Karp’s story:
The Essential poll found support for a travel ban on Muslim countries was highest among voters of “other” parties, with 66% in favour and 25% opposed. Coalition voters were the next most likely to support it, with 48% in favour and 38% opposed.
A majority of Labor voters were against a ban, with 59% opposed and 31% in favour. Greens voters were most opposed with 75% against a ban and just 15% in favour.
When asked specifically about whether they approved of Trump’s executive order in the US, the Essential poll found support fell to 36%, disapproval was 49% and 14% remained undecided.
10.02pm GMT10.02pm GMT
22:0222:02
Paul KarpPaul Karp
Another Essential poll on the question of Australian support for the Trump ban. Another Essential poll on the question of Australian support for Trump’s travel ban.
Australians are evenly divided on Donald Trump’s ban on travel from a group of Muslim-majority nations, two new polls have found.Australians are evenly divided on Donald Trump’s ban on travel from a group of Muslim-majority nations, two new polls have found.
The Essential poll of 1,014 voters, released on Tuesday, found 41% of Australians supported a “ban on people from Muslim countries from entering Australia”. That compared with 46% who opposed a ban and 14% who didn’t know.The Essential poll of 1,014 voters, released on Tuesday, found 41% of Australians supported a “ban on people from Muslim countries from entering Australia”. That compared with 46% who opposed a ban and 14% who didn’t know.
Tuesday’s Newspoll found that 44% of respondents believe Australia should take similar measures to Trump’s executive order, 45% ­oppose doing so and 11% were uncommitted.Tuesday’s Newspoll found that 44% of respondents believe Australia should take similar measures to Trump’s executive order, 45% ­oppose doing so and 11% were uncommitted.
Through the executive order Trump suspended visas being issued for 90 days to migrants or travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, stopped all refugee arrivals into the US for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely.Through the executive order Trump suspended visas being issued for 90 days to migrants or travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, stopped all refugee arrivals into the US for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely.
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at 10.24pm GMT
9.58pm GMT9.58pm GMT
21:5821:58
Christopher Pyne has tweeted his heart out this morning.Christopher Pyne has tweeted his heart out this morning.
The Liberal Party's values are not limited to conservatism. We are Liberals because we are open to new ideas; tolerant of difference; 1/2The Liberal Party's values are not limited to conservatism. We are Liberals because we are open to new ideas; tolerant of difference; 1/2
modern and forward looking; we believe in reward for effort and sharing Australia's good fortune with those in need. 2/2modern and forward looking; we believe in reward for effort and sharing Australia's good fortune with those in need. 2/2
Those most hurt by Cory Bernardi are the hundreds of thousands of SA voters who voted Liberal in the Senate only to be let down by him.Those most hurt by Cory Bernardi are the hundreds of thousands of SA voters who voted Liberal in the Senate only to be let down by him.
Special minister of state Scott Ryan is asked about Pyne’s comments that Cory should give up his senate seat. The special minister of state, Scott Ryan, is asked about Pyne’s comments that Bernardi should give up his Senate seat.
Ryan says, Christopher and Cory have history. Droll. Ryan says Christopher and Cory have history. Droll.
That’s for sure. The plane from Canberra to Adelaide after parliament is always interesting. Oftimes, South Australian Liberals would rather sit next to Labor MPs than each other.That’s for sure. The plane from Canberra to Adelaide after parliament is always interesting. Oftimes, South Australian Liberals would rather sit next to Labor MPs than each other.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.58pm GMT at 10.23pm GMT
9.49pm GMT9.49pm GMT
21:4921:49
Katharine MurphyKatharine Murphy
There’s been a lot of talk over the past 24 hours about why the Liberals in South Australia didn’t seek watertight undertakings from Cory Bernardi during the election campaign that he would stay in the Senate as a Liberal for the whole term.There’s been a lot of talk over the past 24 hours about why the Liberals in South Australia didn’t seek watertight undertakings from Cory Bernardi during the election campaign that he would stay in the Senate as a Liberal for the whole term.
A bit of context about that campaign. Despite the fact Nick Xenophon was surging in the state, Liberal campaign HQ in Canberra had done no detailed work on a South Australian Senate campaign.A bit of context about that campaign. Despite the fact Nick Xenophon was surging in the state, Liberal campaign HQ in Canberra had done no detailed work on a South Australian Senate campaign.
The direction from Canberra was to direct resources to defending lower house marginal seats. South Australian senators got the impression they were on their own. As a consequence the South Australian Liberal senators ran their own race, they rallied, raised money, and ignored the directive from Canberra.The direction from Canberra was to direct resources to defending lower house marginal seats. South Australian senators got the impression they were on their own. As a consequence the South Australian Liberal senators ran their own race, they rallied, raised money, and ignored the directive from Canberra.
So to cut a long story short, at the time of the election, South Australian Liberal Senate eyes were on the NXT. Perhaps people didn’t press hard enough because they were distracted with a more urgent problem – and Bernardi has also made an artform of being elusive about his intentions. I caught some of the context of the contemporary South Australian political dynamics in a longform piece I did about the rise of the NXT just before Christmas. If so inclined you can read that here.So to cut a long story short, at the time of the election, South Australian Liberal Senate eyes were on the NXT. Perhaps people didn’t press hard enough because they were distracted with a more urgent problem – and Bernardi has also made an artform of being elusive about his intentions. I caught some of the context of the contemporary South Australian political dynamics in a longform piece I did about the rise of the NXT just before Christmas. If so inclined you can read that here.
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at 9.55pm GMTat 9.55pm GMT
9.47pm GMT9.47pm GMT
21:4721:47
The special minister of state, Scott Ryan, tells Sky that he too, is disappointed.The special minister of state, Scott Ryan, tells Sky that he too, is disappointed.
Political parties require compromise, says Ryan, and we can’t all have every single one of our views adopted in a party.Political parties require compromise, says Ryan, and we can’t all have every single one of our views adopted in a party.
In other words, we have to play together.In other words, we have to play together.
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at 9.54pm GMTat 9.54pm GMT
9.44pm GMT9.44pm GMT
21:4421:44
Christopher Pyne says Bernardi should resign and recontest his seatChristopher Pyne says Bernardi should resign and recontest his seat
Cory Bernardi was elected as a Liberal. The honourable course is for him to resign his seat and for him to recontest it as an independent.Cory Bernardi was elected as a Liberal. The honourable course is for him to resign his seat and for him to recontest it as an independent.
9.43pm GMT9.43pm GMT
21:4321:43
Simon Benson at the Australian has an unsourced report that Barnaby Joyce gave the Coalition frontbench a lecture, warning moderates to back off on the push for marriage equality, among other issues.Simon Benson at the Australian has an unsourced report that Barnaby Joyce gave the Coalition frontbench a lecture, warning moderates to back off on the push for marriage equality, among other issues.
“It was a spray,” one Liberal frontbencher said.“It was a spray,” one Liberal frontbencher said.
“He said if we continue to be distracted by issues which only appeal to people in George Street and Oxford Street but not in the outer suburbs and the regions, things will not improve,” another said.“He said if we continue to be distracted by issues which only appeal to people in George Street and Oxford Street but not in the outer suburbs and the regions, things will not improve,” another said.
“He then specifically raised gay marriage as an example.”“He then specifically raised gay marriage as an example.”
Steve Ciobo confirmed that Joyce had spoken to the ministry but would not confirm the substance other than this:Steve Ciobo confirmed that Joyce had spoken to the ministry but would not confirm the substance other than this:
Joyce said we have to focus on what’s important to the Australian people.Joyce said we have to focus on what’s important to the Australian people.
We have heard no loud denials from Joyce’s office, so make of that what you will.We have heard no loud denials from Joyce’s office, so make of that what you will.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.53pm GMTat 9.53pm GMT
9.38pm GMT9.38pm GMT
21:3821:38
The trade minister, Steve Ciobo, is speaking to Kieran Gilbert on Sky. He says the Bernardi defection is disappointing but hopes he will work constructively on the crossbench.The trade minister, Steve Ciobo, is speaking to Kieran Gilbert on Sky. He says the Bernardi defection is disappointing but hopes he will work constructively on the crossbench.
Gilbert points out that Bernardi’s colleagues feel betrayed and that they were given assurances by Bernardi that the Australian Conservatives would act like a faction of the party – what the Tea Party is to the Republican party. Ciobo says he is not getting into who said what to whom but:Gilbert points out that Bernardi’s colleagues feel betrayed and that they were given assurances by Bernardi that the Australian Conservatives would act like a faction of the party – what the Tea Party is to the Republican party. Ciobo says he is not getting into who said what to whom but:
He has to stare the Liberal party voters in the face and justify his actions.He has to stare the Liberal party voters in the face and justify his actions.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.52pm GMTat 9.52pm GMT
9.29pm GMT9.29pm GMT
21:2921:29
Katharine Murphy has written the essential backgrounder on Cory Bernardi. You must read it through but here is a taste:Katharine Murphy has written the essential backgrounder on Cory Bernardi. You must read it through but here is a taste:
As we begin to contemplate what his next phase as a crossbencher will look like, we have certain advantages. Bernardi has been around sufficiently long in Australian politics to be a known known.As we begin to contemplate what his next phase as a crossbencher will look like, we have certain advantages. Bernardi has been around sufficiently long in Australian politics to be a known known.
He’s an avowed climate sceptic. He’s a Christian values conservative: a vociferous opponent of marriage equality, and inclined to poke the hornets’ nest on Islam. He’s been at the pointy end of internal debates on section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which is the frontline of the contemporary left-right culture war in Australia. On economic issues, he’s a low-tax, small-government man.He’s an avowed climate sceptic. He’s a Christian values conservative: a vociferous opponent of marriage equality, and inclined to poke the hornets’ nest on Islam. He’s been at the pointy end of internal debates on section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which is the frontline of the contemporary left-right culture war in Australia. On economic issues, he’s a low-tax, small-government man.
Unlike many micro-party players who have to invent a network from scratch and create the means of bankrolling a fledgling political operation, Bernardi has some prospects of garnering firepower and professionalism because of his well-stocked contact book.Unlike many micro-party players who have to invent a network from scratch and create the means of bankrolling a fledgling political operation, Bernardi has some prospects of garnering firepower and professionalism because of his well-stocked contact book.
As an important institutional player in the Liberal party in South Australia, he’s got some powerful friends, including the mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Eyebrows were raised inside the Coalition last year when Bernardi and Rinehart met members of the Trump transition team in the US. There were also reports that Bernardi spent New Year’s Eve with Rinehart as a guest on the luxury cruise liner The World.As an important institutional player in the Liberal party in South Australia, he’s got some powerful friends, including the mining magnate Gina Rinehart. Eyebrows were raised inside the Coalition last year when Bernardi and Rinehart met members of the Trump transition team in the US. There were also reports that Bernardi spent New Year’s Eve with Rinehart as a guest on the luxury cruise liner The World.
A key question of early interest and import will be how Bernardi’s new operation intends to sit in the political firmament with One Nation. Will Bernardi attempt to take back the ground One Nation has claimed over the course of last year, or does he view himself as being complementary to that insurgency?A key question of early interest and import will be how Bernardi’s new operation intends to sit in the political firmament with One Nation. Will Bernardi attempt to take back the ground One Nation has claimed over the course of last year, or does he view himself as being complementary to that insurgency?
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.33pm GMTat 9.33pm GMT
9.24pm GMT9.24pm GMT
21:2421:24
Is that the time already?Is that the time already?
A little housekeeping. Last night, after cabinet and ministry meetings, the leaders joined for a (recently) traditional ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. This morning, they have headed to church to praise the lord for such exciting times. Then they will head into party-room meetings, which is the usual Tuesday timetable. Both parliamentary chambers will begin at or after midday, the Senate at 12.30pm. We are expecting a statement from Cory Bernardi in the Senate at first opening. All we know of the conversation between Malcolm Turnbull and Bernardi is that Turnbull made the phone call.A little housekeeping. Last night, after cabinet and ministry meetings, the leaders joined for a (recently) traditional ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. This morning, they have headed to church to praise the lord for such exciting times. Then they will head into party-room meetings, which is the usual Tuesday timetable. Both parliamentary chambers will begin at or after midday, the Senate at 12.30pm. We are expecting a statement from Cory Bernardi in the Senate at first opening. All we know of the conversation between Malcolm Turnbull and Bernardi is that Turnbull made the phone call.
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at 9.31pm GMTat 9.31pm GMT
9.15pm GMT9.15pm GMT
21:1521:15
MPs and senators are now in the usual church service to start the parliamentary year. The treasurer, Scott Morrison, suggests that Bernardi made a promise to his Liberal voters – a promise that has now been broken. Bernardi’s fellow conservative senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells says she is disappointed. Backbenchers South Australian MP Rowan Ramsey and Queensland MP Michelle Landry, both on the knife edge and facing threats from minor parties including Nick Xenophon and One Nation respectively, believe he should give back the seat.MPs and senators are now in the usual church service to start the parliamentary year. The treasurer, Scott Morrison, suggests that Bernardi made a promise to his Liberal voters – a promise that has now been broken. Bernardi’s fellow conservative senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells says she is disappointed. Backbenchers South Australian MP Rowan Ramsey and Queensland MP Michelle Landry, both on the knife edge and facing threats from minor parties including Nick Xenophon and One Nation respectively, believe he should give back the seat.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.17pm GMTat 9.17pm GMT
9.08pm GMT9.08pm GMT
21:0821:08
First up, remember that with the Bernardi defection, the Coalition requires one more number in the Senate to pass legislation.First up, remember that with the Bernardi defection, the Coalition requires one more number in the Senate to pass legislation.
Given that Cory obviously has conservative values, he is likely to support the government on economic policies but he will just act as a roadblock on any tribal issues such as marriage equality.Given that Cory obviously has conservative values, he is likely to support the government on economic policies but he will just act as a roadblock on any tribal issues such as marriage equality.
I would suggest he would have done so anyway – so not much change there. For example, if the Liberal moderates did manage to get a marriage equality vote up, he would have crossed the floor. Nothing surer.I would suggest he would have done so anyway – so not much change there. For example, if the Liberal moderates did manage to get a marriage equality vote up, he would have crossed the floor. Nothing surer.
But, as we awake to the news this morning, the conservatives are revolting.But, as we awake to the news this morning, the conservatives are revolting.
The Queensland LNP MP and whip George Christensen has again warned any change to the Coalition policy on marriage would be a step too far. It was a not-so veiled threat. Which would suggest Bernardi would have more sway inside the party.The Queensland LNP MP and whip George Christensen has again warned any change to the Coalition policy on marriage would be a step too far. It was a not-so veiled threat. Which would suggest Bernardi would have more sway inside the party.
Christensen’s vote is far more crucial, given that he sits in the lower house where Malcolm Turnbull has a majority of one.Christensen’s vote is far more crucial, given that he sits in the lower house where Malcolm Turnbull has a majority of one.
Meanwhile, a Newspoll shows a slight majority of Coalition voters support Donald Trump’s travel ban. Paul Karp reports:Meanwhile, a Newspoll shows a slight majority of Coalition voters support Donald Trump’s travel ban. Paul Karp reports:
The Australian community is evenly divided on Donald Trump’s travel ban from a group of Muslim-majority nations, with almost half of voters supporting the ban, a new poll has found.The Australian community is evenly divided on Donald Trump’s travel ban from a group of Muslim-majority nations, with almost half of voters supporting the ban, a new poll has found.
The Newspoll, released on Tuesday, found that 44% of respondents believe Australia should take similar measures, 45% ­oppose doing so and 11% were uncommitted.The Newspoll, released on Tuesday, found that 44% of respondents believe Australia should take similar measures, 45% ­oppose doing so and 11% were uncommitted.
Through the executive order Trump suspended visas being issued for 90 days to ­migrants or travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, stopped all refugee arrivals into the US for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely.Through the executive order Trump suspended visas being issued for 90 days to ­migrants or travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, stopped all refugee arrivals into the US for 120 days and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely.
The poll of 1,734 voters found support highest among Coalition voters, with 52% backing the travel ban, compared with 39% opposed and 9% uncommitted.The poll of 1,734 voters found support highest among Coalition voters, with 52% backing the travel ban, compared with 39% opposed and 9% uncommitted.
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at 9.15pm GMTat 9.15pm GMT
8.44pm GMT8.44pm GMT
20:4420:44
It is official: Cory Bernardi is leaving to establish his own partyIt is official: Cory Bernardi is leaving to establish his own party
Welcome to the first day of #politicslive for 2017 and what a cracker it is.Welcome to the first day of #politicslive for 2017 and what a cracker it is.
My colleague Katharine Murphy has confirmed:My colleague Katharine Murphy has confirmed:
BREAKING: PM and @corybernardi spoke about 20 minutes ago. Bernardi confirmed he's leaving. Will announce at 12.30pm in the Senate #auspolBREAKING: PM and @corybernardi spoke about 20 minutes ago. Bernardi confirmed he's leaving. Will announce at 12.30pm in the Senate #auspol
The immigration minister and a leading conservative, Peter Dutton, told Sabra Lane on AM that the defection was a betrayal of the Liberal party, given that Bernardi stood as a Liberal senator in the number two position at the July election.The immigration minister and a leading conservative, Peter Dutton, told Sabra Lane on AM that the defection was a betrayal of the Liberal party, given that Bernardi stood as a Liberal senator in the number two position at the July election.
The Daily Telegraph is channelling the sentiment in the Liberal party:The Daily Telegraph is channelling the sentiment in the Liberal party:
The Daily Telegraph front page #auspol pic.twitter.com/BrUrm7jaFRThe Daily Telegraph front page #auspol pic.twitter.com/BrUrm7jaFR
The party is cranky over Bernardi’s move because he had been setting up the Australian Conservatives, through a website, blog and membership before the last election. Yet he surfed in on the Liberal party ticket to get a six-year Senate term – six years to establish his new brand from a Senate platform and a high-profile crossbench position while eating away at the right flank of the Coalition.The party is cranky over Bernardi’s move because he had been setting up the Australian Conservatives, through a website, blog and membership before the last election. Yet he surfed in on the Liberal party ticket to get a six-year Senate term – six years to establish his new brand from a Senate platform and a high-profile crossbench position while eating away at the right flank of the Coalition.
Mike Bowers is stalking the building on #corywatch. If you have a lot of pent-up feelings, you can share them in the blog or on the Twits. He is @mpbowers and I am @gabriellechan. Or you can speak further on my Facebook page.Mike Bowers is stalking the building on #corywatch. If you have a lot of pent-up feelings, you can share them in the blog or on the Twits. He is @mpbowers and I am @gabriellechan. Or you can speak further on my Facebook page.
Let’s make Australia Grate again.Let’s make Australia Grate again.
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at 9.13pm GMTat 9.13pm GMT