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Crossbench push for entitlement rorts to go to police voted down – politics live | Crossbench push for entitlement rorts to go to police voted down – politics live |
(35 minutes later) | |
2.22am GMT | |
02:22 | |
Nick Xenophon labels CFMEU dishonest and devious | |
Paul Karp | |
Nick Xenophon has had a pretty fiery contribution in Senate debate on whether to trim the phase-in period for the building code. | |
He’s been riled up by a Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union advertising campaign against him, saying his vote for the Australian Building and Construction Commission meant he had “sold out” on job safety on apprentices. | |
Xenophon started by labelling the campaign not just post-truth but “dishonest, devious, misleading, mischievous, manipulative, aggressive, unethical and – dare I say it – corrupt”. | |
He has sought an apology and retraction from the union in a legal letter threatening possible defamation proceedings. | |
Xenophon used his speech to outline his commitment to safety and various positive changes he had made to the ABCC bill and building code, including a legislative note that agreements are allowed to encourage employment of apprentices. | |
On safety, he said the Coalition’s 2016 code was better than Labor’s 2013 code in several respects including counting builders’ safety record before awarding government work and said that unions could still exercise right of entry for safety concerns. | |
On the substance of the bill, Xenophon said the changes were needed because small and medium builders were “suffering unduly” from union pressure to sign agreements that don’t comply with the code. | |
The bill will now go to committee stage. | |
Updated | |
at 2.29am GMT | |
1.52am GMT | 1.52am GMT |
01:52 | 01:52 |
Liberal boss Tony Nutt calls for foreign donation ban on all entities including Get Up | Liberal boss Tony Nutt calls for foreign donation ban on all entities including Get Up |
Paul Karp | Paul Karp |
A ban on receiving foreign donations should apply across the board to Australian political parties, associated entities and activist groups, the Liberal party has submitted to a parliamentary committee. | A ban on receiving foreign donations should apply across the board to Australian political parties, associated entities and activist groups, the Liberal party has submitted to a parliamentary committee. |
The Liberal party director, Tony Nutt, told the committee on Wednesday that a level playing field would mean applying the ban to groups such as GetUp engaged in political campaigning. | The Liberal party director, Tony Nutt, told the committee on Wednesday that a level playing field would mean applying the ban to groups such as GetUp engaged in political campaigning. |
Labor’s assistant national secretary, Paul Erickson, supported the level playing field in principle and consideration of extending the ban to associated entities or third parties undertaking campaign activities. | Labor’s assistant national secretary, Paul Erickson, supported the level playing field in principle and consideration of extending the ban to associated entities or third parties undertaking campaign activities. |
The joint standing committee on electoral matters is inquiring into foreign donations after reports that international environmental charities funded opposition to the Adani coalmine and concerns that Russia interfered in the United States presidential election in favour of Donald Trump, albeit through hacking rather than donations. | The joint standing committee on electoral matters is inquiring into foreign donations after reports that international environmental charities funded opposition to the Adani coalmine and concerns that Russia interfered in the United States presidential election in favour of Donald Trump, albeit through hacking rather than donations. |
Nutt said that a foreign donation ban was a necessary prudential measure to prevent interference in elections by foreign entities, including states, who have “no legitimate role in our democratic society”. | Nutt said that a foreign donation ban was a necessary prudential measure to prevent interference in elections by foreign entities, including states, who have “no legitimate role in our democratic society”. |
Nutt said that rules “should be set in such a way as to capture all participants” in the democratic process. | Nutt said that rules “should be set in such a way as to capture all participants” in the democratic process. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.53am GMT | at 1.53am GMT |
1.50am GMT | 1.50am GMT |
01:50 | 01:50 |
The Matt Hatter Moment on entitlements. | The Matt Hatter Moment on entitlements. |
@gabriellechan 🚁Hello🚁 Seems the ALP & LNP are opponents until it's suggested there be consequences for systemic entitlement abuse. Then... pic.twitter.com/K323XBheYy | @gabriellechan 🚁Hello🚁 Seems the ALP & LNP are opponents until it's suggested there be consequences for systemic entitlement abuse. Then... pic.twitter.com/K323XBheYy |
1.49am GMT | 1.49am GMT |
01:49 | 01:49 |
Lunchtime politics | Lunchtime politics |
The Coalition and Labor rejected attempts by the independents and minor parties to further toughen penalties on members who misuse their travel allowance. The bills to set up an independent authority and penalise those who wrongly claim expenses are in the process of going through the lower house. Cory Bernardi intends to amend the bills by change the rules so already retired politicians cannot access their pensions until 60. This will rattle retired (but younger) politicians who get a lifetime pension for service before 2004. | The Coalition and Labor rejected attempts by the independents and minor parties to further toughen penalties on members who misuse their travel allowance. The bills to set up an independent authority and penalise those who wrongly claim expenses are in the process of going through the lower house. Cory Bernardi intends to amend the bills by change the rules so already retired politicians cannot access their pensions until 60. This will rattle retired (but younger) politicians who get a lifetime pension for service before 2004. |
The treasurer and finance minister have raised the prospect of increasing taxes if the Senate does not pass the omnibus bill – having first linked it to NDIS and the childcare package. The prime minister has supported this “obvious” conclusion (of tax increases) if people want a balanced budget and don’t pass savings. Chris Bowen says the omnibus bill is a slow motion train wreck. | The treasurer and finance minister have raised the prospect of increasing taxes if the Senate does not pass the omnibus bill – having first linked it to NDIS and the childcare package. The prime minister has supported this “obvious” conclusion (of tax increases) if people want a balanced budget and don’t pass savings. Chris Bowen says the omnibus bill is a slow motion train wreck. |
Bill Shorten has done a bit of ducking and weaving on the costings for the NDIS and the cost of the renewable energy target. | Bill Shorten has done a bit of ducking and weaving on the costings for the NDIS and the cost of the renewable energy target. |
A ban on receiving foreign donations should apply across the board to Australian political parties, associated entities and activist groups, the Liberal party has submitted to a parliamentary committee. The Liberal party director, Tony Nutt, told the committee on Wednesday that a level playing field would mean applying the ban to groups such as GetUp engaged in political campaigning. | A ban on receiving foreign donations should apply across the board to Australian political parties, associated entities and activist groups, the Liberal party has submitted to a parliamentary committee. The Liberal party director, Tony Nutt, told the committee on Wednesday that a level playing field would mean applying the ban to groups such as GetUp engaged in political campaigning. |
Malcolm Turnbull has met with the prime minister of Sri Lanka. | Malcolm Turnbull has met with the prime minister of Sri Lanka. |
The amendment following the Hinch backflip on the Australian Building and Construction Commission bill is currently being debated in the Senate. | The amendment following the Hinch backflip on the Australian Building and Construction Commission bill is currently being debated in the Senate. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.52am GMT | at 1.52am GMT |
1.30am GMT | 1.30am GMT |
01:30 | 01:30 |
Drain the swamp: pollies should not access pensions until they are 60, says Bernardi | Drain the swamp: pollies should not access pensions until they are 60, says Bernardi |
Katharine Murphy | Katharine Murphy |
With the entitlements bill now passing the lower house, eyes will switch to the Senate. | With the entitlements bill now passing the lower house, eyes will switch to the Senate. |
Newly minted Australian Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi is warming his jets for a little intervention in the red place on this legislative package. | Newly minted Australian Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi is warming his jets for a little intervention in the red place on this legislative package. |
He has three amendments on the boil. They would do a couple of things: Bernardi wants to implement a qualifying period for all prime ministers to access their benefits post service. | He has three amendments on the boil. They would do a couple of things: Bernardi wants to implement a qualifying period for all prime ministers to access their benefits post service. |
The other change would involve restricting the access the parliamentarians to the very generous defined benefits superannuation scheme that covers MPs elected before 2004. | The other change would involve restricting the access the parliamentarians to the very generous defined benefits superannuation scheme that covers MPs elected before 2004. |
Bernardi wants to prevent all current and former parliamentarians from accessing their defined benefits pension before they turn 60. | Bernardi wants to prevent all current and former parliamentarians from accessing their defined benefits pension before they turn 60. |
Once people wrap their minds round this little sortie, it will go off like a little hydrogen bomb in political circles, because the proposed amendments would affect current superannuants. | Once people wrap their minds round this little sortie, it will go off like a little hydrogen bomb in political circles, because the proposed amendments would affect current superannuants. |
Bernardi has told Politics Live: “If the government maintains retrospective legislation is in the public interest for parliamentary entitlements then the area that arouses the most ire from the public is the annual unfunded pension payment that applies to some politicians respective of their age. | Bernardi has told Politics Live: “If the government maintains retrospective legislation is in the public interest for parliamentary entitlements then the area that arouses the most ire from the public is the annual unfunded pension payment that applies to some politicians respective of their age. |
“Does anyone think it is reasonable for a politician to retire in their 30s and remain on the public purse for the rest of their lives? | “Does anyone think it is reasonable for a politician to retire in their 30s and remain on the public purse for the rest of their lives? |
“If the government is serious about cleaning up Canberra, then they can start here.” | “If the government is serious about cleaning up Canberra, then they can start here.” |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.36am GMT | at 1.36am GMT |
1.26am GMT | 1.26am GMT |
01:26 | 01:26 |
A number of members have referenced the lack of clarity around claiming travel expenses. Adam Bandt is one who has asked the finance department if a proposed travel claim was in the rules. The department advises the member must make the decision themselves. | A number of members have referenced the lack of clarity around claiming travel expenses. Adam Bandt is one who has asked the finance department if a proposed travel claim was in the rules. The department advises the member must make the decision themselves. |
Bandt says the authority has no teeth because it does not include anything about compliance. There is also no clear distinction regarding misuse versus a slip-up such as filling out a form wrongly. | Bandt says the authority has no teeth because it does not include anything about compliance. There is also no clear distinction regarding misuse versus a slip-up such as filling out a form wrongly. |
Bandt says the Greens will move in the Senate to give the entitlements authority some teeth. | Bandt says the Greens will move in the Senate to give the entitlements authority some teeth. |
We’ve got to make sure this is a watchdog, not a lapdog. | We’ve got to make sure this is a watchdog, not a lapdog. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.34am GMT | at 1.34am GMT |
1.21am GMT | 1.21am GMT |
01:21 | 01:21 |
There are no government members speaking on the entitlements bill. Odd. | There are no government members speaking on the entitlements bill. Odd. |
1.21am GMT | 1.21am GMT |
01:21 | 01:21 |
The Labor MP Tony Zappia is speaking to the entitlements bill. He says the public humiliation involved when members are caught out misusing their entitlements more than the 25% penalty contained in the reforms. | The Labor MP Tony Zappia is speaking to the entitlements bill. He says the public humiliation involved when members are caught out misusing their entitlements more than the 25% penalty contained in the reforms. |
The costs of oversight may be be higher than the savings made but then that is the cost of transparency. | The costs of oversight may be be higher than the savings made but then that is the cost of transparency. |
But Zappia also says members cannot fulfil their role as parliamentarians if they are not properly supported with proper allowances. He says Labor supports the reforms because, | But Zappia also says members cannot fulfil their role as parliamentarians if they are not properly supported with proper allowances. He says Labor supports the reforms because, |
if nothing else it will add to the transparency and oversight which the public have been calling for for sometime. | if nothing else it will add to the transparency and oversight which the public have been calling for for sometime. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.35am GMT | at 1.35am GMT |
1.16am GMT | 1.16am GMT |
01:16 | 01:16 |
On entitlements, Cathy McGowan says the increasing vote going to independents and minor parties coalesces around these sorts of issues of trust. | On entitlements, Cathy McGowan says the increasing vote going to independents and minor parties coalesces around these sorts of issues of trust. |
It’s not that you can’t trust parliamentarians ... there are clearly some people whom you can trust. Look at that last vote. People are getting that the major parties are not properly representing them. | It’s not that you can’t trust parliamentarians ... there are clearly some people whom you can trust. Look at that last vote. People are getting that the major parties are not properly representing them. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.18am GMT | at 1.18am GMT |
1.07am GMT | 1.07am GMT |
01:07 | 01:07 |
Backs to the wall. | Backs to the wall. |
Here is a clearer shot of the vote, lost by the independents and minors, for tougher penalties for wrongly claiming entitlements. | Here is a clearer shot of the vote, lost by the independents and minors, for tougher penalties for wrongly claiming entitlements. |
Note, most the major parties members are hiding up the back, which made it harder for Bowers to record the chamber. It is never a good look to vote down tougher penalties for politicians wrongly claiming work expenses. | Note, most the major parties members are hiding up the back, which made it harder for Bowers to record the chamber. It is never a good look to vote down tougher penalties for politicians wrongly claiming work expenses. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.12am GMT | at 1.12am GMT |
12.49am GMT | 12.49am GMT |
00:49 | 00:49 |
Entitlements will go to the Senate so I best clarify the parts of the sum. | Entitlements will go to the Senate so I best clarify the parts of the sum. |
The previous bill contained the guts of the rule changes. | The previous bill contained the guts of the rule changes. |
That bill adds the 25% penalty if politicians claim wrongly and it also lowers the age for children’s travel entitlements from below 25 and below 18 and below. Senior officers are ministers, prime minister, opposition leader and speaker and Senate president. | That bill adds the 25% penalty if politicians claim wrongly and it also lowers the age for children’s travel entitlements from below 25 and below 18 and below. Senior officers are ministers, prime minister, opposition leader and speaker and Senate president. |
The bill changes the name of the entitlement from the Life Gold Pass to the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement, and reduce, remove and reform benefits under the entitlement. This is the text: | The bill changes the name of the entitlement from the Life Gold Pass to the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement, and reduce, remove and reform benefits under the entitlement. This is the text: |
Imposes time limits, after which a person’s ability to access travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement expires, including that the entitlement of all persons (other than a former prime minister) expire at the commencement of this bill; | Imposes time limits, after which a person’s ability to access travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement expires, including that the entitlement of all persons (other than a former prime minister) expire at the commencement of this bill; |
Imposes additional limits on access to the entitlement, closing it to people who had not met the qualifying periods before 14 May 2014 and mandating that no person who retires after the commencement of this bill can access benefits under the scheme, unless they are the prime minister or a former prime minister when they retire; | Imposes additional limits on access to the entitlement, closing it to people who had not met the qualifying periods before 14 May 2014 and mandating that no person who retires after the commencement of this bill can access benefits under the scheme, unless they are the prime minister or a former prime minister when they retire; |
Provides for future prime ministers who had not entered or re-entered the parliament before 6 March 2012 to become a holder of a Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; | Provides for future prime ministers who had not entered or re-entered the parliament before 6 March 2012 to become a holder of a Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; |
Reduces the number of trips available per financial year under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; | Reduces the number of trips available per financial year under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; |
Removes the ability of spouses or de facto partners, other than those of a retired former prime minster, to access travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; and | Removes the ability of spouses or de facto partners, other than those of a retired former prime minster, to access travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement; and |
requires that travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement be for a purpose that is for the public benefit and not for a commercial purpose or a private purpose. | requires that travel under the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Entitlement be for a purpose that is for the public benefit and not for a commercial purpose or a private purpose. |
It also removes the travel entitlements for the spouse or de facto partners of the prime ministers or a sitting former prime ministers. | It also removes the travel entitlements for the spouse or de facto partners of the prime ministers or a sitting former prime ministers. |
This bill has passed the lower house. | This bill has passed the lower house. |
Now the chamber is on to the bill that sets up the independent expenses authority. | Now the chamber is on to the bill that sets up the independent expenses authority. |
Updated | Updated |
at 1.02am GMT | at 1.02am GMT |
12.36am GMT | 12.36am GMT |
00:36 | 00:36 |
The lonely road. | The lonely road. |
Cross bench calls for tougher penalties for breaches of entitlements-voted down by govt. & opposition @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/pyrJvToF0C | Cross bench calls for tougher penalties for breaches of entitlements-voted down by govt. & opposition @gabriellechan pic.twitter.com/pyrJvToF0C |
12.27am GMT | 12.27am GMT |
00:27 | 00:27 |
Be it on your heads, minor parties warn the majors on entitlements. | Be it on your heads, minor parties warn the majors on entitlements. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.29am GMT | at 12.29am GMT |
12.22am GMT | 12.22am GMT |
00:22 | 00:22 |
The House is now voting on the NXT amendment for tougher penalties for members who break the rules on entitlements. | The House is now voting on the NXT amendment for tougher penalties for members who break the rules on entitlements. |
Here we will see the Coalition and Labor lining up on one side and four lonely minors/independents on the other. | Here we will see the Coalition and Labor lining up on one side and four lonely minors/independents on the other. |
Not suprisingly, the major parties win the vote. | Not suprisingly, the major parties win the vote. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.25am GMT | at 12.25am GMT |
12.17am GMT | 12.17am GMT |
00:17 | 00:17 |
Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie also wants to toughen penalties for politicians who rort the entitlements system. The independents are supporting a 200% penalty for first-time/rare offenders and 400% for repeat offenders. | Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie also wants to toughen penalties for politicians who rort the entitlements system. The independents are supporting a 200% penalty for first-time/rare offenders and 400% for repeat offenders. |
The recipient is liable to pay the commonwealth, by way of penalty for the contravention of section 7A (the current contravention), an amount equal to: | The recipient is liable to pay the commonwealth, by way of penalty for the contravention of section 7A (the current contravention), an amount equal to: |
(a) if the recipient has not contravened that section, or has contravened that section once, during the period of 12 months immediately preceding the day on which the claim to which the current contravention relates is made — 200% of the amount to which this section applies; and | (a) if the recipient has not contravened that section, or has contravened that section once, during the period of 12 months immediately preceding the day on which the claim to which the current contravention relates is made — 200% of the amount to which this section applies; and |
(b) if the recipient has contravened that section 2 or more times during the period of 12 months immediately preceding the day on which the claim to which the current contravention relates is made — 400% of the amount to which this section applies. | (b) if the recipient has contravened that section 2 or more times during the period of 12 months immediately preceding the day on which the claim to which the current contravention relates is made — 400% of the amount to which this section applies. |
The proposed bill – supported by the Coalition and Labor would require that “if an adjustment to certain travel claims is made or required”, a loading of 25% in addition to the full amount of the adjustment will apply. | The proposed bill – supported by the Coalition and Labor would require that “if an adjustment to certain travel claims is made or required”, a loading of 25% in addition to the full amount of the adjustment will apply. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.23am GMT | at 12.23am GMT |
12.14am GMT | 12.14am GMT |
00:14 | 00:14 |
Independents and Greens push for police referrals for repeated entitlement rorts | Independents and Greens push for police referrals for repeated entitlement rorts |
Independent Andrew Wilkie, NXT Rebekha Sharkie, Greens MP Adam Bandt and independent Cathy McGowan have all spoken forcefully in favour of tougher penalties for MPs and senators who misuse parliamentary entitlements. | Independent Andrew Wilkie, NXT Rebekha Sharkie, Greens MP Adam Bandt and independent Cathy McGowan have all spoken forcefully in favour of tougher penalties for MPs and senators who misuse parliamentary entitlements. |
The motion would provide for: | The motion would provide for: |
(a) an audit of all members’ and senators’ travel claims during this and the previous Parliament; | (a) an audit of all members’ and senators’ travel claims during this and the previous Parliament; |
(b) real-time online reporting of entitlement expenses and the requirement for more detail of the substantive reason for the expenditure; and | (b) real-time online reporting of entitlement expenses and the requirement for more detail of the substantive reason for the expenditure; and |
(c) provisions to refer misuse which forms a pattern of misbehaviour to the Australian federal police. | (c) provisions to refer misuse which forms a pattern of misbehaviour to the Australian federal police. |
Wilkie makes the point that if the person in the street stole money, they are dealt with by the police. Why should politicians be treated differently? | Wilkie makes the point that if the person in the street stole money, they are dealt with by the police. Why should politicians be treated differently? |
Michael Sukkar, representing the government, said to suggest that a member of parliament should be subjected criminal provisions was: | Michael Sukkar, representing the government, said to suggest that a member of parliament should be subjected criminal provisions was: |
nothing more than a stunt. | nothing more than a stunt. |
He said the government is not going to change the laws “for a headline for the crossbenchers”. | He said the government is not going to change the laws “for a headline for the crossbenchers”. |
Adam Bandt says none of the crossbenchers were suggesting anyone should go to jail for a slip-up. | Adam Bandt says none of the crossbenchers were suggesting anyone should go to jail for a slip-up. |
None of us are saying that ... But if you deliberately go out and flout them then surely you have to be held to a higher standard than if you just slip up by filling out the form wrong ... Don’t build up a straw man. | None of us are saying that ... But if you deliberately go out and flout them then surely you have to be held to a higher standard than if you just slip up by filling out the form wrong ... Don’t build up a straw man. |
Sukkar quips: | Sukkar quips: |
As I passed [Bandt] in business class as I walked down to economy on the way back to Melbourne, I didn’t realise he was such a bastion of virtue. | As I passed [Bandt] in business class as I walked down to economy on the way back to Melbourne, I didn’t realise he was such a bastion of virtue. |
Wilkie tells Sukkar it was cheap shot. | Wilkie tells Sukkar it was cheap shot. |
It’s not about the rules or whether former health minister was inside the rules or outside the rules, its about whether we were acting ethically. | It’s not about the rules or whether former health minister was inside the rules or outside the rules, its about whether we were acting ethically. |
If the community had confidence that we are good members and work hard, they will probably forgive us if some of us sit at the front of the plane or not. But confidence is at rock bottom now ... it’s about right or wrong. | If the community had confidence that we are good members and work hard, they will probably forgive us if some of us sit at the front of the plane or not. But confidence is at rock bottom now ... it’s about right or wrong. |
Updated | Updated |
at 12.24am GMT | at 12.24am GMT |
11.49pm GMT | 11.49pm GMT |
23:49 | 23:49 |
In the Senate is Derryn Hinch, who backflipped on the start date for the building code in the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC) laws which passed late last year. After insisting on a later date, Hinch wanted to bring forward the date. | In the Senate is Derryn Hinch, who backflipped on the start date for the building code in the Australian Building Construction Commission (ABCC) laws which passed late last year. After insisting on a later date, Hinch wanted to bring forward the date. |
Hinch says: | Hinch says: |
I changed my mind ... I got some new facts ... I contacted the PM ... I did not horse trade ... I did not hold out for any favour in return ... If you are involved in something that is hurting people, then man up. | I changed my mind ... I got some new facts ... I contacted the PM ... I did not horse trade ... I did not hold out for any favour in return ... If you are involved in something that is hurting people, then man up. |
Labor are opposing the amendment. Xenophon are expected to support the Hinch change which would see the building code start in nine months instead of two years. | Labor are opposing the amendment. Xenophon are expected to support the Hinch change which would see the building code start in nine months instead of two years. |
The government are attempting to push it through and move on to the parliamentary entitlements bill, assuming it passes the lower house. | The government are attempting to push it through and move on to the parliamentary entitlements bill, assuming it passes the lower house. |
Once that entitlements bill comes into the Senate, we are expecting to see some amendments from Cory Bernardi, LNP senator Ian Macdonald and the Greens. | Once that entitlements bill comes into the Senate, we are expecting to see some amendments from Cory Bernardi, LNP senator Ian Macdonald and the Greens. |
Updated | Updated |
at 11.57pm GMT | at 11.57pm GMT |