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Coalition moves to push through changes to native title legislation – politics live Government withdraws funding for Islamic college of South Australia – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.02am GMT
00:02
In the senate, it is private senators business. One Nation’s Brian Burston has moved
The main purpose of this Bill is to improve the procedure for dealing with complaints lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission under Part IIB of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986. The Bill adds a requirement that the Commission, on receiving a complaint, must engage in a preliminary assessment of the complaint and the evidence relating to it before proceeding to a full inquiry. It also adds requirements relating to informing respondents about the complaint.
12.00am GMT
00:00
Labor accepts and understands the important role of land use agreements and accepts the need for this (native title) legislation, says Dreyfus.
He is highly critical of the timetable of the bill rather than the substance.
11.48pm GMT
23:48
The native title amendment has been introduced into the house. Labor’s Mark Dreyfus is speaking against the rush through the house.
He says even if the bill went through the house this morning, the Senate cannot debate it today because of its packed program. Why the rush? Why not consult?
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11.42pm GMT
23:42
Last night, the Senate committee reported into the exposure draft of legislation that would have created marriage equality – had the plebiscite been put and passed.
There is a bit of a tussle behind the scenes in the Coalition between supporters and those opposed to marriage equality to own the next step of the debate.
Finance minister Mathias Cormann – well-known conservative and opposed to a change – was asked about it this morning.
Q: You do not think this report is going to stir up tensions for those people in the Liberal party who support same sex marriage?
We took a policy to the last election that we would give the Australian people a say at a plebiscite. The work the Senate select committee did is in the scenario where a future plebiscite were to make certain decisions which would lead to certain outcomes. We have not had a plebiscite. So from that point of view our policy remains to have a plebiscite first.
Q: Why is the government prepared to change its position on some policies it took to the election but not this one?
We are committed to all of our policies.
Updated
at 11.56pm GMT
11.33pm GMT
23:33
Education minister Simon Birmingham has withdrawn federal funding for the Islamic college of South Australia. He has released this statement:
Today, my department has written to the school authority responsible for the Islamic College of South Australia to inform them that their approval for access to Federal funds has been revoked with effect from 13 April 2017 (end of Term 1).
This means that the Islamic College of South Australia will no longer be receiving Australian Government funding from 14 April 2017.
It is disappointing that after the number of chances this school has been given and the constructive work the Department has been doing with the authority since November 2015 the school has still failed to meet the reasonable standards and expectations placed on them.
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at 11.54pm GMT
10.57pm GMT10.57pm GMT
22:5722:57
Labor’s suspension of standing orders has been voted down.Labor’s suspension of standing orders has been voted down.
10.52pm GMT10.52pm GMT
22:5222:52
While they vote, Labor has yet to decide whether they will support the legislation. A few days ago, shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus told us:While they vote, Labor has yet to decide whether they will support the legislation. A few days ago, shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus told us:
Labor recognises the concerns expressed by Indigenous groups, industry and different levels of government over this court ruling, which has the potential to impact not only resource projects but also the designation of new national parks.Labor recognises the concerns expressed by Indigenous groups, industry and different levels of government over this court ruling, which has the potential to impact not only resource projects but also the designation of new national parks.
Labor has received a briefing from the Attorney-General’s Department and will wait to see the details of any proposed legislation before commenting further.Labor has received a briefing from the Attorney-General’s Department and will wait to see the details of any proposed legislation before commenting further.
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at 10.58pm GMTat 10.58pm GMT
10.48pm GMT10.48pm GMT
22:4822:48
Linda Burney, Indigenous Labor frontbencher and member for Barton, rose as the second speaker to suspend standing orders on the native title legislation. There was howls of outrage from the government benches as they condemned the move to use Burney.Linda Burney, Indigenous Labor frontbencher and member for Barton, rose as the second speaker to suspend standing orders on the native title legislation. There was howls of outrage from the government benches as they condemned the move to use Burney.
Now the government is voting to gag her.Now the government is voting to gag her.
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at 10.48pm GMTat 10.48pm GMT
10.45pm GMT10.45pm GMT
22:4522:45
The government is in the process of gagging Tony Burke.The government is in the process of gagging Tony Burke.
The native title legislation is trying to change the laws after a federal court ruled in favour of a challenge against the Noongar Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA), which sought to exchange $1.3bn in land, payments and benefits over 12 years in return for the Noongar people extinguishing native title rights on 200,000 hectares in south-west WA.The native title legislation is trying to change the laws after a federal court ruled in favour of a challenge against the Noongar Indigenous land use agreement (ILUA), which sought to exchange $1.3bn in land, payments and benefits over 12 years in return for the Noongar people extinguishing native title rights on 200,000 hectares in south-west WA.
The court agreed with five Noongar applicants who argued the deal was invalid because they had refused to sign on with other representatives. Four of the six agreements struck could not be legally registered, the court found, because the Native Title Act required “all” claim group members to agree.The court agreed with five Noongar applicants who argued the deal was invalid because they had refused to sign on with other representatives. Four of the six agreements struck could not be legally registered, the court found, because the Native Title Act required “all” claim group members to agree.
The attorney general, George Brandis, has argued the laws need to be changed to protect previous land use agreements relating to resource projects, pastoral leases and national parks which are now in doubt.The attorney general, George Brandis, has argued the laws need to be changed to protect previous land use agreements relating to resource projects, pastoral leases and national parks which are now in doubt.
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at 10.47pm GMTat 10.47pm GMT
10.37pm GMT10.37pm GMT
22:3722:37
Labor is moving a suspension of standing orders about the native title legislation. The government is forcing legislation on land use agreements through the house before question time. Labor is arguing that the government has not allowed for consultation with the Indigenous community in the same week as the Closing the Gap report. In speaking to that report, Malcolm Turnbull said the government would work with Indigenous communities rather than doing things to them.Labor is moving a suspension of standing orders about the native title legislation. The government is forcing legislation on land use agreements through the house before question time. Labor is arguing that the government has not allowed for consultation with the Indigenous community in the same week as the Closing the Gap report. In speaking to that report, Malcolm Turnbull said the government would work with Indigenous communities rather than doing things to them.
10.32pm GMT10.32pm GMT
22:3222:32
Parliament is sitting.Parliament is sitting.
First news is that former Liberal Cory Bernardi has been booted off the public accounts committee now that he is no longer a party member. Eric Abetz will take his place.First news is that former Liberal Cory Bernardi has been booted off the public accounts committee now that he is no longer a party member. Eric Abetz will take his place.
10.30pm GMT10.30pm GMT
22:3022:30
Nick Xenophon has labelled a report by the Australian “fake news” after the paper reported:Nick Xenophon has labelled a report by the Australian “fake news” after the paper reported:
Senate powerbroker Nick ­Xenophon’s call for a lift in the Medicare levy to fill the $7 billion unfunded gap in the National Disability Insurance Scheme would cost families up to $2600 a year in extra taxes.Senate powerbroker Nick ­Xenophon’s call for a lift in the Medicare levy to fill the $7 billion unfunded gap in the National Disability Insurance Scheme would cost families up to $2600 a year in extra taxes.
Modelling commissioned by The Australian yesterday revealed that even a 1 percentage point hike in the 2 per cent levy would cost average families more than the proposed cuts to family supplements that Senator Xenophon cited as his reason for rejecting the government’s now doomed childcare package.Modelling commissioned by The Australian yesterday revealed that even a 1 percentage point hike in the 2 per cent levy would cost average families more than the proposed cuts to family supplements that Senator Xenophon cited as his reason for rejecting the government’s now doomed childcare package.
There are two tax elements attached to Medicare.There are two tax elements attached to Medicare.
There is the 2% Medicare levy to part fund the health system.There is the 2% Medicare levy to part fund the health system.
Then there is the Medicare surcharge which is means tested and paid by singles earning more than $90,000 and families earning more than $180,000.Then there is the Medicare surcharge which is means tested and paid by singles earning more than $90,000 and families earning more than $180,000.
Xenophon floated the suggestion of a small increase in the Medicare (means-tested) surcharge but the Oz has analysed possible increases across all incomes.Xenophon floated the suggestion of a small increase in the Medicare (means-tested) surcharge but the Oz has analysed possible increases across all incomes.
Xenophon says that makes it fake news.Xenophon says that makes it fake news.
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at 10.40pm GMTat 10.40pm GMT
10.07pm GMT10.07pm GMT
22:0722:07
As Donald Trump rewrites the US commitment for a two state solution for Israel and Palestine, Katharine Murphy reports Bill Shorten is under pressure to adopt a more pro-Palestine policy stance.As Donald Trump rewrites the US commitment for a two state solution for Israel and Palestine, Katharine Murphy reports Bill Shorten is under pressure to adopt a more pro-Palestine policy stance.
Senior members of the NSW right faction are lining up with the left in supporting diplomatic recognition of Palestine and last year the ALP national conference passed its strongest resolution yet seen at the national level.Senior members of the NSW right faction are lining up with the left in supporting diplomatic recognition of Palestine and last year the ALP national conference passed its strongest resolution yet seen at the national level.
Two former foreign affairs ministers, Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, have joined Bob Hawke in arguing for a policy change.Two former foreign affairs ministers, Gareth Evans and Bob Carr, have joined Bob Hawke in arguing for a policy change.
Evans and Carr told Guardian Australia on Wednesday that Australia should grant diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine because Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive settlement building risks creating the conditions for an “apartheid state”.Evans and Carr told Guardian Australia on Wednesday that Australia should grant diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine because Benjamin Netanyahu’s aggressive settlement building risks creating the conditions for an “apartheid state”.
The intervention by the two former ministers follows Hawke arguing this week it was time to recognise the state of Palestine because the humanitarian principles underpinning the Jewish state were being “trashed by the inexorable expansion of ... settlement in the West Bank”.The intervention by the two former ministers follows Hawke arguing this week it was time to recognise the state of Palestine because the humanitarian principles underpinning the Jewish state were being “trashed by the inexorable expansion of ... settlement in the West Bank”.
9.55pm GMT9.55pm GMT
21:5521:55
Samantha Maiden at Sky reports that the government is preparing to outlaw ‘Mediscare’-style campaigns with penalties including jail time.Samantha Maiden at Sky reports that the government is preparing to outlaw ‘Mediscare’-style campaigns with penalties including jail time.
A parliamentary committee has already laid the groundwork, calling for new offences for impersonating or purporting to act on behalf of a commonwealth officer, or an entity.A parliamentary committee has already laid the groundwork, calling for new offences for impersonating or purporting to act on behalf of a commonwealth officer, or an entity.
[The government] also wants new laws to ensure commonwealth logos and symbols are not used to mislead the public during election campaigns.[The government] also wants new laws to ensure commonwealth logos and symbols are not used to mislead the public during election campaigns.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.58pm GMTat 9.58pm GMT
9.49pm GMT9.49pm GMT
21:4921:49
There is a bit of wriggle room in the prime minister’s reaction to the capital gains tax reports this morning.There is a bit of wriggle room in the prime minister’s reaction to the capital gains tax reports this morning.
Q: Are you planning a crackdown on the capital gains tax?Q: Are you planning a crackdown on the capital gains tax?
Malcolm Turnbull:Malcolm Turnbull:
The only party that is an advocate of higher taxes is the Labor Party. I might say, not content with that they’re also an advocate of higher deficits and higher debt. So we’re a party of lower taxes, supporting investment, supporting employment and bringing the budget back into balance.The only party that is an advocate of higher taxes is the Labor Party. I might say, not content with that they’re also an advocate of higher deficits and higher debt. So we’re a party of lower taxes, supporting investment, supporting employment and bringing the budget back into balance.
Q: Are you ruling out any tax increases and specifically capital gains tax?Q: Are you ruling out any tax increases and specifically capital gains tax?
We do not support the Labor Party’s plans to increase capital gains tax or indeed their plans to outlaw negative gearing.We do not support the Labor Party’s plans to increase capital gains tax or indeed their plans to outlaw negative gearing.
Which sounds like they are not supporting Labor’s version of a capital gains tax policy and negative gearing. Which means they could still come up with their own version. But I stand to be corrected.Which sounds like they are not supporting Labor’s version of a capital gains tax policy and negative gearing. Which means they could still come up with their own version. But I stand to be corrected.
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at 9.54pm GMTat 9.54pm GMT
9.42pm GMT9.42pm GMT
21:4221:42
Last night the Senate passed the amendment to bring forward the date of the building code in the Australian Building and Construction Commission law after senator Derryn Hinch changed his mind.Last night the Senate passed the amendment to bring forward the date of the building code in the Australian Building and Construction Commission law after senator Derryn Hinch changed his mind.
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at 9.48pm GMTat 9.48pm GMT
9.35pm GMT9.35pm GMT
21:3521:35
The finance minister, Mathias Cormann, says the Financial Review report that the government is planning cuts to capital gains tax discount is wrong.The finance minister, Mathias Cormann, says the Financial Review report that the government is planning cuts to capital gains tax discount is wrong.
He says there are no plans under consideration by the Coalition to remove or reduce the capital gains discount.He says there are no plans under consideration by the Coalition to remove or reduce the capital gains discount.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.37pm GMTat 9.37pm GMT
9.31pm GMT9.31pm GMT
21:3121:31
.@TurnbullMalcolm tells a @UN_Women breakfast Australia is on track to reduce the gender participation gap by a quarter by 2025. pic.twitter.com/qqNDl4oobI.@TurnbullMalcolm tells a @UN_Women breakfast Australia is on track to reduce the gender participation gap by a quarter by 2025. pic.twitter.com/qqNDl4oobI
9.17pm GMT9.17pm GMT
21:1721:17
Good morning,Good morning,
If you can hear a whirring sound, it is the sound of the treasury calculators working ahead of the May budget. The main message for you, the voters, from the government is the need for savings, especially if people want reforms like greater childcare support.If you can hear a whirring sound, it is the sound of the treasury calculators working ahead of the May budget. The main message for you, the voters, from the government is the need for savings, especially if people want reforms like greater childcare support.
There are still $13bn in cuts stalled and as part of the government plan to win the hearts and minds, the education minister, Simon Birmingham, has released figures on the need for childcare.There are still $13bn in cuts stalled and as part of the government plan to win the hearts and minds, the education minister, Simon Birmingham, has released figures on the need for childcare.
Gareth Hutchens reports departmental data showed more than 3,600 families have hit the $7,500 childcare assistance cap in the first two weeks of 2017, demonstrating how quickly families are coming under financial pressure thanks to childcare costs.Gareth Hutchens reports departmental data showed more than 3,600 families have hit the $7,500 childcare assistance cap in the first two weeks of 2017, demonstrating how quickly families are coming under financial pressure thanks to childcare costs.
But the surprising news this morning comes from Phil Coorey at the Fin, who is reporting that the Turnbull government is planning a crackdown on capital gains tax concessions for property investors.But the surprising news this morning comes from Phil Coorey at the Fin, who is reporting that the Turnbull government is planning a crackdown on capital gains tax concessions for property investors.
WHAT!WHAT!
It is a policy Labor has had for a number of years now, to cut the capital gains discount and remove negative gearing on all but new houses.It is a policy Labor has had for a number of years now, to cut the capital gains discount and remove negative gearing on all but new houses.
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, while previously admitting there were excesses, later demonised the policy as the end of the world. (Or near enough.)The treasurer, Scott Morrison, while previously admitting there were excesses, later demonised the policy as the end of the world. (Or near enough.)
This morning, no one in government is confirming the story, rather saying the government has no intention to follow Labor etc etc. Which does not exactly preclude a cut to the capital gains discount in slightly different way.This morning, no one in government is confirming the story, rather saying the government has no intention to follow Labor etc etc. Which does not exactly preclude a cut to the capital gains discount in slightly different way.
(In 1985, Paul Keating introduced the capital gains tax where individuals would pay the same capital gains tax at their marginal rate (while allowing for inflation). In 1999 John Howard and Peter Costello halved capital gains as part of a wider tax package after the Ralph business tax review.(In 1985, Paul Keating introduced the capital gains tax where individuals would pay the same capital gains tax at their marginal rate (while allowing for inflation). In 1999 John Howard and Peter Costello halved capital gains as part of a wider tax package after the Ralph business tax review.
Coorey reports this morning:Coorey reports this morning:
The policy backflip, to be unveiled in the May budget, comes after more than a year of savaging Labor’s proposal to halve the capital gains discount as an assault on badly needed investment.The policy backflip, to be unveiled in the May budget, comes after more than a year of savaging Labor’s proposal to halve the capital gains discount as an assault on badly needed investment.
It is understood the policy being worked on within government would be confined to property investment, and not apply to all investments such as shares, as Labor’s plan would. Neither would the Coalition policy target negative gearing, as Labor is doing.It is understood the policy being worked on within government would be confined to property investment, and not apply to all investments such as shares, as Labor’s plan would. Neither would the Coalition policy target negative gearing, as Labor is doing.
Options being worked on include following Labor in halving the 50% discount on capital gains tax to 25%, or reducing it by another amount. The other is adopting a phased model in which the discount would increase the longer the property was held. A property would have to be held for several years before the investor was eligible for the full 50% discount.Options being worked on include following Labor in halving the 50% discount on capital gains tax to 25%, or reducing it by another amount. The other is adopting a phased model in which the discount would increase the longer the property was held. A property would have to be held for several years before the investor was eligible for the full 50% discount.
The prime minister has just spoken to a breakfast for International Women’s Day and will shortly do a press conference so let’s crack on. Talk to me in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan or on Facebook.The prime minister has just spoken to a breakfast for International Women’s Day and will shortly do a press conference so let’s crack on. Talk to me in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan or on Facebook.
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at 9.25pm GMTat 9.25pm GMT