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George Brandis finally releases his diaries – politics live George Brandis finally releases his diaries – politics live
(35 minutes later)
11.00pm GMT
23:00
Regular followers will know the parliament chambers have “a matter of public importance” debate a number of times every sitting week. The crossbenchers and major parties take it in turns and today, One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts has won the prize. This is his debate topic:
The prosecution of the Christian community in south-east Queensland.
Does he mean persecution?
Under standing order 75 the proposed discussion must be supported by at least four other senators rising in their places. Given the new One Nation senator is not in the chamber yet, that leaves only two senators so he must have found two others in support. Presumably they will make themselves known.
10.53pm GMT
22:53
The prime minister has a press conference at 10am with employment minister Michaelia Cash.
Parliament is about to begin at 10am.
Scott Morrison has just held a press conference. There were no significant news lines from it. He would not say whether he would negotiate on the omnibus bill to get the childcare reforms through the senate.
Why the Labor Party wants Australians to pay more in higher taxes for a bigger welfare bill, they must explain. These should have been bipartisan measures if the Labor Party was serious about ensuring that we can get the budget back into balance to reinforce and support our triple A credit rating.
10.25pm GMT10.25pm GMT
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The multicultural statement is coming at 10.30am.The multicultural statement is coming at 10.30am.
I have confirmed Integration is the key word.I have confirmed Integration is the key word.
10.24pm GMT10.24pm GMT
22:2422:24
The other thing around today is a multicultural statement of some sort. I know this because it is all over the Australian’s front page without the actual statement, which I gather is expected to be delivered today.The other thing around today is a multicultural statement of some sort. I know this because it is all over the Australian’s front page without the actual statement, which I gather is expected to be delivered today.
Without having seen the text, the Australian’s interpretation is here:Without having seen the text, the Australian’s interpretation is here:
In an implicit reference to the controversial provisions of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, it has moved away from Labor’s past reference to the use of the “full force of the law” while denouncin­g ­racism and discrimin­ation, and promoting mutual respect­.In an implicit reference to the controversial provisions of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, it has moved away from Labor’s past reference to the use of the “full force of the law” while denouncin­g ­racism and discrimin­ation, and promoting mutual respect­.
A keystone of the document is the inclusion of white Australia — British and Irish settlers — in a broadening of the definition of multicultural Australia to beyond ethnic minorities and indigenous people. Introducing “integration” as the core principle over ethnic segregation to guide government policy, the statement signals a delibera­te shift away from the ­emphasis placed on services articulated by Labor. A keystone of the document is the inclusion of white Australia — British and Irish settlers — in a broadening of the definition of multicultural Australia to beyond ethnic minorities and Indigenous people. Introducing “integration” as the core principle over ethnic segregation to guide government policy, the statement signals a delibera­te shift away from the ­emphasis placed on services articulated by Labor.
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at 10.25pm GMT at 10.36pm GMT
10.16pm GMT10.16pm GMT
22:1622:16
Today the lower house sits at 10am with private members business.Today the lower house sits at 10am with private members business.
Labor could do something with penalty rates in this space.Labor could do something with penalty rates in this space.
Later, the government bills include:Later, the government bills include:
National Rural Health Commissioner National rural health commissioner
National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits) National health amendment (pharmaceutical benefits)
Education and Other Legislation Amendment (No. 1) Education and other legislation amendment (No 1)
Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Multinational Tax Avoidance) Treasury laws amendment (combating multinational tax avoidance)
Diverted Profits Tax Diverted profits tax
Question time is also likely to revolve around penalty rates.Question time is also likely to revolve around penalty rates.
Updated
at 10.35pm GMT
10.00pm GMT10.00pm GMT
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ACTU polling found the penalty rates cut was key issue for 52% of people in WA election. pic.twitter.com/Gbu2G76mbDACTU polling found the penalty rates cut was key issue for 52% of people in WA election. pic.twitter.com/Gbu2G76mbD
9.56pm GMT9.56pm GMT
21:5621:56
Brandis of his diaries: Mr Dreyfus’ request was a long and exhaustive taskBrandis of his diaries: Mr Dreyfus’ request was a long and exhaustive task
George Brandis’ office has put out a statement on the diaries.George Brandis’ office has put out a statement on the diaries.
Mr Dreyfus was informed that his request was being processed. It was typical overreach of Mr Dreyfus to suggest otherwise.Mr Dreyfus was informed that his request was being processed. It was typical overreach of Mr Dreyfus to suggest otherwise.
Processing Mr Dreyfus’ request was a long and exhaustive task and had to be done on top of the attorney’s ministerial and other responsibilities. Appropriate redactions had to be made to the diary before it was released.Processing Mr Dreyfus’ request was a long and exhaustive task and had to be done on top of the attorney’s ministerial and other responsibilities. Appropriate redactions had to be made to the diary before it was released.
As outlined in the letter to Mr Dreyfus, many meetings or appointments happen spontaneously or at short notice. Quite often, the attorney general arranges meetings himself and these are not always entered in the diary.As outlined in the letter to Mr Dreyfus, many meetings or appointments happen spontaneously or at short notice. Quite often, the attorney general arranges meetings himself and these are not always entered in the diary.
The government supports the important work of the legal assistance sector and is providing substantial funding to frontline services to help those who need it most.The government supports the important work of the legal assistance sector and is providing substantial funding to frontline services to help those who need it most.
Even in a resource constrained environment, the Australian government is providing over $1.6bn for legal aid, community legal centres and Indigenous legal assistance between 2015 and 2020.Even in a resource constrained environment, the Australian government is providing over $1.6bn for legal aid, community legal centres and Indigenous legal assistance between 2015 and 2020.
On top of this, the Turnbull government has provided an extra $45m for frontline legal assistance services as part of its $200m investment to reduce violence against women and children. $16.5m of this is going directly to community legal centres.On top of this, the Turnbull government has provided an extra $45m for frontline legal assistance services as part of its $200m investment to reduce violence against women and children. $16.5m of this is going directly to community legal centres.
The attorney general regularly meets with representatives from the legal assistance sector – for example – he has made seven visits to legal assistance providers in the last year.The attorney general regularly meets with representatives from the legal assistance sector – for example – he has made seven visits to legal assistance providers in the last year.
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at 10.09pm GMTat 10.09pm GMT
9.53pm GMT9.53pm GMT
21:5321:53
I am suffering from the freedom confusion again. It relates to the various campaigns being waged at the moment to win the heart and soul of the Liberal.I am suffering from the freedom confusion again. It relates to the various campaigns being waged at the moment to win the heart and soul of the Liberal.
You may have seen conservative spear chucka Peter Dutton out on the weekend telling company CEOs to back off on the marriage debate. He suggested to business leaders to leave it to the big people in parliament.You may have seen conservative spear chucka Peter Dutton out on the weekend telling company CEOs to back off on the marriage debate. He suggested to business leaders to leave it to the big people in parliament.
Alan Joyce, the individual, is perfectly entitled to campaign for and spend his hard-earned money on any issue he sees fit, but don’t do it in the official capacity and with shareholders money,” he told the meeting.Alan Joyce, the individual, is perfectly entitled to campaign for and spend his hard-earned money on any issue he sees fit, but don’t do it in the official capacity and with shareholders money,” he told the meeting.
And certainly don’t use an iconic brand and the might of a multibillion-dollar business on issues best left to the judgment of issues and elected decision makers,” he said to applause.And certainly don’t use an iconic brand and the might of a multibillion-dollar business on issues best left to the judgment of issues and elected decision makers,” he said to applause.
The Sunday Tele’s Annika Smethurst reported:The Sunday Tele’s Annika Smethurst reported:
Conservative government MPs are frantically marshalling their numbers to foil a plot by moderate Liberals planning to reignite the same-sex marriage debate this week.Conservative government MPs are frantically marshalling their numbers to foil a plot by moderate Liberals planning to reignite the same-sex marriage debate this week.
Conservatives, including one senior government minister, caught wind of the secret plan to lobby prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to abandon his commitment to hold a plebiscite on marriage equality.Conservatives, including one senior government minister, caught wind of the secret plan to lobby prime minister Malcolm Turnbull to abandon his commitment to hold a plebiscite on marriage equality.
Liberal moderate said all will be worked out in the party room – brackets – keep the discussion there, Dutts – brackets.Liberal moderate said all will be worked out in the party room – brackets – keep the discussion there, Dutts – brackets.
At the same time as this debate is happening, the same group is prosecuting the freedom of information case to change 18C in the Coalition party room. Two camps there as well.At the same time as this debate is happening, the same group is prosecuting the freedom of information case to change 18C in the Coalition party room. Two camps there as well.
Conservative camp says amend the law, by removing insult and offend.Conservative camp says amend the law, by removing insult and offend.
Moderate camp says change the Human Rights Commission’s process to make it work better and chuck out vexatious cases.Moderate camp says change the Human Rights Commission’s process to make it work better and chuck out vexatious cases.
So freedom of speech for some and not others, it would seem.So freedom of speech for some and not others, it would seem.
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at 10.10pm GMTat 10.10pm GMT
9.14pm GMT9.14pm GMT
21:1421:14
If you have an interest in trawling the Brandis diaries, you can find them here at the ABC.If you have an interest in trawling the Brandis diaries, you can find them here at the ABC.
Dreyfus:Dreyfus:
The FoI shows no evidence the attorney general met with legal assistance organisations before savagely slashing their funding in 2013 and 2014.The FoI shows no evidence the attorney general met with legal assistance organisations before savagely slashing their funding in 2013 and 2014.
While the capitulation represents a victory for common sense, transparency and the principles of FoI, it is also ridiculous that it took such lengths to force the attorney general to comply with an act that sits within his own portfolio.While the capitulation represents a victory for common sense, transparency and the principles of FoI, it is also ridiculous that it took such lengths to force the attorney general to comply with an act that sits within his own portfolio.
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at 9.21pm GMTat 9.21pm GMT
9.03pm GMT9.03pm GMT
21:0321:03
Good morning, rentseekers, radicals and rationalists,Good morning, rentseekers, radicals and rationalists,
Here we are, the beginning of the last sitting fortnight before the budget. This is what you need to know today.Here we are, the beginning of the last sitting fortnight before the budget. This is what you need to know today.
George Brandis has finally released his ministerial diaries.George Brandis has finally released his ministerial diaries.
This story stems from a dispute with Labor from the 2014 Tony Abbott budget. The Labor shadow attorney, Mark Dreyfus, challenged Brandis over whether he consulted with legal aid groups including Indigenous legal aid before cutting their funding. Brandis said yes he had. Dreyfus said show us the diaries. Brandis said no. A lot of bureaucratic fluffing and legal work down the track, including an Administrative Appeals Tribunal hearing, a hearing in the full court of the federal court, and the threat of contempt, Brandis has relented. The diaries show no evidence of any meetings with legal groups. Brandis’s spokesman has told the ABC that it does not necessarily prove he did not talk to them on the phone. But he has not confirmed he did talk to them on the phone. This is the sort of in-and-out-of-a-feline’s-fundamental that gives voters the cranks.This story stems from a dispute with Labor from the 2014 Tony Abbott budget. The Labor shadow attorney, Mark Dreyfus, challenged Brandis over whether he consulted with legal aid groups including Indigenous legal aid before cutting their funding. Brandis said yes he had. Dreyfus said show us the diaries. Brandis said no. A lot of bureaucratic fluffing and legal work down the track, including an Administrative Appeals Tribunal hearing, a hearing in the full court of the federal court, and the threat of contempt, Brandis has relented. The diaries show no evidence of any meetings with legal groups. Brandis’s spokesman has told the ABC that it does not necessarily prove he did not talk to them on the phone. But he has not confirmed he did talk to them on the phone. This is the sort of in-and-out-of-a-feline’s-fundamental that gives voters the cranks.
The Man from Snowy River gets a bump in Newspoll.The Man from Snowy River gets a bump in Newspoll.
Turnbull is up three points in the measure of preferred PM in frontBill Shorten, at 43% to Shorten’s 29% compared with 40% to 33% in the previous poll.Turnbull is up three points in the measure of preferred PM in frontBill Shorten, at 43% to Shorten’s 29% compared with 40% to 33% in the previous poll.
The Coalition primary vote is up three from 34% to 37% over three weeks.The Coalition primary vote is up three from 34% to 37% over three weeks.
Labor’s primary is down two points 37% to 35%.Labor’s primary is down two points 37% to 35%.
The Greens are at 9%.The Greens are at 9%.
One Nation, despite the Western Australian election, is steady at 10%.One Nation, despite the Western Australian election, is steady at 10%.
This has the 2PP vote at 52% to 48% to Labor.This has the 2PP vote at 52% to 48% to Labor.
Paul Keating tells Scott Morrison to back off a superannuation raid for housing.Paul Keating tells Scott Morrison to back off a superannuation raid for housing.
One of the options for the government is to let first-home buyers dip into their super to afford housing. Keating has written a piece of Fairfax which suggests this is nuts and will simply push the market higher while denuding savings for under 40s. Here is a little vintage Keating.One of the options for the government is to let first-home buyers dip into their super to afford housing. Keating has written a piece of Fairfax which suggests this is nuts and will simply push the market higher while denuding savings for under 40s. Here is a little vintage Keating.
I have said before, you don’t expect conservative parties to believe in much but you do expect them to believe in thrift. And when a Labor government comes along and, in a cooperative way, encourages the workforce to save for their retirement, you would think any true conservative party would be eternally grateful.I have said before, you don’t expect conservative parties to believe in much but you do expect them to believe in thrift. And when a Labor government comes along and, in a cooperative way, encourages the workforce to save for their retirement, you would think any true conservative party would be eternally grateful.
Instead the Liberal party, limited by its ideological snakiness, continues biting at superannuation, as it does, periodically, Medicare.Instead the Liberal party, limited by its ideological snakiness, continues biting at superannuation, as it does, periodically, Medicare.
The remains of the day.The remains of the day.
Penalty rates are likely to dominate question time as the Coalition is trying to push back against Labor’s attempts to blame the government for the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut them. The ACTU is bringing low-paid workers to parliament to highlight the need for the government to step in. The Coalition is expected to roll out enterprise bargaining agreements between unions and large companies which shows unions were happy to trade away penalties.Penalty rates are likely to dominate question time as the Coalition is trying to push back against Labor’s attempts to blame the government for the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut them. The ACTU is bringing low-paid workers to parliament to highlight the need for the government to step in. The Coalition is expected to roll out enterprise bargaining agreements between unions and large companies which shows unions were happy to trade away penalties.
The omnibus bill is likely to be fought out in the Senate this week, with key crossbenchers telling the government to go back to the drawing board and separate the (good) childcare reforms from the cuts to family tax benefits, etc. Derryn Hinch has predicted it will not get the support to pass the Senate.The omnibus bill is likely to be fought out in the Senate this week, with key crossbenchers telling the government to go back to the drawing board and separate the (good) childcare reforms from the cuts to family tax benefits, etc. Derryn Hinch has predicted it will not get the support to pass the Senate.
There is also 18C and multiculturalism, marriage equality, company tax cuts and much more to come. But I reckon that is enough for you to be getting on with right now. Talk to us in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or on Facebook.There is also 18C and multiculturalism, marriage equality, company tax cuts and much more to come. But I reckon that is enough for you to be getting on with right now. Talk to us in the thread, on the Twits @gabriellechan and @mpbowers or on Facebook.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.26pm GMTat 9.26pm GMT