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Coalition responds to recommendations from unions inquiry – politics live Coalition responds to recommendations from unions inquiry – politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.11am GMT
00:11
There have been a number of private members bills in the lower house.
There has been a Labor penalty rates bill, a Greens penalty rates bill and Independent Andrew Wilkie has moved a bill to end live export.
Cathy McGowan has moved a rail bill which would require the government to look at the regional impact of rail projects under the National Land Transport Act 2014. In other words, if you make changes to rail transport, make sure it does not do over regional Oz.
Now they are onto penalty rates though a motion by Labor’s Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole which notes that:
(a) families in regional and rural Australia rely on penalty rates to survive;
(b) the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC’s) decision to cut penalty rates will hurt retail and hospitality workers and their families in regional and rural Australia;
(c) the take home pay of families in regional and rural Australia will be severely impacted as a result of the FWC’s decision to cut Sunday and public holiday penalty rates for retail and hospitality workers;
(d) cutting penalty rates in regional and rural areas would also have a devastating flow-on impact for regional economies; and
(e) the McKell Institute estimates that disposable income in regional areas will fall by between $174.6 and $748.3 million if penalty rates are cut in hospitality and retail awards;
(2) condemns Government Members and Senators who called for cuts to penalty rates and their continuous pressuring of the FWC to reduce penalty rates; and
(3) calls on:
(a) Government Members and Senators to stand with Labor to protect low paid workers take home pay; and
(b) the House to support Labor’s Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Take Home Pay) Bill 2017, to amend the Fair Work Act 2009.
12.04am GMT
00:04
12.02am GMT
00:02
11.59pm GMT
23:59
The magic of Bowers.
11.55pm GMT
23:55
Malcolm Turnbull references the statement, which I have yet to sight.
The multicultural statement this year, 2017, renews and reaffirms our commitment to a multicultural Australia in which racism and discrimination have no place and which integration and contribution are core elements of our success. We are rich in our diversity, but we are bound together in our commitment as Australians, our commitment to those values and, as I said, the glue that binds us together is mutual respect.
11.52pm GMT
23:52
Malcolm Turnbull:
We are much more diverse in terms of the number of people who are born overseas or the children of parents who are born overseas than any comparable nation. Much more than the United States, which prides itself on being one of the great melting pots of the world of people coming from so many different countries. Only California has a percentage as a diversity that approaches Australia. Since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have come from all corners of the world to make their life here. They have added their own identity to the extraordinary project that is modern Australia.
11.40pm GMT
23:40
The PM has segued into the multiculturalism statement.
Malcolm Turnbull is speaking about the Snowy Hydro scheme and the achievement of that postwar migration project. He also talks about the first Australians, Indigenous Australians whose history stretches back 60,000 years.
No one can say Australians only look like this. Australians look like every race, every face and every background.
Updated
at 11.41pm GMT
11.33pm GMT11.33pm GMT
23:3323:33
The prime minister does not answer a question over whether he has any indication he can get the proposed laws through the parliament. He says it’s up to Labor.The prime minister does not answer a question over whether he has any indication he can get the proposed laws through the parliament. He says it’s up to Labor.
Asked about a poll suggesting a large majority of West Australians want him to act on the GST revenue share, Turnbull says he is trying to get agreement from the states to place a floor under the GST revenue so states don’t get the big drops in revenue.Asked about a poll suggesting a large majority of West Australians want him to act on the GST revenue share, Turnbull says he is trying to get agreement from the states to place a floor under the GST revenue so states don’t get the big drops in revenue.
I wrote to the all the premiers and chief ministers and I raised it at COAG. I was attacked, unrelentingly, by the Labor Party, including by Mr Shorten. So, really, the question now is we will seek to achieve that. That is our goal, we think it is fair and it is achievable with goodwill but the fiercest opponents of what I propose is Bill Shorten and the Labor leaders, including South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.I wrote to the all the premiers and chief ministers and I raised it at COAG. I was attacked, unrelentingly, by the Labor Party, including by Mr Shorten. So, really, the question now is we will seek to achieve that. That is our goal, we think it is fair and it is achievable with goodwill but the fiercest opponents of what I propose is Bill Shorten and the Labor leaders, including South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
11.23pm GMT11.23pm GMT
23:2323:23
Guardian correspondent Paul Karp asks Turnbull why not go a step further and ban payments from companies to political parties (if you think secret payments have a corrupting influence on outcomes)?Guardian correspondent Paul Karp asks Turnbull why not go a step further and ban payments from companies to political parties (if you think secret payments have a corrupting influence on outcomes)?
You are not seriously suggesting to me that a corrupting benefit should be allowed as long as it is disclosed? Is that what you are putting to us?You are not seriously suggesting to me that a corrupting benefit should be allowed as long as it is disclosed? Is that what you are putting to us?
Why do you assume (political donations) don’t impact on public policy outcomes?Why do you assume (political donations) don’t impact on public policy outcomes?
I wouldn’t have thought there would be anybody here actually defending employers paying bribes to unions, but there it is. It is a broad church. Chris Uhlmann?I wouldn’t have thought there would be anybody here actually defending employers paying bribes to unions, but there it is. It is a broad church. Chris Uhlmann?
Turnbull refuses to answer any further questions from Paul and goes to Chris but Chris gives the floor back to Paul. The PM insists on moving to the next person.Turnbull refuses to answer any further questions from Paul and goes to Chris but Chris gives the floor back to Paul. The PM insists on moving to the next person.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.34pm GMTat 11.34pm GMT
11.20pm GMT11.20pm GMT
23:2023:20
Michaelia Cash rejects the suggestion that it is already an offence to make payments with a corrupting intent.Michaelia Cash rejects the suggestion that it is already an offence to make payments with a corrupting intent.
Cash says all the jurisdictions have different laws and they are difficult to prove. This will be made consistent, she says.Cash says all the jurisdictions have different laws and they are difficult to prove. This will be made consistent, she says.
Turnbull says he is introducing it now because they have been doing other important IR business such as the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).Turnbull says he is introducing it now because they have been doing other important IR business such as the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).
Turnbull rejects the suggestion he did not mention these issues in the election. (These were recommendations from the trade unions royal commission.) Turnbull said the very election was called over industrial relations.Turnbull rejects the suggestion he did not mention these issues in the election. (These were recommendations from the trade unions royal commission.) Turnbull said the very election was called over industrial relations.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.22pm GMTat 11.22pm GMT
11.14pm GMT11.14pm GMT
23:1423:14
Michaelia Cash is asked how you distinguish between dodgy ones and legitimate ones (my words):Michaelia Cash is asked how you distinguish between dodgy ones and legitimate ones (my words):
If a payment is being made into a safety training fund, you would need to show that you actually have a program of basically safety training, you would need to show that that has been undertaken, but you would also need to show that it has been charged out at market rate.If a payment is being made into a safety training fund, you would need to show that you actually have a program of basically safety training, you would need to show that that has been undertaken, but you would also need to show that it has been charged out at market rate.
11.11pm GMT11.11pm GMT
23:1123:11
Coalition to ban secret payments between employers and unionsCoalition to ban secret payments between employers and unions
Malcolm Turnbull and Cash are responding to the recommendations of the Hayden royal commission:Malcolm Turnbull and Cash are responding to the recommendations of the Hayden royal commission:
The Coalition will:The Coalition will:
make it a imprisonable offence, a payment with a corrupting intent in the sense of encouraging a union or union official to act improperly.make it a imprisonable offence, a payment with a corrupting intent in the sense of encouraging a union or union official to act improperly.
make it an offence punishable by up to two years in prison for any payment to be made by an employer to a union or a union official other than for clearly legitimate purposes (such as the remittance of union dues).make it an offence punishable by up to two years in prison for any payment to be made by an employer to a union or a union official other than for clearly legitimate purposes (such as the remittance of union dues).
ban secret payments from employers to unions. Certain legitimate payments will continue to be allowed, such as payments for genuine services that are provided by a union or genuine payment of membership fees. Criminal penalties will apply to both the employer and the union. The party that makes the offer of the payment will be penalised in the same way as the party that solicits or receives the payment.ban secret payments from employers to unions. Certain legitimate payments will continue to be allowed, such as payments for genuine services that are provided by a union or genuine payment of membership fees. Criminal penalties will apply to both the employer and the union. The party that makes the offer of the payment will be penalised in the same way as the party that solicits or receives the payment.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.20pm GMTat 11.20pm GMT
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.
Updated
at 11.11pm GMT
10.25pm GMT
22:25
The multicultural statement is coming at 10.30am.
I have confirmed Integration is the key word.
10.24pm GMT
22:24
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 10.36pm GMT
10.16pm GMT
22:16
Today the lower house sits at 10am with private members business.
Labor could do something with penalty rates in this space.
Later, the government bills include:
National rural health commissioner
National health amendment (pharmaceutical benefits)
Education and other legislation amendment (No 1)
Treasury laws amendment (combating multinational tax avoidance)
Diverted profits tax
Question time is also likely to revolve around penalty rates.
Updated
at 10.35pm GMT
10.00pm GMT
22:00
ACTU polling found the penalty rates cut was key issue for 52% of people in WA election. pic.twitter.com/Gbu2G76mbD
9.56pm GMT
21:56
Brandis of his diaries: Mr Dreyfus’ request was a long and exhaustive task
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 10.09pm GMT
9.53pm GMT
21:53
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
So freedom of speech for some and not others, it would seem.
Updated
at 10.10pm GMT
9.14pm GMT
21:14
If you have an interest in trawling the Brandis diaries, you can find them here at the ABC.
Dreyfus:
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.
Updated
at 9.21pm GMT
9.03pm GMT
21:03
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.
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.
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.
The Coalition primary vote is up three from 34% to 37% over three weeks.
Labor’s primary is down two points 37% to 35%.
The Greens are at 9%.
One Nation, despite the Western Australian election, is steady at 10%.
This has the 2PP vote at 52% to 48% to Labor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
at 9.26pm GMT