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Version 11 Version 12
Labor attacks Malcolm Turnbull over penalty rates – question time live Labor attacks Malcolm Turnbull over penalty rates – question time live
(35 minutes later)
5.09am BST
05:09
Plibersek to Turnbull: I refer to the Prime Minister’s scrapping the deficit levy in this year’s budget, and his support for the decision to cut penalty rates. Why is that under this Prime Minister, millionaires get a tax cut of more than $16,000, big business gets a tax cut of about $50 billion, and workers get a pay cut?
Turnbull reminds the parliament that Labor opposed the “deceit tax”.
Honourable members opposite will know very well the deficit levy was imposed for a term of 3 years. It expires at the end of this financial year of its own force. This was a surcharge that they condemned as an act of deceit, and denounced from one end of this place to the other...the reality is this, that...Australia is a highly taxed country.
5.06am BST
05:06
The treasurer, Scott Morrison, gets a Dixer on company tax rates.
Then Brendan O’Connor to Turnbull: Can the prime minister guarantee that no other Sunday penalty rates in awards will be cut by the Fair Work Commission?
The leader of the house, Christopher Pyne, says Labor is reaching for theatre of the absurd. The PM has no responsibility for the Fair Work Commission.
Labor argues the toss and Speaker allows Labor to rephrase.
Will the prime minister support any future decision of the commission that will cut penalty rates?
Turnbull says the original justifications of the Productivity Commission have not altered materially. The PC made recommendations about penalty rates in the hospitality and retail sectors and concluded there was no case for common penalty rates across all industries.
He quoted the PC report which said “regulated penalty rates as currently constructed for essential services and many other industries are justifiable”.
Updated
at 5.20am BST
4.55am BST
04:55
I wish Anthony Albanese was dressed like this in question time.
DJ Albo's new gig: music ambassadorhttps://t.co/prPuVRCTAG pic.twitter.com/PvBoEo3Bky
4.54am BST
04:54
Barnaby Joyce gets a Dixer on the beef deal with China.
Shorten to Turnbull: Does the prime minister rule out pay cuts for AFP officers, including his own protection detail, for working late nights and weekends?
Turnbull finally goes to the dispute at hand.
Negotiations are continuing between the AFP commissioner and members of the federal police.
It is being handled at “arms length” by the commissioner in the normal way.
Updated
at 5.01am BST
4.50am BST
04:50
Independent Cathy McGowan asks fellow cross bencher Andrew Wilkie a question #QT @gabriellechan @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/iMd48BpSlp
4.49am BST
04:49
Labor to Turnbull: Is the prime minister seriously refusing to rule out pay cuts for AFP officers including his own protection detail, for working late nights and weekends?
Turnbull does not answer the specific question on AFP allowances, which as I understand it, is separate to the penalty rates decision.
But he addresses penalty rates:
Given the distinguishing characteristics of the hospitality and retail sectors, they provide no warrant for the variation of penalty rates in other awards. They want to suggest that decision applies to nurses, to emergency workers, to police, completely untrue, no basis in fact. But why would they care?
4.46am BST
04:46
Malcolm Turnbull gets a question on the Snowy Hydro mark two, allowing him to speak about his meeting with Snowy Hydro workers.
The Feasibility Study from Old Regret #qt pic.twitter.com/x150r1tunB
Updated
at 4.47am BST
4.42am BST4.42am BST
04:4204:42
Labor’s Clare O’Neill asks Turnbull: Today the Opposition Leader and I are meeting with members of the Australian Federal Police association. Is the Prime Minister aware AFP officers, including his own protection detail, are concerned they will lose $35,000 every year because of planned cuts to allowances for working late nights and weekends? Why does the Prime Minister want to add police officers to the list of Australians who will have their pay cut at the same time as millionaires will get a tax cut. Labor’s Clare O’Neill asks Turnbull: Today the opposition leader and I are meeting with members of the Australian Federal Police Association. Is the prime minister aware AFP officers, including his own protection detail, are concerned they will lose $35,000 every year because of planned cuts to allowances for working late nights and weekends? Why does the prime minister want to add police officers to the list of Australians who will have their pay cut at the same time as millionaires will get a tax cut?
Turnbull says the Coalition have provided unprecedented support for the AFP. He flicks the question to justice minister Michael Keenan who bluffs and blusters but does not answer the question. Turnbull says the Coalition have provided unprecedented support for the AFP. He flicks the question to the justice minister, Michael Keenan, who bluffs and blusters but does not answer the question.
Updated
at 4.48am BST
4.35am BST4.35am BST
04:3504:35
Turnbull accuses Shorten of post-truth politics with a vengence Turnbull accuses Shorten of "post-truth politics with a vengeance"
Shorten to Turnbull: I met with private sector aged-care nurses including Deli (sp). She’s in the gallery today. Her husband Ken works in retail and faces a pay cut. Deli’s worried once they start cutting some penalty rates in some awards, her pay could be cut as well. Why isn’t the prime minister doing anything to support the rates for all Australians?Shorten to Turnbull: I met with private sector aged-care nurses including Deli (sp). She’s in the gallery today. Her husband Ken works in retail and faces a pay cut. Deli’s worried once they start cutting some penalty rates in some awards, her pay could be cut as well. Why isn’t the prime minister doing anything to support the rates for all Australians?
Turnbull says Shorten knows that nurses are employed under state awards and are not covered by the decision by the Fair Work Commission.Turnbull says Shorten knows that nurses are employed under state awards and are not covered by the decision by the Fair Work Commission.
Shorten intervenes and says he was talking about nurses in the private sector. Turnbull says rubbish.Shorten intervenes and says he was talking about nurses in the private sector. Turnbull says rubbish.
The decision of the Fair Work Commission applies to workers in the retail, hospitality, fast food areas. It does not apply to nurses. The honourable member knows very well it doesn’t apply to nurses …The decision of the Fair Work Commission applies to workers in the retail, hospitality, fast food areas. It does not apply to nurses. The honourable member knows very well it doesn’t apply to nurses …
What he and his colleagues have been endeavouring to do, is as usual, misleading and frighten Australians with their untruths.What he and his colleagues have been endeavouring to do, is as usual, misleading and frighten Australians with their untruths.
This is post-truth politics with a vengeance. Heedless of the truth, having no regard for the facts, determined to frighten and scare Australians.This is post-truth politics with a vengeance. Heedless of the truth, having no regard for the facts, determined to frighten and scare Australians.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.41am BST at 5.16am BST
4.27am BST4.27am BST
04:2704:27
Indi MP Cathy McGowan asks fellow independent Andrew Wilkie under standing order 99: The Indi MP, Cathy McGowan, asks fellow independent Andrew Wilkie under standing order 99:
I refer to the private members bill... relating to the mandatory banking code of conduct.It’s a great example why we we have independent representation inParliament, and demonstrates how we as independents are representing our communities in this place. Can the minister tell the house when he thinks the debate on the bill will be resumed and what process is needed for the house to fully consider this bill so that this important matter can be fully debated and our communities informed? I refer to the private member’s bill … relating to the mandatory banking code of conduct. It’s a great example why we we have independent representation in parliament, and demonstrates how we as independents are representing our communities in this place. Can the minister tell the house when he thinks the debate on the bill will be resumed and what process is needed for the house to fully consider this bill so that this important matter can be fully debated and our communities informed?
This is allowed under the standing orders and a clever thing for the independent members.This is allowed under the standing orders and a clever thing for the independent members.
Wilkie speaks for a short time, urging the parliament to get on board with his banking code of conduct.Wilkie speaks for a short time, urging the parliament to get on board with his banking code of conduct.
Leader of the house Christopher Pyne waits and then objects, starting his statement with, The leader of the house, Christopher Pyne, waits and then objects, starting his statement with:
as much as I hate to be the Grinch that stole Christmas.... As much as I hate to be the Grinch that stole Christmas …
Speaker Tony Smith reminds him the rules state that Wilkie has to confine himself to the timing and procedure of the private members bill. The Speaker, Tony Smith, reminds him the rules state that Wilkie has to confine himself to the timing and procedure of the private member’s bill.
Wilkie thanks the Speaker for guidance.Wilkie thanks the Speaker for guidance.
This is not headmasterly and it’s not guidance because it is not optional, says Speaker Smith. This is not headmasterly and it’s not guidance because it is not optional, says Smith.
Get the car back on the road... Get the car back on the road …
Wilkie wants the parliamentary selection committee to choose his bill. Which is the definition of hope.Wilkie wants the parliamentary selection committee to choose his bill. Which is the definition of hope.
Updated
at 4.46am BST
4.20am BST4.20am BST
04:2004:20
Labor to Turnbull: The prime minister supports cutting the penalty rates of nearly 700,000 Australians by up to $77 every week. And under this, prime minister, a nurse in New South Wales could lose eight weeks of paid parental leave, a cut of around $5,300. When will the prime minister stop fighting other Liberals and start fighting for Australians?Labor to Turnbull: The prime minister supports cutting the penalty rates of nearly 700,000 Australians by up to $77 every week. And under this, prime minister, a nurse in New South Wales could lose eight weeks of paid parental leave, a cut of around $5,300. When will the prime minister stop fighting other Liberals and start fighting for Australians?
Turnbull flicks the question to the social services minister, Christian Porter.Turnbull flicks the question to the social services minister, Christian Porter.
Porter says there was once a time when Labor supported helping those who had the least.Porter says there was once a time when Labor supported helping those who had the least.
What you do not support is near to 60% of all families who receive paid parental leave having a very substantial average gain of $1,300 during the period of paid parental leave. That’s what you’re opposing and that group of 58%, that is 96,310 recipients, that group are the lowest income earners inside the paid parental leave.What you do not support is near to 60% of all families who receive paid parental leave having a very substantial average gain of $1,300 during the period of paid parental leave. That’s what you’re opposing and that group of 58%, that is 96,310 recipients, that group are the lowest income earners inside the paid parental leave.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.44am BSTat 4.44am BST
4.15am BST4.15am BST
04:1504:15
Swanny is trolling the PM.Swanny is trolling the PM.
Labor in the middle of a global recession grew the economy by 16%, that was good for business and workers #auspol #qtLabor in the middle of a global recession grew the economy by 16%, that was good for business and workers #auspol #qt
4.14am BST4.14am BST
04:1404:14
A government question to the defence industry minister, Christopher Pyne, is on defence force preparations to support emergency crews. Pyne:A government question to the defence industry minister, Christopher Pyne, is on defence force preparations to support emergency crews. Pyne:
Our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of north Queensland, going through another destructive cyclone, mother nature wreaking her revenge on us poor humans here on earth.Our thoughts and our prayers are with the people of north Queensland, going through another destructive cyclone, mother nature wreaking her revenge on us poor humans here on earth.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.43am BSTat 4.43am BST
4.12am BST
04:12
Shorten to Turnbull: With know the prime minister is prepared to give into his Liberal opponents on every other issue, so why won’t the prime minister now give in to Labor and support our private member’s bill to protect penalty rates? When will the government stop fighting itself and start fighting for the conditions of the Australian workers?
Turnbull says the government is creating more growth and jobs. As opposed to jobs and growth.
Less investment, less business, fewer jobs. It’s the path to poverty. That is what Labor leads. They used to be committed to prosperity but no only longer. They have abandoned Australian workers, they have abandoned the commitment to growth, they have abandoned the future.
Updated
at 4.43am BST
4.07am BST
04:07
Malcolm Turnbull addresses Cyclone Debbie after a question from one of the local members, George Christensen. He says it has made landfall and is a category-four storm. He again gives emergency advice. Take care and heed advice. Look out for each other.
Shorten adds his sympathies and thanks emergency workers.
Updated
at 4.42am BST
4.05am BST
04:05
China and community legal centres – just another day in the Coalition party room
Katharine Murphy
Just a quick update on today’s joint Coalition party room – readers already know the prime minister grounded the contentious China extradition treaty before the issue would have been hotly debated during the regular meeting of government MPs.
But one backbencher, Eric Abetz, did press on and raise his opposition to the deal during today’s discussion. He’d made it known to some colleagues he was prepared to cross the floor to disallow the treaty if it had come to a vote.
There was also an interesting discussion about the funding of community legal centres. Two Liberal MPs and two Nationals raised concerns that there weren’t sufficient funds for the centres to to their job. This has been an issue of contention in Canberra this week.
One of the Liberal MPs, the former police officer Jason Wood, told the prime minister during his contribution that if the government was serious about combating domestic violence, it needed to give the centres more money. Wood pointed out domestic violence impacted one in four people in some areas of his electorate. Colleagues tell me his advice to the prime minister was pretty blunt.
Updated
at 4.08am BST
4.04am BST
04:04
Shorten to Turnbull: We know that prime minister changes his policies when he feels pressure from the Liberal party room. So why doesn’t he feel any pressure to act when nearly 700,000 workers are facing penalty rate cuts on Sundays?
Turnbull says it was the Fair Work Commission’s decision.
It was an inquiry started by Shorten as workplace minister.
Updated
at 4.10am BST
3.56am BST
03:56
Five minutes to question time. Which is like five minutes to midnight.
3.55am BST
03:55
Penny Wong channels The Lord of the Rings in her speech.
18C: you shall not pass.
Updated
at 3.57am BST
3.47am BST
03:47
Nick Xenophon and his senators are opposing the amendments to 18C but voted to bring on the debate with the government.
If he maintains his opposition to the 18C bill, it will fail.
Updated
at 3.57am BST
3.40am BST
03:40
While the Senate debate continues, the prime minister has met Snowy Hydro workers for a spot of lunch.
Updated
at 3.47am BST
3.37am BST
03:37
The Greens senator Nick McKim makes the point that if the 18C amendments were really about freedom of speech, the government would address laws that allow whistleblowers to be jailed for two years for speaking detention centres and defamation laws which have a chilling effect.
He also attacks the Senate committee for not allowing Indigenous people to speak to the snap inquiry on the bill, which had a half-day hearing on Friday.
Racism started the day Europeans arrived in this country and it is still going today. For the Senate not to hear from Indigenous people was an absolute bloody disgrace.
Updated
at 3.50am BST
3.33am BST
03:33
Penny Wong:
I hope this parliament will vote this amendment down and can I say it is a poor reflection on this prime minister.
She says refusing to allow the Aboriginal Legal Service speak to the committee hearing on Friday was a profound statement about whose freedom of speech needed to be protected under this bill.
I hope the parliament thinks about what this says to the young Muslim woman on the bus or the young Asian boy in the street or some other member of Australia’s multicultural community who is abused because of who they are. Because not only is the amendment before this place wrong, in many ways what is most wrong and has been most damaging has been the signal that has been sent by a prime minister who believes he is a Liberal moderate.
The signal he is sending in cahoots with this attorney general that this sort of racial abuse is more permissible.
So I ask my colleagues in this place, think of the people who this legislation is designed to protect and think of the principle that this legislation seeks to send out to the community because what it says to the community, we do not believe in this modern multicultural Australia that it is OK for you to be abused because of your race. And that is a principal we should all stand for.