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Labor labels Xenophon 'the great pretender' after he supports media reforms – politics live Labor labels Xenophon 'the great pretender' after he supports media reforms – politics live
(35 minutes later)
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In Senate question time Labor’s Anthony Chisholm has targeted senator Barry O’Sullivan, asking if he has inappropriately offered a comment on the Toowoomba second range crossing during a regional and rural affairs transport committee, despite allegations he has a commercial interest in the project.Attorney general, George Brandis, said:
“That question is so stupid even by your very low standards. Senator O’Sullivan lives in Toowoomba ... This government is very proud to have funded the Toowoomba second range crossing.”
O’Sullivan rises to table a transcript of a speech and evidentiary documents that he said “will put this to bed”. Labor refuses to give him leave, suggesting he can say his piece after question time, and then asks if he has a conflict of interest.
Brandis:
“I have seen no evidence senator O’Sullivan has a conflict of interest, I don’t believe he has a conflict of interest. If Labor hadn’t denied him leave, we wouldn’t be having this question. Senator O’Sullivan would’ve had the opportunity to respond to the innuendoes and show them to be utterly false and unworthy.
After question time, O’Sullivan said a statement by Labor senators in the Senate on 11 September that he has an interest in Newlands Civil Construction Pty Ltd “is materially incorrect”, nor has he ever had “an interest in or control of” that company.
O’Sullivan:
“I’ve not now nor have I ever had a contract or an interest in a contract with the public service of the Commonwealth of Australia, either directly or indirectly. Nor have I had a share in a company that has a share in another company, even through multiple structural relationships, where those others have had a contract with the public service of Australia.
“I’ve never been the managing director of Newlands or its predecessor, Town and Country Interests Pty Ltd. I’ve never been a member of either of their boards. When it is asserted a shareholder or director or managing director – those claims are absolutely false.”
Labor was not satisfied:
Section 44 test: has O'Sullivan got interest in ANY contract with Cth? He does: Cth-Qld road contract. Besides, it's ok he makes $ from Cth?
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Malcom Turnbull ends question time on a dixer about Australian values and the welfare reforms, which he repeats, are an act of love.
Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world. On Australia Day, which we defend, which we defend, we begin those celebrations with an acknowledgment of country, a welcome to country.
A recognition of the 65,000 years during which our first Australians cared for this country. And we end with a citizenship ceremony, with our newest Australians. A baby perhaps in the arms of her migrant mother. And through all of that, all of that which Labor so derides, listen to them, they deride the values that Australians share. Australians love this country.
They love Australia Day. They love the values it embodies. And at the heart of those values, Mr Speaker, democracy, freedom, the rule of law, mutual respect, mutual respect and mutual obligation.
Now we on our side, Mr Speaker, we believe that welfare money should not be spent on drugs and booze. We believe that welfare money should not be spent on drugs and booze, but those opposite have no problem with it being spent on drugs and booze. They will not support us. How shameful. If they loved those people who on welfare, if they love them, if you love them, what would you do? Would you tell them to get off the drugs, get off the booze? Well, I’d hope so. We’d hope so. But, no, the Labor Party won’t do that. And what about the cashless welfare card? Mr Speaker, I have been with my colleagues, the social services minister, the minister for human services, I’ve been there with the member for O’Connor, I’ve been talking to families whose lives have been wrecked by drugs and alcohol and they call out for us to support and deliver the cashless welfare card.
And I will never forget the mother, the grandmother in Kalgoorlie who said to me those who criticise the cashless welfare card should look into the eyes of a child with foetal alcohol syndrome. They should look at that child.
And I tell you, Mr Speaker, when we do, we do so with love. We do so with love and a compassion and the Australian values of helping our mate, looking after each other, standing up for Australia, standing up for Australians.
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Bill Shorten’s “what is the point of the coup” question again:
Can the prime minister confirm he promised Australians economic leadership but has delivered flat wages growth, falling living standards and higher power prices? He promised intelligent debate but delivers two-world slogans instead of three-word. He promised a national style of leadership but has sold out the national interest for self-interest. Prime Minister, after two years of failure and disappointment, what’s really changed? How are you any better than the member for Warringah?
Malcolm Turnbull is happy to answer on a day when the unemployment rate has been held steady at 5.6%.
What an extraordinary, what extraordinary, impeccable timing? When you put these things in your diary, when you say, you know, on 14 September remember to ask the prime minister a snarky question, you have to be able to review it and check what’s happened that morning? Check the facts.
What we’ve seen in term less of economic growth, we have seen GDP growing by 0.8%, in the last quarter, it’s grown by 1.8% through the year. Our economic plan is working. Businesses are investing. New private business investment is growing in the last quarter by 1.1%to be 1.5% higher than a year ago.
We all know we inherited an economy which had seen mining investment scaled down. That’s as it was always going to. And the concern was how could we get the rest of the economy to invest? What did we do? We did what the leader of the opposition said we should when he was in government, cutting business taxes. We did that. We caught business taxes for companies that employ nearly half all the Australian workforce. What does that do? It does exactly what he said it would do before he did his double backflip. It provides more investment and hence more jobs. That’s why we’re seeing more jobs. So as I said, jobs and growth is not a slogan, it’s not a slogan. It is an outcome. Jobs and growth.”
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Jason Clare attempts the Matt Canavan and gas trigger question from earlier in the week again:
Australian businesses are still being offered gas contracts that are double or triple the price of their expiring contracts. The gas trigger must be pulled by 1 November. Given the high court may not decide if Senator Canavan or the deputy prime minister are even qualified to be members of parliament by then, why won’t the prime minister his deputy aside and put someone else in the job that can pull the trigger now?
Malcolm Turnbull gives almost the same answer:
For the assistance of the member for Blaxland, I will just repeat what I said earlier in the week. The domestic gas mechanism would have the effect of restricting exports to the extent necessary to ensure the domestic market is fully supplied, comes in to operation on 1 January.
The minister has a decision to make about that,about the extent of the restriction on exports to be made, which obviously is based on a lot of industry and expert advice, which is being, which is being received, as I described earlier in the week, we’re already seeing substantial amounts of gas coming into the domestic market, so there is, it is, in a sense, a very rapidly changing environment, so as long as decision is is taken before ... before 1 January, it doesn’t matter when the decision is taken.
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Just heading back to Peter Dutton’s answer, he takes aim at his shadow counterpart, Shayne Neumann with this:
It is impossible to get an alternative approach from what is known as the shadow minister for border protection. He sits nervously on a glass of water right now. I don’t normally get into question time until 2:00. But I presume that the sedation of the member for Blair takes place just before he comes into parliament or just after. He’s wheeled in on a fridge trolley as I understand. Three or four times in question time they take a pulse from the member for Blair to see whether he is still alive.”
Anthony Albanese asks him to withdraw as a “reflection on members that crossed the line”.
On a side note, the bright yellow R U OK Day badges on most MPs lapels are a lovely touch today.
Today is @ruokday. Four letters, a practical question that says 'I care'. Check in with your mates, a conversation could save a life #RUOK pic.twitter.com/fvhCJ4S5Q9
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Looks like most MPs heeded the call to attend Malcolm Turnbull’s pre-Question Time briefing. Looks like most MPs heeded the call to attend Malcolm Turnbull’s pre-question time briefing.
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Ian Goodenough has been handed a dixer for Peter Dutton: Will the Minister forImmigration and Border Protection update the House on the important of protecting the Australian community from dangerous non-citizens? What action has the Government taken and is the minister aware of any other approaches? Ian Goodenough has been handed a dixer for Peter Dutton: will the minister for immigration and border protection update the house on the important of protecting the Australian community from dangerous non-citizens? What action has the government taken and is the minister aware of any other approaches?
Which proves just too tempting for Labor’s Tony Burke:Which proves just too tempting for Labor’s Tony Burke:
Mr Speaker, reflections on the Deputy Prime Minister should be a direct motion. There should be a motion on the notice paper. Mr Speaker, reflections on the deputy prime minister should be a direct motion. There should be a motion on the notice paper.
He is warned.He is warned.
Dutton decides the best way to handle that joke is remind everyone about leadership coups.Dutton decides the best way to handle that joke is remind everyone about leadership coups.
I’m not sure how many days but I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition on the anniversary of having knived two former Prime Ministers, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. I’m not sure how many days but I congratulate the leader of the opposition on the anniversary of having knived two former Prime Ministers, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd.
There must be some celebration upcoming for the Leader of the Opposition, some sort of anniversary for him. I note particular interest from the member for Grayndler.There must be some celebration upcoming for the Leader of the Opposition, some sort of anniversary for him. I note particular interest from the member for Grayndler.
As for the question that was asked: “we have had now 219 visas for armed robbers cancelled, 221 for theft, break and enter, 550 for assault, 54 for murder, 21 for manslaughter. 114 rapists and other sexual offenders.” As for the question that was asked: “We have had now 219 visas for armed robbers cancelled, 221 for theft, break and enter, 550 for assault, 54 for murder, 21 for manslaughter. 114 rapists and other sexual offenders.”
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It’s the second anniversary of the day Malcolm Turnbull walked out of question time with Tony Abbott and resigned, sparking the spill motion that ended Abbott’s time as prime minister.It’s the second anniversary of the day Malcolm Turnbull walked out of question time with Tony Abbott and resigned, sparking the spill motion that ended Abbott’s time as prime minister.
Bill Shorten would like that acknowledged.Bill Shorten would like that acknowledged.
Today is two years to the day since the current prime minister deposed the former Prime Minister, the member for Warringah. Is the prime minister aware as reported today that the former prime minister has been lobbying to dump funding for renewables? Why two years on is the former prime minister still calling the shots on government policy? Prime minister, what was the point of replacing the member for Warringah?”Today is two years to the day since the current prime minister deposed the former Prime Minister, the member for Warringah. Is the prime minister aware as reported today that the former prime minister has been lobbying to dump funding for renewables? Why two years on is the former prime minister still calling the shots on government policy? Prime minister, what was the point of replacing the member for Warringah?”
Speaker Tony Smith rules it out of orderSpeaker Tony Smith rules it out of order
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A timeless reaction to question time anticsA timeless reaction to question time antics
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It’s smiles all round today.It’s smiles all round today.
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When duty calls ...When duty calls ...
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Malcolm Turnbull appears to be enjoying himself today.Malcolm Turnbull appears to be enjoying himself today.
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Christopher Pyne finishes a dixer on asking for bad examples of union behaviour, a topic he is more than happy to pick up and we are back to Shorten v Turnbull.Christopher Pyne finishes a dixer on asking for bad examples of union behaviour, a topic he is more than happy to pick up and we are back to Shorten v Turnbull.
Shorten:Shorten:
Just over three months ago the prime minister said about the clean energy target and I quote, “It has a lot of merit. As I said say, we will look at it very favourably.” His own chief scientist said the clean energy target was urgent and would put downward pressure on power prices. More than three months on from that report, will the government implement the Clean Energy Target, yes or not? -- or no?”Just over three months ago the prime minister said about the clean energy target and I quote, “It has a lot of merit. As I said say, we will look at it very favourably.” His own chief scientist said the clean energy target was urgent and would put downward pressure on power prices. More than three months on from that report, will the government implement the Clean Energy Target, yes or not? -- or no?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
We have already put in place important measures which are bringing down people’s electricity bills in the here and now, because they’re getting big discounts and getting on to the right plan. I’ve talked about that. I know honorable members opposite describe it as a stunt.We have already put in place important measures which are bringing down people’s electricity bills in the here and now, because they’re getting big discounts and getting on to the right plan. I’ve talked about that. I know honorable members opposite describe it as a stunt.
But, you know, if you are a single mum and you’re getting $300 cut from your electricity bill, that is big money, that is real money. And honourable members opposite shouldn’t be so sarcastic just because they’re earning big money here in parliament.But, you know, if you are a single mum and you’re getting $300 cut from your electricity bill, that is big money, that is real money. And honourable members opposite shouldn’t be so sarcastic just because they’re earning big money here in parliament.
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After Treasurer Scott Morrison finished espousing on the amazing job the Coalition have done with the economy since coming to government through a dixer, Bill Shorten targets Malcolm Turnbull with the same question about whether or not Sydney households power prices are dropping.After Treasurer Scott Morrison finished espousing on the amazing job the Coalition have done with the economy since coming to government through a dixer, Bill Shorten targets Malcolm Turnbull with the same question about whether or not Sydney households power prices are dropping.
The Prime Minister picks up the attack line Josh Frydenberg just put down:The Prime Minister picks up the attack line Josh Frydenberg just put down:
Now, as I have said and as the energy minister has said, we know what happened. The Coalition came into government. It abolished it [carbon price] and the electricity prices went down.Now, as I have said and as the energy minister has said, we know what happened. The Coalition came into government. It abolished it [carbon price] and the electricity prices went down.
Coalition policies resulted in electricity going down. Labor voted against that. Then we have seen in recent times, particularly in the course of the last 12 months, very large increases in electricity prices.Coalition policies resulted in electricity going down. Labor voted against that. Then we have seen in recent times, particularly in the course of the last 12 months, very large increases in electricity prices.
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It’s the independent’s question – and Cathy McGowan has the floor:It’s the independent’s question – and Cathy McGowan has the floor:
My question is to the minister for immigration and border protection. It’s about Manus Island. Can you, minister, provide details of the government’s plan to manage the closure of the regional processing centre on 31st October? This week I’ve had numerous representations from my constituents, rural Australians for Refugees, UNHCR and the Red Cross seeking more information and response from the government that shows we can protect our borders and show compassion, mercy and justice.My question is to the minister for immigration and border protection. It’s about Manus Island. Can you, minister, provide details of the government’s plan to manage the closure of the regional processing centre on 31st October? This week I’ve had numerous representations from my constituents, rural Australians for Refugees, UNHCR and the Red Cross seeking more information and response from the government that shows we can protect our borders and show compassion, mercy and justice.
Peter Dutton is as gentle as Peter Dutton knows how to be, but while he says the government wants the centre to close by 31 October, he doesn’t confirm it will be.Peter Dutton is as gentle as Peter Dutton knows how to be, but while he says the government wants the centre to close by 31 October, he doesn’t confirm it will be.
I thank the honorable member for her question. I know that it’s a heartfelt question and on a number of occasions the honorable member has made representations to me on behalf of children who are here on visas,people who are here on visas otherwise, that may have illnesses want extended stay in Australia. I acknowledge her compassion and the work she does in this area. It’s important to her. It’s important to her community and I’m very pleased to take a question from her today.I thank the honorable member for her question. I know that it’s a heartfelt question and on a number of occasions the honorable member has made representations to me on behalf of children who are here on visas,people who are here on visas otherwise, that may have illnesses want extended stay in Australia. I acknowledge her compassion and the work she does in this area. It’s important to her. It’s important to her community and I’m very pleased to take a question from her today.
I can inform the member that I have met with Prime Minister O’Neill in Port Moresby on 1 September. We continued our case from the Australian government’s perspective, that is that we want to see the regional processing centre closed by 31 October. There’s obviously a lot of details and logistics to be worked through and some of the compound has already been dismantled. That process will continue.I can inform the member that I have met with Prime Minister O’Neill in Port Moresby on 1 September. We continued our case from the Australian government’s perspective, that is that we want to see the regional processing centre closed by 31 October. There’s obviously a lot of details and logistics to be worked through and some of the compound has already been dismantled. That process will continue.
Prime Minister O’Neill expressed to me that his government was intent on seeing the regional processing centre close as well and we have spoken with Prime Minister O’Neill and my counterpart, the new minister, Petras Thomas, about the way the logistics could operate, which may include those people which total about 200 found not to be refugees to be moved to an alternative detention away from the regional centre, given that they have no lawful claim to be in PNG.Prime Minister O’Neill expressed to me that his government was intent on seeing the regional processing centre close as well and we have spoken with Prime Minister O’Neill and my counterpart, the new minister, Petras Thomas, about the way the logistics could operate, which may include those people which total about 200 found not to be refugees to be moved to an alternative detention away from the regional centre, given that they have no lawful claim to be in PNG.
There are in total just under 100 or so who have applied for packages to go back to their country of origin. We’ve had a record number of people that have taken up offers to return back to their country of origin, given that they don’t have legitimate claims to make in PNG. There is the capacity within the centre for about 400 people to be accommodated, and we will work with the PNG Government in helping them provide services to those people. We have to do it in a way going to the compassionate aspect and the spirit in which the member asked this question, we have to it in a way we don’t want to see boats restart.”There are in total just under 100 or so who have applied for packages to go back to their country of origin. We’ve had a record number of people that have taken up offers to return back to their country of origin, given that they don’t have legitimate claims to make in PNG. There is the capacity within the centre for about 400 people to be accommodated, and we will work with the PNG Government in helping them provide services to those people. We have to do it in a way going to the compassionate aspect and the spirit in which the member asked this question, we have to it in a way we don’t want to see boats restart.”
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Taxpayers to pick up Hadgkiss legal costs, but not any resulting finesTaxpayers to pick up Hadgkiss legal costs, but not any resulting fines
Paul KarpPaul Karp
Labor has targeted former ABCC chief, Nigel Hadgkiss, and employment minister, Michaelia Cash, in Senate question time.Hadgkiss resigned on Wednesday after he admitted in court that he had recklessly misrepresented the right of entry laws his own agency has responsibility for.Labor has targeted former ABCC chief, Nigel Hadgkiss, and employment minister, Michaelia Cash, in Senate question time.Hadgkiss resigned on Wednesday after he admitted in court that he had recklessly misrepresented the right of entry laws his own agency has responsibility for.
The first line of attack is essentially: why did Cash take no action against him, despite knowing of the conduct in October 2016? Cash responds that she didn’t want to prejudge the outcome of the court case.The first line of attack is essentially: why did Cash take no action against him, despite knowing of the conduct in October 2016? Cash responds that she didn’t want to prejudge the outcome of the court case.
The second line of attack is: how much will the government will fork out for his legal bills?The second line of attack is: how much will the government will fork out for his legal bills?
Cash replied that legal assistance is provided in accordance with the Commonwealth legal services direction, which is standard practice when the contravention is committed in a person’s capacity as agency head.Cash replied that legal assistance is provided in accordance with the Commonwealth legal services direction, which is standard practice when the contravention is committed in a person’s capacity as agency head.
She doesn’t know what the bill will be, as the “matter still before the court”.She doesn’t know what the bill will be, as the “matter still before the court”.
Asked to rule out indemnifying Hadgkiss for any penalty, Cash replied:“Hadgkiss has not sought an indemnity and the government will not be providing one.”Asked to rule out indemnifying Hadgkiss for any penalty, Cash replied:“Hadgkiss has not sought an indemnity and the government will not be providing one.”
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Politics just keeps getting in the way of the friendship between Josh Frydenberg and Labor’s Ed Husic.Politics just keeps getting in the way of the friendship between Josh Frydenberg and Labor’s Ed Husic.
Husic targets his walking buddy with the same question Labor has been asking all afternoon: the government is now in its 5th year in office. Why did the minister tell Sydney householders their power prices have gone down? Why doesn’t this Liberal government understand that people in my electorate are doing it tough? Just how out of touch is this Liberal government?”Husic targets his walking buddy with the same question Labor has been asking all afternoon: the government is now in its 5th year in office. Why did the minister tell Sydney householders their power prices have gone down? Why doesn’t this Liberal government understand that people in my electorate are doing it tough? Just how out of touch is this Liberal government?”
Frydenberg can’t help but add in a compliment.Frydenberg can’t help but add in a compliment.
He’s not a bad bloke but has his facts wrong. Again the Labor party is repeating the falsehoods in this place, misleading the Australian people, making facts up on the run, deceiving them about what theAustralian Energy Regulator, what the Australian Energy Market Commission have said.He’s not a bad bloke but has his facts wrong. Again the Labor party is repeating the falsehoods in this place, misleading the Australian people, making facts up on the run, deceiving them about what theAustralian Energy Regulator, what the Australian Energy Market Commission have said.
The reality is that power prices in Sydney have recently gone up, Mr Speaker. They have recently gone up. We’ve seen in July a substantial increase and we’ve also seen in 2016 an increase.The reality is that power prices in Sydney have recently gone up, Mr Speaker. They have recently gone up. We’ve seen in July a substantial increase and we’ve also seen in 2016 an increase.
The years prior we saw some decreases. But nothing like the 100%increase we saw under Labor. As the prime minister said, we are cleaning up Labor’s mess. Their failure to heed the warnings.The years prior we saw some decreases. But nothing like the 100%increase we saw under Labor. As the prime minister said, we are cleaning up Labor’s mess. Their failure to heed the warnings.
But what Frydenberg is attempting to deftly avoid is a repeat of his words from yesterday, where he said:But what Frydenberg is attempting to deftly avoid is a repeat of his words from yesterday, where he said:
The data published by the Australian Energy Regulator on May 2017 in the state of the energy markets report shows between the start of the Coalition government in 2013 prices across average Sydney households on standing offers varied from increasing by $1 to falling by $473. I call on the leader of the opposition to come to the House and correct the record.”The data published by the Australian Energy Regulator on May 2017 in the state of the energy markets report shows between the start of the Coalition government in 2013 prices across average Sydney households on standing offers varied from increasing by $1 to falling by $473. I call on the leader of the opposition to come to the House and correct the record.”
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