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Questions over lost 1,000-page security manual – politics live Questions over lost 1,000-page security manual – politics live
(35 minutes later)
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Quite a few revelations from the immigration estimate hearing.
Manus men to be denied drinking water and food and abandoned to the PNG navy which tried to kill them early this year pic.twitter.com/PYKj7bDfdM
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While the environment committee estimate hearing goes on, it might be timely for you to have a look at Mike Bowers’ latest amazing project, looking at the survival of Kiribati, which is dealing with the direct impacts of climate change.
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Caption this:
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Lyle Shelton is on Sky for his regular segment arguing marriage equality with Christine Forster, talking small slim stages and wide chairs. He makes a joke about the fall, which took down Mark Latham, Miranda Divine and himself, who were all arguing the no side (shocking) for a weekend event, was a plot by the yes campaign. But it gives us an excuse to run this.
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Stephen Parry steps in again and says he wants to make it very clear in the public domain that this relates to “matters that would have taken place in the future”.
“Not matters that had actually taken place, which gives the department the opportunity to modify and change is a risk is deemed to be out there because of this issue and I will go through the other aspects again that it was an early draft, a lot of the matters are now redundant, a lot of the matters have been modified and over 50% of the materials which were going to be sourced were commercially available ... so I’ll just leave those matters. It is not a security breach of security and security at parliament house has not been compromised.”
The committee moves on.
The Greens senator Lee Rhiannon asks how many lobbyists have access to the building.
As of August 2017 there are 1,710 “sponsored passes”, which is the category of pass given to lobbyists.
The names are not released, Parry says, because of security issues.
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Ben Doherty
Australia will spend between $150m and $250m supporting refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island in the year after the regional processing centre closes.
The impending closure – next Tuesday – of Australia’s immigration “regional processing centre” on Manus Island has dominated early questioning in Senate estimates.
The vast majority of the men held on Manus Island have been there more than four years. More than 71% have been found to be refugees – they have a “well-founded fear of persecution in their home country”, they cannot be returned home, and are legally owed protection.
The Manus detention centre at Lombrum was ruled “illegal and unconstitutional” by the PNG Supreme Court in April 2016, but the government has now outlined more of the new regime that will follow the Lombrum closure.
Deputy commissioner with the Australian border force, Mandy Newton, told Senate estimates it was estimated Australia would spend $150m and $250m for “support services” for those still held in PNG over the next 12 months.
Refugees will be housed at accommodation built at East Lorengau and West Lorengau. Asylum seekers will be housed at a separate site, Hillside House.
Healthcare will only be provided at East Lorengau.
Australia will still retain effective control of refugees and non-refugees in PNG. The Australian government is currently negotiating contracts with: Paladin Solutions, as the primary contractor for East Lorengau; IHMS, to continue to provide medical care; JDA Holdings (settlement services); and NKW Holdings (site services).
There is no proposed end to these arrangements, though there is an “expectation” services will be transitioned to PNG responsibility.
“Australia will meet all reasonable costs,” department secretary Mike Pezzullo said.
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The parameters which were set for these questions to be asked publicly, include not asking about the content of the manuals.The parameters which were set for these questions to be asked publicly, include not asking about the content of the manuals.
But Senate president Stephen Parry wants to give the committee “a little bit of an outline of the manual Senator Kitching has been referring to.”But Senate president Stephen Parry wants to give the committee “a little bit of an outline of the manual Senator Kitching has been referring to.”
“First of all, it was an early draft ... secondly, some of the portions in that early draft are now redundant, thirdly a number of aspects have been modified and finally, about 50% ... are commercially available products,” Parry said.“First of all, it was an early draft ... secondly, some of the portions in that early draft are now redundant, thirdly a number of aspects have been modified and finally, about 50% ... are commercially available products,” Parry said.
“You start off with the worse case scenario, once the investigation was completed, our fears were allayed considerably. However, we still don’t want to identify aspects of this, so people don’t go looking in areas that we don’t want people to go looking, just in case matters are discovered, but we are comfortable at the moment that there are no compromise to the security arrangements to parliament house.”“You start off with the worse case scenario, once the investigation was completed, our fears were allayed considerably. However, we still don’t want to identify aspects of this, so people don’t go looking in areas that we don’t want people to go looking, just in case matters are discovered, but we are comfortable at the moment that there are no compromise to the security arrangements to parliament house.”
Kimberly Kitching wants to know why a private investigator was hired to look into the missing manual, and why it wasn’t done by the AFP.Kimberly Kitching wants to know why a private investigator was hired to look into the missing manual, and why it wasn’t done by the AFP.
The security controller was verbally advised of the situation, and DPS said it was not the sort of matter the AFP would be engaged on, as it was not “identifiably a criminal matter”.The security controller was verbally advised of the situation, and DPS said it was not the sort of matter the AFP would be engaged on, as it was not “identifiably a criminal matter”.
So they hired a PI.So they hired a PI.
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DPS and Parry have both said there was no “substantial breach of security” with the manual’s loss.DPS and Parry have both said there was no “substantial breach of security” with the manual’s loss.
Wong says she “doesn’t understand that evidence”.Wong says she “doesn’t understand that evidence”.
Hang on ... there is no substantial breach of security. It is common ground that a manual has been misplaced, correct? ... That is correct isn’t it. To this stage, as I understand the president’s evidence, he is saying we can’t find any evidence that it has got into the hands of someone untoward, but we don’t where it is, so we don’t know who’s got it. Is that right?”Hang on ... there is no substantial breach of security. It is common ground that a manual has been misplaced, correct? ... That is correct isn’t it. To this stage, as I understand the president’s evidence, he is saying we can’t find any evidence that it has got into the hands of someone untoward, but we don’t where it is, so we don’t know who’s got it. Is that right?”
The committee is told: “It’s definitely lost”.The committee is told: “It’s definitely lost”.
“By definition, that means we don’t know where it is,” Wong says dryly.“By definition, that means we don’t know where it is,” Wong says dryly.
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The finance committee is back. Kitching is continuing her line of questioning, reiterating that it was not DPS which lost the manual, but a private contractor. Now we are moving on to how DPS reacted.The finance committee is back. Kitching is continuing her line of questioning, reiterating that it was not DPS which lost the manual, but a private contractor. Now we are moving on to how DPS reacted.
The secretary of the department, Robert Stefanic, has confirmed the manual was lost by a contractor in November 2016. In February DPS was advised by letter that the manual had been misplaced.The secretary of the department, Robert Stefanic, has confirmed the manual was lost by a contractor in November 2016. In February DPS was advised by letter that the manual had been misplaced.
Penny Wong wants to know why the contractor waited to advise DPS about the missing manual – but no one can say why they waited three months.Penny Wong wants to know why the contractor waited to advise DPS about the missing manual – but no one can say why they waited three months.
The AFP were made aware of it, Stefanic says, on the same day. DPS can’t say if the prime minister’s office was advised, or whether Michael Keenan, or George Brandis were advised (as the minister for justice and attorney general) “It’s a matter for the parliament,” Parry, the Senate president says.The AFP were made aware of it, Stefanic says, on the same day. DPS can’t say if the prime minister’s office was advised, or whether Michael Keenan, or George Brandis were advised (as the minister for justice and attorney general) “It’s a matter for the parliament,” Parry, the Senate president says.
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The curious case of the Department of Parliamentary Services and the lost security manual
The Department of Parliamentary Services is citing operational security as the reason it cannot discuss the loss of the security manual.The Department of Parliamentary Services is citing operational security as the reason it cannot discuss the loss of the security manual.
Kitching is having none of that:Kitching is having none of that:
“I don’t want to talk about operational security, I want to discuss the fact that a 1,000-page security manual was lost last November,” she said.“I don’t want to talk about operational security, I want to discuss the fact that a 1,000-page security manual was lost last November,” she said.
“How was the manual lost? I am not asking about the manual, I am not asking about the details in the manual, I am asking how a 1,000-page security manual was lost last November.”“How was the manual lost? I am not asking about the manual, I am not asking about the details in the manual, I am asking how a 1,000-page security manual was lost last November.”
After Stephen Parry also objected to the allegations being made public, Kitching tried again:After Stephen Parry also objected to the allegations being made public, Kitching tried again:
On this matter, we are spending $126 million approximately to security upgrades to parliament house, there is a security manual that has been missing for nearly a year, I am going to go to some questions around some mitigation that DPS has tried to do, which involved the hiring of a contractor to investigate this, which started in February. So over the Christmas holidays, no one did anything. Then in February they decided they should perhaps go into this. I would like to ask some questions about that. I will put them on notice if they are not able to be asked in a public forum. Remember this is public money that is being spent – and the fact that we are spending a lot of money ... yet some of this may be undone, because a security manual was lost by another contractor, I think is in the public interest.”On this matter, we are spending $126 million approximately to security upgrades to parliament house, there is a security manual that has been missing for nearly a year, I am going to go to some questions around some mitigation that DPS has tried to do, which involved the hiring of a contractor to investigate this, which started in February. So over the Christmas holidays, no one did anything. Then in February they decided they should perhaps go into this. I would like to ask some questions about that. I will put them on notice if they are not able to be asked in a public forum. Remember this is public money that is being spent – and the fact that we are spending a lot of money ... yet some of this may be undone, because a security manual was lost by another contractor, I think is in the public interest.”
Chair James Paterson says Kitching should feel free to ask her questions, but to tread sensitively, given the security concerns.Chair James Paterson says Kitching should feel free to ask her questions, but to tread sensitively, given the security concerns.
The committee then went on break.The committee then went on break.
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Further funding for Rohingya crisis
Julie Bishop has just announced a further $10m for the Myanmar humanitarian crisis:Julie Bishop has just announced a further $10m for the Myanmar humanitarian crisis:
The Australian government remains deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh.The Australian government remains deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Australia will contribute a further $10m to help address the humanitarian needs of those people affected by the crisis.Australia will contribute a further $10m to help address the humanitarian needs of those people affected by the crisis.
The United Nations estimates that more than 582,000 Rohingya people fleeing violence have crossed into Bangladesh since August 25, 2017.The United Nations estimates that more than 582,000 Rohingya people fleeing violence have crossed into Bangladesh since August 25, 2017.
Most of these people have few possessions and are reliant on humanitarian aid for their survival. Many are injured and traumatised. Almost 70% are young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.Most of these people have few possessions and are reliant on humanitarian aid for their survival. Many are injured and traumatised. Almost 70% are young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Australian support will go towards providing food, clean water, shelter and essential health services. Our assistance will also help treat children for malnutrition, create safe and secure areas for vulnerable women and provide maternal health services.Australian support will go towards providing food, clean water, shelter and essential health services. Our assistance will also help treat children for malnutrition, create safe and secure areas for vulnerable women and provide maternal health services.
The new contribution will include support for the World Food Program, Save The Children, Oxfam and Care. It will also support an upcoming joint funding appeal with the Australia Red Cross and Australia for UNHCR.The new contribution will include support for the World Food Program, Save The Children, Oxfam and Care. It will also support an upcoming joint funding appeal with the Australia Red Cross and Australia for UNHCR.
The funding is in addition to the $20m announced in September, bringing our total commitment to $30m.The funding is in addition to the $20m announced in September, bringing our total commitment to $30m.
The Australian government condemns the ongoing violence in Rakhine State. We continue to call for the protection of civilians and unfettered access for humanitarian workers.The Australian government condemns the ongoing violence in Rakhine State. We continue to call for the protection of civilians and unfettered access for humanitarian workers.
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Senate president Stephen Parry is suggesting a (private) briefing regarding the issue, which department of parliamentary services (DPS) is trying very hard to keep out of the public arena.Senate president Stephen Parry is suggesting a (private) briefing regarding the issue, which department of parliamentary services (DPS) is trying very hard to keep out of the public arena.
He says there has been “no compromise” of security.He says there has been “no compromise” of security.
Just to recap – as the government is spending $126m or so on a giant fence around parliament because of confidential security issues, a 1,000-page security manual may have been lost by a contractor. Kitching says no action may have been taken on the loss of the manual for at least three months.Just to recap – as the government is spending $126m or so on a giant fence around parliament because of confidential security issues, a 1,000-page security manual may have been lost by a contractor. Kitching says no action may have been taken on the loss of the manual for at least three months.
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In finance and public administration estimates, Labor senator Kimberly Kitching has just alleged a 1,000-page security manual has been missing for almost a year.In finance and public administration estimates, Labor senator Kimberly Kitching has just alleged a 1,000-page security manual has been missing for almost a year.
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Malcolm Turnbull has continued his defence of the NBN roll out:Malcolm Turnbull has continued his defence of the NBN roll out:
Well, look, the NBN was a calamitous train wreck of a project when we came into government ... in 2013. Billions and billions of dollars were wasted by Labor, and there was no way to get them back, OK? As communications minister, I had to play the hand of cards I was dealt – as I often used to say, you know, in the words of the Irish barman when asked for directions to Dublin: ‘If I were you, I wouldn’t be starting from here.’ No-one would have wanted to start from where Labor left us. So, we have done the best we can getting that project on track. It is on track in terms of the rollout. They are activating many more households and premises a fortnight than Labor did in six years, but there have been real problems – both with the installation experience and with people not getting the speeds that they believe they’re paying for, or that they have paid for. We are very, very focused on improving on both of those counts. Of course, as the network expands, you will always get more complaints because, if you’ve got 3 million customers, you’ll get more than if you’ve got 50,000. Plainly. But one complaint is one complaint too many. So I am determined to ensure that we address those issues, and that people get the speeds they have paid for.Well, look, the NBN was a calamitous train wreck of a project when we came into government ... in 2013. Billions and billions of dollars were wasted by Labor, and there was no way to get them back, OK? As communications minister, I had to play the hand of cards I was dealt – as I often used to say, you know, in the words of the Irish barman when asked for directions to Dublin: ‘If I were you, I wouldn’t be starting from here.’ No-one would have wanted to start from where Labor left us. So, we have done the best we can getting that project on track. It is on track in terms of the rollout. They are activating many more households and premises a fortnight than Labor did in six years, but there have been real problems – both with the installation experience and with people not getting the speeds that they believe they’re paying for, or that they have paid for. We are very, very focused on improving on both of those counts. Of course, as the network expands, you will always get more complaints because, if you’ve got 3 million customers, you’ll get more than if you’ve got 50,000. Plainly. But one complaint is one complaint too many. So I am determined to ensure that we address those issues, and that people get the speeds they have paid for.
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The Bureau of Metrology is up in the environment estimates. Labor senator Sam Dastyari, who seems to have forgotten his popcorn and appears to be having a hard time containing his glee, got in ahead of a certain senator, by demanding empirical evidence about the Illuminati.The Bureau of Metrology is up in the environment estimates. Labor senator Sam Dastyari, who seems to have forgotten his popcorn and appears to be having a hard time containing his glee, got in ahead of a certain senator, by demanding empirical evidence about the Illuminati.
Dastyari asks BoM...How many members of the Illuminati work at BoM?To what extent to George Soros direct daily activity?#estimatesDastyari asks BoM...How many members of the Illuminati work at BoM?To what extent to George Soros direct daily activity?#estimates
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But as for the conversations that matter–the ones with the states – Turnbull is a little more guarded.But as for the conversations that matter–the ones with the states – Turnbull is a little more guarded.
I’ve had conversations with several of them. I know Josh has been talking to the energy ministers. I think the next step is the energy ministers’ meeting in late November, and obviously there is modelling underway now, as you know. That’ll be – that’s the next step.I’ve had conversations with several of them. I know Josh has been talking to the energy ministers. I think the next step is the energy ministers’ meeting in late November, and obviously there is modelling underway now, as you know. That’ll be – that’s the next step.
Have they been receptive?Have they been receptive?
Well, the conversations I’ve had, they’ve been very receptive. But there’s often, as you know, a mismatch between the private conversations and the public rhetoric. But, ah ... there it is.”Well, the conversations I’ve had, they’ve been very receptive. But there’s often, as you know, a mismatch between the private conversations and the public rhetoric. But, ah ... there it is.”
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Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg are at a brick glass and mirror factory talking all things Neg. And in a change of pace, Turnbull is hosting a Q and A with one of the workers at the factory, as well as with Frydenberg.Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg are at a brick glass and mirror factory talking all things Neg. And in a change of pace, Turnbull is hosting a Q and A with one of the workers at the factory, as well as with Frydenberg.
It’s like an infomercial, but without the exercise gear.It’s like an infomercial, but without the exercise gear.
Turnbull: As you know, we’ve taken strong action on gas recently to ensure there’s enough gas for the east coast market. What has that done to the gas supplies and gas market?Turnbull: As you know, we’ve taken strong action on gas recently to ensure there’s enough gas for the east coast market. What has that done to the gas supplies and gas market?
Worker: We’re a big gas user, obviously, in our glass and bricks businesses. We’ve had to enter the wholesale market for gas to ensure we have supply. So we’ve sort of cut the retailers out of that in certain parts of our business. What we’ve also seen is the spot price comedown, which is very beneficial. The work you and the energy minister have done to guarantee the supply has meant spot prices have come down, and that’s great for us an as an organisation. It’s great for the people, actually; 4,200 employees. Our objective every day is to keep those people in work.Worker: We’re a big gas user, obviously, in our glass and bricks businesses. We’ve had to enter the wholesale market for gas to ensure we have supply. So we’ve sort of cut the retailers out of that in certain parts of our business. What we’ve also seen is the spot price comedown, which is very beneficial. The work you and the energy minister have done to guarantee the supply has meant spot prices have come down, and that’s great for us an as an organisation. It’s great for the people, actually; 4,200 employees. Our objective every day is to keep those people in work.
Turnbull: That’s our objective too. That’s what – that’s what the national energy guarantee is about. That’s what all of our energy policies are about, that Josh and I have been developing and rolling out. It’s about ensuring Australians have affordable and reliable power – vitally important for households and families, but vitally important for jobs. These jobs depend on affordable energy. Peter, how important is energy, the cost of energy, to making glass? Just talk a bit about that, and the jobs that you support at Dandenong where we were in February, and then at all of your plants around the country.Turnbull: That’s our objective too. That’s what – that’s what the national energy guarantee is about. That’s what all of our energy policies are about, that Josh and I have been developing and rolling out. It’s about ensuring Australians have affordable and reliable power – vitally important for households and families, but vitally important for jobs. These jobs depend on affordable energy. Peter, how important is energy, the cost of energy, to making glass? Just talk a bit about that, and the jobs that you support at Dandenong where we were in February, and then at all of your plants around the country.
And so on.And so on.
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Missing: smokeMissing: smoke
PM Turnbull talks a photo of media taking photo of him in a mirror at Hume glass factory @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/KnFSAfBlDcPM Turnbull talks a photo of media taking photo of him in a mirror at Hume glass factory @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/KnFSAfBlDc