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Hollie Hughes declared ineligible for Senate by high court – politics live Hollie Hughes declared ineligible for Senate by high court – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Dean Smith with senators Pratt, Rice, Kakoschke-Moore, Wong & Hinch after he introduced the #SSM bill @murpharoo pic.twitter.com/YEVgSww8Ug
As the Senate moved through the procedural obligations associated with the introduction of the Smith bill, you could hear a pin drop in the Senate.
No heckles, no trolling, no interjections.
The seriousness of what needs to happen over the next few weeks seems to now have descended on the chamber.
It’s a packed house. Even the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, has come in for this debate. She visits the chamber infrequently.
After the formalities, Dean Smith foreshadowed his bill. There were no objections, so the bill is now in motion.
There was a round of applause. As George Brandis exited the chamber, he shook Smith’s hand. The new Senate president, Scott Ryan, also stepped down from the chair at the close of proceedings and shook Smith’s hand.
The cross-party group that worked on the bill then did a tiny victory dance in the corner of the chamber, posing for photographs.
Here it is folks. Dean Smith’s bill is before the Senate. There is applause.
The attorney general, George Brandis, earlier made a short statement. He has foreshadowed that he will move a motion to extend protections for civil celebrants, to ensure they can choose not to be involved in same-sex marriages. He also plans a motion to make it clear that it is not unlawful for anyone to express their religious views on marriage.
Those are not the government positions, but Brandis’s personal views.
The second reading debate on the bill will take place tomorrow. The debate will continue until all amendments are proposed and dealt with.
“I envisage that is likely by the end of the next sitting week,” Brandis said.
Labor senator Penny Wong has just spoken as well.
“In relation to the time frame, as Senator Brandis envisages, that this bill will be finalised by Thursday of the next sitting week,” she said. “This will be a debate that will conclude at the conclusion of the next Senate week.”
She said she hopes the parliament will keep in mind the result recorded today. She said the bill does not infringe on any freedoms to religion or expression that currently exist.
The Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, said his party had already made concessions to support the Smith bill. He notes the Smith bill has already been through a committee. He has a message for senators, particularly those who support same-sex marriage.
Think very, very clearly about entrenching discrimination in order to appease your colleagues, rather than listening to the Australian people, who spoke very, very clearly today.
We’re not far off from having Dean Smith’s bill on the floor of the Senate. Stay tuned.
Some last-minute drama, with Senator Derryn Hinch accusing Australian Conservatives leader Cory Bernardi of employing trickery to delay the bill.
Bernardi dismisses the allegation, telling Hinch he was not plotting “against your rainbow agenda”.
Liberal senator James Paterson, who released a rival conservative same-sex marriage bill, has caved in in the face of the overwhelming yes vote in the postal survey.Liberal senator James Paterson, who released a rival conservative same-sex marriage bill, has caved in in the face of the overwhelming yes vote in the postal survey.
In a statement, Paterson, a same-sex marriage supporter, said:In a statement, Paterson, a same-sex marriage supporter, said:
“I am very pleased with the strong “Yes” result today. At last, same sex couples will be able to get married, as I have long advocated.The parliament must now quickly pass a bill to legalise same sex marriage. It is clear the majority of senators believe my colleague Senator Dean Smith’s Bill is where we should start.I will now work constructively with my parliamentary colleagues over the coming weeks on amendments to ensure that the strongest possible protections for the freedoms of all Australians are enshrined in the final legislation.”“I am very pleased with the strong “Yes” result today. At last, same sex couples will be able to get married, as I have long advocated.The parliament must now quickly pass a bill to legalise same sex marriage. It is clear the majority of senators believe my colleague Senator Dean Smith’s Bill is where we should start.I will now work constructively with my parliamentary colleagues over the coming weeks on amendments to ensure that the strongest possible protections for the freedoms of all Australians are enshrined in the final legislation.”
Of course, there can now be amendments to the Smith bill and each of the measures in the Paterson bill can be put up and considered one by one. But in the legislative fight, that’s round one for Liberal moderates.Of course, there can now be amendments to the Smith bill and each of the measures in the Paterson bill can be put up and considered one by one. But in the legislative fight, that’s round one for Liberal moderates.
Statement on path forward to legalise same sex marriage and protect freedoms: https://t.co/09f2r2cyJcStatement on path forward to legalise same sex marriage and protect freedoms: https://t.co/09f2r2cyJc
The loss of Hollie Hughes likely paves the way for Jim Molan, a former senior officer in the Australian Army, to enter the Senate. You might remember Molan as the architect of Operation Sovereign Borders.The loss of Hollie Hughes likely paves the way for Jim Molan, a former senior officer in the Australian Army, to enter the Senate. You might remember Molan as the architect of Operation Sovereign Borders.
After some early confusion about the high court’s ruling, we’re now clear that Hollie Hughes has been declared ineligible for the Senate.After some early confusion about the high court’s ruling, we’re now clear that Hollie Hughes has been declared ineligible for the Senate.
Hughes was due to be the replacement for Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash, who was forced out due to her dual citizenship. But Hughes was forced to refer herself to the high court due to her previous work with the administrative appeals tribunal.Hughes was due to be the replacement for Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash, who was forced out due to her dual citizenship. But Hughes was forced to refer herself to the high court due to her previous work with the administrative appeals tribunal.
Our apologies for the earlier post, since deleted, that suggested she was eligible.Our apologies for the earlier post, since deleted, that suggested she was eligible.
While we wait for the Dean Smith same-sex marriage bill to hit the Senate, can I suggest a couple of reads on same-sex marriage? We’ve just published these lovely two pieces from David Marr and Katharine Murphy.While we wait for the Dean Smith same-sex marriage bill to hit the Senate, can I suggest a couple of reads on same-sex marriage? We’ve just published these lovely two pieces from David Marr and Katharine Murphy.
The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, is the next of Labor’s targets. Much like earlier in the week, the questions focus on his knowledge of former Senate president Stephen Parry’s citizenship woes.The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, is the next of Labor’s targets. Much like earlier in the week, the questions focus on his knowledge of former Senate president Stephen Parry’s citizenship woes.
Yesterday, Fifield said he “did not direct Senator Parry” to withhold information about his possible dual citizenship from others.Yesterday, Fifield said he “did not direct Senator Parry” to withhold information about his possible dual citizenship from others.
Labor senator Louise Pratt asks:Labor senator Louise Pratt asks:
If he did not direct Stephen Parry in his conversations about citizenship, what did he do?If he did not direct Stephen Parry in his conversations about citizenship, what did he do?
Fifield responds:Fifield responds:
I didn’t advise, suggest or direct what Senator Pratt is suggesting. What I did was to encourage him to do what he was seeking to do and that was to check his own family history.I didn’t advise, suggest or direct what Senator Pratt is suggesting. What I did was to encourage him to do what he was seeking to do and that was to check his own family history.
Fifield also denies, again, that he spoke about Parry’s possible dual citizenship with Malcolm Turnbull or others.Fifield also denies, again, that he spoke about Parry’s possible dual citizenship with Malcolm Turnbull or others.
Greens senator Janet Rice asks George Brandis if same sex couples will be able to marry by Xmas @GuardianAus @knausc pic.twitter.com/a57DY6N3ajGreens senator Janet Rice asks George Brandis if same sex couples will be able to marry by Xmas @GuardianAus @knausc pic.twitter.com/a57DY6N3aj
We’re yet to see Dean Smith’s same-sex marriage bill introduced into the Senate. But Smith himself is in the chamber for question time. We are expecting the bill at some point this afternoon.We’re yet to see Dean Smith’s same-sex marriage bill introduced into the Senate. But Smith himself is in the chamber for question time. We are expecting the bill at some point this afternoon.
The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, on her feet this afternoon, parrying Labor attacks over the AWU raid tip-off.The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, on her feet this afternoon, parrying Labor attacks over the AWU raid tip-off.
Rex Patrick, our newest senator, is up on his feet, asking a question of the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, about job creation and government procurement. Patrick is the new Nick Xenophon Team senator and was sworn in this morning as Xenophon’s replacement.Rex Patrick, our newest senator, is up on his feet, asking a question of the finance minister, Mathias Cormann, about job creation and government procurement. Patrick is the new Nick Xenophon Team senator and was sworn in this morning as Xenophon’s replacement.
We’ve now had three dixers on Adani’s Queensland coal mine in three days for the resources minister, Matt Canavan. Canavan talks up the jobs on offer from Adani for Queenslanders.We’ve now had three dixers on Adani’s Queensland coal mine in three days for the resources minister, Matt Canavan. Canavan talks up the jobs on offer from Adani for Queenslanders.
“If they want these jobs, the LNP is not shy in expressing our support,” he said.“If they want these jobs, the LNP is not shy in expressing our support,” he said.
We gathered, senator.We gathered, senator.
The attorney general, George Brandis, says he “welcomes and rejoices” in the outcome of the same-sex marriage survey.The attorney general, George Brandis, says he “welcomes and rejoices” in the outcome of the same-sex marriage survey.
“This, on any view, was an outstanding outcome. And I once again want to congratulate Senator Mathias Cormann, who was responsible for the conduct of the postal survey, on an outstanding response,” Brandis said. “The result ... gladdens me greatly.“This, on any view, was an outstanding outcome. And I once again want to congratulate Senator Mathias Cormann, who was responsible for the conduct of the postal survey, on an outstanding response,” Brandis said. “The result ... gladdens me greatly.
“This is an important day in Australian history, it is an important day in the history of human rights in Australia, it is an important day on which we acknowledge and, finally – finally – strike down this barrier of discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.”“This is an important day in Australian history, it is an important day in the history of human rights in Australia, it is an important day on which we acknowledge and, finally – finally – strike down this barrier of discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.”
Greens senator Janet Rice asks whether the process from here will ensure that LGBTIQ people in Australia are free from discrimination. She’s referring to the bill proposed by James Paterson, who wants greater protections for businesses to discriminate against same-sex weddings.Greens senator Janet Rice asks whether the process from here will ensure that LGBTIQ people in Australia are free from discrimination. She’s referring to the bill proposed by James Paterson, who wants greater protections for businesses to discriminate against same-sex weddings.
Brandis responds:Brandis responds:
Senator Rice, I don’t believe they should be rolled back, I think you and I have the same view on this matter.Senator Rice, I don’t believe they should be rolled back, I think you and I have the same view on this matter.
The attack is again pressed on Michaelia Cash, this time over her office’s tip-off to media ahead of the Australian Workers’ Union raid. Labor are asking her whether she understands the concept of ministerial responsibility.The attack is again pressed on Michaelia Cash, this time over her office’s tip-off to media ahead of the Australian Workers’ Union raid. Labor are asking her whether she understands the concept of ministerial responsibility.
“I took responsibility in relation to it when it was brought to my attention that the information I had given was not correct. I corrected the record and my staff member resigned,” Cash said.“I took responsibility in relation to it when it was brought to my attention that the information I had given was not correct. I corrected the record and my staff member resigned,” Cash said.
Australian Workers Union makes $100,000 donation to activist group GetUp as it launches in 2005. Bill Shorten was the secretary of the AWU and a founding board member of GetUp.Australian Workers Union makes $100,000 donation to activist group GetUp as it launches in 2005. Bill Shorten was the secretary of the AWU and a founding board member of GetUp.
Turnbull government sets up Registered Organisations Commission – a new union watchdog to monitor and investigate unions and employer associations. Turnbull government sets up Registered Organisations Commission – a new union watchdog to monitor and investigate unions and employer associations. 
After details of AWU's 2005 donation are reported in the Weekend Australian, Cash refers matter to the ROC for investigation.After details of AWU's 2005 donation are reported in the Weekend Australian, Cash refers matter to the ROC for investigation.
ROC begins formally investigating AWU's national and Victorian branches. ROC begins formally investigating AWU's national and Victorian branches. 
Separate to AWU, ROC and $100,000 donation, Australian Electoral Commission announces it will investigate GetUp for its conduct in the 2016 election. AEC says GetUp could potentially be an 'associated entity' of Labor and the Greens because its activism substantially benefited both parties in the federal election.Separate to AWU, ROC and $100,000 donation, Australian Electoral Commission announces it will investigate GetUp for its conduct in the 2016 election. AEC says GetUp could potentially be an 'associated entity' of Labor and the Greens because its activism substantially benefited both parties in the federal election.
ROC asks Australian federal police to raid offices of AWU, after anonymous caller tells them union officials may be destroying documents. Some media outlets are tipped off, appearing at AWU's offices before police arrive for late afternoon raid. ROC asks Australian federal police to raid offices of AWU, after anonymous caller tells them union officials may be destroying documents. Some media outlets are tipped off, appearing at AWU's offices before police arrive for late afternoon raid. 
11am – On five occasions, Cash denies that anyone in her office knew about the raid, or tipped off journalists, as she is grilled at a Senate estimates committee. 11am – On five occasions, Cash denies that anyone in her office knew about the raid, or tipped off journalists, as she is grilled at a Senate estimates committee. 
6pm – An explosive Buzzfeed article is published. Two journalists say they were tipped off by someone in Cash's office, an hour before the raid. The Senate committee heads to a dinner break. 6pm – An explosive Buzzfeed article is published. Two journalists say they were tipped off by someone in Cash's office, an hour before the raid. The Senate committee heads to a dinner break. 
7.30pm – Cash returns and reveals her senior media adviser, David De Garis, did in fact tip off the media. 7.30pm – Cash returns and reveals her senior media adviser, David De Garis, did in fact tip off the media. 
She explains she was unaware of De Garis's actions until he told her over dinner. As for how De Garis knew about the raid in advance, Cash says De Garis was told by 'a media source".She explains she was unaware of De Garis's actions until he told her over dinner. As for how De Garis knew about the raid in advance, Cash says De Garis was told by 'a media source".
De Garis resigns.   De Garis resigns.   
The questioning continues. Cash fronts the Senate committee again as Labor and the Greens call for her resignation, saying she mislead the parliament five times the previous day. Government colleagues stand by her. 'Michaelia Cash simply did not know,' says social services minister Christian Porter.The questioning continues. Cash fronts the Senate committee again as Labor and the Greens call for her resignation, saying she mislead the parliament five times the previous day. Government colleagues stand by her. 'Michaelia Cash simply did not know,' says social services minister Christian Porter.
Labor is asking the women’s minister, Michaelia Cash, whether she will speak to the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, about the posts by her Queensland state candidate, Mark Thornton, whose adult shop business posted jokes on social media about domestic violence.Labor is asking the women’s minister, Michaelia Cash, whether she will speak to the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, about the posts by her Queensland state candidate, Mark Thornton, whose adult shop business posted jokes on social media about domestic violence.
Cash says she hasn’t spoken to Hanson, but would hope it’s clear to everyone in the chamber that domestic violence is unacceptable.Cash says she hasn’t spoken to Hanson, but would hope it’s clear to everyone in the chamber that domestic violence is unacceptable.
“In no way is domestic violence ever a joking matter, it is never a matter to be laughed at,” Cash said.“In no way is domestic violence ever a joking matter, it is never a matter to be laughed at,” Cash said.
She’s asked whether she will condemn her Queensland LNP colleagues for striking a preference deal with One Nation.She’s asked whether she will condemn her Queensland LNP colleagues for striking a preference deal with One Nation.
“There is no preference deal between the LNP and One Nation in Queensland, and quite frankly any suggestion of that fact, yet again, is just Labor muddying the water,” she said.“There is no preference deal between the LNP and One Nation in Queensland, and quite frankly any suggestion of that fact, yet again, is just Labor muddying the water,” she said.
7 News reporter @BenBMurph questions @OneNationAus candidate Mark Thornton about a sex shop he owns. @PaulineHansonOz #7News pic.twitter.com/8vOGFw2pG67 News reporter @BenBMurph questions @OneNationAus candidate Mark Thornton about a sex shop he owns. @PaulineHansonOz #7News pic.twitter.com/8vOGFw2pG6