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Liberal MP Tim Wilson says any association with One Nation is 'toxic' – question time live 'Flirting with One Nation is poison,' George Brandis says – question time live
(35 minutes later)
Labor senator Katy Gallagher brings up John Howard’s comments on a bank royal commission. Howard described it as “rank socialism” and urged the Coalition against it.
Gallagher asks attorney-general George Brandis whether he agrees with Howard’s comments.
We’re not proposing a banking royal commission senator, I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with this debate very closely, senator Gallagher.
What Mr Howard said was to endorse the government’s position of opposing a banking royal commission.
He’s asked about comments made by Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who left the door open to supporting a banks inquiry. She asks whether Brandis has spoken with Joyce about the comments.
Brandis says he hasn’t seen Joyce’s comments. But he said a royal commission would go for years, cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and wouldn’t achieve anything that 17 prior inquiries into the banks hadn’t.
#ThingsYouThoughtYouWouldNeverSay All the action is in the senate today during #QT @murpharoo #auspol @knausc @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/tjCROhgTLH
One Nation senator Peter Georgiou is asking when the government will finally announce a code of conduct for the banks.
It causes Labor senator Doug Cameron to yell across the chamber about the push for a banking royal commission.
The attorney general, George Brandis, himself a lawyer, responds:
The problem with a royal commission is that it will take forever and achieve nothing. That’s the problem ... Except for the bevy of lawyers who will be able to afford new beach houses on the strength of all of the fees they will charge.
The Greens senator Andrew Bartlett is asking George Brandis about Chinese financing for Adani’s controversial coalmine and railway project in Queensland. Brandis says he is in no position to comment on private financing to Adani. But he says:
The successful financing of the Adani project does hold the prospect of the greatest increase in job opportunities for people in central and eastern Queensland.
Meanwhile, in that other place that isn’t the Senate, this is happening:
From question time to quiet time-an unusually silent reps chamber this afternoon in Parliament House @murpharoo @knausc @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/uziDm12ETQ
George Brandis doesn’t hold back in the Senate when asked about whether the Liberal party should flirt with One Nation.George Brandis doesn’t hold back in the Senate when asked about whether the Liberal party should flirt with One Nation.
Flirting with One Nation is poison. Flirting with One Nation is poison for my side of politics. and my attitude to One Nation, with whom I deal courteously and professionally in this chamber... nevertheless [my position] is that One Nation has nothing to offer the people of Queensland.Flirting with One Nation is poison. Flirting with One Nation is poison for my side of politics. and my attitude to One Nation, with whom I deal courteously and professionally in this chamber... nevertheless [my position] is that One Nation has nothing to offer the people of Queensland.
But he goes on to suggest the Labor party will secure seats as a result of One Nation preferences.But he goes on to suggest the Labor party will secure seats as a result of One Nation preferences.
Brandis said volunteers on the booths in Queensland were directing Labor voters to put the LNP last. In other words, he said, they were being told to put One Nation above the LNP.Brandis said volunteers on the booths in Queensland were directing Labor voters to put the LNP last. In other words, he said, they were being told to put One Nation above the LNP.
The employment minister Michaelia Cash is asked about the situation on Manus Island. She airs allegations that Greens immigration spokesman, Nick McKim, has travelled to Manus to “peddle false hope” and tell residents not to cooperate with authorities.The employment minister Michaelia Cash is asked about the situation on Manus Island. She airs allegations that Greens immigration spokesman, Nick McKim, has travelled to Manus to “peddle false hope” and tell residents not to cooperate with authorities.
She says McKim has travelled to Manus twice, and says his actions are “highly irresponsible”. McKim interjects to tell Cash he has been there four times.She says McKim has travelled to Manus twice, and says his actions are “highly irresponsible”. McKim interjects to tell Cash he has been there four times.
Cash says the men on Manus will not come to Australia.Cash says the men on Manus will not come to Australia.
The Turnbull govt has made it very, very clear that these men will not be coming to Australia. There are, however, a number of options to them. Those found to be refugees can be resettled in PNG.The Turnbull govt has made it very, very clear that these men will not be coming to Australia. There are, however, a number of options to them. Those found to be refugees can be resettled in PNG.
They can also apply for resettlement to the United States of America, or alternatively they can apply to Nauru.They can also apply for resettlement to the United States of America, or alternatively they can apply to Nauru.
We’re straight off the bat with a question from Labor’s Penny Wong. She asks the attorney general, George Brandis, about Tony Abbott’s comments about the cancellation of this week’s sitting of the House of Representatives.We’re straight off the bat with a question from Labor’s Penny Wong. She asks the attorney general, George Brandis, about Tony Abbott’s comments about the cancellation of this week’s sitting of the House of Representatives.
If you remember, this is what Abbott said about the decision to cancel parliament for the week:If you remember, this is what Abbott said about the decision to cancel parliament for the week:
You might not always want to go back to parliament, but you always have to go back to parliament, because that’s your job.You might not always want to go back to parliament, but you always have to go back to parliament, because that’s your job.
Wong asks Brandis whether he agrees with that statement.Wong asks Brandis whether he agrees with that statement.
Brandis responds:Brandis responds:
We’re in parliament right now, Senator Wong, the parliament is sitting, the Senate is sitting. I’m sorry to hear from you Senator Wong ... that you believe the parliament comprises only the House of Representatives.We’re in parliament right now, Senator Wong, the parliament is sitting, the Senate is sitting. I’m sorry to hear from you Senator Wong ... that you believe the parliament comprises only the House of Representatives.
You might remember Fraser Anning, the senator who was sworn in earlier this month as a replacement for One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts. You’ll remember him, most likely, because of the shenanigans that took place on his first morning as a senator. Anning either quit or was booted out of the party, depending on whether you asked him or his leader, Pauline Hanson. He remains on the crossbench.You might remember Fraser Anning, the senator who was sworn in earlier this month as a replacement for One Nation’s Malcolm Roberts. You’ll remember him, most likely, because of the shenanigans that took place on his first morning as a senator. Anning either quit or was booted out of the party, depending on whether you asked him or his leader, Pauline Hanson. He remains on the crossbench.
Anning, a senator for Queensland, has just issued a statement on the Queensland election. He says One Nation’s decision to preference “indiscriminately” against sitting members meant many of their votes ended up flowing to Labor.Anning, a senator for Queensland, has just issued a statement on the Queensland election. He says One Nation’s decision to preference “indiscriminately” against sitting members meant many of their votes ended up flowing to Labor.
He described that as “an own goal” for One Nation, which had helped the election of “hard left” politicians.He described that as “an own goal” for One Nation, which had helped the election of “hard left” politicians.
This crazy policy of indiscriminately preferencing against sitting members means that lefties will be returning to George Street and good conservatives will lose their seats, compliments of a supposedly rightwing party.This crazy policy of indiscriminately preferencing against sitting members means that lefties will be returning to George Street and good conservatives will lose their seats, compliments of a supposedly rightwing party.
As the conservative protest party, you would expect One Nation would be supporting the most conservative candidates or members in each seat. That’s what I would do and I’m sure it’s what a majority of One Nation voters wantAs the conservative protest party, you would expect One Nation would be supporting the most conservative candidates or members in each seat. That’s what I would do and I’m sure it’s what a majority of One Nation voters want
As promised, the business of the Senate has been well and truly cleared for the debate of the same-sex marriage bill. Our wonderful photographer Mike Bowers was down in the chamber to capture the day so far.As promised, the business of the Senate has been well and truly cleared for the debate of the same-sex marriage bill. Our wonderful photographer Mike Bowers was down in the chamber to capture the day so far.
More than 160 LGBTI organisations and leaders have signed a statement calling on the Australian parliament to legislate marriage equality by the end of the year.More than 160 LGBTI organisations and leaders have signed a statement calling on the Australian parliament to legislate marriage equality by the end of the year.
The statement is signed by groups from around the country including ACON, Amnesty International Australia and state Gay and Lesbian Rights lobbies as well as individuals including actor Magda Szubanski.The statement is signed by groups from around the country including ACON, Amnesty International Australia and state Gay and Lesbian Rights lobbies as well as individuals including actor Magda Szubanski.
It identifies the cross-party bill, authored by Dean Smith and supported by Labor, the Greens, the Nick Xenophon Team and Derryn Hinch, as “the best way to achieve marriage equality by consensus”.It identifies the cross-party bill, authored by Dean Smith and supported by Labor, the Greens, the Nick Xenophon Team and Derryn Hinch, as “the best way to achieve marriage equality by consensus”.
A notable absence from the petition is Just Equal and its spokesman, Rodney Croome, which have been lobbying for amendments because they are concerned about the creation of a new religious marriage celebrant category and exemptions to allow organisations connected to religions to refuse to provide services to same-sex weddings.A notable absence from the petition is Just Equal and its spokesman, Rodney Croome, which have been lobbying for amendments because they are concerned about the creation of a new religious marriage celebrant category and exemptions to allow organisations connected to religions to refuse to provide services to same-sex weddings.
The joint statement says:The joint statement says:
As organisations, leaders and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities, following the resounding YES result in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, we call for the Parliament to pass marriage equality legislation as soon as possible.As organisations, leaders and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities, following the resounding YES result in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, we call for the Parliament to pass marriage equality legislation as soon as possible.
“More than 7.8 million people said YES to marriage equality. The strong YES vote delivered a loud message – discrimination against LGBTI Australians must end. It is now time for our parliament to act and pass marriage equality this year.“More than 7.8 million people said YES to marriage equality. The strong YES vote delivered a loud message – discrimination against LGBTI Australians must end. It is now time for our parliament to act and pass marriage equality this year.
Right, we’re halfway through this first sitting day of the week.Right, we’re halfway through this first sitting day of the week.
What’s happened so far?What’s happened so far?
The fallout from the Queensland election result has dominated the political debate today. On the weekend, rogue LNP MP George Christensen blamed the party’s federal leadership for the poor result. Those comments have been slammed by his federal colleagues. The education minister, Simon Birmingham, this morning described them as “ridiculous”. Trade minister Steve Ciobo said it was an “absurd” proposition. Malcolm Turnbull said the election was fought on local issues. The Labor party has also faced questions over whether it is losing out to the Greens in inner-city areas. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said it was clear that voters were dissatisfied with major parties.The fallout from the Queensland election result has dominated the political debate today. On the weekend, rogue LNP MP George Christensen blamed the party’s federal leadership for the poor result. Those comments have been slammed by his federal colleagues. The education minister, Simon Birmingham, this morning described them as “ridiculous”. Trade minister Steve Ciobo said it was an “absurd” proposition. Malcolm Turnbull said the election was fought on local issues. The Labor party has also faced questions over whether it is losing out to the Greens in inner-city areas. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said it was clear that voters were dissatisfied with major parties.
Senators are making some impassioned and valuable contributions to the debate over the same-sex marriage bill. We’ve heard an emotional speech from the Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. The Greens are proposing some amendments. Labor MPs have urged for the bill to be passed without amendment. Conservatives Eric Abetz and Zed Seselja have spoken of the need for greater protections for freedom of religion, conscience and parental choice.Senators are making some impassioned and valuable contributions to the debate over the same-sex marriage bill. We’ve heard an emotional speech from the Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. The Greens are proposing some amendments. Labor MPs have urged for the bill to be passed without amendment. Conservatives Eric Abetz and Zed Seselja have spoken of the need for greater protections for freedom of religion, conscience and parental choice.
The push for a banking royal commission continues to fuel tension within the Coalition. The Nationals’ Barry O’Sullivan last week circulated a private member’s bill to bring on an inquiry into the banks. Today, we’ve seen Barnaby Joyce leave open the possibility of supporting such an inquiry. Liberal MPs are holding the line, saying such an inquiry would be a waste of money and would add little value. They’re putting forth their compensation scheme for victims as an alternative.The push for a banking royal commission continues to fuel tension within the Coalition. The Nationals’ Barry O’Sullivan last week circulated a private member’s bill to bring on an inquiry into the banks. Today, we’ve seen Barnaby Joyce leave open the possibility of supporting such an inquiry. Liberal MPs are holding the line, saying such an inquiry would be a waste of money and would add little value. They’re putting forth their compensation scheme for victims as an alternative.
Malcolm Turnbull renewed his attack on Labor candidate for Bennelong, Kristina Keneally, saying her views on immigration would encourage people smugglers. Keneally once wrote a piece advocating for the men on Manus Island to be brought to Australia. In response, Keneally described Turnbull as looking a “bit stressed”.Malcolm Turnbull renewed his attack on Labor candidate for Bennelong, Kristina Keneally, saying her views on immigration would encourage people smugglers. Keneally once wrote a piece advocating for the men on Manus Island to be brought to Australia. In response, Keneally described Turnbull as looking a “bit stressed”.
Shadow cabinet met in Canberra this morning. Labor says they are keeping busy in parliament, despite the Coalition’s decision to call off sittings in the lower house this week.Shadow cabinet met in Canberra this morning. Labor says they are keeping busy in parliament, despite the Coalition’s decision to call off sittings in the lower house this week.
Counting is still going on for the Queensland election and Labor is by no means guaranteed a majority, but Annastacia Palaszcuk has headed back to the executive building to “get on with the job”.Counting is still going on for the Queensland election and Labor is by no means guaranteed a majority, but Annastacia Palaszcuk has headed back to the executive building to “get on with the job”.
There are still about a dozen seats to be called and Labor is still in with enough of a chance to be a possibility as a majority government, but there is no guessing where those oh so important preferences will go.There are still about a dozen seats to be called and Labor is still in with enough of a chance to be a possibility as a majority government, but there is no guessing where those oh so important preferences will go.
It’s going to be some time before we get a result on this. Meanwhile, the LNP is trying to work out what went wrong and fingers are being squarely pointed at the federal sphere. Expect the fall out to continue for some time.It’s going to be some time before we get a result on this. Meanwhile, the LNP is trying to work out what went wrong and fingers are being squarely pointed at the federal sphere. Expect the fall out to continue for some time.
The conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz has just spoken on same-sex marriage. He was one of the most outspoken no campaigners in parliament.The conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz has just spoken on same-sex marriage. He was one of the most outspoken no campaigners in parliament.
Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz during debate on the bill to change the marriage act in the senate @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/0PYctGuNvTTasmanian Senator Eric Abetz during debate on the bill to change the marriage act in the senate @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/0PYctGuNvT
Abetz is saying the no campaign was at a disadvantage from the start. The media and celebrities were “relentless” in their support for the yes vote.Abetz is saying the no campaign was at a disadvantage from the start. The media and celebrities were “relentless” in their support for the yes vote.
Abetz says marriage is "common to all cultures" and was designed for biological parents to "socialise the next generation". "The man-woman-children dimension is the common denominator". #auspol #marriageequalityAbetz says marriage is "common to all cultures" and was designed for biological parents to "socialise the next generation". "The man-woman-children dimension is the common denominator". #auspol #marriageequality
He says good statesmen govern for the entire community, which would include no and yes voters.He says good statesmen govern for the entire community, which would include no and yes voters.
Abetz, obviously, wants to see amendments to the Dean Smith bill currently before the Senate. He wants to see greater protections for freedoms of religion, conscience, and speech.Abetz, obviously, wants to see amendments to the Dean Smith bill currently before the Senate. He wants to see greater protections for freedoms of religion, conscience, and speech.
Abetz: I am currently in a minority on changing marriage, but I am in "no doubt" I am in the majority on protecting their long-held and deeply cherished freedoms. #auspol #marriageequalityAbetz: I am currently in a minority on changing marriage, but I am in "no doubt" I am in the majority on protecting their long-held and deeply cherished freedoms. #auspol #marriageequality
Here’s a little more from senator Sarah Hanson-Young’s contribution in the Senate earlier today. She spoke about one of her best friends, who was gay and was the victim of bullying.Here’s a little more from senator Sarah Hanson-Young’s contribution in the Senate earlier today. She spoke about one of her best friends, who was gay and was the victim of bullying.
He struggled for a long time. And I remember thinking I never did quite enough to have his back. He was one of my bestest friends and we hung out, every now and then I would tell people to bugger off when they tried to pick on him. But it didn’t quite feel like it was enough ... Young people in Australia deserve better than that.He struggled for a long time. And I remember thinking I never did quite enough to have his back. He was one of my bestest friends and we hung out, every now and then I would tell people to bugger off when they tried to pick on him. But it didn’t quite feel like it was enough ... Young people in Australia deserve better than that.
.@sarahinthesen8 shares an emotional story as debate beings in the senate on the same sex marriage bill MORE: https://t.co/jNStkrpoak pic.twitter.com/tRCNzIXJ0l.@sarahinthesen8 shares an emotional story as debate beings in the senate on the same sex marriage bill MORE: https://t.co/jNStkrpoak pic.twitter.com/tRCNzIXJ0l
Mike Bowers was down in the chamber for Hanson-Young’s speech.Mike Bowers was down in the chamber for Hanson-Young’s speech.