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Liberal says worst conduct in same-sex marriage campaign came from yes side – politics live Liberal says worst conduct in same-sex marriage campaign came from yes side – politics live
(35 minutes later)
We’re going to leave our live coverage there for today, folks.
It’s been another big day for the Coalition. Malcolm Turnbull is facing trouble on a number of fronts:
a late breaking story on the banking royal commission puts Turnbull in a difficult position. It now appears proponents of a banking inquiry have the numbers, after a second Nationals MP, Llew O’Brien, reportedly agreed to cross the floor. How is the government going to respond? Will it change its opposition to an inquiry, or risk losing an embarrassing vote on the floor of parliament? George Christensen upped the ante on the issue, creating his own website dedicated to pushing for a bank inquiry. Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce also left the door open to Nationals support for the inquiry.
the same-sex marriage debate is continuing into the evening. After emotional speeches earlier in the day, we’ve heard a number of conservative MPs propose stronger protections for freedom of religion and expression, as well as parental choice. The Greens have proposed their own amendments but Labor’s position is that Dean Smith’s cross-party bill is an acceptable compromise.
Greens MP Nick McKim delivered a series of fiery questions on Manus Island to the federal government in question time. McKim asked whether government ministers were toasting their policy as the men on Manus were beaten with metal poles. He also called on Labor to end their policy lockstep with the Coalition and help campaign against offshore detention.
There has been continued dissection of the Queensland election, and what it means for federal politics. Attorney-general George Brandis, in one of the more memorable contributions, said any flirtation with One Nation was “poison” for his side of politics. Brandis joined other government ministers in dismissing the notion that the election result was a reflection of federal issues. Malcolm Turnbull said this morning that it was fought entirely on local issues.
Thanks for sticking with me today. I’ll be back again tomorrow for another go. Please do join me.
Liberal senator James Paterson is speaking on the same-sex marriage bill in the Senate. This is interesting because Paterson is the senator who proposed an alternative bill to that introduced by Dean Smith. You’ll remember that moderate Liberal MPs were less than impressed with Paterson’s intervention. His bill proposed stronger powers to allow for people to discriminate against same-sex couples on the basis of their religion or conscience. It was subsequently withdrawn.Liberal senator James Paterson is speaking on the same-sex marriage bill in the Senate. This is interesting because Paterson is the senator who proposed an alternative bill to that introduced by Dean Smith. You’ll remember that moderate Liberal MPs were less than impressed with Paterson’s intervention. His bill proposed stronger powers to allow for people to discriminate against same-sex couples on the basis of their religion or conscience. It was subsequently withdrawn.
Paterson says he voted yes and is not religious.Paterson says he voted yes and is not religious.
He is not in the Senate to speak on behalf of the 4.9 million people who voted no. But he is reminding people that they should not be “totally disregarded”.He is not in the Senate to speak on behalf of the 4.9 million people who voted no. But he is reminding people that they should not be “totally disregarded”.
I’m here today on behalf of the many Australians who voted yes but don’t want to see it happen at the expense of other people’s freedom.I’m here today on behalf of the many Australians who voted yes but don’t want to see it happen at the expense of other people’s freedom.
He says there is a high degree of support within the community for the protection of freedoms of religion, conscience, and choice.He says there is a high degree of support within the community for the protection of freedoms of religion, conscience, and choice.
Paterson said key elements of his ultimately doomed bill will be introduced as amendments.Paterson said key elements of his ultimately doomed bill will be introduced as amendments.
He said it was never his intention to use his bill to entrench discrimination against same-sex couples.He said it was never his intention to use his bill to entrench discrimination against same-sex couples.
That was not my intent, my objective was to protect freedom of religion and conscience.That was not my intent, my objective was to protect freedom of religion and conscience.
Staying on the banking inquiry briefly. It now looks increasingly likely that an inquiry will be set up in some form. A second Nationals MP, Llew O’Brien, has offered to cross the floor in support, according to the Australian Financial Review. That would give enough votes to pass a private member’s bill proposed by Nationals MP Barry O’Sullivan to establish the inquiry.Staying on the banking inquiry briefly. It now looks increasingly likely that an inquiry will be set up in some form. A second Nationals MP, Llew O’Brien, has offered to cross the floor in support, according to the Australian Financial Review. That would give enough votes to pass a private member’s bill proposed by Nationals MP Barry O’Sullivan to establish the inquiry.
It would be a significant blow for Malcolm Turnbull.It would be a significant blow for Malcolm Turnbull.
LNP MP George Christensen has upped the ante in his push for the banking royal commission. You’ll remember that he’s been a chief agitator on this issue within the Coalition, despite contrary positions from Malcolm Turnbull, Matt Canavan, and Scott Morrison, among others.LNP MP George Christensen has upped the ante in his push for the banking royal commission. You’ll remember that he’s been a chief agitator on this issue within the Coalition, despite contrary positions from Malcolm Turnbull, Matt Canavan, and Scott Morrison, among others.
Now, he’s created his own website. The website is at www.bankinquiry.com.au, and outlines 10 reasons for a banking royal commission. The blurb on Christensen’s website says:Now, he’s created his own website. The website is at www.bankinquiry.com.au, and outlines 10 reasons for a banking royal commission. The blurb on Christensen’s website says:
Welcome to my page, setting out the case for a powerful, dedicated inquiry into systemic misconduct by Australian banks that unfortunately have become far too common.Welcome to my page, setting out the case for a powerful, dedicated inquiry into systemic misconduct by Australian banks that unfortunately have become far too common.
He issued a media statement upon launching the website. He said it was the only way for light to be shone on the “repeated unconscionable conduct” of the banks.He issued a media statement upon launching the website. He said it was the only way for light to be shone on the “repeated unconscionable conduct” of the banks.
Misconduct in the banking sector is real and current, and though other measures to address it have been raised, I fixed on the position 12 months ago that we needed either a royal commission or a commission of inquiry into the banks.Misconduct in the banking sector is real and current, and though other measures to address it have been raised, I fixed on the position 12 months ago that we needed either a royal commission or a commission of inquiry into the banks.
It’s a stance I have taken because I believe it’s the only way we can shine a light on some of the issues of repeated unconscionable conduct.It’s a stance I have taken because I believe it’s the only way we can shine a light on some of the issues of repeated unconscionable conduct.
There is a need to take strong action to address the appalling treatment of people who have done nothing wrong, other than trusting a bank to look after them.There is a need to take strong action to address the appalling treatment of people who have done nothing wrong, other than trusting a bank to look after them.
Liberal senator David Fawcett, also an opponent of same-sex marriage, has just said some of the worst behaviour during the campaign came from yes voters.Liberal senator David Fawcett, also an opponent of same-sex marriage, has just said some of the worst behaviour during the campaign came from yes voters.
Whilst there was a lot of concern about what the no campaign might do ... I think it would be fair to say that you could characterise some of the worst breaches of what we would consider civilised conduct in the country were some of the blockade-type protests by yes campaigners that sought to frustrate the ability of people to meet and associate and discuss these issuesWhilst there was a lot of concern about what the no campaign might do ... I think it would be fair to say that you could characterise some of the worst breaches of what we would consider civilised conduct in the country were some of the blockade-type protests by yes campaigners that sought to frustrate the ability of people to meet and associate and discuss these issues
Fawcett described a news story early in the campaign, exaggerating the extent of homophobic posters in Melbourne, as “media fraud”. He said it swayed opinion. He went on to attack boycotts against those opposed to same-sex marriage.Fawcett described a news story early in the campaign, exaggerating the extent of homophobic posters in Melbourne, as “media fraud”. He said it swayed opinion. He went on to attack boycotts against those opposed to same-sex marriage.
We’re back to debate on the same-sex marriage bill in the Senate. Liberal MP Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, a conservative, spoke against the bill. Fierravanti-Wells was prominent on the no side of the debate during the campaign.We’re back to debate on the same-sex marriage bill in the Senate. Liberal MP Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, a conservative, spoke against the bill. Fierravanti-Wells was prominent on the no side of the debate during the campaign.
Fierravanti-Wells says she a message for the people of western Sydney and the almost five million Australians who voted no. Labor are seeking to “crush” all you hold dear, Fierravanti-Wells tells them.Fierravanti-Wells says she a message for the people of western Sydney and the almost five million Australians who voted no. Labor are seeking to “crush” all you hold dear, Fierravanti-Wells tells them.
We hear you, we have supported you, and we will continue to support you.We hear you, we have supported you, and we will continue to support you.
Labor has ignored your views. They are not listening to you. They have abandoned your values and are seeking to crush what you hold so dear.Labor has ignored your views. They are not listening to you. They have abandoned your values and are seeking to crush what you hold so dear.
You should never be made to feel that your values are wrong or your concerns insignificant.You should never be made to feel that your values are wrong or your concerns insignificant.
Fierravanti-Wells wants significant additional protections on freedom of speech, religion, and parental choice. The “alleged” safeguards in the bill are inadequate, she says. The constitution does not do enough to protect freedom of religion, she says.Fierravanti-Wells wants significant additional protections on freedom of speech, religion, and parental choice. The “alleged” safeguards in the bill are inadequate, she says. The constitution does not do enough to protect freedom of religion, she says.
There are six amendments she supports, which will be proposed by her colleague David Fawcett, a Liberal senator.There are six amendments she supports, which will be proposed by her colleague David Fawcett, a Liberal senator.
Together the amendments would seek to ensure:Together the amendments would seek to ensure:
the definition of marriage should separately recognises both man-woman marriage and “two-person marriage” as validthe definition of marriage should separately recognises both man-woman marriage and “two-person marriage” as valid
protections for religious celebrants and conscientious objectorsprotections for religious celebrants and conscientious objectors
protections for freedom of expression and to recognise legitimate beliefsprotections for freedom of expression and to recognise legitimate beliefs
an anti-detriment shield protecting individuals and organisations with genuine convictions about traditional marriage. This would ensure they are not subject to unfavourable treatment by public authorities due to their views.an anti-detriment shield protecting individuals and organisations with genuine convictions about traditional marriage. This would ensure they are not subject to unfavourable treatment by public authorities due to their views.
freedom from being required to express, associate with, or endorse statement or opinion about marriage, which conflicts with genuine religious or conscientious convictions about marriagefreedom from being required to express, associate with, or endorse statement or opinion about marriage, which conflicts with genuine religious or conscientious convictions about marriage
protections for charitiesprotections for charities
non-discrimination in government fundingnon-discrimination in government funding
protection of religious bodies and schools and parents to have the right to withdraw children from certain classesprotection of religious bodies and schools and parents to have the right to withdraw children from certain classes
You would have seen already that Triple J has decided to move its hottest 100 from Australia Day to January 27.You would have seen already that Triple J has decided to move its hottest 100 from Australia Day to January 27.
The political reaction is already coming in thick and fast.The political reaction is already coming in thick and fast.
Liberal MP Alex Hawke has slammed it as part of a “constant push to politicise and delegitimise Australia Day”.Liberal MP Alex Hawke has slammed it as part of a “constant push to politicise and delegitimise Australia Day”.
A disappointing decision by the ABC. Australia Day 26 January is a great day for the hottest 100. This constant push to politicise and delegitimise Australia Day is pathetic. https://t.co/Ap9W6D3hd3A disappointing decision by the ABC. Australia Day 26 January is a great day for the hottest 100. This constant push to politicise and delegitimise Australia Day is pathetic. https://t.co/Ap9W6D3hd3
Communications minister Mitch Fifield aired similar sentiments.Communications minister Mitch Fifield aired similar sentiments.
Communications Mitch Fifield statement: "I am bewildered by the ABC's decision to move the Hottest 100 from Australia Day. The ABC shouldn't be buying into this debate. Australia Day is our national day. The ABC should honour it and not mess with the Hottest 100." #auspolCommunications Mitch Fifield statement: "I am bewildered by the ABC's decision to move the Hottest 100 from Australia Day. The ABC shouldn't be buying into this debate. Australia Day is our national day. The ABC should honour it and not mess with the Hottest 100." #auspol
The Greens, meanwhile, have welcomed the decision. Senator Rachel Siewert said it reflected the community’s wishes.The Greens, meanwhile, have welcomed the decision. Senator Rachel Siewert said it reflected the community’s wishes.
Triple J have done substantial polling and spoken comprehensively to the community about when they want to celebrate the 100 best Aussie songs for the year, and Australia has spoken.Triple J have done substantial polling and spoken comprehensively to the community about when they want to celebrate the 100 best Aussie songs for the year, and Australia has spoken.
As stated in triple J’s statement about changing the date, the countdown has not always been on Australia Day. As such, it shouldn’t be linked inextricably to Australia Day.As stated in triple J’s statement about changing the date, the countdown has not always been on Australia Day. As such, it shouldn’t be linked inextricably to Australia Day.
It is fantastic news that everyone in Australia can now enjoy the countdown on a date that doesn’t cause harm and hurt our First Peoples.It is fantastic news that everyone in Australia can now enjoy the countdown on a date that doesn’t cause harm and hurt our First Peoples.
The Senate will be sitting a little earlier than anticipated tomorrow to allow the debate on same-sex marriage to continue. We’re expecting things to kick off about 10.30am, rather than the usual 12.30pm.The Senate will be sitting a little earlier than anticipated tomorrow to allow the debate on same-sex marriage to continue. We’re expecting things to kick off about 10.30am, rather than the usual 12.30pm.
The #Senate has agreed to meet tomorrow from 9.30am (rather than the usual 12.30pm) to consider the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) BillThe #Senate has agreed to meet tomorrow from 9.30am (rather than the usual 12.30pm) to consider the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill
Correction: The #Senate will meet from 10.30am tomorrow morning https://t.co/tD8BeWHA3WCorrection: The #Senate will meet from 10.30am tomorrow morning https://t.co/tD8BeWHA3W
A new set of amendments from One Nation to the cross-party marriage bill have landed on the books - they appear to allow all celebrants to refuse to solemnise a marriage, not just those that register as “religious marriage celebrants”.I understand a number of other amendments are circulating.A new set of amendments from One Nation to the cross-party marriage bill have landed on the books - they appear to allow all celebrants to refuse to solemnise a marriage, not just those that register as “religious marriage celebrants”.I understand a number of other amendments are circulating.
The David Fawcett amendments expand the category of “religious marriage celebrant” to “traditional marriage celebrant” - in effect allowing people to refuse weddings based on conscientious beliefs regardless of their religion.The David Fawcett amendments expand the category of “religious marriage celebrant” to “traditional marriage celebrant” - in effect allowing people to refuse weddings based on conscientious beliefs regardless of their religion.
Another allows military officers (who solemnise marriages in lieu of chaplains) to reject weddings.Another allows military officers (who solemnise marriages in lieu of chaplains) to reject weddings.
They also preserve one curious feature of the James Paterson bill - that marriages between “two persons” are established in a different subsection to marriages between a man and a womanThey also preserve one curious feature of the James Paterson bill - that marriages between “two persons” are established in a different subsection to marriages between a man and a woman
The Greens amendments:The Greens amendments:
Add a clause that the marriage law is not intended to exclude or limit state or territory anti-discrimination lawsAdd a clause that the marriage law is not intended to exclude or limit state or territory anti-discrimination laws
Remove the ability for existing civil celebrants to register as religious marriage celebrants. Celebrants would not be able to refuse weddings based on their personal religious belief.Remove the ability for existing civil celebrants to register as religious marriage celebrants. Celebrants would not be able to refuse weddings based on their personal religious belief.
Exemptions to the Sex Discrimination Act for religious bodies to refuse goods and services “in regards to marriage” would be removed because they replicate existing provisionsExemptions to the Sex Discrimination Act for religious bodies to refuse goods and services “in regards to marriage” would be removed because they replicate existing provisions
These amendments are in addition to those from senator David Leyonhjelm relating to celebrants and commercial discrimination against weddings, although Coalition conservatives have given up on the latter.These amendments are in addition to those from senator David Leyonhjelm relating to celebrants and commercial discrimination against weddings, although Coalition conservatives have given up on the latter.
Resources minister Matthew Canavan, a Nationals senator, has just split with his colleagues Barry O’Sullivan and George Christensen on their push for a banking inquiry. He said he doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but he respects the views of O’Sullivan and Christensen.Resources minister Matthew Canavan, a Nationals senator, has just split with his colleagues Barry O’Sullivan and George Christensen on their push for a banking inquiry. He said he doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but he respects the views of O’Sullivan and Christensen.
I think it’s best for us to try and deliver real and practical results for people. It’s why the government has strengthened the powers of ASIC and given them more funding, $100m more funding... we’ve also set up a consumer complaints body to better handle complaints.I think it’s best for us to try and deliver real and practical results for people. It’s why the government has strengthened the powers of ASIC and given them more funding, $100m more funding... we’ve also set up a consumer complaints body to better handle complaints.
Canavan also describes the Queensland election as “quite positive” for the LNP, despite the fact that they didn’t win.Canavan also describes the Queensland election as “quite positive” for the LNP, despite the fact that they didn’t win.
His argument is that the LNP performed well against a first-term Labor government and contending with the supposed resurgence of One Nation.His argument is that the LNP performed well against a first-term Labor government and contending with the supposed resurgence of One Nation.
Canavan said he thinks the Queensland LNP should remain a merged party.Canavan said he thinks the Queensland LNP should remain a merged party.
I think a future where we are separate would be self-destroying. I think a merged party works well.I think a future where we are separate would be self-destroying. I think a merged party works well.
It’s a different story federally, he said, where a separate voice for regional Australians was needed as a distinct party in Canberra.It’s a different story federally, he said, where a separate voice for regional Australians was needed as a distinct party in Canberra.
Canavan is asked whether he agrees with George Brandis that flirting with One Nation is “poison”. He says he’ll leave Brandis to his own emotive language. But he said the LNP should keep itself separate from One Nation.Canavan is asked whether he agrees with George Brandis that flirting with One Nation is “poison”. He says he’ll leave Brandis to his own emotive language. But he said the LNP should keep itself separate from One Nation.
I do think that we need to be separate and stand on our own two feet.I do think that we need to be separate and stand on our own two feet.
We didn’t do preference deals. This is a complete furphy... The Labor party are going to win something like 10-11 seats on the back of One Nation preferences.We didn’t do preference deals. This is a complete furphy... The Labor party are going to win something like 10-11 seats on the back of One Nation preferences.
One Nation made some rather bold predictions about its prospects at the Queensland state election. It predicted a repeat of its famous 1998 success.One Nation made some rather bold predictions about its prospects at the Queensland state election. It predicted a repeat of its famous 1998 success.
Those successes failed to materialise on the weekend. Many are now predicting their 61 candidates are unlikely to win a seat. Why? And what does it mean for the party federally?Those successes failed to materialise on the weekend. Many are now predicting their 61 candidates are unlikely to win a seat. Why? And what does it mean for the party federally?
Anna Broinowski, the author of Please Explain: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Pauline Hanson, has a theory. The various gaffes and chaos of the campaign played a role. But more influential was One Nation’s conflicting policy positions, Broinowski writes.Anna Broinowski, the author of Please Explain: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of Pauline Hanson, has a theory. The various gaffes and chaos of the campaign played a role. But more influential was One Nation’s conflicting policy positions, Broinowski writes.
But far more damaging to Hanson’s dream of repeating her 1998 Queensland victory are the contradictory messages she sells as policy. The senator opposes coal seam gas mining because it pollutes aquifers “for future generations”, and has told me there is “no way” she’d let the Great Barrier Reef be damaged. Yet she rejects global warming as a “rort” perpetrated by scientists hungry for grants, and famously snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef’s last unbleached pocket to prove that climate change is a myth.But far more damaging to Hanson’s dream of repeating her 1998 Queensland victory are the contradictory messages she sells as policy. The senator opposes coal seam gas mining because it pollutes aquifers “for future generations”, and has told me there is “no way” she’d let the Great Barrier Reef be damaged. Yet she rejects global warming as a “rort” perpetrated by scientists hungry for grants, and famously snorkelled in the Great Barrier Reef’s last unbleached pocket to prove that climate change is a myth.
You can read her full piece here:You can read her full piece here:
Greens senator Nick McKim has made another fiery speech on Manus in the Senate, speaking to his own motion. He urged the Labor party to join the Greens in opposing offshore detention. He slammed Labor for being in policy lockstep with the Coalition.Greens senator Nick McKim has made another fiery speech on Manus in the Senate, speaking to his own motion. He urged the Labor party to join the Greens in opposing offshore detention. He slammed Labor for being in policy lockstep with the Coalition.
The Greens desperately want to bring the sorry chapter in our country’s history of offshore detention to an end. But we cannot do it on our own. We need the support of the Australian Labor party. So I say to the Labor party, stop wringing your hands, enough of your crocodile tears, join with the Australian Greens in demanding that offshore detention ends, nowThe Greens desperately want to bring the sorry chapter in our country’s history of offshore detention to an end. But we cannot do it on our own. We need the support of the Australian Labor party. So I say to the Labor party, stop wringing your hands, enough of your crocodile tears, join with the Australian Greens in demanding that offshore detention ends, now
All the colour from question time this afternoon, courtesy of the roving Mike Bowers.All the colour from question time this afternoon, courtesy of the roving Mike Bowers.
Things got rather heated in the Senate towards the end of question time.Things got rather heated in the Senate towards the end of question time.
The Greens’ immigration spokesman, Nick McKim, asked about the “humanitarian calamity” on Manus Island. He said the men there were violently forced out of the centre and beaten with bars. The alternative accommodation is not ready, he said, something confirmed by the United Nations high commission for refugees (UNHCR).The Greens’ immigration spokesman, Nick McKim, asked about the “humanitarian calamity” on Manus Island. He said the men there were violently forced out of the centre and beaten with bars. The alternative accommodation is not ready, he said, something confirmed by the United Nations high commission for refugees (UNHCR).
So, McKim asks, who is lying about the accommodation? The UNHCR or the immigration minister?So, McKim asks, who is lying about the accommodation? The UNHCR or the immigration minister?
He also asks whether the government toasted themselves and their policy as the beatings and blows rained down on refugees.He also asks whether the government toasted themselves and their policy as the beatings and blows rained down on refugees.
Minister Dutton wanted his prisoners out of his detention centre and the PNG security forces did as he asked, driving starving, dehydrated and defenceless people out by beating them with metal bats.Minister Dutton wanted his prisoners out of his detention centre and the PNG security forces did as he asked, driving starving, dehydrated and defenceless people out by beating them with metal bats.
Did you toast those beatings in your party room, minister? As you saw those blows rain down, did you congratulate yourself on an outstanding policy success?Did you toast those beatings in your party room, minister? As you saw those blows rain down, did you congratulate yourself on an outstanding policy success?
The question raises the ire of Coalition MPs.The question raises the ire of Coalition MPs.
The attorney general, George Brandis, wants the question ruled out of order. He says it goes “way beyond the bounds of acceptability or decency”.The attorney general, George Brandis, wants the question ruled out of order. He says it goes “way beyond the bounds of acceptability or decency”.
McKim, in a supplementary, asks about the UNHCR’s finding that refugees were being denied essential healthcare services. Before being cut off, he asks:McKim, in a supplementary, asks about the UNHCR’s finding that refugees were being denied essential healthcare services. Before being cut off, he asks:
Are you bloody serious minister? How can you leave innocent refugees ...Are you bloody serious minister? How can you leave innocent refugees ...
The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, responds:The employment minister, Michaelia Cash, responds:
What you’ve just said is political rhetoric, nothing more, nothing less. And it is not supported by the facts.What you’ve just said is political rhetoric, nothing more, nothing less. And it is not supported by the facts.
She accuses McKim of telling the men to stay in a camp with no food, no electricity and no water.She accuses McKim of telling the men to stay in a camp with no food, no electricity and no water.
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.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 the attorney general, George Brandis, whether he agrees with Howard’s comments.Gallagher asks the 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.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.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.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.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#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.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.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 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 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 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.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: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/uziDm12ETQFrom 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