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Liberal MP Tim Wilson says any association with One Nation is 'toxic' – politics live Liberal MP Tim Wilson says any association with One Nation is 'toxic' – politics live
(35 minutes later)
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.
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”.
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:
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.
Right, we’re halfway through this first sitting day of the week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trade minister Steve Ciobo, who represents Moncrieff in Queensland, is holding the line on the state election.Trade minister Steve Ciobo, who represents Moncrieff in Queensland, is holding the line on the state election.
It was fought on local issues, he says. The link being made (including by his colleague George Christensen) between the result and Malcolm Turnbull is “ridiculous”.It was fought on local issues, he says. The link being made (including by his colleague George Christensen) between the result and Malcolm Turnbull is “ridiculous”.
“That’s an absurd proposition,” he says.“That’s an absurd proposition,” he says.
He’s asked about a banking royal commission, following the comments of the Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, who left the door open to establishing an inquiry.He’s asked about a banking royal commission, following the comments of the Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, who left the door open to establishing an inquiry.
Ciobo says such an inquiry would “do nothing except make a lot of money for lawyers”.Ciobo says such an inquiry would “do nothing except make a lot of money for lawyers”.
We’ve had the first two opponents of marriage equality speak in the Senate debate: Liberal senators Jonathon Duniam and Zed Seselja.We’ve had the first two opponents of marriage equality speak in the Senate debate: Liberal senators Jonathon Duniam and Zed Seselja.
Duniam said that he opposed same-sex marriage “not out of fear or hate, but out of love for my God”. He says he will obey the will of his state of Tasmania and vote in favour, but promises to pursue amendments to prevent “unintended consequences”.Duniam said that he opposed same-sex marriage “not out of fear or hate, but out of love for my God”. He says he will obey the will of his state of Tasmania and vote in favour, but promises to pursue amendments to prevent “unintended consequences”.
Seselja said: “There is a uniqueness to the male-female relationship – which is still expressed in Australian law ... It soon won’t be.”Seselja said: “There is a uniqueness to the male-female relationship – which is still expressed in Australian law ... It soon won’t be.”
Seselja promises to “respect the will of the Australian people” by voting yes at the second reading stage, allowing the bill to go forward.Seselja promises to “respect the will of the Australian people” by voting yes at the second reading stage, allowing the bill to go forward.
He will then support amendments so the bill is not a “blank cheque” for marriage equality supporters. No word on what he will do in the final vote.He will then support amendments so the bill is not a “blank cheque” for marriage equality supporters. No word on what he will do in the final vote.
Zed Seselja runs through all the attacks on "no" campaigners. Then brushes over those from the "yes" side, saying that none of the organisers from the "no" side participated in those attacks.Zed Seselja runs through all the attacks on "no" campaigners. Then brushes over those from the "yes" side, saying that none of the organisers from the "no" side participated in those attacks.
Seselja says that public opinion polls which accurately suggested Australians would vote “roughly 60-40 in favour of same-sex marriage” now suggest most support religious freedoms.Seselja says that public opinion polls which accurately suggested Australians would vote “roughly 60-40 in favour of same-sex marriage” now suggest most support religious freedoms.
Setting aside the irony that we needed to ask everyone their view of marriage but now polls are just fine for judging our views on freedoms, it’s not correct that the amendments enjoy majority support.Setting aside the irony that we needed to ask everyone their view of marriage but now polls are just fine for judging our views on freedoms, it’s not correct that the amendments enjoy majority support.
Guardian’s Essential Poll finds 63% want ministers of religion and celebrants to be able to refuse weddings, but those wanting commercial discrimination and for parents to have a right to remove their children from classes that do not reflect a traditional view of marriage are in the minority (albeit narrowly).Guardian’s Essential Poll finds 63% want ministers of religion and celebrants to be able to refuse weddings, but those wanting commercial discrimination and for parents to have a right to remove their children from classes that do not reflect a traditional view of marriage are in the minority (albeit narrowly).
A little more from that Turnbull-Frydenberg press conference. Turnbull spoke a lot about renewables, and said there is too much “ideology and wishful thinking” in the debate. He asks why Australia would de-industrialise as a result of “some green-left ideological crusade for windfarms and solar panels”.A little more from that Turnbull-Frydenberg press conference. Turnbull spoke a lot about renewables, and said there is too much “ideology and wishful thinking” in the debate. He asks why Australia would de-industrialise as a result of “some green-left ideological crusade for windfarms and solar panels”.
He then paints himself as a champion of renewables.He then paints himself as a champion of renewables.
I see it sometimes in the media, saying that my government is hostile to renewables. What utter rubbish. We are embarking on the single largest hydro project in the country’s history since Snowy 1; that’s Snowy 2.I see it sometimes in the media, saying that my government is hostile to renewables. What utter rubbish. We are embarking on the single largest hydro project in the country’s history since Snowy 1; that’s Snowy 2.
Turnbull also had a message for One Nation voters in Queensland.Turnbull also had a message for One Nation voters in Queensland.
I want to say this. For whatever reasons, everyone is entitled to cast their vote as they see fit. but the voting for One Nation in the Queensland election has only assisted the Labor party. So the One Nation voters, I want to say to them that votes for One Nation have assisted Annastacia Palaszczuk.I want to say this. For whatever reasons, everyone is entitled to cast their vote as they see fit. but the voting for One Nation in the Queensland election has only assisted the Labor party. So the One Nation voters, I want to say to them that votes for One Nation have assisted Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg are speaking in Wollongong, at a BlueScope steel facility. They’re there to talk up the government’s national energy guarantee, but the questions thus far are almost exclusively on the Queensland election.Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg are speaking in Wollongong, at a BlueScope steel facility. They’re there to talk up the government’s national energy guarantee, but the questions thus far are almost exclusively on the Queensland election.
So much so, in fact, that when a question on the national energy guarantee is asked, it appears to genuinely surprise Turnbull.So much so, in fact, that when a question on the national energy guarantee is asked, it appears to genuinely surprise Turnbull.
I’m sorry, what measurement are you talking about?... the national energy guarantee, oh right, sorry.I’m sorry, what measurement are you talking about?... the national energy guarantee, oh right, sorry.
On the Queensland election, Turnbull says there is no initiative to split the LNP in Queensland. He is trying to distance the federal government from the Queensland election.On the Queensland election, Turnbull says there is no initiative to split the LNP in Queensland. He is trying to distance the federal government from the Queensland election.
I don’t think there’s any initiative to change that. The election was fought on, very much as we know, on state [issues]. As state elections always are by the way, but this one was particularly so.I don’t think there’s any initiative to change that. The election was fought on, very much as we know, on state [issues]. As state elections always are by the way, but this one was particularly so.
He also takes an early opportunity to hurl a rock at Kristina Keneally, the Labor candidate for Bennelong. She wants to bring refugees to Australia from Manus, says Turnbull, referring to an old opinion piece Keneally wrote for Guardian Australia.He also takes an early opportunity to hurl a rock at Kristina Keneally, the Labor candidate for Bennelong. She wants to bring refugees to Australia from Manus, says Turnbull, referring to an old opinion piece Keneally wrote for Guardian Australia.
That would be the biggest marketing opportunity for the people smugglers that you can imagine.That would be the biggest marketing opportunity for the people smugglers that you can imagine.
Zed Seselja expands on his concerns about parental choice. He says overseas experience suggests teaching on gender and sexuality had been forced on children without their knowledge. We shouldn’t just “take it on trust” that the same won’t occur in Australia, Seselja says.Zed Seselja expands on his concerns about parental choice. He says overseas experience suggests teaching on gender and sexuality had been forced on children without their knowledge. We shouldn’t just “take it on trust” that the same won’t occur in Australia, Seselja says.
In other countries we have seen flow-on impacts and it’s been harder for those individual parents to object.In other countries we have seen flow-on impacts and it’s been harder for those individual parents to object.
The first senator from the no campaign is on his feet in the Senate. The conservative ACT senator Zed Seselja is saying he will support amendments which “strengthen the legislation”. Seselja has been one of the key proponents of amending the bill to give greater protections for religious freedom and parental choice.The first senator from the no campaign is on his feet in the Senate. The conservative ACT senator Zed Seselja is saying he will support amendments which “strengthen the legislation”. Seselja has been one of the key proponents of amending the bill to give greater protections for religious freedom and parental choice.
I firmly believe this cannot be a blank cheque, because changing this Act does have consequences.I firmly believe this cannot be a blank cheque, because changing this Act does have consequences.
Seselja said he remains “firm in his convictions” about marriage but will respect the will of the Australian people.Seselja said he remains “firm in his convictions” about marriage but will respect the will of the Australian people.
He’s raising concerns about the teaching of programs such as Safe Schools in Australian schools.He’s raising concerns about the teaching of programs such as Safe Schools in Australian schools.
Seselja began his contribution by reminding the Senate that many people currently sitting in the chamber have previously opposed same-sex marriage but since changed their position. That included Labor senator Penny Wong, who voted in support of the Howard amendment in 2004 to exclude same-sex couples from marriage.Seselja began his contribution by reminding the Senate that many people currently sitting in the chamber have previously opposed same-sex marriage but since changed their position. That included Labor senator Penny Wong, who voted in support of the Howard amendment in 2004 to exclude same-sex couples from marriage.
Simply because some have changed their views ... does not mean the millions of Australians who hold a different view do it as a result of bigotry, any more than Senator Wong did it as a result of bigotry.Simply because some have changed their views ... does not mean the millions of Australians who hold a different view do it as a result of bigotry, any more than Senator Wong did it as a result of bigotry.
Tears and Cheers-Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young during an emotional contribution in the senate as debate on the bill to change the marriage act gets underway @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/b7ZoOuI65VTears and Cheers-Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young during an emotional contribution in the senate as debate on the bill to change the marriage act gets underway @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/7ceHyXY4Lk pic.twitter.com/b7ZoOuI65V
Federal Liberal MPs are continuing to publicly dissect the Queensland state election result. Tim Wilson has just said that any association with One Nation is toxic and ought to be avoided.Federal Liberal MPs are continuing to publicly dissect the Queensland state election result. Tim Wilson has just said that any association with One Nation is toxic and ought to be avoided.
Bob Borbidge is right: any association with One Nation is toxic. They are not allies or friends of the Liberal Party. They feed on discontent. They have no solutions for the future of Australia.Bob Borbidge is right: any association with One Nation is toxic. They are not allies or friends of the Liberal Party. They feed on discontent. They have no solutions for the future of Australia.
Education minister Simon Birmingham had similar things to say a bit earlier this morning on Sky News.Education minister Simon Birmingham had similar things to say a bit earlier this morning on Sky News.
After trashing Nationals MP George Christensen’s weekend comments, Birmingham said the LNP needed to work out a way to stop the leakage of votes to minor parties.After trashing Nationals MP George Christensen’s weekend comments, Birmingham said the LNP needed to work out a way to stop the leakage of votes to minor parties.
So this goes to the question of how do you fight back against that leakage of votes to minor parties and to One Nation in particular? And you don’t do it by trying to become One Nation light.So this goes to the question of how do you fight back against that leakage of votes to minor parties and to One Nation in particular? And you don’t do it by trying to become One Nation light.
You do it by taking the fight up to them in terms of explaining to the electorate the benefits of open markets, the benefits of trade, the benefits that will accrue to those communities because we’re increasing exports and generating more jobs, the risks to them if we actually get pushed into becoming a closed shop economy; that of course people will find their standard of living will drop, their opportunities will drop.You do it by taking the fight up to them in terms of explaining to the electorate the benefits of open markets, the benefits of trade, the benefits that will accrue to those communities because we’re increasing exports and generating more jobs, the risks to them if we actually get pushed into becoming a closed shop economy; that of course people will find their standard of living will drop, their opportunities will drop.
Labor’s Jenny McAllister is now on her feet in the Senate. She’s chairing a committee that’s looking into the conduct of the postal survey.Labor’s Jenny McAllister is now on her feet in the Senate. She’s chairing a committee that’s looking into the conduct of the postal survey.
The past few months have been bruising and hurtful to the LGTBI community.The past few months have been bruising and hurtful to the LGTBI community.
McAllister: there is no hidden army of social conservatives, the years of polling were right. #auspol #marriageequalityMcAllister: there is no hidden army of social conservatives, the years of polling were right. #auspol #marriageequality
Emotions are running high in the Senate. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is in tears as she speaks on the same-sex marriage bill. She pays tribute to the activists and politicians who have helped make marriage equality happen.Emotions are running high in the Senate. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young is in tears as she speaks on the same-sex marriage bill. She pays tribute to the activists and politicians who have helped make marriage equality happen.
Millions of Australians have fought for this reform to happen. Inquiries after inquiries, protesting on the street, meeting with members of parliament, lobbying in their workplaces and voting yes.Millions of Australians have fought for this reform to happen. Inquiries after inquiries, protesting on the street, meeting with members of parliament, lobbying in their workplaces and voting yes.
It is now time for the Senate to do our job, to get this done. And without the muddying of the waters from those who have always been opposed to equal love. The growth of the movement has been so strong and so profound. Activists gathering in pubs, meeting in community centres, organising among their friends, to cities and airports being lit up by lights.It is now time for the Senate to do our job, to get this done. And without the muddying of the waters from those who have always been opposed to equal love. The growth of the movement has been so strong and so profound. Activists gathering in pubs, meeting in community centres, organising among their friends, to cities and airports being lit up by lights.
But why is this so important? It’s because discrimination to some demeans us all. Because equality is a symbol of a fair, caring and progressive society.But why is this so important? It’s because discrimination to some demeans us all. Because equality is a symbol of a fair, caring and progressive society.
Hanson-Young says she will always remember 15 November, the day the postal survey results were announced.Hanson-Young says she will always remember 15 November, the day the postal survey results were announced.
It will go down as the day when progressive reforms can be seen as achievable. The street party and the parties [which] happened across the country on the day and the night on the 15th of November were so joyous.It will go down as the day when progressive reforms can be seen as achievable. The street party and the parties [which] happened across the country on the day and the night on the 15th of November were so joyous.
You could just feel the buzz and the excitement in the air, because there was just a huge sense of relief. People who had fought for this for so long were vindicated.You could just feel the buzz and the excitement in the air, because there was just a huge sense of relief. People who had fought for this for so long were vindicated.
The nation repaired its broken heart that had been damaged by the former prime minister John Howard’s bill. It is now up to this place to make sure that we get the job done and finish properly.The nation repaired its broken heart that had been damaged by the former prime minister John Howard’s bill. It is now up to this place to make sure that we get the job done and finish properly.