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Greens ask Senate president to cancel Milo Yiannopoulos event at parliament – politics live Greens ask Senate president to cancel Milo Yiannopoulos event at parliament – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Labor senator Sam Dastyari had a short speech on the amendments on parental choice and freedom of expression. He doesn’t support them, but thinks they have been put forward in good faith. Some of the commentary about the amendments has been unfair, Dastyari said. That’s where we’ll leave it for now, dear audience. Thanks again for staying with me today. Amy Remeikis will happily be back for all your blogging needs tomorrow.
Liberal senator Eric Abetz is back up on his feet shortly after. He says Dastyari’s speech was designed for the ears of western Sydney, a region that opposed same-sex marriage overwhelmingly. There’s been a fair bit of movement today, most notably on same-sex marriage and the banking inquiry:
the same-sex marriage bill passed its second reading stage. It’s the first time either house of parliament has voted in favour of same-sex marriage. The first lot of conservative amendments to the bill were soundly defeated in the Senate, a good sign for Dean Smith and fellow moderates. Earlier today, Labor warned the amendments could stymie the progress of the bill. But quick progress is being made in the Senate. We’re still debating further amendments designed to protect freedom of expression and parental choice (that will continue into the evening). But it now looks likely that the bill will be finished in the Senate by the end of the week and sent to the lower house.
The attorney general, George Brandis, delivered a powerful speech to mark the same-sex marriage bill. He described the legalisation of same-sex marriage as one of those “occasional shining moments which stand out in our nation’s history”.
The Nationals have put Malcolm Turnbull in a tricky position on the banking inquiry. Two lower-house Nationals MPs are now prepared to cross the floor to support such an inquiry, giving proponents the numbers, so long as the Greens continue to offer their support. Turnbull insisted today that he would not support a royal commission into the banks. He’s holding the line. Senior Nationals such as Matt Canavan and Darren Chester have also spoken against the inquiry, saying it would be a waste of money and time, given 17 inquiries have already been held into the sector.
Labor sounds like it is looking favourably on a federal anti-corruption body. It will reveal its formal position before the federal election. But the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, said the party recognised the growing calls for its creation.
An audit of the AFP’s unlawful access of a journalist’s metadata has called for greater training of police on their legal obligations.
The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, continued his attack on the ABC for changing the date of the Triple J Hottest 100. He has written to the ABC expressing his displeasure and asking for the decision to be reversed.
We’ll be back here the same time tomorrow. Please do join us.
The Labor senator Sam Dastyari had a short speech on the amendments on parental choice and freedom of expression. He doesn’t support them but thinks they have been put forward in good faith. Some of the commentary about the amendments has been unfair, Dastyari said.
The Liberal senator Eric Abetz is back up on his feet shortly after. He says Dastyari’s speech was designed for the ears of western Sydney, a region that opposed same-sex marriage overwhelmingly.
Abetz is saying the same-sex marriage bill is compromising basic fundamental human rights. Same-sex marriage, Abetz says, is not a fundamental human right.Abetz is saying the same-sex marriage bill is compromising basic fundamental human rights. Same-sex marriage, Abetz says, is not a fundamental human right.
The simple fact is that the right of parents to guide the moral education of their children is an established right under international law. Nobody disputes that. Same with freedom of speech. Same with conscientious objection.The simple fact is that the right of parents to guide the moral education of their children is an established right under international law. Nobody disputes that. Same with freedom of speech. Same with conscientious objection.
What we are embarking up on with this legislation potentially is to compromise those fundamental rights in favour of something that has been shown time and again not to be a fundamental human right. The international law on that is clear.What we are embarking up on with this legislation potentially is to compromise those fundamental rights in favour of something that has been shown time and again not to be a fundamental human right. The international law on that is clear.
The Greens have written to the Senate president in protest of the visit of Milo Yiannopoulos to attend and speak at Parliament House. Liberal democratic party senator David Leyonhjelm invited Yiannopoulos. The Greens want his invitation revoked.The Greens have written to the Senate president in protest of the visit of Milo Yiannopoulos to attend and speak at Parliament House. Liberal democratic party senator David Leyonhjelm invited Yiannopoulos. The Greens want his invitation revoked.
I’ve written to the Presiding Officers of the House and Senate asking them to revoke permission for Milo Yiannopoulos to attend and speak at Parliament House. We should not be granting a forum to someone who makes a living by peddling racist, sexist and abusive views. pic.twitter.com/yqeitw3DdwI’ve written to the Presiding Officers of the House and Senate asking them to revoke permission for Milo Yiannopoulos to attend and speak at Parliament House. We should not be granting a forum to someone who makes a living by peddling racist, sexist and abusive views. pic.twitter.com/yqeitw3Ddw
David Fawcett is on his feet, talking about the anti-detriment shield he is proposing alongside James Paterson. The shield is designed to protect people who oppose same-sex marriage from unfavourable treatment by public authorities. It would, for example, prevent a public service agency from dismissing or threatening to dismiss a public servant for holding a view on same-sex marriage. It doesn’t protect people who threaten or harass someone.David Fawcett is on his feet, talking about the anti-detriment shield he is proposing alongside James Paterson. The shield is designed to protect people who oppose same-sex marriage from unfavourable treatment by public authorities. It would, for example, prevent a public service agency from dismissing or threatening to dismiss a public servant for holding a view on same-sex marriage. It doesn’t protect people who threaten or harass someone.
Fawcett said:Fawcett said:
We’re talking here about a view of marriage that has been around for millennia.We’re talking here about a view of marriage that has been around for millennia.
The concern that is being raised and was raised during the Senate select committee ... is that we have already seen actions by advocates here ... where action has been taken against people, not because they’ve been discriminating but because they have expressed their view.The concern that is being raised and was raised during the Senate select committee ... is that we have already seen actions by advocates here ... where action has been taken against people, not because they’ve been discriminating but because they have expressed their view.
Moving back to the Senate for the moment, where the debate on the same-sex marriage bill has resumed. The Liberal senator James Paterson has introduced amendments to protect freedom of speech, create an anti-detriment shield and protect the rights of parents to pull their children from lessons they don’t like on sexuality or gender.Moving back to the Senate for the moment, where the debate on the same-sex marriage bill has resumed. The Liberal senator James Paterson has introduced amendments to protect freedom of speech, create an anti-detriment shield and protect the rights of parents to pull their children from lessons they don’t like on sexuality or gender.
James Paterson is introducing "freedom amendments" as #marriageequality Senate debate recommences. Free speech, anti-detriment, parental rights. #auspolJames Paterson is introducing "freedom amendments" as #marriageequality Senate debate recommences. Free speech, anti-detriment, parental rights. #auspol
Paterson: if these aren't passed it won't be clear that Australians have the right to speak freely about their marriage views. They set aside states' anti-discrimination laws. Singles out Tasmanian laws as "egregious". #auspol #marriageequalityPaterson: if these aren't passed it won't be clear that Australians have the right to speak freely about their marriage views. They set aside states' anti-discrimination laws. Singles out Tasmanian laws as "egregious". #auspol #marriageequality
Just a bit more on the ombudsman’s report. It has found the breach was only detected as a result of prompting of the AFP from an external agency.Just a bit more on the ombudsman’s report. It has found the breach was only detected as a result of prompting of the AFP from an external agency.
The ombudsman has also warned there is ambiguity about when a journalist information warrant is required, which will no doubt cause concern among media outlets. The ombudsman found:The ombudsman has also warned there is ambiguity about when a journalist information warrant is required, which will no doubt cause concern among media outlets. The ombudsman found:
During the course of our inspection, we also identified that there is ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of when a journalist information warrant is required. It appears that the intention of the journalist information warrant provisions is to require a warrant prior to authorising the disclosure of metadata to identify a journalist’s source. It is arguable, however, that those provisions only apply in the more limited circumstance where the authorisation is seeking to access the metadata of a journalist or their employer. That is, if an authorisation was issued for the purpose of identifying a journalist’s source but is not made directly in relation to that journalist or their employer, a warrant is not required.During the course of our inspection, we also identified that there is ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of when a journalist information warrant is required. It appears that the intention of the journalist information warrant provisions is to require a warrant prior to authorising the disclosure of metadata to identify a journalist’s source. It is arguable, however, that those provisions only apply in the more limited circumstance where the authorisation is seeking to access the metadata of a journalist or their employer. That is, if an authorisation was issued for the purpose of identifying a journalist’s source but is not made directly in relation to that journalist or their employer, a warrant is not required.
The commonwealth ombudsman has released its report on the federal police’s unauthorised access of a journalist’s metadata earlier this year.The commonwealth ombudsman has released its report on the federal police’s unauthorised access of a journalist’s metadata earlier this year.
In April, the AFP commissioner, Andrew Colvin, revealed his officers had inadvertently accessed the metadata of a journalist without the special warrant needed. The professional standards unit (PRS) had accessed the metadata to identify the journalist’s source. Colvin’s office waited three days after informing the ombudsman’s office to tell the public. He was yet to tell the journalist at the time of the public announcement.In April, the AFP commissioner, Andrew Colvin, revealed his officers had inadvertently accessed the metadata of a journalist without the special warrant needed. The professional standards unit (PRS) had accessed the metadata to identify the journalist’s source. Colvin’s office waited three days after informing the ombudsman’s office to tell the public. He was yet to tell the journalist at the time of the public announcement.
The ombudsman’s office found a number of factors were involved in the breach, including:The ombudsman’s office found a number of factors were involved in the breach, including:
insufficient awareness of the requirements for a journalist information warrant within the PRSinsufficient awareness of the requirements for a journalist information warrant within the PRS
A failure by the PRS to appreciate their responsibilities when exercising their metadata powersA failure by the PRS to appreciate their responsibilities when exercising their metadata powers
the AFP relied too heavily on manual checks and did not have “strong system controls” in place to prevent unauthorised accessthe AFP relied too heavily on manual checks and did not have “strong system controls” in place to prevent unauthorised access
It asked the AFP to review its approach to metadata awareness and training.It asked the AFP to review its approach to metadata awareness and training.
The attorney general, George Brandis, welcomed the report and said the AFP had already made significant progress in implementing its advice.The attorney general, George Brandis, welcomed the report and said the AFP had already made significant progress in implementing its advice.
I congratulate the AFP for the cooperative, open and transparent approach it has taken in engaging with the ombudsman throughout this inspection.I congratulate the AFP for the cooperative, open and transparent approach it has taken in engaging with the ombudsman throughout this inspection.
Metadata is a vital investigative tool, used in virtually all counter-terrorism and serious criminal investigations. Journalist information warrants were one of the additional safeguards introduced as part of the government’s data retention legislation.Metadata is a vital investigative tool, used in virtually all counter-terrorism and serious criminal investigations. Journalist information warrants were one of the additional safeguards introduced as part of the government’s data retention legislation.
The shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, says Labor is closely considering support for a federal anti-corruption body. He said a formal position would be adopted one way or another before the federal election.The shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, says Labor is closely considering support for a federal anti-corruption body. He said a formal position would be adopted one way or another before the federal election.
But he appears to be speaking favourably about the concept. Dreyfus spoke to Sky News a little earlier.But he appears to be speaking favourably about the concept. Dreyfus spoke to Sky News a little earlier.
We’ve certainly never ruled this out. Labor senators participated in a Senate select committee, which was unfortunately interrupted by the election last year. It was reconstituted after the election and reported in September and the call that that all-party committee made was for the federal government to examine a broad-based anti-corruption agency. The federal government has not responded to that recommendation made in September. We’re looking very closely at this and could not but be impressed by the call from retired judges of the eminence of those you interviewed yesterday. They are but two of a larger group of very eminent retired judges.We’ve certainly never ruled this out. Labor senators participated in a Senate select committee, which was unfortunately interrupted by the election last year. It was reconstituted after the election and reported in September and the call that that all-party committee made was for the federal government to examine a broad-based anti-corruption agency. The federal government has not responded to that recommendation made in September. We’re looking very closely at this and could not but be impressed by the call from retired judges of the eminence of those you interviewed yesterday. They are but two of a larger group of very eminent retired judges.
Between now and the next election, I can say that Labor will adopt a formal position one way or another. And I think I can say on behalf of my colleagues that we are looking and listening to what appear to be rising calls for such a body at the federal level.Between now and the next election, I can say that Labor will adopt a formal position one way or another. And I think I can say on behalf of my colleagues that we are looking and listening to what appear to be rising calls for such a body at the federal level.
Watch this space.Watch this space.
We witnessed history this morning when the same-sex marriage bill passed its second reading stage.We witnessed history this morning when the same-sex marriage bill passed its second reading stage.
It was the first time either chamber has voted in favour of proceeding with marriage equality. There have been 23 bills dealing with same-sex marriage in the past but only four have previously come to a vote.It was the first time either chamber has voted in favour of proceeding with marriage equality. There have been 23 bills dealing with same-sex marriage in the past but only four have previously come to a vote.
Photographer Mike Bowers has spent most of the day capturing the colour and movement in the Senate, where same-sex marriage has again dominated. We’re nearly ready to resume the debate on the bill. Until then, have a look at the day through Bowers’ eyes.Photographer Mike Bowers has spent most of the day capturing the colour and movement in the Senate, where same-sex marriage has again dominated. We’re nearly ready to resume the debate on the bill. Until then, have a look at the day through Bowers’ eyes.
Liberal senator James Paterson revealed to the Senate earlier today he was a fan of electronic dance music (EDM).Liberal senator James Paterson revealed to the Senate earlier today he was a fan of electronic dance music (EDM).
The internet, as it tends to do, has taken that morsel and run with it. Good times abound.The internet, as it tends to do, has taken that morsel and run with it. Good times abound.
It's obvious now... pic.twitter.com/N5dU0r42fuIt's obvious now... pic.twitter.com/N5dU0r42fu
James Paterson turns his hat backwards, put on his most beige slacks and loudly complains that Triple J is too mainstream https://t.co/GQPFN7XSIFJames Paterson turns his hat backwards, put on his most beige slacks and loudly complains that Triple J is too mainstream https://t.co/GQPFN7XSIF
James Paterson reveals he is "more of an EDM man" when talking about Triple J moving the date of the Hottest 100 pic.twitter.com/dvMblkKomcJames Paterson reveals he is "more of an EDM man" when talking about Triple J moving the date of the Hottest 100 pic.twitter.com/dvMblkKomc
Senator James Paterson (L), pictured c. 1999 pic.twitter.com/1txl8GHjQXSenator James Paterson (L), pictured c. 1999 pic.twitter.com/1txl8GHjQX
In the spotlight-PHON leader Pauline Hanson during voting on amendments to the bill to change the marriage act in the senate @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/NdPIu52fyz pic.twitter.com/4PAqOywesGIn the spotlight-PHON leader Pauline Hanson during voting on amendments to the bill to change the marriage act in the senate @knausc @murpharoo @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/NdPIu52fyz pic.twitter.com/4PAqOywesG
We mentioned the powerful address given by George Brandis a bit earlier today. We’ve just got some vision through of some of the highlights.We mentioned the powerful address given by George Brandis a bit earlier today. We’ve just got some vision through of some of the highlights.
And my colleague Paul Karp has written a fuller take on the speech here:And my colleague Paul Karp has written a fuller take on the speech here:
The government is using the last of question time to give a Dixer to the communications minister Mitch Fifield on the Hottest 100.The government is using the last of question time to give a Dixer to the communications minister Mitch Fifield on the Hottest 100.
The question is met with groans from the opposite side of the chamber.The question is met with groans from the opposite side of the chamber.
Fifield uses it as another chance to kick the ABC. The ABC shouldn’t be inserting themselves into political debates, apparently.Fifield uses it as another chance to kick the ABC. The ABC shouldn’t be inserting themselves into political debates, apparently.
It’s been the soundtrack for Australia Day. The decision taken by the ABC to remove the hottest 100 from Australia Day is quite frankly bewildering. It is one that the government does not support.It’s been the soundtrack for Australia Day. The decision taken by the ABC to remove the hottest 100 from Australia Day is quite frankly bewildering. It is one that the government does not support.
The questioner, Liberal senator James Paterson, goes on to reveal he doesn’t listen to Triple J.The questioner, Liberal senator James Paterson, goes on to reveal he doesn’t listen to Triple J.
He’s more of an EDM (electronic dance music) fan, he tells the Senate. Lucky there’s nothing important to talk about.He’s more of an EDM (electronic dance music) fan, he tells the Senate. Lucky there’s nothing important to talk about.
Fifield later says he has written to the ABC in protest of the decision.Fifield later says he has written to the ABC in protest of the decision.
The attorney general, George Brandis, is asked about his comments on Monday, describing One Nation as “poison” for his side of politics.The attorney general, George Brandis, is asked about his comments on Monday, describing One Nation as “poison” for his side of politics.
Labor’s Penny Wong asks why, given those comments, the government allowed the Queensland LNP to preference One Nation in 49 seats in the state election.Labor’s Penny Wong asks why, given those comments, the government allowed the Queensland LNP to preference One Nation in 49 seats in the state election.
Brandis tells Wong that she is “the last person to be asking that question”.Brandis tells Wong that she is “the last person to be asking that question”.
From you of all people, whose government has apparently been elected in Queensland on One Nation preferences, on One Nation preferences. Let that never be forgotten, Mr President.From you of all people, whose government has apparently been elected in Queensland on One Nation preferences, on One Nation preferences. Let that never be forgotten, Mr President.