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Coalition pulls company tax bill, for now – politics live Coalition pulls company tax bill, saying it doesn't have the numbers – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Malcolm Turnbull has spoken about the company tax impasse at a Business Council of Australia event in Parliament House.
Turnbull said the government started the week with 33 votes in favour of the company tax cut, and by this point had now got to 37 votes. He said the Coalition was “not giving up” although he conceded it would not come to a vote this week.
“My government will continue fighting to give you the tools you need, the legislation you need ... [to create] more jobs, better jobs and better paid jobs.”
Turnbull encouraged businesses to keep talking to the crossbench – even Labor and the Greens (though he warned “it’ll be a slog” in their case).
The prime minister said the government was not fighting for bigger dividends or CEO pay cheques, but rather the competitiveness of the Australian economy. He warned that Australia is a small open market economy that could not seriously contemplate the situation where it has the highest company tax rate in the OECD.
Here’s a preview of what the Russian ambassador had to say to the ABC tonight:
"Ask your authorities how they could judge who is a special agent or not," the Russian ambassador told @abc730. https://t.co/SBBLUMvCl8
Labor is enjoying the government’s admission it doesn’t have the numbers for its company tax cut as yet.Labor is enjoying the government’s admission it doesn’t have the numbers for its company tax cut as yet.
Don Farrell says “I’d say to the crossbench who are considering supporting this legislaiton...here is an opportunity to reflect on your decision to support this legislation. Because that decision is the wrong decision. That is not the way we tackle inequality in this country.” Don Farrell says “I’d say to the crossbench who are considering supporting this legislation ... here is an opportunity to reflect on your decision to support this legislation. Because that decision is the wrong decision. That is not the way we tackle inequality in this country.”
The Stillbirth Foundation Australia has welcomed the news of an inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia.The Stillbirth Foundation Australia has welcomed the news of an inquiry into Stillbirth in Australia.
CEO Victoria Bowring had this to say in a statement:CEO Victoria Bowring had this to say in a statement:
The Foundation also notes the overwhelming support from all political parties in the Senate to establish the Inquiry. The foundation also notes the overwhelming support from all political parties in the Senate to establish the inquiry.
“The Foundation thanks all Senators for their support in establishing this Inquiry,” Ms Bowring said. “The foundation thanks all senators for their support in establishing this Inquiry,” Ms Bowring said.
“A special acknowledgement also goes to our former Patron, Senator Kristina Keneally for her efforts in making this Inquiry a reality. “A special acknowledgement also goes to our former patron, Senator Kristina Keneally, for her efforts in making this inquiry a reality.
“Senator Keneally’s steadfast commitment to addressing this public health crisis is greatly appreciated and will be welcomed by the thousands of families throughout Australia who have been touched by stillbirth.”“Senator Keneally’s steadfast commitment to addressing this public health crisis is greatly appreciated and will be welcomed by the thousands of families throughout Australia who have been touched by stillbirth.”
Mathias Cormann said the government has 37 votes, but needs 39:Mathias Cormann said the government has 37 votes, but needs 39:
“The government has made the decision that we need to do some more work.“The government has made the decision that we need to do some more work.
“We believe there is opportunity to get there, we believe there is an opportunity to persuade the majority of senators ... to ultimately support the tax cut plan in full.“We believe there is opportunity to get there, we believe there is an opportunity to persuade the majority of senators ... to ultimately support the tax cut plan in full.
“... So it is the government’s intention to bring the business tax cut legislation back in the next sitting week.”“... So it is the government’s intention to bring the business tax cut legislation back in the next sitting week.”
So that is after the budget has been handed down.So that is after the budget has been handed down.
Tl;dr – couldn’t convince Tim Storer or Derryn Hinch so no deal this week on company tax cuts.Tl;dr – couldn’t convince Tim Storer or Derryn Hinch so no deal this week on company tax cuts.
At the same time, the prime minister is addressing the Business Council of AustraliaAt the same time, the prime minister is addressing the Business Council of Australia
The PM is now LIVE addressing the Business Council of Australia https://t.co/HVMgz2Jfo4The PM is now LIVE addressing the Business Council of Australia https://t.co/HVMgz2Jfo4
Mathias Cormann is now addressing the Senate about the company tax cuts, as a statement by leave.Mathias Cormann is now addressing the Senate about the company tax cuts, as a statement by leave.
Kristina Keneally and Malarndirri McCarthy have just announced the Senate has agreed to an inquiry into stillbirth:Kristina Keneally and Malarndirri McCarthy have just announced the Senate has agreed to an inquiry into stillbirth:
The inquiry will raise awareness of the need to invest in stillbirth research, coordinate research between Australia and other countries, measure the impact of stillbirths on the Australian economy and explore options for sustainable funding options.The inquiry will raise awareness of the need to invest in stillbirth research, coordinate research between Australia and other countries, measure the impact of stillbirths on the Australian economy and explore options for sustainable funding options.
Currently, the collection of stillbirth data is ad hoc and hinders research efforts rather than consolidating them. Data collection is not well-coordinated between the commonwealth, state and territory jurisdiction and is often out of date.Currently, the collection of stillbirth data is ad hoc and hinders research efforts rather than consolidating them. Data collection is not well-coordinated between the commonwealth, state and territory jurisdiction and is often out of date.
Stillbirth is a public health issue with an economic impact on Australia. The direct costs such as hospital costs, autopsies and counselling, as well as indirect costs such as funerals, parental absenteeism and family support, combine to cost the economy some $681m from 2016–20.Stillbirth is a public health issue with an economic impact on Australia. The direct costs such as hospital costs, autopsies and counselling, as well as indirect costs such as funerals, parental absenteeism and family support, combine to cost the economy some $681m from 2016–20.
It is imperative we understand the reasons why stillbirths occur and what can be done to reduce these high numbers.It is imperative we understand the reasons why stillbirths occur and what can be done to reduce these high numbers.
Despite losing the Bennelong byelection, Kristina Keneally says she had no regrets for challenging:Despite losing the Bennelong byelection, Kristina Keneally says she had no regrets for challenging:
The Bennelong campaign reminded me why I was drawn to politics in the first place.The Bennelong campaign reminded me why I was drawn to politics in the first place.
Because, Mr President, for all its faults and failings, this place is where you get to turn campaign promises into community progress.Because, Mr President, for all its faults and failings, this place is where you get to turn campaign promises into community progress.
This is where we continue the 117-year-old project of building a better and more equal Australia.This is where we continue the 117-year-old project of building a better and more equal Australia.
There is nowhere else I would rather be.There is nowhere else I would rather be.
And after thanking campaigners, Labor MPs, her family and supporters, she finishes with this:And after thanking campaigners, Labor MPs, her family and supporters, she finishes with this:
Nothing I have done or will do is possible without [my husband] Ben by my side.Nothing I have done or will do is possible without [my husband] Ben by my side.
Ben quoted a Billy Bragg song when he proposed to me. Let me now quote one back to express how I feel about him:Ben quoted a Billy Bragg song when he proposed to me. Let me now quote one back to express how I feel about him:
The sun came upThe sun came up
The trees began to singThe trees began to sing
And light shone in on everythingAnd light shone in on everything
I love youI love you
Finally, I dedicate this speech to our three children.Finally, I dedicate this speech to our three children.
Our daughter Caroline never drew breath, but she changed me forever.Our daughter Caroline never drew breath, but she changed me forever.
She enlarged my understanding of love and loss, and she taught me to survive. She made me brave, almost fearless.She enlarged my understanding of love and loss, and she taught me to survive. She made me brave, almost fearless.
Our sons Daniel and Brendan are now young men. They are the sunshine in my life. My sons are confident, generous, hard-working and community minded. I am so proud of them. No matter what I might do on this earth, being Daniel and Brendan’s mother is the best role I’ll ever have.Our sons Daniel and Brendan are now young men. They are the sunshine in my life. My sons are confident, generous, hard-working and community minded. I am so proud of them. No matter what I might do on this earth, being Daniel and Brendan’s mother is the best role I’ll ever have.
For them, and for all young people, I want to help build a stronger, fairer, and more generous Australia.For them, and for all young people, I want to help build a stronger, fairer, and more generous Australia.
And now that this first speech is done, it is time to get on with that task.And now that this first speech is done, it is time to get on with that task.
Heading back to the Senate chamber and Kristina Keneally is talking about her time away from politics:Heading back to the Senate chamber and Kristina Keneally is talking about her time away from politics:
My time out of politics did allow me to pursue particular passions, such as working with Stillbirth Foundation Australia to raise awareness, and much-needed money for research. 2,200 babies are stillborn in Australia each year.My time out of politics did allow me to pursue particular passions, such as working with Stillbirth Foundation Australia to raise awareness, and much-needed money for research. 2,200 babies are stillborn in Australia each year.
That’s six babies a day. Six babies who die every day in Australia. Surely we can do better than that as a nation.That’s six babies a day. Six babies who die every day in Australia. Surely we can do better than that as a nation.
On 18 June 1999, one of those babies was my daughter Caroline.On 18 June 1999, one of those babies was my daughter Caroline.
The rate of stillbirth has not changed in Australia in decades.The rate of stillbirth has not changed in Australia in decades.
Stillbirth is a national public health crisis with major economic impact, and devastating effect on families.Stillbirth is a national public health crisis with major economic impact, and devastating effect on families.
When it comes to stillbirth prevention, there are things we know that we are not telling parents, and there are things we don’t know, but we could, if we changed how we collect data and how we fund research.When it comes to stillbirth prevention, there are things we know that we are not telling parents, and there are things we don’t know, but we could, if we changed how we collect data and how we fund research.
I thank all members of the Senate for voting today to hold a select committee inquiry into stillbirth.I thank all members of the Senate for voting today to hold a select committee inquiry into stillbirth.
As a Senator, I will continue make stillbirth research and prevention a priority.As a Senator, I will continue make stillbirth research and prevention a priority.
Meanwhile:
Interesting night. I'm hearing the government is about to bring on a vote on its marine parks management plans to preempt a Labor/Greens disallowance #auspol
Keneally thanks Sam Dastyari, whose spot in the Senate she took, when the NSW senator was forced to step down, following further revelations over his dealings with a Chinese donor:
As I arrive in the Senate, I acknowledge the service of my friend and predecessor Sam Dastyari.
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as passionate about politics – and yet Sam’s greatest gift is his capacity to engage with people who have no interest in politics whatsoever. I thank him for his service to our movement and wish him every success in whatever he turns his hand to next.”
Kristina Keneally has begun her first speech in the Senate with an explanation of why she believes in unions:
The year before this chamber opened, in 1987, just after graduating from high school, I took a job on an assembly line at Johns-Manville, a fibreglass manufacturer that had two factories in my hometown of Waterville, Ohio.
The work was tedious and hot. But the hourly rate was good, compared to other jobs, and helped me save for my upfront university fees.
I worked eight-hour shifts, sometimes 12, on a crew of four. We wore heavy canvas jumpsuits. When slivers of fibreglass got caught between the canvas collar and the back of the neck, or in the space between the cuffs and the inside of the wrist, the itching would drive us crazy.
We operated one end of a giant machine that made huge sheets of white fibreglass. Our job was to get the fibreglass off the machine and wrapped in plastic. Our final product looked like massive paper towel rolls as we shipped them down the line.
My main responsibility was to attach adhesive to a four-metre-long rotating spindle so it could grab the next sheet of fibreglass coming off the machine.
The spindle rotated at 3km/hour. I was told to stand back three metres holding the tape on a specially designed hook, and given safety stop switch.
Months earlier, a young woman named Leslie Lambert had my job.
She did not have the same safety equipment or practices.
When Leslie was working there, the spindle rotated at 20km/hour. There was no instruction to stand three metres back. There was no hook or safety switch.
One afternoon Leslie was caught by the adhesive, spun around 10 times, cracking her head and back on to the machine, before she was thrown to the floor.
She died.
Leslie was 19.
I never met Leslie, but I know from her obituary that she – like me –was putting herself through university.
I also know that she – like me – was a member of the Teamsters Union.
A union which had been pushing for safer conditions and rules in thatvery factory.
Only a few months separated Leslie and me.
The few months between a dangerous workplace, and a safe one.
And yet the difference is also 31 years.
Thirty-one years in which Leslie Lambert has laid in a grave in East Swanton, Ohio. Thirty-one years in which I have been able to raise a family, study, work, travel, and simply be alive.
I know that the Teamsters Union made their members’ safety at work apriority. I know that they had my back as a worker.
I’ve never forgotten that.
Kristina Keneally is about to deliver her maiden speech to the Senate.
And the Russian ambassador Grigory Logvinov just walked past me in the press gallery - he was on his way to the ABC studios for his 7.30 interview tonight.
AFP (the news wire, not the police) have created a handy visual for just who has expelled Russian diplomats/undeclared intelligence officers:
Spy expulsions a setback for Trump-Putin courtship https://t.co/DmO4AUMD4M @AFPgraphics: 24 countries order the expulsion of 139 alleged Russian agents working under diplomatic cover pic.twitter.com/4pFpuOMsMV
An insight into what we deal with:
God I hate FOI - my heart really goes out to whoever lodged this. They're all like this, such BS. pic.twitter.com/8BHnhvDxV4
The more things change, the more they stay the same:
Fraser Anning wants to make it a criminal offence to burn the flag. pic.twitter.com/gijwdt5gsc
Just for anyone feeling nostalgic for Senate question time:
A few lols in #senateqt today, with Wacka Williams complaining of a "Scottish echo" in his left ear. #auspol @AuSenate pic.twitter.com/7nbPYLcZyv
Just a question: can you be a declared intelligence officer, and if so, doesn’t that make you kinda bad at your job?
Or just Sterling Archer?
The Coalition party room had a lot of ra-ra about Labor’s dividend imputation policy and opposition to company tax cuts.
One interesting flashpoint was on Liddell. Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce asked why the government did not attempt to facilitate a sale of the plant to Chinese group Shandong Ruyi.
The energy and environment minister, Josh Frydenberg, has just addressed the issue on Sky News. Essentially, AGL owns Liddell and the government can’t make it sell the plant to anyone any more than it can make it stay open.
Another point of interest is that seven backbenchers spoke up about South African farmers, warning about the violence against white farmers and defending Peter Dutton against claims of racism for wanting to give them “special attention”. These included Andrew Hastie, Andrew Laming, Craig Kelly, Jim Molan and Luke Howarth.
Kelly suggested everybody, including Coalition leaders, should have done more to defend Dutton. Laming expressed concern that the trickle of information out of South Africa made it difficult to substantiate reports of increased violence.
There was concern the fact that white South African farmers could move to cities and be free of persecution might nullify claims to refugee status. Responses from Malcolm Turnbull, Julie Bishop and Dutton allayed these concerns - because Australia has two streams and can grant humanitarian visas even if people don’t qualify as refugees.
Bishop stressed the consistency of her stance with Dutton’s because both agree that South Africans would qualify under existing visa rules.