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| 'Better second time around': Abbott launches Hanson's book – politics live | 'Better second time around': Abbott launches Hanson's book – politics live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Annnnnnd from a potential new Cold War to the cricket, (because this is still Australia) | |
| Malcolm Turnbull: | |
| They [Cricket Australia] now have two make sure that this great, national game, this great international game that is synonymous with fair play, is once again a game that is played by champions, that everybody can look up to. I mean, this has been a shocking affront to Australia. It is, you know, how many of us, as children, how many of us as fathers and mothers, have had children who have looked up to the Australian team? Have looked up to their idols,to their role models? This cheating is, it is a disgrace. We all know that, it is a terrible disgrace. And we... Cricket Australia is dealing with it, they have to investigate it and they have to act, continue to act decisively and emphatically, and we have to... Where do we want to get to? We want to get to the point where we can all say once again, not rhetorically but heartfelt and with sincerity, that cricket is a fair game, cricket is a game that is synonymous with a fair go and fair play, that is what has to happen and I want to add one other point. I think, and I said this to [Cricket Australia Chair]David Peever, I will not go on to say everything I have to him and I will say this, I think there has to be the strongest action taken against this practice of sledging. It has got right out of control, it should have no place in, I want to be very clear about this,this, the game of cricket is, it should be that once again is held up as a role model, and I think that is the, some of the sledging as some of the shocking conduct that we have seen is also part of the process of review and reflection that is going to be undertaken.” | |
| As to whether the world is watching the dawn of a new Cold War, Malcolm Turnbull urged caution: | |
| Look, this is a very different environment to the Cold War, there are obviously some, there are some similarities but without getting into a discussion which I would love to engage in at some point with you all, but it would take too long to talk about the history of the Cold War and such good developments, I think it is justas important, rather than getting sentimental about Lecarre novels and bygone eras, let’s just focus on the facts here. We have a government which has used a chemical weapon on the soil of another nation in an attempt to assassinate individuals in that other country...this is a shocking crime, it is a shocking crime. Now, this is a shocking crime. It is a shocking breach of the rule of law and the use of chemical weapons illegally, contrary to international law, and for the first time, as we have both said, in Europe since the Second World War,this cried out for a concerted response, so I think we should, I don’t dispute the interesting history and background and historical analogues, but let’s just focus on what happened in Salisbury on the 4 March, a shocking crime called out for a concerted global response, and Australia is playing its part in that strong response today.” | |
| The Foreign Minister said Australia may consider holding the Socceroos back from the upcoming World Cup, as part of further sanctions: | |
| In relation to sanctions, Australia already has a range of autonomous sanctions against Russia, in particular those that were imposed in the aftermath of the illegal annexation of Crimea, and those sanctions have been reviewed and updated over time, so we have sanctions against a number of individuals and a number of Russian entities. The impact of sanctions,of course, is strongest when it is done collectively, and so we will continue to liaise with the Foreign Office and other allies and partners on this issue as to whether further action will be taken in response to the deployment of a chemical nerve agent in Salisbury. | |
| “There are a whole range of further options of action that could be taken, the boycott of the World Cup is one of the further actions that could be taken in relation to this matter.” | |
| Under the Vienna Convention, Russia can expel any Australian diplomats in what is generally known as the tit-for-tat response, without giving a reason. | |
| Julie Bishop said Australia expects this to happen and is preparing for it. | |
| Julie Bishop followed suit: | |
| We see this as a direct challenge, a direct attack on the international rules-based system and Australia is a staunch defender of the international rules-based system. We are also a member of the Organisation for the Prohibition against Chemical Weapons and we chair the Australia Group, which is a grouping of nations determined to control the export of chemical weapons. | |
| So with that background, Australia could not tolerate this act on the part of the Russians in the United Kingdom. As the prime minister points out, Russia is in a unique position to uphold global peace and security. As a permanent member of the security council, Russia has a unique responsibility to strengthen and uphold the international rules-based order, yet there has been a pattern of conduct over recent times that shows Russia is in direct defiance of that very rules-based order, with political assassinations, cyberattacks, the illegal annexation of crime, invasions of other countries’ territory and Georgia, Ukraine, its disruptive role in the investigation into the downing of MH17, when it should be assisting the investigations. | |
| I have remained in constant communication with [UK] foreign secretary Boris Johnson in relation to the investigation and the ongoing actions that may well be taken in response to this matter. We will continue to support our friends and allies, particularly in relation to this illegal, reckless and atrocious attempts to use chemical weapons in Europe – the first attempt since the second world war, as the prime minister has indicated. | |
| Malcolm Turnbull is not mincing words when it comes to Russia this morning: | |
| This was a disgraceful attack ... on the sovereignty of the United Kingdom and the rule of law and we utterly condemn it. As the UK authorities have made clear, this was a fundamental breach of international law, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. Russia has an obligation under the chemical weapons convention and the United Nations charter. The fact that Russia is a member of the United Nations security council, the body tasked with ensuring global security, makes this breach of international law especially dangerous and shocking. | |
| It reflects a pattern of recklessness and aggression by the Russian government, including the annexation of Crimea, the invasion of eastern Ukraine, the downing of MH17, cyber attacks and efforts to manipulate western nations’ elections. This latest incident had demanded a response and has received a concerted international response from the United Kingdom’s allies and partners around the world. To do nothing would only encourage further efforts to undermine the international rules based order upon which our security and prosperity rely. | |
| ... The foreign minister and I want to stress that Australia has no dispute with the Russian people. Indeed, today, we offer our condolences for the devastating fire that has killed scores of people in a shopping centre in a Siberian city. | |
| This is about the actions of the Russian government. It is about our national security interests, which we will always defend. We cannot and will not stand by and watch when the sovereignty of our allies and partners is threatened and that is why we are taking the strong action today. It reflects our values as a nation. Respecting the rule of law, adhering to international conventions and rules-based order. Upholding our own sovereignty as well as supporting the sovereignty of our allies and partners. | |
| This type of activity is one of the key reasons why we have prioritised laws to disrupt and prosecute foreign interference and covert behaviour and we call on the parliament to pass these laws once they are through the current committee process. | |
| The brazen attack, the criminal attack in the United Kingdom, in Salisbury on 4 March, was an attack on all of us. It was an attack on the sovereignty of every nation that respects the rule of law and that is why we are taking this action today with another 23 nations around the world. We are defining this recklessness, this lawlessness from Russia and expressing in solidarity with the United Kingdom and other nations that share those values that we will not tolerate this type of reckless undermining of international law, this reckless assault on the sovereignty of nations. | |
| Mitch Fifield has announced the government will be banning services that allow people to bet on the outcome of lotteries and keno games. From his statement: | |
| The government has formed the view that permitting betting on these services, also known as ‘synthetic’ lotteries, undermines the longstanding community acceptance of official lottery and keno products. | |
| These products enjoy community support as they generate an income stream for small retail businesses and make a significant contribution, through licence fees and taxation, to the provision of public services and infrastructure by state and territory governments. | |
| Traditional lotteries and keno games are popular and longstanding recreational gambling products that form an important income stream for thousands of small businesses across Australia, including newsagents, pharmacies, pubs and community clubs. They also generate significant taxation revenue for state and territory governments, helping to fund schools, hospitals, public transport and roads. | |
| Online services offering products that involve betting on lottery outcomes are relatively new and have generated considerable community concern. Since these concerns were first raised last year, the government has listened carefully to a range of groups that have views on the undesirability of permitting betting on these products. | |
| Many Australians enjoy lotteries and keno as a recreational activity and the Turnbull government is committed to ensuring that gambling takes place under a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections and within the boundaries of community standards. | |
| The legislation will commence operation six months after passage through the parliament to ensure that those businesses currently offering online betting on lotteries and keno have an appropriate transition period within which to cease their activity. | |
| Just on the Hanson-Abbott lovefest, Tony Abbott mentioned he was glad Australia had acted against Russia: | |
| I think that right around the world there is this just this horror and revulsion at the idea that Putin’s death squads are stalking the streets of England. | |
| I mean, the idea that the leader of a serious country is sending his death squads into the quiet, provincial cities of England to stalk people who he regards as his enemies is absolutely and utterly abhorrent. | |
| But let’s remember what Pauline Hanson had to say in February last year, after the MH17 tragedy, when Russia or agents acting for the state, were accused of shooting down a passenger plane over Ukraine, which led to the death of 38 Australians: | |
| [On MH17] You are picking out something, do you think that everything that our prime ministers have done has been in the best interests? You know everyone has done something. | |
| I am not saying I support him [Putin] for what he has done there, but overall, as a person, who is strong and stands up for his country [I do support him].” | |
| Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop will address the media just after midday, about the decision to expel two Russian diplomats, who have been identified as undeclared intelligence officers. | Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop will address the media just after midday, about the decision to expel two Russian diplomats, who have been identified as undeclared intelligence officers. |
| When bygones are publicity, I mean bygones. | |
| In somewhat lighter news to come out of caucus, Ed Husic has revealed on his Instagram page that Andrew Leigh, known as a marathon runner extraordinaire, succumbed to a cheat day and consumed a hot cross bun. | In somewhat lighter news to come out of caucus, Ed Husic has revealed on his Instagram page that Andrew Leigh, known as a marathon runner extraordinaire, succumbed to a cheat day and consumed a hot cross bun. |
| BREAKING: pic.twitter.com/PmOEkoDZ3t | BREAKING: pic.twitter.com/PmOEkoDZ3t |
| Labor caucus has met, with Bill Shorten welcoming Ged Kearney after her win in the Batman byelection. | Labor caucus has met, with Bill Shorten welcoming Ged Kearney after her win in the Batman byelection. |
| On the pensioner guarantee, Shorten said Labor has “always been the party who protects pensioners” and noted the Council on the Ageing had supported the policy.He said regardless of whether the tax cut for companies earning more than $50m a year passes, the “battlelines for the next election are now drawn ... and that contest starts now”. Labor will be emphasising its greater spending on social services, including the fact it will not lift the pension age to 70. | On the pensioner guarantee, Shorten said Labor has “always been the party who protects pensioners” and noted the Council on the Ageing had supported the policy.He said regardless of whether the tax cut for companies earning more than $50m a year passes, the “battlelines for the next election are now drawn ... and that contest starts now”. Labor will be emphasising its greater spending on social services, including the fact it will not lift the pension age to 70. |
| The shadow treasurer, Chris Bowen, noted under the changes to the dividend imputation rebate policy, Labor will be protecting 25% of the people affected while still banking 94% of the revenue. | The shadow treasurer, Chris Bowen, noted under the changes to the dividend imputation rebate policy, Labor will be protecting 25% of the people affected while still banking 94% of the revenue. |
| In terms of legislation: | In terms of legislation: |
| Labor will oppose the government bill to reduce the higher education student loan repayment threshold to $45,000 and put a lifetime limit of $104,000 on student debt | Labor will oppose the government bill to reduce the higher education student loan repayment threshold to $45,000 and put a lifetime limit of $104,000 on student debt |
| Labor will oppose the drug testing welfare recipients bill | Labor will oppose the drug testing welfare recipients bill |
| Labor will support the home affairs department machinery of government changes, pending amendments recommended by the security committee. Mark Dreyfus explained this was because it believes machinery of government are a matter for the government | Labor will support the home affairs department machinery of government changes, pending amendments recommended by the security committee. Mark Dreyfus explained this was because it believes machinery of government are a matter for the government |
| -- | -- |
| Tony Abbott just referred to politics as a “vocation” and “a calling”, which is what was reported he had been telling colleagues in the story he described as “joke journalism” yesterday. Aaron Patrick’s story was about Abbott talking to colleagues about stepping up as opposition leader if the Coalition loses the next election. | Tony Abbott just referred to politics as a “vocation” and “a calling”, which is what was reported he had been telling colleagues in the story he described as “joke journalism” yesterday. Aaron Patrick’s story was about Abbott talking to colleagues about stepping up as opposition leader if the Coalition loses the next election. |
| In that press conference, Pauline Hanson also compared herself to Nelson Mandela, while Abbott said he thinks the Coalition should preference One Nation at the next election and he will be pushing for that within the party. | In that press conference, Pauline Hanson also compared herself to Nelson Mandela, while Abbott said he thinks the Coalition should preference One Nation at the next election and he will be pushing for that within the party. |
| More joke journalism from Aaron Patrick. A story that's not backed by a single on-the-record quote except from someone who said the story was untrue. | More joke journalism from Aaron Patrick. A story that's not backed by a single on-the-record quote except from someone who said the story was untrue. |
| It’s been a while since I had to type this name – but Barnaby is back. | It’s been a while since I had to type this name – but Barnaby is back. |