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Turnbull says media is inflating diplomatic differences with China – politics live Turnbull says media is inflating diplomatic differences with China –as it happened
(35 minutes later)
The Senate is going to sit late and attempt to deal with the income tax legislation – but we are being told there is “no prospect” of a vote tonight – unless something amazing happens.
Which makes sense, because everyone is still wrangling the numbers.
We’ll leave it there for tonight. A massive thank you to the Guardian brains trust for all that they do. And to Mike Bowers, who may have forgotten I had brought him in homemade pulled pork (see more in the instagram story on @pyjamapolitics) but is still amazing and I couldn’t do it without him.
And to everyone for following along and reading – thank you.
Follow the Guardian for any updates between now and when I fire up the blog again early tomorrow morning – the team are just working on wrapping up some of the issues of the day.
And get some sleep. We have a big six days of sitting ahead of us.
As always – take care of you.
Then Fraser Anning moved a motion calling on the government to move its Australian embassy to Jerusalem, which was another Liberal party council motion passed on the weekend – here are the ayes:
Cory Bernardi just moved a motion to say the government has no plans to privatise the ABC, despite the motion at the Liberal party council, and also “congratulates Liberal Party members for continuing to draw attention to the need for structural and budgetary reform of the ABC”.
Mike Bowers caught the vote.
This is a thing which is also happeningThis is a thing which is also happening
The Future of Your ABC website has gone live today and is the home of news, information and stories about the ABC’s contribution to the community and the future of public broadcasting in Australia. https://t.co/eyUOVad3GXThe Future of Your ABC website has gone live today and is the home of news, information and stories about the ABC’s contribution to the community and the future of public broadcasting in Australia. https://t.co/eyUOVad3GX
Julie Bishop is now addressing the Australia-China business council meeting:Julie Bishop is now addressing the Australia-China business council meeting:
Julie Bishop now up at Australia China Business Council says it is a "comprehensive strategic partnership", one of the highest levels in diplomacy #auspolJulie Bishop now up at Australia China Business Council says it is a "comprehensive strategic partnership", one of the highest levels in diplomacy #auspol
JBish: do we agree on everything with China? No - but it's how you manage those differences that matters. Notes Australia's disagreement with US on trade the withdrawal from Paris Agreement and Iran deal #auspolJBish: do we agree on everything with China? No - but it's how you manage those differences that matters. Notes Australia's disagreement with US on trade the withdrawal from Paris Agreement and Iran deal #auspol
As well as the discussion in the Coalition party room about energy today, some MPs also raised the ABC.As well as the discussion in the Coalition party room about energy today, some MPs also raised the ABC.
The backdrop to today’s discussion: the Liberal council at the weekend passed a motion in support of privatising the ABC – which has kicked a minor hornet’s nest.The backdrop to today’s discussion: the Liberal council at the weekend passed a motion in support of privatising the ABC – which has kicked a minor hornet’s nest.
According to people present at Tuesday’s meeting, the Liberal Tony Pasin said the national broadcaster needed to be more transparent given it was the recipient of significant taxpayer funds.According to people present at Tuesday’s meeting, the Liberal Tony Pasin said the national broadcaster needed to be more transparent given it was the recipient of significant taxpayer funds.
He suggested the ABC should have to publish its ratings for programs, disclose costings per program, and salaries for high profile presenters.He suggested the ABC should have to publish its ratings for programs, disclose costings per program, and salaries for high profile presenters.
The Queensland National George Christensen also wondered whether regional Australians were getting enough bang for their buck in terms of programming.The Queensland National George Christensen also wondered whether regional Australians were getting enough bang for their buck in terms of programming.
On the prime minister’s point that the media might be concentrating on the negatives, it might be timely to throwback to this article from 8 June, where Christian Porter defended the media’s reporting on China.On the prime minister’s point that the media might be concentrating on the negatives, it might be timely to throwback to this article from 8 June, where Christian Porter defended the media’s reporting on China.
That came after an opinion piece by China’s Perth-based consul general, Lei Kezhong, accused the Australian media of repeatedly making up stories about Beijing’s attempts to influence Australian politics.That came after an opinion piece by China’s Perth-based consul general, Lei Kezhong, accused the Australian media of repeatedly making up stories about Beijing’s attempts to influence Australian politics.
From the article:From the article:
In the opinion piece, Lei pointed out China’s role as a trading partner with Australia, as well as its growing tourism and international student markets, and said a “healthy and stable China-Australia relationship will better serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples.”In the opinion piece, Lei pointed out China’s role as a trading partner with Australia, as well as its growing tourism and international student markets, and said a “healthy and stable China-Australia relationship will better serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples.”
“However, since the second half of last year, some Australian media have repeatedly fabricated news stories about so-called ‘Chinese influence and infiltration in Australia’, and some Australian politicians have also made irresponsible remarks which are not conducive to the mutual political trust between two countries, putting our bilateral relations in jeopardy,” Lei wrote.“However, since the second half of last year, some Australian media have repeatedly fabricated news stories about so-called ‘Chinese influence and infiltration in Australia’, and some Australian politicians have also made irresponsible remarks which are not conducive to the mutual political trust between two countries, putting our bilateral relations in jeopardy,” Lei wrote.
“It is my view that China and Australia, both located in the Asia-Pacific region, are highly complementary in economic advantages and deeply intertwined common interests.“It is my view that China and Australia, both located in the Asia-Pacific region, are highly complementary in economic advantages and deeply intertwined common interests.
“... I hope that the Australian media and people from all walks of life here can correctly understand China and China’s development and view China-Australia relations in an objective and positive way.”“... I hope that the Australian media and people from all walks of life here can correctly understand China and China’s development and view China-Australia relations in an objective and positive way.”
In response Porter, who took charge of the government’s foreign interference and anti-spying legislation following George Brandis’s departure, defended the media’s reporting on outside influences.In response Porter, who took charge of the government’s foreign interference and anti-spying legislation following George Brandis’s departure, defended the media’s reporting on outside influences.
“Those statements that are made by a free and open press in Australia might be loved or not loved by governments of any particular country overseas, but the reality is that type of free inquiry, free speech and freedom of political communication is just an inherent and immutable part of our system,” he said.“Those statements that are made by a free and open press in Australia might be loved or not loved by governments of any particular country overseas, but the reality is that type of free inquiry, free speech and freedom of political communication is just an inherent and immutable part of our system,” he said.
“Media reporting on these issues is not anything to be unexpected, it’s totally to be expected. It’s a healthy and critical part of our democratic system.“Media reporting on these issues is not anything to be unexpected, it’s totally to be expected. It’s a healthy and critical part of our democratic system.
“... It’s a simple thing to say the media is fabricating a story, but which particular story is said to be fabricated? Our media is stringent, investigative. They chase every rabbit down every hole.”“... It’s a simple thing to say the media is fabricating a story, but which particular story is said to be fabricated? Our media is stringent, investigative. They chase every rabbit down every hole.”
From Malcolm Turnbull’s speech:From Malcolm Turnbull’s speech:
“From time to time, there will be differences, and in terms of issues, particular issues, but the important thing is, we deal with them, as friends. With respect.“From time to time, there will be differences, and in terms of issues, particular issues, but the important thing is, we deal with them, as friends. With respect.
“Mutual respect is the absolute key. That is what we undertake and I know that is what characterises our relationship.“Mutual respect is the absolute key. That is what we undertake and I know that is what characterises our relationship.
“Sometimes you will get issues at a fairly granular level. Recently there were reports of containers of wine being held up on the docks. Well, we went to work to ensure that that could be resolved and indeed, so it was.“Sometimes you will get issues at a fairly granular level. Recently there were reports of containers of wine being held up on the docks. Well, we went to work to ensure that that could be resolved and indeed, so it was.
“...So the important thing is to keep building the relationship - as I said it based on mutual respect - yes, we have different political system, but as long as we respect each other, recognise that we have so much in common to share and above all, recognise that we have a great economic relationship....but it is a family relationship as well. “... So the important thing is to keep building the relationship – as I said it based on mutual respect – yes, we have different political system, but as long as we respect each other, recognise that we have so much in common to share and above all, recognise that we have a great economic relationship ... but it is a family relationship as well.
“You could not imagine modern Australia without our 1.2 million Australians of Chinese heritage and it is just part of our extraordinary story, this great Australian project, the most successful multicultural society in the world.“You could not imagine modern Australia without our 1.2 million Australians of Chinese heritage and it is just part of our extraordinary story, this great Australian project, the most successful multicultural society in the world.
“So I am filled with optimism about the relationship, I think we should all be positive about it and recognise the strengths of the engagement and also note that sometimes in the media, there is always going to be, an emphasis on differences, on conflict, on problems, overwhelmingly the relationship is strong and by any measure, getting stronger.”“So I am filled with optimism about the relationship, I think we should all be positive about it and recognise the strengths of the engagement and also note that sometimes in the media, there is always going to be, an emphasis on differences, on conflict, on problems, overwhelmingly the relationship is strong and by any measure, getting stronger.”
Despite one of the Australian businessmen making the comment that he was “disappointed” with Penny Wong and Jason Clare addressing some of the issues between the Australia and China relationship in their speeches to the council, because it is meant to be a ‘positive’ day of coming together, it is all the Chinese attendees seem to want to talk about:Despite one of the Australian businessmen making the comment that he was “disappointed” with Penny Wong and Jason Clare addressing some of the issues between the Australia and China relationship in their speeches to the council, because it is meant to be a ‘positive’ day of coming together, it is all the Chinese attendees seem to want to talk about:
Next questioner: "the relationship does not match the trade - what is your plan to improve it?". Turnbull: "it's very strong ... Important not to be distracted by media and politics that highlights and accentuates friction" #auspolNext questioner: "the relationship does not match the trade - what is your plan to improve it?". Turnbull: "it's very strong ... Important not to be distracted by media and politics that highlights and accentuates friction" #auspol
The tie has been cutThe tie has been cut
Today the Australian Parliament passed legislation to establish a National #Redress Scheme for the survivors of child sexual abuse. I made a promise to the indomitable Leonie Sheedie from @CLAN_AU that when this happened I would cut my tie in half and send it to her. pic.twitter.com/dhtleQusUiToday the Australian Parliament passed legislation to establish a National #Redress Scheme for the survivors of child sexual abuse. I made a promise to the indomitable Leonie Sheedie from @CLAN_AU that when this happened I would cut my tie in half and send it to her. pic.twitter.com/dhtleQusUi
Malcolm Turnbull is addressing the Australia-China Business Council meeting -
Turnbull: you'll see in the media, sometimes by pollies including today by my opponents "you see more negativity than is actually the case" about Oz China relationship. Important to "reinforce the reality" #auspol
Julie Bishop has officially signed the contract which will see Australia build the telecommunications cable the Solomon Islands needed. From her statement:
Today I announce the Australian Government will partner with telecommunications company Vocus to manage the construction of high-speed undersea telecommunications cables to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands.
Awarding the $136.6 million contract to delivery partner Vocus is a major milestone and signals the start of the physical installation of the Coral Sea Cable System.
Australia will deliver and majority-fund the cables, with a financial co-contribution from both PNG and Solomon Islands.
Australia’s strong support for this project is a reflection of our enduring commitment to the Pacific, where we work with partners to support the region’s stability, security and prosperity.
Boosting connectivity in PNG and Solomon Islands will drive economic growth, and improve governance and security. World Bank research estimates improved internet access and connectivity could grow GDP by more than US$5 billion and create close to 300,000 new jobs in the Pacific by 2040.
The Coral Sea Cable System is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019.
Returning to the aspirational debate, the problem is, when prosecuting it, you are going to say things which come across as a bit, well, elite.
For example, among the loud noises Malcolm Turnbull made in relation to Bill Shorten’s question on this: I refer to the Prime Minister’s earlier answer when he said that his government rewards aspiration. So under this Prime Minister should a 60 year old aged care worker from Burnie aspire to be an investment banker from Rose Bay just so instead of their $10 a week tax cut from the Prime Minister, they can get the Prime Minister’s $7,000 a year tax cut for investment bankers?
Was this answer: The honorable member should remember that the 60-year-old aged care worker in Burnie is entitled to aspire to get a better job, is entitled to get a promotion, and earn more. Is entitled to be able to earn more money, and working in aged care is a good job, but you are entitled to seek to earn more. Everyone is entitled, everyone is entitled to...every worker, every Australian is entitled to aspire to earn a better income.”
Because not only does it sound like, for a moment, the prime minister was suggesting that an aged care worker could get a better job, thereby, for a moment (he did correct himself in the whole quote, and just like with Tanya Plibersek it is important to have these things in context) implying aged care work wasn’t a good job, he also just said that a 60-year-old worker could aspire to a better job/income.
A 60-year-old. This is despite government policy in the last budget to hep over 50-year-olds get work, because we all know how hard it is to be employed as a mature aged worker in this world.
I aspire to be adopted by Beyonce or Rhianna, as well as to ride a unicorn, but there are some dreams which will remain just that, no matter how much you aspire to them.
Craig Kelly is talking to David Speers about the national energy guarantee debate in the Coalition party room.
Just in case you missed it, Tony Abbott told the room that he has been, per Katharine Murphy’s sources, misled by bureaucrats during the Paris process – that being the agreement he voluntarily signed Australia up to, and since losing the leadership, has argued against.
Kelly, who once supported the Neg, now has his own concerns:
“I am concerned how it will work, how much it will cost and what it will do to the comparable advantage to the those industries, internationally.”
In Senate question time the jobs and innovation minister, Michaelia Cash, was asked about news taxpayers would be footing the bill for her legal bid to have subpoenas set aside in the Australian Workers Union challenge of the police raid on its headquarters.
Cash:
“Everything I’ve stated is on the Hansard record, I have absolutely nothing to hide. It’s politically motivated by the AWU. The case is between the AWU and Registered Organisations Commission, because the AWU does not want to produce documents that show … donations [to GetUp] were properly authorised.”
The subpoenas are seeking documents including communications between Cash and her staff about the raid, in an attempt to discover who was responsible for the leak to the media and to bolster the union’s case that the raid was politically motivated.
Cash took on notice a further question about the estimate of her legal bill to fight the subpoenas.
Labor then tried a question about “thuggery” in the Liberal party after the dust-up outside the chicken shop, but Mathias Cormann objected on the basis it was not a supplementary question.
The Senate will be sitting late tonight. Here is the motion which was just passed:
That today—
(a) the routine of business from not later than 7pm shall be government business order of the day No 3 (Treasury laws amendment (personal income tax plan) bill 2018);
(b) if a division is called for after 7pm, the matter before the Senate shall be adjourned until the next day of sitting at a time fixed by the Senate; and
(c) the Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has completed the second reading of the bill, or at 10.30pm, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.
Steve Irons with a question to Dan Tehan (included here because this is how dixers should be used)
“Will the minister update the house on the progress of the national redress bill and the significance of this important piece of legislation to survivors of child sex abuse?”
Tehan:
“... Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to thank the member for Hughes question and can I acknowledge this is an issue which is very dear to his heart, and I know it has touched his family. I would like to thank him for the contribution he has made to this debate and the passage of this bill. Today, the Senate passed the national redress scheme. What it showed was that this Parliament,every single member of this Parliament, both here in the house and in the Senate, was able to put survivors first. And today will mean a lot to those survivors. Come July 1, we will be able to provide them with redress and our task now, and I say this very much in a bipartisan fashion, is to make sure we deliver that redress to the best of our ability. It will involve a payment of up to $150,000, access to psychological counselling services, and a personal apology by the institution.
“Not only do we have a commitment from every state and territory government to join the national redress scheme, but we also have the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, the Uniting Church, the Scouts and others agreeing to be part of the scheme.
“That takes coverage to over 90%. I look forward to other institutions joining over the coming weeks. When we met with survivors and with the premiers of Victoria and New South Wales and their attorney generals at Kirribilli, Leone Sheedy was there, who has advocated very strongly for this. You will remember, she cut your in half. She cut Dan Andrews’s tie in half. Then she headed to cut my tie in half. I said to her I didn’t want to do that, because I wanted to see the passage of the bill through before I cut the tie in half that I wore that day.
“I will be going back to my office, I will be cutting that tie in half, and I will be sending it to Leone.”
He then calls on Jenny Macklin to add her words:
“I think the minister very much, and maybe he should wait until he sees Leone and lets her cut his tie. I’m sure she will take great pleasure in doing so. I do want to associate the opposition with the words of the minister and thank him for his commitment and his hard work, frankly, to get to today. As he said, it is an extraordinary achievement, first and foremost, for the survivors of child sexual abuse, for the care leavers from institutions. As all of us no, no amount of money will give these people who were abused as children, they won’t get their childhoods back. There will be a way in which all of us, all Australians, can acknowledge and a sum compensation for the horrific abuse that people have suffered.
“Today is a very significant day. It will be a difficult task, a very difficult task, for this redress to be delivered. A lot of people will have to remember again the abuse that they suffered, but it is something that people have worked very hard for, and I thank the government for their efforts.”
And question time ends on that bipartisan note.
Speaking of Tanya Plibesek, her time in the sin bin is over:
Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:
“Tafe teaches students and apprentices from all around the country are gathered around today. Can the PM explain why he is cutting another $270m from skills and apprenticeships in this year’s budget, while giving $80bn to big business. Will the PM reverse his opposition to Labor’s plans to cover upfront fees for 100,000 TAFE places and train more Australians?”
Josh Frydenberg, representing Simon Birmingham, takes the question:
(After criticising Labor’s record)
“The Liberal party is supporting 300,000 aspirational apprentices. A $70bn infrastructure rollout is looking to support apprentices all the way, and of course the VET system is now getting going. At the end of the day you can look at the Labor party record, where they cut all the apprentices, cut money out of the program, and in contrast we are creating hundreds of thousands of new positions for aspirational apprentices across the country.”
Paul Fletcher takes a nice little potshot at Tanya Plibersek in his dixer answer:
“… If you are a well-paid Labor MP married to a well-paid bureaucrat, aspiration may be very puzzling to you as you sip your decaf soy latte, as you munch your kale and quinoa salad, but in Mount Gambier, the fact that there could be up to 3,270 additional jobs, because of the NBN being connected, delivering jobs and economic opportunities, because the NBN is being rolled out across the country, that is what the coalition government is doing. We are delivering for the people of Australia with the NBN rollout and in so many other ways.”