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Labor moves to split government's income tax bill – politics live Labor moves to split government's income tax bill – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Chris Bowen says Labor will make tax an election issue:
Now, as I said, the Labor Party’s position is fair, responsible, some may say brave. We’ll take that criticism. But we’re prepared to stand for our values. We’re prepared to do what we think is responsible.
“We’re prepared to do, as shown time and time again in the economic debate in the last five years, to lead and take risks and be the responsible parties when it comes to the budget.
“We’re providing better and fairer tax relief for Australians but also providing amore responsible budget repair approach.
“Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull may have thrown budget repair out the window. We have not.
“We are prepared to take our plans to the people at by-elections or at general election, and the Labor Party’s position will be bring this debate on, in whatever form the Prime Minister and Treasurer choose to have it. Bill and I will be there willing to have it with them.”
Just to recap, Labor will only support stage 1 of the tax cuts – the $540 tax rebate for lower and middle earners.
It will work to amend the bill to split the second and third tax cuts, so the first can go through.
If Labor loses in this attempt, it will vote no against the entire bill.
If the government manages to pass the bill, Labor will repeal the legislation, if it wins government.
Both Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen have mentioned the timing – that the tax rebate doesn’t kick in until July 2019, which gives the government the entire financial year to pass it. They have also pointed out that the other stages don’t kick in until another four and then seven years down the track.
Chris Bowen steps in:
When the vote comes on in the Senate, as I said we will vote for stage 1. We will vote against stage 2 and against stage 3.
If the government insists, in whatever force, we don’t know what will happen in the Senate. Nobody can accurately predict exactly how the Senate votes will go and we are not pretending that we can today, but if the Labor party is asked to vote yes or no on the total package, including stages 2 or 3, we will vote no.
We are taking the responsible approach. As, with emphasis, we are prepared to vote for the 2018 tax cuts today.
More than that, because the bulk of the 2018 tax cuts are being provided as a rebate, Australians won’t actually receive them until 1st July 2019. Accordingly, they can be passed at any time over the next financial year.
If the Turnbull government won’t pass the 2018 tax cuts an incoming Shorten Labor party government will, including the relatively small part of the tax cut that is a change to the threshold, which still can be done retrospectively and refunded to Australian workers as a rebate, tax refund, at the end of that financial year.
If stages 2 and 3 are legislated, it will be our intention to repeal them.
More Bill Shorten:
We say to the government that if you want to talk about promises in more than two election cycles’ time, take these radical proposals to the people of Australia and see what they think about them.
What we also say to the Turnbull government is that you should not hold hostage tax relief for tradies and teachers so that you can give the top end of town tax cuts in seven years’ time.
“Our commitment to the Australian people is this: we will vote for tax cuts for you right now and if Mr Turnbull insists in playing silly political games over the next two weeks, our commitment to 10 million working Australians is when we are elected we will provide tax cuts for you which will actually be nearly double what the government is offering in this fortnight
Bill Shorten on Labor’s plan to amend the government’s income tax plan:
Australian workers, Labor will be voting for a tax cut for you and we are ready to do so today. We will support the first stage of the government’s tax cuts, not because we think they are as good as the ones we are offering, but we certainly want to see Australian workers dealing with cost of living issues and low wage stagnation.
“We want to see them get a tax cut and we are ready to do it now. But as for the rest of the Turnbull government’s 10-year tax trick, it is an irresponsible plan from an irresponsible government and no responsible opposition would vote for it
Just on Clive Palmer’s point yesterday that his local paper held a poll and 70% were in support of him – here is the actual news:
Re: the @tsv_bulletin poll Clive Palmer keeps quoting... 70% never said that HE should be the one to open it, just that the job-starved people of Townsville would really like to see it running. Local reax to his Herbert pitch speak for themselves #auspol https://t.co/OdNXoeOTpC
Derryn Hinch had a chat to Sky News a couple of minutes ago, and said he thinks Palmer, who he described as a “novelty” during his first turn at politics, returns “flawed”.
Mike Bowers was out and about when the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, left the Australia-China Business Council meeting this morning.
Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen will be holding a press conference in the next 20 minutes to talk about the decision to split the income tax bill.Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen will be holding a press conference in the next 20 minutes to talk about the decision to split the income tax bill.
The government has said it’s still all or nothing – but it is yet to cement the numbers it needs to pass it unamended.The government has said it’s still all or nothing – but it is yet to cement the numbers it needs to pass it unamended.
Here is what Chris Bowen had to say to Radio National this morning (before Labor made the decision).Here is what Chris Bowen had to say to Radio National this morning (before Labor made the decision).
But we’ve taken our time to work through the issues very carefully, as the alternative government should do. I’ll be making a recommendation to caucus which reflects our values, which reflects our principles and also reflects fiscal responsibility. Now, I still believe in fiscal responsibility, the Labor party still believes in fiscal responsibility. The government thinks it can have unfunded tax cuts on the never-never and we don’t know what the economy will be like in seven years’ time. But they say we can lock these tax cuts in. I have a different approach to these matters but I will be making those recommendations to the caucus as I made them to the shadow cabinet last night.But we’ve taken our time to work through the issues very carefully, as the alternative government should do. I’ll be making a recommendation to caucus which reflects our values, which reflects our principles and also reflects fiscal responsibility. Now, I still believe in fiscal responsibility, the Labor party still believes in fiscal responsibility. The government thinks it can have unfunded tax cuts on the never-never and we don’t know what the economy will be like in seven years’ time. But they say we can lock these tax cuts in. I have a different approach to these matters but I will be making those recommendations to the caucus as I made them to the shadow cabinet last night.
So if Centre Alliance is on board, and so is Tim Storer, then the next step is for the group to work out where the splits are. Team amendment will also need one more vote for a majority.So if Centre Alliance is on board, and so is Tim Storer, then the next step is for the group to work out where the splits are. Team amendment will also need one more vote for a majority.
And the Greens might be voting to amend the bill, but they are still voting against any tax cuts.And the Greens might be voting to amend the bill, but they are still voting against any tax cuts.
So, it is very complicated and has some way to play out first.So, it is very complicated and has some way to play out first.
Breaking: Greens on tax cuts: the party will support the effort in the Senate to remove stage two and three of the income tax cut plan @AmyRemeikis #auspolBreaking: Greens on tax cuts: the party will support the effort in the Senate to remove stage two and three of the income tax cut plan @AmyRemeikis #auspol
It’s been so busy today, I haven’t even gotten to the most hilarious news of the day – where a Liberal branch meeting had a fight outside a chicken shop.It’s been so busy today, I haven’t even gotten to the most hilarious news of the day – where a Liberal branch meeting had a fight outside a chicken shop.
In a statement, a spokesman for the NSW Liberal party said the party was aware of the incident and was cooperating with police.In a statement, a spokesman for the NSW Liberal party said the party was aware of the incident and was cooperating with police.
“The party will fully cooperate with the police in relation to their inquiries. An internal investigation will also be undertaken and disciplinary action taken against those responsible.“The party will fully cooperate with the police in relation to their inquiries. An internal investigation will also be undertaken and disciplinary action taken against those responsible.
“The Liberal party strongly condemns the kind of behaviour that is alleged to have occurred.”“The Liberal party strongly condemns the kind of behaviour that is alleged to have occurred.”
Apparently the fight happened after those hosting the meeting, which was either about changing the borders of the Arncliffe-based branch to allow more moderates in, or setting up a new branch (depending on who you talk to), wouldn’t let in people/was gatecrashed.Apparently the fight happened after those hosting the meeting, which was either about changing the borders of the Arncliffe-based branch to allow more moderates in, or setting up a new branch (depending on who you talk to), wouldn’t let in people/was gatecrashed.
Gosh, government sounds like SO. MUCH. FUN.Gosh, government sounds like SO. MUCH. FUN.
There’s been a fight at a Liberal Party branch meeting in Arncliffe tonight. Allegations elderly women were abused and a man assaulted. Democracy at work guys. @9NewsSyd #auspol pic.twitter.com/P77ptrLCseThere’s been a fight at a Liberal Party branch meeting in Arncliffe tonight. Allegations elderly women were abused and a man assaulted. Democracy at work guys. @9NewsSyd #auspol pic.twitter.com/P77ptrLCse
Labor has decided it will only support the first stage of the government’s income tax plan – and wants to split stage two and stage three into separate bills.Labor has decided it will only support the first stage of the government’s income tax plan – and wants to split stage two and stage three into separate bills.
Penny Wong, who will speak at the China Australia Business Council meeting a little bit later today, and who has been critical of how the government has handled bilateral relations in recent months, describing its diplomacy as “clumsy”, put out this statement on the Julie Bishop story:Penny Wong, who will speak at the China Australia Business Council meeting a little bit later today, and who has been critical of how the government has handled bilateral relations in recent months, describing its diplomacy as “clumsy”, put out this statement on the Julie Bishop story:
The foreign minister’s pledge to lift Australia’s aid funding in the Pacific cannot be taken seriously while her government continues to drive down Australian development assistance spending to the lowest level in history.The foreign minister’s pledge to lift Australia’s aid funding in the Pacific cannot be taken seriously while her government continues to drive down Australian development assistance spending to the lowest level in history.
Despite clear evidence of Australia’s diminishing influence in our region the Turnbull government continues on its disastrous path of cuts to aid which can only further weaken Australia’s standing.Despite clear evidence of Australia’s diminishing influence in our region the Turnbull government continues on its disastrous path of cuts to aid which can only further weaken Australia’s standing.
Under Minister Bishop’s watch more than $11 billion has been cut from Australia’s aid program.Under Minister Bishop’s watch more than $11 billion has been cut from Australia’s aid program.
Just last month the May budget cut another $140 m from our aid spending, driving Australian development assistance spending down to the lowest level in history – just 22 cents in every $100 of our national income will be spent on foreign aid in 2018-19.Just last month the May budget cut another $140 m from our aid spending, driving Australian development assistance spending down to the lowest level in history – just 22 cents in every $100 of our national income will be spent on foreign aid in 2018-19.
Pacific island states have felt the impact of these cuts, and will increasingly turn to others to fill the gap left by Australia, further eroding our influence in the region.Pacific island states have felt the impact of these cuts, and will increasingly turn to others to fill the gap left by Australia, further eroding our influence in the region.
The foreign minister has now acknowledged Australia does need to demonstrate greater leadership in the Pacific and play our part in ensuring a stable and prosperous region.The foreign minister has now acknowledged Australia does need to demonstrate greater leadership in the Pacific and play our part in ensuring a stable and prosperous region.
Yet the Turnbull government’s own budget figures forecast our international development program will fall even further to just 0.19% of GNI over the forward estimates.Yet the Turnbull government’s own budget figures forecast our international development program will fall even further to just 0.19% of GNI over the forward estimates.
Australia has a deep interest in contributing to global poverty alleviation, and our international development program supports security and stability in our region.Australia has a deep interest in contributing to global poverty alleviation, and our international development program supports security and stability in our region.
The foreign minister’s own DFAT White Paper, released late last year, declares “Australia’s overseas aid program aims to help developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development in line with Australia’s national interest.”The foreign minister’s own DFAT White Paper, released late last year, declares “Australia’s overseas aid program aims to help developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development in line with Australia’s national interest.”
The Turnbull government’s cuts to development assistance are already a source of international embarrassment for Australia, and are at odds with the generous spirit of the Australian people.The Turnbull government’s cuts to development assistance are already a source of international embarrassment for Australia, and are at odds with the generous spirit of the Australian people.
A Shorten Labor government will contribute more to international development assistance than the current government. And we will ensure more of it gets to the people who it is meant to be assisting.A Shorten Labor government will contribute more to international development assistance than the current government. And we will ensure more of it gets to the people who it is meant to be assisting.
Labor has repeatedly urged the Turnbull government to return to a properly bipartisan approach to international development assistance.Labor has repeatedly urged the Turnbull government to return to a properly bipartisan approach to international development assistance.
Instead of continuing to prioritise massive tax cuts for big business, Julie Bishop must now put her words into action by joining Labor in committing to lifting Australia’s embarrassingly low level of international development assistance.Instead of continuing to prioritise massive tax cuts for big business, Julie Bishop must now put her words into action by joining Labor in committing to lifting Australia’s embarrassingly low level of international development assistance.
In an interview with Fairfax Media, Julie Bishop addresses China’s “soft diplomacy” with Pacific island nations, saying Australia wants “to ensure that they retain their sovereignty, that they have sustainable economies and that they are not trapped into unsustainable debt incomes”.In an interview with Fairfax Media, Julie Bishop addresses China’s “soft diplomacy” with Pacific island nations, saying Australia wants “to ensure that they retain their sovereignty, that they have sustainable economies and that they are not trapped into unsustainable debt incomes”.
Beijing has stepped in to build infrastructure in Pacific regions, through concessional loans, as Australia’s foreign aid budget, and its ability to help traditional allies, lessens.Beijing has stepped in to build infrastructure in Pacific regions, through concessional loans, as Australia’s foreign aid budget, and its ability to help traditional allies, lessens.
Connie Fierravanti-Wells kicked off a diplomatic storm at the beginning of the year, when she raised concerns over Beijing’s spending and what that could potentially mean in the future, if China called in its loans.Connie Fierravanti-Wells kicked off a diplomatic storm at the beginning of the year, when she raised concerns over Beijing’s spending and what that could potentially mean in the future, if China called in its loans.
Bishop walked a diplomatic tightrope then. But now, as relations continue to be strained, she tells Fairfax:Bishop walked a diplomatic tightrope then. But now, as relations continue to be strained, she tells Fairfax:
“We’re concerned that the consequences of entering into some of these financing arrangements will be detrimental to their longterm sovereignty”, while also mentioning it would be the same “for any country ... Russia comes and plays in the Pacific now and again”.“We’re concerned that the consequences of entering into some of these financing arrangements will be detrimental to their longterm sovereignty”, while also mentioning it would be the same “for any country ... Russia comes and plays in the Pacific now and again”.
“We want to be the natural partner of choice”.“We want to be the natural partner of choice”.
Steve Ciobo tries walking some of that back on Sky News this morning:Steve Ciobo tries walking some of that back on Sky News this morning:
.@JulieBishopMP says Australia needs to ensure nations are not forced into opaque development offers. @StevenCiobo: Our focus is on being a sustainable long-term partner for our friends in the Pacific. MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #amagenda pic.twitter.com/hOG3e1FWoL.@JulieBishopMP says Australia needs to ensure nations are not forced into opaque development offers. @StevenCiobo: Our focus is on being a sustainable long-term partner for our friends in the Pacific. MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #amagenda pic.twitter.com/hOG3e1FWoL
The Australia China Business Council is meeting today and John Brumby, the ACBC president, says this year the meeting is occurring in slightly more challenging times than some of its previous meetings.The Australia China Business Council is meeting today and John Brumby, the ACBC president, says this year the meeting is occurring in slightly more challenging times than some of its previous meetings.
That’s a subtle nod to the strained relationship between Australia and China since the foreign interference legislation hit the agenda.That’s a subtle nod to the strained relationship between Australia and China since the foreign interference legislation hit the agenda.
China’s ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, says China is continuing to grow its economy and is maturing as a market, including strengthening intellectual property laws, to better encourage investment.China’s ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, says China is continuing to grow its economy and is maturing as a market, including strengthening intellectual property laws, to better encourage investment.
But Cheng also doesn’t shy away from the issues between the two nations:But Cheng also doesn’t shy away from the issues between the two nations:
Everyone present here supports and cares about the future of the China-Australian relationship.Everyone present here supports and cares about the future of the China-Australian relationship.
... Trading services requires a deep relationship and mutual understanding, which I believe is very relevant in the current state of affairs of our relations.... Trading services requires a deep relationship and mutual understanding, which I believe is very relevant in the current state of affairs of our relations.
It is right to say that since we established diplomatic times in 1972, especially since the beginning of the new century, huge progress has been made in exchanges and cooperation in various areas between the two countries, against the expectations of many people.It is right to say that since we established diplomatic times in 1972, especially since the beginning of the new century, huge progress has been made in exchanges and cooperation in various areas between the two countries, against the expectations of many people.
These progresses have not only robustly spurred economic growth in both countries, but also delivered real benefits and tangible benefits to its two peoples.These progresses have not only robustly spurred economic growth in both countries, but also delivered real benefits and tangible benefits to its two peoples.
Of course the development of our bilateral relations has not always been smooth. Sometimes, there be clouds, even rain and wind.Of course the development of our bilateral relations has not always been smooth. Sometimes, there be clouds, even rain and wind.
China and Australia are in the same region. Both of our economies are highly complementary. We have many shared interests and the potential for future cooperation is huge, including trading services. And we both stand for free trade and an open economy.China and Australia are in the same region. Both of our economies are highly complementary. We have many shared interests and the potential for future cooperation is huge, including trading services. And we both stand for free trade and an open economy.
So there is no reason for us not to develop a better relationship with each other based on mutual benefit and mutual trust.So there is no reason for us not to develop a better relationship with each other based on mutual benefit and mutual trust.
Nowadays, countries are becoming increasingly interdependent. But populism and protectionism are on the rise.Nowadays, countries are becoming increasingly interdependent. But populism and protectionism are on the rise.
... Staying open and inclusive, enhancing communication and mutual learning are in the train of human development.... Staying open and inclusive, enhancing communication and mutual learning are in the train of human development.
And Cheng finishes with this.And Cheng finishes with this.
Recently, in his meeting with minister [Julie] Bishop, the Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi outlined China’s development path and its visions with developing relations with other countries. He pointed out that China’s development path is completely different to that of traditional major powers.Recently, in his meeting with minister [Julie] Bishop, the Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi outlined China’s development path and its visions with developing relations with other countries. He pointed out that China’s development path is completely different to that of traditional major powers.
China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, let alone carry out infiltration of other countries. China’s idea is to carry out equal cooperation with all countries, including Australia, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, let alone carry out infiltration of other countries. China’s idea is to carry out equal cooperation with all countries, including Australia, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
He also expressed China’s willingness to communicate with Australia on how to practically improve bilateral relations.He also expressed China’s willingness to communicate with Australia on how to practically improve bilateral relations.
It is my belief that in order to disperse the clouds and achieve sustained and sound development in our bilateral relations, the two countries need to have more interaction and inclusiveness, with less bias and bigotry.It is my belief that in order to disperse the clouds and achieve sustained and sound development in our bilateral relations, the two countries need to have more interaction and inclusiveness, with less bias and bigotry.
We need to see each other’s development and positive intentions from a more positive perspective with less cold war mentality.We need to see each other’s development and positive intentions from a more positive perspective with less cold war mentality.
We need to build more mutual trust, with less misunderstanding. We need to develop more connections between our two countries and two peoples with less barriers. And we need to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns while managing the differences in a constructive manner.We need to build more mutual trust, with less misunderstanding. We need to develop more connections between our two countries and two peoples with less barriers. And we need to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns while managing the differences in a constructive manner.
Tanya Plibersek said the outpouring of grief for Eurydice Dixon – and all the other women before her – transcended politics.Tanya Plibersek said the outpouring of grief for Eurydice Dixon – and all the other women before her – transcended politics.
This is a shocking, it is a terrible, terrible story and it is right that people should be shocked by it,” she told Sky News this morning.This is a shocking, it is a terrible, terrible story and it is right that people should be shocked by it,” she told Sky News this morning.
It is a beautiful thing that Eurydice Dixon’s family have asked that people also remember that this week there is a young woman missing, presumed dead, in New South Wales – Qi Yu; there was an attempted, an actual, abduction and assault on an 11-year-old girl in NSW; a two-year-old girl in Tennant Creek. And I remember, in 1988, the abduction of Janine Balding. I remember before that, 1986, the abduction and murder of Anita Cobby.It is a beautiful thing that Eurydice Dixon’s family have asked that people also remember that this week there is a young woman missing, presumed dead, in New South Wales – Qi Yu; there was an attempted, an actual, abduction and assault on an 11-year-old girl in NSW; a two-year-old girl in Tennant Creek. And I remember, in 1988, the abduction of Janine Balding. I remember before that, 1986, the abduction and murder of Anita Cobby.
These women stay with us. And they stay in our hearts because,they change the behaviour of every woman and we need to get their right as a society.These women stay with us. And they stay in our hearts because,they change the behaviour of every woman and we need to get their right as a society.
... There is no question that every decent person feels disgusted by this crime, feels desperately sad for the friends and family, for all of the women who have lost their lives to mens’ violence, and there is no question that every decent Australian wants this to change. To stop.... There is no question that every decent person feels disgusted by this crime, feels desperately sad for the friends and family, for all of the women who have lost their lives to mens’ violence, and there is no question that every decent Australian wants this to change. To stop.
To really understand how much this means though, you really need to hear her say it.To really understand how much this means though, you really need to hear her say it.
.@tanya_plibersek on Eurydice Dixon: These women stay with us and they stay in our hearts, and we need to get this right as a society...every decent person feels disgusted by this crime.MORE: https://t.co/HDGkrEKLOp #FirstEdition pic.twitter.com/MTg95MnCiu.@tanya_plibersek on Eurydice Dixon: These women stay with us and they stay in our hearts, and we need to get this right as a society...every decent person feels disgusted by this crime.MORE: https://t.co/HDGkrEKLOp #FirstEdition pic.twitter.com/MTg95MnCiu
Before we get to the mess of the day though, I wanted to show you some of the scenes from last night, when the parliament held a vigil for Eurydice Dixon.Before we get to the mess of the day though, I wanted to show you some of the scenes from last night, when the parliament held a vigil for Eurydice Dixon.
And welcome to another day in the thunder dome.And welcome to another day in the thunder dome.
Things got quite heated on the bad show last night, with Linda Reynolds adding some fuel to the fire the government is desperately trying to hose down, by saying it was “valid” to have the debate on how the ABC spends it money.Things got quite heated on the bad show last night, with Linda Reynolds adding some fuel to the fire the government is desperately trying to hose down, by saying it was “valid” to have the debate on how the ABC spends it money.
“I was there at the conference over the weekend and I heard the debate on the motion and, from my perspective, I think it’s not so much about privatising the ABC, which is not going to happen, but $1.2 bn of your taxpayers’ money goes into the ABC every year.“I was there at the conference over the weekend and I heard the debate on the motion and, from my perspective, I think it’s not so much about privatising the ABC, which is not going to happen, but $1.2 bn of your taxpayers’ money goes into the ABC every year.
“I think it’s valid for us in parliament and for all of you to actually question whether that money is being best spent.“I think it’s valid for us in parliament and for all of you to actually question whether that money is being best spent.
“So, for example, I’m from the state of Western Australia and I hear frequently from people in rural and regional areas in Western Australia that they don’t feel that they get enough service from the ABC.”“So, for example, I’m from the state of Western Australia and I hear frequently from people in rural and regional areas in Western Australia that they don’t feel that they get enough service from the ABC.”
Tony Jones hit back that the show couldn’t afford to go to WA when Reynolds asked why it hadn’t appeared in the west. She then told Jones that “probably 40% of your salary comes from Western Australia”.Tony Jones hit back that the show couldn’t afford to go to WA when Reynolds asked why it hadn’t appeared in the west. She then told Jones that “probably 40% of your salary comes from Western Australia”.
So. Good times.So. Good times.
Labor will caucus today and work out whether or not it will move to split the tax bill – and how – with talk that part two, which will cost $80bn from July 2022 by moving the upper thresholds of the marginal tax rate around, will also be on the chopping board.Labor will caucus today and work out whether or not it will move to split the tax bill – and how – with talk that part two, which will cost $80bn from July 2022 by moving the upper thresholds of the marginal tax rate around, will also be on the chopping board.
The Greens need to support that for it to have any hope of succeeding. Tim Storer is on board with splitting stage one. Centre Alliance is also on board with potentially splitting. Which means they need one more to have any potential amendments passed.The Greens need to support that for it to have any hope of succeeding. Tim Storer is on board with splitting stage one. Centre Alliance is also on board with potentially splitting. Which means they need one more to have any potential amendments passed.
Over in the Coalition joint party room, energy will be the big debate, as Josh Frydenberg attempts, once again, to corral his party into agreeing on the Neg and Tony Abbott tries just as hard to put coal back on the agenda. I doubt anyone will be looking forward to that.Over in the Coalition joint party room, energy will be the big debate, as Josh Frydenberg attempts, once again, to corral his party into agreeing on the Neg and Tony Abbott tries just as hard to put coal back on the agenda. I doubt anyone will be looking forward to that.
Mike Bowers has been out since early this morning – I’ll bring you some of his work very soon. You can follow along with him at @mikepbowers or @mpbowers. You’ll also find him on the behind the scenes story on @pyjamapolitics.Mike Bowers has been out since early this morning – I’ll bring you some of his work very soon. You can follow along with him at @mikepbowers or @mpbowers. You’ll also find him on the behind the scenes story on @pyjamapolitics.
You can catch me on @amyremeikis or lurking in the comments.You can catch me on @amyremeikis or lurking in the comments.
Got your coffee? Let’s go.Got your coffee? Let’s go.