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Coalition pushes for vote on full tax package in Senate – politics live Coalition pushes for vote on full tax package in Senate – politics live
(35 minutes later)
#breaking AWU raids trial has been postponed to September 3, set down for an estimated five days #auspol
Just a note on what the Senate has just voted on: when the House returns the bill tomorrow, there will be no further debate. It will just go straight to a vote.
Now Tony Abbott says he thinks the government has been “taking the backbench” for granted on the national energy guarantee.
And there we have it.And there we have it.
Tony Abbott says he “hopes it doesn’t come to that”, but he might have to cross the floor on the National Energy Guarantee. Tony Abbott says he “hopes it doesn’t come to that”, but he might have to cross the floor on the national energy guarantee.
Tony Abbott is having his regular chinwag to 2GB, his preferred platform outside the party room, to warn the government about the wars he is planning on waging.Tony Abbott is having his regular chinwag to 2GB, his preferred platform outside the party room, to warn the government about the wars he is planning on waging.
Tony Shepherd, the former chairman of Transfield who conducted a review of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, has been up before a Senate committee examining the scheme. Tony Shepherd, the former chairman of Transfield who conducted a review of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (Naif), has been up before a Senate committee examining the scheme.
Labor and Greens senators have been asking about why Shepherd recommended that Naif be exempt from the freedom of information process.Labor and Greens senators have been asking about why Shepherd recommended that Naif be exempt from the freedom of information process.
Shepherd said that his perception was that in its early days Naif was “burdened by freedom of information requests” as a “campaign was mounted against [it]” which the agency found “disconcerting and difficult to deal with”. Shepherd said his perception was that in its early days Naif was “burdened by freedom of information requests” as a “campaign was mounted against [it]” which the agency found “disconcerting and difficult to deal with”.
He said:He said:
“That was acting as a distraction and a deterrent and produced an over-abundance of caution.”“That was acting as a distraction and a deterrent and produced an over-abundance of caution.”
And which project was at the centre of this campaign? Shepherd said it was “a particular project in Queensland”. It sounds like the Adani Carmichael coal mine, which has generated fierce scrutiny about possible avenues of receiving taxpayer subsidy or concessional loans. And which project was at the centre of this campaign? Shepherd said it was “a particular project in Queensland”. It sounds like the Adani Carmichael coalmine, which has generated fierce scrutiny about possible avenues of receiving taxpayer subsidy or concessional loans.
But Shepherd suggests the Naif has now developed a capacity to deal with “an excessive number” and “frivolous, campaign-driven FOIs” that are not “genuinely seeking information”.But Shepherd suggests the Naif has now developed a capacity to deal with “an excessive number” and “frivolous, campaign-driven FOIs” that are not “genuinely seeking information”.
Peter Dutton also addressed the Refugee Week event at Parliament House:Peter Dutton also addressed the Refugee Week event at Parliament House:
As the prime minister said, Australia is a great country and we’re built on the hard work and entrepreneurial have-a-go spirit of many who have come before us. Many of our captains of industry and commerce are part of our successful migrant history – including from the worst humanitarian events right across the last century. They have helped put Australia on the global stage and contributed immeasurably to our economic and social success.As the prime minister said, Australia is a great country and we’re built on the hard work and entrepreneurial have-a-go spirit of many who have come before us. Many of our captains of industry and commerce are part of our successful migrant history – including from the worst humanitarian events right across the last century. They have helped put Australia on the global stage and contributed immeasurably to our economic and social success.
As the prime minister pointed out, over 880,000 people have arrived through the humanitarian program since the Second World War, including 55,000 just in the last three years alone and with 20,200 offshore visas granted – that is the highest number since the 1980s – and it is something I think that all Australians should be very proud of. Today, as we mention, we celebrate the successes and the contributions of those who have arrived through the program, including and specifically today in relation to those who have settled in regional Australia.As the prime minister pointed out, over 880,000 people have arrived through the humanitarian program since the Second World War, including 55,000 just in the last three years alone and with 20,200 offshore visas granted – that is the highest number since the 1980s – and it is something I think that all Australians should be very proud of. Today, as we mention, we celebrate the successes and the contributions of those who have arrived through the program, including and specifically today in relation to those who have settled in regional Australia.
At recent consultations I was struck by a remarkable story. It was a story of two Chin refugee families who settled in Coffs Harbour in 2006 and with further resettlement, this now has grown to some 250 people of Chin background in Coffs Harbour.At recent consultations I was struck by a remarkable story. It was a story of two Chin refugee families who settled in Coffs Harbour in 2006 and with further resettlement, this now has grown to some 250 people of Chin background in Coffs Harbour.
Now despite the obvious challenges of starting again in a new country, they have worked tirelessly to contribute and provide the best opportunities for their families. They carpool to get to work each day on the farms in the early years, they have bought houses, they’ve started businesses, many are now sending their children to low cost private schools and many of them are very proud of the fact, and rightly, that their children have gone on to higher education, including university.Now despite the obvious challenges of starting again in a new country, they have worked tirelessly to contribute and provide the best opportunities for their families. They carpool to get to work each day on the farms in the early years, they have bought houses, they’ve started businesses, many are now sending their children to low cost private schools and many of them are very proud of the fact, and rightly, that their children have gone on to higher education, including university.
It is the story of hard work, of sacrifice and of aspiration and that is the Australian story.It is the story of hard work, of sacrifice and of aspiration and that is the Australian story.
We will hear from other speakers today, as we heard earlier and we’ll hear right through this week across the country the wonderful success stories of people that have taken a chance, who have taken their family from poverty or from tragedy and they have provided a great opportunity, not only for their children today, but for generations to come – and that is a great success story and it’s one of which Australia can be incredibly proud.We will hear from other speakers today, as we heard earlier and we’ll hear right through this week across the country the wonderful success stories of people that have taken a chance, who have taken their family from poverty or from tragedy and they have provided a great opportunity, not only for their children today, but for generations to come – and that is a great success story and it’s one of which Australia can be incredibly proud.
In recent times around 9,000 humanitarian entrants have been resettled into rural and regional Australia and there is, as we know for those of us who live in the city, nothing quite like a country-welcome in Australia.In recent times around 9,000 humanitarian entrants have been resettled into rural and regional Australia and there is, as we know for those of us who live in the city, nothing quite like a country-welcome in Australia.
We have seen the generosity of regional communities and I pay tribute to all of the regional mayors and councils and communities who have provided a very open welcome and a very warm welcome to those from the most vulnerable parts of the world, the most persecuted who arrive through the offshore program.We have seen the generosity of regional communities and I pay tribute to all of the regional mayors and councils and communities who have provided a very open welcome and a very warm welcome to those from the most vulnerable parts of the world, the most persecuted who arrive through the offshore program.
Mathias Cormann has won the motion to rearrange government business.Mathias Cormann has won the motion to rearrange government business.
Here is how the afternoon mess went down, as Mike Bowers saw it:Here is how the afternoon mess went down, as Mike Bowers saw it:
I missed this, just before question time.I missed this, just before question time.
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells announced this:Concetta Fierravanti-Wells announced this:
Today on World Refugee Day we announce the Australian government will provide additional humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya people in Bangladesh.Today on World Refugee Day we announce the Australian government will provide additional humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya people in Bangladesh.
The UN estimates that more than 900,000 Rohingya are now living in Cox’s Bazar, including more than 700,000 people who have fled Myanmar since August 2017.The UN estimates that more than 900,000 Rohingya are now living in Cox’s Bazar, including more than 700,000 people who have fled Myanmar since August 2017.
The additional assistance will support the delivery of food, shelter, health and protection services through the United Nations Refugee Agency, the International Organisation for Migration and the World Food Program.The additional assistance will support the delivery of food, shelter, health and protection services through the United Nations Refugee Agency, the International Organisation for Migration and the World Food Program.
Our latest funding package of $18.4m will contribute to the provision of food for more than 800,000 people and nutritious supplements for around 139,000 women and children. It will reinforce shelters, pre-position food supplies and relocate up to 135,000 people at the highest risk of landslides.Our latest funding package of $18.4m will contribute to the provision of food for more than 800,000 people and nutritious supplements for around 139,000 women and children. It will reinforce shelters, pre-position food supplies and relocate up to 135,000 people at the highest risk of landslides.
It will also help reunite children with their families, create safe areas for vulnerable women and children and provide incomes to around 40,000 women. With the onset of the monsoon season, conditions in the camps are deteriorating. There are up to 200,000 people living on land that is vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The risk of disease outbreak remains high and there are significant concerns for the safety of women and children.It will also help reunite children with their families, create safe areas for vulnerable women and children and provide incomes to around 40,000 women. With the onset of the monsoon season, conditions in the camps are deteriorating. There are up to 200,000 people living on land that is vulnerable to landslides and flooding. The risk of disease outbreak remains high and there are significant concerns for the safety of women and children.
The additional funding brings Australia’s total humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis to $70m since September 2017.The additional funding brings Australia’s total humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis to $70m since September 2017.
In 2017-18, Australia provided more than $200m to assist with displacement crises in nine countries.In 2017-18, Australia provided more than $200m to assist with displacement crises in nine countries.
So after all of that, the Senate will continue to debate the tax bill until 6.30 tonight.So after all of that, the Senate will continue to debate the tax bill until 6.30 tonight.
Then the House will get it tomorrow morning.Then the House will get it tomorrow morning.
It will send it back to the Senate, because it won’t like that stage three has been knocked off.It will send it back to the Senate, because it won’t like that stage three has been knocked off.
The Senate, at this stage, and I stress, at this stage, will then probably pass it. Centre Alliance have said they would pass the whole package if it returned to the Senate.The Senate, at this stage, and I stress, at this stage, will then probably pass it. Centre Alliance have said they would pass the whole package if it returned to the Senate.
Labor have committed to repealing it, if they get into government.Labor have committed to repealing it, if they get into government.
All round good times.All round good times.
The bells have rung for the division guillotining the debate:The bells have rung for the division guillotining the debate:
Ayes: 37Ayes: 37
Noes: 33Noes: 33
Mathias Cormann is now asking the Senate to return to the income tax debate.Mathias Cormann is now asking the Senate to return to the income tax debate.
From Mike Bowers, to you:From Mike Bowers, to you:
Here was Chris Bowen’s take from just before question time:
One Nation voted with the government to keep stage three despite the rhetoric and positioning prior to the vote. This says a lot about One Nation. They always find a way to vote with the government. There’s a couple of explanations for this vote.
Pauline Hanson told the Senate: ‘The tax cuts are going to be up to $200,000. I am a very fortunate Australian to be earning more than $200,000. I’m paying tax at 45 cents on the dollar on that. I’m not getting tax relief.’
Senator Hanson appears to misunderstand how the Australian tax system works, how the marginal tax system works.
By voting for stage three she has voted for tax relief for herself and for every other high income earner in Australia. Australians over $200,000 will get a tax cut under stage three.
In fact the Government’s own calculator indicates stage three provides a tax relief of $7,725 for an Australian on $200,000.
So maybe Senator Hanson simply doesn’t know what she is voting on.
Alternatively there is some secret deal between the government and One Nation.
We’ve seen this before. We saw this on company taxes. One Nation declaring they were going to vote for these big business company tax cuts and us being told that that was a straight-forward arrangement.
Only months later did we find out there was a secret deal between the government and One Nation. We still don’t know the full details about what’s in that deal because the government refuses to release them.
Pauline Hanson does look like voting for the whole package though.
So the question remains – what did she get in return?
Richard Di Natale is also speaking out against the government attempt to guillotine the debate, so it can vote on the rest of the tax cuts – he uses the point that Pauline Hanson doesn’t understand what she is voting for. (Hanson had claimed earlier that she wouldn’t get a tax cut. She will – about $11 grand worth)
“If you don’t understand it, don’t vote for it,” he says.
So on my rough count we just heard:
33 aspiration/aspirationals
10 mystifieds
4 slimys
3 snob/snobby/snobbery
Malcolm Turnbull returns to the floor to give that answer which he had taken on notice:
The median of all wages is $53,000 a year.
And QT ends.
While looking to the Senate, I missed a question Tanya Plibersek asked on education and when the pinks and greens are out (the Senate and Hansard QT records) I’ll do my best to throw it up.
So the debate can return to the tax bill
Here is the motion:
(a) government business order of the day no. 1 (Treasury Laws Amendment [Personal Income Tax Plan] Bill 2018) be considered under a limitation of time, and that the time allotted for all remaining stages be until 6.30pm today;
(b) paragraph (a) of this order shall operate as a limitation of debate under standing order 142; and
(c) on the reporting of any messages from the House of Representatives relating to the bill, the message be considered immediately in committee of the whole and any questions on the remaining stages of the bill be put immediately without amendment or debate.
Basically, that is a tactical move by the government, because the vote timing means it could return to the House this evening, before being rejected and then return to the Senate – where the government can once again call on a vote on the whole package – which, at this stage, it looks like winning.
Penny Wong has A LOT of things to say about this and none of them good.
Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull:
Why is the prime minister telling working Australians to get a better job, but on the other hand, blocking Labor’s plan to give 63,000 people in Longman who earn less than $125,000 and includes aged care workers, a tax cut of up to $928 a year? Why is the prime minister blocking an income tax plan which will be double the tax cut that the government is currently offering people?
Turnbull:
“Labor party may be mystified by aspiration but nobody is mystified by the way in which the leader of the opposition again and again misleads the house, misleads the house. I said no such thing. You know that very well. You know that very well. And just because you repeat a falsehood does not make it true.
“Australians, whether they work in aged care, whether they work in manufacturing, whether they work in agriculture, are entitled to aspire to do whatever they want to do. They are entitled to aspire to better paid jobs, two different jobs, to promotions. They are entitled to aspire to dream, and our job, as the government, and I would say the parliament, is to do everything we can to enable them to realise those aspirations.
“And the Labor party stands in the way of those aspirations. They want those workers and particularly those that are getting on a bit in years, those 60-year-olds, yes, they have to stay put, don’t they? They can’t aspire to anything. It does not think, [with its] patronising smugness [and] slimy insinuations about older Australians, it is sickening, and it would embarrass the men and women who were leaders of the Labor party in years gone by.
“No doubt, we don’t have to have doubt why Paul Keating said Labor is fading because it is not able to connect to aspiration or Australians, and the reason why? It’s smug in those big government salaries, the Labor party is mystified by the way in which millions of Australians want to get ahead, and they want to keep them there in their place.”
Again – this is the do as we say, not as we do argument. Both sides are taking half a sentence and making it fact.
We just got our daily hit of “Big Trev”, which is Trevor Ruthenberg, the LNP candidate for Longman, who needs to be referred to as Big Trev, so people will have some idea of his name.
Julie Collins to Malcolm Turnbull:
“Why is this snobbish prime minister telling workers, Australians, to get a better job, instead of supporting Labor’s plan to give 39,000 people in Braddon who earn less than $125,000, including aged care workers, a tax cut of up to $928 a year, almost double the tax cut they will get from this government?”
Tony Smith takes umbrage with the word snobbish:
My personal view is this demeans the house, because it leads to very aggressive questions, that have statements in that imply questions, and that particular question has taken it, I think, to a new low.”
Tony Burke asks if that ruling also applies to answers and Smith sounds like he says yes, but it is hard to tell. But it is enough to quiet the House RIGHT down.
Turnbull:
“I will take the opportunity from the question to refer to some important benefits that will flow to the residents and constituents in Braddon from the government’s economic plan. Mr Speaker, there are 39,300 taxpayers in Braddon who will benefit from the 1 July this year, our personal income tax plan, with around 40,600 who will receive the full $530. But Mr Speaker, that is not all. There will be, if Labor were to be able to impose its retiree tax, grabbing back, grabbing back the franking credits that retirees are able to enjoy under a law that is fair and has had bipartisan support from the time ...”
Turnbull goes on to say that the opposition “can’t even run a successful class war” and goes on to talk about Labor’s franking credit plan, but not even he seems that in to it.
Greg Hunt is now trying very hard not to yell his dixer answer. He is leaning on the despatch box like it’s a bar, and he’s restraining himself from telling the group at the closest table that Stop! is actually the greatest Spice Girl song of all time.