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Government vies for crossbench support on company tax cuts – politics live Government vies for crossbench support on company tax cuts – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Pauline Hanson also had a chat about what she really thinks about Bill Shorten:
“If you ask a lot of women...and a lot of men, actually take note of what their wives think when you meet someone. You just have this feeling about someone and I have that feeling about Bill. And I have sat down with him, I have had a couple of meetings with him and I just don’t warm to him and that is just my feeling. And actually, when you look at the numbers coming in, people don’t warm to Bill Shorten to be the next prime minister of this country and that is evident in the polls that he gets,” she told 3AW.
“I have heard from a lot of men as well, a lot of men feel the same way, they don’t like the way he comes across, the way he speaks, they just, I just don’t trust him, I really don’t trust him. Forget about the politics, I am talking about on personal basis. Should I be saying this? Who knows. But a lot of people feel the same way about me, so be it.”
Asked if she was describing him as “sleazy”, she said:
“Would I put it that way? Look, we are talking about someone who is going to be possibly the next prime minister of this country. I think we need a person who we feel comfortable with, that we can trust, that is there for the right reasons, that has the best interests of this country at heart and the people, and I am sorry, I don’t pick it up with Bill Shorten.”
Would she vote with Labor if it formed government after the next election?
“I am talking about the individual, there are some issues of policy with Labor that I would support them on, but, look they are not government, let’s see what legislation they put up, because I will be in the parliament, if they do happen to be government after the next election, I will look at legislation based on merit for the people, and for Queensland and for the people and for the country. And I will not knock it back just because Bill Shorten happens to be the prime minister. If that be the case, I hope I can have a good working relationship with him, because it needs to happen, but I am just saying at this point in time, I have had meetings with him, I have walked out of them, those meetings and I felt, I don’t feel comfortable, I don’t warm to him, I don’t trust him and I just feel this is all about a man who doesn’t connect with me.”
Does she have the same thoughts with Anthony Albanese?
“I got to know Albo, Anthony Albanese, when I went on the delegation to India last year. We had a lot better, I like Albanese, as a person, I warm to him a lot better, we had a laugh, we had a joke, I think it was reciprocal, but do I think he will make a great prime minister? Again, I don’t think so.”
Does she believe a leadership challenge will happen in Labor?
I think that is on the cards, because they know that Bill Shorten is not liked by the people and they may not vote for Labor purely based on Bill Shorten, but Anthony Albanese worries me greatly, because I think that there will be a breakdown in border security. His attitude, that he said, is just let the boats come in and that will be detrimental to Australia.
Wayne Swan braved the cold Canberra morning for a short press conference this morning, where he addressed the decision to repeal the company tax cuts already passed for businesses with a turnover of between $10m and $50m – as well as Pauline Hanson:
Well, Labor has never supported tax cuts for big business. They come with a huge cost: $80bn. And that money will inevitably be ripped out of health and education. But I see this morning, Pauline Hanson has said that she’s going to jump into bed with the Coalition on the big company tax cuts.
Well, Pauline Hanson might as well go and join the Liberal party. Here’s the membership form. She can take out a bronze, silver, gold or platinum membership. Well, the truth is she votes with them 90% of the time so she might as well get platinum membership of the Liberal party.
This question of tax cuts for big business is incredibly serious for the future of our country. What it means is less money available for health and education. They will not bring the benefit in terms of jobs and growth that is promised by the Coalition. They are effectively a con job and now we see Pauline Hanson getting into bed with the government.
She might as well go and join the Liberal party of Australia. In my home state of Queensland, this will mean dramatic cuts to health and education, particularly hospitals like the Caboolture hospital.
Hanson was just on 3AW, where she said the government could take the policy to the next election, and she was sticking to her position.
The government accounts are in:
Company tax revenue in 17/18 increases by another $1.1bn to $87.8bn. It’s now up by $9.2bn just this year since the 17-18 forecast in 16-17 MYEFO. Stronger growth & stronger anti-avoidance measures = more tax even after 1st phase of tax cuts: https://t.co/brGhsoDhUV #auspol
For just the data, head here.
More wheeling and dealing goes on in the Senate, during a sitting, than almost anywhere else, Mike Bowers caught the morning chats:
In a heartbreaking and detailed report, Amnesty International has named 13 officials in the Myanmar military it says have had a “key role in murder, rape and deportation” of the Rohingya population in the northern Rakhine state.In a heartbreaking and detailed report, Amnesty International has named 13 officials in the Myanmar military it says have had a “key role in murder, rape and deportation” of the Rohingya population in the northern Rakhine state.
It is pretty unusual for Amnesty to name people in its reports, but in “We Will Destroy Everything”: Military Responsibility for Crimes against Humanity in Rakhine State, Myanmar, the human rights watchdog calls for the situation in Myanmar to be referred to the international criminal court for investigation and prosecution.It is pretty unusual for Amnesty to name people in its reports, but in “We Will Destroy Everything”: Military Responsibility for Crimes against Humanity in Rakhine State, Myanmar, the human rights watchdog calls for the situation in Myanmar to be referred to the international criminal court for investigation and prosecution.
But it also calls for the international community to start taking the situation seriously – including Australia. The organisation’s crisis campaigns co-ordinator, Diana Sayed, said “Australia must suspend all military co-operation and assistance with the Myanmar military”.But it also calls for the international community to start taking the situation seriously – including Australia. The organisation’s crisis campaigns co-ordinator, Diana Sayed, said “Australia must suspend all military co-operation and assistance with the Myanmar military”.
Australia has announced a further $18.4m in assistance for the 900,000 Rohingya living in Cox’s Bazar, with more than 700,000 people believed to have fled Myanmar since August 2017. That brings Australia’s contribution to $70m since September 2017.Australia has announced a further $18.4m in assistance for the 900,000 Rohingya living in Cox’s Bazar, with more than 700,000 people believed to have fled Myanmar since August 2017. That brings Australia’s contribution to $70m since September 2017.
The monsoon season is about to begin, which is about to cause conditions in the camps to deteriorate even further.The monsoon season is about to begin, which is about to cause conditions in the camps to deteriorate even further.
Speaking of the Greens, the party has released its industrial relations policy.Speaking of the Greens, the party has released its industrial relations policy.
The party has put together a list of things it would like to see changed:The party has put together a list of things it would like to see changed:
Adam Bandt said the policy extends beyond just changing the government:Adam Bandt said the policy extends beyond just changing the government:
The Greens want laws that reduce inequality, tackle job insecurity and restore some basic rights.The Greens want laws that reduce inequality, tackle job insecurity and restore some basic rights.
Kicking out Malcolm Turnbull is necessary but not sufficient. Without a progressive Senate, you can’t change the rules. It’s as simple as that.Kicking out Malcolm Turnbull is necessary but not sufficient. Without a progressive Senate, you can’t change the rules. It’s as simple as that.
If we can kick Malcolm Turnbull out, these will be our guiding principles when negotiating and passing Labor’s IR bills through the Senate.If we can kick Malcolm Turnbull out, these will be our guiding principles when negotiating and passing Labor’s IR bills through the Senate.
Just like we did on penalty rates, the Greens will stand up for workers and hold Labor to account.Just like we did on penalty rates, the Greens will stand up for workers and hold Labor to account.
As we said yesterday, the Liberals and Labor will have a conscience vote on the euthanasia motion due to be debated in the Senate (they mostly always do on these things now), but Lyle Shelton, who is hoping for a Senate spot in Queensland and is battling for the same voters as Malcolm Roberts, had a few things to say about One Nations’ position.As we said yesterday, the Liberals and Labor will have a conscience vote on the euthanasia motion due to be debated in the Senate (they mostly always do on these things now), but Lyle Shelton, who is hoping for a Senate spot in Queensland and is battling for the same voters as Malcolm Roberts, had a few things to say about One Nations’ position.
He is now linking One Nation to the Greens:He is now linking One Nation to the Greens:
Conservatives will be disappointed today to learn that Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is understood to be backing doctor-assisted suicide, a pet policy of the Greens.Conservatives will be disappointed today to learn that Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is understood to be backing doctor-assisted suicide, a pet policy of the Greens.
Conservatives party spokesman Lyle Shelton said many social conservatives had been attracted to the anti-establishment party but it was becoming clear it lacked clear principles.Conservatives party spokesman Lyle Shelton said many social conservatives had been attracted to the anti-establishment party but it was becoming clear it lacked clear principles.
“Whether it is an inconsistent view on lower taxes or support for allowing doctors to kill their patients, One Nation does not present a principled platform for social and economic conservatives.“Whether it is an inconsistent view on lower taxes or support for allowing doctors to kill their patients, One Nation does not present a principled platform for social and economic conservatives.
“It’s one thing to be able to articulate the legitimate grievances people have with our broken political system, it is another to put forward a coherent and principled policy approach.“It’s one thing to be able to articulate the legitimate grievances people have with our broken political system, it is another to put forward a coherent and principled policy approach.
“The Senate crossbench needs stable and clear-minded parliamentarians to take the fight up to the Greens and to stop the Coalition’s continued drift to the left.”“The Senate crossbench needs stable and clear-minded parliamentarians to take the fight up to the Greens and to stop the Coalition’s continued drift to the left.”
The Australian has reported that it understands One Nation has given backing to a private senator’s bill put forward by libertarian senator David Leyonhjelm, with the support of the Greens, to overturn the ban on the territories legalising euthanasia.The Australian has reported that it understands One Nation has given backing to a private senator’s bill put forward by libertarian senator David Leyonhjelm, with the support of the Greens, to overturn the ban on the territories legalising euthanasia.
“Greens and extreme libertarians have always had similar policies on legalising drugs, abortion and euthanasia. Many social conservatives will be disappointed to see One Nation aligning itself with this unholy alliance’s euthansia agenda.”“Greens and extreme libertarians have always had similar policies on legalising drugs, abortion and euthanasia. Many social conservatives will be disappointed to see One Nation aligning itself with this unholy alliance’s euthansia agenda.”
The Senate has got straight into the foreign interference laws - which will be passed, because Labor is supporting them.The Senate has got straight into the foreign interference laws - which will be passed, because Labor is supporting them.
Malcolm Turnbull has done a doorstop where he had a lot to say about how wicked Bill Shorten is being for denying small and medium businesses a tax cut, and not much to say on Huawei.Malcolm Turnbull has done a doorstop where he had a lot to say about how wicked Bill Shorten is being for denying small and medium businesses a tax cut, and not much to say on Huawei.
Turnbull:Turnbull:
What Shorten is going to do, he’s going to hit them with higher taxes. This is an assault on jobs, it’s an assault on enterprise, it’s an assault on innovation and small and medium family businesses – that is the Labor way. That’s what Shorten is threatening and that’s why it’s vital to continue to back our national economic plan that is already delivering record jobs growth.What Shorten is going to do, he’s going to hit them with higher taxes. This is an assault on jobs, it’s an assault on enterprise, it’s an assault on innovation and small and medium family businesses – that is the Labor way. That’s what Shorten is threatening and that’s why it’s vital to continue to back our national economic plan that is already delivering record jobs growth.
Significantly, Turnbull did not rule out splitting the company tax cut package to give a tax cut to companies earning up to $500m:Significantly, Turnbull did not rule out splitting the company tax cut package to give a tax cut to companies earning up to $500m:
I’m not going to comment on negotiations with the Senate. We’ve found over the years the best way to approach them is privately, constructively and respectfully.I’m not going to comment on negotiations with the Senate. We’ve found over the years the best way to approach them is privately, constructively and respectfully.
On Huawei, the prime minister said the government “carefully considers national security when it come to telecommunications” but he would “not have a public discussion” about national security advice on Huawei.On Huawei, the prime minister said the government “carefully considers national security when it come to telecommunications” but he would “not have a public discussion” about national security advice on Huawei.
Asked if Huawei will have any role in the 5G network, Turnbull waxed lyrical about 5G as a big evolution of telecommunications, “a much more powerful, more pervasive technology” that enables the Internet of Everything. But on Huawei, he would say only “all of those matters are under very careful consideration”.Asked if Huawei will have any role in the 5G network, Turnbull waxed lyrical about 5G as a big evolution of telecommunications, “a much more powerful, more pervasive technology” that enables the Internet of Everything. But on Huawei, he would say only “all of those matters are under very careful consideration”.
Just on those tax cuts – they apply to businesses with a turnover between $10m and $50m, however the tax only applies to the profit, not the income.Just on those tax cuts – they apply to businesses with a turnover between $10m and $50m, however the tax only applies to the profit, not the income.
So this is a slightly odd comment from Pauline Hanson:So this is a slightly odd comment from Pauline Hanson:
No, I have nothing to do with Bill Shorten about the corporate tax cuts. Remember, he wants to wind back the corporate tax cuts up to $50m back to $10m. He is speaking about the seat of Longman. I have a bus company up there that goes under if he winds back the corporate tax cuts back to $10m. He says he is for the battlers. It is all puff and wind. Do I like him? Do I trust him? No, I don’t trust him at all.No, I have nothing to do with Bill Shorten about the corporate tax cuts. Remember, he wants to wind back the corporate tax cuts up to $50m back to $10m. He is speaking about the seat of Longman. I have a bus company up there that goes under if he winds back the corporate tax cuts back to $10m. He says he is for the battlers. It is all puff and wind. Do I like him? Do I trust him? No, I don’t trust him at all.
Pauline Hanson says she is sticking by her (latest) decision on company tax cuts, but I think we all know she and the government are just waiting for the Longman byelection to tick over.Pauline Hanson says she is sticking by her (latest) decision on company tax cuts, but I think we all know she and the government are just waiting for the Longman byelection to tick over.
The One Nation leader was on Nine’s Today show this morning, denying her decision has anything to do with the Longman:The One Nation leader was on Nine’s Today show this morning, denying her decision has anything to do with the Longman:
Parliament finishes tomorrow, tomorrow night. Let’s see what the debate, where that leads and the discussions that are had and hopefully – and I promise the Australian people this is always about them and I am hoping to make the right decision for them and their future and the future generations.Parliament finishes tomorrow, tomorrow night. Let’s see what the debate, where that leads and the discussions that are had and hopefully – and I promise the Australian people this is always about them and I am hoping to make the right decision for them and their future and the future generations.
Is it not easy to get it right. I don’t have, you know, the resources that the major political parties have and I have to take it on my gut feeling and I also have to take it on advice and listening to what I am hearing and also what I am trying to get for the people.Is it not easy to get it right. I don’t have, you know, the resources that the major political parties have and I have to take it on my gut feeling and I also have to take it on advice and listening to what I am hearing and also what I am trying to get for the people.
I am really fighting for people to – and is it not all about me, it has nothing to do about me, it has nothing to do about the seat of Longman, about the byelection, that is just absolute rubbish.I am really fighting for people to – and is it not all about me, it has nothing to do about me, it has nothing to do about the seat of Longman, about the byelection, that is just absolute rubbish.
It’s the penultimate day before the winter recess and everyone is starting to get a little antsy.It’s the penultimate day before the winter recess and everyone is starting to get a little antsy.
The prime minister started the day in hi-vis – picking up the tools, and his attack against Labor’s decision to repeal the company tax cuts for businesses with a turnover between $10m and $50m.The prime minister started the day in hi-vis – picking up the tools, and his attack against Labor’s decision to repeal the company tax cuts for businesses with a turnover between $10m and $50m.
That decision didn’t go through shadow cabinet. But Labor says it has been its position for some time. It is just being explicit about it now.That decision didn’t go through shadow cabinet. But Labor says it has been its position for some time. It is just being explicit about it now.
Scott Morrison is now pushing for Labor to say what it will do about company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. After talking to Labor people yesterday, it looks like the party is leaning towards a no on that one, but it is not confirmed. Expect caucus to have a lot to say on it though, before the final decision is made.Scott Morrison is now pushing for Labor to say what it will do about company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. After talking to Labor people yesterday, it looks like the party is leaning towards a no on that one, but it is not confirmed. Expect caucus to have a lot to say on it though, before the final decision is made.
Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson, who says she hasn’t flip-flopped on company tax cuts, in a speech that laid out, in her own words, out of her own mouth, all the different positions she has held – a flip flop, if you like – has resumed talks with the government on company tax.Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson, who says she hasn’t flip-flopped on company tax cuts, in a speech that laid out, in her own words, out of her own mouth, all the different positions she has held – a flip flop, if you like – has resumed talks with the government on company tax.
Pauline Hanson says she hasn’t flip flopped on her support for Turnbull’s tax cuts for the banks. Watch this and decide for yourself. pic.twitter.com/AxspyavDryPauline Hanson says she hasn’t flip flopped on her support for Turnbull’s tax cuts for the banks. Watch this and decide for yourself. pic.twitter.com/AxspyavDry
Yesterday it was no flip flops.Yesterday it was no flip flops.
Today it is :Today it is :
I can imagine down in the chamber again [Labor is saying] she is flip-flopping – that is my prerogative and I will change my mind as many times as I want to ensure that I come up with the right decision.I can imagine down in the chamber again [Labor is saying] she is flip-flopping – that is my prerogative and I will change my mind as many times as I want to ensure that I come up with the right decision.
It’s her party and she can flip-flop if she wants to.It’s her party and she can flip-flop if she wants to.
Oh – and the Huawei boss is at the press club today. Which is timely, because the government is most likely about to ban the Chinese company from having anything to do with building the 5G network. John Lord, the chief of the Australian arm of the company, says there is nothing to worry about.Oh – and the Huawei boss is at the press club today. Which is timely, because the government is most likely about to ban the Chinese company from having anything to do with building the 5G network. John Lord, the chief of the Australian arm of the company, says there is nothing to worry about.
We’ll bring you that, and everything else as this day rolls on. Mike Bowers has already filed his first pics – follow him at @mikepbowers and @mpbowers, and he may pop up in the story on @pyjamapolitics.We’ll bring you that, and everything else as this day rolls on. Mike Bowers has already filed his first pics – follow him at @mikepbowers and @mpbowers, and he may pop up in the story on @pyjamapolitics.
You’ll find me @amyremeikis and in the comments.You’ll find me @amyremeikis and in the comments.
I haven’t had a coffee yet, as I wrestle with the tech demons, so this should be fun.I haven’t had a coffee yet, as I wrestle with the tech demons, so this should be fun.
Ready? Let’s go!Ready? Let’s go!