This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2018/jun/28/politics-coalition-labor-tax-shorten-turnbull

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Labor asks about 'any agreements with One Nation in last 48 hours' – politics live Labor asks about 'any agreements with One Nation in last 48 hours' – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
And on that night, I am going to call it a wrap.
But don’t worry - the blog will be back with you on 28 July for the byelection extravaganza. And here at Guardian Parliament House HQ we’ll be bringing you all the updates, on a day-to-day basis.
But the blog will be asleep for the next month, so let me take this half-time break to say thank you to everyone who has followed along so far this year, and for being so involved. It makes the long hours and the batshit chicanery worth it.
Mike Bowers also sends his regards – make sure you stay up to date with him at @mikepbowers and @mpbowers while the blog is resting. You can follow me at @pyjamapolitics and @amyremeikis.
Massive thanks to the Guardian brains trust for dragging me bodily through this final sitting fortnight and for cleaning up after my typos and brain freezes, and for watching what’s happening when my focus is elsewhere.
Take this time to get some sunshine and enjoy politics without the theatre of parliament. We’ll be back on 28 July – and then 16 August.
But, in the meantime - take care of you.
Ax
Scott Morrison’s office has announced a new paper for consultation - on stapled structures. I haven’t read through it, but I will note it has dropped past 5pm on the last sitting day before the recess.Scott Morrison’s office has announced a new paper for consultation - on stapled structures. I haven’t read through it, but I will note it has dropped past 5pm on the last sitting day before the recess.
The Turnbull government is continuing to protect the integrity of Australia’s corporate tax system to ensure foreign investors pay their fair share of tax, with the closure of a former Labor government loophole that gave foreign investors a discounted tax rate that cannot be accessed by Australian investors.The Turnbull government is continuing to protect the integrity of Australia’s corporate tax system to ensure foreign investors pay their fair share of tax, with the closure of a former Labor government loophole that gave foreign investors a discounted tax rate that cannot be accessed by Australian investors.
In March, I announced a package of measures to reform the tax treatment of stapled structures and similar arrangements. The package ensures trading income for foreign investors is taxed at the corporate tax rate, and limits access to broader concessions for passive income utilised by foreign governments and foreign pension funds.In March, I announced a package of measures to reform the tax treatment of stapled structures and similar arrangements. The package ensures trading income for foreign investors is taxed at the corporate tax rate, and limits access to broader concessions for passive income utilised by foreign governments and foreign pension funds.
Today I am releasing a paper for public consultation outlining the conditions stapled entities must comply with to access the proposed infrastructure concession and transitional arrangements.Today I am releasing a paper for public consultation outlining the conditions stapled entities must comply with to access the proposed infrastructure concession and transitional arrangements.
These conditions were flagged in the Government’s announcement earlier this year addressing the tax integrity risks posed by stapled structures, and provides a further safeguard against aggressive cross‑staple pricing arrangements during these transition and concession periods.These conditions were flagged in the Government’s announcement earlier this year addressing the tax integrity risks posed by stapled structures, and provides a further safeguard against aggressive cross‑staple pricing arrangements during these transition and concession periods.
The conditions include:The conditions include:
• The extension of existing integrity rules that apply to Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) to ensure that all staples are required to set their rent at market prices; and• The extension of existing integrity rules that apply to Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) to ensure that all staples are required to set their rent at market prices; and
• The introduction of statutory caps on the amount of cross-staple rent that is able to access the concessional rate of withholding tax (available under the MIT regime) for new and existing infrastructure projects during the transition or concession period.• The introduction of statutory caps on the amount of cross-staple rent that is able to access the concessional rate of withholding tax (available under the MIT regime) for new and existing infrastructure projects during the transition or concession period.
Treasury is currently preparing exposure draft legislation on the proposed rules outlined in the paper.Treasury is currently preparing exposure draft legislation on the proposed rules outlined in the paper.
The proposal paper is available on the Treasury website. The Government encourages all interested parties to make a submission, with draft legislation will be released shortly. Submissions close on 12 July 2018.The proposal paper is available on the Treasury website. The Government encourages all interested parties to make a submission, with draft legislation will be released shortly. Submissions close on 12 July 2018.
Just had a chance to look at this today.Sexual assault reports increased by 8% in Australia last year, the highest number in eight years, according to the ABS. There were almost 25,000 reports to police.More than four in five victims were women (82% or 20,556)#auspol pic.twitter.com/WIDWIOOjWAJust had a chance to look at this today.Sexual assault reports increased by 8% in Australia last year, the highest number in eight years, according to the ABS. There were almost 25,000 reports to police.More than four in five victims were women (82% or 20,556)#auspol pic.twitter.com/WIDWIOOjWA
Andrew Giles addressed the chamber on something we don’t hear about enough – loneliness. The government announced funding in the budget to address it for the elderly, which is exceptionally important, but as Giles points out, it’s something that can impact anyone:Andrew Giles addressed the chamber on something we don’t hear about enough – loneliness. The government announced funding in the budget to address it for the elderly, which is exceptionally important, but as Giles points out, it’s something that can impact anyone:
Tonight I want to talk about loneliness.Tonight I want to talk about loneliness.
And propose that we talk more about it in this place, that we work to better understand its consequences – and that we do better to prevent it, as individuals and collectively.And propose that we talk more about it in this place, that we work to better understand its consequences – and that we do better to prevent it, as individuals and collectively.
I’m in politics to help build a just society. This requires social inclusion, as well as economic opportunity.I’m in politics to help build a just society. This requires social inclusion, as well as economic opportunity.
This is a challenge which, ultimately, rests on relationships. Economic relationships, of course, relationships of power, all the ways in which we relate and connect to one another.This is a challenge which, ultimately, rests on relationships. Economic relationships, of course, relationships of power, all the ways in which we relate and connect to one another.
How they work.How they work.
What happens when they don’t.What happens when they don’t.
Research shows that loneliness is a growing concern in Australia, and for Australia. A survey by Lifeline in 2016 found that over 80% of respondents thought the feeling of loneliness was increasing in Australia, and two-thirds said that they often feel lonely.Research shows that loneliness is a growing concern in Australia, and for Australia. A survey by Lifeline in 2016 found that over 80% of respondents thought the feeling of loneliness was increasing in Australia, and two-thirds said that they often feel lonely.
Relationships Australia has also found in a 2017 survey that 34% of respondents said they often felt isolated, and 43% said they felt lonely some of the time.Relationships Australia has also found in a 2017 survey that 34% of respondents said they often felt isolated, and 43% said they felt lonely some of the time.
When the Australian Survey of Social Attitudes took a look at the issue in 2007, the lastWhen the Australian Survey of Social Attitudes took a look at the issue in 2007, the last
major research on this question in Australia, they found that loneliness was a serious problem for people of all ages. This survey pointed to an alarming incidence of loneliness amongst younger Australians, and raised the question of the impact of social media on this.major research on this question in Australia, they found that loneliness was a serious problem for people of all ages. This survey pointed to an alarming incidence of loneliness amongst younger Australians, and raised the question of the impact of social media on this.
It’s time this research was updated, not least as it appears technology is driving a trend away from face-to-face interaction and engagement.It’s time this research was updated, not least as it appears technology is driving a trend away from face-to-face interaction and engagement.
Loneliness is a major public health issue. Dr Michelle Lim of Swinburne University noted the relationship between the emotional and psychological effects of loneliness, and the physiological effects, such as a negative impact on brain processes, regulation of stress, and the severity of mental health symptoms. She says, strikingly, it can be as bad for us as smoking or obesity.Loneliness is a major public health issue. Dr Michelle Lim of Swinburne University noted the relationship between the emotional and psychological effects of loneliness, and the physiological effects, such as a negative impact on brain processes, regulation of stress, and the severity of mental health symptoms. She says, strikingly, it can be as bad for us as smoking or obesity.
Loneliness can be a killer: a Stanford University study found that older people who are socially isolated experience poorer health, and have a risk of death that is 31% higher than those who are not isolated.Loneliness can be a killer: a Stanford University study found that older people who are socially isolated experience poorer health, and have a risk of death that is 31% higher than those who are not isolated.
But its impacts are less appreciated than they should be. Another leading academic in this growing field of research is Professor Alex Haslam from the University of Queensland.But its impacts are less appreciated than they should be. Another leading academic in this growing field of research is Professor Alex Haslam from the University of Queensland.
In February, together with a number of other academics, Professor Haslam published research in the journal Social Science and Medicine that found that while the majority of people were well aware of established health risks such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption, there were few who saw social factors, particularly loneliness, as of the same level of importance.In February, together with a number of other academics, Professor Haslam published research in the journal Social Science and Medicine that found that while the majority of people were well aware of established health risks such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption, there were few who saw social factors, particularly loneliness, as of the same level of importance.
In a recent address, broadcast by the ABC, he highlighted the extraordinary positive impact on wellbeing of involvement in social networks. In the town of Frome in the UK, a project launched by a local GP found that by providing support from community groups and volunteers the lives of socially isolated people with health problems were significantly improved – over a three year period emergency hospital admissions in Frome fell by 17%.In a recent address, broadcast by the ABC, he highlighted the extraordinary positive impact on wellbeing of involvement in social networks. In the town of Frome in the UK, a project launched by a local GP found that by providing support from community groups and volunteers the lives of socially isolated people with health problems were significantly improved – over a three year period emergency hospital admissions in Frome fell by 17%.
All of this demonstrates that loneliness cannot simply be tackled through a single type of response – we need to also build up a conversation in our communities about the importance of being socially connected, and the negative impacts of being isolated.All of this demonstrates that loneliness cannot simply be tackled through a single type of response – we need to also build up a conversation in our communities about the importance of being socially connected, and the negative impacts of being isolated.
There are profound questions we need to address – about how we relate to one another, and how we sustain communities. This is affected by increasing inequality – as gaps in life experiences increase, so does the scale of this challenge.There are profound questions we need to address – about how we relate to one another, and how we sustain communities. This is affected by increasing inequality – as gaps in life experiences increase, so does the scale of this challenge.
This has been recognised by many of my Labor colleagues: the Member for Franklin, the Member for Fenner, Senator Louise Pratt and the Member for Moreton in particular.This has been recognised by many of my Labor colleagues: the Member for Franklin, the Member for Fenner, Senator Louise Pratt and the Member for Moreton in particular.
They have all contributed to fighting loneliness in the communities they represent and across our society.They have all contributed to fighting loneliness in the communities they represent and across our society.
As have many in civil society, in particular the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness.As have many in civil society, in particular the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness.
I think I can say they share my view that there’s more to be done.I think I can say they share my view that there’s more to be done.
I take heart, and inspiration, from the work of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness. In 2017 the Commission published the report ‘Combatting loneliness one conversation at a time’, challenging the May Government to “step forward and lead a renewed push to tackle loneliness”.I take heart, and inspiration, from the work of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness. In 2017 the Commission published the report ‘Combatting loneliness one conversation at a time’, challenging the May Government to “step forward and lead a renewed push to tackle loneliness”.
It did, including through a ministerial appointment; supporting community groups; developing a strategy on loneliness that will bring together governments and service providers, research on the impact of various initiatives to tackle loneliness, and establishing indicators for loneliness so that there is a consistent measure.It did, including through a ministerial appointment; supporting community groups; developing a strategy on loneliness that will bring together governments and service providers, research on the impact of various initiatives to tackle loneliness, and establishing indicators for loneliness so that there is a consistent measure.
Along with the member for Berowra I have moved a private member’s motion, calling on a national response from the Australian government. This has to be a bipartisan concern, and I am pleased that I might have the chance to work with the member for Berowra and colleagues from different political traditions on this issue.Along with the member for Berowra I have moved a private member’s motion, calling on a national response from the Australian government. This has to be a bipartisan concern, and I am pleased that I might have the chance to work with the member for Berowra and colleagues from different political traditions on this issue.
A good society lets no-one slip through its cracks. As individuals we can and we should all reach out to those around us, but as a country we must making ending loneliness a national priority for our national government.A good society lets no-one slip through its cracks. As individuals we can and we should all reach out to those around us, but as a country we must making ending loneliness a national priority for our national government.
The Senate is still whipping through the bills there is agreement on, which means that all the bills they don’t agree on – including the higher-ed one – are being pushed back until after the parliament resumes in August.The Senate is still whipping through the bills there is agreement on, which means that all the bills they don’t agree on – including the higher-ed one – are being pushed back until after the parliament resumes in August.
When I say agreement, I mean the government and Labor.When I say agreement, I mean the government and Labor.
From Mike Bowers to you:From Mike Bowers to you:
Christian Porter’s office has released this statement on what Andrew Wilkie was talking about earlier today:Christian Porter’s office has released this statement on what Andrew Wilkie was talking about earlier today:
I can confirm a former staff member of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and a Mr Bernard Collaery have been summoned to appear in connection with offences under section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (the IS Act).I can confirm a former staff member of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and a Mr Bernard Collaery have been summoned to appear in connection with offences under section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 (the IS Act).
The former staff member will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act.The former staff member will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act.
Mr Collaery will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act, and with further offences of communicating ASIS information contrary to section 39 of the IS Act.Mr Collaery will be charged with an offence of conspiracy to communicate ASIS information, contrary to section 11.5 of the Criminal Code and section 39 of the IS Act, and with further offences of communicating ASIS information contrary to section 39 of the IS Act.
Procedurally, the IS Act provides that a prosecution under section 39 may be instituted only by, or with the consent of, the Attorney-General or a person acting under the Attorney-General’s direction.Procedurally, the IS Act provides that a prosecution under section 39 may be instituted only by, or with the consent of, the Attorney-General or a person acting under the Attorney-General’s direction.
In this matter the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) considered the brief of evidence and subsequently made an independent decision that a prosecution was the appropriate course of action having due regard to the matters requiring consideration under the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.In this matter the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) considered the brief of evidence and subsequently made an independent decision that a prosecution was the appropriate course of action having due regard to the matters requiring consideration under the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.
Accordingly the Director sought my consent to that decision to prosecute, which consent I provided.Accordingly the Director sought my consent to that decision to prosecute, which consent I provided.
There are also two matters that are very important to note.There are also two matters that are very important to note.
First, the former staff member’s identity continues to be protected by section 41 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001; as such, it would be an offence to identify the former staff member.First, the former staff member’s identity continues to be protected by section 41 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001; as such, it would be an offence to identify the former staff member.
Second, having formally confirmed the process regarding these matters - I can also confirm that I will not be providing detailed comment on their substance and that is because the matters are now before the Court.Second, having formally confirmed the process regarding these matters - I can also confirm that I will not be providing detailed comment on their substance and that is because the matters are now before the Court.
I would also encourage any member with an interest in this case to be conscious of the fact that the priority must be to allow judicial processes to be conducted without commentary which could impact on the fairness and regularity of those proceedings.I would also encourage any member with an interest in this case to be conscious of the fact that the priority must be to allow judicial processes to be conducted without commentary which could impact on the fairness and regularity of those proceedings.
The ‘if’ in this Chris Bowen answer to Alan Jones this morning has got a bit of attention:The ‘if’ in this Chris Bowen answer to Alan Jones this morning has got a bit of attention:
Well let’s be clear. Bill said if we end up with a $10 million threshold, and he said we are still working through the threshold between $2 and $10 million, that if we end up with a $10 million threshold then we would repeal. That’s obviously the approach that we generally take.Well let’s be clear. Bill said if we end up with a $10 million threshold, and he said we are still working through the threshold between $2 and $10 million, that if we end up with a $10 million threshold then we would repeal. That’s obviously the approach that we generally take.
Just for your listeners’ interests Alan, all businesses between zero and $2m in turnover, and that’s 811,000 companies Alan. They will receive a tax cut regardless of who wins the election. That’s 91% of all companies in Australia. Now we have made no secret of the fact that we are against the big business tax cut.Just for your listeners’ interests Alan, all businesses between zero and $2m in turnover, and that’s 811,000 companies Alan. They will receive a tax cut regardless of who wins the election. That’s 91% of all companies in Australia. Now we have made no secret of the fact that we are against the big business tax cut.
You and I have talked before about debt being greater than half a trillion dollars, for example, and tough decisions being necessary. Now we do recognise, and I’ve said repeatedly, that we have to acknowledge what’s been legislated. Now what’s been legislated is not 25%, importantly, it is 27 and a half per cent for those businesses of various thresholds.You and I have talked before about debt being greater than half a trillion dollars, for example, and tough decisions being necessary. Now we do recognise, and I’ve said repeatedly, that we have to acknowledge what’s been legislated. Now what’s been legislated is not 25%, importantly, it is 27 and a half per cent for those businesses of various thresholds.
I have not had this confirmed, but my take is the ‘if’ is in relation to the shadow cabinet not yet having made a decision on what to do with the company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. So we don’t know right now if $10m is the threshold.I have not had this confirmed, but my take is the ‘if’ is in relation to the shadow cabinet not yet having made a decision on what to do with the company tax cuts between $2m and $10m. So we don’t know right now if $10m is the threshold.
We should know tomorrow, after shadow cabinet meets.We should know tomorrow, after shadow cabinet meets.
Malcolm Turnbull does call time, and the chamber pretends to groan.Malcolm Turnbull does call time, and the chamber pretends to groan.
Much in the same way I am always *so sad* when dentist appointments are over.Much in the same way I am always *so sad* when dentist appointments are over.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has stood up in the Senate to accuse senator David Leyonhjelm of making a “sexist slur”.Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has stood up in the Senate to accuse senator David Leyonhjelm of making a “sexist slur”.
She said during a motion on violence against women Leyonhjelm yelled across the chamber that she should “stop shagging men”, and confirmed it when she later confronted him.She said during a motion on violence against women Leyonhjelm yelled across the chamber that she should “stop shagging men”, and confirmed it when she later confronted him.
“Shocked, I told him he was a creep. He told me to f... off,” she said. Hanson-Young said she is disappointed Leyonhjelm has refused to apologise.“Shocked, I told him he was a creep. He told me to f... off,” she said. Hanson-Young said she is disappointed Leyonhjelm has refused to apologise.
Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:Tanya Plibersek to Malcolm Turnbull:
“On Sunday, 700,000 workers will get a pay cut. Does the prime minister support the cut to penalty rates?”“On Sunday, 700,000 workers will get a pay cut. Does the prime minister support the cut to penalty rates?”
Turnbull:Turnbull:
“On Sunday, there will be thousands of workers in the hospitality sector and in fast food sector who will not get penalty rates at all because unions have traded them away. Unions have traded them away.“On Sunday, there will be thousands of workers in the hospitality sector and in fast food sector who will not get penalty rates at all because unions have traded them away. Unions have traded them away.
“Oh, yes! The big unions. The big unions that pay their bills, just like the workers at Clean Event had their penalty rates traded away. The SDA and others trading away the penalty rates of their workers. The reality is this: Labor is utterly hypocritical on the matter of penalty rates. For years and years, for over a century, Labor has said that it stands for the independent umpire, for the conciliation and arbitration, for fair work, laws that were passed.“Oh, yes! The big unions. The big unions that pay their bills, just like the workers at Clean Event had their penalty rates traded away. The SDA and others trading away the penalty rates of their workers. The reality is this: Labor is utterly hypocritical on the matter of penalty rates. For years and years, for over a century, Labor has said that it stands for the independent umpire, for the conciliation and arbitration, for fair work, laws that were passed.
“When the leader of the opposition was responsible for them and after hearings which all the submissions were heard, they didn’t like the outcome, so they wanted to disown it. But when it came to the crunch, when there was an employer prepared to pay some money to the union, oh, yes – the deputy leader shakes her head. She’s so sad to hear the truth. The fact is big unions have been taking money from big business to trade away workers’ penalty rates and the only thing the Labor party hates about that is getting caught.”“When the leader of the opposition was responsible for them and after hearings which all the submissions were heard, they didn’t like the outcome, so they wanted to disown it. But when it came to the crunch, when there was an employer prepared to pay some money to the union, oh, yes – the deputy leader shakes her head. She’s so sad to hear the truth. The fact is big unions have been taking money from big business to trade away workers’ penalty rates and the only thing the Labor party hates about that is getting caught.”
Christian Porter is updating the House on the changes to the “call in” powers for the ADF on domestic terrorist threats.Christian Porter is updating the House on the changes to the “call in” powers for the ADF on domestic terrorist threats.
I think as soon as he sits, Malcolm Turnbull will call time. And then we get a six-week reprieve. *confetti emoji*I think as soon as he sits, Malcolm Turnbull will call time. And then we get a six-week reprieve. *confetti emoji*