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Dutton's eligibility to sit as MP questioned over s44 issues – politics live Dutton's eligibility to sit as MP questioned over s44 issues – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
For those wondering where the Peter Dutton story came from – it sparked instant commentary of a leak from either Labor or Malcolm Turnbull’s office, Hugh Riminton has just taken to Twitter to give “full credit to dogged researcher Kate Doak”.
So now you know.
And that’s where we will leave it for now.
The phones will be running hot tonight and tomorrow morning in the lead-up to tomorrow’s party room meeting. That’s where the new policy will get looked over by those who have torpedoed the Neg. The states still have to weigh in, so there is no rush for the government to put this legislation through the House.
Turnbull may have headed off the latest front on attack, but as one MP pointed out to me today “the first loud rumblings are a warning shot, which is almost always followed by the actual offensive”.
Shorter version – this ain’t over yet.
Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Turnbull has shown his belly to the party room and I don’t think anyone in this building expects them to walk away now.
Labor is very content to let this play out. It feels like it has its house in order and has been preparing for the general election all year. Preselections are at the tail end, and the party is all but good to go.
Not that anyone is talking election as yet. But if we see a switch-up of leaders, there won’t be one too far away.
Tomorrow also marks one week since the (now we know premature) “we got it through the party room” victory press conference.
Time flies, huh?
We should have an answer on company tax tomorrow one way or the other but the main focus will be on the party room meeting and what comes out of that.
Stay. Tuned.
Mike Bowers will be back on deck tomorrow and the Guardian brains’ trust will be here at the crack of dawn, chasing whatever it brings.
A big thank you to them all for helping me through today, and keeping me abreast of the developments – it has been a pretty fast moving beast today.
And of course, as always, to you for reading and for letting us know your thoughts. Makes sure you switch off and get some rest tonight – tomorrow is going to be another big day. We’ll be back bright and early, so in the meantime – take care of you.
It is safe to say the Business Council, which backed the government on its previous Neg policy, even lobbying on its behalf to try and get MPs across the line, is pissed at this latest development.It is safe to say the Business Council, which backed the government on its previous Neg policy, even lobbying on its behalf to try and get MPs across the line, is pissed at this latest development.
From Jennifer Westacott:From Jennifer Westacott:
“We support lower prices but this will not be achieved by ad hoc and extreme intervention in the electricity market which brings new risks, unintended consequences and has never worked before,” she said in a statement.“We support lower prices but this will not be achieved by ad hoc and extreme intervention in the electricity market which brings new risks, unintended consequences and has never worked before,” she said in a statement.
“While we understand the need to prioritise affordability, greater intervention and more regulation – including forced divestment which even the ACCC rejected as an ‘extreme measure’ – is not the answer.“While we understand the need to prioritise affordability, greater intervention and more regulation – including forced divestment which even the ACCC rejected as an ‘extreme measure’ – is not the answer.
“It is a band-aid solution that will at best provide short-term relief.“It is a band-aid solution that will at best provide short-term relief.
“By exacerbating sovereign risk and interfering in market outcomes, the proposals will discourage investment in urgently needed dispatchable power with serious consequences for prices and reliability down the track.“By exacerbating sovereign risk and interfering in market outcomes, the proposals will discourage investment in urgently needed dispatchable power with serious consequences for prices and reliability down the track.
“The measures announced today do not go to the heart of the problem that must be fixed and that the Neg was designed to address.“The measures announced today do not go to the heart of the problem that must be fixed and that the Neg was designed to address.
“The Neg was the first proposal that sought to integrate energy and climate change policy, providing a clear signal to business and industry about how emissions will be treated in this country and most importantly brought reliability to the front and centre of energy policy.“The Neg was the first proposal that sought to integrate energy and climate change policy, providing a clear signal to business and industry about how emissions will be treated in this country and most importantly brought reliability to the front and centre of energy policy.
“Over recent months the prospect of greater policy stability has seen a downward trend in wholesale prices. Without locking-in this overarching framework, investment uncertainty will continue to be unresolved and the national electricity market will remain unfit-for-purpose.“Over recent months the prospect of greater policy stability has seen a downward trend in wholesale prices. Without locking-in this overarching framework, investment uncertainty will continue to be unresolved and the national electricity market will remain unfit-for-purpose.
“Over the past decade governments of both persuasions, federal and state, have created this mess – through failed attempts at carbon pricing, ill-conceived green schemes, a renewable energy target that forced out baseload supply, gold plating of energy infrastructure and irresponsible moratoriums on gas exploration by some states.“Over the past decade governments of both persuasions, federal and state, have created this mess – through failed attempts at carbon pricing, ill-conceived green schemes, a renewable energy target that forced out baseload supply, gold plating of energy infrastructure and irresponsible moratoriums on gas exploration by some states.
“Time and time again business has been willing to engage in constructive policy design but short-term political gain has always prevailed.“Time and time again business has been willing to engage in constructive policy design but short-term political gain has always prevailed.
“Once again, we call on all political parties to work together to deliver a workable and durable energy and climate change policy that will drive investment and improve certainty.“Once again, we call on all political parties to work together to deliver a workable and durable energy and climate change policy that will drive investment and improve certainty.
“This must include working constructively with the business community to ensure there are no unintended consequences from today’s announcement.“This must include working constructively with the business community to ensure there are no unintended consequences from today’s announcement.
“Unfortunately, the cost of continued ad hoc intervention in the electricity market will ultimately be borne by Australian households, businesses and workers.”“Unfortunately, the cost of continued ad hoc intervention in the electricity market will ultimately be borne by Australian households, businesses and workers.”
The Liberal party will hold a party room meeting tomorrow, where the latest energy policy will be discussed.The Liberal party will hold a party room meeting tomorrow, where the latest energy policy will be discussed.
From the word today, it looks like Malcolm Turnbull has bent enough and given the conservative faction what they wanted, buying him a little more time.From the word today, it looks like Malcolm Turnbull has bent enough and given the conservative faction what they wanted, buying him a little more time.
But expect the next big fight, at least from what I am hearing, to be on the Paris agreement and Tony Abbott’s ongoing demand that Australia follow the US and pull out of it.But expect the next big fight, at least from what I am hearing, to be on the Paris agreement and Tony Abbott’s ongoing demand that Australia follow the US and pull out of it.
You heard Eric Abetz talk about that a little earlier today. It’s enough of an issue that those who want Turnbull gone can keep turning to it to keep the tensions rolling on.You heard Eric Abetz talk about that a little earlier today. It’s enough of an issue that those who want Turnbull gone can keep turning to it to keep the tensions rolling on.
Paris is about to become something we hear conservative MPs tell us their “base” are very concerned about.Paris is about to become something we hear conservative MPs tell us their “base” are very concerned about.
Tanya & I lead a united team that is working hard to deliver a fair go. While the Liberals are fighting amongst themselves, we're focused on things that matter to you: reversing Turnbull’s cuts to schools, hospitals & penalty rates & stopping his $17 billion handout to the banks pic.twitter.com/L0M3bSLyVmTanya & I lead a united team that is working hard to deliver a fair go. While the Liberals are fighting amongst themselves, we're focused on things that matter to you: reversing Turnbull’s cuts to schools, hospitals & penalty rates & stopping his $17 billion handout to the banks pic.twitter.com/L0M3bSLyVm
Hugh Riminton from Network Ten is reporting Peter Dutton could have section 44 issues, due to pecuniary interests over his wife’s childcare centres.Hugh Riminton from Network Ten is reporting Peter Dutton could have section 44 issues, due to pecuniary interests over his wife’s childcare centres.
The problem, Riminton says, could be around changes the government made to the childcare subsidy – in that childcare centres now receive a benefit from the government.The problem, Riminton says, could be around changes the government made to the childcare subsidy – in that childcare centres now receive a benefit from the government.
Dutton’s legal advice is that he is OK.Dutton’s legal advice is that he is OK.
But it is all a moot point – the parliament has to refer someone to the high court for it to be tested. And the government, while it may not have the numbers to get its own policy through the House of Representatives at the moment, certainly has the numbers, by one, to block any move to refer Dutton to the court.But it is all a moot point – the parliament has to refer someone to the high court for it to be tested. And the government, while it may not have the numbers to get its own policy through the House of Representatives at the moment, certainly has the numbers, by one, to block any move to refer Dutton to the court.
Barry O’Sullivan just tried to have his anti-abortion motion put through the Senate - it was rejected.Barry O’Sullivan just tried to have his anti-abortion motion put through the Senate - it was rejected.
But that has delayed the death notice for the company tax cut policy.But that has delayed the death notice for the company tax cut policy.
Those who know the Senate much better than I say not to expect anything until later tonightThose who know the Senate much better than I say not to expect anything until later tonight
Michael McCormack in - How to lose government policy in 10 minutes:Michael McCormack in - How to lose government policy in 10 minutes:
Deputy PM @M_McCormackMP claims Australia is ‘more than meeting’ the Paris Agreement emissions reduction target of 26%.‘It’s based on the data that is produced by those people who measure emissions.’MORE: https://t.co/PjVH6AcKVB #speers pic.twitter.com/wtBlBMmZbSDeputy PM @M_McCormackMP claims Australia is ‘more than meeting’ the Paris Agreement emissions reduction target of 26%.‘It’s based on the data that is produced by those people who measure emissions.’MORE: https://t.co/PjVH6AcKVB #speers pic.twitter.com/wtBlBMmZbS
Deputy PM @M_McCormackMP on legislating an emissions reductions target: No we’re not legislating it … We don’t need to.MORE: https://t.co/GdbCnxKRUn #speers pic.twitter.com/XzwfmXym2bDeputy PM @M_McCormackMP on legislating an emissions reductions target: No we’re not legislating it … We don’t need to.MORE: https://t.co/GdbCnxKRUn #speers pic.twitter.com/XzwfmXym2b
Someone might need to call the coroner, because we have all just witnessed a death in this interview between David Speers and Michael McCormack.Someone might need to call the coroner, because we have all just witnessed a death in this interview between David Speers and Michael McCormack.
OMG @David_Speers please stop https://t.co/vltusigxdT #auspolOMG @David_Speers please stop https://t.co/vltusigxdT #auspol
Michael McCormack says the Neg is “government policy at the time” but it doesn’t have the numbers, and maybe sometime in the future, if the government has a buffer of 10, maybe it can try again.Michael McCormack says the Neg is “government policy at the time” but it doesn’t have the numbers, and maybe sometime in the future, if the government has a buffer of 10, maybe it can try again.
Or something.Or something.
He supports the Paris Agreement. But it doesn’t matter, because the emissions reduction is not going to be legislated.He supports the Paris Agreement. But it doesn’t matter, because the emissions reduction is not going to be legislated.
It’s all hypothetical.It’s all hypothetical.
ALL OF IT.ALL OF IT.
The Australian council of social service (Acoss) has slammed the Turnbull government’s Neg backdown, saying the notion that Australians must choose between lower energy price and action on global warming is “misleading and short-sighted”.The Australian council of social service (Acoss) has slammed the Turnbull government’s Neg backdown, saying the notion that Australians must choose between lower energy price and action on global warming is “misleading and short-sighted”.
ACOSS has repeatedly called for measures to reduce energy bills for low-income Australians.ACOSS has repeatedly called for measures to reduce energy bills for low-income Australians.
But its chief executive, Cassandra Goldie, said the lowest-paid would also bear the brunt of Australia’s failure to act on climate change.But its chief executive, Cassandra Goldie, said the lowest-paid would also bear the brunt of Australia’s failure to act on climate change.
“Failure to tackle climate change will also come at a cost, especially for people on low income who are least able to cope, adapt and recover,” Goldie said.“Failure to tackle climate change will also come at a cost, especially for people on low income who are least able to cope, adapt and recover,” Goldie said.
“People on low incomes want affordable energy and to limit dangerous climate change. We can and must do both.”“People on low incomes want affordable energy and to limit dangerous climate change. We can and must do both.”
Michael McCormack is now doing his best to explain why cutting emissions doesn’t need to be legislated on Sky News.Michael McCormack is now doing his best to explain why cutting emissions doesn’t need to be legislated on Sky News.
It’s not great.It’s not great.
He can’t explain how Australia will meet the 26% cut, without the Neg.He can’t explain how Australia will meet the 26% cut, without the Neg.
“From everything I’ve read...” he says, before trying to jump to what Labor wants to do. (He’s cut off).“From everything I’ve read...” he says, before trying to jump to what Labor wants to do. (He’s cut off).
This is just giving me flashbacks to that time Sarah Palin couldn’t name any of the newspapers she read, when questioned:This is just giving me flashbacks to that time Sarah Palin couldn’t name any of the newspapers she read, when questioned:
“Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.”“Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me all these years.”
McCormack has read the papers, and the media reports and the other things which have been put in front of him and that’s how he knows.McCormack has read the papers, and the media reports and the other things which have been put in front of him and that’s how he knows.
He is now falling back on the ole ‘if you walk down the street in Wagga Wagga’, where no one is talking about emissions reductions or the Paris Agreement.He is now falling back on the ole ‘if you walk down the street in Wagga Wagga’, where no one is talking about emissions reductions or the Paris Agreement.
I am not sure who thought it was a great idea to have McCormack explain this on national TV, but they might want to think about whether or not strategy is actually their strength.I am not sure who thought it was a great idea to have McCormack explain this on national TV, but they might want to think about whether or not strategy is actually their strength.
Well then, that’s that decided:Well then, that’s that decided:
RESULTS AT 3.30pm (3,500 votes)Who should lead the Liberal Party?MALCOLM TURNBULL – 5% PETER DUTTON – 32% JULIE BISHOP – 2% TONY ABBOTT – 60% SCOTT MORRISON – 1%Vote in the 2GB poll here: https://t.co/tl8BGSgs2YRESULTS AT 3.30pm (3,500 votes)Who should lead the Liberal Party?MALCOLM TURNBULL – 5% PETER DUTTON – 32% JULIE BISHOP – 2% TONY ABBOTT – 60% SCOTT MORRISON – 1%Vote in the 2GB poll here: https://t.co/tl8BGSgs2Y
Over in the Senate (I know, we haven’t given it much thought today either) the government was going through the motions of attempting to have its company tax cuts plan passed (there is more chance of Tony Abbott admitting he believes we should stay in the Paris agreement, than that happening).Over in the Senate (I know, we haven’t given it much thought today either) the government was going through the motions of attempting to have its company tax cuts plan passed (there is more chance of Tony Abbott admitting he believes we should stay in the Paris agreement, than that happening).
Pauline Hanson spoke on the bill, which she opposes, saying it would cost the Australian people “$224bn in revenue”.Pauline Hanson spoke on the bill, which she opposes, saying it would cost the Australian people “$224bn in revenue”.
She then had a few things to say in response to criticism of her by Brian Burston, whom she removed from One Nation in June when they fell out over the tax cuts.She then had a few things to say in response to criticism of her by Brian Burston, whom she removed from One Nation in June when they fell out over the tax cuts.
Senator Burston was taken out of the position of whip because he was not doing the job and not reporting back. I remember clearly that I was down here to ask a question and didn’t know whether I had the call and Peter Georgiou rang me on the phone and asked whether I had it and I said, ‘I don’t know.’ That’s why Senator Burston was taken out of the position of whip. And I asked him whether Peter Georgiou would be all right as whip, and he said, ‘Yeah, that’s fine by me.’Senator Burston was taken out of the position of whip because he was not doing the job and not reporting back. I remember clearly that I was down here to ask a question and didn’t know whether I had the call and Peter Georgiou rang me on the phone and asked whether I had it and I said, ‘I don’t know.’ That’s why Senator Burston was taken out of the position of whip. And I asked him whether Peter Georgiou would be all right as whip, and he said, ‘Yeah, that’s fine by me.’
James Pearson, the chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is clearly fed up.James Pearson, the chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is clearly fed up.
He just held a press conference in Parliament House to have a spray at the Coalition, and Labor, for the policy disarray in Canberra.He just held a press conference in Parliament House to have a spray at the Coalition, and Labor, for the policy disarray in Canberra.
He said the business community wanted the Neg because it would have provided policy certainty, and it would have worked well with key recommendations in the ACCC’s report on electricity prices.He said the business community wanted the Neg because it would have provided policy certainty, and it would have worked well with key recommendations in the ACCC’s report on electricity prices.
There’s no doubt that the national energy guarantee has run into stormy seas over the last week or so, but it remains as compelling a proposition with the backing of the business community today as it did last week. All that’s changed is that we’ve seen an outbreak of short-term political opportunism which runs the risk of scuppering vital, long-term policy.There’s no doubt that the national energy guarantee has run into stormy seas over the last week or so, but it remains as compelling a proposition with the backing of the business community today as it did last week. All that’s changed is that we’ve seen an outbreak of short-term political opportunism which runs the risk of scuppering vital, long-term policy.
That’s why the business community, right across the country, has been unified in its call for all parties to back the national energy guarantee, and we repeat that call today.That’s why the business community, right across the country, has been unified in its call for all parties to back the national energy guarantee, and we repeat that call today.
He also doubled back to criticise Labor for its opposition to the government’s company tax cuts, and for state Labor government’s for playing politics on the Neg.He also doubled back to criticise Labor for its opposition to the government’s company tax cuts, and for state Labor government’s for playing politics on the Neg.