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Morrison denies he is the 'consensus candidate' in leadership tussle – politics live Morrison denies he is the 'consensus candidate' in leadership tussle – politics live
(35 minutes later)
We suggested a little earlier that the governor-general has decided to stay in Canberra for the rest of the week. Our reporter Paul Karp has confirmed that report. Prudent, is the word being used.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen responded to some of the policy ideas floated by Peter Dutton in his interview on FM radio this morning. Dutton proposed removing the GST from power bills for pensioners and families. Bowen told reporters a little earlier this was a “thought bubble” that would deny the states a vast pool of money.
That will have only one possible result – cuts to essential services, primarily health. Cuts to hospitals. The states would have no choice. This is the thought bubble from a man desperate to become the PM in the coming hours.
News Corp is reporting that Malcolm Turnbull demanded the loyalty of those on the frontbench who offered their resignations.
Exclusive: Turnbull has asked the ministers who offered their resignation to pledge not to challenge or vote against him in any future spills. https://t.co/1dHOL3k4bU
Absolute SCENES in parliament’s blue room. This is truly getting farcical. Julie Bishop and New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, are holding a press conference, and Bishop is asked about the leadership. She answers and then tries to wrap things up, quickly.
And on that point, the deputy prime minister is leaving, because he’s got a very important speech to make.
But Peters ain’t budging. He stands there, unmoving.
Bishop tries to usher him out of the room. Nope, he’s staying. Bishop looks like she is about to wrench him out of the press conference.
The question is from a female journalist, Peters says.
I don’t want to seem like a chauvinist.
Bishop laughs:
Did you really just say that?
Peters gets through the question, as Bishop looks on with a version of that infamous stare.
New Zealand’s deputy then offers this:
My last observation, as a politician, may I just say, when you go into a spill, you’ve got to take your abacus.
Sage advice.
I want to thank Winston Peters for delivering that brief moment of pure delight in the shuddering shit show #auspol
Our political editor, Katharine Murphy, has been testing the waters to see whether there’s been a shift in numbers since Tuesday’s spill. Moderate Liberals are telling her there’s been no change in the support for Dutton.
Moderates say Dutton has not gained any support since the spill. Dutton forces want to push this to crisis point this week. A senior player says: "They need 43 signatures on a letter requesting a meeting, otherwise no meeting" #auspol @knausc
Governor General has decided it would be prudent to stay in Canberra for the rest of this week.Governor General has decided it would be prudent to stay in Canberra for the rest of this week.
New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, is in town to talk up the cross-Tasman relationship. He appears next to foreign minister Julie Bishop, who has been slightly busy trying to salvage her government.New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, is in town to talk up the cross-Tasman relationship. He appears next to foreign minister Julie Bishop, who has been slightly busy trying to salvage her government.
Peters starts his remarks with:Peters starts his remarks with:
I have to say that we’re here at a most curious and unusual time, politically speaking, and we are very grateful that you’ve taken the time out.I have to say that we’re here at a most curious and unusual time, politically speaking, and we are very grateful that you’ve taken the time out.
It draws a rather forced smile from Bishop.It draws a rather forced smile from Bishop.
Peters later says:Peters later says:
The first thing you do when you’re a visiting politician is put your nose into another country’s business. And I’m far too experienced to be inveigled into that discussion by you.The first thing you do when you’re a visiting politician is put your nose into another country’s business. And I’m far too experienced to be inveigled into that discussion by you.
Meanwhile..@winstonpeters says he’s in Australia at a “curious” time pic.twitter.com/rKGtiQJIkZMeanwhile..@winstonpeters says he’s in Australia at a “curious” time pic.twitter.com/rKGtiQJIkZ
Curiouser and curiouser. This is from Mike Baird’s former media director, Imre Salusinszky.Curiouser and curiouser. This is from Mike Baird’s former media director, Imre Salusinszky.
This morning Hadley was reading an email from a "Liberal MP". He made a slip-up that revealed the email was from Dutton. This was edited out of the audio that went online.The Liberal party-room needs to have a long, hard think about who is manipulating it, and to what ends.This morning Hadley was reading an email from a "Liberal MP". He made a slip-up that revealed the email was from Dutton. This was edited out of the audio that went online.The Liberal party-room needs to have a long, hard think about who is manipulating it, and to what ends.
Again, helpful as he is, opposition leader Bill Shorten has written to Malcolm Turnbull requesting he take the government into “caretaker” mode. For those playing at home, that is a request that the government make no decisions that would bind an incoming government. Shorten is ostensibly concerned about the instability within the Coalition and the possibility of an early election.Again, helpful as he is, opposition leader Bill Shorten has written to Malcolm Turnbull requesting he take the government into “caretaker” mode. For those playing at home, that is a request that the government make no decisions that would bind an incoming government. Shorten is ostensibly concerned about the instability within the Coalition and the possibility of an early election.
He writes:He writes:
Given the events of this week, ongoing uncertainty around the leadership of the Liberal National Coalition government, and the very real potential of a general election in the very short-term, I write to request that you immediately cease taking any actions that may bind the decision of an incoming government, in line with caretaker conventions.Given the events of this week, ongoing uncertainty around the leadership of the Liberal National Coalition government, and the very real potential of a general election in the very short-term, I write to request that you immediately cease taking any actions that may bind the decision of an incoming government, in line with caretaker conventions.
Turnbull, I’m sure, will give this request a great deal of care and attention.Turnbull, I’m sure, will give this request a great deal of care and attention.
A letter from Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull.... #auspol pic.twitter.com/hA8bQgm2yHA letter from Bill Shorten to Malcolm Turnbull.... #auspol pic.twitter.com/hA8bQgm2yH
With all the claims and counterclaims about Scott Morrison’s position swirling around the building, the man himself has stepped up to speak on the record.With all the claims and counterclaims about Scott Morrison’s position swirling around the building, the man himself has stepped up to speak on the record.
Morrison is pretty emotional this morning. He’s been speaking at a function in support of MS, a condition his brother-in-law suffers from. Reporters stopped him afterwards.Morrison is pretty emotional this morning. He’s been speaking at a function in support of MS, a condition his brother-in-law suffers from. Reporters stopped him afterwards.
Question:Question:
Are you doing the numbers for Peter Dutton?Are you doing the numbers for Peter Dutton?
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
No.No.
Question:Question:
Are you the consensus candidate your party needs?Are you the consensus candidate your party needs?
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
No.No.
The prime minister has my full and total support and I want to put at rest any suggestion that I’ve made an approach, that any approach has been made. It’s all the usual nonsense and the prime minister knows exactly where I stand.The prime minister has my full and total support and I want to put at rest any suggestion that I’ve made an approach, that any approach has been made. It’s all the usual nonsense and the prime minister knows exactly where I stand.
The Australian people always know where I stand. This government has been providing the stability that has been necessary ... it’s exactly what I was just talking about in there. You all know how strongly I feel about this topic of MS and that’s the thing that fires me up to go to work every day, and the sort of nonsense we have been seeing lately, that’s what puts all that stuff at risk, so I think it’s timely that I make these remarks after the ones I have just made. It should be a reminder to everyone in this place about what this place is about. We need a stronger economy to help people. That’s what I’m focussed on, nothing else.The Australian people always know where I stand. This government has been providing the stability that has been necessary ... it’s exactly what I was just talking about in there. You all know how strongly I feel about this topic of MS and that’s the thing that fires me up to go to work every day, and the sort of nonsense we have been seeing lately, that’s what puts all that stuff at risk, so I think it’s timely that I make these remarks after the ones I have just made. It should be a reminder to everyone in this place about what this place is about. We need a stronger economy to help people. That’s what I’m focussed on, nothing else.
Another Nationals MP, Andrew Broad, has ruled out crossing the floor under a Dutton leadership. He told the ABC:Another Nationals MP, Andrew Broad, has ruled out crossing the floor under a Dutton leadership. He told the ABC:
Completely ruling that out. It won’t be happening. We need a strong executive government to ensure a stable Australia and with our national security measures in place.Completely ruling that out. It won’t be happening. We need a strong executive government to ensure a stable Australia and with our national security measures in place.
Broad said Nationals colleague Darren Chester, who was equivocal on crossing the floor under Dutton, was simply “reflecting the frustration many Australians will be feeling at the moment”.Broad said Nationals colleague Darren Chester, who was equivocal on crossing the floor under Dutton, was simply “reflecting the frustration many Australians will be feeling at the moment”.
Australia is best served through stable government. I have always believed an elected Prime Minister should serve a full term.Australia is best served through stable government. I have always believed an elected Prime Minister should serve a full term.
The Senate has just voted down the company tax cut bill, the Coalition’s signature economic policy. The vote was 36 against, 30 for.The Senate has just voted down the company tax cut bill, the Coalition’s signature economic policy. The vote was 36 against, 30 for.
That’s despite the government’s last-ditch attempt to amend the bill, carving out the big four banks, to win further cross-bench support. Those amendments failed a little earlier.That’s despite the government’s last-ditch attempt to amend the bill, carving out the big four banks, to win further cross-bench support. Those amendments failed a little earlier.
Derryn Hinch had also tried to add his own amendments, which would have applied the tax cut only to businesses with turnover of below $500m. The Coalition said it could not support this, because it would create a “perverse incentive” for businesses to stop growing.Derryn Hinch had also tried to add his own amendments, which would have applied the tax cut only to businesses with turnover of below $500m. The Coalition said it could not support this, because it would create a “perverse incentive” for businesses to stop growing.
On any other day, this would be huge news. But, you know, this place is mental.On any other day, this would be huge news. But, you know, this place is mental.
Company tax cuts have been voted down by the Senate. pic.twitter.com/c5K6aAknSSCompany tax cuts have been voted down by the Senate. pic.twitter.com/c5K6aAknSS
Right, well. It’s only 10.45am but I feel like I’ve aged a few years already this morning. Let’s take stock on the developments so far.Right, well. It’s only 10.45am but I feel like I’ve aged a few years already this morning. Let’s take stock on the developments so far.
Peter Dutton has admitted he is working the phones to drum up support for a second tilt at Turnbull’s leadership.Peter Dutton has admitted he is working the phones to drum up support for a second tilt at Turnbull’s leadership.
Dutton has also been hitting the airwaves, talking up his leadership credentials, showing that apparently elusive “softer side”, and giving us a policy manifesto that includes scrapping the GST from power bills and holding a royal commission into electricity and gas companies over high pricesDutton has also been hitting the airwaves, talking up his leadership credentials, showing that apparently elusive “softer side”, and giving us a policy manifesto that includes scrapping the GST from power bills and holding a royal commission into electricity and gas companies over high prices
the Turnbull camp is desperately trying to hold its cabinet together. Deputy leader Julie Bishop said Turnbull had been successful at convincing some frontbenchers to stay on and unit under his leadership. He has so far only accepted the resignations of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Dutton.the Turnbull camp is desperately trying to hold its cabinet together. Deputy leader Julie Bishop said Turnbull had been successful at convincing some frontbenchers to stay on and unit under his leadership. He has so far only accepted the resignations of Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Dutton.
the chess pieces continue to move elsewhere. Darren Chester, a Nationals MP, says he and others cannot guarantee they will not move to the crossbench if Dutton becomes leader. That would threaten to take the Coalition to an early election. Other Nationals, including Barnaby Joyce and Keith Pitt, are urging the party to stay out of the Liberals in-fighting.the chess pieces continue to move elsewhere. Darren Chester, a Nationals MP, says he and others cannot guarantee they will not move to the crossbench if Dutton becomes leader. That would threaten to take the Coalition to an early election. Other Nationals, including Barnaby Joyce and Keith Pitt, are urging the party to stay out of the Liberals in-fighting.
crossbenchers Rebekha Sharkie and Cathy McGowan are refusing to say whether they would guarantee supply and confidence under a Dutton government. That adds to the risk of an early election.crossbenchers Rebekha Sharkie and Cathy McGowan are refusing to say whether they would guarantee supply and confidence under a Dutton government. That adds to the risk of an early election.
Christopher Pyne has warned the Coalition is on the “precipice” of an election, which would be disastrous.Christopher Pyne has warned the Coalition is on the “precipice” of an election, which would be disastrous.
there are murmurings that Scott Morrison is doing the numbers for his own challenge, with Dutton as deputy. Reports are conflicting and unconfirmed on this score. We’ll try to confirm it for you as soon as possible.there are murmurings that Scott Morrison is doing the numbers for his own challenge, with Dutton as deputy. Reports are conflicting and unconfirmed on this score. We’ll try to confirm it for you as soon as possible.
Labor’s Jason Clare says the opposition is ready for an election. “We’ve been ready for a long time,” he says.Labor’s Jason Clare says the opposition is ready for an election. “We’ve been ready for a long time,” he says.
Here’s more detail from Peter Dutton’s interview with Triple M radio this morning, where he explained some of his policy ideas.Here’s more detail from Peter Dutton’s interview with Triple M radio this morning, where he explained some of his policy ideas.
On the GST:On the GST:
One of the things that we could do straight away in this next billing cycle is take the GST off electricity bills for families. It would be an automatic reduction of 10% off electricity bills and people would feel that impact straight away.One of the things that we could do straight away in this next billing cycle is take the GST off electricity bills for families. It would be an automatic reduction of 10% off electricity bills and people would feel that impact straight away.
[Taking] the GST off electricity bills for families and pensioners and self-funded retirees would have an immediate reduction and help those people with their household budgets.[Taking] the GST off electricity bills for families and pensioners and self-funded retirees would have an immediate reduction and help those people with their household budgets.
Another royal commission:Another royal commission:
I think we could set up a royal commission into the electricity companies and into the fuel companies. I think Australian consumers for way too long have been paying way too much for fuel and for electricity and something just isn’t right with these companies.I think we could set up a royal commission into the electricity companies and into the fuel companies. I think Australian consumers for way too long have been paying way too much for fuel and for electricity and something just isn’t right with these companies.
Like we’ve done with the banks, I think the royal commission has the ability to get to the bottom of what is fundamentally wrong in the system, and what could help ease some of that pressure on families and potentially small businesses.Like we’ve done with the banks, I think the royal commission has the ability to get to the bottom of what is fundamentally wrong in the system, and what could help ease some of that pressure on families and potentially small businesses.
[Dutton was then reminded by a Triple M host that he’d voted against a royal commission into the banks multiple times, which he didn’t deny].[Dutton was then reminded by a Triple M host that he’d voted against a royal commission into the banks multiple times, which he didn’t deny].
Having a royal commission can help people get to the bottom of what is wrong in a country where we’ve got an abundance of natural resource of renewables, of coal, of hydro, and yet we’re paying some of the highest energy costs in the world and similarly for fuel.Having a royal commission can help people get to the bottom of what is wrong in a country where we’ve got an abundance of natural resource of renewables, of coal, of hydro, and yet we’re paying some of the highest energy costs in the world and similarly for fuel.
On the drought:On the drought:
To Malcolm’s credit he made an announcement, only in the last week, of a significant amount of money to help farmers with the drought. I thought it was a great announcement.To Malcolm’s credit he made an announcement, only in the last week, of a significant amount of money to help farmers with the drought. I thought it was a great announcement.
But I think we need to do more.But I think we need to do more.
Finding ways of getting water out to some of these towns, as we’ve done in decades past, has to be the answer.Finding ways of getting water out to some of these towns, as we’ve done in decades past, has to be the answer.
The drought that’s taking place at the moment is, you know, equivalent to a Great Depression for these farmers and it’s devastating to watch the livestock perish.The drought that’s taking place at the moment is, you know, equivalent to a Great Depression for these farmers and it’s devastating to watch the livestock perish.
On himself:On himself:
Like a lot of people I just came from a middle-class family. My dad was a bricklayer, Mum worked a second job so she could pay for school fees, so we didn’t have a privileged upbringing at all. We were brought up in a wonderful family environment, so family is incredibly important to me.Like a lot of people I just came from a middle-class family. My dad was a bricklayer, Mum worked a second job so she could pay for school fees, so we didn’t have a privileged upbringing at all. We were brought up in a wonderful family environment, so family is incredibly important to me.
Small business as well, I’ve always had a part-time job and when I joined the police I still had a part-time job interest which I ended up going into full time after ten years as a police officer and came into politics in 2001.Small business as well, I’ve always had a part-time job and when I joined the police I still had a part-time job interest which I ended up going into full time after ten years as a police officer and came into politics in 2001.
What’s his favourite AC/DC song?What’s his favourite AC/DC song?
Ah mate, this is the one where it catches you out so, I had about an hour and a half’s sleep last night, I’m trying to catch up with you Will, but I haven’t mate I’m sorry.Ah mate, this is the one where it catches you out so, I had about an hour and a half’s sleep last night, I’m trying to catch up with you Will, but I haven’t mate I’m sorry.
You’ve got the gotcha of the day.You’ve got the gotcha of the day.
I think Listen Like Thieves was my INXS one when I was last [on the show] wasn’t it?I think Listen Like Thieves was my INXS one when I was last [on the show] wasn’t it?
There are more suggestions that the numbers are being tested for Scott Morrison.There are more suggestions that the numbers are being tested for Scott Morrison.
The Australian’s Simon Benson reports that “A number of MPs have confirmed that Ben Morton and Alex Hawke are now openly doing the numbers for Treasurer Scott Morrison”.The Australian’s Simon Benson reports that “A number of MPs have confirmed that Ben Morton and Alex Hawke are now openly doing the numbers for Treasurer Scott Morrison”.
Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has officially notified the Senate of her resignation from the frontbench. She has written to the Senate president.Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has officially notified the Senate of her resignation from the frontbench. She has written to the Senate president.
I write to advise of changes to question time arrangements for Wednesday 22 August and Thursday 23 August 2018.I write to advise of changes to question time arrangements for Wednesday 22 August and Thursday 23 August 2018.
Senator Payne will answer questions in relation to the International Development and the Pacific and the Human Services portfolios. Senator Fifield will answer questions in relation to the Social Services portfolio.Senator Payne will answer questions in relation to the International Development and the Pacific and the Human Services portfolios. Senator Fifield will answer questions in relation to the Social Services portfolio.