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Version 13 Version 14
Not into ‘bunch of meetings’: Scott Morrison defends cancelling Coag Not into ‘bunch of meetings’: Scott Morrison defends cancelling Coag
(35 minutes later)
The Greens have released this statement:
The Senate has today ordered the government to table the Ruddock review by 9.30am Thursday, after a passing a motion from the Australian Greens.
Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson Janet Rice said: “LGBTIQ+ communities have been left in the lurch for months awaiting the release of this report. Our rights are at stake and we’re being kept in the dark.
“Scott Morrison’s recent anti-LQBTIQ+ comments have ignited fear in our communities that the government is planning to wind back the laws which protect LGBTIQ+ people from discrimination.
“We need to know to what extent he is planning to further discriminate against everyday LGBTIQ+ Australians in order to shore up the support of powerful religious institutions.”
Greens justice spokesperson Nick McKim said:
“The prime minister has already has made it clear that he has plans to dismantle anti-discrimination laws.
“The far right lost the marriage equality debate and now they want revenge and are going to try to entrench discrimination in other parts of society.
“We will fight them every step of the way.”
Feel free to pass this on to anyone you know who it could interest. It is very easy to be cynical about politics, but it’s the most important thing in the world and we keep trying to make it better – and generation Z have a pretty good chance of making that happen:
Speaker of the House Tony Smith has officially launched the 2018 My First Speech competition. This year's judging panel will be @ChrisCrewtherMP, @KateEllisMP, @AdamBandt and, in a first for the competition, Mr Speaker himself! Enter at https://t.co/2yDd2dYU8k pic.twitter.com/wM0d3cnwt2
The senate inquiry report into Peter Dutton’s au pair decision is due to be handed down very soon - we are keeping an eye on the committee website for you.
"Reports of my political death are greatly exaggerated. I am very much politically alive and kicking" - @TonyAbbottMHR on protest votes at his pre-selection #auspol
“I’ve got leftwing branches in my conference, I’ve got conservative branches in my conference ... and some of them [the left] were attached to the former prime minister,” he says.
He says that the votes for the empty chair were in response to that and “that is understandable”.
From the prime minister’s office:From the prime minister’s office:
Over the past few days, we have seen a very distressing series of events unfold relating to tampering with strawberries, particularly out of Queensland. This is a shocking and cowardly thing to do.Over the past few days, we have seen a very distressing series of events unfold relating to tampering with strawberries, particularly out of Queensland. This is a shocking and cowardly thing to do.
The Liberal-National government is acting to increase the penalties on the cowards who commit these crimes.The Liberal-National government is acting to increase the penalties on the cowards who commit these crimes.
Our priorities are to keep Australians safe and support the farmers whose livelihoods have been put at risk.Our priorities are to keep Australians safe and support the farmers whose livelihoods have been put at risk.
We are announcing:We are announcing:
$1m to make more food safety officials urgently available to increase detection, fast-track recalls and assist the strawberry industry to rebuild confidence.$1m to make more food safety officials urgently available to increase detection, fast-track recalls and assist the strawberry industry to rebuild confidence.
An increase to the penalty for existing offences relating to the contamination of goods. These offences currently carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Given the seriousness of the offences, this penalty is not high enough. The changes we are making elevate the offence, in terms of penalties, from one similar to forgery or theft of commonwealth property (which carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison), to one akin to possession of child pornography or funding a terrorist organisation (which attract penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment).An increase to the penalty for existing offences relating to the contamination of goods. These offences currently carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Given the seriousness of the offences, this penalty is not high enough. The changes we are making elevate the offence, in terms of penalties, from one similar to forgery or theft of commonwealth property (which carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison), to one akin to possession of child pornography or funding a terrorist organisation (which attract penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment).
New offences of being reckless as to whether this type of conduct will cause harm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.New offences of being reckless as to whether this type of conduct will cause harm, which will carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
For the most serious cases that have national security implications, we will amend the commonwealth sabotage offences to ensure that sabotage of Australia’s food supply is captured by the sabotage offences. The penalties range between 7 and 25 years imprisonment.For the most serious cases that have national security implications, we will amend the commonwealth sabotage offences to ensure that sabotage of Australia’s food supply is captured by the sabotage offences. The penalties range between 7 and 25 years imprisonment.
The government will introduce its new criminal legislation tomorrow.The government will introduce its new criminal legislation tomorrow.
These actions reflect the seriousness with which the government views the current threats against Australian industry and, in particular, the livelihoods of growers, communities, towns and whole regions.These actions reflect the seriousness with which the government views the current threats against Australian industry and, in particular, the livelihoods of growers, communities, towns and whole regions.
This government remains committed to working closely with industry, and state and territory law enforcement agencies to ensure that we protect Australian consumers and protect our farmers.This government remains committed to working closely with industry, and state and territory law enforcement agencies to ensure that we protect Australian consumers and protect our farmers.
Families need to have the assurance that the Australian produce they are buying is safe for their kids.Families need to have the assurance that the Australian produce they are buying is safe for their kids.
The prime minister is having a chat to Miranda Devine as part of her Miranda Devine Live show this afternoon.The prime minister is having a chat to Miranda Devine as part of her Miranda Devine Live show this afternoon.
I missed this yesterday – but the Manly Daily, Tony Abbott’s local paper, had an interview with the former prime minister regarding the empty chair challenge, and when it comes to the insurgency against him, he blames, well, I’ll let him tell you:I missed this yesterday – but the Manly Daily, Tony Abbott’s local paper, had an interview with the former prime minister regarding the empty chair challenge, and when it comes to the insurgency against him, he blames, well, I’ll let him tell you:
Tony Abbott has taken aim at members of his own electoral conference who voted against his endorsement for the 2019 election labelling them a ‘small minority of ultra-leftists’.Tony Abbott has taken aim at members of his own electoral conference who voted against his endorsement for the 2019 election labelling them a ‘small minority of ultra-leftists’.
Ultra. Leftists. In the Liberal party’s northern beaches.Ultra. Leftists. In the Liberal party’s northern beaches.
2018 just keeps bringing all of the gifts.2018 just keeps bringing all of the gifts.
The first instalment of a $30m handout to Foxtel by the Coalition was spent on 12 sports that were previously shown on the pay TV carrier and that include men’s rugby league, a freedom of information request from Fairfax Media has revealed.The first instalment of a $30m handout to Foxtel by the Coalition was spent on 12 sports that were previously shown on the pay TV carrier and that include men’s rugby league, a freedom of information request from Fairfax Media has revealed.
The $30m windfall for Foxtel was meant to “support the broadcast of underrepresented sports on subscription television, including women’s sports, niche sports, and sports with a high level of community involvement and participation” when it was announced in the 2016 budget.The $30m windfall for Foxtel was meant to “support the broadcast of underrepresented sports on subscription television, including women’s sports, niche sports, and sports with a high level of community involvement and participation” when it was announced in the 2016 budget.
But the $7.5m allocated for the 2017-18 financial year was used to screen the AFL, soccer, rugby union, rugby league, cycling, lawn bowls, surfing, Ironman, surf lifesaving, cricket, basketball and hockey, some of which are already seen on free-to-air.But the $7.5m allocated for the 2017-18 financial year was used to screen the AFL, soccer, rugby union, rugby league, cycling, lawn bowls, surfing, Ironman, surf lifesaving, cricket, basketball and hockey, some of which are already seen on free-to-air.
There has been very little explanation from either Foxtel or the government about how the subscription broadcaster will use the funds or why they were allocated.There has been very little explanation from either Foxtel or the government about how the subscription broadcaster will use the funds or why they were allocated.
An earlier freedom of information request by the ABC revealed there was no paperwork to explain why the government had given the funds to Foxtel.An earlier freedom of information request by the ABC revealed there was no paperwork to explain why the government had given the funds to Foxtel.
Laura Jayes from Sky just raised the point that the deputy prime minister and leader of the Nationals – you know, the party which mostly represents farmers in this place – was not beside Scott Morrison when he made the strawberry contamination crackdown announcement.Laura Jayes from Sky just raised the point that the deputy prime minister and leader of the Nationals – you know, the party which mostly represents farmers in this place – was not beside Scott Morrison when he made the strawberry contamination crackdown announcement.
He’s not in the videos either.He’s not in the videos either.
The Australian Berry Force is on the case:The Australian Berry Force is on the case:
Sabotaging our strawberries is sabotaging our farmers. It’s not right. It’s not on. It's a crime. pic.twitter.com/2B9TTg9JOfSabotaging our strawberries is sabotaging our farmers. It’s not right. It’s not on. It's a crime. pic.twitter.com/2B9TTg9JOf
So I guess the takeaway from that is meetings are dumb, but summits are cool.So I guess the takeaway from that is meetings are dumb, but summits are cool.
Scott Morrison, continuing his new tradition of telling us exactly how many questions we have suffered through, tells us today, 23 is enough, and calls an end to today’s torture.Scott Morrison, continuing his new tradition of telling us exactly how many questions we have suffered through, tells us today, 23 is enough, and calls an end to today’s torture.
Tony Burke to Scott Morrison:Tony Burke to Scott Morrison:
Why won’t the prime minister fulfil the commitment he made to the house last week and say whether or not the minister for home affairs excuse himself from discussions on childcare?Why won’t the prime minister fulfil the commitment he made to the house last week and say whether or not the minister for home affairs excuse himself from discussions on childcare?
Morrison:Morrison:
Once again, I refer to the statement by the minister on 13 September, where he said he complied with the requirements under the cabinet handbook and I take advice in relation to this position which puts the question beyond doubt.Once again, I refer to the statement by the minister on 13 September, where he said he complied with the requirements under the cabinet handbook and I take advice in relation to this position which puts the question beyond doubt.
The cabinet handbook is a public document. Here it is, quite straightforward; the wording is quite clear. It does not say whatever the opposition wants it to say to suit the political purposes they try to pursue in this parliament.The cabinet handbook is a public document. Here it is, quite straightforward; the wording is quite clear. It does not say whatever the opposition wants it to say to suit the political purposes they try to pursue in this parliament.
I have nothing further to report on that matter, Mr Speaker. It has been absolutely cleared up and I am happy for the matter to rest.I have nothing further to report on that matter, Mr Speaker. It has been absolutely cleared up and I am happy for the matter to rest.
EXTREME Jonathan Van Ness voice (from Queer Eye) “But has it? Because...I don’t think it has, hunny.”EXTREME Jonathan Van Ness voice (from Queer Eye) “But has it? Because...I don’t think it has, hunny.”
Tony Burke to Scott Morrison:
Last week the prime minister said to come back after making inquiries of the secretary as to whether the minister for home affairs excuse himself on questions on childcare. Now that the prime minister has had a week to make inquiries, did the minister for home affairs excuse himself from all discussions on childcare?
Morrison:
I refer the member to the statement made by the minister for home affairs on this matter and I have nothing further to report.
One would think if they had the answer, and it proved their point, we would have heard about it by now.
Sometimes, you really can say it best, when you say nothing at all.
Cathy McGowan and Rebehka Shakie had a message for their own for the women of Australia:
‘Don’t get mad, get elected’: a message to all of Australia’s Independent women. After all, Independents have all the fun!
The poster was created by the Victorian Women’s Trust, for those wondering.
Hello again, I’m just adding to information I shared earlier about the new material on Peter Dutton’s use of ministerial discretion in relation to au pairs. The material, as I said earlier, makes clear that officials warned Dutton that costs would be incurred as a consequence of the planned removal of the young woman detained in Adelaide not proceeding because of the minister’s intervention.
Dutton’s office has pointed me in the direction of a question on notice that has been submitted to the Senate inquiry. It says no additional costs were incurred. I’m sharing it with you in full for completeness.
Senator Watt: I noticed in this case that the minister was advised that there may be some additional costs to the department if the intervention occurred and this person was allowed to stay in the country. From reading between the lines of the submission, it seems that maybe an airfare was booked. Because, ordinarily, what would happen is that this person comes in –
Mr Pezzullo: I’m a public official: I don’t read between the lines; I just read the lines.
Senator Watt: Ordinarily, had the intervention not occurred, she would have been deported.
Mr Murray: Senator, I can help you there. In that case, the visa had been cancelled and was then subject of removal. As part of the migration provisions, we’d already served notice on the airline. They have 72 hours to effect the removal.
Mr Pezzullo: That’s reflected at paragraph 16 of the released submission.
Senator Watt: I’m interested to know: did the department, ABF or any entity of the government incur any costs as a result of the fact that she didn’t end up being deported?
Mr Murray: I don’t believe so, no.
Mr Outram: We’ll take that on notice.
Senator Watt: It was flagged that that might occur.
Mr Outram: We’ll take that on notice. As I said, there are 4,500 cases where we cancel visas at the border and it’s—I want to impress upon you the degree of churn here. This is a high-volume, high-paced operation at the border and, with those sorts of turnarounds, we try to do them on the day sometimes even where people don’t even go into detention centres. So I will come back to you as to whether there was an actual cost incurred with regard to the airfares.
So what was the answer provided to the committee on notice? “No additional cost on these matters were incurred.”
I’ve asked the minister’s office if they can explain why officials warned costs would be incurred as a consequence of the removal not proceeding, and square that with this answer to the committee saying no additional costs were incurred. If an answer is forthcoming, I will share it.
Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:
Why isn’t Malcolm Turnbull prime minister? (He says it’s a question Morrison has failed to answer on 21 different occasions)
Morrison:
I refer the member to my earlier answers and simply say he has had five years and he can’t convince anyone that he should be the prime minister.
Right. So Coag was cancelled, because there is a drought summit.
But the drought summit is being held weeks after Coag was due to be held.
So now Coag has been cancelled, because Scott Morrison doesn’t believe in standing around having meetings.
But the drought summit is a meeting.
So Coag was cancelled because...
Morrison:
When people tell lies and repeat them, it doesn’t make them any more true. That is a fundamental principle. When people tell lies, it doesn’t make them any more true the more you repeat them. Most people know that. What I said in a very plain answer to the last question was simply this:
I don’t think you need to have a meeting if you don’t need to have a meeting. You don’t need to have meetings for everybody to come and have a cup of tea.
The reason we don’t have to have that meeting is because the very education funding issues that are referred to by the member will be addressed within that time frame.
... The conversation I had with the premiers when I called each of them and I spoke to each of them and none of them raised a concern with the meeting, not one, because they knew where the progress of those matters when it came to education funding was up to.
Previously as treasurer I had been progressing those matters through the council of federal financial relations and they will be resolved.
But on this side of the house, we don’t think you had to have meetings just for the sake of it. You just get on and do the job, Mr Speaker.
Now the shadow treasurer is terribly irritated because there is not going to be a meeting. What I know about the shadow treasurer is this: when he was immigration minister, people couldn’t trust him on the border, can’t trust him on budget either.
The Australian people know about me, that they can trust me on the borders and they can trust me on the budget because that’s my record.
Well this is a sobering thought:
A delegation from Saudi Arabia during Question Time has 25% female representation, the coalition today has 13 women out of 69 members, so 18% female representation. #auspol #qt pic.twitter.com/h2rjev7Qua
Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison: Essentially – why did you cancel Coag? Remember when you cancelled parliament for a week? Why do you keep cancelling things?
Morrison:
You know why we are not having that in October? Because we are having a drought summit.
That is what I announced today. We are having a drought summit. The jeers that come from the opposition in the Labor party when I say we are having a drought summit tells us a bit about where their priorities [are] ... They want to come in here and go on with all this political rubbish day after day after day.
Earlier today I met with the deputy prime minister and I met with the member for New England [Barnaby Joyce]. I met with the head of the National Farmers’ Federation. I met with Maj Gen Steven Day and we received their update on work that was done by Maj Gen Steven Day, who is coordinating the government’s response to the drought. And on 26 October as we will ring together people from around the country. I will invite all the state and territory leaders or their nominees or those within their government directly involved in coordinating the drought response to come and align all our efforts to ensure we are doing a number of things.
Firstly, that we are getting the feed to where it needs to get to, to support the efforts of our farmers, to keep their properties going and to keep them in business, to support the towns, support the centres, support, make sure ...
Tony Burke interrupts to make the point I just raised in the office – that Coag was scheduled for early October, but the drought summit isn’t until the end:
The question went to collect meeting scheduled for 4 October, not the drought summit scheduled for 26 October. He was asked about a different meeting.
But Morrison continues to say how he is not standing around having “a bunch of meetings”. But correct me if I am wrong – and I often am – but isn’t a drought summit, basically a giant meeting?
Julie Collins to Ken Wyatt:
Has the per-resident funding for the complex high care aged care funding instrument gone down as a result of the 2016 budget?
Wyatt (after originally trying to compare it to 2012 levels):
The funding for ACFI expenditure has continued to increase against claims across all three domains.
Julie Collins to Ken Wyatt:
I refer to his previous answer where he denied blaming the new prime minister for [hitting] the age care sector with a $1.2bn cut. If it wasn’t the prime minister’s fault, which person was responsible for cutting $1.2bn from aged care?
Wyatt:
The question you have asked is inaccurate. We have continued to increase funding as I have said from $13.1bn through to $18.6bn through to another $5bn to $23.6bn, and we are continuing to have work undertaken in respect to the ACFI instrument, which has served the sector well.
The funding instrument was capped at a time in which there were claims that were much higher than the trajectory and all governments have a responsibility to live within their means. And within the budget that is established. Now, but we have not cut, because we have continued to grow the ACFI level of funding over the forward estimates and they will continue to grow, but the new RUCKS program that we are working on with Wollongong University will provide a better instrument for people assessing people.
As you heard in the Four Corners program, by their own admission, staff were told to game the instrument.
Just a reminder that both Labor and the government are right – like in health and education, funding has increased, but not by as much as was anticipated.
Tveeder, which is the transcription service I use to help me get these answers up as quickly as possible, keeps referring to the prime minister as the “pie minister” and combined with all this strawberry talk, I am now STARVING.
Peter Dutton has been allowed to give a dixer answer today – and it is on strawberries. Mostly. He does get this in, at the end:
I also want to take the opportunity today to acknowledge work being done by the Australian federal police in concert with the other state policing agencies and in fact all law enforcement agencies across the country in relation to countering child exploitation.
This is a serious threat to families. Mums and dads are worried about kids online. They are worried about images of being uploaded. They are worried about predators not just in the park, next door or down the street; they are worried about kids online in the hours spent online.
And last week we announced $70m investment into the centre for countering child exploitation, and that is a commonwealth-led effort that involves the other policing agencies as well. We know that shockingly every seven minutes a webpage shows a child being sexually abused.
We know that through the money that we have put into the Australian federal police, they have received additional funding in the 2018-19 budget which includes that money as I said before, and the centre will remove 200 children from danger in the first year alone, and it builds on the work we have done to cancel the visas of people who have been involved in sexual offences against children and women, and we will build on that work every day of this government.