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/oct/17/government-defends-israel-embassy-move-discussion-politics-live

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Labor attacks Scott Morrison over 'discussion' of moving Israel embassy – question time live Labor questions environment minister over Paris emissions targets – question time live
(35 minutes later)
Ged Kearney to.... Then we get David Littleproud talking about all those people sitting around kitchen tables.
I do not know anyone who has time to sit around a kitchen table and talk anymore, but apparently I am hanging out in the wrong electorates.
Question time ends and we all breathe a sigh of relief.
Mark Dreyfus asks about this tweet:
It’s OK to be white. It’s OK to be Aboriginal. It’s OK to be Asian.It’s OK to be any ethnicity. If you’re for all of the above, good on you. If you’re against any then you’re a racist and that’s fairly unAustralian. And it’s GREAT to be Australian! pic.twitter.com/FIPyWYanV5
And then also this story in the Australian
“How can the prime minister possibly claim that the government voting for a motion that contained a white supremacist slogan was just an administrative error, when it was repeated [in a] tweet yesterday afternoon by the member for Dawson. Has the minister sought an explanation for [Senators Stoker and Paterson] who reportedly yesterday attended a conference with groups with links to white supremacist groups. Was this also just an administrative error?”
The question is ruled out of order.
Ged Kearney to ...
MELISSA PRICE.MELISSA PRICE.
Kearney: Kearney: “Will the government be providing any additional money to the emissions reduction fund, and if so, when?”
Will the Government be providing any additional money to the emissions reduction fund and if so, when?
Price:Price:
As people will know, an excellent policy that was worth over $2 billion, we’re down to $250 million. Of course you would expect a responsible government is looking at a full suite of policies, which would include the ERM. That is not a matter for me to talk about today, it is a matter for Cabinet.” As people will know, an excellent policy that was worth over $2 billion, we’re down to $250 million. Of course you would expect a responsible government is looking at a full suite of policies, which would include the ERM. That is not a matter for me to talk about today, it is a matter for cabinet.
Trent Zimmerman actually just uttered the words “why he believes in delivering central transport services” and I have never felt more like stabbing my pen through my hand.Trent Zimmerman actually just uttered the words “why he believes in delivering central transport services” and I have never felt more like stabbing my pen through my hand.
No, wait, I spoke too soon. Listening to Alan Tudge deliver the answer is the new pen-through-the-hand benchmark #deathtodixersNo, wait, I spoke too soon. Listening to Alan Tudge deliver the answer is the new pen-through-the-hand benchmark #deathtodixers
Peter Dutton gives us his dire predictions of direness, but it is October, so I guess he’s just being festive.Peter Dutton gives us his dire predictions of direness, but it is October, so I guess he’s just being festive.
Then Melissa Price is back! A star is born, ladies and gentlemen.Then Melissa Price is back! A star is born, ladies and gentlemen.
Mark Butler:Mark Butler:
Last week when asked how Australia would meet its Paris carbon reduction pollution targets she said it would build 1 billion trees. Does the Minister plan on sharing this environmental breakthrough with other nations and other amazing forestry breakthroughs to avoid real action on climate change”Last week when asked how Australia would meet its Paris carbon reduction pollution targets she said it would build 1 billion trees. Does the Minister plan on sharing this environmental breakthrough with other nations and other amazing forestry breakthroughs to avoid real action on climate change”
Price: (Who seems just as surprised to be the star of the hour as everyone else)Price: (Who seems just as surprised to be the star of the hour as everyone else)
I’m thrilled to be getting so many questions on the environment! We love to talk about the environment on this side because we are doing a good job, people can trust us, they know they can’t trust you. I would say growing 1 billion trees, people may have noticed going back a few weeks, the agricultural minister announced the new forestry plan that is what I was referring to in the media.I’m thrilled to be getting so many questions on the environment! We love to talk about the environment on this side because we are doing a good job, people can trust us, they know they can’t trust you. I would say growing 1 billion trees, people may have noticed going back a few weeks, the agricultural minister announced the new forestry plan that is what I was referring to in the media.
Should I make an apology for focusing on getting electricity prices down?Should I make an apology for focusing on getting electricity prices down?
We can look after the environment and the economy at the same time, we are doing this in a responsible way while growing the economy, the Australian people know they can trust us to do this, but you can’t trust those opposite, they are talking about a 45% emissions target, 50% renewable energy target, you cannot trust them.”We can look after the environment and the economy at the same time, we are doing this in a responsible way while growing the economy, the Australian people know they can trust us to do this, but you can’t trust those opposite, they are talking about a 45% emissions target, 50% renewable energy target, you cannot trust them.”
Marise Payne sounds like she is just LOVING life at the moment.Marise Payne sounds like she is just LOVING life at the moment.
She’s asked in the Senate about David Crowe’s story and gives the world’s shortest answers:She’s asked in the Senate about David Crowe’s story and gives the world’s shortest answers:
The Minister has contacted Senator Dodson to say she disagrees with his interpretation of the conversation and has also contacted the guest to ensure there was no misunderstanding.” The minister has contacted Senator Dodson to say she disagrees with his interpretation of the conversation and has also contacted the guest to ensure there was no misunderstanding.
Christopher Pyne gets up for a dixer and Nick Champion gets thrown out for yelling “Send in Sgt York” and then leaves saying something about ‘general Pyne’ which sends Labor into hysterics, because, and no disrespect to the member, but the bar for laughs in pretty low in this chamber. Christopher Pyne gets up for a dixer and Nick Champion gets thrown out for yelling “Send in Sgt York” and then leaves saying something about “General Pyne”, which sends Labor into hysterics, because, and no disrespect to the member, the bar for laughs in pretty low in this chamber.
Then Melissa Price is back! I guess I won’t be forgetting who she is now.Then Melissa Price is back! I guess I won’t be forgetting who she is now.
Mark Butler:Mark Butler:
The latest data confirms that under the government policies carbon pollution will rise all the way to 2030 and the government will come nowhere near the Paris climate reduction targets for that year does the Minister agree with the Prime Minister Australia will meet its Paris commitments? The latest data confirms that under the government’s policies carbon pollution will rise all the way to 2030 and the government will come nowhere near the Paris climate reduction targets for that year. Does the minister agree with the prime minister [that] Australia will meet its Paris commitments?
Price: Melissa Price:
I thank the member for his question. Australia will meet its Kyoto targets, we are on the way to meeting the 2020 target. [Paris, PARIS, yells Labor]I thank the member for his question. Australia will meet its Kyoto targets, we are on the way to meeting the 2020 target. [Paris, PARIS, yells Labor]
Australia is on target to meet its 2030 target. We have got the full suite of climate policy is back in 2017, the climate review of policies said we had the right tribute. Emissions reduction fund, we recently announced a forestry plan, we have the policies. We will meet our targets. Australia is on target to meet its 2030 target. We have got the full suite of climate policy [from] back in 2017; the climate review of policies said we had the right [mix] –emissions reduction fund, we recently announced a forestry plan – we have the policies. We will meet our targets.
(I mean, the experts don’t think we will, but what would they know. It’s only their life’s work) (I mean, the experts don’t think we will, but what would they know. It’s only their life’s work).
Mark Butler to Melissa Price:Mark Butler to Melissa Price:
I refer to reports last night when she was told the former prime minister of Kiribati was in Australia to deliver a message on climate change, she told the former president I know why you are here, you are here for the cash, I have my cheque-book here, how much do you want? Does the minister deny saying those words to the former president of one of the nations most affected by climate change and sea level change in the world?I refer to reports last night when she was told the former prime minister of Kiribati was in Australia to deliver a message on climate change, she told the former president I know why you are here, you are here for the cash, I have my cheque-book here, how much do you want? Does the minister deny saying those words to the former president of one of the nations most affected by climate change and sea level change in the world?
That would be this story from Fairfax’s David Crowe:That would be this story from Fairfax’s David Crowe:
Ms Price asked Mr Tong why he was in Canberra and was told by Senator Dodson that the former Kiribati leader was in Australia to talk about climate change and was hoping to have a meeting with her.Ms Price asked Mr Tong why he was in Canberra and was told by Senator Dodson that the former Kiribati leader was in Australia to talk about climate change and was hoping to have a meeting with her.
“Is it about the cash?” Ms Price replied, according to the witness.“Is it about the cash?” Ms Price replied, according to the witness.
“It’s always about the cash. I’ve got my chequebook over there. How much do you want?”“It’s always about the cash. I’ve got my chequebook over there. How much do you want?”
A spokesman for Ms Price denied this account and said the minister told Mr Tong that Australia cared very deeply about the Pacific, before suggesting they set up a meeting at some point.A spokesman for Ms Price denied this account and said the minister told Mr Tong that Australia cared very deeply about the Pacific, before suggesting they set up a meeting at some point.
Price:Price:
Today I received a letter from Senator Dodson with his recollection of a conversation. I was very concerned [the president was part of a meeting which] was a gathering at a restaurant where I stumbled across this group, and went over to introduce myself. I was with Senator Dodson who I classified as a friend of mine. I am very concerned that in some way the president has been offended in any way. I believe he is not here any more.Today I received a letter from Senator Dodson with his recollection of a conversation. I was very concerned [the president was part of a meeting which] was a gathering at a restaurant where I stumbled across this group, and went over to introduce myself. I was with Senator Dodson who I classified as a friend of mine. I am very concerned that in some way the president has been offended in any way. I believe he is not here any more.
I’ve spoken to Senator Dodson today and asked him if he was able to provide them with a contact number for [the] president because I 100 % disagree with what he has said is the conversation. I see the Pacific as a very good friend and neighbour to Australia, that is exactly what I said to president Tong last night. Thank you.I’ve spoken to Senator Dodson today and asked him if he was able to provide them with a contact number for [the] president because I 100 % disagree with what he has said is the conversation. I see the Pacific as a very good friend and neighbour to Australia, that is exactly what I said to president Tong last night. Thank you.
Tony Burke to Melissa PriceTony Burke to Melissa Price
(Yes, I did just have to look up who the environment minister was)(Yes, I did just have to look up who the environment minister was)
“I refer to the government’s almost $0.5 billion grant to Great Barrier Reef Foundation. How much of that money can be spent on administration and scaling up activities?”“I refer to the government’s almost $0.5 billion grant to Great Barrier Reef Foundation. How much of that money can be spent on administration and scaling up activities?”
Price:Price:
A good opportunity to talk about the reef, Mr Speaker. We know that this $440 million reef grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we all know that the reef requires an enormous amount of effort in terms of the science needed, and there is an enormous amount of work that is being done in terms of the ... There is a considerable amount of work that is being done already by the foundation, we have already identified $200 million with respect of water, a significant amount of money to research more broadly, a significant amount of money to resilience, and also a small amount of money with respect to administration.A good opportunity to talk about the reef, Mr Speaker. We know that this $440 million reef grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, we all know that the reef requires an enormous amount of effort in terms of the science needed, and there is an enormous amount of work that is being done in terms of the ... There is a considerable amount of work that is being done already by the foundation, we have already identified $200 million with respect of water, a significant amount of money to research more broadly, a significant amount of money to resilience, and also a small amount of money with respect to administration.
There’s a dixer, in which Josh Frydenberg tries out some new words: (“socialist panacea”) and we all get a small laugh, and then we are back to Burke and Price.There’s a dixer, in which Josh Frydenberg tries out some new words: (“socialist panacea”) and we all get a small laugh, and then we are back to Burke and Price.
Burke:Burke:
“I refer to the previous answer when she said only a small amount of money will be used for administration. Can the minister please tell the house what that small amount of money is?”“I refer to the previous answer when she said only a small amount of money will be used for administration. Can the minister please tell the house what that small amount of money is?”
Price: “The number is 5%.”Price: “The number is 5%.”
“Good answer,” says someone from the government side.“Good answer,” says someone from the government side.
I mean, it was an answer, so I guess in that way it’s good?I mean, it was an answer, so I guess in that way it’s good?
Over in the Senate, Marise Payne is doing her best not to answer questions about the process that led to the “discussion” Australia is having over its Israeli embassy:Over in the Senate, Marise Payne is doing her best not to answer questions about the process that led to the “discussion” Australia is having over its Israeli embassy:
I am not going to comment on the details of the prime minister’s exchanges with his international counterparts in that way. What I will say is that consultation has been engaged in between Australia and a number of other international parties, of course. Again, Senator Moore misrepresents the position by asserting a complete change in policy. What the prime minister has indicated he wants to do is to have a discussion, to examine these extremely important issues of international policy. Those opposite seem incapable of participating in a discussion like that, incapable, they are only focused on process. They have no interest in Australia’s foreign policy positions whatsoever … based on the sorts of questions that they’ve been asking. I would remind them that there are those opposite who have also canvassed these same issues, including Mr Danby, including Mr Danby in May this year, who suggested that it may be appropriate to look at the location of the embassy. Some perhaps are open to a discussion but, clearly, not all.I am not going to comment on the details of the prime minister’s exchanges with his international counterparts in that way. What I will say is that consultation has been engaged in between Australia and a number of other international parties, of course. Again, Senator Moore misrepresents the position by asserting a complete change in policy. What the prime minister has indicated he wants to do is to have a discussion, to examine these extremely important issues of international policy. Those opposite seem incapable of participating in a discussion like that, incapable, they are only focused on process. They have no interest in Australia’s foreign policy positions whatsoever … based on the sorts of questions that they’ve been asking. I would remind them that there are those opposite who have also canvassed these same issues, including Mr Danby, including Mr Danby in May this year, who suggested that it may be appropriate to look at the location of the embassy. Some perhaps are open to a discussion but, clearly, not all.
Adam Bandt has today’s crossbench question:Adam Bandt has today’s crossbench question:
Kids need to grow up in a stable loving environment. Under your watch, refugee children in Nauru are in crisis. When a 10-year-old boy repeatedly tried to kill himself, your government refused to transfer him to Australia for treatment until a court ordered it.Kids need to grow up in a stable loving environment. Under your watch, refugee children in Nauru are in crisis. When a 10-year-old boy repeatedly tried to kill himself, your government refused to transfer him to Australia for treatment until a court ordered it.
As the emergency grows to catastrophe, an Australian senior medical officer was arrested and deported from Nauru.As the emergency grows to catastrophe, an Australian senior medical officer was arrested and deported from Nauru.
Why are you slowly killing these children?Why are you slowly killing these children?
Are you seriously arguing threatening these children’s lives as some kind of necessary evil? Acceptable because you want to send a broader message. Why [don’t you] accept the advice of the doctors [that] it is never in the interest of a child to lock them up until they die?Are you seriously arguing threatening these children’s lives as some kind of necessary evil? Acceptable because you want to send a broader message. Why [don’t you] accept the advice of the doctors [that] it is never in the interest of a child to lock them up until they die?
Christopher Pyne says he overstepped bounds with the “why are you slowly killing these children” and Bandt rephrases it to ‘why is the government slowly killing these children’ before withdrawing that part.Christopher Pyne says he overstepped bounds with the “why are you slowly killing these children” and Bandt rephrases it to ‘why is the government slowly killing these children’ before withdrawing that part.
Scott Morrison:Scott Morrison:
Our record is that [we went about] improving the facilities that were opened by Labor when they were in office, and we will continue to treat every single case based on the medical advice that is received and transfers undertaken on the basis of that medical advice, and will continue to pursue that practice in each and every case.Our record is that [we went about] improving the facilities that were opened by Labor when they were in office, and we will continue to treat every single case based on the medical advice that is received and transfers undertaken on the basis of that medical advice, and will continue to pursue that practice in each and every case.
Then we get some Peter Dutton. What a treat.Then we get some Peter Dutton. What a treat.
Dutton:Dutton:
As the prime minister outlined, firstly there are about 65 medical professionals on Nauru at the moment. [Not true, says Bandt.]As the prime minister outlined, firstly there are about 65 medical professionals on Nauru at the moment. [Not true, says Bandt.]
The Australian government has provided some hundreds of millions of dollars to medical services on Nauru. In fact there have now been around about 200 children who have come as part of family units, where a father or mother may have come down to Australia for medical assistance and they have come as part of that family unit, or indeed they have come down for medical assistance themselves.The Australian government has provided some hundreds of millions of dollars to medical services on Nauru. In fact there have now been around about 200 children who have come as part of family units, where a father or mother may have come down to Australia for medical assistance and they have come as part of that family unit, or indeed they have come down for medical assistance themselves.
So there are many cases, Mr Speaker, where the Australian government has provided support.So there are many cases, Mr Speaker, where the Australian government has provided support.
They make the point that we have been able to negotiate an arrangement with the United States – now 435 people have left Nauru, and from Manus, people have arrived as part of the 50,800 boats when Labor was last in government – those people have formed part of what I hope will be a bigger number heading off to the United States, and we continue to work on a number of cases, as we are, as the list of immigration is on a daily basis in relation to this matter.They make the point that we have been able to negotiate an arrangement with the United States – now 435 people have left Nauru, and from Manus, people have arrived as part of the 50,800 boats when Labor was last in government – those people have formed part of what I hope will be a bigger number heading off to the United States, and we continue to work on a number of cases, as we are, as the list of immigration is on a daily basis in relation to this matter.
As the prime minister rightly points out, we take the advice of medical experts, we have a look at the ...As the prime minister rightly points out, we take the advice of medical experts, we have a look at the ...
[“You don’t follow it, you only do it when the court tells you do,” says Bandt. “It’s true,” calls out someone from Labor.][“You don’t follow it, you only do it when the court tells you do,” says Bandt. “It’s true,” calls out someone from Labor.]
Dutton:Dutton:
Well, again, Mr Speaker, I think Australians [want them to] better stick to the facts because if they don’t, they [will be] led by people like the honourable member [with the question] and what results, as the prime minister detailed before, could easily be repeated if that man is ever involved ...[he points at Labor but runs out of time].Well, again, Mr Speaker, I think Australians [want them to] better stick to the facts because if they don’t, they [will be] led by people like the honourable member [with the question] and what results, as the prime minister detailed before, could easily be repeated if that man is ever involved ...[he points at Labor but runs out of time].
Michael McCormack also gets the next dixer.Michael McCormack also gets the next dixer.
Moving on.Moving on.
Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:
Can the prime minister confirm the reports today that he first informed the president of Indonesia of his decision to overturn 70 years by bipartisan foreign policy by text message? Is the prime Minister so panicked about Wentworth he is willing to make the most cynically timed foreign policy decision in living memory? Why is the prime minister so reckless with our foreign policy?Can the prime minister confirm the reports today that he first informed the president of Indonesia of his decision to overturn 70 years by bipartisan foreign policy by text message? Is the prime Minister so panicked about Wentworth he is willing to make the most cynically timed foreign policy decision in living memory? Why is the prime minister so reckless with our foreign policy?
Morrison:Morrison:
Australians will know this about me, what I believe today is what I will believe next week, and a month from now, Mr Speaker.Australians will know this about me, what I believe today is what I will believe next week, and a month from now, Mr Speaker.
When I went to Israel with the now leader of the opposition, only one of us remembers the lessons of that trip. The Liberal and National parties, we stand with Israel, I don’t know what the Labor party thinks any more. Some of their members, the member for Sydney, thinks Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker. She … has said this as a member of the House of Representatives, and called Israel a rogue state.When I went to Israel with the now leader of the opposition, only one of us remembers the lessons of that trip. The Liberal and National parties, we stand with Israel, I don’t know what the Labor party thinks any more. Some of their members, the member for Sydney, thinks Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker. She … has said this as a member of the House of Representatives, and called Israel a rogue state.
Now, I don’t believe Israel is a rogue state, nobody on this side of the house believes Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker. I don’t know what the bipartisanship is the leader of the Labor party is talking about when it comes to misplaced support for the state of Israel, I don’t know what that bipartisanship is.Now, I don’t believe Israel is a rogue state, nobody on this side of the house believes Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker. I don’t know what the bipartisanship is the leader of the Labor party is talking about when it comes to misplaced support for the state of Israel, I don’t know what that bipartisanship is.
“You’re a joke, Scott, you’re a joke,” comes the interjections.“You’re a joke, Scott, you’re a joke,” comes the interjections.
Morrison:Morrison:
When I listen to the question from the leader of the opposition, next week after the Wentworth byelection will the leader of the Labor party tell us his views on Jerusalem – the issue of Iran – will you tell us this week or next week? He wants to talk about process this week. My answer on those questions are the same today as they will be next week. He seems to have forgotten the fact earlier this morning, in the general assembly of the United Nations, Australia voted no for Palestine to chair the GE 77.When I listen to the question from the leader of the opposition, next week after the Wentworth byelection will the leader of the Labor party tell us his views on Jerusalem – the issue of Iran – will you tell us this week or next week? He wants to talk about process this week. My answer on those questions are the same today as they will be next week. He seems to have forgotten the fact earlier this morning, in the general assembly of the United Nations, Australia voted no for Palestine to chair the GE 77.
I haven’t heard anything from the opposition about this. I don’t know what the leader of the Labor party thinks on these questions any more, I don’t know what he believes in, Mr Speaker. I can say I’m not sure I have ever known what he believes in – depends on what part of the country he is in – you don’t need an atlas to understand what he thinks and what he says – you also need a calendar, it changes from day today today.I haven’t heard anything from the opposition about this. I don’t know what the leader of the Labor party thinks on these questions any more, I don’t know what he believes in, Mr Speaker. I can say I’m not sure I have ever known what he believes in – depends on what part of the country he is in – you don’t need an atlas to understand what he thinks and what he says – you also need a calendar, it changes from day today today.
The Liberal and the National parties’ view, when it comes to a two-state solution, is very clear. The position when it comes to support of Israel is very, very clear. When it comes to the Labor party… you never know what you are going to get.The Liberal and the National parties’ view, when it comes to a two-state solution, is very clear. The position when it comes to support of Israel is very, very clear. When it comes to the Labor party… you never know what you are going to get.
Joel Fitzgibbon to Michael McCormack:Joel Fitzgibbon to Michael McCormack:
Yesterday in question time he said, ‘I will never ever background a journalist’. Does he stand by that answer? Is what Ray Hadley said today – the office of the current deputy prime minister was the source of many of the leaks against the former deputy prime minister – true? People in glass houses should not throw stones.Yesterday in question time he said, ‘I will never ever background a journalist’. Does he stand by that answer? Is what Ray Hadley said today – the office of the current deputy prime minister was the source of many of the leaks against the former deputy prime minister – true? People in glass houses should not throw stones.
“WHAT ABOUT THE FARMERS JOEL,” yells David Littleproud, while Labor backbenchers give their best impression of catching someone k-i-s-s-i-n-g behind a tree in the school yard.“WHAT ABOUT THE FARMERS JOEL,” yells David Littleproud, while Labor backbenchers give their best impression of catching someone k-i-s-s-i-n-g behind a tree in the school yard.
There’s some argy bargy about whether the question is in order but, eventually, the part of ‘do you stand by your answer yesterday’ is ruled in order.There’s some argy bargy about whether the question is in order but, eventually, the part of ‘do you stand by your answer yesterday’ is ruled in order.
McCormack:McCormack:
You said more, we are providing more infrastructure (paraphrased, obvs)You said more, we are providing more infrastructure (paraphrased, obvs)
Tony Smith: “I can’t see how the answer is relevant now.”Tony Smith: “I can’t see how the answer is relevant now.”
McCormack: I stand by everything I have said in this house, including more for infrastructure ... (also paraphrased)McCormack: I stand by everything I have said in this house, including more for infrastructure ... (also paraphrased)
Yet another masterful performance by a politician who continues to astound with just how quick he is on his feet, is what Barnaby Joyce’s eyes appear to say. My eye reading is a bit rusty.Yet another masterful performance by a politician who continues to astound with just how quick he is on his feet, is what Barnaby Joyce’s eyes appear to say. My eye reading is a bit rusty.
Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison on ... government dysfunction.Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison on ... government dysfunction.
Ding, ding, ding!Ding, ding, ding!
I mean, seven weeks is a good run in Australian politics these days.I mean, seven weeks is a good run in Australian politics these days.
Shorten:Shorten:
Can the prime minister confirm that he and his government on Monday supported a white supremacist motion in the Senate, on Tuesday upended 70 years of foreign policy, and on Wednesday the former deputy prime minister is doing their best to uproot the current deputy prime minister? How can the prime minister claim that a vote for the Liberals in Wentworth is a vote for stability, when he still can’t explain why Malcolm Turnbull is no longer the prime minister?Can the prime minister confirm that he and his government on Monday supported a white supremacist motion in the Senate, on Tuesday upended 70 years of foreign policy, and on Wednesday the former deputy prime minister is doing their best to uproot the current deputy prime minister? How can the prime minister claim that a vote for the Liberals in Wentworth is a vote for stability, when he still can’t explain why Malcolm Turnbull is no longer the prime minister?
Morrison:Morrison:
The leader of the opposition really does need to grow up, Mr Speaker. He really does.The leader of the opposition really does need to grow up, Mr Speaker. He really does.
There are important issues that we are dealing with on a daily basis – the economy, the drought, the residential aged care inquiry.There are important issues that we are dealing with on a daily basis – the economy, the drought, the residential aged care inquiry.
We are working to ensure that we have a strong economy that can support Medicare, that can provide affordable medicines, that can keep Australians safe, and all the leader of the opposition wants to do is charge around in this building, in the bubble of politics, Mr Speaker.We are working to ensure that we have a strong economy that can support Medicare, that can provide affordable medicines, that can keep Australians safe, and all the leader of the opposition wants to do is charge around in this building, in the bubble of politics, Mr Speaker.
What the leader of the opposition is demonstrating to the Australian people is just that he is just another politician in a suit, Mr Speaker. [He says this while wearing a suit, himself].What the leader of the opposition is demonstrating to the Australian people is just that he is just another politician in a suit, Mr Speaker. [He says this while wearing a suit, himself].
This is leader of the opposition who the Australian people have no idea what he believes, they have no idea what he stands for, all they know, Mr Speaker, is that this leader of the opposition is about one thing – himself.This is leader of the opposition who the Australian people have no idea what he believes, they have no idea what he stands for, all they know, Mr Speaker, is that this leader of the opposition is about one thing – himself.
[We are great at policy, yadda, yadda, yadda][We are great at policy, yadda, yadda, yadda]
[Morrison, some time later]:[Morrison, some time later]:
I would suggest of the Opposition to get out of the gutter of politics and focus on issues that are of national interest to all Australians, Mr Speaker. On this side you get [discussions] on issues of foreign policy, Australians deciding the issues of … affecting this society. On the other side of the house we have the member for Sydney hinting Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker.I would suggest of the Opposition to get out of the gutter of politics and focus on issues that are of national interest to all Australians, Mr Speaker. On this side you get [discussions] on issues of foreign policy, Australians deciding the issues of … affecting this society. On the other side of the house we have the member for Sydney hinting Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker.
[Something, something, shouting][Something, something, shouting]
Ahead of question time, Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten will honour Ian Kiernan, who has died, aged 78.Ahead of question time, Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten will honour Ian Kiernan, who has died, aged 78.
Kiernan was an environmentalist who spearheaded Clean Up Australia Day and a round-the-world sailor.Kiernan was an environmentalist who spearheaded Clean Up Australia Day and a round-the-world sailor.
He also helped tackle a protester who was firing (what was later found to be) a starting gun as he ran towards Prince Charles at an Australia Day event where he was honoured as Australian of the Year.He also helped tackle a protester who was firing (what was later found to be) a starting gun as he ran towards Prince Charles at an Australia Day event where he was honoured as Australian of the Year.