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Senate passes motion calling for extension of My Health Record opt-out period – politics live Senate passes motion calling for extension of My Health Record opt-out period – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
We are going to leave the blog here for today. But never fear, politics live will be back tomorrow for day two of Senate-palooza.We are going to leave the blog here for today. But never fear, politics live will be back tomorrow for day two of Senate-palooza.
Which means another Senate question time. I may actually break a record for emotional eating this week, but let’s see.Which means another Senate question time. I may actually break a record for emotional eating this week, but let’s see.
Issues still on the boil – well, what Peter Dutton means when he talks about potential changes to citizenship. Karen Middleton’s story on the auditor-generals reports into what happened when Scott Morrison was the Tourism Australia boss has some room to play out. Issues still on the boil – well, what Peter Dutton means when he talks about potential changes to citizenship; and Karen Middleton’s story on the auditor general’s reports into what happened when Scott Morrison was the Tourism Australia boss has some room to play out.
We’ve also got the Senate debating whether or not the states should have the power to call in the defence force during terror related incidents (spoiler alert – it will pass) and it’s gender reporting time tomorrow – does Australia’s gender pay gap still exist (spoiler, of course it does) We’ve also got the Senate debating whether or not the states should have the power to call in the defence force during terrorism-related incidents (spoiler alert – it will pass) and it’s gender reporting time tomorrow – does Australia’s gender pay gap still exist?(spoiler, of course it does).
It’s also the official start to summit season – Scott Morrison will head to Singapore for Asean, then it’s to PNG for Apec and then it’s Argentina for G20. It’s also the official start to summit season – Scott Morrison will head to Singapore for Asean, then it’s to PNG for Apec and then Argentina for G20.
And there’s also two last weeks of parliament to get through as well, where we will officially welcome Kerryn Phelps to the chamber. And there are also two last weeks of parliament to get through as well, where we will officially welcome Kerryn Phelps to the chamber.
But first, we have three more days of solo Senate fun to get through. And aren’t we just SO EXCITED!But first, we have three more days of solo Senate fun to get through. And aren’t we just SO EXCITED!
Thank you to Mike Bowers for dragging me through the day and to the Guardian brain’s trust, who keep me informed about what is happening beyond my narrow world of two screens and a phone. Plus all those who you never hear about, you clean up my numerous typos, as my fingers move faster than my brain (the Amy Remeikis story).Thank you to Mike Bowers for dragging me through the day and to the Guardian brain’s trust, who keep me informed about what is happening beyond my narrow world of two screens and a phone. Plus all those who you never hear about, you clean up my numerous typos, as my fingers move faster than my brain (the Amy Remeikis story).
But the biggest thank you, is, as always, to you, for reading and keeping us company as we wade through the choppy waters of our democracy. We’ll be back early tomorrow morning, but in the mean time – take care of you. But the biggest thank you is, as always, to you, for reading and keeping us company as we wade through the choppy waters of our democracy. We’ll be back early tomorrow morning, but in the meantime – take care of you.
The Senate has just passed a Labor motion with crossbench support calling on the government to extend the opt-out period for the My Health Record rollout.The Senate has just passed a Labor motion with crossbench support calling on the government to extend the opt-out period for the My Health Record rollout.
All Australians who have not opted out by 15 November (Thursday) will have a My Health Record automatically created in their name, sparking fears from privacy experts that the public has not had sufficient time to opt out as demand increases.All Australians who have not opted out by 15 November (Thursday) will have a My Health Record automatically created in their name, sparking fears from privacy experts that the public has not had sufficient time to opt out as demand increases.
The motion calls for the the opt-out period to be extended “until the legislation and any amendments are passed, outstanding privacy and security issues are addressed and public confidence in this important reform is restored”.The motion calls for the the opt-out period to be extended “until the legislation and any amendments are passed, outstanding privacy and security issues are addressed and public confidence in this important reform is restored”.
On 24 October the Australian Digital Health Agency told Senate estimates that 1,147,000 Australians had opted out of My Health Record, a figure that was accurate at 19 October.On 24 October the Australian Digital Health Agency told Senate estimates that 1,147,000 Australians had opted out of My Health Record, a figure that was accurate at 19 October.
On Friday the ADHA and health minister Greg Hunt refused to provide an update on how many Australians have opted out.On Friday the ADHA and health minister Greg Hunt refused to provide an update on how many Australians have opted out.
Privacy experts have warned that reports of lengthy telephone wait times and a systems crash on the hotline suggest that a high volume of people are opting out in the final weeks before the looming deadline.Privacy experts have warned that reports of lengthy telephone wait times and a systems crash on the hotline suggest that a high volume of people are opting out in the final weeks before the looming deadline.
Labor’s health spokeswoman, Catherine King, said:Labor’s health spokeswoman, Catherine King, said:
Under the government’s current timetable the opt-out period is due to finish this week.Under the government’s current timetable the opt-out period is due to finish this week.
Once it does, the government will begin creating records for 17 million Australians – whether they want one or not.Once it does, the government will begin creating records for 17 million Australians – whether they want one or not.
This will occur even though the government hasn’t actually passed its legislation yet, and cannot pass it before the opt-out period ends. There’s no guarantee the legislation will even pass this year – meaning some Australians may opt out unnecessarily over concerns that are addressed by the legislation.This will occur even though the government hasn’t actually passed its legislation yet, and cannot pass it before the opt-out period ends. There’s no guarantee the legislation will even pass this year – meaning some Australians may opt out unnecessarily over concerns that are addressed by the legislation.
The government should listen to Labor and to the Senate and extend the opt-out period.The government should listen to Labor and to the Senate and extend the opt-out period.
Now, to another issue Peter Dutton has been talking about – the government’s encryption bill (the one where it wants access to encrypted messaging services).Now, to another issue Peter Dutton has been talking about – the government’s encryption bill (the one where it wants access to encrypted messaging services).
Dutton has said Labor needs to work with the government to pass it. But the bill is in committee stage, so it is not even sitting in the chamber ready to be passed yet. Labor hasn’t come to a decision on the matter yet, but as of late, has largely been in lockstep with the government when it comes to issues of national security. Whether that is a positive or not may be up for debate, but on this issue, the parliament is still examining the bill, as a whole.Dutton has said Labor needs to work with the government to pass it. But the bill is in committee stage, so it is not even sitting in the chamber ready to be passed yet. Labor hasn’t come to a decision on the matter yet, but as of late, has largely been in lockstep with the government when it comes to issues of national security. Whether that is a positive or not may be up for debate, but on this issue, the parliament is still examining the bill, as a whole.
I want to be clear - Labor is working cooperatively on the government's decryption bill. It's going through the usual scrutiny by a bipartisan committee and we'll continue that process. Suggestions otherwise are wrong – this should be above politics. #auspolI want to be clear - Labor is working cooperatively on the government's decryption bill. It's going through the usual scrutiny by a bipartisan committee and we'll continue that process. Suggestions otherwise are wrong – this should be above politics. #auspol
Paul Fletcher has issued a media statement on the Foodbank decision;Paul Fletcher has issued a media statement on the Foodbank decision;
I have spoken today with Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey regarding her concerns following the recent announcement of the three organisations that will share in $4.5 million of food relief funding over the next four-and-a-half years, starting January 1, 2019.I have spoken today with Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey regarding her concerns following the recent announcement of the three organisations that will share in $4.5 million of food relief funding over the next four-and-a-half years, starting January 1, 2019.
Foodbank has particularly highlighted its concern that the competitive selection process resulted in it being notified of the decision only a few weeks before the busy Christmas season. I share that concern.Foodbank has particularly highlighted its concern that the competitive selection process resulted in it being notified of the decision only a few weeks before the busy Christmas season. I share that concern.
I have sought urgent advice from my department as to why that happened and for options to provide additional funding to Foodbank to assist in managing the transition to the new arrangements.I have sought urgent advice from my department as to why that happened and for options to provide additional funding to Foodbank to assist in managing the transition to the new arrangements.
I expect to receive that advice shortly and will be working with Foodbank to resolve this issue.I expect to receive that advice shortly and will be working with Foodbank to resolve this issue.
If there is one thing the Senate is good for (apart from, you know, the whole acting as a check and balance in our democratic system *cough Queensland cough*) is the light.If there is one thing the Senate is good for (apart from, you know, the whole acting as a check and balance in our democratic system *cough Queensland cough*) is the light.
Mike Bowers had some fun in there this afternoon.Mike Bowers had some fun in there this afternoon.
Lee Rhiannon is keeping busyLee Rhiannon is keeping busy
Former senator Lee Rhiannon is doing a compare/contrast on Labor and the Greens' handling of sexual harassment complaints - and finds the Greens wanting #auspol pic.twitter.com/mf3opNM4g2Former senator Lee Rhiannon is doing a compare/contrast on Labor and the Greens' handling of sexual harassment complaints - and finds the Greens wanting #auspol pic.twitter.com/mf3opNM4g2
Paul Fletcher says he has asked for an “urgent review” from his department about the timing of the Foodbank announcement as well as advice on transitional funding.Paul Fletcher says he has asked for an “urgent review” from his department about the timing of the Foodbank announcement as well as advice on transitional funding.
“I do understand the consequences of the transition Foodbank is being asked to make, at a very [crucial] time of year].“I do understand the consequences of the transition Foodbank is being asked to make, at a very [crucial] time of year].
So the decision stands but he wants to know if there is capacity to provide “additional funding” to help with the transition.So the decision stands but he wants to know if there is capacity to provide “additional funding” to help with the transition.
Which is basically where Father Chris Riley and his Youth Off the Streets charity ended up a couple of weeks ago.Which is basically where Father Chris Riley and his Youth Off the Streets charity ended up a couple of weeks ago.
Paul Fletcher is on Sky News now, speaking on the Foodbank decision.Paul Fletcher is on Sky News now, speaking on the Foodbank decision.
But even Kochie is angry about this one.But even Kochie is angry about this one.
So disappointing this has happened. @FoodbankAus is one of those great Organisations which provides so much support for so many people in need of their services. A case of political priorities gone awry which needs to be corrected https://t.co/UneskPXvLkSo disappointing this has happened. @FoodbankAus is one of those great Organisations which provides so much support for so many people in need of their services. A case of political priorities gone awry which needs to be corrected https://t.co/UneskPXvLk
Senate question time ends.Senate question time ends.
Oh thank Beyoncé.Oh thank Beyoncé.
Kim Carr wants to know about Chris Crewther’s eligibility to sit in parliament.Kim Carr wants to know about Chris Crewther’s eligibility to sit in parliament.
Mathias Cormann says he’s fine, as far as he knows.Mathias Cormann says he’s fine, as far as he knows.
Carr is reading section 44 out to him (sub-section 5, which Crewther is suggested to have breached) and asks if Cormann is aware of it.Carr is reading section 44 out to him (sub-section 5, which Crewther is suggested to have breached) and asks if Cormann is aware of it.
“Yes,” says Cormann.“Yes,” says Cormann.
So how is he not in breach, asks Carr?So how is he not in breach, asks Carr?
Cormann calls him a “bush lawyer” and says there are “processes available to the Labor party”. But he takes on notice the part of the question about which grants the company Crewther invested in has received.Cormann calls him a “bush lawyer” and says there are “processes available to the Labor party”. But he takes on notice the part of the question about which grants the company Crewther invested in has received.
“Ahhhhhhh,” say the Labor benches.“Ahhhhhhh,” say the Labor benches.
Sadly, time continues at its snail’s pace and this is still happening.Sadly, time continues at its snail’s pace and this is still happening.
Nick McKim is asking about his visa being denied by the Nauruan government.Nick McKim is asking about his visa being denied by the Nauruan government.
He has an email from the Nauruan consulate which says “the senator’s request to visit Nauru does not have the support of the Australian Dfat office”.He has an email from the Nauruan consulate which says “the senator’s request to visit Nauru does not have the support of the Australian Dfat office”.
He wants to know if the government intervened.He wants to know if the government intervened.
Marise Payne says no.Marise Payne says no.
Neither the foreign affairs department nor the Australian consulate made representations on this visa, she says, and it is up to the Nauruan government who enters their country.Neither the foreign affairs department nor the Australian consulate made representations on this visa, she says, and it is up to the Nauruan government who enters their country.
McKim wants to table the email, but I think he is denied.McKim wants to table the email, but I think he is denied.
Rebekha Sharkie, a key crossbench vote for the government now it is in minority, has also weighed in on the Foodbank funding cuts – for these reasons:Rebekha Sharkie, a key crossbench vote for the government now it is in minority, has also weighed in on the Foodbank funding cuts – for these reasons:
The latest announcement of $4.5m over 4.5 years doesn’t meet demand and now this small pool is being shared by multiple groups, including food rescue charities OzHarvest and Second Bite, which play very different roles.The latest announcement of $4.5m over 4.5 years doesn’t meet demand and now this small pool is being shared by multiple groups, including food rescue charities OzHarvest and Second Bite, which play very different roles.
OzHarvest and Second Bite rescue food from restaurants and hotels that would usually go to landfill while Foodbank is the main not-for-profit organisation working with manufacturers, suppliers and farmers to secure staple foodstuffs such as rice, cereal, fruit and vegetables.OzHarvest and Second Bite rescue food from restaurants and hotels that would usually go to landfill while Foodbank is the main not-for-profit organisation working with manufacturers, suppliers and farmers to secure staple foodstuffs such as rice, cereal, fruit and vegetables.
Foodbank is a foundation organisation that provides so many charities with the staple food items they need to help the vulnerable Australians under their care.Foodbank is a foundation organisation that provides so many charities with the staple food items they need to help the vulnerable Australians under their care.
Last year they leveraged more than $8m worth of basic foods to 2,600 partner charities and 1,750 schools.Last year they leveraged more than $8m worth of basic foods to 2,600 partner charities and 1,750 schools.
South Australia alone received $1.4m worth of pantry basics for 551 different charities such as Lutheran Community Care and Share, the Heart & Soul Community Group and MarionLIFE.South Australia alone received $1.4m worth of pantry basics for 551 different charities such as Lutheran Community Care and Share, the Heart & Soul Community Group and MarionLIFE.
There is someone in the Senate public gallery who looks like they might be nodding off.There is someone in the Senate public gallery who looks like they might be nodding off.
Not all heroes wear capes.Not all heroes wear capes.
Jenny McAllister to Bridget McKenzie about Foodbank, in the light of the National Farmers’ Federation intervention in the decision to slash its Key Staples funding program.Jenny McAllister to Bridget McKenzie about Foodbank, in the light of the National Farmers’ Federation intervention in the decision to slash its Key Staples funding program.
McKenzie says she usually agrees with the NFF and she knows that the prime minister was going to speak to Paul Fletcher about possibly reviewing the decision.McKenzie says she usually agrees with the NFF and she knows that the prime minister was going to speak to Paul Fletcher about possibly reviewing the decision.
McAllister asks McKenzie to defend the decision.McAllister asks McKenzie to defend the decision.
“The prime minister has announced he will be speaking to the minister of department social services [about the decision].“The prime minister has announced he will be speaking to the minister of department social services [about the decision].
“... We stand to support those families and communities who are doing it tough at this time.”“... We stand to support those families and communities who are doing it tough at this time.”
Barry O’Sullivan now wants to know if there is a “mechanism” to place what he says is an interjection from Doug Cameron on the official record.Barry O’Sullivan now wants to know if there is a “mechanism” to place what he says is an interjection from Doug Cameron on the official record.
Scott Ryan responds with a very parliamentary yeah, nah, and says he did not hear what Cameron said. Wong says O’Sullivan should not have been given the official call. Cormann says Wong should not be interjecting without the call.Scott Ryan responds with a very parliamentary yeah, nah, and says he did not hear what Cameron said. Wong says O’Sullivan should not have been given the official call. Cormann says Wong should not be interjecting without the call.
It almost makes me miss the House.It almost makes me miss the House.
Pauline Hanson has a question for Michaelia Cash, as the senator representing the home affairs minister.Pauline Hanson has a question for Michaelia Cash, as the senator representing the home affairs minister.
“When will the government stop immigration from extremist countries,” is the question after a preamble about where Australia’s refugees are coming from.“When will the government stop immigration from extremist countries,” is the question after a preamble about where Australia’s refugees are coming from.
Cash says Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration program and stands by it.Cash says Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration program and stands by it.
Hanson asks if Australia will stop immigration from Sudan “in light of the high crime rates over a period of years”.Hanson asks if Australia will stop immigration from Sudan “in light of the high crime rates over a period of years”.
Cash: “I refer to my previous answer. Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration program.”Cash: “I refer to my previous answer. Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration program.”
Hanson: How many refugees are on the watch list?Hanson: How many refugees are on the watch list?
Cash: Takes it on notice.Cash: Takes it on notice.
The National Farmers’ Federation hasn’t exactly embraced the government’s decision to slash Foodbank’s funding for its Key Staples program.The National Farmers’ Federation hasn’t exactly embraced the government’s decision to slash Foodbank’s funding for its Key Staples program.
That’s because, as the organisation points out, 40% of the people helped by this program are in the bush. Which is suffering from a horrendous drought.That’s because, as the organisation points out, 40% of the people helped by this program are in the bush. Which is suffering from a horrendous drought.
Demand for food relief services is growing exponentially – particularly in regional Australia, which accounts for 40% of Foodbank’s relief work.Demand for food relief services is growing exponentially – particularly in regional Australia, which accounts for 40% of Foodbank’s relief work.
The current drought in eastern Australia is heightening pressure on household budgets in regional communities, making the timing of this decision unthinkable.”The current drought in eastern Australia is heightening pressure on household budgets in regional communities, making the timing of this decision unthinkable.”
Have your say on this issue by e-mailing the PM. Click below to voice your support for @FoodbankAus. https://t.co/vW4A6upbuZHave your say on this issue by e-mailing the PM. Click below to voice your support for @FoodbankAus. https://t.co/vW4A6upbuZ
Mehreen Faruqi: Can the minister guarantee that the government will not allow the fund to be used to subsidise private school fees for wealthy parents?Mehreen Faruqi: Can the minister guarantee that the government will not allow the fund to be used to subsidise private school fees for wealthy parents?
Bridget McKenzie: We are the side of parliament which puts money on the table to deliver what you could not deliver, which is needs-based funding for school students. Also, the Greens should run for state parliament, because this is a state education issue.Bridget McKenzie: We are the side of parliament which puts money on the table to deliver what you could not deliver, which is needs-based funding for school students. Also, the Greens should run for state parliament, because this is a state education issue.
Faruqi: Will this money be spent on swimming pools and air-conditioning?Faruqi: Will this money be spent on swimming pools and air-conditioning?
McKenzie: All students should be educated in air-conditioning (this may be news to several Queensland state school students) but she would be appalled if the money was used for “excessive luxuries”.McKenzie: All students should be educated in air-conditioning (this may be news to several Queensland state school students) but she would be appalled if the money was used for “excessive luxuries”.
Michaelia Cash says some things in response to Jim Molan asking some things.Michaelia Cash says some things in response to Jim Molan asking some things.
Moving on.Moving on.
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi wants to know about the $1.2bn “choice and affordability” fund it has given Catholic schools, which has been labelled by critics as a slush fund.Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi wants to know about the $1.2bn “choice and affordability” fund it has given Catholic schools, which has been labelled by critics as a slush fund.
Faruqi wants to know how the government came to the number, and whether the Catholic schools had some input.Faruqi wants to know how the government came to the number, and whether the Catholic schools had some input.
Bridget McKenzie, representing the education minister Dan Tehan, does not answer the question.Bridget McKenzie, representing the education minister Dan Tehan, does not answer the question.