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Foodbank funding cut reversed by Coalition after outcry – politics live Foodbank funding cut reversed by Coalition after outcry – politics live
(35 minutes later)
The ACCC has released its latest report on NBN speeds:
Almost 4.5 million residents now have an NBN broadband connection at home, and nearly half of them are on fast plans with speeds of 50Mbps or more, the latest ACCC quarterly Wholesale Market Indicators Report shows.
The ACCC’s report for the September quarter shows the number of NBN residential broadband connections rose from about 4.1 million last quarter (up almost 8.6%).
More than 2.2 million consumers are now on these high-speed plans, an increase of 20% on the previous quarter. Of these, there are now 1.8 million services on the 50Mbps speed tier, a more than a tenfold increase compared to about 159,000 residential customers on 50Mbps plans in December 2017.
Scott Morrison is in Melbourne, ahead of jetting off to Singapore.
He’s signing the condolence book for Sisto Malaspina, who was killed in Friday’s attack, outside the cafe he co-owned.
Matthew Guy is right behind him.
Anne Aly was also on ABC radio this morning, expanding on what she meant when she criticised Scott Morrison’s first comments following the Bourke Street terror attack.Anne Aly was also on ABC radio this morning, expanding on what she meant when she criticised Scott Morrison’s first comments following the Bourke Street terror attack.
Can I just first of all, just take a pause to express unequivocally my condemnation of the terrorist attack last Friday and also send my condolences to the family and friends of those affected. Emma, my frustration is that in the wake of terrorist attacks we are presented with a very familiar refrain from our political leaders that calls on Muslim communities to do more, that calls on Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism again and again and again, even more louder, and I think that we need to move beyond words of condemnation. I think we need to move beyond these calls for the Muslim community which every law enforcement agency that I’ve ever spoken to recognises is a very important ally in security. And move towards working towards an effective prevention and intervention-- early intervention mechanism.” Can I just first of all, just take a pause to express unequivocally my condemnation of the terrorist attack last Friday and also send my condolences to the family and friends of those affected. Emma, my frustration is that in the wake of terrorist attacks we are presented with a very familiar refrain from our political leaders that calls on Muslim communities to do more, that calls on Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism again and again and again, even more louder, and I think that we need to move beyond words of condemnation. I think we need to move beyond these calls for the Muslim community which every law enforcement agency that I’ve ever spoken to recognises is a very important ally in security. And move towards working towards an effective prevention and intervention – early intervention mechanism.
And what would that look like?And what would that look like?
Years ago when I was a Professor in Counter-Terrorism, there was a radical preacher by the name of Junaid Thorne operating in Perth’s outer suburbs where he was trying to recruit young men. I spoke out against him, did a lot of media interviews against him, confronted him and confronted those young men who were being radicalised by him. The Muslim community here in Perth: teachers, Imams, Sheikhs, parents all banded together. They closed their doors to him, they prevented their sons from mingling with him, they reported his activities to the police. And together, working together, they effectively removed him from the streets of Perth. These are the kinds of things that we need to be doing. We need to be looking at how we can best generate community expertise, community intelligence, communities working together to eradicate terrorism from within our midst.” Years ago when I was a professor in counter-terrorism, there was a radical preacher by the name of Junaid Thorne operating in Perth’s outer suburbs where he was trying to recruit young men. I spoke out against him, did a lot of media interviews against him, confronted him and confronted those young men who were being radicalised by him. The Muslim community here in Perth: teachers, imams, sheikhs, parents all banded together. They closed their doors to him, they prevented their sons from mingling with him, they reported his activities to the police. And together, working together, they effectively removed him from the streets of Perth. These are the kinds of things that we need to be doing. We need to be looking at how we can best generate community expertise, community intelligence, communities working together to eradicate terrorism from within our midst.
So no problem in calling out extremist behaviour, Aly says, and she believes that to be important. Her main issue with the comments; So no problem in calling out extremist behaviour, Aly says, and she believes that to be important. Her main issue with the comments:
I do take issue with calling out that behaviour by wholly and solely blaming an entire community and putting the responsibility of terrorism on an entire community.” I do take issue with calling out that behaviour by wholly and solely blaming an entire community and putting the responsibility of terrorism on an entire community.
Kelly O’Dwyer has been chatting about the gender pay gap. Spoiler – it still exists.Kelly O’Dwyer has been chatting about the gender pay gap. Spoiler – it still exists.
You can’t actually pay somebody more if you’re doing exactly the same job, but there is certainly a national gender pay gap. Happily it’s the lowest level it’s been in 20 years at 14.5 per cent but it’s still too high. It’s come down from 17.2 per cent under the previous Labor government, but we certainly know that there is a gap between men and women and it’s based on the fact that men and women can be paid different amounts in different industries in different jobs, and we know that it can often be because women are working part-time, not full-time, and they’ve got caring responsibilities and don’t necessarily get paid overtime because they don’t have the capacity to take on that work. There are many reasons for it – and we are very fortunate to have the Workplace Gender Equality Agency that measures this.” You can’t actually pay somebody more if you’re doing exactly the same job, but there is certainly a national gender pay gap. Happily it’s the lowest level it’s been in 20 years at 14.5% but it’s still too high. It’s come down from 17.2% under the previous Labor government, but we certainly know that there is a gap between men and women and it’s based on the fact that men and women can be paid different amounts in different industries in different jobs, and we know that it can often be because women are working part-time, not full-time, and they’ve got caring responsibilities and don’t necessarily get paid overtime because they don’t have the capacity to take on that work. There are many reasons for it – and we are very fortunate to have the Workplace Gender Equality Agency that measures this.
That’s from her interview with ABC radio this morning.That’s from her interview with ABC radio this morning.
And it’s because the Workplace Gender Equality Agency latest report is out. You can read more about that, hereAnd it’s because the Workplace Gender Equality Agency latest report is out. You can read more about that, here
And those citizenship changes that are bubbling away, which we alerted you to yesterday?And those citizenship changes that are bubbling away, which we alerted you to yesterday?
Well, they are still on the boil.Well, they are still on the boil.
There is not a lot of time for the government to actually do anything – there are two sitting weeks left and it no longer has its majority in the House, meaning it is highly unlikely any changes will be made in the short term.There is not a lot of time for the government to actually do anything – there are two sitting weeks left and it no longer has its majority in the House, meaning it is highly unlikely any changes will be made in the short term.
But it sounds to me as if the government is preparing an election policy;But it sounds to me as if the government is preparing an election policy;
.@MichaelSukkarMP on Bourke Street: We should expand the grounds by which people have their visas cancelled, we should be finding ways of revoking citizenship for people who clearly hate the society we live in. MORE: https://t.co/AeXIK8mgAX #amagenda pic.twitter.com/3FK9ii1Vzv.@MichaelSukkarMP on Bourke Street: We should expand the grounds by which people have their visas cancelled, we should be finding ways of revoking citizenship for people who clearly hate the society we live in. MORE: https://t.co/AeXIK8mgAX #amagenda pic.twitter.com/3FK9ii1Vzv
Senior Liberal minister Mathias Cormann was interviewed on ABC TV this morning, and was asked about Tim Fischer’s criticism of ideologues in the Coalition who constantly criticise the ABC.Senior Liberal minister Mathias Cormann was interviewed on ABC TV this morning, and was asked about Tim Fischer’s criticism of ideologues in the Coalition who constantly criticise the ABC.
Just to recap, former Nationals leader Tim Fischer on Monday said regional Australia “would be Siberia without the ABC” and “perhaps the ideological warriors should tone it down a bit”.Just to recap, former Nationals leader Tim Fischer on Monday said regional Australia “would be Siberia without the ABC” and “perhaps the ideological warriors should tone it down a bit”.
“[They] should listen to all that the ABC, for its dynamic professionalism, is offering. I salute the ABC,” he said.“[They] should listen to all that the ABC, for its dynamic professionalism, is offering. I salute the ABC,” he said.
“I could not live in and around Albury-Wodonga, Yackandandah, but for the ABC.”“I could not live in and around Albury-Wodonga, Yackandandah, but for the ABC.”
Cormann was asked about Fischer’s comments on Tuesday, and he said he had never criticised the ABC.Cormann was asked about Fischer’s comments on Tuesday, and he said he had never criticised the ABC.
“I agree with him that the ABC has got a very important role and a very important responsibility in the public interest,” he said.“I agree with him that the ABC has got a very important role and a very important responsibility in the public interest,” he said.
“You will find that personally I’ve never ever criticised the ABC. I love the ABC. I appear on ABC outlets on regular occasions and I respect the job that you have as journalists. Go your hardest.“You will find that personally I’ve never ever criticised the ABC. I love the ABC. I appear on ABC outlets on regular occasions and I respect the job that you have as journalists. Go your hardest.
“From time to time, whether it is the ABC or any other media outlet, there can be questions raised in relation to accuracy of certain reports. Personally, I do not believe I’ve queried an ABC story directly myself. I have certainly queried stories with other journalists in private sector outlets.“From time to time, whether it is the ABC or any other media outlet, there can be questions raised in relation to accuracy of certain reports. Personally, I do not believe I’ve queried an ABC story directly myself. I have certainly queried stories with other journalists in private sector outlets.
“So there’s nothing wrong with having a conversation about whether a particular report was accurate or not. In the broad, the ABC is a very important organisation and we recognise it as such.”“So there’s nothing wrong with having a conversation about whether a particular report was accurate or not. In the broad, the ABC is a very important organisation and we recognise it as such.”
When Michael McCormack says “this is really going to help” he means it is going to help Foodbank do the job they were already doing before the government, through the department, made the decision to cut the key staples program funding.When Michael McCormack says “this is really going to help” he means it is going to help Foodbank do the job they were already doing before the government, through the department, made the decision to cut the key staples program funding.
Three years ago, Foodbank was running this program with about $1.5m in funding. The $323,000 cut would have been the third cut it had been asked to absorb and reduced it’s funding, for this program, to just under $500,000. The decision to reverse the latest cut means it’s back to $750,000 a year, for 4.5 years.Three years ago, Foodbank was running this program with about $1.5m in funding. The $323,000 cut would have been the third cut it had been asked to absorb and reduced it’s funding, for this program, to just under $500,000. The decision to reverse the latest cut means it’s back to $750,000 a year, for 4.5 years.
.@M_McCormackMP on Foodbank Funding: I certainly think the right decision has been taken. MORE: https://t.co/12xTAfCBb0 #amagenda pic.twitter.com/cKp9Gl0bgX.@M_McCormackMP on Foodbank Funding: I certainly think the right decision has been taken. MORE: https://t.co/12xTAfCBb0 #amagenda pic.twitter.com/cKp9Gl0bgX
That “big stick” the government has been talking about when it comes to energy companies?That “big stick” the government has been talking about when it comes to energy companies?
Turns out it might be the high court which decides whether or not the government can use it.Turns out it might be the high court which decides whether or not the government can use it.
As Katharine Murphy reports:As Katharine Murphy reports:
Australia’s major electricity companies have raised questions about whether the Morrison government has the legal authority to proceed with its so-called “big stick” threat to break up companies for price gouging, and to impose the regulation of power prices.Australia’s major electricity companies have raised questions about whether the Morrison government has the legal authority to proceed with its so-called “big stick” threat to break up companies for price gouging, and to impose the regulation of power prices.
The commercial law firm Ashurst has provided advice to the Australian Energy Council, which represents 22 major electricity and gas firms, saying there are concerns about the “framing and constitutionality” of the Morrison government’s measures intended to force price relief for consumers and business.The commercial law firm Ashurst has provided advice to the Australian Energy Council, which represents 22 major electricity and gas firms, saying there are concerns about the “framing and constitutionality” of the Morrison government’s measures intended to force price relief for consumers and business.
The legal advice revealed on Tuesday says if the government intends to proceed with what amounts to “quasi-judicial” interventions, such as imposing price regulation, requiring generators to contract with third parties, and forcing divestment, then the power should be exercised independently of ministers “so that the decision-making process is not influenced by the potential for political interference, or the appearance of political interference”.The legal advice revealed on Tuesday says if the government intends to proceed with what amounts to “quasi-judicial” interventions, such as imposing price regulation, requiring generators to contract with third parties, and forcing divestment, then the power should be exercised independently of ministers “so that the decision-making process is not influenced by the potential for political interference, or the appearance of political interference”.
You can read the rest of that report, hereYou can read the rest of that report, here
Paul Fletcher ended yesterday by promising to look into “transitional” funding for Foodbank, as well as why the organisation was given just six weeks’ notice of the decision to cut $323,000 from its funding.Paul Fletcher ended yesterday by promising to look into “transitional” funding for Foodbank, as well as why the organisation was given just six weeks’ notice of the decision to cut $323,000 from its funding.
This morning he has announced an increase to the amount of money allocated for food relief funding.This morning he has announced an increase to the amount of money allocated for food relief funding.
From his statement:From his statement:
The Liberal National Government will increase funding for food relief by $1.485 million over the next 4.5 years, to $5.985 million.The Liberal National Government will increase funding for food relief by $1.485 million over the next 4.5 years, to $5.985 million.
This decision means that Foodbank’s funding will be maintained at $750,000 per year over the next 4.5 years, with Second Bite and OzHarvest to be funded as announced last week.This decision means that Foodbank’s funding will be maintained at $750,000 per year over the next 4.5 years, with Second Bite and OzHarvest to be funded as announced last week.
The extra funding will enable a stronger focus on drought relief, while continuing existing service levels around Australia.The extra funding will enable a stronger focus on drought relief, while continuing existing service levels around Australia.
I will be inviting the CEOs of Foodbank, Second Bite and OzHarvest to meet with me in a roundtable discussion in coming days to allow us to finalise the arrangements and co-ordinate a continuing collaborative approach to food relief.I will be inviting the CEOs of Foodbank, Second Bite and OzHarvest to meet with me in a roundtable discussion in coming days to allow us to finalise the arrangements and co-ordinate a continuing collaborative approach to food relief.
This additional funding will be sourced within existing resources of the Department of Social Services.This additional funding will be sourced within existing resources of the Department of Social Services.
The Government looks forward to working closely with Foodbank, Second Bite and OzHarvest to maximise the benefit of the vital food relief services they provide for vulnerable and homeless Australians.The Government looks forward to working closely with Foodbank, Second Bite and OzHarvest to maximise the benefit of the vital food relief services they provide for vulnerable and homeless Australians.
Well, after 24 hours of criticism from everyone from the National Farmers’ Federation, to Jimmy Barnes, Labor and Kochie, the government has decided to reverse its funding cut to Foodbank’s Key Staples program.Well, after 24 hours of criticism from everyone from the National Farmers’ Federation, to Jimmy Barnes, Labor and Kochie, the government has decided to reverse its funding cut to Foodbank’s Key Staples program.
Just before leaving for Singapore, Scott Morrison intervened to ask for the issue to be fixed. Paul Fletcher has responded by boosting the funding for food relief by $1.485m over the next four and a half years, bringing the total budget to $5.985m.Just before leaving for Singapore, Scott Morrison intervened to ask for the issue to be fixed. Paul Fletcher has responded by boosting the funding for food relief by $1.485m over the next four and a half years, bringing the total budget to $5.985m.
That means no one gets cut and a third provider is funded.That means no one gets cut and a third provider is funded.
It’s a problem which didn’t need to be created. While there was a tender process, and while OzHarvest, the third provider chosen, does do excellent work, it does a different job to the one Foodbank provides, so cutting one to pay for the other was a pretty shortsighted decision, especially when we are talking about the small amounts of money (for a national budget) we are seeing here.It’s a problem which didn’t need to be created. While there was a tender process, and while OzHarvest, the third provider chosen, does do excellent work, it does a different job to the one Foodbank provides, so cutting one to pay for the other was a pretty shortsighted decision, especially when we are talking about the small amounts of money (for a national budget) we are seeing here.
So good to see common sense won out.So good to see common sense won out.
Elsewhere, the Senate is still sitting, as it continues its solo week, but it will most likely be action outside the chamber that captures attention.Elsewhere, the Senate is still sitting, as it continues its solo week, but it will most likely be action outside the chamber that captures attention.
Summit season has officially began, which I think makes Michael McCormack our acting prime minister. Morrison has Singapore, then PNG, then Argentina, as well as two more parliament sessions, but the domestic issues keep ticking over as well.Summit season has officially began, which I think makes Michael McCormack our acting prime minister. Morrison has Singapore, then PNG, then Argentina, as well as two more parliament sessions, but the domestic issues keep ticking over as well.
We’ll keep you abreast of all of them. You’ve got Mike Bowers behind the lens and the Guardian brain’s trust on the job. I’ve got my second coffee. So we are all good.We’ll keep you abreast of all of them. You’ve got Mike Bowers behind the lens and the Guardian brain’s trust on the job. I’ve got my second coffee. So we are all good.
Ready?Ready?
Let’s get into it.Let’s get into it.