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Israel embassy and Indonesia free-trade deal separate discussions, Morrison says – politics live Israel embassy and Indonesia free-trade deal separate discussions, Morrison says – politics live
(35 minutes later)
From Mike Bowers to you:
Richard Di Natale is a mood
I am sensing a theme
Wong continues:
But this isn’t just about trade.
Indonesia is a critical relationship to Australia but it is fair to say our bilateral ties struggle to reach their full potential.
Indonesia is the world’s fourth largest country by population and by 2050 projected to be the world’s fourth largest economy.
It is the largest economy in South East Asia. Indonesia is critical to Australia’s security and stability, something Labor has always understood – from Curtin and Chifley, through Keating and Hawke to the Rudd and Gillard governments.
And yet under this government our trade with Indonesia has actually decreased.
As Mr Morrison himself said in Singapore just moments ago, after meeting with Indonesia’s president:
Indonesia doing well economically, Indonesia doing well strategically, is good for Australia. And that’s why we do it. We do it because it’s good for our national interest to support Indonesia’s advancement.
He said ‘It is good for our national interest’. Well, Prime Minister, perhaps you should have put that on your lapel badge. Do what is good for Australia’s national interest.
Because, instead what you did was you trashed the national interest to try to get votes in Wentworth.
But even worse, now we are seeing this terrible decision dragged through the prism of the Liberal party’s bitter internal divisions.
And the same people who tore down Malcom Turnbull and elevated Mr Morrison are now weaponising the embassy decision to continue their hard-right, divisive agenda to undermine another prime minister.
We’ve already seen Eric Abetz gleefully leaping on to Sky News to undermine our relationship with Indonesia.
And so brilliant Mr Morrison, who is supposed to be such a strategic genius, has now firmly wedged himself, after losing votes in Wentworth, has now firmly wedged himself between the national interest and the interests of the people who made him prime minister.
He’s trapped between doing the right thing by the nation and a return to sensible bipartisan policy, but if he does, [he] faces the political consequences from the hard right.
Of course Australia should consider foreign policy decisions based on our national interests. But what that means is you have to be responsible enough to act consistently in the national interest.
And the overturning of the bipartisan position on the location of the embassy in Israel for short-term political gain is not in our national interests.
Well, Labor says enough.
Under pressure from journalists in Singapore Mr Morrison has just committed to making a decision on the embassy by Christmas.
Why Christmas Prime Minister? Why not now?
It took you one day to wreck this trade deal; why do you have to wait another month to fix it?
Penny Wong has had a few things to say in the Senate about some of our latest foreign policy missteps:
On the Indonesian free trade agreement, can I say the prime minister’s visit to Singapore has now exposed in full the utter debacle created by Mr Morrison’s desperate decision to trash decades of considered bipartisan foreign policy to try to win a few votes in Wentworth. And didn’t that go well?
We learnt in Senate estimates the decision to consider moving the Australian embassy in Israel wasn’t taken to cabinet, wasn’t based on any proposal from Dfat, the foreign minister, Senator Payne, was given less than 48 hours’ notice, and the media was briefed before the head of the Australian defence force.
Mr Turnbull warned that it would prompt a very negative reaction from Indonesia and he was right.
This decision from Mr Morrison is harming our economy, costing jobs and damaging one of Australia’s most important relationships.
Here’s what Mr Morrison himself said in Jakarta in September. He said:
It will open the door to a new era of opportunities for Australian and Indonesian business.
Whether in agriculture and manufacturing, services or investment, this new agreement lays a foundation to realise the economic potential of our partnership.
It will create jobs and it will create wealth for both countries.
He said the agreement would be signed within months, and the media was briefed that it would be signed this week on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Singapore.
Now, it’s sidelined, and why?
To quote the Indonesian trade minister, the delay is ‘because of Palestine’. And he’s made clear the agreement will be delayed until this is fixed.
Under this trade deal 99% of Australian exports to Indonesia would be tariff-free – exports like frozen beef, sheep meat, feed grains, steel coil, citrus products, carrots and potatoes.
But now, because of Mr Morrison’s short-sighted, ill-considered decision, Australian farmers, Australian manufacturers, Australian workers will suffer.
Mathias Cormann asks that further questions be placed on the notice paper.Mathias Cormann asks that further questions be placed on the notice paper.
Penny Wong moves a motion to take note of answers – specifically the ones asked to Mathias Cormann about the free trade agreement with Indonesia and the ones asked by Kimberly Kitching about Melissa Price.Penny Wong moves a motion to take note of answers – specifically the ones asked to Mathias Cormann about the free trade agreement with Indonesia and the ones asked by Kimberly Kitching about Melissa Price.
Barry O’Sullivan’s term in the Senate finishes up next year.Barry O’Sullivan’s term in the Senate finishes up next year.
Here's the video of Nationals senator Barry O'Sullivan saying he is declaring his gender "to be a woman" so the left-wing people can no longer "attack" him over his anti-abortion views. pic.twitter.com/YzbOCWp0YCHere's the video of Nationals senator Barry O'Sullivan saying he is declaring his gender "to be a woman" so the left-wing people can no longer "attack" him over his anti-abortion views. pic.twitter.com/YzbOCWp0YC
The latest in today’s My Health Record kerfuffle – from Greg Hunt:The latest in today’s My Health Record kerfuffle – from Greg Hunt:
Today the government worked with the Senate crossbench to extend the opt-out period for My Health Record.Today the government worked with the Senate crossbench to extend the opt-out period for My Health Record.
The opt-out period will be extended until January 31, 2019. However, it’s important to note that people can opt out at any time.The opt-out period will be extended until January 31, 2019. However, it’s important to note that people can opt out at any time.
Labor’s plan to delay and derail the roll-out of the My Health Record was blocked today.Labor’s plan to delay and derail the roll-out of the My Health Record was blocked today.
We thank the crossbench for not delaying this important policy change as Labor tried so desperately to do.We thank the crossbench for not delaying this important policy change as Labor tried so desperately to do.
In comparison, the government’s focus is on strengthening the safety and privacy of health information in the My Health Record system.In comparison, the government’s focus is on strengthening the safety and privacy of health information in the My Health Record system.
The parliament is now considering further amendments to Labor’s original My Health Record legislation.The parliament is now considering further amendments to Labor’s original My Health Record legislation.
This includes tougher penalties for those that misuse the system, strengthening provisions to safeguard against domestic violence, prohibiting employers from requesting and using health information from an individual’s My Health Record. In addition, no health information or de-identified data is to be released to insurers.This includes tougher penalties for those that misuse the system, strengthening provisions to safeguard against domestic violence, prohibiting employers from requesting and using health information from an individual’s My Health Record. In addition, no health information or de-identified data is to be released to insurers.
These proposed amendments are in addition to the amendments announced in July, which have already passed the lower house.These proposed amendments are in addition to the amendments announced in July, which have already passed the lower house.
They include that law enforcement agencies can only access a person’s My Health Record with a warrant or court order and anyone who chooses to cancel a record at any time will have that record permanently deleted.They include that law enforcement agencies can only access a person’s My Health Record with a warrant or court order and anyone who chooses to cancel a record at any time will have that record permanently deleted.
My Health Record was designed to save lives. It can help prevent medication misadventures that see more than 230,000 people end up in hospital each year.My Health Record was designed to save lives. It can help prevent medication misadventures that see more than 230,000 people end up in hospital each year.
This is almost four times the annual number of people who are hospitalised as a result of motor vehicle accidents.This is almost four times the annual number of people who are hospitalised as a result of motor vehicle accidents.
More than six million Australians already have a My Health Record and over 14,000 healthcare professional organisations are connected, including general practices, hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic imaging and pathology practices. There has never been a reported security breach of the system.More than six million Australians already have a My Health Record and over 14,000 healthcare professional organisations are connected, including general practices, hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic imaging and pathology practices. There has never been a reported security breach of the system.
The legislation to enable My Health Record to become an opt-out system passed the parliament unanimously in 2015 and received the unanimous support of both houses and the strong endorsement of Labor.The legislation to enable My Health Record to become an opt-out system passed the parliament unanimously in 2015 and received the unanimous support of both houses and the strong endorsement of Labor.
In addition all state and territory health ministers unanimously reaffirmed their support as recently as the August Coag Health Council.In addition all state and territory health ministers unanimously reaffirmed their support as recently as the August Coag Health Council.
The good news is there is only one more day of solo Senate question time.The good news is there is only one more day of solo Senate question time.
The bad news is that there is still one more day of solo Senate question time.The bad news is that there is still one more day of solo Senate question time.
Kimberly Kitching can barely contain her glee as she asks about the Concetta Fierravanti-Wells op-ed in the SMH, which included this assessment of Melissa Price:Kimberly Kitching can barely contain her glee as she asks about the Concetta Fierravanti-Wells op-ed in the SMH, which included this assessment of Melissa Price:
It is therefore regrettable that our good work and practical support for the Pacific has been recently damaged by an environment minister on ‘L-plates’ through the unfortunate incident with former president Tong of Kiribati. It demonstrated a lack of diplomacy, understanding and respect for one of our nearest neighbours.It is therefore regrettable that our good work and practical support for the Pacific has been recently damaged by an environment minister on ‘L-plates’ through the unfortunate incident with former president Tong of Kiribati. It demonstrated a lack of diplomacy, understanding and respect for one of our nearest neighbours.
Fierravanti-Wells is very, very busy working on the papers on her desk.Fierravanti-Wells is very, very busy working on the papers on her desk.
Matt Canavan says Australia is very committed to the Pacific.Matt Canavan says Australia is very committed to the Pacific.
On the former president of Kiribati, Kitching asks if Canavan agrees with the assessment, and Canavan says he wants to “stress again the important relationship we have with our Pacific neighbours”.On the former president of Kiribati, Kitching asks if Canavan agrees with the assessment, and Canavan says he wants to “stress again the important relationship we have with our Pacific neighbours”.
Kitching asks if the minister (Price) will speak to Fierravanti-Wells on how to deal respectfully with our Pacific neighbours.Kitching asks if the minister (Price) will speak to Fierravanti-Wells on how to deal respectfully with our Pacific neighbours.
Canavan says she is a very strong advocate and will continue to play a very important role with strengthening relations with our Pacific neighbours.Canavan says she is a very strong advocate and will continue to play a very important role with strengthening relations with our Pacific neighbours.
Someone please make this stop.Someone please make this stop.
Cory Bernardi has asked Marise Payne about funding going to two organisations in Afganistan, which is meant to be spent on education programs and is being used for what he says are “ghost programs”.Cory Bernardi has asked Marise Payne about funding going to two organisations in Afganistan, which is meant to be spent on education programs and is being used for what he says are “ghost programs”.
Payne says she’ll look into it (essentially).Payne says she’ll look into it (essentially).
Rex Patrick to Matt Canavan on energy prices.Rex Patrick to Matt Canavan on energy prices.
He asks him about Canavan’s previous spruiking of gas prices, and whether he has stopped talking about it because gas prices are now increasing. (This is after the Turnbull government stepped in with its “big stick” to make sure domestic supplies were increased.)He asks him about Canavan’s previous spruiking of gas prices, and whether he has stopped talking about it because gas prices are now increasing. (This is after the Turnbull government stepped in with its “big stick” to make sure domestic supplies were increased.)
Canavan says gas prices have fallen this year but, yes, in recent months they have increased because of outside forces.Canavan says gas prices have fallen this year but, yes, in recent months they have increased because of outside forces.
He says there have been reductions seen recently in north Asia which are flowing through to Australia and the government’s action means Australia has access to domestic supplies, before they are shipped off.He says there have been reductions seen recently in north Asia which are flowing through to Australia and the government’s action means Australia has access to domestic supplies, before they are shipped off.
This is one interpretation.This is one interpretation.
Labor’s plan to delay and derail the roll out of the My Health Record was blocked today. We thank the crossbench for not delaying this important policy change as Labor tried so desperately to do.Labor’s plan to delay and derail the roll out of the My Health Record was blocked today. We thank the crossbench for not delaying this important policy change as Labor tried so desperately to do.
Richard Di Natale is questioning Mathias Cormann over the Coalition’s (lack of) climate change policy.Richard Di Natale is questioning Mathias Cormann over the Coalition’s (lack of) climate change policy.
I could transcribe it but, honestly, there is nothing being learned here. The Greens want to know why there isn’t a plan to legislate emissions reductions, targets and all those other things that go along with a climate change policy.I could transcribe it but, honestly, there is nothing being learned here. The Greens want to know why there isn’t a plan to legislate emissions reductions, targets and all those other things that go along with a climate change policy.
Cormann says the government is doing great on this issue.Cormann says the government is doing great on this issue.
Catryna Bilyk’s supplementary question is on how many jobs has Scott Morrison been let go from.Catryna Bilyk’s supplementary question is on how many jobs has Scott Morrison been let go from.
Scott Ryan reminds the Senate that New Zealand is not part of the federation of Australia.Scott Ryan reminds the Senate that New Zealand is not part of the federation of Australia.
Not that any of it matters, because Mathias Cormann is just going to repeat the same answer, which translates to awesome Scott Morrison is awesome.Not that any of it matters, because Mathias Cormann is just going to repeat the same answer, which translates to awesome Scott Morrison is awesome.
Catryna Bilyk has the next question – it’s about the auditor general report into the Tourism Australia board, following Scott Morrison’s departure. She asks whether the New Zealand auditor general was also denied access to information. She asks how many inquiries were launched at this time.Catryna Bilyk has the next question – it’s about the auditor general report into the Tourism Australia board, following Scott Morrison’s departure. She asks whether the New Zealand auditor general was also denied access to information. She asks how many inquiries were launched at this time.
From Malcolm Farr at News Corp a short time ago:From Malcolm Farr at News Corp a short time ago:
Labor is trawling through prime minister Scott Morrison’s previous roles as head of tourism in New Zealand and later Tourism Australia, which produced the controversial ‘Where The Bloody Hell Are You?” ad that made Lara Bingle a star.Labor is trawling through prime minister Scott Morrison’s previous roles as head of tourism in New Zealand and later Tourism Australia, which produced the controversial ‘Where The Bloody Hell Are You?” ad that made Lara Bingle a star.
Documents recently unearthed by Labor show that Mr Morrison was the political “hard man” at the centre of a tumultuous period for New Zealand tourism.Documents recently unearthed by Labor show that Mr Morrison was the political “hard man” at the centre of a tumultuous period for New Zealand tourism.
A 1999 New Zealand auditor general’s report challenged the future Australian prime minister’s handling of an independent review of the Office of Tourism and Sport (OTSp) where he was managing director.A 1999 New Zealand auditor general’s report challenged the future Australian prime minister’s handling of an independent review of the Office of Tourism and Sport (OTSp) where he was managing director.
Mathias Cormann says Labor is getting “desperate” because Scott Morrison is too effective. He says that as ministers, they are subject to inquiries every single day. And he’ll take the question on notice.Mathias Cormann says Labor is getting “desperate” because Scott Morrison is too effective. He says that as ministers, they are subject to inquiries every single day. And he’ll take the question on notice.