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Kerryn Phelps condemns offshore detention in first speech – politics live Kerryn Phelps condemns offshore detention in first speech – politics live
(35 minutes later)
The first live export report is out. You’ll find it here.
From David Littleproud’s statement:
“Full transparency is the only way to build public trust in any industry.
“That’s why I said we needed the ‘truth, and proof’ of what happens on live export boats.
“We need a tough cop on the beat and we need eyes and ears on those boats.
“This is the only way possible the industry will have a sustainable future and that’s what the Independent Observers should provide.
“I’ve made sure there’s Independent Observers on all sheep voyages.
“Today the Department of Agriculture released the first summary report of a voyage from an Independent Observer on board.
“These summary reports and accompanying photos will show the public what the Independent Observer sees on these boats.
“Independent Observers check the welfare and care of the animals, take photographs and notes to later collate into a report. They provide regular updates to the regulator on conditions on the boat, which should mean any issues are dealt with as they arise.
“The Australian public must have trust in the integrity and regulation of the live export trade. Reports from Independent Observers are a huge part of building this trust.”
The government has given the national security committee, which is examining the encryption laws (the so-called backdoor legislation for devices, which is a bit like putting a hole in a life jacket, patching it over, and then declaring it just as safe), a hurry up.
Andrew Hastie, the (government) chair of the committee, says the committee will do what the committee will do:
“The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security continues to actively consider a request from the Minister for Home Affairs to accelerate its review of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018.
“The Committee this morning held four hours of Top Secret classified briefings from agencies on the operational necessity of an urgent progression of the Bill. The Committee heard from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, the Australian Signals Directorate and the Department of Home Affairs. The Committee also held two hours of public hearings with the same agencies this afternoon.
“The Committee continues to operate in a cooperative and bipartisan fashion as it considers options for the remainder of its inquiry.
“The Committee will publicly announce any changes to its remaining scheduled hearings after consideration of the evidence heard today.”
If you’re going to get a kiss off, it’s the one you would want to get:
Michelle Guthrie given $800,000 payout after being terminated as #ABC managing director exclusive by @PatsKarvelas https://t.co/hguWr6HsmV via @abcnews
Barry O’Sullivan and Cory Bernardi just tried to get the Senate to pass this motion:Barry O’Sullivan and Cory Bernardi just tried to get the Senate to pass this motion:
That the Senate— That the Senate –
(a) notes that:(a) notes that:
(i) New South Wales (NSW) Greens MP, Ms Jenny Leong, used parliamentary privilege to call on fellow NSW Greens MP, Mr Jeremy Buckingham, to step down as a candidate at the NSW election due to an alleged ‘act of sexual violence’ and aggressive, intimidating behaviour,(i) New South Wales (NSW) Greens MP, Ms Jenny Leong, used parliamentary privilege to call on fellow NSW Greens MP, Mr Jeremy Buckingham, to step down as a candidate at the NSW election due to an alleged ‘act of sexual violence’ and aggressive, intimidating behaviour,
(ii) Mr Buckingham has been the subject of allegations that he inappropriately touched former staffer Ms Ella Buckland in 2011,(ii) Mr Buckingham has been the subject of allegations that he inappropriately touched former staffer Ms Ella Buckland in 2011,
(iii) former Greens staffer and journalist, Ms Lauren Ingram, alleges she was violently raped by a Greens party volunteer in 2015, which she says she reported to the Greens and heard nothing for months, so she tweeted pictures of her bruising from the incident, drawing a response from the Party in June 2017,(iii) former Greens staffer and journalist, Ms Lauren Ingram, alleges she was violently raped by a Greens party volunteer in 2015, which she says she reported to the Greens and heard nothing for months, so she tweeted pictures of her bruising from the incident, drawing a response from the Party in June 2017,
(iv) former co-convenor of the NSW Young Greens in 2017, Ms Holly Brooke, says a male party member indecently assaulted her, trying to force his hand down her pants and alleges the Greens’ response was to suggest she teach a consent workshop to the perpetrator, a response she said was ‘more traumatic than the instance itself’,(iv) former co-convenor of the NSW Young Greens in 2017, Ms Holly Brooke, says a male party member indecently assaulted her, trying to force his hand down her pants and alleges the Greens’ response was to suggest she teach a consent workshop to the perpetrator, a response she said was ‘more traumatic than the instance itself’,
(v) it has also been alleged that former Victorian Greens party leader, Mr Greg Barber, had a ‘men’s-only room’ in his office, and settled out of court with a former female staffer about sex discrimination and bullying,(v) it has also been alleged that former Victorian Greens party leader, Mr Greg Barber, had a ‘men’s-only room’ in his office, and settled out of court with a former female staffer about sex discrimination and bullying,
(vi) Victorian Greens candidate, Mr Angus McAlpine, has refused to resign despite rapping about date-rape and domestic violence, and has been defended by Victorian Greens leader, Ms Samantha Ratnam,(vi) Victorian Greens candidate, Mr Angus McAlpine, has refused to resign despite rapping about date-rape and domestic violence, and has been defended by Victorian Greens leader, Ms Samantha Ratnam,
(vii) another Victorian Greens candidate, Mr Dominic Phillips, has liked one Facebook page called ‘Period Pains, Try waiting for your porn to download’ and another with a title so inappropriate it has been deemed unparliamentary,(vii) another Victorian Greens candidate, Mr Dominic Phillips, has liked one Facebook page called ‘Period Pains, Try waiting for your porn to download’ and another with a title so inappropriate it has been deemed unparliamentary,
(viii) a former Greens volunteer alleges she was sexually assaulted by another volunteer in the back of a car in Canberra on the night of the last Federal election,(viii) a former Greens volunteer alleges she was sexually assaulted by another volunteer in the back of a car in Canberra on the night of the last Federal election,
(ix) Young Greens members wrote an open letter to their party in August demanding it reshape its culture around sexism within the party, with dozens resigning in disgust over handling of sexual misconduct allegations,(ix) Young Greens members wrote an open letter to their party in August demanding it reshape its culture around sexism within the party, with dozens resigning in disgust over handling of sexual misconduct allegations,
(x) lawyer, Mr Rory Markham, says he is advising a number of women who say the Greens party mishandled their complaints of sexual assault and harassment arising in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory,(x) lawyer, Mr Rory Markham, says he is advising a number of women who say the Greens party mishandled their complaints of sexual assault and harassment arising in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory,
(xi) the Greens have 10 federal members of parliament, federal party status, 27 state members of parliament, the attendant staffing resources, and have received at least $28.5 million in federal election-based public funding since 2001, and millions more in state and territory election-based public funding, and(xi) the Greens have 10 federal members of parliament, federal party status, 27 state members of parliament, the attendant staffing resources, and have received at least $28.5 million in federal election-based public funding since 2001, and millions more in state and territory election-based public funding, and
(xii) Greens Senators Di Natale, Siewert and Hanson-Young have all used the phrase “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept”;(xii) Greens Senators Di Natale, Siewert and Hanson-Young have all used the phrase “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept”;
(b) calls upon Senators Di Natale, Siewert, Steele-John, Hanson-Young, Rice, Waters, Faruqi, Whish-Wilson and McKim to make statements to the Senate condemning predatory and criminal behaviour within the Greens party, and apologise to the victims; and(b) calls upon Senators Di Natale, Siewert, Steele-John, Hanson-Young, Rice, Waters, Faruqi, Whish-Wilson and McKim to make statements to the Senate condemning predatory and criminal behaviour within the Greens party, and apologise to the victims; and
(c) calls upon the Federal Government to write to all Greens Party branches providing details of support services, and advice as to the means to report inappropriate and potentially criminal behaviour.(c) calls upon the Federal Government to write to all Greens Party branches providing details of support services, and advice as to the means to report inappropriate and potentially criminal behaviour.
But the government voted against suspending orders to bring on the debate, so they lost 33 to 6.But the government voted against suspending orders to bring on the debate, so they lost 33 to 6.
Just a reminder that O’Sullivan is still a member of the government. He’s just enjoying creating mischief. And given that he’s only got a few more months in the Senate to do that, I guess he’s making hay before that particular sun sets.Just a reminder that O’Sullivan is still a member of the government. He’s just enjoying creating mischief. And given that he’s only got a few more months in the Senate to do that, I guess he’s making hay before that particular sun sets.
The attorney general Christian Porter has done a press conference defending the government’s decision to support a motion calling for an anti-corruption body while it still has no plan to create one. The attorney general, Christian Porter, has done a press conference defending the government’s decision to support a motion calling for an anti-corruption body while it still has no plan to create one.
Porter said the motion only asked the Coalition “do you support a thing, and the thing is given a label”. He noted there are 13 federal bodies that deal with corruption issues, including the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, which Porter says is “in effect Australia’s national integrity commission”.Porter said the government is concerned the bar for corruption in the crossbench bill is set so low it could result in corruption findings against public servants for “administrative irregularities”: Porter said the motion only asked the Coalition “do you support a thing, and the thing is given a label”. He noted there are 13 federal bodies that deal with corruption issues, including the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, which Porter says is “in effect Australia’s national integrity commission”.
”Based on that trigger definition, applying the most extreme coercive powers that exist anywhere in Australia on the lowest conceivable definition of corruption, we consider it is utterly unworkable.” Porter said the government was concerned the bar for corruption in the crossbench bill was set so low it could result in corruption findings against public servants for “administrative irregularities”:
Porter warned that corruption findings could have “retrospective application” and predicted the legislation will result in politicisation of the complaints process. Based on that trigger definition, applying the most extreme coercive powers that exist anywhere in Australia on the lowest conceivable definition of corruption, we consider it is utterly unworkable.”
Porter warned that corruption findings could have “retrospective application” and predicted the legislation would result in politicisation of the complaints process.
Despite Labor offering bipartisan support for an anti-corruption body in January, Porter could only give an undertaking that a cabinet process is underway, with no concrete timetable for delivery. Nor does he rule out just combining existing anti-corruption functions.Despite Labor offering bipartisan support for an anti-corruption body in January, Porter could only give an undertaking that a cabinet process is underway, with no concrete timetable for delivery. Nor does he rule out just combining existing anti-corruption functions.
This is the closest we got to a commitment:This is the closest we got to a commitment:
“The reform will not be inconsequential, the reform will improve rather than degrade present integrity arrangements.” The reform will not be inconsequential, the reform will improve rather than degrade present integrity arrangements.”
Jim Molan has laid out his future plans:Jim Molan has laid out his future plans:
Thank you to the thousands of my supporters who have reached out this morning. I am currently in Intel&Security Ctte talking about the things that will make us safe. I will endeavour to reply to each and every one of you as soon as I can. Your kind words are overwhelming. #auspolThank you to the thousands of my supporters who have reached out this morning. I am currently in Intel&Security Ctte talking about the things that will make us safe. I will endeavour to reply to each and every one of you as soon as I can. Your kind words are overwhelming. #auspol
Stephen Charles, a former judge of Victorian court of appeal and member of the Australia Institute national integrity committee was speaking to the ABC about why former judges are pushing for a national integrity commission.Stephen Charles, a former judge of Victorian court of appeal and member of the Australia Institute national integrity committee was speaking to the ABC about why former judges are pushing for a national integrity commission.
Here is some of what he said about what he thinks the government position is the way it is:Here is some of what he said about what he thinks the government position is the way it is:
Well, the reception – the Labor party in February signed up to supporting the setting up of a national integrity commission. I understand that most, if not all, of the crossbenchers in the House of Representatives support it. So far as the Coalition is concerned, we’ve had a number of good meetings with the attorney general, Christian Porter, but although he doesn’t oppose it, he says he’s not yet persuaded. I think that once translated, that means that there are a number of people in one particular section of the Coalition who are very hotly opposed to a national integrity commission.”Well, the reception – the Labor party in February signed up to supporting the setting up of a national integrity commission. I understand that most, if not all, of the crossbenchers in the House of Representatives support it. So far as the Coalition is concerned, we’ve had a number of good meetings with the attorney general, Christian Porter, but although he doesn’t oppose it, he says he’s not yet persuaded. I think that once translated, that means that there are a number of people in one particular section of the Coalition who are very hotly opposed to a national integrity commission.”
Mark Latham has settled the defamation case brought against him by Osman Faruqi.Mark Latham has settled the defamation case brought against him by Osman Faruqi.
The defamation case between Osman Faruqi and Mark Latham has settled, with Latham to pay damages and legal costs. pic.twitter.com/a8rzaOs1s9The defamation case between Osman Faruqi and Mark Latham has settled, with Latham to pay damages and legal costs. pic.twitter.com/a8rzaOs1s9
Bonita Mabo has passed awayBonita Mabo has passed away
Vale Bonita Mabo. An incredibly important and enduring voice for change for First Nations and South Sea Islander peoples. A matriarch, an activist and a trailblazer, she will be greatly missed. https://t.co/XsVIwlU7BrVale Bonita Mabo. An incredibly important and enduring voice for change for First Nations and South Sea Islander peoples. A matriarch, an activist and a trailblazer, she will be greatly missed. https://t.co/XsVIwlU7Br
Everything is fine, as Katharine Murphy reports:Everything is fine, as Katharine Murphy reports:
The maverick Liberal Craig Kelly has refused to rule out sitting on the crossbench in the event he loses his preselection for the Sydney seat of Hughes – creating a significant managerial headache for the Morrison government.The maverick Liberal Craig Kelly has refused to rule out sitting on the crossbench in the event he loses his preselection for the Sydney seat of Hughes – creating a significant managerial headache for the Morrison government.
Long-running factional tensions in the New South Wales Liberals have been revived after the rightwinger Jim Molan was relegated over the weekend to an unwinnable position on the party’s Senate ticket for the coming election.Long-running factional tensions in the New South Wales Liberals have been revived after the rightwinger Jim Molan was relegated over the weekend to an unwinnable position on the party’s Senate ticket for the coming election.
Tony Abbott, who has been warning about negative consequences if Kelly, his factional ally, is dumped, said on Monday he was “personally extremely disappointed” about events over the weekend, “because as far as I’m concerned Jim is an outstanding Australian who has made a fine contribution in his time in the Senate”.Tony Abbott, who has been warning about negative consequences if Kelly, his factional ally, is dumped, said on Monday he was “personally extremely disappointed” about events over the weekend, “because as far as I’m concerned Jim is an outstanding Australian who has made a fine contribution in his time in the Senate”.
Now this is how you do a social media video:Now this is how you do a social media video:
Much watch Labor video featuring Liberal President Michael Kroger explaining why they won on Saturday.... pic.twitter.com/Dqn4VZjyEnMuch watch Labor video featuring Liberal President Michael Kroger explaining why they won on Saturday.... pic.twitter.com/Dqn4VZjyEn
The Senate has also passed this motion:The Senate has also passed this motion:
The Senate –The Senate –
1. Notes the Flinders University research published in Nature’s Scientific Reports, which shows that, “Climate change and human activity are dooming species at an unprecedented rate via a plethora of direct and indirect, often synergic, mechanisms.”1. Notes the Flinders University research published in Nature’s Scientific Reports, which shows that, “Climate change and human activity are dooming species at an unprecedented rate via a plethora of direct and indirect, often synergic, mechanisms.”
2. Notes that climate change is, without a doubt, the biggest threat to life on our planet.2. Notes that climate change is, without a doubt, the biggest threat to life on our planet.
3. Calls on the government to develop and implement a serious climate and energy policy, with a plan to reduce carbon pollution and overhaul our environmental laws to protect life on earth.3. Calls on the government to develop and implement a serious climate and energy policy, with a plan to reduce carbon pollution and overhaul our environmental laws to protect life on earth.
Sarah Hanson-Young says:Sarah Hanson-Young says:
The biggest threat to humanity and life on this planet is climate change, and still the Liberal government don’t have a plan to reduce pollution.The biggest threat to humanity and life on this planet is climate change, and still the Liberal government don’t have a plan to reduce pollution.
“The consequences of the Liberal government’s head in the sand on climate – and addiction to burning fossil fuels – are playing out before us now. We’re seeing more extreme weather, mass extinction, a planet under constant stress.“The consequences of the Liberal government’s head in the sand on climate – and addiction to burning fossil fuels – are playing out before us now. We’re seeing more extreme weather, mass extinction, a planet under constant stress.
“The alarming recent research from Flinders University showed we are dooming species across the globe due to our inaction on climate change. This anti-science, anti-environment prime minister, energy minister and environment minister are standing in the way of real action on climate change.“The alarming recent research from Flinders University showed we are dooming species across the globe due to our inaction on climate change. This anti-science, anti-environment prime minister, energy minister and environment minister are standing in the way of real action on climate change.
“We have some of the most beautiful, unique flora and fauna in the world, but also one of the worst track records on extinction. The Liberal government cannot be trusted to reverse this harrowing trend.“We have some of the most beautiful, unique flora and fauna in the world, but also one of the worst track records on extinction. The Liberal government cannot be trusted to reverse this harrowing trend.
“The time to act is now. We can be the generation that saves the planet, instead of continuing to contribute to dangerous climate change.”“The time to act is now. We can be the generation that saves the planet, instead of continuing to contribute to dangerous climate change.”
Adam Bandt follows question time with a statement telling school children to ignore Scott Morrison”s “hectoring” in parliament today.Adam Bandt follows question time with a statement telling school children to ignore Scott Morrison”s “hectoring” in parliament today.
Bandt asked the prime minister if he would join the Greens in praising the students and if he would meet with some of the students when they come to parliament this Wednesday. The prime minister’s response was an ignorant condescending lecture.Bandt asked the prime minister if he would join the Greens in praising the students and if he would meet with some of the students when they come to parliament this Wednesday. The prime minister’s response was an ignorant condescending lecture.
“The PM is unbelievably out of touch with young people, not only in Australia but around the world,” Bandt said.“The PM is unbelievably out of touch with young people, not only in Australia but around the world,” Bandt said.
“These students want a leader to protect their future, but they got a hectoring, ungenerous and condescending rebuke from someone even worse than Tony Abbott.“These students want a leader to protect their future, but they got a hectoring, ungenerous and condescending rebuke from someone even worse than Tony Abbott.
“Students and young people are striking this Friday because governments have failed them in Australia and around the world.“Students and young people are striking this Friday because governments have failed them in Australia and around the world.
“I met with some of these courageous young people from my electorate last week and I am proud to be their local MP and I am proud of their actions.“I met with some of these courageous young people from my electorate last week and I am proud to be their local MP and I am proud of their actions.
“Labor’s approval of another giant coal mine for the Galilee Basin shows they are just as out of touch with the mood of young Australians.”“Labor’s approval of another giant coal mine for the Galilee Basin shows they are just as out of touch with the mood of young Australians.”
It’s hugs and kisses all round, as both sides of parliament congratulate her.It’s hugs and kisses all round, as both sides of parliament congratulate her.
Then it’s back to the business of the day.Then it’s back to the business of the day.
She finishes with this:She finishes with this:
I want to see Australian politics move back to that SENSIBLE CENTRE and strong, local independent voices can help to achieve that.I want to see Australian politics move back to that SENSIBLE CENTRE and strong, local independent voices can help to achieve that.
I say to the people of Wentworth – I am here to represent you.I say to the people of Wentworth – I am here to represent you.
I will support policies that not only encourage a thriving economy, but a thriving community.I will support policies that not only encourage a thriving economy, but a thriving community.
I want our parliament to unite us as a nation, in equality, justice and opportunity.I want our parliament to unite us as a nation, in equality, justice and opportunity.
And to achieve that, I will focus on the human experience that is generated by political decisions ... a vision for the future we will be leaving for our children and our grandchildren.And to achieve that, I will focus on the human experience that is generated by political decisions ... a vision for the future we will be leaving for our children and our grandchildren.
Phelps says she believes her election is a rejection of extreme partisan politics:Phelps says she believes her election is a rejection of extreme partisan politics:
The Australians I represent have said that they want more from their government.The Australians I represent have said that they want more from their government.
They want authentic voices.They want authentic voices.
They want representatives who will focus on the future of our health system, for compassionate aged care and for lifelong education.They want representatives who will focus on the future of our health system, for compassionate aged care and for lifelong education.
Representatives who will stand up for small business.Representatives who will stand up for small business.
Who will fight for action on climate change.Who will fight for action on climate change.
Who will fight to ensure that women have equal political representation based on merit.Who will fight to ensure that women have equal political representation based on merit.
Who will fight for recognition of our First Nations people.Who will fight for recognition of our First Nations people.
Who will fight for the humane treatment of asylum seekers.Who will fight for the humane treatment of asylum seekers.
And who will fight against discrimination, prejudice and bigotry in all of its manifestations.And who will fight against discrimination, prejudice and bigotry in all of its manifestations.
Wentworth has shown that being positioned in what I call ‘the sensible centre’ ... meaning economically conservative and socially progressive ... does have a home in the Australian political landscape.Wentworth has shown that being positioned in what I call ‘the sensible centre’ ... meaning economically conservative and socially progressive ... does have a home in the Australian political landscape.
The people of Wentworth seemed largely unconcerned about the prospect of the crossbench having the so-called balance of power.The people of Wentworth seemed largely unconcerned about the prospect of the crossbench having the so-called balance of power.
I prefer to think of it as the power of balance.I prefer to think of it as the power of balance.
So why did Phelps decide to stand as an independent, and not as a political party candidate?So why did Phelps decide to stand as an independent, and not as a political party candidate?
Because of what she saw during the marriage equality debate.Because of what she saw during the marriage equality debate.
Politicians who I knew privately to be supporters of equality were forced by their parties to publically speak out against their own conscience and beliefs, putting their party before the people or the principle ... failing to understand or not caring about the human experience that would result from their politicking and deal-making.Politicians who I knew privately to be supporters of equality were forced by their parties to publically speak out against their own conscience and beliefs, putting their party before the people or the principle ... failing to understand or not caring about the human experience that would result from their politicking and deal-making.
This was one of the most important influences on my determination to stand as an independent.This was one of the most important influences on my determination to stand as an independent.
Kerryn Phelps also mentions why closing offshore detention centres is so important to her:Kerryn Phelps also mentions why closing offshore detention centres is so important to her:
I cannot be an idle bystander to the reports of the shocking mental and physical state of the children held on Nauru – helpless victims of Australia’s offshore processing policy. Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers is a source of shame and sorrow for me and for many thousands of my medical colleagues and other Australians.I cannot be an idle bystander to the reports of the shocking mental and physical state of the children held on Nauru – helpless victims of Australia’s offshore processing policy. Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers is a source of shame and sorrow for me and for many thousands of my medical colleagues and other Australians.
This cruel treatment of asylum seekers asking Australia for help, to return to my earlier theme, ignores the human experience at the heart of the policy of offshore processing and indefinite confinement on Manus Island and Nauru.This cruel treatment of asylum seekers asking Australia for help, to return to my earlier theme, ignores the human experience at the heart of the policy of offshore processing and indefinite confinement on Manus Island and Nauru.
No longer can we tolerate our government holding the lives of these children and their families to ransom to make a point about maritime arrivals.No longer can we tolerate our government holding the lives of these children and their families to ransom to make a point about maritime arrivals.
Yes, we need strong border protection. But it is not ... and must not be ... a choice between deaths at sea and indefinite offshore confinement.Yes, we need strong border protection. But it is not ... and must not be ... a choice between deaths at sea and indefinite offshore confinement.
There is a mismatch between what the Australian government has been doing and what the majority of the people of Australia want, and this must be resolved.There is a mismatch between what the Australian government has been doing and what the majority of the people of Australia want, and this must be resolved.
We must find a compassionate compromise.We must find a compassionate compromise.