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Kelly O'Dwyer: Coalition 'is the natural government for Australian women' – politics live Kelly O'Dwyer: Coalition 'is the natural government for Australian women' – politics live
(35 minutes later)
It really says something about this week that the election date being all but announced is not the biggest news.
And it’s only Wednesday.
The green folder never lies.
He calls an end to question time.
Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:
Can he confirm that this government last year cancelled an entire week of parliament, this year shut down parliament and next year will come to parliament just 10 days in eight months, creating the first part-time parliament in Australian history. If ordinary workers skipped work like this, they’d get the sack. Why is it there’s always one rule for this divided, dysfunctional and chaotic government and another rule for everyone else?
Morrison:
I can confirm the budget is being brought forward by a month. And the sitting schedule has been prepared to reflect the bringing forward of the budget by a month.
Mr Speaker, and the number of sitting days that will take place that are scheduled between the start of the year next year and 18 May is exactly the same as it is this year.
We’re bringing the budget forward a month. And in that time before the budget the treasurer and I and the members of the expenditure review committee and the cabinet will be preparing a surplus Mr Speaker. That’s what we’ll be doing at the start of next year, Mr Speaker.
(He is back to yelling. He has had enough)
Our government will be delivering and preparing the first surplus budget in over a decade. That’s what we’ll be hard at work doing at the beginning of next year ...
Those opposite haven’t delivered a surplus budget from the year Taylor Swift was born in 1989, and now they want to shake it off, Mr Speaker, as if there’s some sort of way of walking away from their failure to deliver a surplus when they were in government, Mr Speaker.
He continues, but he has his yelling voice turned up to 11 and it is hard to hear what he is saying. Then again, I don’t think we could have expected Morrison to make it through two whole days without yelling in question time. He is only human, after all.
Greg Hunt takes the last dixer.Greg Hunt takes the last dixer.
Scott Morrison is almost ready to go – you can tell, because he starts putting his papers in order, and he puts his green folder on top. Scott Morrison is almost ready to go – you can tell, because he starts putting his papers in order and he puts his green folder on top.
It’s a fun organisational tic he seems to have.It’s a fun organisational tic he seems to have.
Chris Bowen to Josh FrydenbergChris Bowen to Josh Frydenberg
Does the Treasurer agree with himself then he said, ‘If you believe in lower power prices, if you want to see Australian households $550 a year better off if you want to see the wholesale price down by 20 per cent... You get behind the National Energy Guarantee.”Does the Treasurer agree with himself then he said, ‘If you believe in lower power prices, if you want to see Australian households $550 a year better off if you want to see the wholesale price down by 20 per cent... You get behind the National Energy Guarantee.”
Frydenberg:Frydenberg:
Well, as the Prime Minister made very clear, the Leader of the Opposition, when the National Energy Guarantee was being discussed, called it a Frankenstein policy, Mr Speaker, and in doing so he revealed everything that he’s about. Just politics. It’s all about politics. It’s not about reducing power prices.Well, as the Prime Minister made very clear, the Leader of the Opposition, when the National Energy Guarantee was being discussed, called it a Frankenstein policy, Mr Speaker, and in doing so he revealed everything that he’s about. Just politics. It’s all about politics. It’s not about reducing power prices.
Frydenberg continues with almost the same answer Scott Morrison gave just a bit ago, which is not surprising given Morrison quickly scribbles down a note, circling part of it and moves it in front of Frydenberg.Frydenberg continues with almost the same answer Scott Morrison gave just a bit ago, which is not surprising given Morrison quickly scribbles down a note, circling part of it and moves it in front of Frydenberg.
You can say one thing about Cory Bernardi – he is incredibly consistent.You can say one thing about Cory Bernardi – he is incredibly consistent.
From his latest blog:From his latest blog:
This week we also saw the Greens party’s prime show phony Sarah Hanson-Young claim her turgid performance and histrionics over the past decade has been due to sexism. She clearly doesn’t realise that her hopelessness and rotten ideas aren’t a product of her gender but of the loathsome ideology she espouses.This week we also saw the Greens party’s prime show phony Sarah Hanson-Young claim her turgid performance and histrionics over the past decade has been due to sexism. She clearly doesn’t realise that her hopelessness and rotten ideas aren’t a product of her gender but of the loathsome ideology she espouses.
There was even a claim by a Labor senator that, the ‘tone’ used by a Coalition Senator during a formal motion was sexist. Honestly, you cannot make this garbage up. But such nonsense isn’t confined to the kooky Greens and Labor.There was even a claim by a Labor senator that, the ‘tone’ used by a Coalition Senator during a formal motion was sexist. Honestly, you cannot make this garbage up. But such nonsense isn’t confined to the kooky Greens and Labor.
Lady Liberals are now piling on to the supposed endemic sexism and bias in the party. Surprisingly, they remained silent while they rose through the ranks and participated in every Machiavellian maneuver to advance their careers but now they can afford to ‘speak out’ to ‘make change’.Lady Liberals are now piling on to the supposed endemic sexism and bias in the party. Surprisingly, they remained silent while they rose through the ranks and participated in every Machiavellian maneuver to advance their careers but now they can afford to ‘speak out’ to ‘make change’.
Mark Butler to Scott Morrison:Mark Butler to Scott Morrison:
“Does the prime minister agree with himself when he said ‘the national energy guarantee achieves lower energy prices?’”“Does the prime minister agree with himself when he said ‘the national energy guarantee achieves lower energy prices?’”
Morrison:Morrison:
The misrepresentation of the National Energy Guarantee as being some measure that the opposition has somehow taken from the Coalition I think is deeply misleading.The misrepresentation of the National Energy Guarantee as being some measure that the opposition has somehow taken from the Coalition I think is deeply misleading.
I’ll tell you why.I’ll tell you why.
In the proposal considered by the government the emissions reduction target was 20%. It wasn’t 45%. The Labor party cannot use the National Energy Guarantee as some sort of trojan horse to legislate a 45% emissions reduction target, Mr Speaker.In the proposal considered by the government the emissions reduction target was 20%. It wasn’t 45%. The Labor party cannot use the National Energy Guarantee as some sort of trojan horse to legislate a 45% emissions reduction target, Mr Speaker.
The Australian public should not be fooled by this lie, Mr Speaker, because it is a very tricky and shifty lie from the leader of the Opposition.The Australian public should not be fooled by this lie, Mr Speaker, because it is a very tricky and shifty lie from the leader of the Opposition.
Very tricky and very shifty. 45% emissions reduction target will turbo-charge electricity prices high, Mr Speaker.Very tricky and very shifty. 45% emissions reduction target will turbo-charge electricity prices high, Mr Speaker.
That will hit pensioners, it will hit families, it will hit small businesses, it will hit the agriculture industry. It will help the smelting industry. It will hit businesses and regions all across the country, Mr Speaker.That will hit pensioners, it will hit families, it will hit small businesses, it will hit the agriculture industry. It will help the smelting industry. It will hit businesses and regions all across the country, Mr Speaker.
If you’re interested in taking electricity’s prices down, you do not have reckless targets when it comes to managing your emissions. We have a sensible target. It’s 26%. We’re committed to it and we will continue to meet it.If you’re interested in taking electricity’s prices down, you do not have reckless targets when it comes to managing your emissions. We have a sensible target. It’s 26%. We’re committed to it and we will continue to meet it.
Scott Morrison is attempting to tell parliament the NEG isn’t the NEG if it has a 45% target. Strange, then, the ESB officials saying constantly the NEG target was scalable and that was a key feature of the design #qtScott Morrison is attempting to tell parliament the NEG isn’t the NEG if it has a 45% target. Strange, then, the ESB officials saying constantly the NEG target was scalable and that was a key feature of the design #qt
Barnaby Joyce asks David Littleproud a dixer.Barnaby Joyce asks David Littleproud a dixer.
The most I can take from this is Littleproud has been attending the same non-yelling lessons as the prime minister.The most I can take from this is Littleproud has been attending the same non-yelling lessons as the prime minister.
Eventually, Tony Smith allows the question.Eventually, Tony Smith allows the question.
Kelly O’Dwyer:Kelly O’Dwyer:
I thank the member for her question. It gives me an opportunity to be able to explain again to the House how this government is the natural government for Australian women.I thank the member for her question. It gives me an opportunity to be able to explain again to the House how this government is the natural government for Australian women.
I can’t tell you what she says next, because I don’t think I have ever heard Labor exclaim so loud.I can’t tell you what she says next, because I don’t think I have ever heard Labor exclaim so loud.
They are unable to control themselves. Julia Banks does not look up from her bench. Neither does Julie Bishop. Labor looks like it has been handed a Bob Hawke for a new generation for Christmas and no one is even pretending to hold themselves together.They are unable to control themselves. Julia Banks does not look up from her bench. Neither does Julie Bishop. Labor looks like it has been handed a Bob Hawke for a new generation for Christmas and no one is even pretending to hold themselves together.
O’Dwyer:O’Dwyer:
As I said, we are the government that naturally represents Australian women. We represent their hopes and aspirations.As I said, we are the government that naturally represents Australian women. We represent their hopes and aspirations.
(interjections)(interjections)
Tony Burke asks for the answer time to be extended.Tony Burke asks for the answer time to be extended.
O’Dwyer:O’Dwyer:
You won’t listen to a woman at the despatch Box, so I will not take a lesson from you on that.You won’t listen to a woman at the despatch Box, so I will not take a lesson from you on that.
“Well done, Kelly,” say Coalition MPs. “Disgraceful”. Clare O’Neil and Madeleine King get thrown out under section 94a.“Well done, Kelly,” say Coalition MPs. “Disgraceful”. Clare O’Neil and Madeleine King get thrown out under section 94a.
O’Dwyer continues listing the government achievements, but Labor has made its point.O’Dwyer continues listing the government achievements, but Labor has made its point.
Linda Burney to Kelly O’Dwyer:Linda Burney to Kelly O’Dwyer:
The minister failed to answer the question yesterday, so I ask – does the minister agree with herself and this Liberal Government that – that this Liberal Government is widely seen as, I quote “homophobic, anti-women, and climate change deniers”?The minister failed to answer the question yesterday, so I ask – does the minister agree with herself and this Liberal Government that – that this Liberal Government is widely seen as, I quote “homophobic, anti-women, and climate change deniers”?
Tony Smith raises the issue that the question sounds the same as the one which was asked yesterday. Tony Burke says the question is different, and that the rule only applies if the question is fully answered.Tony Smith raises the issue that the question sounds the same as the one which was asked yesterday. Tony Burke says the question is different, and that the rule only applies if the question is fully answered.
Burke says how answered the question was is not a judgment Burke can make.Burke says how answered the question was is not a judgment Burke can make.
The clayton’s crossbencher, Kevin Hogan (he still goes to the National party room meetings, but has moved to the crossbench – it’s complicated) is the latest visitor to Julia Banks’s bench.The clayton’s crossbencher, Kevin Hogan (he still goes to the National party room meetings, but has moved to the crossbench – it’s complicated) is the latest visitor to Julia Banks’s bench.
Kelly O’Dwyer is giving a dixer answer on the women’s economic security statement.Kelly O’Dwyer is giving a dixer answer on the women’s economic security statement.
She mentions the gender pay gap.She mentions the gender pay gap.
“What’s the gender pay gap in the Coalition,” Julian Hill yells.“What’s the gender pay gap in the Coalition,” Julian Hill yells.
He’s thrown out under 94a.He’s thrown out under 94a.
You may have noticed the theme of the government’s answers today “by contrast”.You may have noticed the theme of the government’s answers today “by contrast”.
It’s in almost all of them.It’s in almost all of them.
Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:Bill Shorten to Scott Morrison:
Why won’t the prime minister listen to the member for Curtin and work with Labor on the National Energy Guarantee, a policy which the current treasurer designed and the current prime minister said would lower power prices?Why won’t the prime minister listen to the member for Curtin and work with Labor on the National Energy Guarantee, a policy which the current treasurer designed and the current prime minister said would lower power prices?
Morrison (who has done a lot of work in non-yelling rehearsals):Morrison (who has done a lot of work in non-yelling rehearsals):
The leader of the Opposition referred to this policy as a Frankenstein policy, (he did, I just missed the preamble) Mr Speaker. So what will that demonstrate? You can never believe anything this bloke says, Mr Speaker. He is for everything and he’s against everything. You have no idea...The leader of the Opposition referred to this policy as a Frankenstein policy, (he did, I just missed the preamble) Mr Speaker. So what will that demonstrate? You can never believe anything this bloke says, Mr Speaker. He is for everything and he’s against everything. You have no idea...
...After five years the Australian people have come to a conclusion on the leader of the Labor party and that is he can’t be trusted. He can’t be trusted on anything. He will blow with the wind whichever way political opportunism follows, Mr Speaker. That is the nature and the character of the leader of the Opposition....After five years the Australian people have come to a conclusion on the leader of the Labor party and that is he can’t be trusted. He can’t be trusted on anything. He will blow with the wind whichever way political opportunism follows, Mr Speaker. That is the nature and the character of the leader of the Opposition.
If you scratch him, you won’t find a belief, if you scratch him, you won’t find a conviction. All you will find is rank opportunism and hubris. All you will find is ambition, Mr Speaker as he took down one leader after the next, Mr Speaker.If you scratch him, you won’t find a belief, if you scratch him, you won’t find a conviction. All you will find is rank opportunism and hubris. All you will find is ambition, Mr Speaker as he took down one leader after the next, Mr Speaker.
Labor explodes into a cacophony of theatrical outrage at this.Labor explodes into a cacophony of theatrical outrage at this.
That’s his bag, Mr Speaker. That is his bag.That’s his bag, Mr Speaker. That is his bag.
That is what he’s known for. That is why people don’t trust him and that’s why all of his backbenchers don’t trust him either, Mr Speaker.That is what he’s known for. That is why people don’t trust him and that’s why all of his backbenchers don’t trust him either, Mr Speaker.
The leader of the Opposition cannot be trusted. He can’t be trusted by his colleagues. He can’t be trusted by the Australian people when it comes to the economy, he can’t be trusted by the workers of Australia, who he sold out as their advocate, Mr Speaker.The leader of the Opposition cannot be trusted. He can’t be trusted by his colleagues. He can’t be trusted by the Australian people when it comes to the economy, he can’t be trusted by the workers of Australia, who he sold out as their advocate, Mr Speaker.
He sold them out as their representative as a union, Mr Speaker, for nothing other than his own vain ambition. The Australian people have a clear line of sight on this bloke, and they know he cannot be trusted.He sold them out as their representative as a union, Mr Speaker, for nothing other than his own vain ambition. The Australian people have a clear line of sight on this bloke, and they know he cannot be trusted.
By contrast, Mr Speaker, what we’re saying when it comes to electricity prices is we are working to bring them down and as the energy minister has clearly stated today, both AGL and Energy Australia have taken decisions after discussions with the government, which have resulted in actual, real savings for hundreds of thousands of Australians on their electricity bill. Now, those opposite do not support the big-stick legislation that will take it to the electricity companies to ensure we keep them in line. The Labor party are not – they’re going to side with companies that have been increasing their profits at the expense of householders.By contrast, Mr Speaker, what we’re saying when it comes to electricity prices is we are working to bring them down and as the energy minister has clearly stated today, both AGL and Energy Australia have taken decisions after discussions with the government, which have resulted in actual, real savings for hundreds of thousands of Australians on their electricity bill. Now, those opposite do not support the big-stick legislation that will take it to the electricity companies to ensure we keep them in line. The Labor party are not – they’re going to side with companies that have been increasing their profits at the expense of householders.
“Oh the BIG STICK” yells Labor.“Oh the BIG STICK” yells Labor.
The minister for reducing electricity prices and also big sticks, Angus Taylor is up next with the dixers, which perks Labor up, because there is nothing they seem to like more these days, then referencing big sticks.The minister for reducing electricity prices and also big sticks, Angus Taylor is up next with the dixers, which perks Labor up, because there is nothing they seem to like more these days, then referencing big sticks.
Anne Aly to... Josh FrydenbergAnne Aly to... Josh Frydenberg
I refer to reports that the treasurer has cancelled his planned trip to meet with his international counterparts at the G20, because of government chaos and division. Now, given the treasurer’s recent success as a cinematographer, has the treasurer considered sending a video message to the G20 instead?I refer to reports that the treasurer has cancelled his planned trip to meet with his international counterparts at the G20, because of government chaos and division. Now, given the treasurer’s recent success as a cinematographer, has the treasurer considered sending a video message to the G20 instead?
There is laughter, and Frydenberg looks jovial as he approaches the despatch box (I mean, you have to find the joy where you can, right? And if you can’t laugh at your own accidental hostage video homage, what can you laugh at) but Scott Morrison gives him the little shake of the head.There is laughter, and Frydenberg looks jovial as he approaches the despatch box (I mean, you have to find the joy where you can, right? And if you can’t laugh at your own accidental hostage video homage, what can you laugh at) but Scott Morrison gives him the little shake of the head.
Which means – serious face.Which means – serious face.
Frydenberg pivots mid answer.Frydenberg pivots mid answer.
Both the prime minister and I are having a session with Mark Humphries shortly.Both the prime minister and I are having a session with Mark Humphries shortly.
The reality is the economy is a serious business. The Australian economy and the jobs of more than 100,000 young people who have been in a job, put in a job as a result of a strong economy, that we have helped create is a serious business. The Labor party left us an economy where there was unemployment that was rising, investment that was in free-fall and debt was rising and as the deputy prime minister reminds this place, confidence was falling. Now, Mr Speaker in contrast, we have delivered what Liberal and National parties do – more jobs, lower taxes and unemployment which is now at its lowest level since 2012.The reality is the economy is a serious business. The Australian economy and the jobs of more than 100,000 young people who have been in a job, put in a job as a result of a strong economy, that we have helped create is a serious business. The Labor party left us an economy where there was unemployment that was rising, investment that was in free-fall and debt was rising and as the deputy prime minister reminds this place, confidence was falling. Now, Mr Speaker in contrast, we have delivered what Liberal and National parties do – more jobs, lower taxes and unemployment which is now at its lowest level since 2012.
The prime minister will represent this country at the G20 meeting, accompanied by the finance minister and he will be talking Australia up, unlike the Labor party, which talks Australia down.The prime minister will represent this country at the G20 meeting, accompanied by the finance minister and he will be talking Australia up, unlike the Labor party, which talks Australia down.