This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2018/dec/04/scott-morrison-pm-leadership-spill-coalition-labor-politics-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Morrison defends dumping energy policy despite Turnbull speech – question time live Morrison defends dumping energy policy despite Turnbull speech – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Penny Wong and Mathias Cormann are both back in the Senate chamber.
Given the amount of business they both have to attend to, they usually skip the motions to take note of answers.
So the fact they are both in the chamber means shiz is about to get real on the religious discrimination bill.
Just for context on Jim Molan – he was originally seventh on the NSW Senate ticket for 2016.
After Fiona Nash was ruled ineligible for dual citizenship, Hollie Hughes was meant to step in, but was also ruled ineligible because she had been parked in the AAT by George Brandis while she waited for the next election. Next in line was – Jim Molan.
But he was never meant to even reach the Senate. So when the NSW Senate ticket came round again, Andrew Bragg, who gave up Wentworth (having been basically told he’d get the Senate spot) and Hughes got the winnable spots.
Jim Molan will NOT be saved by a special intervention:
#auspol pic.twitter.com/VKTzumxpJi
Following #QT, the Speaker responded to a question on the standard of dress for journalists in the House Press Gallery. Watch his statement below. pic.twitter.com/qn6ebtAUoU
Question time ends.
Tony Smith responds to Tony Burke’s request from yesterday that he look into why ABC journalist Patricia Karvelas was asked to leave the press gallery for wearing a shirt that showed her arms.
Smith says “she should not in hindsight have been asked to leave”.
The standard of dress for members in the chamber is a matter for the individual judgment of each member, although ultimate discretion rests with the Speaker and for those who queried that, it is very well written up in practice. I am sorry if it is news to you.
“Previous speakers, have said that members should dress in a formal manner in keeping with business and professional standards. These standards have been codified in the media rules for journalists attending the chambers and they have been published and indeed, tabled.
“Paragraph 5.1 (4) of the media rule states, that when in the chambers, press gallery members should maintain the standards of dress adopted by the majority of senators and members. The rules continue and state: ‘in the House of Representatives, this may include a shirt with a collar, jacket and trousers for men, and a similar standard of formality for women.
“Questions about whether dress meets the standard are inevitably matters of judgment. In this case, and having regard to the attire of members’ generally, the journalist in question was attired in a way which would be reasonably considered professional business attire.
“She should in hindsight not been asked to leave. Any future review of the media rules may wish to reconsider the best way to describe the chamber dress code for journalists. In the interim I have asked the definition of formal business attire for female journalists in the chamber, having regard for members generally.”
Christopher Pyne:
Thank you for your remarks in relation to this matter...given your statement, I would like to apologise on behalf of this side of the House, to Ms Karvelas, being ejected yesterday from the press gallery.
The Australian Council of Social Services has come out very strongly against the wait time changes for new migrants that were passed after a deal between the government and Labor
“The Australian Council of Social Service has today condemned the parliament’s decision to cut $1.2bn from social security for recent migrants.
“This decision will hurt people and their children trying to build a life in Australia. Our social security system should be built on equality,” said Dr Cassandra Goldie, Acoss CEO.
“We know that migrants make a huge contribution to the community. The government’s legislation that passed the parliament last night, with the support of the Australian Labor Party, One Nation, Derryn Hinch, Brian Burston and David Leyonhjelm, says to migrants that you are not as valued as the rest of us. This policy will hurt people for a long time to come.
“Instead of making life harder for people, our parliament should focus on how to reduce poverty and inequality to ensure all of us can thrive. Our parliament should focus on reducing division in our communities, and develop policies based on compassion and respect.”
Cathy McGowan gets another question – the crossbench have been receiving at least two questions a QT since Julia Banks joined their ranks.
Michael McCormack once again Michael McCormacks.
Mark Dreyfus asks about the AFP submission quote which appeared in a newspaper report yesterday, despite not having been made public by the intelligence committee:
Christian Porter:
The transcription service has once again gone on the blink. But Porter basically says that the submission was deemed not to have been confidential or operationally sensitive by the AFP quoting this law:
2) Subclause (1) does not apply to the disclosure or publication by a person of a matter of which the person has become aware otherwise than because of the giving of any evidence before, or the production of any document to, the committee.
And also mentions that it has been circulated before it was sent to the committee.
But he doesn’t say when it was circulated, or how.
The Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5%, again.The Reserve Bank has kept the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5%, again.
The cash rate has been sitting at the same level since 3 August 2016.The cash rate has been sitting at the same level since 3 August 2016.
To put that in perspective, the 2016 federal election (which Malcolm Turnbull helped to win for the federal Coalition with a personal $1.75m donation) was in July 2016.To put that in perspective, the 2016 federal election (which Malcolm Turnbull helped to win for the federal Coalition with a personal $1.75m donation) was in July 2016.
The Reserve Bank says forces emanating from the global economy are mixed.The Reserve Bank says forces emanating from the global economy are mixed.
There are signs of a slowdown in global trade, partly stemming from ongoing trade tensions (read: US-China trade war), and growth in China has slowed a little, with Chinese authorities paying close attention to risks in their financial sector.There are signs of a slowdown in global trade, partly stemming from ongoing trade tensions (read: US-China trade war), and growth in China has slowed a little, with Chinese authorities paying close attention to risks in their financial sector.
In Australia, business conditions are currently positive and higher levels of public infrastructure are supporting the economy, as is growth in resource exports.In Australia, business conditions are currently positive and higher levels of public infrastructure are supporting the economy, as is growth in resource exports.
However, wages are not growing much, household debt levels are high and house prices have declined. It means the outlook for household consumption is uncertain.However, wages are not growing much, household debt levels are high and house prices have declined. It means the outlook for household consumption is uncertain.
The RBA says the outlook for Australia’s labour market remains “positive” with the unemployment rate at 5%, the lowest in six years. Unemployment is expected to continue falling in coming years. The ongoing improvement in the economy is also likely to see wages pick up eventually, though the process will be slow.The RBA says the outlook for Australia’s labour market remains “positive” with the unemployment rate at 5%, the lowest in six years. Unemployment is expected to continue falling in coming years. The ongoing improvement in the economy is also likely to see wages pick up eventually, though the process will be slow.
However, conditions in the housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are continuing to “ease”, and nationwide measures of rent inflation remain low. Borrowers are finding it harder to secure credit from banks, with some lenders having a “reduced appetite to lend.” The demand for credit by investors in the housing market has slowed “noticeably.” And growth in credit to owner-occupiers has slowed to an annual 5-6%.However, conditions in the housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are continuing to “ease”, and nationwide measures of rent inflation remain low. Borrowers are finding it harder to secure credit from banks, with some lenders having a “reduced appetite to lend.” The demand for credit by investors in the housing market has slowed “noticeably.” And growth in credit to owner-occupiers has slowed to an annual 5-6%.
Mortgage rates remain low, and banks are competing for borrowers with higher grade credit.Mortgage rates remain low, and banks are competing for borrowers with higher grade credit.
Economists say it appears as though the RBA is becoming increasingly cautious, particularly due to conditions in the housing market.Economists say it appears as though the RBA is becoming increasingly cautious, particularly due to conditions in the housing market.
It means interest rates may not rise for another two years at least, and they may well have to drop at some stage, if circumstances demand it.It means interest rates may not rise for another two years at least, and they may well have to drop at some stage, if circumstances demand it.
Brendan O’Connor is very much enjoying Barnaby Joyce and other Coalition MPs supporting traditional Labor policy against casualisation.Brendan O’Connor is very much enjoying Barnaby Joyce and other Coalition MPs supporting traditional Labor policy against casualisation.
Joyce leads the committee O’Connor is talking about in his statement here. But this is a pretty big issue in regional and rural communities, and the Nationals tend to be a little more in lockstep with Labor on these issues when it comes to farm and land workers:Joyce leads the committee O’Connor is talking about in his statement here. But this is a pretty big issue in regional and rural communities, and the Nationals tend to be a little more in lockstep with Labor on these issues when it comes to farm and land workers:
In another example of a divided government, a parliamentary committee dominated by members of the Coalition has followed Labor’s lead on the serious need to deal with issues around casual work, labour hire and insecure work.In another example of a divided government, a parliamentary committee dominated by members of the Coalition has followed Labor’s lead on the serious need to deal with issues around casual work, labour hire and insecure work.
The House Standing Committee on Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources identifies the challenges associated with insecure work, particularly the misuse and overuse of casuals and labour hire. “The House standing committee on innovation, industry, science and resources identifies the challenges associated with insecure work, particularly the misuse and overuse of casuals and labour hire.
As Labor leads on policies for decent jobs, higher wages and secure work, Scott Morrison is stuck dealing with his divided and dysfunctional government as the government members break away from his stance on industrial relations. “As Labor leads on policies for decent jobs, higher wages and secure work, Scott Morrison is stuck dealing with his divided and dysfunctional government as the government members break away from his stance on industrial relations.
The Coalition committee members must now do more than simply pay lip service to these issues and urge Scott Morrison to put workers first for once. For five years now, this government has done nothing for workers. “The Coalition committee members must now do more than simply pay lip-service to these issues and urge Scott Morrison to put workers first for once. For five years now, this government has done nothing for workers.
Labor won’t be surprised if the Coalition members of the committee use this report to say one thing in their electorates pretending they care, and yet do absolutely nothing in Canberra. We’ve seen this again and again with the member for Dawson, George Christensen. “Labor won’t be surprised if the Coalition members of the committee use this report to say one thing in their electorates pretending they care, and yet do absolutely nothing in Canberra. We’ve seen this again and again with the member for Dawson, George Christensen.
Labor doesn’t want to wait until Scott Morrison calls an election to ensure workers are treated fairly, we want action now. “Labor doesn’t want to wait until Scott Morrison calls an election to ensure workers are treated fairly, we want action now.”
The cause of Liberal senator Jim Molan – who has fallen to an unwinnable spot on the Senate ticket – has been taken up by an unlikely supporter. In Senate question timeThe cause of Liberal senator Jim Molan – who has fallen to an unwinnable spot on the Senate ticket – has been taken up by an unlikely supporter. In Senate question time
Labor’s Malarndirri McCarthy asked why Scott Morrison intervened to save Craig Kelly’s preselection but not Molan’s.Labor’s Malarndirri McCarthy asked why Scott Morrison intervened to save Craig Kelly’s preselection but not Molan’s.
Mathias Cormann:Mathias Cormann:
The prime minister holds Molan in very high regard, he has regular meetings with Senator Molan. The breaking news is that Labor is preparing to write a reference for Senator Molan ... Labor doesn’t quite understand how democracy works. Senator Molan is an endorsed Liberal candidate at the next election.”The prime minister holds Molan in very high regard, he has regular meetings with Senator Molan. The breaking news is that Labor is preparing to write a reference for Senator Molan ... Labor doesn’t quite understand how democracy works. Senator Molan is an endorsed Liberal candidate at the next election.”
Cormann suggested that if Labor is so keen to see Molan re-elected it should join the Coalition and help get four Liberal candidates elected in New South Wales.Cormann suggested that if Labor is so keen to see Molan re-elected it should join the Coalition and help get four Liberal candidates elected in New South Wales.
Molan is laughing, he seems to appreciate the cut and thrust of Senate question time even if this is a very live and awkward issue for the Liberal party.Molan is laughing, he seems to appreciate the cut and thrust of Senate question time even if this is a very live and awkward issue for the Liberal party.
Claire O’Neil to Stuart Robert, following on from Latika Bourke’s story:Claire O’Neil to Stuart Robert, following on from Latika Bourke’s story:
The assistant treasurer ... is responsible for financial services, including the big banks. Can the assistant treasurer confirmed that, instead of cracking down on misconduct in the banking sector, he voted against the royal commission 26 times? And how it he is now exploiting the victims of the bank misconduct by using the royal commission as an excuse to raise funds for the Liberal party?The assistant treasurer ... is responsible for financial services, including the big banks. Can the assistant treasurer confirmed that, instead of cracking down on misconduct in the banking sector, he voted against the royal commission 26 times? And how it he is now exploiting the victims of the bank misconduct by using the royal commission as an excuse to raise funds for the Liberal party?
Christopher Pyne:Christopher Pyne:
I think the phraseology of the member for Hotham should be withdrawn. It was a slur on the assistant treasurer, and the second half of the question is not within the assistant treasurer’s responsibilities, and therefore it’s not in order.I think the phraseology of the member for Hotham should be withdrawn. It was a slur on the assistant treasurer, and the second half of the question is not within the assistant treasurer’s responsibilities, and therefore it’s not in order.
Tony Burke:Tony Burke:
The question go directly to the use of the minister’s ministerial authority and the role that he has with financial services. They refer to him using that office, with respect to the royal commission, quite specifically for a fundraiser. This has also appeared online as an article … Quite simply, what the question asks is whether or not he has used his ministerial authority in this way instead of looking after the victims of the banks.”The question go directly to the use of the minister’s ministerial authority and the role that he has with financial services. They refer to him using that office, with respect to the royal commission, quite specifically for a fundraiser. This has also appeared online as an article … Quite simply, what the question asks is whether or not he has used his ministerial authority in this way instead of looking after the victims of the banks.”
Pyne again says it is a slur.Pyne again says it is a slur.
Tony Smith rules the first part of the question is in order, but he is uncomfortable with the language of the second.Tony Smith rules the first part of the question is in order, but he is uncomfortable with the language of the second.
Robert immediately launches into answering the part of the question which was ruled out of order.Robert immediately launches into answering the part of the question which was ruled out of order.
Smith: “If the assistant minister wants to refer to the matter is that I’ve ruled out of order, I don’t think that’s a good idea … I ruled them out of order quite deliberately because of their language, and because of the motives or the improper motives that are implied.”Smith: “If the assistant minister wants to refer to the matter is that I’ve ruled out of order, I don’t think that’s a good idea … I ruled them out of order quite deliberately because of their language, and because of the motives or the improper motives that are implied.”
Robert: “This is the government that instituted the banking royal commission.Robert: “This is the government that instituted the banking royal commission.
“... What this government has done is legion.”“... What this government has done is legion.”
I am not making this up.I am not making this up.
Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison:Chris Bowen to Scott Morrison:
Does he deny reports that a significant delegation of government members urged the government to abandon its discredited divestments policy, including the member for Curtain and Reed and McMillan? Given the Prime Minister has already turned his bigstick into a toothpick, will he now abandon his discredited divestments laws which even his own members do not support? Does he deny reports that a significant delegation of government members urged the government to abandon its discredited divestments policy, including the member for Curtain and Reed and McMillan? Given the prime minister has already turned his big stick into a toothpick, will he now abandon his discredited divestments laws which even his own members do not support?”
Morrison (again in the key of LOUDEST NOISE POSSIBLE) Morrison (again in the key of LOUDEST NOISE POSSIBLE):
“That’s something coming from the biggest wet newspaper in the parliament, Mr Speaker.” That’s something coming from the biggest wet newspaper in the parliament, Mr Speaker.
(This may be the lamest burn I have ever heard in my life.)(This may be the lamest burn I have ever heard in my life.)
“This is a form of Blue Steel, with his sharp suits and his slick look, swaggering around the electorate... Measuring up the curtains to the treasure’s suite, thinking he’s already there. This is a form of Blue Steel, with his sharp suits and his slick look, swaggering around the electorate ... Measuring up the curtains to the treasurer’s suite, thinking he’s already there.
Mr Speaker, this is a shadow treasurer that, when he was treasurer, was presiding over economic wreckage and a budget that was forever in deficit. “Mr Speaker, this is a shadow treasurer that, when he was treasurer, was presiding over economic wreckage and a budget that was forever in deficit.
That was his form when he was treasurer of this country, but we know he had a few other jobs when he was in government. He had a few other jobs, Mr Speaker, and I’ll come back to those after I’ve had the opportunity to address what the member has addressed. Our government is supporting tough new laws to ensure that the big electricity companies are held to account, and we would call on the Labor Party when those laws are introduced to support them, and to do so this week, and failure to do so will tell every single electricity customer in Australia today that the Labor Party is for higher electricity prices and letting the big electricity companies off the hook. “That was his form when he was treasurer of this country, but we know he had a few other jobs when he was in government. He had a few other jobs, Mr Speaker, and I’ll come back to those after I’ve had the opportunity to address what the member has addressed. Our government is supporting tough new laws to ensure that the big electricity companies are held to account, and we would call on the Labor party when those laws are introduced to support them, and to do so this week, and failure to do so will tell every single electricity customer in Australia today that the Labor party is for higher electricity prices and letting the big electricity companies off the hook.
Our government is united, Mr Speaker, on the issue of getting electricity prices down. “Our government is united, Mr Speaker, on the issue of getting electricity prices down.
In standing up to for Australians against higher electricity bills. We are united on the point of ensuring those big electricity companies are held to account for what they do to Australian customers. That’s what we will be bringing to this house, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity, and my challenge to the Labor Party is this - whose side are you on? Australia’s electricity customers, who want lower prices, or the electricity companies who want to take the money for themselves?” “In standing up to for Australians against higher electricity bills. We are united on the point of ensuring those big electricity companies are held to account for what they do to Australian customers. That’s what we will be bringing to this house, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity, and my challenge to the Labor Party is this – whose side are you on? Australia’s electricity customers, who want lower prices, or the electricity companies who want to take the money for themselves?”
Question: Can you be “union bred, led and fed” if you are also on the side of big power?Question: Can you be “union bred, led and fed” if you are also on the side of big power?
Angus Taylor takes a dixer answer where he forces himself to say:Angus Taylor takes a dixer answer where he forces himself to say:
“As we said today, this week we will introduce our big stick legislation.”“As we said today, this week we will introduce our big stick legislation.”
Labor goes nuts.Labor goes nuts.
Ged Kearney to Scott Morrison:Ged Kearney to Scott Morrison:
Why does the prime minister always choose the worst and weakest policy option on climate change? Is it because, as Malcolm Turnbull has said, there is a significant percentage of his government that does not believe climate change is real. Is this why Malcolm Turnbull is no longer prime minister?Why does the prime minister always choose the worst and weakest policy option on climate change? Is it because, as Malcolm Turnbull has said, there is a significant percentage of his government that does not believe climate change is real. Is this why Malcolm Turnbull is no longer prime minister?
Morrison: (who is back to being Shouty McShoutface, but only because he is shouting for you)Morrison: (who is back to being Shouty McShoutface, but only because he is shouting for you)
“The weakest and worst option for the Australian economy is the Australian Labour Party. That is the weakest and worst option, MrSpeaker, and I can advise the house...“The weakest and worst option for the Australian economy is the Australian Labour Party. That is the weakest and worst option, MrSpeaker, and I can advise the house...
“And I can advise the house that is based on their form, when they’ve been in government, Mr Speaker.“And I can advise the house that is based on their form, when they’ve been in government, Mr Speaker.
“Captain Risky when it comes to the Australian economy over here, Mr Speaker. The risk of the Labor party poses to our economy puts all of what we’re able to achieve, in terms of funding for the essential services that Australians rely on, Mr Speaker, in doubt. I noticed the hubris I’m hearing from the Member for Eden-Monaro –“Captain Risky when it comes to the Australian economy over here, Mr Speaker. The risk of the Labor party poses to our economy puts all of what we’re able to achieve, in terms of funding for the essential services that Australians rely on, Mr Speaker, in doubt. I noticed the hubris I’m hearing from the Member for Eden-Monaro –
“He thinks it is over but I can assure the Member for Eden-Monaro that you are in for a big fight.“He thinks it is over but I can assure the Member for Eden-Monaro that you are in for a big fight.
“The Australian people do not want $200 billion of higher taxes on them in the mortgage belt of Queanbeyan and not the south coast of New South Wales. Those retirees throughout your electorate who you are going to rip thousands of dollars from out of their pockets, Mr Speaker.“The Australian people do not want $200 billion of higher taxes on them in the mortgage belt of Queanbeyan and not the south coast of New South Wales. Those retirees throughout your electorate who you are going to rip thousands of dollars from out of their pockets, Mr Speaker.
“The member for Eden-Monaro is a risk to his own constituents when it comes to the taxes he seeks to impose on them, Mr Speaker. I can assure the Labor party members opposite that on this side of the house, we’re going to fight for a stronger economy, we’re going to fight for lower taxes, Mr Speaker, we’re going to fight for small and family businesses, we’re going to fight for mums and dads, we’re going to fight for those Australians who haven’t got the time to go around and get on Twitter and turn up at protests, Mr Speaker.“The member for Eden-Monaro is a risk to his own constituents when it comes to the taxes he seeks to impose on them, Mr Speaker. I can assure the Labor party members opposite that on this side of the house, we’re going to fight for a stronger economy, we’re going to fight for lower taxes, Mr Speaker, we’re going to fight for small and family businesses, we’re going to fight for mums and dads, we’re going to fight for those Australians who haven’t got the time to go around and get on Twitter and turn up at protests, Mr Speaker.
“We’re going to fight for the Australians who are out there putting their kids through school. Running their businesses, Mr Speaker, getting their kids educated, ensuring they’re supporting their communities and running their sporting organisations, Mr Speaker. That’s what we’re fighting for, Mr Speaker.”“We’re going to fight for the Australians who are out there putting their kids through school. Running their businesses, Mr Speaker, getting their kids educated, ensuring they’re supporting their communities and running their sporting organisations, Mr Speaker. That’s what we’re fighting for, Mr Speaker.”
Please read this in LOUD NOISESPlease read this in LOUD NOISES
Tanya Plibersek to Scott Morrison:Tanya Plibersek to Scott Morrison:
Malcolm Turnbull said today about ‘the national energy guarantee, it’s been abandoned by the federal government, I regret that, naturally, as indeed I think just about everyone in the federal government’. Does the prime minister also regret abandoning his own national energy guarantee, which he promised would bring down power prices?”Malcolm Turnbull said today about ‘the national energy guarantee, it’s been abandoned by the federal government, I regret that, naturally, as indeed I think just about everyone in the federal government’. Does the prime minister also regret abandoning his own national energy guarantee, which he promised would bring down power prices?”
Morrison:Morrison:
Please refer to the previous answers.Please refer to the previous answers.
Meanwhile, in the Senate, Mathias Cormann seems to be thanking the Greens and Kristina Keneally appears to be agreeing with Cormann:Meanwhile, in the Senate, Mathias Cormann seems to be thanking the Greens and Kristina Keneally appears to be agreeing with Cormann:
In Senate #qt @MathiasCormann tells the Greens “You voted with the Liberal & National Senators against Labor’s CPRS. If you hadn’t, it would have been very hard for us to unscramble that egg.”In Senate #qt @MathiasCormann tells the Greens “You voted with the Liberal & National Senators against Labor’s CPRS. If you hadn’t, it would have been very hard for us to unscramble that egg.”