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Greens to issue challenge to Labor on Adani mine – politics live Greens to issue challenge to Labor on Adani mine – politics live
(35 minutes later)
This seems a very bad idea no matter how you look at it – Latika Bourke from Fairfax reports Stuart Robert plans on headlining a Liberal party fundraiser about … the banking royal commission.
From Bourke’s report:
Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert will headline a Liberal Party fundraiser that promises political donors an insight into the government’s potential response to the banking royal commission.
“The lunch, hosted by Liberal National Party backbencher Andrew Wallace, has been slammed by Labor as a crass attempt to capitalise on an explosive probe the Coalition had long opposed.”
We could save you some money.
The government voted against it almost 30 times, then were forced into it after the National party began to revolt. Then the banks, trying to end the endless bad publicity, called on the government to call one.
And then we got the Hayne review.
The three stages of not being able to catch a break
So to pass the divesture legislation, the government needs two more votes.
Bob Katter would be a yes. But they need one more crossbencher to come across to pass the legislation.
The committee looking at increasing Asis officers’ use of force have tabled its report:The committee looking at increasing Asis officers’ use of force have tabled its report:
The Committee supported the two main aims of the Bill which were to: The committee supported the two main aims of the bill which were to:
enable the Minister to specify additional persons outside Australia who may be protected by an ASIS staff member or agent, and enable the minister to specify additional persons outside Australia who may be protected by an Asis staff member or agent, and
provide that an ASIS staff member or agent performing specified activities outside Australia will be able to use reasonable and necessary force in the performance of an ASIS function. provide that an Asis staff member or agent performing specified activities outside Australia will be able to use reasonable and necessary force in the performance of an Asis function.
In its report the Committee noted the extensive consultation process that ASIS undertook with the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) in the drafting of the Bill. enable the minister to specify additional persons outside Australia who may be protected by an Asis staff member or agent, and
In judging the legitimacy reasonableness and transparency — including appropriate oversight — of the Bill the Committee had regard to the: provide that an Asis staff member or agent performing specified activities outside Australia will be able to use reasonable and necessary force in the performance of an Asis function.
comprehensive consultation and decision making process that must be undertaken by the Minister before authorising the use of these powers, In its report the committee noted the extensive consultation process that Asis undertook with the inspector general of intelligence and security (Igis) in the drafting of the bill.
Guidelines surrounding the use of these powers, and In judging the legitimacy reasonableness and transparency — including appropriate oversight — of the bill the committee had regard to the:
oversight provided by referral of these Guidelines to the IGIS and this Committee. comprehensive consultation and decision making process that must be undertaken by the minister before authorising the use of these powers,
The Committee noted that the oversight requirements in the Bill replicate existing oversight requirements and provide an appropriate level of transparency recognising the necessary sensitivities of ASIS activities. guidelines surrounding the use of these powers, and
The Committee was satisfied with the provisions contained in the Bill and recommended that the Intelligence Services Amendment Bill 2018 be passed. oversight provided by referral of these guidelines to the Igis and this committee.
The PJCIS Chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said the tabling of this report is an example of the non-partisan and consultative manner in which the Committee are able to scrutinise national security legislation. comprehensive consultation and decision making process that must be undertaken by the minister before authorising the use of these powers,
Further information about the inquiry can be accessed via the Committee’s website at http://www.aph.gov.au/pjcis. guidelines surrounding the use of these powers, and
oversight provided by referral of these guidelines to the Igis and this committee.
The committee noted that the oversight requirements in the bill replicate existing oversight requirements and provide an appropriate level of transparency recognising the necessary sensitivities of Asis activities.
The committee was satisfied with the provisions contained in the bill and recommended that the intelligence services amendment bill 2018 be passed.
The PJCIS chair, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said the tabling of this report is an example of the non-partisan and consultative manner in which the committee are able to scrutinise national security legislation.
Further information about the inquiry can be accessed via the committee’s website at http://www.aph.gov.au/pjcis.
Mike Bowers has also had some fun with the light in the press gallery today.Mike Bowers has also had some fun with the light in the press gallery today.
John Howard gets a library, as seen by Mike Bowers.John Howard gets a library, as seen by Mike Bowers.
We are approaching full inception.We are approaching full inception.
Here’s @mpbowers lying down on the job just behind Josh Frydenberg and Angus “Biggus Stickus” Taylor pic.twitter.com/HsQrxpGEs4Here’s @mpbowers lying down on the job just behind Josh Frydenberg and Angus “Biggus Stickus” Taylor pic.twitter.com/HsQrxpGEs4
Here is how the government are explaining the changes:Here is how the government are explaining the changes:
The Liberal National Government will introduce legislation which will provide a range of penalties and remedies for companies that engage in misconduct.The Liberal National Government will introduce legislation which will provide a range of penalties and remedies for companies that engage in misconduct.
The legislation follows a review conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) which identified problems in the retail, wholesale and the contract market calling the situation “unacceptable and unsustainable.”The legislation follows a review conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) which identified problems in the retail, wholesale and the contract market calling the situation “unacceptable and unsustainable.”
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Bill 2018 will amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) to define the energy market misconduct to be prohibited and to provide a series of graduated and targeted remedies.The Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Bill 2018 will amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) to define the energy market misconduct to be prohibited and to provide a series of graduated and targeted remedies.
Prohibited misconduct in the electricity sector includes:Prohibited misconduct in the electricity sector includes:
· A retail pricing prohibition focussed on conduct by retailers where they fail to reasonably pass through sustained and substantial electricity supply chain cost savings to end consumers.· A retail pricing prohibition focussed on conduct by retailers where they fail to reasonably pass through sustained and substantial electricity supply chain cost savings to end consumers.
· A contract liquidity prohibition to prevent energy companies from withholding hedge contracts for the purpose of substantially lessening competition.· A contract liquidity prohibition to prevent energy companies from withholding hedge contracts for the purpose of substantially lessening competition.
· A wholesale conduct prohibition to stop generators from manipulating the spot market, such as withholding supply.· A wholesale conduct prohibition to stop generators from manipulating the spot market, such as withholding supply.
Where prohibited misconduct is found by the ACCC to have occurred, the following remedies will be available:Where prohibited misconduct is found by the ACCC to have occurred, the following remedies will be available:
ACCC issued warning notices and infringement notices.ACCC issued warning notices and infringement notices.
Court-ordered civil penalties up to the greatest of: $10 million; three times the value of the total benefit attributable to the conduct or 10 per cent of the annual turnover of the corporation in the 12 months before the conduct occurred.Court-ordered civil penalties up to the greatest of: $10 million; three times the value of the total benefit attributable to the conduct or 10 per cent of the annual turnover of the corporation in the 12 months before the conduct occurred.
On the recommendation of the ACCC, Treasurer-issued Contracting Orders that will permit the Treasurer to require electricity companies to offer electricity financial contracts to third parties.On the recommendation of the ACCC, Treasurer-issued Contracting Orders that will permit the Treasurer to require electricity companies to offer electricity financial contracts to third parties.
On the recommendation of the ACCC, and following an application by the Treasurer, Federal Court issued Divestiture Orders relating to misconduct in thewholesale market.On the recommendation of the ACCC, and following an application by the Treasurer, Federal Court issued Divestiture Orders relating to misconduct in thewholesale market.
Under the legislation court ordered Divestiture Orders can only be made where the corporation’s conduct is fraudulent, dishonest or in bad faith, for the purpose of distorting or manipulating prices, and the Divestiture Order is proportionate and targeted to the conduct. The Treasurer can only make an application to the court where both the ACCC and Treasurer are satisfied the order would result in a net public benefit.Under the legislation court ordered Divestiture Orders can only be made where the corporation’s conduct is fraudulent, dishonest or in bad faith, for the purpose of distorting or manipulating prices, and the Divestiture Order is proportionate and targeted to the conduct. The Treasurer can only make an application to the court where both the ACCC and Treasurer are satisfied the order would result in a net public benefit.
The legislation will apply to government owned enterprises. In such cases any divestiture may be made to another government owned energy company where the two entities genuinely compete with one another.The legislation will apply to government owned enterprises. In such cases any divestiture may be made to another government owned energy company where the two entities genuinely compete with one another.
The legislation will sunset in 2025, at the conclusion of the ACCC monitoring inquiry. There will be a Government led review of the legislation in 2024.The legislation will sunset in 2025, at the conclusion of the ACCC monitoring inquiry. There will be a Government led review of the legislation in 2024.
The Government’s legislation as it applies to divestment is industry limited, sunsetted and requires a court order. It is consistent with similar laws in the United Kingdom which permit divestiture under the Enterprise Act and the United States which permits divestiture under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.The Government’s legislation as it applies to divestment is industry limited, sunsetted and requires a court order. It is consistent with similar laws in the United Kingdom which permit divestiture under the Enterprise Act and the United States which permits divestiture under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
Introducing legislation to hold energy companies to account for misconduct is part of our plan to deliver a more affordable and reliable energy system and a stronger economy.Introducing legislation to hold energy companies to account for misconduct is part of our plan to deliver a more affordable and reliable energy system and a stronger economy.
Lyndal Curtis, a legend around these press gallery halls, is doing a little photography work experience with Mike Bowers today.Lyndal Curtis, a legend around these press gallery halls, is doing a little photography work experience with Mike Bowers today.
Former PM John Howard walks past his old work place on the way to opening the John Howard Library at Old Parliament House (deleted first tweet because of typo 🤓) pic.twitter.com/TOOiwPdCGPFormer PM John Howard walks past his old work place on the way to opening the John Howard Library at Old Parliament House (deleted first tweet because of typo 🤓) pic.twitter.com/TOOiwPdCGP
The sky writer doesn’t seem to agree with Angus and Josh @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus @murpharoo #PoliticsLive https://t.co/OQvAblZlh3 pic.twitter.com/hfouTC6SY8The sky writer doesn’t seem to agree with Angus and Josh @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus @murpharoo #PoliticsLive https://t.co/OQvAblZlh3 pic.twitter.com/hfouTC6SY8
So basically the changes boil down to the ACCC pinging the company for being on their radar for bad behaviour. If it doesn’t change its behaviour, then it can let the treasurer know. The treasurer can then put together a proposal for divesture which the federal court can then rule on.So basically the changes boil down to the ACCC pinging the company for being on their radar for bad behaviour. If it doesn’t change its behaviour, then it can let the treasurer know. The treasurer can then put together a proposal for divesture which the federal court can then rule on.
The old proposal was the treasurer would have the final say.The old proposal was the treasurer would have the final say.
So the big stick now has a hell of a lot of bubble wrap around it.So the big stick now has a hell of a lot of bubble wrap around it.
So the potential legal challenges, and the discomfort from members of the party room, has seen Josh Frydenberg confirm a watered-down version of the divesture legislation.So the potential legal challenges, and the discomfort from members of the party room, has seen Josh Frydenberg confirm a watered-down version of the divesture legislation.
The backbench got everything it wanted, in short.The backbench got everything it wanted, in short.
But the biggest star of the press conference was the sky writer who was busy constructing a giant NO just above Frydenberg and Angus Taylor as they spoke.But the biggest star of the press conference was the sky writer who was busy constructing a giant NO just above Frydenberg and Angus Taylor as they spoke.
The Australian Greens held their party room meeting this morning.The Australian Greens held their party room meeting this morning.
During the meeting, the WA Greens senator Rachel Siewert stood aside as co-deputy leader and Larissa Waters, the recently returned to parliament Queensland Greens senator, was unanimously re-elected as co-deputy leader.During the meeting, the WA Greens senator Rachel Siewert stood aside as co-deputy leader and Larissa Waters, the recently returned to parliament Queensland Greens senator, was unanimously re-elected as co-deputy leader.
The Greens plan to introduce a motion in the Senate today saying “the Adani Carmichael coalmine should not go ahead”, to see how Labor votes on it. They say they’re sick of Labor trying to have a bet each way on the Adani mine and it’s time it picks a side.The Greens plan to introduce a motion in the Senate today saying “the Adani Carmichael coalmine should not go ahead”, to see how Labor votes on it. They say they’re sick of Labor trying to have a bet each way on the Adani mine and it’s time it picks a side.
Waters wants to bring on her “Stop Adani” bill for debate in the Senate on Thursday afternoon, in general business time, assuming that the government doesn’t modify the Senate schedule.Waters wants to bring on her “Stop Adani” bill for debate in the Senate on Thursday afternoon, in general business time, assuming that the government doesn’t modify the Senate schedule.
The Greens also want to introduce a bill to the Senate tomorrow saying the Galilee coal basin should not be opened up for coalmining.The Greens also want to introduce a bill to the Senate tomorrow saying the Galilee coal basin should not be opened up for coalmining.
The Greens say Bill Shorten could stop the mine tomorrow by announcing that he’ll place all the environmental approvals under review. They say the Franklin River Dam campaign was won with a Labor leader from opposition saying he’d stop the project if elected, so if Shorten made a similar announcement today the whole thing would grind to a halt.The Greens say Bill Shorten could stop the mine tomorrow by announcing that he’ll place all the environmental approvals under review. They say the Franklin River Dam campaign was won with a Labor leader from opposition saying he’d stop the project if elected, so if Shorten made a similar announcement today the whole thing would grind to a halt.
On encryption, the Greens say it doubts Labor has the spine to stand up to the government on this. It says if Labor begins trumpeting a compromise, you can be you’ll need to be extra careful about the detail.On encryption, the Greens say it doubts Labor has the spine to stand up to the government on this. It says if Labor begins trumpeting a compromise, you can be you’ll need to be extra careful about the detail.
As reported by Katharine Murphy last night, (and hinted at in her column on Saturday) the government was looking at major changes to its divesture policy after a group of dissenters starting raising objections to the very un-Liberal idea of splitting up private companies.As reported by Katharine Murphy last night, (and hinted at in her column on Saturday) the government was looking at major changes to its divesture policy after a group of dissenters starting raising objections to the very un-Liberal idea of splitting up private companies.
Angus Taylor, biggus stickus himself, and Josh Frydenberg have just called a press conference.Angus Taylor, biggus stickus himself, and Josh Frydenberg have just called a press conference.
Labor’s caucus met this morning, and the main items of business were a series of private member’s bills being pushed by the newly emboldened crossbench.Labor’s caucus met this morning, and the main items of business were a series of private member’s bills being pushed by the newly emboldened crossbench.
Labor agreed to support the Greens’ bill to prevent public funds being used to indemnify new coal power plants. Labor will support Rebekha Sharkie’s live export ban bill.Labor agreed to support the Greens’ bill to prevent public funds being used to indemnify new coal power plants. Labor will support Rebekha Sharkie’s live export ban bill.
It will not oppose the national integrity commission bill, and noted that it has already been referred to a Senate inquiry.It will not oppose the national integrity commission bill, and noted that it has already been referred to a Senate inquiry.
Labor will support Kerryn Phelps’ bill for medical transfers from Manus and Nauru subject to three conditions:Labor will support Kerryn Phelps’ bill for medical transfers from Manus and Nauru subject to three conditions:
The minister or his/her delegate must have signoff on all medical transfers.The minister or his/her delegate must have signoff on all medical transfers.
If a transfer is refused the minister must provide a statement of reasons to parliament.If a transfer is refused the minister must provide a statement of reasons to parliament.
The establishment of an independent health advice panel.The establishment of an independent health advice panel.
All speakers were supportive of the bill: one was pleased it extends to adults; another said the minister must retain responsibility in order for there to be proper merits review of decisions.All speakers were supportive of the bill: one was pleased it extends to adults; another said the minister must retain responsibility in order for there to be proper merits review of decisions.
John Howard has a library:John Howard has a library:
Mr Howard, I want to thank you for your friendship and advice over a long period of time. I want to thank you both for your lifetime of service that continues. It is an honour to open the Howard Library. MORE: https://t.co/ikBy3bk5d1 #SkyLiveNow pic.twitter.com/oxz9Tjc7mZMr Howard, I want to thank you for your friendship and advice over a long period of time. I want to thank you both for your lifetime of service that continues. It is an honour to open the Howard Library. MORE: https://t.co/ikBy3bk5d1 #SkyLiveNow pic.twitter.com/oxz9Tjc7mZ