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/06/government-morrison-nauru-energy-encryption-politics-live-shorten-labor-liberal

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Furious Scott Morrison vows to ‘fight’ Nauru bill as pressure builds on government – politics live Furious Scott Morrison vows to ‘fight’ Nauru bill as pressure builds on government – politics live
(35 minutes later)
The Storer amendment is coming into the Senate vote very soon:
· These amendments are about making sure vulnerable and sick people in Australia’s care can receive the medical treatment they need.
· These amendments-
o Ensure sick people – including children and their families – can be transferred to Australia for medical treatment;
o Mean if two or more treating doctors recommend a medical transfer, the Minister must take action on (approve or deny) a medical transfer within 24 hours of being notified;
o Ensure the Minister – not the Department – is the final decision maker for medical transfers;
o Creates transparency and reporting measures to make the Minister accountable for his decisions; and
o Establishes an Independent Health Advice Panel to provide greater medical and mental health advice and oversight over the regional processing cohort.
· Labor will not outsource the powers of the Migration Act to an individual who is not the Minister or a delegate of the Minister.
· The Minister can refuse the transfer if the Minister reasonably believes that the transfer of the person to Australia would be prejudicial to security within the meaning of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, including because an adverse security assessment in respect of the person is in force under that Act.
Cutting through the convoluted language there, it does say you can flog off a company, including to the same government.
But in order to do it, they have to be in competition with each other. Which is a little difficult, because it would be like the government setting up a second Australia Post in competition to the original one.
On that issue of privatisation (which the government says is a scare campaign and can’t happen) Chris Bowen and Mark Butler have just released this:
It’s clear the Morrison Government’s “big stick” Bill will be able to force the privatisation of state and Commonwealth owned energy assets, like Snowy Hydro.
This isn’t a “big stick” policy, it’s the latest version of the Liberals’ ‘big sell-off’ – going after the publicly owned electricity assets that Labor Governments have refused to privatise.
Privatisation means higher power prices for families. Privatising energy assets hasn’t led to lower prices or better outcomes for consumers; it has led to massive private profits and electricity prices that keep going up and up. Yet electricity privatisation remains in the Liberals’ DNA.
When asked whether his “big stick” Bill could lead to electricity privatisation, the Treasurer said “absolutely not”. This is a blatant lie.
The Explanatory Memorandum to the Bill makes it clear that divestment involves the sale of assets of one corporation to any other (unrelated) corporation (section 5.28).
In addition, it states that if the corporation subject to a divestment order is publicly owned, under strict conditions (section 5.30), the sale of divested assets can (but is not required to) be to other government owned corporations.
There is nothing in the “big stick” Bill that requires the sale of government assets to go to other government bodies and there is nothing in the Bill that stops the Morrison Liberal government from forcing the privatisation of government owned electricity assets, including Snowy Hydro, and government electricity companies in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
There’s only one guarantee with Morrison – more power privatisation and higher power prices.”
The whole explanatory memorandum they refer to says:
5.28 The body corporate can dispose of the relevant interest to any entity that is not a body corporate that is related to it (within the meaning of subsection 4A(5) of the CCA) or is not an associate of the body corporate. Essentially, this requires the body corporate to make the disposal to an arm’s length third party purchaser. [Schedule 1, item 1, paragraph 153ZB(2)(a)]
and
5.30 The body corporate subject to the divesture order can dispose of the relevant interest to any entity that is a body corporate that is related to it or is an associate of the body corporate if: • the related body corporate or associate is an authority of the Commonwealth, or a State or Territory government (as defined in section 4 of the CCA); • the body corporate subject to the divestiture order is an authority of the same government as the purchasing body corporate or associate; and • the related body corporate or associate is genuinely in competition in relation to electricity markets with the body corporate subject to the divestiture order. [Schedule 1, item 1, subsection 153ZB(3)]
5.31 This means that a divestiture order would allow a government owned vendor body corporate to dispose of the interest to a purchaser body corporate owned by the same government, if they are genuinely in competition with each other in relation to the electricity markets.
Here’s a release from the Bureau of Statistics today.
Prison numbers
The number of adults in prison has risen for the seventh consecutive year in Australia.
Between 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2018, the number of prisoners in adult corrective services increased by 4%, from 41,202 to 42,974.
The national imprisonment rate increased by 3%, from 216 prisoners to 221 prisoners per 100,000 adult population.
In the last 12 months there was a 10% increase in the number of people imprisoned for illicit drugs and sexual assault and related offences.
There has also been a large increase - in the last decade - in the number of people who are in custody but who haven’t yet been sentenced.
In 2008, the proportion of prisoners who were unsentenced was 23%. That figure is now 32.2%.
And the phenomenon has occurred in ever state and territory.
In the last year, Victoria experienced the biggest jump in unsentenced prisoners (by 22%, or 485 prisoners). The state has recently undergone extensive bail reform, including presumption against bail for serious crimes such as rape, armed robbery and culpable driving causing death, and a reduction in judicial discretion.
Victoria has experienced the biggest jump in unsentenced prisoners in the last decade, too.
See these numbers for the rise in the proportion of each state’s prison population that is unsentenced:
NSW
2008: 23.4%
2018: 33.5%
Victoria
2008: 19.2%
2018: 35.3%
Queensland
2008: 22.4%
2018: 30%
South Australia
2008: 33.3%
2018: 37.3%
Western Australia
2008: 20.3%
2018: 27.8%
Tasmania
2008: 20.8%
2018: 28.8%
Northern Territory
2008: 24.4%
2018: 28.9%
Australian Capital Territory
2008: 32.8%
2018: 37.8%
Australia
2008: 23%
2018: 32.2%
A small point in this madness – Bob Katter just asked for clarification on whether the energy bill will allow the government to privatise assets.
It is a massive deal in Queensland. Privatisation brought down the Bligh and Newman governments. MASSIVE. Queenslanders hate privatisation. Especially of power assets. Thank you Joh.
Labor started this attack yesterday. The government straight up denied it and said it is just a scare campaign. But both the Queensland Labor premier and the opposition leader came out in unison to tell the government to back off.
Katter is looking a little shaky, suddenly. That is a massive deal for the government, who needs his vote.
So with no leave to consider the bill as a whole, the energy bill is put to the side for a moment and we move onto 90 second statements.
There is 20 minutes left in the Senate debate on the (basically) medical evacuation bill.
It’s almost on its way to the House.
Right.
Where are we?
The Senate is discussing the bill which will carry the medical evacuation bill through to the House. A sort of trojan horse, if you will.
That finishes at 1.50pm. The government can not extend that debate.
Then the Senate will deal with encryption, which will succeed because Labor is voting for it.
Then that goes back to the House to become law and the security and intelligence agencies can start sending out those notices which will allow them to read encrypted messages.
And then we deal with the home affairs bill which has the medical transfers as part of it.
Unless the House is adjourned at 4.30pm.
Timing is critical.
The second reading debate on the energy bill looks like happening.
Labor has denied leave for the bill to be determined as a whole.
The games are continuing – the government is attempting to delay its own bill by referring it to the intelligence and security committee. With a reporting date of 30 March.
(There is no parliament in March.)
The Government has circulated a second reading amendment to Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2018 #auspol pic.twitter.com/fQW0gOO75M
You can watch the Scott Morrison press conference here.
He is almost vibrating with fury. You can see it.
Hey @AmyRemeikis, about that Siri quote of yours on your live blog... It actually works!! 😳 pic.twitter.com/1BbqJAaXCu
On the Chris Bowen amendment:
Ayes: 70
Noes: 75
Senator Tim Storer is now up on medical transfers, as the Senate debates the government bill which Labor and the crossbench are pushing to amend with provisions of the Kerryn Phelps bill.
Storer noted the tragic case of Hamid Kehazaei, who died of septicemia in offshore detention, and that there have been two suicide attempts in offshore detention in the last 48 hours.Storer:
“[These amendments] will return decisions about the health of asylum seekers to those who always should have been making them in the first place – qualified, independent doctors.”
Storer applauded the courage of Labor, the Greens and Centre Alliance for agreeing, giving special tribute to Greens immigration Nick McKim for co-sponsoring the amendments with him.
From Mike Bowers to you
It’s a twitter warIt’s a twitter war
Our Government will always work to keep Australians safe. Today, Labor have been trying to erode our strong border security while delaying important anti-terrorism laws. They haven't learned from the last time they were in Government and we will do everything we can to stop them. pic.twitter.com/bRLD2djDT3Our Government will always work to keep Australians safe. Today, Labor have been trying to erode our strong border security while delaying important anti-terrorism laws. They haven't learned from the last time they were in Government and we will do everything we can to stop them. pic.twitter.com/bRLD2djDT3
That important work is continuing in the parliament today. Last night, the Liberal chair of the Joint Security and Intelligence Committee praised Labor members for the bipartisan way we have contributed to laws that will help keep Australians safe.That important work is continuing in the parliament today. Last night, the Liberal chair of the Joint Security and Intelligence Committee praised Labor members for the bipartisan way we have contributed to laws that will help keep Australians safe.
I’ve always taken the view that when it comes to keeping Australians safe, we are all in this together.I’ve always taken the view that when it comes to keeping Australians safe, we are all in this together.
I urge the Prime Minister to stop playing politics and start showing some leadership.I urge the Prime Minister to stop playing politics and start showing some leadership.
The House is moving on to the government’s energy bill, and Chris Bowen has moved this motion:The House is moving on to the government’s energy bill, and Chris Bowen has moved this motion:
The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question:The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question:
That the bill be now read a second time;That the bill be now read a second time;
And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Bowen, viz; that all words after “that” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Bowen, viz; that all words after “that” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
“the House declines to give the bill a second reading, and notes:“the House declines to give the bill a second reading, and notes:
(1) this unprecedented intervention into markets which will result in higher prices for families and businesses;(1) this unprecedented intervention into markets which will result in higher prices for families and businesses;
(2) the government has abandoned all pretence at being the party of free enterprise and open markets; and(2) the government has abandoned all pretence at being the party of free enterprise and open markets; and
(3) the government has abandoned all proper process, scrutiny and consultation.”(3) the government has abandoned all proper process, scrutiny and consultation.”
A division has been called.A division has been called.
I guess this is one way to make a room look more crowded? The power of perception.I guess this is one way to make a room look more crowded? The power of perception.
Nice to see the former minister for women up and speaking in the House again.Nice to see the former minister for women up and speaking in the House again.
From your take aways:From your take aways:
James: The 2018 political year was summed up for me by the following answers given by my 15-year-old son in his year 9 politics exam:James: The 2018 political year was summed up for me by the following answers given by my 15-year-old son in his year 9 politics exam:
Q: Why would Israel be a topic of interest for the voters of Wentworth? A: Because there are a lot of Jewish people in Wentworth, so by supporting Israel’s irresponsible land grabbing, Scott thought the Jewish population might like him. It didn’t work, and the Liberals lost.Q: Why would Israel be a topic of interest for the voters of Wentworth? A: Because there are a lot of Jewish people in Wentworth, so by supporting Israel’s irresponsible land grabbing, Scott thought the Jewish population might like him. It didn’t work, and the Liberals lost.
Q: The events of 2018 prove that our system of federal parliament is fundamentally broken. Discuss. A: I do not believe this statement is true. Although our system is not perfect or without flaws, I believe the problems we are having are the fault of the government and political parties in charge. The “culture” of backstabbing within the government has made the public distrust them, and the Coalition is willing to do anything to stay in power. They are not helped by the fact that the population density of spineless people, nasty people and stupid people appears to be much higher in politics than the general population.Q: The events of 2018 prove that our system of federal parliament is fundamentally broken. Discuss. A: I do not believe this statement is true. Although our system is not perfect or without flaws, I believe the problems we are having are the fault of the government and political parties in charge. The “culture” of backstabbing within the government has made the public distrust them, and the Coalition is willing to do anything to stay in power. They are not helped by the fact that the population density of spineless people, nasty people and stupid people appears to be much higher in politics than the general population.
.@AmyRemeikis What I'll remember most from the Australian Parliament this year is the sheen being lost. Brazen prejudice against women, races, immigrants, asylum seekers #auspol.@AmyRemeikis What I'll remember most from the Australian Parliament this year is the sheen being lost. Brazen prejudice against women, races, immigrants, asylum seekers #auspol
Harold: The Liberal party no longer understands the world in which we live. Especially its blundering conservative constituency.Harold: The Liberal party no longer understands the world in which we live. Especially its blundering conservative constituency.
@AmyRemeikis HI Amy. My highlight of the year was learning that Peter Dutton could smile. Err...sort of. Sure I didn't sleep for a few nights without the lights on after I saw this, but there it is. Smiling. #2018 pic.twitter.com/wDqWMWwWjb@AmyRemeikis HI Amy. My highlight of the year was learning that Peter Dutton could smile. Err...sort of. Sure I didn't sleep for a few nights without the lights on after I saw this, but there it is. Smiling. #2018 pic.twitter.com/wDqWMWwWjb
Bernadette: My favourite moment could be today if the government is defeated on legislation in the house ... on refugees. Oh could it be?Bernadette: My favourite moment could be today if the government is defeated on legislation in the house ... on refugees. Oh could it be?
No press conference from Bill Shorten, but he has put out a statement:No press conference from Bill Shorten, but he has put out a statement:
I’ve co-operated with three different Liberal Prime Ministers over the last five years to improve, amend and pass 15 sets of national security legislation.I’ve co-operated with three different Liberal Prime Ministers over the last five years to improve, amend and pass 15 sets of national security legislation.
That important work is continuing in the parliament today.That important work is continuing in the parliament today.
Last night, the Liberal chair of the Joint Security and Intelligence Committee praised Labor members for the bipartisan way we have contributed to laws that will help keep Australians safe.Last night, the Liberal chair of the Joint Security and Intelligence Committee praised Labor members for the bipartisan way we have contributed to laws that will help keep Australians safe.
I’m disappointed by the prime minister’s behaviour today but I won’t be distracted.I’m disappointed by the prime minister’s behaviour today but I won’t be distracted.
I’ve always taken the view that when it comes to keeping Australians safe, we are all in this together.I’ve always taken the view that when it comes to keeping Australians safe, we are all in this together.
I urge the prime minister to stop playing politics and start showing some leadership.I urge the prime minister to stop playing politics and start showing some leadership.
Penny Wong attempted to cut off the debate, to get it moved faster, but because there is already a standing resolution to get it cut off at 1.50pm, the Clerk advised the debate could not be cut off.
The Senate is bringing on the Home Affairs amendment bill, which is the carrier for the medical evacuation amendments.
Kelly O’Dwyer has seen this legislation passed:
Up to 6 million Australians will now have access to a guaranteed entitlement of five days’ unpaid family and domestic violence leave following the passage of legislation in the Parliament today.
Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and Minister for Women, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said the Coalition government’s legislation enshrines family and domestic violence leave as a workplace right in the National Employment Standards for the first time.
“This historic change to the law will enshrine a minimum standard for family and domestic violence leave to all Australians covered by the Fair Work Act,” O’Dwyer said.
“Regardless of the basis of their employment or the size of their employer, this change will provide a universal safety net entitlement for workers under the Fair Work Act.”
“Australians who need to take leave to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence will be able to do so safe in the knowledge that their job is protected.”
The Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2018 extends the decision of the Fair Work Commission in March 2018 to grant five days’ unpaid leave to employees covered by modern awards to other employees covered by the Fair Work Act.
The Commission made its decision after carefully considering extensive evidence and submissions from unions, employers and other interested parties. It indicated it would revisit consideration of this issue in mid-2021.
Today’s change follows the recent announcement of additional initiatives to combat family and domestic violence in the $109m Women’s Economic Security Statement in November.
“The Coalition government has zero tolerance for violence against women, having committed well in excess of $350m to address women’s safety,” Minister O’Dwyer concluded.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
I didn’t get to spend too much time on this yesterday afternoon, with everything else that was going on, but Barnaby Joyce spoke to Sky during his regular spot with Joel Fitzgibbon to say that schools should not be “political corrected bullied” and that he didn’t agree that religious discrimination should be removed.
Then he went here:
If I send my child to an all-girls’ school, I don’t want the complication and the possibility, and they haven’t completely ruled it out, that if someone turns up and says, ‘I want to identify was a woman, I want to identify as a girl, I want to go into your bathrooms, I want to go into your change rooms, I want to be educated ... that might be that person’s right and wish, but everybody else says, ‘well that’s an affront on our rights’ and we want that issue dealt with.
We want it dealt with clearly so that we know that our rights are protected and other people’s rights are respected.
You cannot send a student whose genetic make up is XY … to a school established for people who are XX. It is not fair on the larger school unit that they have to change and accept all because of the desires of one.”
Which reminds us of the time he was against the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine Gardisal, because of the “psychological implications or the social implications” because girls would suddenly start rushing out and having sex, if they were protected from HPV, the virus which can lead to cervical cancer, in 2006.
“There might be an overwhelming backlash from people saying, ‘Don’t you dare put something out there that gives my 12-year-old daughter a licence to be promiscuous’.”
Then there was the time he was against marriage equality because of what it would do to his four daughters.
“We know that the best protection for those girls is that they get themselves into a secure relationship with a loving husband, and I want that to happen for them,” he said in 2011.
“I don’t want any legislator to take that right away from me.”
Then there was the time he put his marriage break down on the Hansard record during the marriage equality debate this time last year, while saying how he still couldn’t vote for marriage equality.
Yup.
It is a bit late, because this morning has been a complete and utter birdcage of insanity, but Tony Abbott is delivering his report into Indigenous Australia, following his envoy tour.
PM Scott Morrison during the ongoing debate on amendments to the encryption laws @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus @murpharoo #politicslive https://t.co/tj67JpI7ls pic.twitter.com/TTj694uIBh
Meanwhile, in the House
The second reading of the encryption bill has gone through the House. Just Andrew Wilkie and Adam Bandt voted against it, from what I can see.
Our warning at the beginning of the week about the huge risk of rushing the #encryption access bill couldn't be more relevant today. #auslaw #auspol #aabill pic.twitter.com/B8hkPkzDn3
Difference in simple majority and absolute majority, because you’ll be hearing those terms a lot today.
Simple majority: more on one side than the other.
Absolute majority: 75 plus one (half the seats plus one more)
Things are going GREAT
Chamber chat. @cpyne comes in to talk to Andrew Wilkie and Adam Bandt pic.twitter.com/yfpgVNjfO1
An animated chat across the table between @Tony_Burke, @cporterwa and @cpyne a little earlier pic.twitter.com/okul6hhgID