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Senate will hold inquiry into Pyne and Bishop's new jobs – politics live Senate will hold inquiry into Pyne and Bishop's new jobs – politics live
(32 minutes later)
While Labor’s attempt to move a motion on the Future Drought Fund is about to go down in the House (where the government holds the numbers), the Greens will attempt to amend the legislation in the Senate.
From Janet Rice:
“Any spending on drought must support farmers in building resilience to face our climate crisis, helping them to use less water and regenerate damaged land and soils. It must not end up as a slush fund for big corporate agribusiness, leaving struggling farmers high and dry,” Senator Rice said.
“There are four issues that the Greens seek to amend and look forward to support for them from across the parliament:
Some of the day, as seen by Mike Bowers
Full text of Tony Burke’s motion:Full text of Tony Burke’s motion:
That the House: 1) notes that:That the House: 1) notes that:
(a) the Government first introduced the Future Drought Fund Bill and Future Drought Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill into the House of Representatives in November last year;(a) the Government first introduced the Future Drought Fund Bill and Future Drought Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill into the House of Representatives in November last year;
(b) the Government failed to prioritise the bills, with the Future Drought Fund Bill being introduced but never debated in the Senate, and the Future Drought Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill never passing the House;(b) the Government failed to prioritise the bills, with the Future Drought Fund Bill being introduced but never debated in the Senate, and the Future Drought Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill never passing the House;
(c) the Government introduced 26 bills into the House of Representatives last sitting week but these bills were not among them;(c) the Government introduced 26 bills into the House of Representatives last sitting week but these bills were not among them;
(d) today, the Government is seeking to both introduce and debate the amended bills on the one day;(d) today, the Government is seeking to both introduce and debate the amended bills on the one day;
(e) it is usual for bills to be introduced by the Government in one sitting week and not debated until the following sitting week to allow Members the opportunity to properly consider bills before voting on them; and(e) it is usual for bills to be introduced by the Government in one sitting week and not debated until the following sitting week to allow Members the opportunity to properly consider bills before voting on them; and
(f) the drought funding in these bills is not available to help farmers until 1 July 2020; and(f) the drought funding in these bills is not available to help farmers until 1 July 2020; and
2) therefore, calls on the Government to adjourn debate on these bills immediately following the Minister’s speech on the second reading to allow all Members the opportunity to properly consider these bills before debate resumes tomorrow.2) therefore, calls on the Government to adjourn debate on these bills immediately following the Minister’s speech on the second reading to allow all Members the opportunity to properly consider these bills before debate resumes tomorrow.
The manager of opposition business Tony Burke has moved a motion to resume debate on the drought fund bill after the minister’s second reading speech tomorrow.The manager of opposition business Tony Burke has moved a motion to resume debate on the drought fund bill after the minister’s second reading speech tomorrow.
Labor is infuriated that the government is rushing the bill through to wedge the opposition before it can consider it at caucus on Tuesday.Labor is infuriated that the government is rushing the bill through to wedge the opposition before it can consider it at caucus on Tuesday.
Burke says the the motion “will make no difference at all to the timing of drought assistance” (because the bill can still pass by week’s end) and Labor is attempting to draw the line to prevent it becoming “standard practice for legislation to be rushed through without being read”.Burke says the the motion “will make no difference at all to the timing of drought assistance” (because the bill can still pass by week’s end) and Labor is attempting to draw the line to prevent it becoming “standard practice for legislation to be rushed through without being read”.
Burke says rushing the legislation through is a “really dumb idea” and makes vague threats that “if the government decides proper process in this house no longer matters” they can’t come to the opposition seeking cooperation on other procedural matters.Burke says rushing the legislation through is a “really dumb idea” and makes vague threats that “if the government decides proper process in this house no longer matters” they can’t come to the opposition seeking cooperation on other procedural matters.
Craig Kelly has just been advertised as a speaker at the American Conservative Union conference being held in Sydney next month. Nigel Farage is the headline act, because of course he is. Mark Latham is also speaking. As is Tony Abbott. And now – backbencher Craig Kelly.Craig Kelly has just been advertised as a speaker at the American Conservative Union conference being held in Sydney next month. Nigel Farage is the headline act, because of course he is. Mark Latham is also speaking. As is Tony Abbott. And now – backbencher Craig Kelly.
Try not to hurt yourself in your rush for tickets.Try not to hurt yourself in your rush for tickets.
The American Conservative Union and LibertyWorks are proud to bring CPAC to Australia for the first time! CPAC will launch and run over 9-11 August 2019 and the timing couldn’t be better.The American Conservative Union and LibertyWorks are proud to bring CPAC to Australia for the first time! CPAC will launch and run over 9-11 August 2019 and the timing couldn’t be better.
This is a conference for those that despaired at the prospect of a Shorten government controlled by militant unions and influenced by the Greens. Australia dodged a socialist arrow this time, and thank goodness for that, but we know they will redouble their efforts and come again supported by their boosters the Unions and GetUp.This is a conference for those that despaired at the prospect of a Shorten government controlled by militant unions and influenced by the Greens. Australia dodged a socialist arrow this time, and thank goodness for that, but we know they will redouble their efforts and come again supported by their boosters the Unions and GetUp.
Now is not the time to be complacent. Now is the time to get involved. The ‘shy’ voters made a stand this time however we should remind ourselves that ‘The future doesn’t belong to the light-hearted. It belongs to the brave’, as Ronald Reagan famously stated.Now is not the time to be complacent. Now is the time to get involved. The ‘shy’ voters made a stand this time however we should remind ourselves that ‘The future doesn’t belong to the light-hearted. It belongs to the brave’, as Ronald Reagan famously stated.
Come to CPAC, hear Nigel Farage, Matt Sclapp, conservative senators and MPs, visiting US congressmen, Australia’s political warriors and more … much more. Come to CPAC, join the brave, protect the future.”Come to CPAC, hear Nigel Farage, Matt Sclapp, conservative senators and MPs, visiting US congressmen, Australia’s political warriors and more … much more. Come to CPAC, join the brave, protect the future.”
The inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new jobs and their compliance with ministerial standards has to report back by 10 September, which is midway through the next sitting week.The inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new jobs and their compliance with ministerial standards has to report back by 10 September, which is midway through the next sitting week.
(a) Compliance by former ministers of state with the requirements of paragraph 2.25 of the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards, dated 30 August 2018, including, but not limited to the undertakings given by ministers to comply with their obligations concerning post-ministerial employment, and action taken by the prime minister and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure full compliance by former ministers with paragraph 2.25 of the ministerial Standards.(a) Compliance by former ministers of state with the requirements of paragraph 2.25 of the prime minister’s statement of ministerial standards, dated 30 August 2018, including, but not limited to the undertakings given by ministers to comply with their obligations concerning post-ministerial employment, and action taken by the prime minister and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure full compliance by former ministers with paragraph 2.25 of the ministerial Standards.
That exchange makes Russell Broadbent’s call to end indefinite detention even more interesting.That exchange makes Russell Broadbent’s call to end indefinite detention even more interesting.
Larissa Waters followed it up with this:Larissa Waters followed it up with this:
What was particularly galling today was that my colleague, senator Nick McKim, who was just booted out of the country for politely trying to look at what is happening in these detention centres, asked the government: are you going to give the head of PNG the answer about the timetable? What is the timetable for withdrawal, is there one?What was particularly galling today was that my colleague, senator Nick McKim, who was just booted out of the country for politely trying to look at what is happening in these detention centres, asked the government: are you going to give the head of PNG the answer about the timetable? What is the timetable for withdrawal, is there one?
And the government refused to accept there are even people still in detention, even though behind razor wire every night those facilities are locked and people are behind those locked doors, so it was a case of a parallel universe.And the government refused to accept there are even people still in detention, even though behind razor wire every night those facilities are locked and people are behind those locked doors, so it was a case of a parallel universe.
I think we are potentially further damaging our relationship here with PNG if we continue to refuse to answer those very valid questions that are being levelled at us and the government just squibbed it today. They do not accept there is a problem. Much like the ministerial standards, they want to say nothing to see here and go back to going out to lunch with the latest lobbyist.”I think we are potentially further damaging our relationship here with PNG if we continue to refuse to answer those very valid questions that are being levelled at us and the government just squibbed it today. They do not accept there is a problem. Much like the ministerial standards, they want to say nothing to see here and go back to going out to lunch with the latest lobbyist.”
Now, on the issue of detention on Manus Island, you may remember this exchange at the press conference with James Marape and Scott Morrison this morning:Now, on the issue of detention on Manus Island, you may remember this exchange at the press conference with James Marape and Scott Morrison this morning:
Question: Thank you. Prime minister, you’ve spoken about Australia’s step-up, but there are some growing calls for Australia to step down from offshore detention. Prime minister Marape, would you like to see the Manus Island detention centre closed? And prime minister Morrison, are you prepared to do that if that’s what the prime minister asks of Australia?Question: Thank you. Prime minister, you’ve spoken about Australia’s step-up, but there are some growing calls for Australia to step down from offshore detention. Prime minister Marape, would you like to see the Manus Island detention centre closed? And prime minister Morrison, are you prepared to do that if that’s what the prime minister asks of Australia?
Morrison: Let me start off by saying that the detention centre on Manus Island is closed, has been closed for some time. There is no detention centre on Manus Island. I think it’s important that Australians are no longer told that somehow there is a detention centre that’s operating on Manus Island. That has been a process we’ve been working through now for some time. The accommodation facility at East Lorengau which now accommodates, there are about 300-odd people on Manus Island currently who are refugees and that is down from 1,353 at the peak when Labor were in power. So we’ve made substantial progress. The detention centre at Lombrum is closed and we’re working very closely together with the PNG government in terms of the service arrangements which continue for those who continue to be resident on Manus Island. And that includes a tender process on the contract which has had a lot of attention on it here, which we mutually agreed would be put in place and the existing contract extended until that tender process had been completed to allow a new service provider to step up. Prime minister?Morrison: Let me start off by saying that the detention centre on Manus Island is closed, has been closed for some time. There is no detention centre on Manus Island. I think it’s important that Australians are no longer told that somehow there is a detention centre that’s operating on Manus Island. That has been a process we’ve been working through now for some time. The accommodation facility at East Lorengau which now accommodates, there are about 300-odd people on Manus Island currently who are refugees and that is down from 1,353 at the peak when Labor were in power. So we’ve made substantial progress. The detention centre at Lombrum is closed and we’re working very closely together with the PNG government in terms of the service arrangements which continue for those who continue to be resident on Manus Island. And that includes a tender process on the contract which has had a lot of attention on it here, which we mutually agreed would be put in place and the existing contract extended until that tender process had been completed to allow a new service provider to step up. Prime minister?
Marape: Yes, as confirmed by prime minister Morrison, there is no more detention. People are living freely in Manus, and also some have moved to Port Moresby for medical reasons and are moving around freely. And I’ve expressed clearly to minister Dutton that we need to establish a schedule and timetable towards full closure of the entire asylum processes. PNG has always stood in, and stepped in to assist Australia in times of need, as you have always done to us also. We will ensure that we have a mutually workable timetable and closer program that is healthy for all of us, but more importantly, healthy for those people who have been part of us in Manus and now in PNG for some time now. Some are classified as refugees. Those who are classified as refugees, the international convention on refugees and resettlement will apply. Some are not classified as refugees; we’ll work with them to ensure they resettle, given encouragement to move back to their home of origin or where they’d like to move. Those are works in process that both governments have agreed to establish a schedule going forward. And for us, to find some closure in the Manus asylum seekers. But let me agree with prime minister Morrison: there is no more detention. We’re in the process of resettling the entire people out from PNG, within PNG, and common decency will apply to those human beings who are with us in Port Moresby and Manus right now.Marape: Yes, as confirmed by prime minister Morrison, there is no more detention. People are living freely in Manus, and also some have moved to Port Moresby for medical reasons and are moving around freely. And I’ve expressed clearly to minister Dutton that we need to establish a schedule and timetable towards full closure of the entire asylum processes. PNG has always stood in, and stepped in to assist Australia in times of need, as you have always done to us also. We will ensure that we have a mutually workable timetable and closer program that is healthy for all of us, but more importantly, healthy for those people who have been part of us in Manus and now in PNG for some time now. Some are classified as refugees. Those who are classified as refugees, the international convention on refugees and resettlement will apply. Some are not classified as refugees; we’ll work with them to ensure they resettle, given encouragement to move back to their home of origin or where they’d like to move. Those are works in process that both governments have agreed to establish a schedule going forward. And for us, to find some closure in the Manus asylum seekers. But let me agree with prime minister Morrison: there is no more detention. We’re in the process of resettling the entire people out from PNG, within PNG, and common decency will apply to those human beings who are with us in Port Moresby and Manus right now.
Larissa Waters is next up on Afternoon Briefing. She said this about why the inquiry into Pyne and Bishop’s jobs is so important:Larissa Waters is next up on Afternoon Briefing. She said this about why the inquiry into Pyne and Bishop’s jobs is so important:
This is an area where people are really crying out for better representation.This is an area where people are really crying out for better representation.
If you don’t have integrity in politics, then people lose confidence in the system, they turn off, and I think that is why we see so many Australians think that politics does not speak for them.If you don’t have integrity in politics, then people lose confidence in the system, they turn off, and I think that is why we see so many Australians think that politics does not speak for them.
Because you look at this place and people are feathering their own nest and then going off in this cosy relationship with industry groups. Like a revolving door between parliament and lobby groups and industry groups.Because you look at this place and people are feathering their own nest and then going off in this cosy relationship with industry groups. Like a revolving door between parliament and lobby groups and industry groups.
We have got to fix that. We in here have a job to represent the people and to try to work for the best outcomes of the citizens and our planet and you cannot do that if you are on the take or lining yourself up a job when you finish.”We have got to fix that. We in here have a job to represent the people and to try to work for the best outcomes of the citizens and our planet and you cannot do that if you are on the take or lining yourself up a job when you finish.”
On Newstart, Russell Broadbent had this to say:On Newstart, Russell Broadbent had this to say:
It is up to the government to govern with the resources they have and we have to give everybody as much as possible.It is up to the government to govern with the resources they have and we have to give everybody as much as possible.
I have to question the Jobstart agencies as to their effectiveness and would money be better spent directly with those who are unemployed, enabling them to get job opportunities.”I have to question the Jobstart agencies as to their effectiveness and would money be better spent directly with those who are unemployed, enabling them to get job opportunities.”
The first speeches are well under way.The first speeches are well under way.
Anika Wells is wearing white in solidarity with the suffragettes. Her daughter Celeste has been with her for much of the day.Anika Wells is wearing white in solidarity with the suffragettes. Her daughter Celeste has been with her for much of the day.
Julian Simmonds became emotional as he spoke of those who had supported him.Julian Simmonds became emotional as he spoke of those who had supported him.
So despite Mathias Cormann appearing to rule out delaying superannuation increases, Scott Morrison twice knocked back chances in question time to do the same.So despite Mathias Cormann appearing to rule out delaying superannuation increases, Scott Morrison twice knocked back chances in question time to do the same.
Then senator James Paterson said this in the Senate after question time:Then senator James Paterson said this in the Senate after question time:
“Of course it’s entirely appropriate the government has commissioned a retirement incomes review as a recommendation of the Productivity Commission. The Productivity Commission recognised it’s no good putting more money into superannuation if that system is broken, as we believe it currently is.”“Of course it’s entirely appropriate the government has commissioned a retirement incomes review as a recommendation of the Productivity Commission. The Productivity Commission recognised it’s no good putting more money into superannuation if that system is broken, as we believe it currently is.”
Paterson cited work by the assistant minister for superannuation, Jane Hume, to prevent fees and inappropriate insurance eating up low balances. He name checked both the treasury under Ken Henry during Labor’s time in government and the Grattan Institute as independent bodies which opposed super increases.Paterson cited work by the assistant minister for superannuation, Jane Hume, to prevent fees and inappropriate insurance eating up low balances. He name checked both the treasury under Ken Henry during Labor’s time in government and the Grattan Institute as independent bodies which opposed super increases.
So despite what Cormann told the Senate, it sounds like the Liberal MPs who arced up calling for super increases to be frozen have not given up.So despite what Cormann told the Senate, it sounds like the Liberal MPs who arced up calling for super increases to be frozen have not given up.
On indefinite detention, and the New Zealand offer to take 150 refugees from Manus Island and Nauru, Russell Broadbent says:On indefinite detention, and the New Zealand offer to take 150 refugees from Manus Island and Nauru, Russell Broadbent says:
“We can’t continue with indefinite detention. We cannot. That is the bottom line. At the same time we cannot have the Greens option of open borders.“We can’t continue with indefinite detention. We cannot. That is the bottom line. At the same time we cannot have the Greens option of open borders.
“That is not on either. The prime minister is going through protecting his border from this type of immigration and at the same time trying to have a compassionate stance on the people in long-term detention who will not be here, many of which are not refugees, Patricia, they are not refugees so New Zealand is only gonna take those people who are established as refugees ...“That is not on either. The prime minister is going through protecting his border from this type of immigration and at the same time trying to have a compassionate stance on the people in long-term detention who will not be here, many of which are not refugees, Patricia, they are not refugees so New Zealand is only gonna take those people who are established as refugees ...
“I think I would like to see the government pursue issues that would go towards, anything, that would go towards there being nobody left on Manus Island and nobody left on Nauru indefinite detention.“I think I would like to see the government pursue issues that would go towards, anything, that would go towards there being nobody left on Manus Island and nobody left on Nauru indefinite detention.
“That is what they want to do and that is at the heart for the nation. Clearly. Many in my community and across Australia thought we had dealt with indefinite detention under the Howard government.“That is what they want to do and that is at the heart for the nation. Clearly. Many in my community and across Australia thought we had dealt with indefinite detention under the Howard government.
“That should be a call-out to those people that care about this issue to make sure that contacting the local members and their prime minister and the minister to say this is how we feel.“That should be a call-out to those people that care about this issue to make sure that contacting the local members and their prime minister and the minister to say this is how we feel.
“That this has not gone away for us and that should be a strong movement by a whole lot of people. I believe Mr Dutton is trying to find a solution.”“That this has not gone away for us and that should be a strong movement by a whole lot of people. I believe Mr Dutton is trying to find a solution.”
Patricia Karvelas asks if he believes advocacy around ending indefinite detention had lost momentum.Patricia Karvelas asks if he believes advocacy around ending indefinite detention had lost momentum.
It rises and falls like the tide. It often takes a catalyst of an individual issue to be raised around indefinite detention. I just find it personally unacceptable for the nation that we are, for the free and wonderful nation that we are, Patricia, and we have to take every opportunity that is there to remove these people from indefinite detention.”It rises and falls like the tide. It often takes a catalyst of an individual issue to be raised around indefinite detention. I just find it personally unacceptable for the nation that we are, for the free and wonderful nation that we are, Patricia, and we have to take every opportunity that is there to remove these people from indefinite detention.”
Russell Broadbent is speaking to Patricia Karvelas on Afternoon Briefing. He had this to say about Julie Bishop and Christopher Pyne’s new job:Russell Broadbent is speaking to Patricia Karvelas on Afternoon Briefing. He had this to say about Julie Bishop and Christopher Pyne’s new job:
I think the Senate inquiry will be more of a political exercise. That is not my concern. My concern is that members of that era, of Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop, were very well looked after by the old parliamentary superannuation scheme so I think they should have particular regard and respect for any decisions that they take soon after leaving politics in regard to the parliament and former members and to those members who have to carry on into the processes of governing ...I think the Senate inquiry will be more of a political exercise. That is not my concern. My concern is that members of that era, of Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop, were very well looked after by the old parliamentary superannuation scheme so I think they should have particular regard and respect for any decisions that they take soon after leaving politics in regard to the parliament and former members and to those members who have to carry on into the processes of governing ...
I think we need to defend that trust because in the past we have let the public down too often as individuals and then probably when governments have said one thing and done another, on both sides of the House. It is not a broad accusation, it is just the way the public see us.I think we need to defend that trust because in the past we have let the public down too often as individuals and then probably when governments have said one thing and done another, on both sides of the House. It is not a broad accusation, it is just the way the public see us.
I am very close to my community and have been for a long time and know what they feel. At the football club they could not care less what Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop are doing at the moment, they are worried about the kids and their hopes and aspirations for the future and just having a job. These are things that are important to them but just the same, in general they do not like the look [of taking these jobs].”I am very close to my community and have been for a long time and know what they feel. At the football club they could not care less what Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop are doing at the moment, they are worried about the kids and their hopes and aspirations for the future and just having a job. These are things that are important to them but just the same, in general they do not like the look [of taking these jobs].”
But he trusts that Bishop and Pyne will do the right thing and trusts in Martin Parkinson’s report. He does not believe there needs to be stricter standards for former ministers.But he trusts that Bishop and Pyne will do the right thing and trusts in Martin Parkinson’s report. He does not believe there needs to be stricter standards for former ministers.
And the motion itself:And the motion itself:
Senator Patrick's motion as agreed to by the Senate #auspol pic.twitter.com/Eh7LPBGC5dSenator Patrick's motion as agreed to by the Senate #auspol pic.twitter.com/Eh7LPBGC5d
The Senate will hold an inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new roles.The Senate will hold an inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new roles.
The vote was won 35 to 29.The vote was won 35 to 29.
That’s Labor, the Greens and the whole crossbench voting for Rex Patrick’s motion.That’s Labor, the Greens and the whole crossbench voting for Rex Patrick’s motion.
The Senate is voting on Rex Patrick’s motion to start an inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new job.The Senate is voting on Rex Patrick’s motion to start an inquiry into Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop’s new job.
It has the numbers.It has the numbers.
This from the Greens (as reported by Katharine Murphy):This from the Greens (as reported by Katharine Murphy):
The Greens also want to pursue an amendment to the terms of reference to include whether serving ministers Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg may have breached guidelines regarding the listing and alleged destruction of a critically endangered grassland species.”The Greens also want to pursue an amendment to the terms of reference to include whether serving ministers Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg may have breached guidelines regarding the listing and alleged destruction of a critically endangered grassland species.”
Was rejected.Was rejected.