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Labor grills Angus Taylor over company interests – politics live Labor grills Angus Taylor over company interests – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
With the chambers all quiet and the rush to the airport in full swing, we are going to go collapse in a heap and stare at a wall.
Until Monday, when the parliament is back for the last sitting ahead of the winter break.
Expect unions to be the issue of next week. And super. Both sides have found an issue to hit the other with the key question WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON and they won’t let go.
The disability royal commission will no doubt get more airplay next week and Labor and the Greens have both said they will continue pursuing Angus Taylor next week.
Parliament is starting to get back into the swing of things. Of course, that momentum will be broken by the upcoming five-week break, but you saw a little of what the rest of the year is going to look like in the last few days.
There are only five weeks of full sittings left after next week (with the House and Senate meeting for one more each, separately) so there is going to be a lot of space to fill. Labor seems to be slowly emerging from its post-election funk (although it is still lingering) and the Coalition is working out how it moves ahead, beyond letting Scott Morrison carry all of them (although there is some of that left as well).
The new normal is rapidly setting in, is what I’m saying. Next week will be very interesting.
Thank you to Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and Sarah Martin and everyone in the Guardian brains’ trust for getting me through the week. And of course, as always, thank-you to you, for spending some of your day with us. I hope you get to go stare at a wall of your own for a bit and can take a break.
We’ll be back early on Monday morning. In the meantime, check back on the Guardian site for news and Murph’s analysis. And of course – take care of you.
Here’s how Mike Bowers saw some of the dayHere’s how Mike Bowers saw some of the day
Kristina Keneally has seemingly beat the government in the temporary exclusion order press release race (where she explains why Labor supported a bill it has a concerns about, because this is becoming something of a habit):Kristina Keneally has seemingly beat the government in the temporary exclusion order press release race (where she explains why Labor supported a bill it has a concerns about, because this is becoming something of a habit):
Australia will finally have a mechanism to appropriately control the return of foreign fighters into the country following the passage of the Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) legislation through the parliament this afternoon.Australia will finally have a mechanism to appropriately control the return of foreign fighters into the country following the passage of the Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) legislation through the parliament this afternoon.
This is not a victory for Peter Dutton who, as home affairs minister, could have had this legislation in place four years ago – just as the United Kingdom did in 2015.This is not a victory for Peter Dutton who, as home affairs minister, could have had this legislation in place four years ago – just as the United Kingdom did in 2015.
Instead, Minister Dutton left Australia unprotected for four years, allowing, as we learned this week, 40 so-called ‘jihadis’ to come back into Australia unmanaged.Instead, Minister Dutton left Australia unprotected for four years, allowing, as we learned this week, 40 so-called ‘jihadis’ to come back into Australia unmanaged.
Labor has always supported the intent of TEOs – which is why we have taken every step to ensure the scheme works, keeps Australians safe, and is constitutional.Labor has always supported the intent of TEOs – which is why we have taken every step to ensure the scheme works, keeps Australians safe, and is constitutional.
The reality is, Australians who have gone overseas to join the so-called ‘caliphate’ do pose a risk to the safety and security of our country. Their return, including those returning to face criminal charges, must be controlled appropriately.The reality is, Australians who have gone overseas to join the so-called ‘caliphate’ do pose a risk to the safety and security of our country. Their return, including those returning to face criminal charges, must be controlled appropriately.
Given this risk, Labor was not prepared to leave Australia without a scheme to control their return, like Mr Dutton has done for the past four years.Given this risk, Labor was not prepared to leave Australia without a scheme to control their return, like Mr Dutton has done for the past four years.
Labor moved amendments in both the House and the Senate to give full effect to the bipartisan recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS).Labor moved amendments in both the House and the Senate to give full effect to the bipartisan recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS).
These recommendations were handed by the chair of the PJCIS, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, to Peter Dutton himself and signed off on by all members of the committee – including Liberal members Eric Abetz, Amanda Stoker, David Fawcett, Julian Leeser and Jason Wood.These recommendations were handed by the chair of the PJCIS, Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, to Peter Dutton himself and signed off on by all members of the committee – including Liberal members Eric Abetz, Amanda Stoker, David Fawcett, Julian Leeser and Jason Wood.
Regrettably, the Liberal MPs and senators voted against their own recommendations – marking the first time since 2013 that the government has rejected outright recommendations from the bipartisan PJCIS.Regrettably, the Liberal MPs and senators voted against their own recommendations – marking the first time since 2013 that the government has rejected outright recommendations from the bipartisan PJCIS.
Instead of working to improve legislation, the home affairs minister and the government have taken the dangerous step of fracturing the bipartisan approach to Australia’s national security and the compact of the PJCIS.Instead of working to improve legislation, the home affairs minister and the government have taken the dangerous step of fracturing the bipartisan approach to Australia’s national security and the compact of the PJCIS.
Minister Dutton also refused to release the government’s legal advice to put to rest concerns about the constitutionality of the legislation.Minister Dutton also refused to release the government’s legal advice to put to rest concerns about the constitutionality of the legislation.
When it comes to keeping Australia safe from countering violent extremism and terrorism we should expect and demand more than a home affairs minister and government that plays political games such as these.When it comes to keeping Australia safe from countering violent extremism and terrorism we should expect and demand more than a home affairs minister and government that plays political games such as these.
Annnnnnd there goes the HouseAnnnnnnd there goes the House
The House stands adjourned. Members will return to the Chamber on Monday.The House stands adjourned. Members will return to the Chamber on Monday.
Temporary exclusion orders have passed – and the Senate has adjourned.Temporary exclusion orders have passed – and the Senate has adjourned.
A small mystery this parliamentary week is why the Coalition removed a 12-month amnesty for employers who fail to pay workers’ superannuation from a government bill, when the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, told Guardian Australia it remains government policy.A small mystery this parliamentary week is why the Coalition removed a 12-month amnesty for employers who fail to pay workers’ superannuation from a government bill, when the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, told Guardian Australia it remains government policy.
On ABC TV, Christian Porter, minister for industrial relations, was asked where the amnesty is at.On ABC TV, Christian Porter, minister for industrial relations, was asked where the amnesty is at.
He replied: “It remains in the bill but my recollection as to what precise amendment might have been made on that I couldn’t quite say. I think that’s not one of the matters that was changed. But the bill did go through a range of amendments based on committee recommendations and those amendments were to bring the bill as closely into line with corporations law as could possibly be achieved with respect to registered organisations.”He replied: “It remains in the bill but my recollection as to what precise amendment might have been made on that I couldn’t quite say. I think that’s not one of the matters that was changed. But the bill did go through a range of amendments based on committee recommendations and those amendments were to bring the bill as closely into line with corporations law as could possibly be achieved with respect to registered organisations.”
That answer is wrong – because the amnesty was removed from the Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Superannuation Measures No. 1) bill 2019 - and is also confused, because the second half appears to relate to the Ensuring Integrity bill, which never contained the amnesty.That answer is wrong – because the amnesty was removed from the Treasury Laws Amendment (2018 Superannuation Measures No. 1) bill 2019 - and is also confused, because the second half appears to relate to the Ensuring Integrity bill, which never contained the amnesty.
But in any event, despite the confusion it seems clear the amnesty for employers who don’t pay super IS still policy.But in any event, despite the confusion it seems clear the amnesty for employers who don’t pay super IS still policy.
Patricia Karvelas asks whether unauthorised strike action could see unions in trouble under the ensuring integrity bill.Patricia Karvelas asks whether unauthorised strike action could see unions in trouble under the ensuring integrity bill.
Christian Porter tells Afternoon Briefing:Christian Porter tells Afternoon Briefing:
Well, the structure of the bill as it sets out quite clearly, what are the types of behaviour, unlawful behaviour which could trigger an application issuer against a sitting public official or where there’s lots of that behaviour occurring against registered organisation itself.Well, the structure of the bill as it sets out quite clearly, what are the types of behaviour, unlawful behaviour which could trigger an application issuer against a sitting public official or where there’s lots of that behaviour occurring against registered organisation itself.
But of course the point I think is that these are triggers which then require an argument by someone with sufficient standing before the federal court.But of course the point I think is that these are triggers which then require an argument by someone with sufficient standing before the federal court.
As to why the pattern of unlawful behaviour warrants an organisation or part of an organisation, say a branch being deregistered, and then the court would have to consider whether that was just in all the circumstances. So there are all of the usual safeguards and steps and requirements and burdens and things that must be shown and proven. But this is just a minimum standard for lawful behaviour in the workplace.As to why the pattern of unlawful behaviour warrants an organisation or part of an organisation, say a branch being deregistered, and then the court would have to consider whether that was just in all the circumstances. So there are all of the usual safeguards and steps and requirements and burdens and things that must be shown and proven. But this is just a minimum standard for lawful behaviour in the workplace.
So that is a yes then. Basically.So that is a yes then. Basically.
You may remember from earlier this week, that Ed Husic has decided he has had enough of lightly stepping around Peter Dutton and declared Dutton “could not be trusted” on national security.You may remember from earlier this week, that Ed Husic has decided he has had enough of lightly stepping around Peter Dutton and declared Dutton “could not be trusted” on national security.
Today, in a statement to the House, he doubled down, saying he did not believe Dutton was “worthy” of the crucial portfolio.Today, in a statement to the House, he doubled down, saying he did not believe Dutton was “worthy” of the crucial portfolio.
National security is one of the most critical functions of government.National security is one of the most critical functions of government.
The safety of the nation is a principal threshold priority. It should remain shielded from politicisation, so that the Australian public can remain confident that no one is playing games with national security.The safety of the nation is a principal threshold priority. It should remain shielded from politicisation, so that the Australian public can remain confident that no one is playing games with national security.
Yet, through his actions, the minister for home affairs has demonstrated he is not worthy of this portfolio. He cannot be trusted and he cannot help himself from prompting politicking above the solemn duty to do the right thing when it comes to national security.Yet, through his actions, the minister for home affairs has demonstrated he is not worthy of this portfolio. He cannot be trusted and he cannot help himself from prompting politicking above the solemn duty to do the right thing when it comes to national security.
Look at his track record. He has trashed the bipartisanship that’s guided national security debate.Look at his track record. He has trashed the bipartisanship that’s guided national security debate.
He’s deliberately misled the public with falsehoods about the medevac legislation that have proven to be wrong.He’s deliberately misled the public with falsehoods about the medevac legislation that have proven to be wrong.
Under his watch, journos’ homes get raided. Yet investigations into how Asio documents fall into the hands of the media gets dropped.Under his watch, journos’ homes get raided. Yet investigations into how Asio documents fall into the hands of the media gets dropped.
He ratted on deals to fix up the encryption legislation that’s hurting Australian tech firms. Metadata that is supposed to be used under strict terms is being abused and his department refused to provide legally required reports on what’s happening with its use.He ratted on deals to fix up the encryption legislation that’s hurting Australian tech firms. Metadata that is supposed to be used under strict terms is being abused and his department refused to provide legally required reports on what’s happening with its use.
Millions of dollars in government contracts were awarded to Paladin under his watch. Foreign fighter laws, that took years to get here, still aren’t here properly.Millions of dollars in government contracts were awarded to Paladin under his watch. Foreign fighter laws, that took years to get here, still aren’t here properly.
He cannot be trusted. We are on to him, and we will not rest.He cannot be trusted. We are on to him, and we will not rest.
Seems like everyone is keen to get out of here today.Seems like everyone is keen to get out of here today.
The Senate looks like it is reordering business, at the request of the government, to move all the routine business aside, so the temporary exclusion order can be discussed.The Senate looks like it is reordering business, at the request of the government, to move all the routine business aside, so the temporary exclusion order can be discussed.
Labor is supporting that, so the Senate will sit until that is passed (which it will be, because Labor is supporting the bill) and then the Senate will rise until Monday.Labor is supporting that, so the Senate will sit until that is passed (which it will be, because Labor is supporting the bill) and then the Senate will rise until Monday.
Mathias Cormann: I move that …Mathias Cormann: I move that …
(1) The routine of business for the remainder of the day be consideration of government business only.(1) The routine of business for the remainder of the day be consideration of government business only.
(2) Divisions may take place after 4.30 pm.(2) Divisions may take place after 4.30 pm.
(3) The Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has completed consideration of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019 and a related bill, including any message from the House of Representatives, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.(3) The Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has completed consideration of the Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019 and a related bill, including any message from the House of Representatives, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.
Just in case you missed some of the Angus Taylor stories from Lisa Cox and Anne Davies, you can find them here,Just in case you missed some of the Angus Taylor stories from Lisa Cox and Anne Davies, you can find them here,
For those who followed #qt today, a thread with key stories from our @GuardianAus investigation of Angus Taylor, Josh Frydenberg and the endangered grasslandsFor those who followed #qt today, a thread with key stories from our @GuardianAus investigation of Angus Taylor, Josh Frydenberg and the endangered grasslands
This is an issue which hasn’t got a lot of airplay in the parliament today, but Richard Di Natale has released a statement on this story:This is an issue which hasn’t got a lot of airplay in the parliament today, but Richard Di Natale has released a statement on this story:
In the same week UK courts declared British arms exports to Saudi Arabia to be unlawful, a large shipment of Australian-built remote weapons systems left Sydney airport.In the same week UK courts declared British arms exports to Saudi Arabia to be unlawful, a large shipment of Australian-built remote weapons systems left Sydney airport.
Secret photographs, obtained by Guardian Australia, confirm the identity of the buyers – the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates governments, whose forces are currently waging a devastating war in Yemen. Also marked are the suppliers of the equipment, which the manufacturer boasts is ‘significantly enhancing lethality’ in combat.Secret photographs, obtained by Guardian Australia, confirm the identity of the buyers – the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates governments, whose forces are currently waging a devastating war in Yemen. Also marked are the suppliers of the equipment, which the manufacturer boasts is ‘significantly enhancing lethality’ in combat.
Di Natale:Di Natale:
While other nations around the world ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and the US Senate recently blocked sales to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Australia is continuing to profit off both nations’ warmongering, while remaining tight-lipped or wilfully ignorant about where our weapons are ending up.While other nations around the world ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and the US Senate recently blocked sales to both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Australia is continuing to profit off both nations’ warmongering, while remaining tight-lipped or wilfully ignorant about where our weapons are ending up.
By shipping weapons to these two regimes, we’re contributing to an unfolding catastrophe in Yemen, pouring fuel onto a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and been described by observers as the ‘world’s worst humanitarian crisis’.By shipping weapons to these two regimes, we’re contributing to an unfolding catastrophe in Yemen, pouring fuel onto a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and been described by observers as the ‘world’s worst humanitarian crisis’.
This is inexcusable and callous ignorance. By permitting and profiting off these sales, Australia is tacitly allowing the UAE and Saudi regimes to continue a war that’s left 24 million people in need of help. It’s time to end our arms trade with human rights abusers, and rip up the government’s obscene plans to make Australia a global arms dealer.This is inexcusable and callous ignorance. By permitting and profiting off these sales, Australia is tacitly allowing the UAE and Saudi regimes to continue a war that’s left 24 million people in need of help. It’s time to end our arms trade with human rights abusers, and rip up the government’s obscene plans to make Australia a global arms dealer.
Bill Shorten has released a statement on the Senate call for the disability abuse royal commissioners to stand down:Bill Shorten has released a statement on the Senate call for the disability abuse royal commissioners to stand down:
... The Senate has now backed the calls of the Australian Labor Party and the disability community for the Government to act to preserve the integrity of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.... The Senate has now backed the calls of the Australian Labor Party and the disability community for the Government to act to preserve the integrity of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
This commission is a chance to let sunlight in, expose historical wrongs and learn from them so we can provide better services to people with disability and eradicate abuse and neglect from their lives in the future.This commission is a chance to let sunlight in, expose historical wrongs and learn from them so we can provide better services to people with disability and eradicate abuse and neglect from their lives in the future.
But that will be impossible to achieve if we have two commissioners who could end up in charge of investigating themselves, their former colleagues or their former workplaces.But that will be impossible to achieve if we have two commissioners who could end up in charge of investigating themselves, their former colleagues or their former workplaces.
John Ryan is an ex-Liberal politician, NSW shadow minister for disability, and a public servant who had oversight of residential care programs for people with disability in NSW.John Ryan is an ex-Liberal politician, NSW shadow minister for disability, and a public servant who had oversight of residential care programs for people with disability in NSW.
Barbara Bennett was deputy secretary for families and communities at the Department of Social Services and at various times oversaw the Commonwealth workplace health and compensation scheme, the National Redress Scheme, welfare, family safety, housing and homelessness, and grants to the disability sector.Barbara Bennett was deputy secretary for families and communities at the Department of Social Services and at various times oversaw the Commonwealth workplace health and compensation scheme, the National Redress Scheme, welfare, family safety, housing and homelessness, and grants to the disability sector.
Barbara Bennett and John Ryan should have already listened to the voices of the disability community, recognised that they are fundamentally conflicted, and stood down from these roles.Barbara Bennett and John Ryan should have already listened to the voices of the disability community, recognised that they are fundamentally conflicted, and stood down from these roles.
Since they have not then it falls to the Coalition Government to do the right thing and remove them. Labor has called for this.Since they have not then it falls to the Coalition Government to do the right thing and remove them. Labor has called for this.
Sixty groups representing people with disability have already called for this.Sixty groups representing people with disability have already called for this.
Now the Senate is calling for it.Now the Senate is calling for it.
Time is up for these two. It’s time for the Government to act.Time is up for these two. It’s time for the Government to act.
The division ends as it was always going to and question time ends, with Scott Morrison commending all the new members, and giving a particular mention to Peta Murphy, the Labor member for Dunkley, who told the House her breast cancer had re-emerged two weeks after her election, and sends her the House’s best wishes.The division ends as it was always going to and question time ends, with Scott Morrison commending all the new members, and giving a particular mention to Peta Murphy, the Labor member for Dunkley, who told the House her breast cancer had re-emerged two weeks after her election, and sends her the House’s best wishes.