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'Expect and respect': Scott Morrison announces public service shake-up – politics live 'Expect and respect': Scott Morrison announces public service shake-up – politics live
(32 minutes later)
The motion is defeated, after the crossbench side with the government.
Larissa Waters gives notice that she plans on moving a motion for production of documents regarding the Angus Taylor issue.
Penny Wong:
Minister Tyler has a direct interest in Jam Land. He has a by another company, I think it’s called Gufee proprietary limited, which is a third owner of Jam Land. There is no declaration of Jam Land on his own registered interests.
The government’s defence for Minister Tyler is that because he declared Gufee, which is another company which owns the shares in Jam Land. That’s sufficient. That’s sufficient
The whole point of declarations - the whole point - is that they go to declaration of conflict.
They go to declaration of conflict of interest. You report the conflict on your register of interest, so it is a disclosed potential or actual conflicts of interest
How can you disclose a potential conflict of interest if you hide the fact that you actually are via another company and owner in the company that has the issue in terms of the property and the and the environmental regulations.
It is just hiding behind companies. That is the government’s defence- oh he declared it because he declared the other company
It’s not a standard that the public recognise.
Now, it may be, it’s been put to me, ‘well, he didn’t make any money out of it’ - that is not the test. I don’t know if he did or didn’t.
I don’t know, I assume there was some impact on the on the value of the property or the use of the property.
I mean, all of those issues can be explored. But that’s not the test. The test is what is appropriate for a cabinet minister.
And again, just go back to this, who else gets to ring up a cabinet minister in charge of a portfolio where there’s been an environmental regulation imposed, that affects your property and says can have a meeting with the department to discuss it.
It’s only Minister Taylor, he’s the only one. do we really think that’s the standard we expect for ministers of the crown?
Kristina Keneally is asking who the letter Rex Patrick says he has seen, is from - and whether the whole Senate can see it – making the point, that the Senate doesn’t know if the letter writer is related to Angus Taylor.
Rex Patrick is on his feet now and says he has been shown evidence that says Angus Taylor was asked to make a representation on behalf of a constituent. “If I am presented with a concern by a constituent, I do go to ministers and I do ask them to get a briefing from the department. So what has happened is not unusual,” Patrick says.
Patrick says he believes there is an “error of fact” in the motion and he is “quite satisfied minister Taylor was making representations on behalf of constituents”.
Larissa Waters points out the Greens tried to get their own inquiry into this issue (but it was a lot broader), which is slated to be voted on for Monday – but it is a lot broader and unlikely to get support. Waters says the Greens will support Labor and asks why the crossbench has gone cold on it.
Penny Wong is on her feet in the Senate, delivering a statement by leave, on what she says is the government protecting Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg from an inquiry.
The official statement on the prime minister’s department staff changes is out:The official statement on the prime minister’s department staff changes is out:
After a distinguished career in the public service, Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM will conclude his tenure as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on 30 August 2019.After a distinguished career in the public service, Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM will conclude his tenure as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on 30 August 2019.
I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr Parkinson for his record of service to Australian Governments and to the Australian people over many years.I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr Parkinson for his record of service to Australian Governments and to the Australian people over many years.
Martin has been a highly valued source of advice to me, both as Prime Minister and in other portfolios, and he has led the Australian Public Service with great distinction. His policy acumen across a range of domestic and international policy areas has helped Australia navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.Martin has been a highly valued source of advice to me, both as Prime Minister and in other portfolios, and he has led the Australian Public Service with great distinction. His policy acumen across a range of domestic and international policy areas has helped Australia navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.
I wish him well for the next phase of his career and I look forward to him serving the national interest in other capacities.I wish him well for the next phase of his career and I look forward to him serving the national interest in other capacities.
Mr Philip Gaetjens will be the next Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The appointment was made by the Governor-General for a period of three years from 2 September 2019.Mr Philip Gaetjens will be the next Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The appointment was made by the Governor-General for a period of three years from 2 September 2019.
Mr Gaetjens has held leadership roles in the Commonwealth and State public sectors as Secretary of the New South Wales Treasury between 2011 and 2015 and, most recently, as the Commonwealth Treasury Secretary. He has also served in a range of other senior executive positions in the Commonwealth and South Australian public services and as Chief of Staff to the Treasurer on two separate occasions.Mr Gaetjens has held leadership roles in the Commonwealth and State public sectors as Secretary of the New South Wales Treasury between 2011 and 2015 and, most recently, as the Commonwealth Treasury Secretary. He has also served in a range of other senior executive positions in the Commonwealth and South Australian public services and as Chief of Staff to the Treasurer on two separate occasions.
Phil will bring enormous experience to the position and help drive the Government’s ambitious agenda over the next three years in delivering for the Australian people. He is the ideal candidate to steer the Australian Public Service into the future.Phil will bring enormous experience to the position and help drive the Government’s ambitious agenda over the next three years in delivering for the Australian people. He is the ideal candidate to steer the Australian Public Service into the future.
Dr Steven Kennedy PSM will be appointed as the next Secretary of Treasury. He will move from being Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.Dr Steven Kennedy PSM will be appointed as the next Secretary of Treasury. He will move from being Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.
Steven brings broad expertise and strong leadership to the Treasury Secretary role. In recent years, he has led work on infrastructure planning and delivery, the cities agenda, regulatory reform, public data and digital innovation. Steven has twice been seconded to the Prime Minister’s office, working as the Director of Cabinet and Government Business and Senior Economic Adviser.Steven brings broad expertise and strong leadership to the Treasury Secretary role. In recent years, he has led work on infrastructure planning and delivery, the cities agenda, regulatory reform, public data and digital innovation. Steven has twice been seconded to the Prime Minister’s office, working as the Director of Cabinet and Government Business and Senior Economic Adviser.
Climate change is not such a clusterhucked trash fire in the UK. Which means the conservatives can pass a 2050 net zero emissions target.Climate change is not such a clusterhucked trash fire in the UK. Which means the conservatives can pass a 2050 net zero emissions target.
And did.And did.
Which Labor is keen to highlight, now that Boris Johnson is prime minister and, well, Australia’s emissions reduction target is ... not great. Mark Butler had this to say about it:Which Labor is keen to highlight, now that Boris Johnson is prime minister and, well, Australia’s emissions reduction target is ... not great. Mark Butler had this to say about it:
The UK is an extraordinary demonstration of the impact of political maturity and bipartisanship when dealing with climate change.The UK is an extraordinary demonstration of the impact of political maturity and bipartisanship when dealing with climate change.
In 2030 Australia’s pollution is projected to be only 7 per cent below 2005 levels, well short of the Government’s inadequate commitment of a 26-28 per cent cut. Compare that to the United Kingdom, which is currently projected to meet a reduction of 61 per cent over the same time period. Their fifth carbon budget reflects a bipartisan process that is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In 2030 Australia’s pollution is projected to be only 7% below 2005 levels, well short of the government’s inadequate commitment of a 26-28% cut. Compare that to the United Kingdom, which is currently projected to meet a reduction of 61% over the same time period. Their fifth carbon budget reflects a bipartisan process that is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The UK Parliament has taken the science of climate change seriously and have acted in accordance. Scott Morrison should take a note from the UK handbook and work with Labor in delivering credible climate policy. The UK parliament has taken the science of climate change seriously and have acted in accordance. Scott Morrison should take a note from the UK handbook and work with Labor in delivering credible climate policy.
Mawwiage.......Mawwiage.......
(If you don’t get that reference, read a book! (and then see the movie))(If you don’t get that reference, read a book! (and then see the movie))
ABS reports median duration of job search is 19 weeks. Among those who've been out of work for at least a year, the median duration is 109 weeks (or more than 2 years)ABS reports median duration of job search is 19 weeks. Among those who've been out of work for at least a year, the median duration is 109 weeks (or more than 2 years)
Flags three ways. The PM @ScottMorrisonMP at his press conference. @murpharoo @mpbowers @AmyRemeikis pic.twitter.com/SX8tzvm4vkFlags three ways. The PM @ScottMorrisonMP at his press conference. @murpharoo @mpbowers @AmyRemeikis pic.twitter.com/SX8tzvm4vk
The House is dividing for the third reading of the medevac repeal vote.The House is dividing for the third reading of the medevac repeal vote.
It will pass the House. Then it heads to the Senate, where, as we’ve been reporting since earlier this month, it will do nothing for at least a couple of months. The bill is in committee, which is not due to report back until October. The Senate won’t sit again until November. So there is a bit of time for both sides to make their cases to Jacqui Lambie.It will pass the House. Then it heads to the Senate, where, as we’ve been reporting since earlier this month, it will do nothing for at least a couple of months. The bill is in committee, which is not due to report back until October. The Senate won’t sit again until November. So there is a bit of time for both sides to make their cases to Jacqui Lambie.
Scott Morrison ends the press conference after this question:Scott Morrison ends the press conference after this question:
Back to the public sector, the economy is facing a testing time at the moment and you have also implemented or are working on Ember mentation of the Royal Commission, did you take that into consideration when you change horses in Treasury smoke a confident of this process?Back to the public sector, the economy is facing a testing time at the moment and you have also implemented or are working on Ember mentation of the Royal Commission, did you take that into consideration when you change horses in Treasury smoke a confident of this process?
Morrison:Morrison:
Absolutely. That may be clear because this came up in Question Time yesterday, there is already legislation that has passed Parliament in regarding implement in recommendations, many of the recommendations don’t require legislation and are being appointed in a ministry capacity.Absolutely. That may be clear because this came up in Question Time yesterday, there is already legislation that has passed Parliament in regarding implement in recommendations, many of the recommendations don’t require legislation and are being appointed in a ministry capacity.
But there is quite a bit of legislation out there and expose a draft for public consultation. What we need to be very careful to do is particularly you would know, writing for the AFR, we have to be careful in the precision of this legislation when it comes forward into the Parliament.But there is quite a bit of legislation out there and expose a draft for public consultation. What we need to be very careful to do is particularly you would know, writing for the AFR, we have to be careful in the precision of this legislation when it comes forward into the Parliament.
I’m not going to rush that and see things for new legislation that could have been addressed the to the consultation period. I’m going to make sure we give that time to work with the sector to make sure these legislative responses are correct. I don’t understand labour ‘s position.I’m not going to rush that and see things for new legislation that could have been addressed the to the consultation period. I’m going to make sure we give that time to work with the sector to make sure these legislative responses are correct. I don’t understand labour ‘s position.
What are they expecting, that we should have some rushed legislation? That’s how we end up with pink bat fiascoes. And overpriced school halls when you don’t take care and making responses to these things.What are they expecting, that we should have some rushed legislation? That’s how we end up with pink bat fiascoes. And overpriced school halls when you don’t take care and making responses to these things.
And we are taking care. This is a very, very significant priority of the government, to get this right. Just as all the other matters are, and we will continue to just work through the process of delivering on our agenda and to deliver on that agenda, you have to be hand in glove.And we are taking care. This is a very, very significant priority of the government, to get this right. Just as all the other matters are, and we will continue to just work through the process of delivering on our agenda and to deliver on that agenda, you have to be hand in glove.
And you had the public service, working closely with strong leadership from the ministers and the Prime Minister, the expectation of performance and delivery and respect for the great capabilities of our public service.And you had the public service, working closely with strong leadership from the ministers and the Prime Minister, the expectation of performance and delivery and respect for the great capabilities of our public service.
The ACT police have released this statement:The ACT police have released this statement:
At about 7.50am today ACT Policing received a report of a disturbance at a hotel in Kingston.At about 7.50am today ACT Policing received a report of a disturbance at a hotel in Kingston.
Officers on patrol nearby attended and the matter was resolved.Officers on patrol nearby attended and the matter was resolved.
At this time, no charges have been laid. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident in consultation with the business owners.At this time, no charges have been laid. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident in consultation with the business owners.
For privacy reasons, ACT Policing cannot comment on whether a particular individual is under investigation or not.For privacy reasons, ACT Policing cannot comment on whether a particular individual is under investigation or not.
On Andrew Bragg’s super views:On Andrew Bragg’s super views:
Well, I respond by as I always do encouraging all my members to participate in the policy process, and we have many of those processes.Well, I respond by as I always do encouraging all my members to participate in the policy process, and we have many of those processes.
In fact, the primary way we do that is through our internal processes as a party. When people give their first speeches, their made speeches in parliament, it is not unsurprising that people will set out broader especially personal views, and I welcome that. That is what we have seen in first speeches in this place for a very long period of time.In fact, the primary way we do that is through our internal processes as a party. When people give their first speeches, their made speeches in parliament, it is not unsurprising that people will set out broader especially personal views, and I welcome that. That is what we have seen in first speeches in this place for a very long period of time.
And I think it is important that members and senators have the opportunity to do that, especially in their first speeches, so I wouldn’t over interpret on that front ...And I think it is important that members and senators have the opportunity to do that, especially in their first speeches, so I wouldn’t over interpret on that front ...
On the points of policy that you raised, I have been very clear. The government’s policy has not changed. The treasurer made that very clear also yesterday in question time. Because I am very keen to ensure, especially in a time of low-wage growth, which we have, it has been modest, I have always acknowledged that, in the best way to improve that and improve what people have in their pockets is to ensure they keep more of what they earn, and that is why we were so adamant at the last election and prior to that, and now, to deliver that tax relief which the Labor party sought to do everything they could to oppose, and they will always be for higher taxes, not for lower taxes, and that is something on which I know all members agree.On the points of policy that you raised, I have been very clear. The government’s policy has not changed. The treasurer made that very clear also yesterday in question time. Because I am very keen to ensure, especially in a time of low-wage growth, which we have, it has been modest, I have always acknowledged that, in the best way to improve that and improve what people have in their pockets is to ensure they keep more of what they earn, and that is why we were so adamant at the last election and prior to that, and now, to deliver that tax relief which the Labor party sought to do everything they could to oppose, and they will always be for higher taxes, not for lower taxes, and that is something on which I know all members agree.
Scott Morrison on whether there will be more changes:Scott Morrison on whether there will be more changes:
Well, I will always reserve that right to make further changes where I believe they are necessary. I think these are the ones that are necessary right now. We will have an acting secretary in infrastructure until such time as we make a permanent appointment in that area, but these are matters that I am looking at closely.Well, I will always reserve that right to make further changes where I believe they are necessary. I think these are the ones that are necessary right now. We will have an acting secretary in infrastructure until such time as we make a permanent appointment in that area, but these are matters that I am looking at closely.
I am working close with all the secretaries of all departments and agent fees, and I look forward to that continuing. I am obviously consulting closely with my ministers as well about the best set of arrangements that we can put in place. But when it comes to PM and C and Treasury, I think you’ll agree they are fairly central agencies but we will continue to work with others as government dictates.I am working close with all the secretaries of all departments and agent fees, and I look forward to that continuing. I am obviously consulting closely with my ministers as well about the best set of arrangements that we can put in place. But when it comes to PM and C and Treasury, I think you’ll agree they are fairly central agencies but we will continue to work with others as government dictates.
Scott Morrison was VERY prepared for this question:Scott Morrison was VERY prepared for this question:
Appointing your former senior adviser as the head of the bureaucracy will inevitably be seen as a politicisation of the bureaucracy. How can you give an undertaking undertaking that that traditional break between departmental officials and the political wing of government will be maintained?Appointing your former senior adviser as the head of the bureaucracy will inevitably be seen as a politicisation of the bureaucracy. How can you give an undertaking undertaking that that traditional break between departmental officials and the political wing of government will be maintained?
Morrison (who goes to read from a piece of paper in front of him):Morrison (who goes to read from a piece of paper in front of him):
Well, in the same way that previous Labor prime ministers have been able to give that same obligation and accountability and commitment to the Australian people, in the numerous appointments they have made of everyone from Don Russell to Tim Lee, Geoff Ferry, Richard Mort.Well, in the same way that previous Labor prime ministers have been able to give that same obligation and accountability and commitment to the Australian people, in the numerous appointments they have made of everyone from Don Russell to Tim Lee, Geoff Ferry, Richard Mort.
This is not uncommon that people have worked in the political sphere and the bureaucratic sphere, because it is both, and where they have that experience, I think that AIDS them well in the tasks that they have.This is not uncommon that people have worked in the political sphere and the bureaucratic sphere, because it is both, and where they have that experience, I think that AIDS them well in the tasks that they have.
In the secretaries that I currently have working under the Coalition government, Rosemary Huxtable, Steven Kennedy, Daryl Quinlan, Frances Adamson, all of them have served in both political roles for Labor and are doing an outstanding job for me in the secretary roles they have. It is about merit and it is about quality. And in the two appointments I have announced today, I believe that the two men have done an extraordinary job, and have earned my trust and my respect and the respect of my government.In the secretaries that I currently have working under the Coalition government, Rosemary Huxtable, Steven Kennedy, Daryl Quinlan, Frances Adamson, all of them have served in both political roles for Labor and are doing an outstanding job for me in the secretary roles they have. It is about merit and it is about quality. And in the two appointments I have announced today, I believe that the two men have done an extraordinary job, and have earned my trust and my respect and the respect of my government.
The Treasury boss and former chief of staff to Scott Morrison when he was in Treasury – Phil Gaetjens – has been named Morrison’s new departmental secretary.The Treasury boss and former chief of staff to Scott Morrison when he was in Treasury – Phil Gaetjens – has been named Morrison’s new departmental secretary.
Steven Kennedy, who is in infrastructure, will move over to Treasury.Steven Kennedy, who is in infrastructure, will move over to Treasury.
Steven has obviously worked on the Labor side, Phil has worked on the Coalition side. This is about merit, this is about people that know how to get a job done, and people have earned the respect for the roles that I think they will now be able to serve in.Steven has obviously worked on the Labor side, Phil has worked on the Coalition side. This is about merit, this is about people that know how to get a job done, and people have earned the respect for the roles that I think they will now be able to serve in.