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Labor loses motion calling for Angus Taylor referral to Senate inquiry – politics live Labor loses motion calling for Angus Taylor referral to Senate inquiry – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
That’s it for Politics Live today, but we will be back tomorrow morning for the third last sitting day before the winter break kicks in.
The government still wants to talk unions, but who knows what the day will hold. It’s that sort of week.
It’s party room day (and caucus) so we will bring you what the parties are talking about.
And no doubt Angus Taylor will remain popular, at least from Labor’s point of view.
Thank you so much for joining us today. A big thank you to Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy and Paul Karp for keeping me fed and hydrated (it’s important to stay hydrated - so I don’t know who needs to hear this, but please drink some water).
We’ll all be back tomorrow morning. I hope you will be too. As always - take care of you.
The Senate passed the maritime boundary legislation a little bit ago, prompting this joint statement with four ministers names to it (Scott Morrison, Marise Payne, Josh Frydenberg and Matt Canavan)
Today, the Australian Parliament passed legislation to implement the treaty between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea.
The treaty establishes permanent maritime boundaries between our two countries and a stable legal framework for the development of gas and oil resources in the Timor Sea.
It upholds Australia’s commitment to international rules and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and reflects our full commitment to the independence, sovereignty and economic sustainability of Timor-Leste.
Since the signing of the treaty on 6 March 2018, the Australian Government has worked with the Timor-Leste Government and offshore petroleum operators on transitional arrangements that provide commercial certainty and security for all the parties.
With the passage of the treaty’s implementing legislation today, Australia is now ready to partner with Timor-Leste to jointly develop the Greater Sunrise gas fields for the benefit of both countries.
Greater Sunrise will provide new opportunities for income, and commercial and industrial development in Timor-Leste, and is an important part of Timor-Leste’s economic future.
As Timor-Leste celebrates the 20th anniversary of its independence as a sovereign nation this year, Australia remains steadfast in our support for Timor-Leste’s prosperity and role in the Indo-Pacific, and our friendship with the Timorese people.
There has not been nearly enough YASSSSSS minister jokes for my liking today, so thank you David RoweThere has not been nearly enough YASSSSSS minister jokes for my liking today, so thank you David Rowe
Yass minister #AngusTaylor @FinancialReview #auspol pic.twitter.com/ymGjz1qRCyYass minister #AngusTaylor @FinancialReview #auspol pic.twitter.com/ymGjz1qRCy
And the references for that fact check:And the references for that fact check:
1. ‘Push to lift Newstart “erased” before election’, by Rob Harris. The Sydney Morning Herald. July 23, 20191. ‘Push to lift Newstart “erased” before election’, by Rob Harris. The Sydney Morning Herald. July 23, 2019
2. ‘Speers, Sky News TV’. July 24, 20192. ‘Speers, Sky News TV’. July 24, 2019
3. ‘Older unemployed out of retirement review’, by Sophie Moore AAP. The Murray Valley Standard. July 26, 20193. ‘Older unemployed out of retirement review’, by Sophie Moore AAP. The Murray Valley Standard. July 26, 2019
4. ‘Kenny Report’. Sky News TV. July 24, 20194. ‘Kenny Report’. Sky News TV. July 24, 2019
5.‘BILLS - Social Services Legislation Amendment (Ending the Poverty Trap) Bill 2018 - Second Reading’, The Senate. Parliamentary Debates. Commonwealth of Australia. July, 22 20195.‘BILLS - Social Services Legislation Amendment (Ending the Poverty Trap) Bill 2018 - Second Reading’, The Senate. Parliamentary Debates. Commonwealth of Australia. July, 22 2019
6. ‘Coalition puts surplus before Newstart rise’, by Phillip Coorey. Australian Financial Review. July 19, 20196. ‘Coalition puts surplus before Newstart rise’, by Phillip Coorey. Australian Financial Review. July 19, 2019
7. Senator Amanda Stoker. Verified Facebook page. May 11, 20197. Senator Amanda Stoker. Verified Facebook page. May 11, 2019
8.‘Bill Shorten appears on Q&A after Scott Morrison’s 7.30 interview – as it happened’, by Amy Remeikis. The Guardian. May 7, 20198.‘Bill Shorten appears on Q&A after Scott Morrison’s 7.30 interview – as it happened’, by Amy Remeikis. The Guardian. May 7, 2019
9. ‘Coalition promises to support charities and the NDIS… but won’t budge on Newstart’, by Luke Michael. Pro Bono Australia. April 20, 20199. ‘Coalition promises to support charities and the NDIS… but won’t budge on Newstart’, by Luke Michael. Pro Bono Australia. April 20, 2019
10.‘Newstart Allowance’. Department of Human Services10.‘Newstart Allowance’. Department of Human Services
11. ‘Newstart Allowance - How much you can get’. Department of Human Services11. ‘Newstart Allowance - How much you can get’. Department of Human Services
12. ‘‘Utterly shameful’: Renewed push to raise unemployment benefit’, by Sam Clench and Jasmine Hines. News.com.au. July 22, 201912. ‘‘Utterly shameful’: Renewed push to raise unemployment benefit’, by Sam Clench and Jasmine Hines. News.com.au. July 22, 2019
13. ‘Newstart: Liberal MPs break ranks to join Nationals group calling for welfare increase’, by Sarah Martin. The Guardian Australia. July 22, 201913. ‘Newstart: Liberal MPs break ranks to join Nationals group calling for welfare increase’, by Sarah Martin. The Guardian Australia. July 22, 2019
14. ‘Two Libs join push to lift dole payments’, by Matt Coughlan. AAP. July 23, 201914. ‘Two Libs join push to lift dole payments’, by Matt Coughlan. AAP. July 23, 2019
15. ‘Morrison government to prioritise pensioners over Newstart recipients’, by Rob Harris and Judith Ireland. The Sydney Morning Herald. July 24, 201915. ‘Morrison government to prioritise pensioners over Newstart recipients’, by Rob Harris and Judith Ireland. The Sydney Morning Herald. July 24, 2019
16. ‘DSS Demographics December 2018. Two tabs. Tab 1: Payment Duration: Selected payment recipients by duration on payment and average duration, December 2018. Tab 2: Exists 12 months: Recipients who entered selected payments between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017’ and. Department of Social Services. March 22, 201916. ‘DSS Demographics December 2018. Two tabs. Tab 1: Payment Duration: Selected payment recipients by duration on payment and average duration, December 2018. Tab 2: Exists 12 months: Recipients who entered selected payments between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017’ and. Department of Social Services. March 22, 2019
17. ‘How long do people really stay on Newstart?’, by Peter Whiteford. Crikey. July 25, 201917. ‘How long do people really stay on Newstart?’, by Peter Whiteford. Crikey. July 25, 2019
18. ‘One of the worst’: how Newstart compares to unemployment payments in rest of the world’, by Luke Henriques-Gomes. The Guardian Australia. July 23, 201918. ‘One of the worst’: how Newstart compares to unemployment payments in rest of the world’, by Luke Henriques-Gomes. The Guardian Australia. July 23, 2019
19. ‘Are most people on the Newstart unemployment benefit for a short or long time?’, by Peter Whiteford. The Conversation. July 24, 201919. ‘Are most people on the Newstart unemployment benefit for a short or long time?’, by Peter Whiteford. The Conversation. July 24, 2019
20. ‘Raise the Rate of Newstart fact check’. Australian Council of Social Services. July 22, 201920. ‘Raise the Rate of Newstart fact check’. Australian Council of Social Services. July 22, 2019
That fact check continued:That fact check continued:
The most recent Social Services department data, dated December 2018, captures the number of people receiving Newstart benefits. The “Payment Duration” table shows the average payment duration for all people on Newstart in December 2018 was 156 weeks or three years. [16]The most recent Social Services department data, dated December 2018, captures the number of people receiving Newstart benefits. The “Payment Duration” table shows the average payment duration for all people on Newstart in December 2018 was 156 weeks or three years. [16]
The Payment Duration table shows that of all the 722,923 people getting Newstart in December 2018, 241,415 or 33% received it for under one year, almost 18% or 128,139 were on the payment for one to two years, 200,196 or 27% were on it for two to five years, just over 17% or 125,408 people had been on the benefit for between five and 10 years and 27,765 or just under 4% had been getting it for over 10 years. This table shows about 66% of people on Newstart were receiving the benefit for between one to 10 years. [16]The Payment Duration table shows that of all the 722,923 people getting Newstart in December 2018, 241,415 or 33% received it for under one year, almost 18% or 128,139 were on the payment for one to two years, 200,196 or 27% were on it for two to five years, just over 17% or 125,408 people had been on the benefit for between five and 10 years and 27,765 or just under 4% had been getting it for over 10 years. This table shows about 66% of people on Newstart were receiving the benefit for between one to 10 years. [16]
Another table in the same data document titled “Exits 12 months” shows the number of people who began receiving Newstart between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017. This 2017 table shows there were 376,031 people who started receiving Newstart in 2017. Of this 2017 group, 236,530 exited within 12 months or 63 per cent. [16] This table supports the claim that two thirds of people on Newstart existed within 12 months but only for 2017.Another table in the same data document titled “Exits 12 months” shows the number of people who began receiving Newstart between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017. This 2017 table shows there were 376,031 people who started receiving Newstart in 2017. Of this 2017 group, 236,530 exited within 12 months or 63 per cent. [16] This table supports the claim that two thirds of people on Newstart existed within 12 months but only for 2017.
A July 25, 2019 investigation by Crikey using Department of Social Services data found “the proportion of Newstart recipients on payments for more than a year climbed from 69% in 2014, to 73% in 2016 and to 76.5% in 2018. [17]A July 25, 2019 investigation by Crikey using Department of Social Services data found “the proportion of Newstart recipients on payments for more than a year climbed from 69% in 2014, to 73% in 2016 and to 76.5% in 2018. [17]
The Guardian Australia found on July 23 that the government was using select Newstart payment data between January-December 2017 to support its claim. [18]The Guardian Australia found on July 23 that the government was using select Newstart payment data between January-December 2017 to support its claim. [18]
The Conversation found on July 24, 2019, the contradiction between the government’s claim that most people who enter Newstart quickly leave compared to most people on Newstart who have been on it for a long time, was the difference between flow and stock. It found most Newstart recipients had to survive on Newstart long-term and “at any one time the overwhelming majority of the people” on Newstart had “been on it for more than a year”. [19]The Conversation found on July 24, 2019, the contradiction between the government’s claim that most people who enter Newstart quickly leave compared to most people on Newstart who have been on it for a long time, was the difference between flow and stock. It found most Newstart recipients had to survive on Newstart long-term and “at any one time the overwhelming majority of the people” on Newstart had “been on it for more than a year”. [19]
The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) has also disputed the government’s claim stating: “two thirds of people receiving Newstart have received the payment for 12 months or more”. [20]The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) has also disputed the government’s claim stating: “two thirds of people receiving Newstart have received the payment for 12 months or more”. [20]
Based on this evidence AAP FactCheck found the claim that “two thirds of Newstart recipients end that payment within 12 months,” made by ministers McKenzie, Frydenberg, Dutton, Cormann and Fletcher, plus senators Askew and Stoker and Wentworth MP Dave Sharma, to be false.Based on this evidence AAP FactCheck found the claim that “two thirds of Newstart recipients end that payment within 12 months,” made by ministers McKenzie, Frydenberg, Dutton, Cormann and Fletcher, plus senators Askew and Stoker and Wentworth MP Dave Sharma, to be false.
The correct number of people who have ceased receiving Newstart within 12 months was one third, according to Department of Social Services’ ongoing data, not two thirds as government ministers claimed. The government’s claim is only true when referring to the number of people who started and exited Newstart in the 2017 calendar year.The correct number of people who have ceased receiving Newstart within 12 months was one third, according to Department of Social Services’ ongoing data, not two thirds as government ministers claimed. The government’s claim is only true when referring to the number of people who started and exited Newstart in the 2017 calendar year.
The VerdictThe Verdict
Mostly False - The checkable claim is mostly false, with one minor element of truth.Mostly False - The checkable claim is mostly false, with one minor element of truth.
AAP has done a fact check on the claim that “two thirds of Newstart recipients end that payment within 12 months”, a statement made by Bridget McKenzie, Mathias Cormann, Dave Sharma, Wendy Askew, Peter Dutton, Amanda Stoker, Josh Frydenberg and Paul Fletcher.AAP has done a fact check on the claim that “two thirds of Newstart recipients end that payment within 12 months”, a statement made by Bridget McKenzie, Mathias Cormann, Dave Sharma, Wendy Askew, Peter Dutton, Amanda Stoker, Josh Frydenberg and Paul Fletcher.
AAP FactCheck examined Senator McKenzie’s claim that two thirds of people on Newstart end that payment within 12 months and found the exact same claim had been repeated by four other government ministers, two senators and a backbencher dating back to April 2019.AAP FactCheck examined Senator McKenzie’s claim that two thirds of people on Newstart end that payment within 12 months and found the exact same claim had been repeated by four other government ministers, two senators and a backbencher dating back to April 2019.
On July 26, 2019 finance minister Mathias Cormann was quoted as saying: “Two thirds of people on Newstart allowance are on it for less than a year, it is not designed to be an ongoing payment,” he said. [3]On July 26, 2019 finance minister Mathias Cormann was quoted as saying: “Two thirds of people on Newstart allowance are on it for less than a year, it is not designed to be an ongoing payment,” he said. [3]
The federal member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, made the same claim on Sky TV on July 24, 2019 stating: “Two thirds of people who are on Newstart have often found employment within 12 months”. [4]The federal member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, made the same claim on Sky TV on July 24, 2019 stating: “Two thirds of people who are on Newstart have often found employment within 12 months”. [4]
During a Senate debate on July 22, 2019, Tasmanian senator Wendy Askew said: “around two-thirds of jobseekers who are granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months”. [5] Home affairs minister Peter Dutton made the same claim on July 19, 2019, stating “two-thirds of people come off Newstart within 12 months”. [6]During a Senate debate on July 22, 2019, Tasmanian senator Wendy Askew said: “around two-thirds of jobseekers who are granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months”. [5] Home affairs minister Peter Dutton made the same claim on July 19, 2019, stating “two-thirds of people come off Newstart within 12 months”. [6]
In a Facebook post on May 11, 2019 addressing criticism the Newstart Allowance wasn’t increased in the budget, Senator Amanda Stoker stated “Around two thirds of those granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months”. [7]In a Facebook post on May 11, 2019 addressing criticism the Newstart Allowance wasn’t increased in the budget, Senator Amanda Stoker stated “Around two thirds of those granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months”. [7]
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg repeated the same line on May 6, 2019, stating “the other thing about Newstart is two-thirds of the people come off within 12 months and go into a job”. [8]Treasurer Josh Frydenberg repeated the same line on May 6, 2019, stating “the other thing about Newstart is two-thirds of the people come off within 12 months and go into a job”. [8]
Former social services minister, now communications minister Paul Fletcher, was quoted as saying “around two-thirds of those on Newstart exited income support within 12 months” on April 30, 2019. [9]Former social services minister, now communications minister Paul Fletcher, was quoted as saying “around two-thirds of those on Newstart exited income support within 12 months” on April 30, 2019. [9]
The Newstart Allowance is an income support payment for people aged from 22 but under Age Pension age who are actively looking for work. [10]The Newstart Allowance is an income support payment for people aged from 22 but under Age Pension age who are actively looking for work. [10]
Singles with no children get a maximum of $278 per week/$555.70 per fortnight - or about $40 a day, while couples receive a maximum $251 each per week/$501.1 per fortnight. [11]Singles with no children get a maximum of $278 per week/$555.70 per fortnight - or about $40 a day, while couples receive a maximum $251 each per week/$501.1 per fortnight. [11]
The payment has not increased in real terms for 25 years. [12]The payment has not increased in real terms for 25 years. [12]
Former prime minister John Howard, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, minister for resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan, Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos and a number of Coalition backbenchers have joined Labor and the Greens in calling for the government to raise the benefit. [13] [14]Former prime minister John Howard, former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, minister for resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan, Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos and a number of Coalition backbenchers have joined Labor and the Greens in calling for the government to raise the benefit. [13] [14]
Prime minister Scott Morrison has stated he’d rather give a welfare boost to pensioners than the unemployed. [15]Prime minister Scott Morrison has stated he’d rather give a welfare boost to pensioners than the unemployed. [15]
A spokesperson for Senator McKenzie advised AAP FactCheck the source of her claim was data.gov.au, the central source of Australian open government data.A spokesperson for Senator McKenzie advised AAP FactCheck the source of her claim was data.gov.au, the central source of Australian open government data.
Adam Bandt raised this in question time, but that is about as much as we have heard on this today. From Bandt’s office:Adam Bandt raised this in question time, but that is about as much as we have heard on this today. From Bandt’s office:
Greens Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt MP said today that the prime minister failed to assure the House that none of his ministers had lobbied on behalf of Crown casino, in breach of his Ministerial Code of Conduct, and that no Home Affairs officials had acted improperly.Greens Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt MP said today that the prime minister failed to assure the House that none of his ministers had lobbied on behalf of Crown casino, in breach of his Ministerial Code of Conduct, and that no Home Affairs officials had acted improperly.
Last night’s 60 Minutes report and recent reporting in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald has claimed a senior Home Affairs official was lobbied by several members of parliament, including two ministers, to help fast-track visas and airport entry for Crown high rollers.Last night’s 60 Minutes report and recent reporting in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald has claimed a senior Home Affairs official was lobbied by several members of parliament, including two ministers, to help fast-track visas and airport entry for Crown high rollers.
“These reports are very concerning and the prime minister has refused to assure the House that none of his ministers acted improperly,” said Mr Bandt.“These reports are very concerning and the prime minister has refused to assure the House that none of his ministers acted improperly,” said Mr Bandt.
“The prime minister’s response is not good enough. He cannot wash his hands of this. He must to get to the bottom of whether his ministers and the Home Affairs Department have been involved in this scandal and report to the parliament about what action his government will take.”“The prime minister’s response is not good enough. He cannot wash his hands of this. He must to get to the bottom of whether his ministers and the Home Affairs Department have been involved in this scandal and report to the parliament about what action his government will take.”
Greens democracy spokesperson, Senator Larissa Waters, said:Greens democracy spokesperson, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“This is why we need an anti-corruption body. The ministerial standards are routinely ignored. The PM had a chance in both Houses of Parliament today to outline the investigations he is undertaking in relation to these latest alleged breaches and the answer was nothing. The PM refused to answer whether the ministers implicated are still in cabinet and confirmed that the Coalition has received almost $700,000 in donations from Crown since 2012.“This is why we need an anti-corruption body. The ministerial standards are routinely ignored. The PM had a chance in both Houses of Parliament today to outline the investigations he is undertaking in relation to these latest alleged breaches and the answer was nothing. The PM refused to answer whether the ministers implicated are still in cabinet and confirmed that the Coalition has received almost $700,000 in donations from Crown since 2012.
“Public confidence in our democracy is being consistently eroded by the actions of this self-interested and greedy government. It’s time for an Icac now, with broad powers to investigate dodgy conduct including of ministers of the crown.”“Public confidence in our democracy is being consistently eroded by the actions of this self-interested and greedy government. It’s time for an Icac now, with broad powers to investigate dodgy conduct including of ministers of the crown.”
The Senate has passed a motion criticising the government’s decision to include funding for couples counselling as part of $10 million program to tackle family violence.The Senate has passed a motion criticising the government’s decision to include funding for couples counselling as part of $10 million program to tackle family violence.
Guardian Australia reported at the weekend that women’s safety groups had raised concerns about the Specialised Family Violence Services package, which was announced in the budget.Guardian Australia reported at the weekend that women’s safety groups had raised concerns about the Specialised Family Violence Services package, which was announced in the budget.
The Greens deputy leader, Larissa Waters, said the government had acted against the advice of experts in the field and the money should go to specialist domestic and family violence services, rather than faith-based family relationship services.The Greens deputy leader, Larissa Waters, said the government had acted against the advice of experts in the field and the money should go to specialist domestic and family violence services, rather than faith-based family relationship services.
“Frontline services desperately need more funding,” she said.“Frontline services desperately need more funding,” she said.
The motion called on the government to “ensure [survivors are] not forced to undergo counselling with perpetrators”, a claim which the social services minister, Anne Ruston, said was “misleading”. Ruston said providers did not force survivors to undergo counselling with perpetrators. “The government believes we should provide a wide range of services to encourage women to come forward,” she said.The motion called on the government to “ensure [survivors are] not forced to undergo counselling with perpetrators”, a claim which the social services minister, Anne Ruston, said was “misleading”. Ruston said providers did not force survivors to undergo counselling with perpetrators. “The government believes we should provide a wide range of services to encourage women to come forward,” she said.
The Guardian found nearly half of the organisations invited to apply for the funding were religious-based.The Guardian found nearly half of the organisations invited to apply for the funding were religious-based.
Larissa Waters moved a motion for the production of documents related to this in the Senate:Larissa Waters moved a motion for the production of documents related to this in the Senate:
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate, by 31 July 2019, the following documents:That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Prime Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate, by 31 July 2019, the following documents:
That did get up.That did get up.
And the Senate has just passed Kristina Keneally’s motion, with the review due to be produced by Wednesday.And the Senate has just passed Kristina Keneally’s motion, with the review due to be produced by Wednesday.
Remember that strategic review into Home Affairs we reported on a little bit ago? The one that was completed, but not released?Remember that strategic review into Home Affairs we reported on a little bit ago? The one that was completed, but not released?
Kristina Keneally is trying to get a motion up in the Senate for the production of those documents.Kristina Keneally is trying to get a motion up in the Senate for the production of those documents.
Malcolm Roberts is complaining about the UN interfering with Australia’s sovereignty.Malcolm Roberts is complaining about the UN interfering with Australia’s sovereignty.
So situation normal in the Senate.So situation normal in the Senate.
Labor’s motion calling for Angus Taylor to be referred to a Senate inquiry has been lost by one vote.Labor’s motion calling for Angus Taylor to be referred to a Senate inquiry has been lost by one vote.
Ayes: Labor, the Greens, Rex Patrick*, Jacqui Lambie.Ayes: Labor, the Greens, Rex Patrick*, Jacqui Lambie.
Noes: Coalition, Cory Bernardi, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.Noes: Coalition, Cory Bernardi, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.
Ayes 32Ayes 32
Noes 33Noes 33
*just amending this. Stirling Griff abstained.*just amending this. Stirling Griff abstained.