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Crossbench pushes for a federal Icac – politics live Crossbench pushes for a federal Icac – politics live
(32 minutes later)
“A bit of a beat up,” says Coalition male MP about whether the Coalition is a welcoming place for women on the day two Coalition women staffers talk about their treatment within the party. Brett Mason from SBS was kind enough to play me the audio of that doorstop with David Gillespie.
Here is how the conversation went down:
Reporter: Do you have concerns about how the Liberal party handles allegations of harassment and sexual assault?
Gillespie: I don’t know how they handle it, I am in the National party.
Reporter: The Coalition in a sense … is the Coalition a welcoming place for women?
Gillespie: Of course it is, yeah.
Reporter: How so, why?
Gillespie: It’s a bit confected, the Coalition is a very welcoming place for women in general. Women politicians in the National party – we just had three women elected and similarly in the Liberal party, there’s plenty of incredibly talented women who are representing Senate position and House of Reps. It is all a bit of a beat-up, I think.
Reporter: Well, what do you say to the women who have raised those allegations?
Gillespie walked off.
“A bit of a beat-up,” says Coalition male MP about whether the Coalition is a welcoming place for women on the day two female Coalition staffers talk about their treatment within the party.
Is the coalition a welcoming place for women? "Of course it is" replies @DaveGillespieMP How so, why? "It's a bit confected. The coalition is a very welcoming place for women in general. It's a bit of a beat up, I think." #auspol @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/xu3fA3lWQDIs the coalition a welcoming place for women? "Of course it is" replies @DaveGillespieMP How so, why? "It's a bit confected. The coalition is a very welcoming place for women in general. It's a bit of a beat up, I think." #auspol @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/xu3fA3lWQD
The bells are ringing – which means parliament is about to start.The bells are ringing – which means parliament is about to start.
I am already on my fourth coffee, so this is going to be *fun*.I am already on my fourth coffee, so this is going to be *fun*.
*not at all fun*not at all fun
We are also talking about abuses of metadata access today because, butter me up and call me milk arrowroot, it turns out that everything people said would happen has happened and the powers aren’t being used as they are meant to be.We are also talking about abuses of metadata access today because, butter me up and call me milk arrowroot, it turns out that everything people said would happen has happened and the powers aren’t being used as they are meant to be.
Paul Karp has done quite a bit of reporting on this lately. The Oz has picked it up today as well.Paul Karp has done quite a bit of reporting on this lately. The Oz has picked it up today as well.
Bill Shorten is also continuing to lead Labor’s attack on robodebt.Bill Shorten is also continuing to lead Labor’s attack on robodebt.
Following a litany of high profile bungles, Stuart Robert was forced to apologise to a mourning mother whose deceased son was the subject of robodebt hounding even after his death.Following a litany of high profile bungles, Stuart Robert was forced to apologise to a mourning mother whose deceased son was the subject of robodebt hounding even after his death.
When the Minister was asked how many robodebt notices had turned out to be wrong he responded: “Of the 800,000 income compliance reviews since 1 July 2016 that have been finalised, 80 per cent have resulted in a debt being collected.”When the Minister was asked how many robodebt notices had turned out to be wrong he responded: “Of the 800,000 income compliance reviews since 1 July 2016 that have been finalised, 80 per cent have resulted in a debt being collected.”
He would not say how many of that 80 per cent had erroneous debt claims reduced. But that still leaves 20 per cent – or 160,000 debts – that the Minister has confirmed the Government got wrong.He would not say how many of that 80 per cent had erroneous debt claims reduced. But that still leaves 20 per cent – or 160,000 debts – that the Minister has confirmed the Government got wrong.
Mr Robert does appear to have seen the error of his ways when grilled about his false claim on the 7.30 Report that robodebts were not being claimed that were older than seven years.Mr Robert does appear to have seen the error of his ways when grilled about his false claim on the 7.30 Report that robodebts were not being claimed that were older than seven years.
He changed position, stating “as at today” robodebt hounding of historical debts before the 2013-14 financial year would not occur.He changed position, stating “as at today” robodebt hounding of historical debts before the 2013-14 financial year would not occur.
The question remains: What happens to the people like 82-year-old Canberra woman Wilma Spence who have already been hit with notices for alleged debts big and small dating back to the 1990s?The question remains: What happens to the people like 82-year-old Canberra woman Wilma Spence who have already been hit with notices for alleged debts big and small dating back to the 1990s?
The robodebt farce needs to be addressed not denied. We support legitimate debt recovery but not for inaccurate debts and not without human oversight.The robodebt farce needs to be addressed not denied. We support legitimate debt recovery but not for inaccurate debts and not without human oversight.
Time’s up for this harsh and inaccurate system. The Government needs to go back to the drawing board.Time’s up for this harsh and inaccurate system. The Government needs to go back to the drawing board.
Labor only explicitly said robodebt needed to be scrapped after the election.Labor only explicitly said robodebt needed to be scrapped after the election.
The push for a proper federal integrity commission from the crossbench is getting serious. The group are speaking today, to discuss what they believe is necessary to bring trust back into the federal political system.The push for a proper federal integrity commission from the crossbench is getting serious. The group are speaking today, to discuss what they believe is necessary to bring trust back into the federal political system.
From their alert:From their alert:
Crossbench MPs have joined with eminent retired Judges and corruption fighters to call for the Government to legislate for a National Integrity Commission – but one that has real teeth.Crossbench MPs have joined with eminent retired Judges and corruption fighters to call for the Government to legislate for a National Integrity Commission – but one that has real teeth.
Who:Who:
The Hon David Harper AM, Former Victorian Supreme Court JudgeThe Hon David Harper AM, Former Victorian Supreme Court Judge
Rebekha Sharkie, Member for MayoRebekha Sharkie, Member for Mayo
Andrew Wilkie, Member for ClarkAndrew Wilkie, Member for Clark
Adam Bandt, Member for MelbourneAdam Bandt, Member for Melbourne
Helen Haines, Member for IndiHelen Haines, Member for Indi
Zali Steggall OAM, Member for WarringahZali Steggall OAM, Member for Warringah
Senator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for TasmaniaSenator Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania
That’ll be held at 10.45 this morning.That’ll be held at 10.45 this morning.
Michaelia Cash, fresh from releasing stats on Newstart recipients who hadn’t met their mutual obligations, just randomly and at a completely coincidentally time to when the push is on to raise the payment, was asked about assault claims raised by Liberal staffers in Eyrk Bagshaw’s story. She said:Michaelia Cash, fresh from releasing stats on Newstart recipients who hadn’t met their mutual obligations, just randomly and at a completely coincidentally time to when the push is on to raise the payment, was asked about assault claims raised by Liberal staffers in Eyrk Bagshaw’s story. She said:
These are serious allegations and, I would say to the parties concerned that they should be referred to the appropriate authorities.These are serious allegations and, I would say to the parties concerned that they should be referred to the appropriate authorities.
Asked if the Liberal party had a problem with women, she had this to say:Asked if the Liberal party had a problem with women, she had this to say:
No, and our record in particular in regards to participation and employment shows that.No, and our record in particular in regards to participation and employment shows that.
Ahhhh, still getting in the talking point. What a trooper.Ahhhh, still getting in the talking point. What a trooper.
In regards to the appropriate authorities comment, Kathryn Greiner, a key and influential member of the Liberal party, had this to say on RN:In regards to the appropriate authorities comment, Kathryn Greiner, a key and influential member of the Liberal party, had this to say on RN:
What did we get out of the royal commission? It starts at the top. That is what I am on about. If we want to bring transformative, conclusive change into the Liberal Pparty, which we clearly need to do, then it starts with the prime minister. And saying to women, “Go to the police,” is simply another way of shutting people up, so it’s not good enough.What did we get out of the royal commission? It starts at the top. That is what I am on about. If we want to bring transformative, conclusive change into the Liberal Pparty, which we clearly need to do, then it starts with the prime minister. And saying to women, “Go to the police,” is simply another way of shutting people up, so it’s not good enough.
And to my view, the Liberal party has got a cultural issue and it needs to address it.And to my view, the Liberal party has got a cultural issue and it needs to address it.
Greiner spoke to Bagshaw for a story a little earlier:Greiner spoke to Bagshaw for a story a little earlier:
Ms Greiner said the Liberal party organisation was less female-friendly than during the 1980s and “had not kept pace” with broader society.Ms Greiner said the Liberal party organisation was less female-friendly than during the 1980s and “had not kept pace” with broader society.
“Young men in particular, with very little experience of the real world, they are on the up, and they will knock over anyone who gets in their way,” Ms Greiner said in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.“Young men in particular, with very little experience of the real world, they are on the up, and they will knock over anyone who gets in their way,” Ms Greiner said in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Andrew Wilkie had a chat to ABC Breakfast this morning about the need for a federal Icac:Andrew Wilkie had a chat to ABC Breakfast this morning about the need for a federal Icac:
I’m confident more whistleblowers will emerge with more stories, adding to the pressure both on the federal government but also the Victorian government. This gives impetus to the push for a federal anti-corruption agency. Some allegations are not the necessarily of criminal behaviour, especially in the case of serving politicians but they go to whether behaviour is occurring which might be quite improper, so it might not be criminal but would be in the remit of an effective anti-corruption body so you will see a renewed push by the crossbench.I’m confident more whistleblowers will emerge with more stories, adding to the pressure both on the federal government but also the Victorian government. This gives impetus to the push for a federal anti-corruption agency. Some allegations are not the necessarily of criminal behaviour, especially in the case of serving politicians but they go to whether behaviour is occurring which might be quite improper, so it might not be criminal but would be in the remit of an effective anti-corruption body so you will see a renewed push by the crossbench.
The federal government did go to the recent election with a commitment to establish some corruption body, but, you know, many of us had concerns that it would be a relatively ineffective organisation.The federal government did go to the recent election with a commitment to establish some corruption body, but, you know, many of us had concerns that it would be a relatively ineffective organisation.
It’s something with real teeth, not unlike the anti-corruption body in New South Wales which I know has the ICAC. There are people who criticise that, but we can remedy the things that are criticised and come up with a really effective federal body.It’s something with real teeth, not unlike the anti-corruption body in New South Wales which I know has the ICAC. There are people who criticise that, but we can remedy the things that are criticised and come up with a really effective federal body.
Mitch Fifield also delivered his valedictory. He’s off to the US, to replace Joe Hockey as ambassador. Fifield left with this final message for his colleagues:Mitch Fifield also delivered his valedictory. He’s off to the US, to replace Joe Hockey as ambassador. Fifield left with this final message for his colleagues:
If I could, I would leave a few messages as I depart. Firstly, the ordinary norms of human engagement should apply in politics. Too often in our business they’re left at the door. You can’t have as your starting point where you want someone to be or where you think they should be. You’ve got to have as your starting point where they are, respect that and then work back from there. When you do that, you can get good outcomes.If I could, I would leave a few messages as I depart. Firstly, the ordinary norms of human engagement should apply in politics. Too often in our business they’re left at the door. You can’t have as your starting point where you want someone to be or where you think they should be. You’ve got to have as your starting point where they are, respect that and then work back from there. When you do that, you can get good outcomes.
Secondly, there are some commentators whose thesis is that the system of politics in Australia is broken, that it’s not possible to achieve reform any more and that the press, the 24/7 media cycle, hung chambers and new quasipolitical groups make it all too hard. I could not disagree more. How challenges manifest themselves certainly changes, but the essence of politics is the same.Secondly, there are some commentators whose thesis is that the system of politics in Australia is broken, that it’s not possible to achieve reform any more and that the press, the 24/7 media cycle, hung chambers and new quasipolitical groups make it all too hard. I could not disagree more. How challenges manifest themselves certainly changes, but the essence of politics is the same.
Our core business is advocacy. Our core business is persuasion: to stake out some territory on an issue, to make a case, to argue it and to carry people along with you. The extent to which political practitioners fail to achieve their objectives is a failure of persuasion and of advocacy. So I encourage all my colleagues to reject the thesis that the system is broken and to embrace core business.Our core business is advocacy. Our core business is persuasion: to stake out some territory on an issue, to make a case, to argue it and to carry people along with you. The extent to which political practitioners fail to achieve their objectives is a failure of persuasion and of advocacy. So I encourage all my colleagues to reject the thesis that the system is broken and to embrace core business.
Which is a good message. If we ignore Fifield’s role in helping to bring down two prime ministers, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull), which only helped to cement the thesis that the system is broken.Which is a good message. If we ignore Fifield’s role in helping to bring down two prime ministers, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull), which only helped to cement the thesis that the system is broken.
But hey, he also sang Ita.But hey, he also sang Ita.
Amanda Stoker thanked Kristina Keneally for her contribution.Amanda Stoker thanked Kristina Keneally for her contribution.
And Keneally finished her Senate speech with this:And Keneally finished her Senate speech with this:
I would like to know if Senator Stoker is comfortable sharing the stage with these people. If Senator Stoker cancelled her Cpac appearance it would not be the first time she has withdrawn from such a commitment. In May, during the federal election, the senator was billed to join the Sunshine Coast Safe Communities group. Much like Cpac, it is innocent by name but not by nature. They describe Muslims as “incompatible people” and Islam as “the destroyer of multiculturalism”. The senator did cancel because she had the flu.I would like to know if Senator Stoker is comfortable sharing the stage with these people. If Senator Stoker cancelled her Cpac appearance it would not be the first time she has withdrawn from such a commitment. In May, during the federal election, the senator was billed to join the Sunshine Coast Safe Communities group. Much like Cpac, it is innocent by name but not by nature. They describe Muslims as “incompatible people” and Islam as “the destroyer of multiculturalism”. The senator did cancel because she had the flu.
I wouldn’t fault her for cancelling her appearance at Cpac. I would say that it would take a lot more than the flu to keep the member for Hughes off the stage.I wouldn’t fault her for cancelling her appearance at Cpac. I would say that it would take a lot more than the flu to keep the member for Hughes off the stage.
This is a test for the prime minister, Scott Morrison. Is he comfortable with his members of parliament sharing the stage with people like this? Will the prime minister direct them not to attend? Will he step in and show leadership?This is a test for the prime minister, Scott Morrison. Is he comfortable with his members of parliament sharing the stage with people like this? Will the prime minister direct them not to attend? Will he step in and show leadership?
In John Howard’s time the Liberal party was a broad church but, boy, are the sands shifting now. This is not political activism, this is the normalisation of extreme right wing in Australia.In John Howard’s time the Liberal party was a broad church but, boy, are the sands shifting now. This is not political activism, this is the normalisation of extreme right wing in Australia.
And why is Nick Cater from the Menzies Institute allowing a once-reputable institution to be behind this ugly intolerance? Australians will be uncomfortable with this.And why is Nick Cater from the Menzies Institute allowing a once-reputable institution to be behind this ugly intolerance? Australians will be uncomfortable with this.
The question is: who in the Liberal party will stand up? Will it be the prime minister? Will it be the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg? Will it be the attorney general, Christian Porter? Senator Payne and Senator Birmingham: are they comfortable with this type of conference and their colleagues standing up?The question is: who in the Liberal party will stand up? Will it be the prime minister? Will it be the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg? Will it be the attorney general, Christian Porter? Senator Payne and Senator Birmingham: are they comfortable with this type of conference and their colleagues standing up?
I can’t speak for Robert Menzies but I have to think that the founder of the Liberal party would be turning in his grave at what this party and the institute in his name have becomeI can’t speak for Robert Menzies but I have to think that the founder of the Liberal party would be turning in his grave at what this party and the institute in his name have become
In her speech to the Senate, Keneally continued:In her speech to the Senate, Keneally continued:
The speakers at CPAC and their views don’t stop there. US congressman Mark Meadows is taking the stage. He has advocated conspiracy theories about US President Barack Obama being born in Kenya and in 2012 he vowed to send the then president home to Kenya. Those were his words – “I will send the President home to Kenya.”The speakers at CPAC and their views don’t stop there. US congressman Mark Meadows is taking the stage. He has advocated conspiracy theories about US President Barack Obama being born in Kenya and in 2012 he vowed to send the then president home to Kenya. Those were his words – “I will send the President home to Kenya.”
The congressman opposes any restrictions on gun purchases and opposes gun registries that would list detailed information about firearm ownership. Late last year Mr Meadows, the US congressman, was fined $40,000 for failing to deal with sexual harassment allegations in his office. He was also recently accused of using an African American public servant as a racist prop. Yes, he’s slated for speaking at Cpac.The congressman opposes any restrictions on gun purchases and opposes gun registries that would list detailed information about firearm ownership. Late last year Mr Meadows, the US congressman, was fined $40,000 for failing to deal with sexual harassment allegations in his office. He was also recently accused of using an African American public servant as a racist prop. Yes, he’s slated for speaking at Cpac.
US congressman Matt Gaetz is also welcome at Cpac. He is best known for inviting Holocaust denier Charles C Johnson to the 2018 state of the union address in the United States. The person Gaetz invited, Johnson, was permanently banned from Twitter in 2015 after asking for help “taking out” a Black Lives Matter activist. In 2017 he denied that over 6 million Jewish people were killed in the Holocaust.US congressman Matt Gaetz is also welcome at Cpac. He is best known for inviting Holocaust denier Charles C Johnson to the 2018 state of the union address in the United States. The person Gaetz invited, Johnson, was permanently banned from Twitter in 2015 after asking for help “taking out” a Black Lives Matter activist. In 2017 he denied that over 6 million Jewish people were killed in the Holocaust.
Congressman Gaetz apologised later for providing the ticket to Mr Johnson. To quote the US lawmaker, he said, “Mr Johnson showed up at my door.” Apparently you just have to show up at the congressman’s door and you get to go to the state of the union address. At the same time, Congressman Gaetz insisted that Johnson was not a Holocaust denier – “He’s not a white supremacist.” How does he know, if he just showed up at his door? For heaven’s sake. These are the people.Congressman Gaetz apologised later for providing the ticket to Mr Johnson. To quote the US lawmaker, he said, “Mr Johnson showed up at my door.” Apparently you just have to show up at the congressman’s door and you get to go to the state of the union address. At the same time, Congressman Gaetz insisted that Johnson was not a Holocaust denier – “He’s not a white supremacist.” How does he know, if he just showed up at his door? For heaven’s sake. These are the people.
Congressman Gaetz is also currently under investigation by the House ethics committee in the US for intimidating a witness. He’s a lifetime member of the NRA – a commonality for these speakers – and says that the open carrying of weapons is a right granted not by government but by God. These are the people attending this event and speaking at it.Congressman Gaetz is also currently under investigation by the House ethics committee in the US for intimidating a witness. He’s a lifetime member of the NRA – a commonality for these speakers – and says that the open carrying of weapons is a right granted not by government but by God. These are the people attending this event and speaking at it.
Kristina Keneally also called in parliament for Peter Dutton to step in and ban one of the speaker’s from entering the country, for hate speech:Kristina Keneally also called in parliament for Peter Dutton to step in and ban one of the speaker’s from entering the country, for hate speech:
Let’s start with Raheem Kassam, one of the headline speakers at Cpac. Mr Kassam is described as “a British political activist” according to Cpac’s website.Let’s start with Raheem Kassam, one of the headline speakers at Cpac. Mr Kassam is described as “a British political activist” according to Cpac’s website.
However, the organisers of the event chose to omit the details of what Mr Kassam thinks being an activist is. Mr Kassam has an extensive history of vilifying people on the grounds of their race, religion, sexuality and gender. He has described the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslim faith, as “fundamentally evil”.However, the organisers of the event chose to omit the details of what Mr Kassam thinks being an activist is. Mr Kassam has an extensive history of vilifying people on the grounds of their race, religion, sexuality and gender. He has described the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslim faith, as “fundamentally evil”.
Mr Kassam has campaigned for “limited migration” against what he describes as “large-scale Muslim immigration”. He has regularly attacked the LGBTI community with homophobic and transphobic comments on social media.Mr Kassam has campaigned for “limited migration” against what he describes as “large-scale Muslim immigration”. He has regularly attacked the LGBTI community with homophobic and transphobic comments on social media.
And, there’s this one: after the Scottish National party leader Nicola Sturgeon suffered a miscarriage, Mr Kassam tweeted: Can someone just, like … tape Nicola Sturgeon’s mouth shut? And her legs, so she can’t reproduce.And, there’s this one: after the Scottish National party leader Nicola Sturgeon suffered a miscarriage, Mr Kassam tweeted: Can someone just, like … tape Nicola Sturgeon’s mouth shut? And her legs, so she can’t reproduce.
The question is simple: why is the home affairs minister allowing this individual into the country? Section 501 of the Migration Act exists so that the minister has the power to refuse the visa of an individual of such a character. The minister can refuse a visa if there is a significant risk that an individual would “vilify a segment of the Australian community”, “incite discord” or “represent danger” to them during their time in Australia.The question is simple: why is the home affairs minister allowing this individual into the country? Section 501 of the Migration Act exists so that the minister has the power to refuse the visa of an individual of such a character. The minister can refuse a visa if there is a significant risk that an individual would “vilify a segment of the Australian community”, “incite discord” or “represent danger” to them during their time in Australia.
We should not allow a career bigot – a person who spreads hate speech about Muslims, about women and about gay and lesbian people –to enter our country with the express intent of undermining equity and equality.We should not allow a career bigot – a person who spreads hate speech about Muslims, about women and about gay and lesbian people –to enter our country with the express intent of undermining equity and equality.
If the home affairs minister allows Raheem Kassam into the country, he is encouraging a cavalcade of intolerance to continue at Cpac’s talkfest of hate.If the home affairs minister allows Raheem Kassam into the country, he is encouraging a cavalcade of intolerance to continue at Cpac’s talkfest of hate.
Another speaker taking to the stage is Matt Schlapp. He is chair of the American Conservative Union, the people behind the event. He is a self-described “lover” of the National Rifle Association.Another speaker taking to the stage is Matt Schlapp. He is chair of the American Conservative Union, the people behind the event. He is a self-described “lover” of the National Rifle Association.
He has defended the chief of the NRA for saying, “People who want gun control hate freedom.” Mr Schlapp said that, having a Republican politician of colour in the role of chairman of the Republican national convention in the United States was “the wrong thing to do”.He has defended the chief of the NRA for saying, “People who want gun control hate freedom.” Mr Schlapp said that, having a Republican politician of colour in the role of chairman of the Republican national convention in the United States was “the wrong thing to do”.
Regrettably, that is not Mr Schlapp’s only instance of racist dog whistling. This is yet another speaker those opposite are willing to share a stage with.Regrettably, that is not Mr Schlapp’s only instance of racist dog whistling. This is yet another speaker those opposite are willing to share a stage with.
Reading through the Hansard last night, and it seems Kristina Keneally had a bit to say about the Cpac conference coming to Australia next month. It’s like conservative Christmas, where people who have been in power for a really, really long time, blame all of society’s problems on people who have not been in power. Sort of how I imagine the Monkeypod lunches went down.Reading through the Hansard last night, and it seems Kristina Keneally had a bit to say about the Cpac conference coming to Australia next month. It’s like conservative Christmas, where people who have been in power for a really, really long time, blame all of society’s problems on people who have not been in power. Sort of how I imagine the Monkeypod lunches went down.
Keneally delivered this speech while Amanda Stoker was in the president’s chair, so you know, it certainly was direct.Keneally delivered this speech while Amanda Stoker was in the president’s chair, so you know, it certainly was direct.
I have always welcomed political debate; I have chosen a career where I get to engage with people who hold different views to me, such as Senator McGrath.I have always welcomed political debate; I have chosen a career where I get to engage with people who hold different views to me, such as Senator McGrath.
However, there is a difference between engaging in political debate and spewing vitriolic bile.However, there is a difference between engaging in political debate and spewing vitriolic bile.
There is a difference between meeting up at a political conference and associating with racists.There is a difference between meeting up at a political conference and associating with racists.
And there is a difference between listening to political leaders and influencers and giving a platform to hate speech.And there is a difference between listening to political leaders and influencers and giving a platform to hate speech.
Whilst Cpac may have an innocent name, it definitely is not innocent by nature.Whilst Cpac may have an innocent name, it definitely is not innocent by nature.
I’d like to highlight that both the member for Hughes, Craig Kelly, and our senator from this place Amanda Stoker, the Liberal senator, are scheduled to be speaking at this event.I’d like to highlight that both the member for Hughes, Craig Kelly, and our senator from this place Amanda Stoker, the Liberal senator, are scheduled to be speaking at this event.
Now I also note Warren Mundine – who the prime minister handpicked to be the Liberal candidate in Gilmore – is attending and speaking, along with the Liberal candidate Jacinta Price.Now I also note Warren Mundine – who the prime minister handpicked to be the Liberal candidate in Gilmore – is attending and speaking, along with the Liberal candidate Jacinta Price.
That is their prerogative if they would like to do that but I would like to bring to the Senate’s attention the company these Liberal members of parliament will be keeping, associating with, and sharing a stage with next week.That is their prerogative if they would like to do that but I would like to bring to the Senate’s attention the company these Liberal members of parliament will be keeping, associating with, and sharing a stage with next week.
The speakers list is a who’s who of rightwing extremism, with numerous guests having long records of attacks on women, on gay and lesbian people, on Islam, as well as having links to antisemitism.The speakers list is a who’s who of rightwing extremism, with numerous guests having long records of attacks on women, on gay and lesbian people, on Islam, as well as having links to antisemitism.
The new Labor senator Tim Ayres used his first speech in parliament to respond to Scott Morrison’s latest invocation of the phrase “unfunded empathy” (he’s used it a few times in the past, from at least 2015 onwards).The new Labor senator Tim Ayres used his first speech in parliament to respond to Scott Morrison’s latest invocation of the phrase “unfunded empathy” (he’s used it a few times in the past, from at least 2015 onwards).
I’m proud to raise that. Yesterday the prime minister described raising Newstart as unfunded empathy. The grotesque, cowardly and dishonest comment. It’s an insult to the 1 million Australians trapped in poverty and unemployment by the current rate.I’m proud to raise that. Yesterday the prime minister described raising Newstart as unfunded empathy. The grotesque, cowardly and dishonest comment. It’s an insult to the 1 million Australians trapped in poverty and unemployment by the current rate.
This raises unfunded only because his government refuses to fund it, presumably to defend his own surplus. It reveals a deeper, darker malice, a cruel pea-part beats inside the chest of this mean-spirited government.This raises unfunded only because his government refuses to fund it, presumably to defend his own surplus. It reveals a deeper, darker malice, a cruel pea-part beats inside the chest of this mean-spirited government.
Labor has only recently openly and publicly called for Newstart to be raised, having hesitated before the election and committing to only reviewing it.Labor has only recently openly and publicly called for Newstart to be raised, having hesitated before the election and committing to only reviewing it.
That left the Coalition with plenty of room to move – it didn’t even commit to reviewing it, because, well, it didn’t have to. Labor’s change of heart has now led to a Senate inquiry being set up to review the payment, to investigate by how much it should increase, and the cost to the budget.That left the Coalition with plenty of room to move – it didn’t even commit to reviewing it, because, well, it didn’t have to. Labor’s change of heart has now led to a Senate inquiry being set up to review the payment, to investigate by how much it should increase, and the cost to the budget.
At the moment, the only side in the parliament not supportive of raising Newstart, or even reviewing it, is the Coalition. There are some outliers, but it is government policy to not touch it. Because it’s too expensive. And it’s not meant to be a substitute for a job. But no one says it is. And living on $350 a week is not exactly living large. But it might make the difference between eating or not. Or being able to get a bus ticket to get to that job interview or not. If anyone thinks that $350 a week is overly generous, well, I suggest you try it.At the moment, the only side in the parliament not supportive of raising Newstart, or even reviewing it, is the Coalition. There are some outliers, but it is government policy to not touch it. Because it’s too expensive. And it’s not meant to be a substitute for a job. But no one says it is. And living on $350 a week is not exactly living large. But it might make the difference between eating or not. Or being able to get a bus ticket to get to that job interview or not. If anyone thinks that $350 a week is overly generous, well, I suggest you try it.
We are at the halfway point for the sitting – it is all downhill from here.We are at the halfway point for the sitting – it is all downhill from here.
Thank Rihanna.Thank Rihanna.
Once again, it is not legislation we are talking about. Eryk Bagshaw from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age published this story overnight, which once again has focused attention on the culture within the Liberal party.Once again, it is not legislation we are talking about. Eryk Bagshaw from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age published this story overnight, which once again has focused attention on the culture within the Liberal party.
There are, by my count, three reviews under way within the Liberal party at a state and federal level on how to bring more women into the party. There was, after the leadership spill, also a massive push, led by Kelly O’Dwyer, to install a formal complaints process within the federal party.There are, by my count, three reviews under way within the Liberal party at a state and federal level on how to bring more women into the party. There was, after the leadership spill, also a massive push, led by Kelly O’Dwyer, to install a formal complaints process within the federal party.
Since then, the party has once again closed ranks, repeatedly assuring those who ask that processes are in place and everything is fine. But this story is bound to put those uncomfortable questions back into the spotlight.Since then, the party has once again closed ranks, repeatedly assuring those who ask that processes are in place and everything is fine. But this story is bound to put those uncomfortable questions back into the spotlight.
Speaking of uncomfortable questions, the Crossbench Five are getting louder in their calls for a federal Icac, after both Labor and the Coalition voted against a parliamentary inquiry into the Crown allegations and possible involvement of former and current parliamentarians. The government referred the allegations to the law enforcement integrity commission, which it, and Labor used as the reason it was rejecting a parliamentary inquiry push. But the commission has no powers to investigate parliamentarians, which is why the crossbench are once again pushing for a federal integrity commission to deal with these issues.Speaking of uncomfortable questions, the Crossbench Five are getting louder in their calls for a federal Icac, after both Labor and the Coalition voted against a parliamentary inquiry into the Crown allegations and possible involvement of former and current parliamentarians. The government referred the allegations to the law enforcement integrity commission, which it, and Labor used as the reason it was rejecting a parliamentary inquiry push. But the commission has no powers to investigate parliamentarians, which is why the crossbench are once again pushing for a federal integrity commission to deal with these issues.
Before the election Christian Porter promised to install a commission. But it was seen by critics as being too limited, given that anyone before the commission would have their cases heard behind closed doors, with no one able to report on any investigation until any future court cases had concluded – and only then, when someone had been found guilty. Given how much the NSW Icac has uncovered from public hearings, that, understandably, had people upset. We haven’t seen much move on that since the election, and the crossbench appear to have lost patience.Before the election Christian Porter promised to install a commission. But it was seen by critics as being too limited, given that anyone before the commission would have their cases heard behind closed doors, with no one able to report on any investigation until any future court cases had concluded – and only then, when someone had been found guilty. Given how much the NSW Icac has uncovered from public hearings, that, understandably, had people upset. We haven’t seen much move on that since the election, and the crossbench appear to have lost patience.
“Missed it by that much” Adam Bandt & his colleagues, Helen Haines, Zali Steggall, Rebekha Sharkie and Andrew Wilkie for a Joint Standing Committee on Crown Casino-they were defeated 127 to 5 when the government and opposition voted together @AmyRemeikis @murpharoo @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/cWWIXjENrc“Missed it by that much” Adam Bandt & his colleagues, Helen Haines, Zali Steggall, Rebekha Sharkie and Andrew Wilkie for a Joint Standing Committee on Crown Casino-they were defeated 127 to 5 when the government and opposition voted together @AmyRemeikis @murpharoo @GuardianAus pic.twitter.com/cWWIXjENrc
Oh, and the issue of Newstart just won’t go away, so suddenly we see the release of figures on the number of people who have missed their “mutual obligations” (jobseeker meetings) from the government.Oh, and the issue of Newstart just won’t go away, so suddenly we see the release of figures on the number of people who have missed their “mutual obligations” (jobseeker meetings) from the government.
DEIDRE CHAMBERS.DEIDRE CHAMBERS.
Michaelia Cash had this to say:Michaelia Cash had this to say:
The Coalition takes the mutual obligation of welfare recipients very seriously.The Coalition takes the mutual obligation of welfare recipients very seriously.
When participants have their payments suspended up to 52 times in less than a year, they are not living up to what the taxpayer expects who are giving their hard-earned money to the government.When participants have their payments suspended up to 52 times in less than a year, they are not living up to what the taxpayer expects who are giving their hard-earned money to the government.
I mean, she didn’t say the words “dole bludger” but she hopes you get the gist. Anyone who has had to deal with Jobactive services knows that these aren’t always the most positive of experiences. Plus, we have seen increasing numbers of people who had been on disability payments moved to Newstart – while still struggling with the health issues which kept them away from work in the first place – with all the obligations that come with it. But hey, what’s a chronic health problem when you have a box to tick for the government?I mean, she didn’t say the words “dole bludger” but she hopes you get the gist. Anyone who has had to deal with Jobactive services knows that these aren’t always the most positive of experiences. Plus, we have seen increasing numbers of people who had been on disability payments moved to Newstart – while still struggling with the health issues which kept them away from work in the first place – with all the obligations that come with it. But hey, what’s a chronic health problem when you have a box to tick for the government?
We’ll bring you all of that, and more. You’ve got Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and the rest of the Guardian brains’ trust – and I am at least 25% capacity, so that’s exciting.We’ll bring you all of that, and more. You’ve got Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and the rest of the Guardian brains’ trust – and I am at least 25% capacity, so that’s exciting.
Ready?Ready?
Let’s get into it.Let’s get into it.