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Labor needs to heed lessons why people didn't vote for us, says Bill Shorten LNP senator compares immigration to 'over stocking' paddocks - politics live
(32 minutes later)
I am sure they have plenty to talk about.
The environment minister, Sussan Ley, says now is not the time to talk about whether or not climate change has contributed to the conditions which have caused the Queensland and NSW fires:
“I know that the climate is changing, and I know that the people I represent and rural Australians, see that every day. Now when there is an emergency of this sort, and people are worried about losing their homes, to have these high-level discussions about these issues, perhaps we leave them for another day and focus on helping people right here, right now.
Q: You don’t think the fires have anything to do with climate change?
Ley: Look, my honest answer to that is I don’t know. I don’t know what caused this particular fire on this particular day ...
Q: I am not asking about an individual fire - the science is pretty clear though isn’t it, climate change leads to more fires and more intense fires.
Ley: We have always lived on a continent which has been ravaged by fires, I am not going to become an expert on what is causing the fires.
Q: I don’t want to misrepresent you - are you saying the bushfires and the intensity and the frequency of the bushfires has nothing to do with climate change?
Ley: I am certainly not saying that ... I am sure it is related to climate change, to what degree and under what circumstances, and what actions we could be taking, there is a whole range of other conversations around that. I mean, people talk about controlled burnings, people talk about where your houses are - there are a lot of conversations to be had.
You have heard me on the reef - I am not shying away from that - but it is much more than that, and for our communities which are struggling at the moment, it is not about governments and individuals talking about these issues, it is about what we do to help people in the present, on the ground and I am very happy to participate in those discussions, and again, listen to the scientists, because they are a very good source of information.
As expected:
The Senate passed a fed ICAC bill yesterday.It just came to House & we cld’ve made it law. But gov didn’t just refuse to deal with bill, they gagged everyone from speaking. No ICAC, no debate about ICAC.#Greens will keep fighting until there’s a fed corruption watchdog.
Speaking to ABC Melbourne, Sussan Ley was asked what she says to farmers who don’t accept the science around climate change (the topic was the Great Barrier Reef outlook)
Ley reponds:
“I say that I respect the science, but I understand there is a range of science,” she said.
“So the most important thing is to inform yourself, realise ... ”
What does she mean by a ‘range of science’?
“There is a range of scientific opinion. As we know, scientists, as the conscience of the natural world, they test hypothesis, they draw conclusions and you know, they speak freely and that is fine, and that is why I wanted to talk to scientists when I went to the reef.”
On cutting emissions, given they keep going up, Ley says:
“Our policy around emissions belongs to my colleague, Angus Taylor, he’s mapped out every tonne of the 328m tonnes of abatement that we have said we will make before our 2030 targets.
“ ... We will make our commitments, we know that, we have committed to that and we stand behind that.”
Asked to explain how Taylor has “mapped out every tonne”, Ley says:
“ ... My language is simply to assure people that is our plan, that is what we are doing and I am very confident that we will get there.”
Asked when more detail will come from the government, Ley says:
“I am the minister for the environment, Angus Taylor is the minister for energy and emissions. I am not going to be drawn into his space when it comes to the detail of this and the reason is, yes, climate change is real, it is a real threat to the reef, rising sea temperatures are a result, intense cyclonic disturbances, coral bleaching and so on.
“We have our international commitments and they are well known and well spoken off. What I am doing, is being incredibly busy, with actions on the ground.”
Ley says it is not all “doom and gloom” and to visit the reef.
Gerard Rennick is using his first speech to call for a cut in immigration, saying as the son of a farmer he was always taught not to “over stock your paddocks”.Gerard Rennick is using his first speech to call for a cut in immigration, saying as the son of a farmer he was always taught not to “over stock your paddocks”.
“There are over 600,000 foreign students studying in Australia, who use infrastructure funded by the Australian taxpayer,” he says.“There are over 600,000 foreign students studying in Australia, who use infrastructure funded by the Australian taxpayer,” he says.
He adds that international students can also work up to 20 hours a week, competing with Australians for work.He adds that international students can also work up to 20 hours a week, competing with Australians for work.
And he wants universities to guarantee (from the sound of it) that graduates will get jobs and therefore be able to pay back their student debt.And he wants universities to guarantee (from the sound of it) that graduates will get jobs and therefore be able to pay back their student debt.
Coooooooooool.Coooooooooool.
Adam Bandt is attempting to bring on the debate for the federal Icac bill the Senate passed.Adam Bandt is attempting to bring on the debate for the federal Icac bill the Senate passed.
Christian Porter is moving to delay the debate (which is a way the government can just park it out of sight for as long as it wants)Christian Porter is moving to delay the debate (which is a way the government can just park it out of sight for as long as it wants)
Labor will side with the Greens on this, but they do not have the numbers.Labor will side with the Greens on this, but they do not have the numbers.
Regarding Paul Karp’s report that several government MPs have raised concerns in the party room about soaring premiums in North Queensland, the ACCC has been inquiring into this since May 2017.Regarding Paul Karp’s report that several government MPs have raised concerns in the party room about soaring premiums in North Queensland, the ACCC has been inquiring into this since May 2017.
This has been on the government’s radar for a while so it’s puzzling if no action has been taken.This has been on the government’s radar for a while so it’s puzzling if no action has been taken.
In December the ACCC said “immediate action” was required.In December the ACCC said “immediate action” was required.
And at the end of July it released an updated report containing a raft of recommendations.And at the end of July it released an updated report containing a raft of recommendations.
It looks like the Greens bill for a federal Icac which passed the Senate yesterday, after One Nation didn’t turn up for the vote, is on its way to the House.It looks like the Greens bill for a federal Icac which passed the Senate yesterday, after One Nation didn’t turn up for the vote, is on its way to the House.
Speaking of decision-makers, Gerard Rennick will deliver his first speech, as a LNP senator, just before 6pm today.Speaking of decision-makers, Gerard Rennick will deliver his first speech, as a LNP senator, just before 6pm today.
Rennick won from the third spot on the ticket, which, after Labor’s dismal Queensland showing, gave him the seat.Rennick won from the third spot on the ticket, which, after Labor’s dismal Queensland showing, gave him the seat.
He is (so far) most notorious for this social media postHe is (so far) most notorious for this social media post
So once again, yes. It does matter if our leaders believe in manmade climate change or not.So once again, yes. It does matter if our leaders believe in manmade climate change or not.
Does it really matter if a minister has “no idea” whether climate change is manmade or not?Does it really matter if a minister has “no idea” whether climate change is manmade or not?
Yes. Yes it does. Because ministers are involved in coming up with the policies to tackle climate change. They are the ones who have direct influence on how our country moves forward on this.Yes. Yes it does. Because ministers are involved in coming up with the policies to tackle climate change. They are the ones who have direct influence on how our country moves forward on this.
So it bloody well does matter.So it bloody well does matter.
Here’s that whole exchange, for those who missed it.Here’s that whole exchange, for those who missed it.
David Speers: You say the climate is changing and that is certainly true - the question is, is this man-made climate change.David Speers: You say the climate is changing and that is certainly true - the question is, is this man-made climate change.
David Littleproud: I have no idea, but does it really matter?David Littleproud: I have no idea, but does it really matter?
DS: Sorry, you have no idea whether ...DS: Sorry, you have no idea whether ...
DL: I am not a scientist, I haven’t made an opinion one way or the other, but I don’t think it really matters.DL: I am not a scientist, I haven’t made an opinion one way or the other, but I don’t think it really matters.
DS: Sorry, I just want to be really clear on this - you are not sure whether man-made climate change is real.DS: Sorry, I just want to be really clear on this - you are not sure whether man-made climate change is real.
DL: I am going to be honest with you - I don’t have an opinion, but I don’t think it really matters. I think these extremes from both sides have taken away the maturity of debate we should have about keeping, simply, a clean environment and making sure we give our people the tools they [need to address it]DL: I am going to be honest with you - I don’t have an opinion, but I don’t think it really matters. I think these extremes from both sides have taken away the maturity of debate we should have about keeping, simply, a clean environment and making sure we give our people the tools they [need to address it]
David Littleproud is on Sky News, and admits that he has never seen fires this early before.David Littleproud is on Sky News, and admits that he has never seen fires this early before.
He also says that is because the “climate is changing” and that we have to adapt.He also says that is because the “climate is changing” and that we have to adapt.
Yes.Yes.
“The question is, is this manmade climate change,” David Speers says.“The question is, is this manmade climate change,” David Speers says.
“I have no idea, but does it really matter,” Littleproud says.“I have no idea, but does it really matter,” Littleproud says.
He says he is not a scientist, so he is going to be honest and admit he has no idea.He says he is not a scientist, so he is going to be honest and admit he has no idea.
Then the bells ring, saving him from having to expand further.Then the bells ring, saving him from having to expand further.
When a possum met a koalaWhen a possum met a koala
Koala-ty time versus quoll-ity time. #auspol pic.twitter.com/BGudoLp1fRKoala-ty time versus quoll-ity time. #auspol pic.twitter.com/BGudoLp1fR
Bill Shorten finishes on this, when asked about some of the ‘bitch and fold’ fights happening within caucus:Bill Shorten finishes on this, when asked about some of the ‘bitch and fold’ fights happening within caucus:
I never commented on the caucus matters on or off the record. Let me answer your question. There were a couple of parts in your well-crafted question. The first thing is, I’m not going to comment about what is said in caucus on or off the record.I never commented on the caucus matters on or off the record. Let me answer your question. There were a couple of parts in your well-crafted question. The first thing is, I’m not going to comment about what is said in caucus on or off the record.
In terms of the farm bill, I don’t feel Labor had any choice but to support it.In terms of the farm bill, I don’t feel Labor had any choice but to support it.
There are a lot of farmers out there who feel anxious that somehow their livelihoods are being targeted by militant protesters. Whether or not this bill has any unintended consequences of dampening media analysis on the right to know, I think that is an important debate which Labor is having with the government.There are a lot of farmers out there who feel anxious that somehow their livelihoods are being targeted by militant protesters. Whether or not this bill has any unintended consequences of dampening media analysis on the right to know, I think that is an important debate which Labor is having with the government.
We’re not going to get wedged about whether we like farmers or not. We like farmers.We’re not going to get wedged about whether we like farmers or not. We like farmers.
And on the critique his opposition was ‘too left wing’:And on the critique his opposition was ‘too left wing’:
Again, I’m happy to talk to individuals but I’m proud of the policies we took, but I accept that we were unsuccessful. I think that the process by which Labor is embarking on now is the correct process. We will have to look at what policies we keep and don’t keep.Again, I’m happy to talk to individuals but I’m proud of the policies we took, but I accept that we were unsuccessful. I think that the process by which Labor is embarking on now is the correct process. We will have to look at what policies we keep and don’t keep.
I want to thank the people who voted for us, and acknowledge the people who didn’t that Labor needs to heed the lessons about why you did not vote for us. I’m sure that Labor will be very competitive at the next election.I want to thank the people who voted for us, and acknowledge the people who didn’t that Labor needs to heed the lessons about why you did not vote for us. I’m sure that Labor will be very competitive at the next election.
In the meantime, there are people who want to see Labor stand up and fight for our values and that is what we’re doing every day. In my area, in terms of making sure that carers and people living with profound and severe disabilities, I will make sure you get a fair go, a better go than you have been getting.In the meantime, there are people who want to see Labor stand up and fight for our values and that is what we’re doing every day. In my area, in terms of making sure that carers and people living with profound and severe disabilities, I will make sure you get a fair go, a better go than you have been getting.
When it comes to robodebt and some of the, I think, very unfair and harsh conduct being meted out to Australian citizens by the government, I’m going to help fight to make sure you get your justice.When it comes to robodebt and some of the, I think, very unfair and harsh conduct being meted out to Australian citizens by the government, I’m going to help fight to make sure you get your justice.
Bill Shorten is the guest on Afternoon Briefing today.Bill Shorten is the guest on Afternoon Briefing today.
Patricia Karvelas asks him about Wayne Swan’s intervention (keep the policies, change the communication) and says this:Patricia Karvelas asks him about Wayne Swan’s intervention (keep the policies, change the communication) and says this:
I think everyone is entitled to their opinion in the wake of the very disappointing election loss. Understand a lot of people have a lot to say and I respect the right of people to have their opinions. For myself, there is a review process. We will work out what policies to jettison, what to keep, what lessons to learn.I think everyone is entitled to their opinion in the wake of the very disappointing election loss. Understand a lot of people have a lot to say and I respect the right of people to have their opinions. For myself, there is a review process. We will work out what policies to jettison, what to keep, what lessons to learn.
I don’t want to contribute any further to that. I understand that unity is important and I think the opposition is absolutely trying to put its best foot forward.I don’t want to contribute any further to that. I understand that unity is important and I think the opposition is absolutely trying to put its best foot forward.
I do share a lot of disappointment at the election result, I accept my part in the responsibility of it.I do share a lot of disappointment at the election result, I accept my part in the responsibility of it.
Also, look at the economy now and think, this is the time when the government should be helping stimulate expenditure, so that we can build the productivity-lifting infrastructure that we need. We need to reform and I believe in my areas, this government has no plan.Also, look at the economy now and think, this is the time when the government should be helping stimulate expenditure, so that we can build the productivity-lifting infrastructure that we need. We need to reform and I believe in my areas, this government has no plan.
We really need to get the national disability insurance scheme, those packages of support for profoundly and severely disabled people, those need to be provided to the people. We need to take the bureaucracy out of the system. And on robodebt, this is a government that was happy to spend hundreds of millions of dollars before an election pumping up their own tyres but are setting and engaging in a form of government extortion of its own citizens demanding they pay back money and won’t even tell people how they incurred the debt.We really need to get the national disability insurance scheme, those packages of support for profoundly and severely disabled people, those need to be provided to the people. We need to take the bureaucracy out of the system. And on robodebt, this is a government that was happy to spend hundreds of millions of dollars before an election pumping up their own tyres but are setting and engaging in a form of government extortion of its own citizens demanding they pay back money and won’t even tell people how they incurred the debt.
Asked about Mark Butler, he says the same thing, “everyone is entitled to their opinion”.Asked about Mark Butler, he says the same thing, “everyone is entitled to their opinion”.
SiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhSiiiiiggggggggghhhhhh
From Paul Karp:From Paul Karp:
Australia’s minister responsible for drought and natural disasters, David Littleproud, has said that he doesn’t “know if climate change is manmade”.Australia’s minister responsible for drought and natural disasters, David Littleproud, has said that he doesn’t “know if climate change is manmade”.
Clarifying earlier comments that the question is “irrelevant” when considering the Coalition government’s response to intensifying bushfires, he told Guardian Australia he was unsure about the causes of the climate crisis but wanted to give the country the tools to adapt.Clarifying earlier comments that the question is “irrelevant” when considering the Coalition government’s response to intensifying bushfires, he told Guardian Australia he was unsure about the causes of the climate crisis but wanted to give the country the tools to adapt.
... Asked by Guardian Australia why he had avoided taking a position on the effect of manmade climate change, Littleproud replied: “I don’t know if climate change is manmade.... Asked by Guardian Australia why he had avoided taking a position on the effect of manmade climate change, Littleproud replied: “I don’t know if climate change is manmade.
“I’m about practical outcomes, whether that’s about having a cleaner environment or giving farmers and emergency services the right tools to adapt,” he said.“I’m about practical outcomes, whether that’s about having a cleaner environment or giving farmers and emergency services the right tools to adapt,” he said.
The independent senator Jacqui Lambie went on a tear in Senate question time about the rate of Newstart, citing the quarter of a million people stuck on the payment for more than a year who “go to job interviews on foot because they can’t afford a bus ticket, and turn up in the same shirt because they can’t afford a new one”.The independent senator Jacqui Lambie went on a tear in Senate question time about the rate of Newstart, citing the quarter of a million people stuck on the payment for more than a year who “go to job interviews on foot because they can’t afford a bus ticket, and turn up in the same shirt because they can’t afford a new one”.
Asked why the Coalition won’t raise the rate to help people get off Newstart into work, the social services minister, Anne Ruston, replied it was “not just the safety net payment” that is relevant, but also the government’s record in creating 1.4m jobs. Ruston said the government is committed to creating “pathways” to connect people to jobs.Asked why the Coalition won’t raise the rate to help people get off Newstart into work, the social services minister, Anne Ruston, replied it was “not just the safety net payment” that is relevant, but also the government’s record in creating 1.4m jobs. Ruston said the government is committed to creating “pathways” to connect people to jobs.
Lambie:Lambie:
It sounds like I won’t hold my breath for you to raise the rate of Newstart then. What about raising the threshold they can earn? Currently [Newstart recipients] can only earn about $50 a week before their payments are reduced. If the best form of welfare is a job – why punish people who work anything more than three hours a week?It sounds like I won’t hold my breath for you to raise the rate of Newstart then. What about raising the threshold they can earn? Currently [Newstart recipients] can only earn about $50 a week before their payments are reduced. If the best form of welfare is a job – why punish people who work anything more than three hours a week?
Lambie then noted in a further supplementary question that this amounted to an effective marginal tax rate of 50-60 cents a dollar for all income over $50 a week, much greater than the 37% income tax rate the government has decided to lower to incentivise work for working Australians.Lambie then noted in a further supplementary question that this amounted to an effective marginal tax rate of 50-60 cents a dollar for all income over $50 a week, much greater than the 37% income tax rate the government has decided to lower to incentivise work for working Australians.
Ruston replied that “people who work for a few hours are much more likely to go on and get a job” and committed to discuss the issue with Lambie but did not commit to consider raising the threshold.Ruston replied that “people who work for a few hours are much more likely to go on and get a job” and committed to discuss the issue with Lambie but did not commit to consider raising the threshold.
“Obviously this government doesn’t see the reduction [of the Newstart payment] is a tax in the same way as a tax of someone on a wage,” she said.“Obviously this government doesn’t see the reduction [of the Newstart payment] is a tax in the same way as a tax of someone on a wage,” she said.
Also an insight into what my brain looks like after that:Also an insight into what my brain looks like after that:
Angus Taylor during Question Time today @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/KXw9wyIfsd pic.twitter.com/8VzM5eA3f9Angus Taylor during Question Time today @AmyRemeikis @GuardianAus #politicslive https://t.co/KXw9wyIfsd pic.twitter.com/8VzM5eA3f9