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Labor labels Coalition's drug-testing plan 'demeaning' – politics live Labor labels Coalition's drug-testing plan 'demeaning' – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Jacqui Lambie has responded to Pauline Hanson’s comments from a little earlier today (Hanson questioned why Lambie would reject the government’s welfare drug-testing proposal, given her family’s personal experience with drug addiction).
My son is an example of what happens when you have access to the support & rehab services you need. 500K Aussies don't have access to those services. My son has moved on from the past, he can thank his 18 mths @teenchallenge in Toowoomba & the people of QLD for that.#auspol
The parliamentary bells are ringing, meaning the official proceedings are about to get under way.
The parties have met for their regular meetings and have all emerged.
We’ll let you know what went on when we hear more. Doesn’t seem to have been too much drama in the joint party room, beyond “how good is [insert noun here]”.
Going back through the Pauline Hanson interview with Sky News and the One Nation leader seems to get a bit personal here, with her critique of Jacqui Lambie’s rejection of the drug-testing policy.Going back through the Pauline Hanson interview with Sky News and the One Nation leader seems to get a bit personal here, with her critique of Jacqui Lambie’s rejection of the drug-testing policy.
Lambie has been open about her son’s battles with drug addiction and what that did to their family. That’s also given her a first-hand experience with drug rehabilitation services, and said that has guided her – that she knows, for instance, that people needing rehabilitation in Tasmania are sent out of state, because the services are just not there.Lambie has been open about her son’s battles with drug addiction and what that did to their family. That’s also given her a first-hand experience with drug rehabilitation services, and said that has guided her – that she knows, for instance, that people needing rehabilitation in Tasmania are sent out of state, because the services are just not there.
Lambie has said she won’t look at supporting the legislation until more services are in place.Lambie has said she won’t look at supporting the legislation until more services are in place.
Asked about that, Hanson said: “She should be the first one then to say, yes I want it, because I want my child off drugs. So what is the issue here?”Asked about that, Hanson said: “She should be the first one then to say, yes I want it, because I want my child off drugs. So what is the issue here?”
Outside the Sky studios, Hanson expanded on that, saying she believed that it would “help, people like her son and that is why I am supporting this”.Outside the Sky studios, Hanson expanded on that, saying she believed that it would “help, people like her son and that is why I am supporting this”.
Senator @PaulineHansonOz wants a 'Please Explain' from @JacquiLambie as to why she's opposing the drug testing welfare recipients bill: "her child has been on drugs why you would knock back something that could possibly help... who’s got in her ear?" #7NEWS #auspolSenator @PaulineHansonOz wants a 'Please Explain' from @JacquiLambie as to why she's opposing the drug testing welfare recipients bill: "her child has been on drugs why you would knock back something that could possibly help... who’s got in her ear?" #7NEWS #auspol
Ask and you shall receive – George Brandis is in town, because all the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade heads of mission are in town, for the annual “how is the world going” meeting.Ask and you shall receive – George Brandis is in town, because all the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade heads of mission are in town, for the annual “how is the world going” meeting.
George Brandis has been spotted in the building.George Brandis has been spotted in the building.
We are not sure why our man in London is here, but no doubt it is all very terribly important.We are not sure why our man in London is here, but no doubt it is all very terribly important.
Pauline Hanson is speaking to Sky News about a speech she is giving on family law reform, where she is calling for 50/50 joint custody of children, from the moment of separation.Pauline Hanson is speaking to Sky News about a speech she is giving on family law reform, where she is calling for 50/50 joint custody of children, from the moment of separation.
Anthony Albanese on the drug-testing proposal, while talking to Sky this morning:Anthony Albanese on the drug-testing proposal, while talking to Sky this morning:
Well of course funding for rehabilitation is a good thing in its own right and on its own merits. The question here is does what the government propose have merit? When we look at the examples that have been given, both the audit office examination of what has occurred here, the examples in New Zealand where the figures show less than 1% of people who have been tested, it’s been pretty ineffective at a high cost.Well of course funding for rehabilitation is a good thing in its own right and on its own merits. The question here is does what the government propose have merit? When we look at the examples that have been given, both the audit office examination of what has occurred here, the examples in New Zealand where the figures show less than 1% of people who have been tested, it’s been pretty ineffective at a high cost.
And the real question here is how is it that the government – prime minister Morrison gave a speech on the weekend where he spoke about this fortnight’s parliament being all about a test for Labor – how about the government govern? How about they come up with an economic plan rather than just political tactics from day to day?And the real question here is how is it that the government – prime minister Morrison gave a speech on the weekend where he spoke about this fortnight’s parliament being all about a test for Labor – how about the government govern? How about they come up with an economic plan rather than just political tactics from day to day?
For an expert take on drug testing welfare recipients, read this:For an expert take on drug testing welfare recipients, read this:
The Coalition want to drug test welfare recipients. Here's why experts think it's a bad ideaThe Coalition want to drug test welfare recipients. Here's why experts think it's a bad idea
Samantha Maiden at the New Daily has an interesting story this morning:Samantha Maiden at the New Daily has an interesting story this morning:
It was billed as an $800 aged bonus, with a million pensioners promised a cash splash under prime minister Scott Morrison’s deeming rate change.It was billed as an $800 aged bonus, with a million pensioners promised a cash splash under prime minister Scott Morrison’s deeming rate change.
But documents released under freedom of information laws to the New Daily have revealed that seniors will secure just $5 a week on average for singles.But documents released under freedom of information laws to the New Daily have revealed that seniors will secure just $5 a week on average for singles.
The average windfall for aged pensioners is just $249 a year for singles – a fraction of the $800 pensioner bonus heralded across front pages in July.The average windfall for aged pensioners is just $249 a year for singles – a fraction of the $800 pensioner bonus heralded across front pages in July.
For couples, the average payment under the deeming rate changes is $3 a week and $156 a year.For couples, the average payment under the deeming rate changes is $3 a week and $156 a year.
You can read more about that hereYou can read more about that here
And from Lorena Allam:And from Lorena Allam:
Labor’s Linda Burney is demanding the federal government take steps to sort out what she has described as a “secret agreement” that controls the use of the Aboriginal flag in public, because it is now unclear whether her own tattoo of the flag is a breach of copyright.Labor’s Linda Burney is demanding the federal government take steps to sort out what she has described as a “secret agreement” that controls the use of the Aboriginal flag in public, because it is now unclear whether her own tattoo of the flag is a breach of copyright.
“This situation is untenable,” Burney said. “It’s unthinkable that the use of the Aboriginal flag is now governed by a secret agreement at the discretion of a for-profit company.“This situation is untenable,” Burney said. “It’s unthinkable that the use of the Aboriginal flag is now governed by a secret agreement at the discretion of a for-profit company.
“It is a discredit to the flag’s history and the strength it represents.”“It is a discredit to the flag’s history and the strength it represents.”
The flag’s designer, Luritja artist Harold Thomas, holds copyright over the flag and has entered into a number of licensing agreements.The flag’s designer, Luritja artist Harold Thomas, holds copyright over the flag and has entered into a number of licensing agreements.
Linda Burney demands government sort out Aboriginal flag 'secret agreement'Linda Burney demands government sort out Aboriginal flag 'secret agreement'
Also from Paul Karp:Also from Paul Karp:
Labor has ridden to the defence of the Coalition’s $1.2bn Catholic and independent school package it formerly labelled a “slush fund” after the Greens revealed a plan to shut it down.Labor has ridden to the defence of the Coalition’s $1.2bn Catholic and independent school package it formerly labelled a “slush fund” after the Greens revealed a plan to shut it down.
Guardian Australia understands Labor will not support the Greens’ move to disallow the “choice and affordability” fund, with the shadow education minister, Tanya Plibersek, instead welcoming the fact the Morrison government has restored funding for Catholic and independent schools.Guardian Australia understands Labor will not support the Greens’ move to disallow the “choice and affordability” fund, with the shadow education minister, Tanya Plibersek, instead welcoming the fact the Morrison government has restored funding for Catholic and independent schools.
The Greens education spokeswoman, Mehreen Faruqi, blasted Labor for joining the government in “setting up a private school slush fund that has no justification, no accountability and no guarantee the cash won’t go to subsidising fees for wealthy private schools”.The Greens education spokeswoman, Mehreen Faruqi, blasted Labor for joining the government in “setting up a private school slush fund that has no justification, no accountability and no guarantee the cash won’t go to subsidising fees for wealthy private schools”.
Labor defends $1.2bn private school package it previously called a 'slush fund'Labor defends $1.2bn private school package it previously called a 'slush fund'
In the meantime, here are a few stories you may have missed. From Paul Karp:In the meantime, here are a few stories you may have missed. From Paul Karp:
Australians rorting a scheme designed to allow travellers to claim back the goods and services tax have cost the budget up to $557m over 20 years, according to the audit office.Australians rorting a scheme designed to allow travellers to claim back the goods and services tax have cost the budget up to $557m over 20 years, according to the audit office.
In a scathing audit report released on Monday, the home affairs department and tax office were blamed for failing to undertake risk assessments and implementing only “limited systems” to prevent revenue leakage.In a scathing audit report released on Monday, the home affairs department and tax office were blamed for failing to undertake risk assessments and implementing only “limited systems” to prevent revenue leakage.
... According to data estimates provided by home affairs, the scheme suffered “a large level of non-compliance from Australian citizens and residents and significant revenue leakage” of between $244m and $557m since July 2000.... According to data estimates provided by home affairs, the scheme suffered “a large level of non-compliance from Australian citizens and residents and significant revenue leakage” of between $244m and $557m since July 2000.
Up to $557m in GST lost as Australians rort traveller rebate schemeUp to $557m in GST lost as Australians rort traveller rebate scheme
It’s the usual party room/caucus quiet before the storm this morning.
Lucky, we have the latest Brexit insanity to keep us busy
Reading through the Hansard from last night, and Liberal MP Ian Goodenough made a very Ian Goodenough speech about religious freedom, which seemed to actually speak about Indigenous recognition, and for some reason, the flag:
Looking to the future, I believe that all Australians should become more united through reconciliation and multiculturalism. Australians should all be united as one people under one flag, regardless of origins and history.
I strongly belief in the principle of flying one national flag of national unity, under the banner of the Australian flag. Indigenous Australians, new migrants and people from different ethnic backgrounds, and persons born in Australia should all be treated equally, with access to opportunity and advancement based on merit.
I was born in Singapore, a nation of many ethnic groups and religions which is very multicultural in nature and which has enjoyed relative harmony in its modern history.
From a young age I was exposed to many different cultural practices, religious traditions and festivals in a multicultural society which was diverse and colourful.
However, in Singapore’s history race and ethnicity were once treated with more formality.
Having emigrated from a country which once had a policy of recording a citizen’s race on official documents, I can appreciate the benefits of not having one’s racial background recorded on Australian official documents.
Our constitution should promote harmony, unity and a single national identity, rather than differentiation based on race or ethnicity. It doesn’t matter how long one has been in Australia or from which country we have come from.
What matters is what we do in Australia – our accomplishments and achievements. We all share a collective responsibility to build up our nation together as one people.
In any debate surrounding a referendum to change the constitution, the principal of national unity should be promoted – one people united under one flag.
We must make constructive steps towards uniting all people as Australians, regardless of their origin, ethnicity or other attributes, advancing our nation into the future
The drought is about to bite even harder for people who live outside of drought-impacted zones – food prices are about to increase, if you read between the lines of the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science statement into crop production:
“Winter crop production is forecast to rise by 11 percent in 2019–20 to 33.9 million tonnes but falls short of the 10-year average to 2018-19 by 16 percent,” Abares acting Executive Director Peter Gooday said.
“Wheat and canola production is forecast to increase 10 and 6 percent respectively, but both are expected to fall significantly below the 10-year average to 2018-19.
“Barley production is forecast to increase by 14 percent to around 9.5 million tonnes which brings it 6 percent above the 10-year average to 2018‑19.
“Crop production deteriorated in regions across New South Wales and Queensland, due to unfavourable growing conditions over winter. Crop production in these states is forecast to be very much below average.
“On the other hand, crops in Victoria were in good to very good condition at the beginning of spring thanks to generally favourable growing conditions over winter.
“Crops in Western Australia received timely winter rainfall to help boost yield prospects to around average for most crops after a late break to the season.
“South Australia received sufficient winter rainfall in most major growing regions, but the same can’t be said for northern cropping regions with their prospects generally below average.
“Early spring rainfall will be important to final crop outcomes.”
According to the latest seasonal outlook issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, September rainfall is likely to be above average in Western Australia and below average in most other cropping regions. October rainfall is likely to be below average in most cropping regions.
“If realised, above average September rainfall in Western Australia would give cereal crops in the state a strong chance of achieving average to above average yields,” Mr Gooday said.
Mr Gooday said the seasonal conditions outlook for early spring in eastern Australia is likely to constrain crop prospects in southern New South Wales, and northern cropping regions in Victoria and South Australia.
However, there’s a good chance that most cropping regions in southern Victoria, and central and southern South Australia will still achieve average yields.
Mr Gooday said outlook for summer crops is unfavourable due to poor seasonal conditions in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
“Area planted to summer crops is forecast to fall by 28 percent in 2019–20 to around 758,000 hectares—production of grain sorghum, cotton and rice are all forecast to fall,” Mr Gooday said.
Jim Chalmers stopped by doors this morning (which meant he had been tapped to deliver this morning’s missives).
He responded to Scott Morrison’s calls for Labor to support the drug testing trial policy:
The prime minister last night on 7.30 said that he couldn’t understand why people were resisting these drug testing trials. I mean, how out of touch can this guy be? It might be a 60-year-old trying to get back in the workforce for a long time, maybe having lost your job as a 50-year-old. The prime minister now wants you to pee in a cup in a demeaning way as a part of his picking fights with the Labor party. I mean this is – what he’s proposing here hasn’t worked overseas. It won’t work here. It is indiscriminate. It’s ineffective. It unnecessarily demeans people when they’re trying to get back in the workforce and the health experts, the law and order experts, experts right across the board, have criticised this approach.
That’s why I question the government’s motives here, its motivations. This, for the government, is not about getting people off drugs, or off welfare into work; it’s about chasing headlines, it’s about picking fights with the Labor party and I think people who are unemployed in this country deserve a government which actually cares about getting them into work, and prioritises that over these kind of political games.
This always makes for some great shots (insert puns about parliamentarians and endangered animals here).
Australia’s political leaders will come face to face with some of Australia’s most endangered native animals at Parliament House in Canberra today, to mark National Threatened Species Day.
That’s just after midday. Mike Bowers is on it.
Jacqui Lambie all but quashed the government’s hopes of passing its revived drug testing policy yesterday when she said she would not support it until she saw proper rehabilitation services put in place. Scott Morrison says his government will be talking to all the senators about the bill, including Lambie, but he says: “The question is, why won’t Labor support, a fair dinkum trial to try to actually try and deal with one of the biggest challenges we have which is to try and help people break addictions, and find themselves in employment and actually change their lives for the better.”
Scott Morrison, who just attended to suicide prevention breakfast, has stopped by for a doorstop.
Asked about criticisms that extending the cashless debit card program to more welfare recipients further stigmatises those on welfare, Morrison says “I don’t accept that” and moves on to the next question.
That’s a favoured move of his – and he is very adept at it – he shuts down a question by saying he doesn’t accept something, or gives a one-word answer, and moves on. It’s not that the questions are not being asked, it’s that they are not always answered. And we can’t force politicians, of any ilk, to answer beyond the way they choose.
Not news, but for those of you who like to be in the know about this sort of stuff, Mathias Cormann and Peter Dutton, who famously walk together most parliamentary mornings, have switched from walking along Red Hill to walking along the lake.
It’s been noted no less than three times to me this morning. No idea why the location change, but there you go.
Anthony Albanese is chatting to Laura Jayes on Sky this morning.
It looks as though Labor will be continuing the attack we saw yesterday – that the government concentrates on “wedging” Labor instead of actually coming up with a plan.
“They continue to act like an opposition in exile, sitting on the government benches,” Albanese said, pointing out that before the last two sittings, Scott Morrison had told his party room that pieces of legislation were “tests for Labor”.
On who is right between Wayne Swan (keep the policies, but change the communication) or Mark Butler (we need to look at why we lost and properly examine what we are doing), Albanese all but says some policies will change, but the values won’t.
He again talks about the “vision statements” Labor will be releasing.
But we won’t see anything until after the review, which is due back in October.
We’ve woken this morning to more bad news on the fire front in Queensland and NSW, with more homes lost.
Meanwhile, the annual Climate of the Nation report is out, and people are more concerned with the impacts of climate change than ever before. From Katharine Murphy’s report:
The annual Climate of the Nation survey, which has been tracking Australian attitudes to climate change for more than a decade, finds concern about droughts and flooding has risen from 74% of the survey in 2017 to 81% in 2019.
Concern about climate-related extinctions – an issue highlighted dramatically in May when a major scientific report warned that a million species across the world faced extinction – has risen from 71% in 2017 to 78% in the 2019 survey, while concern about water shortages, an issue front of mind as a consequence of Australia’s prolonged drought, has increased from 67% to 78%.
Public sentiment about phasing out coal has also shifted in the past few years. In 2017 65% of the survey thought coal power stations should be phased out gradually to help manage the costs of the transition, but the percentage has dropped to 52% in 2019. The percentage of people believing the shift from coal to clean energy needs to be accelerated, even if the transition costs more in the short term, has increased from 19% in 2017 to 26% in 2019.
There has also been an increase in the percentage of people in the survey arguing that Australia should completely end coal-fired power generation within the next 10 years. In 2017 30% of the survey agreed, and in 2019 39% agreed.
Of course we have already had the argument over whether the fact rainforest is burning is because of climate change between Richard Di Natale and Pauline Hanson, but that aside, rainforest is burning when it hasn’t burned before. And it’s September.
But that should come up today. And, if it doesn’t, well that is the problem right there, isn’t it?
Meanwhile, there will be party room and caucus meetings today. Not a lot on the agendas, although I imagine Michelle Rowland’s intervention will probably be brought up in Labor’s catch-up.
Also, Peter Dutton’s home affairs department will also get a bit more heat today.
You have Mike Bowers and Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin and Paul Karp, as well as whatever amount of brain cells I manage to scrape together.
Ready?
Let’s get into it.