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Chinese state media praises Scott Morrison for Gladys Liu response – politics live Chinese state media praises Scott Morrison for Gladys Liu response – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Hamish MacDonald: The statistics are clear, that most of the violence is perpetrated by men. Do you want us to ignore it?
Pauline Hanson:
This is all part of the inquiry, everything needs to be on the table, to give everyone an opportunity to speak about this. It is not working. Don’t you understand that, there are people who are suiciding, there are people being murdered, and because there is a break down in the system, because it is not working. So if I am actually going to be upfront and say what I want to be looked at, that if people make false allegations, you are going to be held responsible for it. You don’t take your lies into that courtroom, so you’ll gain in the system, of possibly more time with your children, that is not the way it works. And I am a mother of four, but I never denied my ex husbands from having time with their children. So this is what is about, a fair outcome and a just outcome for all parents.
MacDonald: I think we can all hear the strength of your feeling in relation to these matters, I am curious to know, how much your own personal family encounters with the family courts are shaping your views here.
Hanson:
No, I have been listening to the people since 1996 so I have been, it’s the biggest thing that comes across our desks, is family law and of course domestic violence has increased over that period of time since 1996 and I have been trying to listen to people and when people pull me up and you know they are on the brink of possibly taken their own lives, do you know what that does to me, how that tears me apart? And they say ‘please do something’ or I have grandparents saying ‘we don’t see our grandchildren, we miss them’, and they are denied that right as well. Don’t you want to find the answers to this?
Are you just going to pinpoint one issue, one area, because people have complained about it, because of the impact it is having? Yes it is, on our society right across the board, not only on mums and dads and grandparents and extended families, but the children as well . I haven’t got all the answers for it, but I am not going to be shut down from speaking about a topic or an issue because it may offend some people, or upset people, but the whole fact needs to be looked at holistically, and that is what I want this inquiry to cover.
Look, I am not going to lie. I may have just ground my teeth down to nubs listening to Pauline Hanson’s latest interview on RN.
I am going to transcribe some of it. But I’m just letting you know that some of you may want to skip the next post or two, because you don’t need that sort of shit in your life.
For actual facts and figures on domestic violence, you can go here.
For a nuanced take on domestic violence, I recommend Jess Hill’s book, See What you Made Me Do.
For those who need help you can call 1800RESPECt (1800 737 732), Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491.
“Are you just going to pinpoint one issue, one area,” Pauline Hanson asks, adding that she is not going to be shut down from talking about an issue because some people may be “offended” or “upset” by it.
That would be the issue of one woman a week being murdered by her current or former partner.
It’s a red letter day on RN for Hamish MacDonald today. Pauline Hanson is up next.
She is talking about the family law inquiry. Asked what evidence she has that women make up domestic violence allegations in the family court, she says she has submissions from men telling her that is the case.
She can’t give a number. But she is sick of this “gender” issue.
Meanwhile, the Australian federal police has sent this to all members and senators ahead of Friday’s climate strikes:
Climate Strike Protest – 20 September 2019
Various environmental issue-motivated groups (IMGs) have proposed widespread protest activity across Australia on Friday 20 September 2019. The IMGs are seeking to promote action on climate change in a show of solidarity with other protests occurring internationally. Protest activity is likely to be vocal with banners and signs used to promote the protest cause. At this stage there are at least 140 protests planned nationwide.
There are current indications that Extinction Rebellion (XR) are planning to join these protests. XR uses civil disobedience and non-violent unlawful activity to protest against climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse. XR is a global initiative which appears to be gaining momentum in Australia. Previous tactics by XR members have included disrupting central business districts by blocking traffic.
Due to this large protest activity could you please provide updated program details of your principal movements for Friday 20 September for assessment and identifying any convergences with planned protest locations.
John Setka on whether he will change:
“I’ve always treated with respect, Hamish,” he said.
Hamish MacDonald: Well, that is not what Jacqui Lambie or Rex Patrick think, so I don’t think there is any point in arguing that.
Setka: Well maybe they should toughen up a little bit, because it is called campaigning and if they are not used to campaigning maybe they are in the wrong job. I mean, these are pretty bad laws we are looking at, and as a union leader, I have the right, and my union has the right, to campaign against these laws. If you don’t like what we are saying, well, I don’t like what they are saying, so, that is Australian isn’t it? We are a democracy, we are allowed to have our say, aren’t we?
MacDonald: So will you cool it, or not?
Setka: In relation to the swearing, look, I am obviously going to try and control it a bit more, and it is a time for everything, Hamish, but I mean just because someone swears does not make it threatening.
MacDonald: But you’ve been able to spend half an hour with me just now, talking, putting your case very forcibly, you haven’t sworn, you haven’t intimidated me, why can’t you do that when it comes to campaigning?
Setka: Well, I don’t intimidate anyone, but I do use some colourful language. Because you do and you sort of play to the audience where you are at. Now, when I am on a building site, and you’ve got people there talking and swearing sometimes, and dropping the word, I mean it is in what context it is said.
MacDonald: So you’re a bit of a show-off.
Setka: I am not a show-off, but I mean, you know, you are in that environment, now I mean, if dropping the F-word or the S-word is now a threat, then where is this country going to, really.
"I've always treated people with respect, Hamish." John Setka, 7.57am, Wednesday 18 September 2019"I've always treated people with respect, Hamish." John Setka, 7.57am, Wednesday 18 September 2019
John Setka says most of the issues people have with him are from statements which have been “taken out of context” and says he has no plans to step down.John Setka says most of the issues people have with him are from statements which have been “taken out of context” and says he has no plans to step down.
“Why should I step down?”“Why should I step down?”
John Setka is being interviewed by Hamish McDonald on RN as I type: John Setka is being interviewed by Hamish MacDonald on RN as I type:
He was asked about these statements Rex Patrick of Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie made in the Senate on Monday:He was asked about these statements Rex Patrick of Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie made in the Senate on Monday:
Patrick:Patrick:
Senators may be aware of media reports over the weekend relating to threats made to me, Senator Griff and Senator Lambie by Mr Setka in relation to a pending vote in this chamber on the fair work bill 2019.Senators may be aware of media reports over the weekend relating to threats made to me, Senator Griff and Senator Lambie by Mr Setka in relation to a pending vote in this chamber on the fair work bill 2019.
No senator should ever be threatened or intimidated in relation to a vote. Lobbied, challenged on the merits, presented with contrary views, and criticised? Yes. Threatened? No. This is a very serious matter.No senator should ever be threatened or intimidated in relation to a vote. Lobbied, challenged on the merits, presented with contrary views, and criticised? Yes. Threatened? No. This is a very serious matter.
Senators Griff, Lambie and I are giving careful consideration to what action we will take in relation to the threat. Under consideration are a number of options, including referral to the privileges committee, referral to the police, or inviting Mr Setka to appear before the education and employment committee to explain his remarks. It will likely be a combination of these things.Senators Griff, Lambie and I are giving careful consideration to what action we will take in relation to the threat. Under consideration are a number of options, including referral to the privileges committee, referral to the police, or inviting Mr Setka to appear before the education and employment committee to explain his remarks. It will likely be a combination of these things.
There should be zero tolerance for anyone who seeks to influence a senator’s vote by way of threat. We cannot possibly leave this matter unattended.There should be zero tolerance for anyone who seeks to influence a senator’s vote by way of threat. We cannot possibly leave this matter unattended.
Lambie:Lambie:
I rise to support the statement from Senator Patrick regarding the conduct of Mr John Setka. To seek to influence a vote in this chamber by threat or intimidation is completely inappropriate.I rise to support the statement from Senator Patrick regarding the conduct of Mr John Setka. To seek to influence a vote in this chamber by threat or intimidation is completely inappropriate.
I dish it out myself a fair bit in this place, so I cannot be complaining when it comes back in my direction, but the comments attributed to Mr Setka in recent reports are entirely beyond the pale.I dish it out myself a fair bit in this place, so I cannot be complaining when it comes back in my direction, but the comments attributed to Mr Setka in recent reports are entirely beyond the pale.
Politics can be brutal but it should never become violent. We are closely examining what options are available to us to ensure that this kind of intimidation gets the response it rightfully deserves. My vote will never be determined by who bullies me the most.Politics can be brutal but it should never become violent. We are closely examining what options are available to us to ensure that this kind of intimidation gets the response it rightfully deserves. My vote will never be determined by who bullies me the most.
I won’t be swayed by threats or the people who make them. But allowing these threats to go unanswered is no longer an option. I won’t be saying anything further on the matter until we have determined the most appropriate course of action.I won’t be swayed by threats or the people who make them. But allowing these threats to go unanswered is no longer an option. I won’t be saying anything further on the matter until we have determined the most appropriate course of action.
To John: I can only appeal to whatever is left of your sense of decency and honour, by asking you to consider doing what is plainly in the best interests of your union members – I urge you, once again, to stand down and resign.To John: I can only appeal to whatever is left of your sense of decency and honour, by asking you to consider doing what is plainly in the best interests of your union members – I urge you, once again, to stand down and resign.
Setka says there were no threats and he was just “campaigning” when he said this (as published in the Sydney Morning Herald)Setka says there were no threats and he was just “campaigning” when he said this (as published in the Sydney Morning Herald)
I said [to Senator Lambie] ‘Listen, if them f---ing other crossbenchers want to f---ing vote for this integrity bill, let em’ f---ing vote for it but they will wear the consequences of it. The money we are saving by not giving to the ALP, we will start a f---ing campaign.I said [to Senator Lambie] ‘Listen, if them f---ing other crossbenchers want to f---ing vote for this integrity bill, let em’ f---ing vote for it but they will wear the consequences of it. The money we are saving by not giving to the ALP, we will start a f---ing campaign.
...When [former Centre Alliance leader Nick] Xenophon voted for the (construction industry watchdog the Australian Building and Construction Commission) we launched a campaign in South Australia … we f---ing destroyed that f---er. That’s why he’s not around. They come from his party, right? So they are aware of the damage we are able to inflict.’...When [former Centre Alliance leader Nick] Xenophon voted for the (construction industry watchdog the Australian Building and Construction Commission) we launched a campaign in South Australia … we f---ing destroyed that f---er. That’s why he’s not around. They come from his party, right? So they are aware of the damage we are able to inflict.’
President of the Queensland Womens’ Legal Service, Angela Lynch, spoke to ABC TV this morning.President of the Queensland Womens’ Legal Service, Angela Lynch, spoke to ABC TV this morning.
She said she doesn’t understand the decision to set up this inquiry and domestic violence groups weren’t consulted, despite the rates of domestic violence incidents in family court matters:She said she doesn’t understand the decision to set up this inquiry and domestic violence groups weren’t consulted, despite the rates of domestic violence incidents in family court matters:
There’s little doubt that there are complex issues in this system. And that there are real, systemic failings.There’s little doubt that there are complex issues in this system. And that there are real, systemic failings.
But this is the umteenth review here. We had one in 2019, the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission. 60 recommendations. On top of that, there have been the Sarah Henderson review in the parliament and prior to that, a Senate inquiry. This system has been reviewed upon reviewed.But this is the umteenth review here. We had one in 2019, the recommendations of the Australian Law Reform Commission. 60 recommendations. On top of that, there have been the Sarah Henderson review in the parliament and prior to that, a Senate inquiry. This system has been reviewed upon reviewed.
What it needs is a specialist response in relation to domestic violence and abuse. Women and children’s lives are at risk.What it needs is a specialist response in relation to domestic violence and abuse. Women and children’s lives are at risk.
... They should be listening to domestic violence groups. It seems like the review was set up without consultation.... They should be listening to domestic violence groups. It seems like the review was set up without consultation.
We weren’t consulted and no other domestic violence group was consulted. 50% to 85% of matters in the family law courts involve a history of domestic violence. You cannot make decisions in this system without seriously consulting with the experts in domestic violence, and that’s what we’re calling the government to do.We weren’t consulted and no other domestic violence group was consulted. 50% to 85% of matters in the family law courts involve a history of domestic violence. You cannot make decisions in this system without seriously consulting with the experts in domestic violence, and that’s what we’re calling the government to do.
We’re calling on the prime minister to really rethink this decision.We’re calling on the prime minister to really rethink this decision.
... We just had the Australian Law Reform Commission set up under the previous government take the most intensive review of this system. And make 60 recommendations in which the government has not even responded to.... We just had the Australian Law Reform Commission set up under the previous government take the most intensive review of this system. And make 60 recommendations in which the government has not even responded to.
Women’s lives and children’s lives are at risk. If we put this off for another 12 months, it means that more lives will be lost. Dangerous decisions are being made because they do not have the domestic violence specialisations that’s required to make safe decisions.Women’s lives and children’s lives are at risk. If we put this off for another 12 months, it means that more lives will be lost. Dangerous decisions are being made because they do not have the domestic violence specialisations that’s required to make safe decisions.
On the issue Pauline Hanson and others, such as George Christensen, have raised, about how men are treated in the system, Lynch said:On the issue Pauline Hanson and others, such as George Christensen, have raised, about how men are treated in the system, Lynch said:
Look, I work for the women’s legal service and I can’t make comment in relation to that. All I know is one woman a week in Australia continues to be killed and murdered by her partner or ex-partner. And that’s what the highest priority should be given.And the government has signed up to the national plan.Look, I work for the women’s legal service and I can’t make comment in relation to that. All I know is one woman a week in Australia continues to be killed and murdered by her partner or ex-partner. And that’s what the highest priority should be given.And the government has signed up to the national plan.
They just re-signed up to the national action plan to reduce violence against women and children.They just re-signed up to the national action plan to reduce violence against women and children.
I don’t understand when domestic violence is a priority in this nation, that they’ve made this decision.I don’t understand when domestic violence is a priority in this nation, that they’ve made this decision.
And here was Pauline Hanson talking to Sydney radio 2GB in December 2018, about one of the reasons she was so passionate about family law reform:And here was Pauline Hanson talking to Sydney radio 2GB in December 2018, about one of the reasons she was so passionate about family law reform:
I didn’t have that much of a problem with it, myself personally, but I’ve been through it with two of my sons.I didn’t have that much of a problem with it, myself personally, but I’ve been through it with two of my sons.
And I’m going through it with one of my sons now at the moment, for the past three years. I’ve been very concerned about my sons’ wellbeing, and trying to deal with it through the court system, representing himself.And I’m going through it with one of my sons now at the moment, for the past three years. I’ve been very concerned about my sons’ wellbeing, and trying to deal with it through the court system, representing himself.
So it’s been extremely difficult for him. I’ve given him the assistance, support and financial assistance through the trial. It’s extremely hard. I’ve got people pulling me up when I’m doing my shopping. I’m talking to men who are actually at the end of their tether. I’m very concerned about them.So it’s been extremely difficult for him. I’ve given him the assistance, support and financial assistance through the trial. It’s extremely hard. I’ve got people pulling me up when I’m doing my shopping. I’m talking to men who are actually at the end of their tether. I’m very concerned about them.
It’s absolutely disgusting. Not only that, it’s the children that are lied to by the parents. They’re denied the right to see their parents, either one, the father or the mother. I think that the solicitors and lawyers out there, what they charge their clients, I think it’s disgusting. And it just goes on and on and on.It’s absolutely disgusting. Not only that, it’s the children that are lied to by the parents. They’re denied the right to see their parents, either one, the father or the mother. I think that the solicitors and lawyers out there, what they charge their clients, I think it’s disgusting. And it just goes on and on and on.
Scott Morrison has done the breakfast TV rounds this morning, appearing on both Sunrise and Today. The family court review was one of the topics, particularly given some of Pauline Hanson’s comments about how men are treated within the court.Scott Morrison has done the breakfast TV rounds this morning, appearing on both Sunrise and Today. The family court review was one of the topics, particularly given some of Pauline Hanson’s comments about how men are treated within the court.
On Today, Morrison repeated what he had said to the party room, when MPs like George Christensen raised the same concerns about men in the system:On Today, Morrison repeated what he had said to the party room, when MPs like George Christensen raised the same concerns about men in the system:
This isn’t about picking sides. You literally do need the wisdom of Solomon in dealing with these issues.This isn’t about picking sides. You literally do need the wisdom of Solomon in dealing with these issues.
They are very vexed, they are very difficult and they are highly emotionally charged. That is why you need to constantly make sure that you have got the settings of how you are getting information, you are sharing information about state and federal jurisdictions and the way that evidence is treated. All this needs to be taken into account.They are very vexed, they are very difficult and they are highly emotionally charged. That is why you need to constantly make sure that you have got the settings of how you are getting information, you are sharing information about state and federal jurisdictions and the way that evidence is treated. All this needs to be taken into account.
One area that we are specifically looking at that hasn’t been done before looking at the role of grandparents in all of this. Many get involved in custody issues. As the issues get more complex we look at this. We will make a response to that. This inquiry doesn’t necessarily prevent us from doing that.One area that we are specifically looking at that hasn’t been done before looking at the role of grandparents in all of this. Many get involved in custody issues. As the issues get more complex we look at this. We will make a response to that. This inquiry doesn’t necessarily prevent us from doing that.
But at the same time I want to hear from Australians and their stories and it will be a good opportunity for politicians to just sit there and listen.But at the same time I want to hear from Australians and their stories and it will be a good opportunity for politicians to just sit there and listen.
Happy acting prime minister Michael McCormack eve! Are you excited yet?Happy acting prime minister Michael McCormack eve! Are you excited yet?
But before we get to what is sure to be a magical and unforgettable time, full of gravitas and deep thinking, we have to get through Wednesday.But before we get to what is sure to be a magical and unforgettable time, full of gravitas and deep thinking, we have to get through Wednesday.
I know, I know. But the faster we do it, the faster we can get to what is sure to be one of the most excruciating question times of all time. And that is saying something.I know, I know. But the faster we do it, the faster we can get to what is sure to be one of the most excruciating question times of all time. And that is saying something.
Overnight, we saw China state media praise Scott Morrison for his response to the Gladys Liu issue.Overnight, we saw China state media praise Scott Morrison for his response to the Gladys Liu issue.
The Global Times published this piece from Chen Hong, a professor at the East China Normal University’s Australian Studies Centre. As the Australian Financial Review reported:The Global Times published this piece from Chen Hong, a professor at the East China Normal University’s Australian Studies Centre. As the Australian Financial Review reported:
“It was a decent gesture that Australian prime minister Scott Morrison condemned the defamation of Liu’s political allegiance, calling such finger-pointing as ‘casting a smear on Chinese Australians’,” Professor Chen wrote.“It was a decent gesture that Australian prime minister Scott Morrison condemned the defamation of Liu’s political allegiance, calling such finger-pointing as ‘casting a smear on Chinese Australians’,” Professor Chen wrote.
“Recognisably, Morrison’s justification of Liu is not without partisan motive, but for the 1.2 million Chinese Australians who have been subject to unjust suspicion and bigotry, such remarks are significant.“Recognisably, Morrison’s justification of Liu is not without partisan motive, but for the 1.2 million Chinese Australians who have been subject to unjust suspicion and bigotry, such remarks are significant.
“In contrast to his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull’s reckless spoiling of the Australia-China relations, clear reason and judgment have prevailed for Morrison.”“In contrast to his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull’s reckless spoiling of the Australia-China relations, clear reason and judgment have prevailed for Morrison.”
That comes ahead of Morrison’s trip to the United States, where he will be a guest at only the second state dinner Donald Trump has ever held.That comes ahead of Morrison’s trip to the United States, where he will be a guest at only the second state dinner Donald Trump has ever held.
It’s going to be a delicate balance for Morrison, as it always is, given the importance of both China and the US to Australia’s own trade – and that is a very touchy subject for both the US and China at the moment.It’s going to be a delicate balance for Morrison, as it always is, given the importance of both China and the US to Australia’s own trade – and that is a very touchy subject for both the US and China at the moment.
Meanwhile, the questions over Gladys Liu continue. The Herald Sun had this article this morning:Meanwhile, the questions over Gladys Liu continue. The Herald Sun had this article this morning:
Besieged MP Gladys Liu promised on Chinese social media she would write references for foreign students in return for volunteering on her campaign at this year’s federal election.Besieged MP Gladys Liu promised on Chinese social media she would write references for foreign students in return for volunteering on her campaign at this year’s federal election.
The references, to help the students find jobs which could lead to permanent residency, came along with the offer of internships in her office if she was elected in Chisholm.The references, to help the students find jobs which could lead to permanent residency, came along with the offer of internships in her office if she was elected in Chisholm.
Mathias Cormann will have to give an explanation to the Senate this morning, at about 9.30am, after a Labor motion was passed late yesterday.Mathias Cormann will have to give an explanation to the Senate this morning, at about 9.30am, after a Labor motion was passed late yesterday.
There is also quite a lot of criticism around the latest family court inquiry Scott Morrison announced, after intense lobbying from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.There is also quite a lot of criticism around the latest family court inquiry Scott Morrison announced, after intense lobbying from One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.
Kevin Andrews, who believes divorce is a bigger threat than terrorism or climate change, is leading the inquiry. Hanson is deputy chair. It will report back in October 2020, but Hanson has already said she believes the family court system to be biased towards mothers, and that will be one of the things she hopes to address. She wants 50/50 custody from the moment of separation. It has raised a lot of alarm bells for family court advocates and women legal services. Asked about a particular case where a woman’s former partner murdered her daughter, Hanson said men lost children too.Kevin Andrews, who believes divorce is a bigger threat than terrorism or climate change, is leading the inquiry. Hanson is deputy chair. It will report back in October 2020, but Hanson has already said she believes the family court system to be biased towards mothers, and that will be one of the things she hopes to address. She wants 50/50 custody from the moment of separation. It has raised a lot of alarm bells for family court advocates and women legal services. Asked about a particular case where a woman’s former partner murdered her daughter, Hanson said men lost children too.
Yup.Yup.
We’ll have all of that and more. Mike Bowers is already hard at work, and you of course have the whole Canberra crew, with Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin and Paul Karp. Plus whatever brain cells I scrape up. I need another coffee, that is for sure.We’ll have all of that and more. Mike Bowers is already hard at work, and you of course have the whole Canberra crew, with Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin and Paul Karp. Plus whatever brain cells I scrape up. I need another coffee, that is for sure.
Ready?Ready?
Let’s get into it.Let’s get into it.