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Coalition minister accused of running fundraiser out of taxpayer-funded office – politics live Coalition minister accused of running fundraiser out of taxpayer-funded office – politics live
(30 minutes later)
And with that, we are going to call it a night.
It is the midwinter ball tonight, and this year, after lobbying, it is officially on the record. As it should be. You may have noticed quite a few journalists were uncomfortable with the off-the-record understanding, given the guests, so that has been officially changed.
It is not taxpayer funded - it is run by the press gallery, and we pay for it, with everyone having to purchase tickets. There have been some great outcomes for charity. So I’ll let you know if anything interesting happens tomorrow, when I am back here at sparrow’s.
Tomorrow, Michael McCormack will be the acting prime minister.
Yup.
Scott Morrison is off to the US, which Katharine Murphy will cover (the Guardian, like all other media organisations, pays their own way on these things) so you’ll be kept up to date on that as well.
A big thank you to Mike Bowers, who is still working, Murph, Sarah Martin and Paul Karp. They are all typing away still on their computers as I wrap this up, so make sure you catch their work soon.
Thank you to everyone who read along and commented, or took the time to message, except for the mens’ right activists who decided I desperately and forcibly needed to know of their views. It’s going to be a long year.
We’ll be back (not necessarily) bright, but early tomorrow morning. Until then - take care of you.
And we finally have that statement from Jason Wood’s office:
Assistant minister Wood manages his offices and expenses within the guidelines.
Resources provided for contacting a member or their staff, such as email addresses, PO boxes etc, can be listed as contact details where parliamentarians or their staff are reporting to regulators such as the Australian Electoral Commission.
It is not unusual for employees to provide their work contact details so that they can be reached during business hours for activities outside of their usual hours of work.
This is a desperate stunt from Labor today who have done exactly the same thing in the way they list addresses for reporting as in the case of Alicia Payne, Terri Butler and even Graham Perrett when he was holding a fundraiser for Anthony Albanese.”*
*We looked into this and in the Butler case, for example, the Griffith MP made a donation to her own campaign, listing her electorate office as her contact on her disclosure form. But this is politics and both sides will point to the other.
Richard Marles has spoken on Jason Wood:
Jason Wood has been caught out using his parliamentary office as a fundraising vehicle for the Liberal party.
This is a clear breach of the ministerial standards, and it raises serious questions for the prime minister to answer.
This is about the prime minister’s integrity and the type of government he wants to run.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, needs to explain why this isn’t a breach of ministerial standards.
Australian voters expect basic standards of conduct from elected officials and what appears to be going on here clearly looks like it fails the pub test.
The prime minister is happy to front the cameras and applaud himself on the good days, but conveniently goes quiet any time a tough question gets asked.”
All of the flags.All of the flags.
Top meetings with Treasurer @JoshFrydenberg and Agriculture Minister @senbmckenzie about deepening links between our nations and making the case for free enterprise. #finance #farming #freedom pic.twitter.com/NxVljuHLKMTop meetings with Treasurer @JoshFrydenberg and Agriculture Minister @senbmckenzie about deepening links between our nations and making the case for free enterprise. #finance #farming #freedom pic.twitter.com/NxVljuHLKM
Julie Collins spoke to David Speers about why Labor didn’t support the inquiry:Julie Collins spoke to David Speers about why Labor didn’t support the inquiry:
Speers: What did you make of Pauline Hanson’s comments that some women do make up domestic violence complaints to get an outcome in the family court?Speers: What did you make of Pauline Hanson’s comments that some women do make up domestic violence complaints to get an outcome in the family court?
Collins: I think they were inappropriate and disappointing. I think that the survivors of family violence and their children will be quite upset by that. Accepting that not everyone tells the truth all the time, the vast majority of the statistics do not lie. The number of women in Australia that are experiencing family violence is significant and the number of women that are dying.Collins: I think they were inappropriate and disappointing. I think that the survivors of family violence and their children will be quite upset by that. Accepting that not everyone tells the truth all the time, the vast majority of the statistics do not lie. The number of women in Australia that are experiencing family violence is significant and the number of women that are dying.
Speers: Is it something that should be looked at, at all?Speers: Is it something that should be looked at, at all?
Collins: The thing that Pauline has done unfortunately is she’s said to women coming before the committee “Now, I’m not going to believe you” essentially, and that is a problem, I think.Collins: The thing that Pauline has done unfortunately is she’s said to women coming before the committee “Now, I’m not going to believe you” essentially, and that is a problem, I think.
Speers: Do you think that is what she is saying?Speers: Do you think that is what she is saying?
Collins: Well she is saying that women can’t be believed.Collins: Well she is saying that women can’t be believed.
Speers: Well she’s said that some women make up these complaints. Is that saying that women can’t be believed?Speers: Well she’s said that some women make up these complaints. Is that saying that women can’t be believed?
Collins: Well it depends on how people interpret it, obviously. That will be up to the witnesses if this committee inquiry gets up.Collins: Well it depends on how people interpret it, obviously. That will be up to the witnesses if this committee inquiry gets up.
Larissa Waters spoke to Afternoon Briefing and was asked about whether she believed women, who had been in family violence situations would speak at the family court inquiry given deputy chair Pauline Hanson’s comments:Larissa Waters spoke to Afternoon Briefing and was asked about whether she believed women, who had been in family violence situations would speak at the family court inquiry given deputy chair Pauline Hanson’s comments:
Well, I mean, would you? If you thought you were going to give evidence before someone that thought you were a liar? It is incredibly difficult for women to speak out.Well, I mean, would you? If you thought you were going to give evidence before someone that thought you were a liar? It is incredibly difficult for women to speak out.
That’s why the statistics are under-reported as it is. They often have to relive hideous experiences. We know that the numbers of prosecutions are less than they could be because it is traumatic for women to relive these experiences and to tell their tale.That’s why the statistics are under-reported as it is. They often have to relive hideous experiences. We know that the numbers of prosecutions are less than they could be because it is traumatic for women to relive these experiences and to tell their tale.
Why would they bother doing that to an inquiry with the likes of those two heading it up? I think this inquiry will be a waste of time and I think it will do damage to women who don’t deserve to be disbelieved.”Why would they bother doing that to an inquiry with the likes of those two heading it up? I think this inquiry will be a waste of time and I think it will do damage to women who don’t deserve to be disbelieved.”
A government spokesman says Labor MP, including Alicia Payne, Terri Butler and Graham Perrett have listed electorate office postal addresses for reporting. A government spokesman says Labor MP, including Alicia Payne, Terri Butler and Graham Perrett have listed electorate office postal addresses for reporting in their own fundraising.
We believe Jason Wood’s office will be putting out a statement shortly.We believe Jason Wood’s office will be putting out a statement shortly.
We have an update on the #hometobilo case being heard in the federal court:We have an update on the #hometobilo case being heard in the federal court:
Bromberg says he expects to be able to deliver judgment at 2:15pm tomorrow. If it turns out he needs more time he will give notice.Bromberg says he expects to be able to deliver judgment at 2:15pm tomorrow. If it turns out he needs more time he will give notice.
Just on the Tony Smith ruling in question time today, that questions can not include a person’s name, unless it can be verified, or is relevant to the question (as per the standing orders) I have been pointed in the direction of the Hansard from the Abbott opposition years in 2012:Just on the Tony Smith ruling in question time today, that questions can not include a person’s name, unless it can be verified, or is relevant to the question (as per the standing orders) I have been pointed in the direction of the Hansard from the Abbott opposition years in 2012:
My question is to the prime minister. I refer the prime minister to the statement of Pat Italiano, owner of Essendon Fruit Supply, in the electorate of Maribyrnong, who said, with regard to the carbon tax:My question is to the prime minister. I refer the prime minister to the statement of Pat Italiano, owner of Essendon Fruit Supply, in the electorate of Maribyrnong, who said, with regard to the carbon tax:
We are trying to absorb the costs as much as we can but it’s a real slap in the face and it’s making things much harder for us.We are trying to absorb the costs as much as we can but it’s a real slap in the face and it’s making things much harder for us.
Can the prime minister explain to Mr Italiano and every other small business owner across Australia why they will not receive a cent of compensation for the world’s biggest carbon tax?Can the prime minister explain to Mr Italiano and every other small business owner across Australia why they will not receive a cent of compensation for the world’s biggest carbon tax?
Who asked that question?Who asked that question?
Tony Smith.Tony Smith.
Pauline Hanson clapped as the vote was announced.Pauline Hanson clapped as the vote was announced.
And it’s doneAnd it’s done
Senate votes 35-29 to establish Andrews/Hanson inquiry into the family law system #auspolSenate votes 35-29 to establish Andrews/Hanson inquiry into the family law system #auspol
Patricia Karvelas: There are also accusations made today that assistant minister for customs Jason Wood’s office is being listed as the address for the Pinnacle Club. What do you make of that?Patricia Karvelas: There are also accusations made today that assistant minister for customs Jason Wood’s office is being listed as the address for the Pinnacle Club. What do you make of that?
Simon Birmingham:Simon Birmingham:
Look, I am not aware of the full detail of those. I know there was something running in the House of Representatives today, but I think there is a distinct difference between listing an address for reporting purposes versus actually conducting any events and the like and if the best the Labor party has got to go on is an address that receives information for reporting purposes that’s not much.Look, I am not aware of the full detail of those. I know there was something running in the House of Representatives today, but I think there is a distinct difference between listing an address for reporting purposes versus actually conducting any events and the like and if the best the Labor party has got to go on is an address that receives information for reporting purposes that’s not much.
PK: Is it appropriate to use that address if the correspondence and the work is being done out of the parliamentary office?PK: Is it appropriate to use that address if the correspondence and the work is being done out of the parliamentary office?
SB:SB:
Well, as I said, if the address is simply for reporting purposes, and from there, volunteers, as is usually the case in terms of Liberal party fundraisers, volunteer treasurers who operate across the country, collate information and report that back as part of our reporting requirements to the Electoral Commission then that doesn’t sound like much to me.”Well, as I said, if the address is simply for reporting purposes, and from there, volunteers, as is usually the case in terms of Liberal party fundraisers, volunteer treasurers who operate across the country, collate information and report that back as part of our reporting requirements to the Electoral Commission then that doesn’t sound like much to me.”
Simon Birmingham on the Gladys Liu allegations:Simon Birmingham on the Gladys Liu allegations:
The Labor party will smear anybody in this government they get the chance at. We saw that quoted in the media, Labor MPs are basically saying – they are so bitter from losing the last election that they will happily play dirty at every opportunity.The Labor party will smear anybody in this government they get the chance at. We saw that quoted in the media, Labor MPs are basically saying – they are so bitter from losing the last election that they will happily play dirty at every opportunity.
We’re not going to be distracted by that. We have got a job to do which is to govern in the Australian interests, to keep expanding the record volume of exports we have and create new opportunities for Australian businesses to get out there and export and that’s what we’re going to focus on doing, not engaging in the grubby tactics of the Labor party or being distracted by them.”We’re not going to be distracted by that. We have got a job to do which is to govern in the Australian interests, to keep expanding the record volume of exports we have and create new opportunities for Australian businesses to get out there and export and that’s what we’re going to focus on doing, not engaging in the grubby tactics of the Labor party or being distracted by them.”
From AAP:From AAP:
Crossbench MPs and senators are putting pressure on the Morrison government to provide better protections for journalists and whistleblowers as a new report highlights an erosion in press freedom.Crossbench MPs and senators are putting pressure on the Morrison government to provide better protections for journalists and whistleblowers as a new report highlights an erosion in press freedom.
Former Greens senator Scott Ludlum, who co-wrote the report – backed by GetUp and the Digital Rights Watch – said he was “horrified” by the police raids on the ABC headquarters and a journalist’s home a few months ago.Former Greens senator Scott Ludlum, who co-wrote the report – backed by GetUp and the Digital Rights Watch – said he was “horrified” by the police raids on the ABC headquarters and a journalist’s home a few months ago.
He said the report shows the heat has been turned on the media over the past 10 to 15 years.He said the report shows the heat has been turned on the media over the past 10 to 15 years.
“Nobody should be arrested or have their homes gone through or possessions or devices gone through simply trying to their job,” he said on Wednesday.“Nobody should be arrested or have their homes gone through or possessions or devices gone through simply trying to their job,” he said on Wednesday.
Journalists needed protections, as do their sources.Journalists needed protections, as do their sources.
The independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the federal government now has “excessive powers” since the 9/11 attacks in 2001 – which has seen has 75 separate pieces of security legislation passed, many of which he believes are “entirely unnecessary”.The independent MP Andrew Wilkie said the federal government now has “excessive powers” since the 9/11 attacks in 2001 – which has seen has 75 separate pieces of security legislation passed, many of which he believes are “entirely unnecessary”.
He said it was not good enough for the government to flick concerns of media freedom to the parliamentary intelligence and security committee because it had signed off on every one of those 75 pieces of legislation in the past 18 years.He said it was not good enough for the government to flick concerns of media freedom to the parliamentary intelligence and security committee because it had signed off on every one of those 75 pieces of legislation in the past 18 years.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the Senate was undertaking its own inquiry and expected legislation would come out of that in the new year.Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the Senate was undertaking its own inquiry and expected legislation would come out of that in the new year.
Wilkie said there were already two bills in the House of Representatives put forward by himself and Centre Alliance on protections and a bill of rights.Wilkie said there were already two bills in the House of Representatives put forward by himself and Centre Alliance on protections and a bill of rights.
However, the government controls the numbers in the house and decides what business is dealt with.However, the government controls the numbers in the house and decides what business is dealt with.
“We now look to the government and to the opposition to get behind these issues and to allow that business to be brought on,” Wilkie said.“We now look to the government and to the opposition to get behind these issues and to allow that business to be brought on,” Wilkie said.
Simon Birmingham is speaking to Patricia Karvelas about Pauline Hanson claiming family violence claims are being made up and says he doesn’t believe that to be the case, very often.Simon Birmingham is speaking to Patricia Karvelas about Pauline Hanson claiming family violence claims are being made up and says he doesn’t believe that to be the case, very often.
PK asks how woman are supposed to feel, given, if they give evidence at this inquiry, they will be cross-examined by Hanson knowing that is how she feels, because the government has made her deputy chair.PK asks how woman are supposed to feel, given, if they give evidence at this inquiry, they will be cross-examined by Hanson knowing that is how she feels, because the government has made her deputy chair.
“Well, I mean I would encourage everybody to share their stories and I would hope and expect that every member of this inquiry, whomever they end up being, will show respect to every person that’s willing to come forward and share their story and their experiences and to listen to them and give them a fair hearing and make sure that what you are drawing out of this process is an understanding of how we can make life better for families in the future.“Well, I mean I would encourage everybody to share their stories and I would hope and expect that every member of this inquiry, whomever they end up being, will show respect to every person that’s willing to come forward and share their story and their experiences and to listen to them and give them a fair hearing and make sure that what you are drawing out of this process is an understanding of how we can make life better for families in the future.
“This is something that we wish didn’t happen to anybody in terms of fronting up in the family law system.”“This is something that we wish didn’t happen to anybody in terms of fronting up in the family law system.”
PK: I’m asking you in relation to the claims that women make up domestic violence claims. Are you alarmed by that statement? Were you worried when you heard senator Pauline Hanson making that statement this morning?PK: I’m asking you in relation to the claims that women make up domestic violence claims. Are you alarmed by that statement? Were you worried when you heard senator Pauline Hanson making that statement this morning?
SB: Well, I didn’t hear her make that statement, Patricia. I have been busy with the UK trade secretary in town. I’m responding to your questions and I’m taking them all at face value.SB: Well, I didn’t hear her make that statement, Patricia. I have been busy with the UK trade secretary in town. I’m responding to your questions and I’m taking them all at face value.
“Those allegations have been put to me, put I’m sure to other members of parliament, and in some instances they may have been the case over time, and working to make sure that the system responds in relation to those sorts of allegations is important.“Those allegations have been put to me, put I’m sure to other members of parliament, and in some instances they may have been the case over time, and working to make sure that the system responds in relation to those sorts of allegations is important.
“Just as it is important, critically important, in making sure the system deals with those instances where family violence is genuinely occurring and make sure that protection is there for the victims of that family violence and that appropriate support is there for those victims.”“Just as it is important, critically important, in making sure the system deals with those instances where family violence is genuinely occurring and make sure that protection is there for the victims of that family violence and that appropriate support is there for those victims.”