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Arthur Sinodinos says MPs must act on 'the best science' when it comes to climate – politics live Arthur Sinodinos says MPs must act on 'the best science' when it comes to climate – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
And on that note, we will call it a night.And on that note, we will call it a night.
A very big thank you to Mike Bowers and the Guardian brains trust for all they did to keep me standing today. The struggle was very, very real.A very big thank you to Mike Bowers and the Guardian brains trust for all they did to keep me standing today. The struggle was very, very real.
We will be back bright and early tomorrow morning for the last day of sitting this week.We will be back bright and early tomorrow morning for the last day of sitting this week.
Go switch off. And please – take care of you.Go switch off. And please – take care of you.
And a little bit more:And a little bit more:
The liberal democracies are open societies, that is our strength and vulnerability.The liberal democracies are open societies, that is our strength and vulnerability.
We cannot make threats to our democratic institutions by adopting the tactics of authoritarian regimes that undermines our fundamental values and beliefs.We cannot make threats to our democratic institutions by adopting the tactics of authoritarian regimes that undermines our fundamental values and beliefs.
Our role in this place is to stand up and defend those beliefs, and to remind successive generations of the price that’s being paid to build the democratic, democratic institutions that we enjoy today ... Freedom is right and freedom works. The success of the Australian economy over the last three decades is no accident of resourcing damage or geography.Our role in this place is to stand up and defend those beliefs, and to remind successive generations of the price that’s being paid to build the democratic, democratic institutions that we enjoy today ... Freedom is right and freedom works. The success of the Australian economy over the last three decades is no accident of resourcing damage or geography.
It’s overwhelmingly a testament to the benefits of economic freedom. The opening up of the Australian economy to market forces has not been easy. Along the way, there have been winners and losers, but the benefits are overwhelmingly positive.It’s overwhelmingly a testament to the benefits of economic freedom. The opening up of the Australian economy to market forces has not been easy. Along the way, there have been winners and losers, but the benefits are overwhelmingly positive.
We are bigger, stronger and more resilient to external shocks ... When it comes to climate change, policymakers have to act on the basis of the best science available.We are bigger, stronger and more resilient to external shocks ... When it comes to climate change, policymakers have to act on the basis of the best science available.
We rely on the intelligence agencies to give us the best advice on security threats.We rely on the intelligence agencies to give us the best advice on security threats.
And, of course, final decisions always rest with us as the elected representatives.And, of course, final decisions always rest with us as the elected representatives.
The same model should apply to climate matters and almost everything else infringing on our health and natural and the natural world.The same model should apply to climate matters and almost everything else infringing on our health and natural and the natural world.
A bit more from that speech:A bit more from that speech:
Politics is a noble calling, a vocation that puts the community and its aspirations before our own.Politics is a noble calling, a vocation that puts the community and its aspirations before our own.
And this parliament, as I said, in my main stage, is still the pinnacle of the Australian achievement. Liberal democracy with the rule of law, independent judiciary ... All of these things have helped us sustain our prosperity and social harmony. Institutions matter.And this parliament, as I said, in my main stage, is still the pinnacle of the Australian achievement. Liberal democracy with the rule of law, independent judiciary ... All of these things have helped us sustain our prosperity and social harmony. Institutions matter.
Respected tradition and conventions matters, particularly in this age of disruption, technological, political and cultural.Respected tradition and conventions matters, particularly in this age of disruption, technological, political and cultural.
My brand of liberalism seeks to conserve the best of the past while adapting to the future. It is constructive progress and not change for change’s sake. And how rapidly the world around us is changing. Trust in established institutions such as politics, business, the churches, the media has been weakened ... There’s a reheated romance in some quarters with old-fashioned socialism, and one person’s push for diversity and inclusion is another person’s divisive identity politics.My brand of liberalism seeks to conserve the best of the past while adapting to the future. It is constructive progress and not change for change’s sake. And how rapidly the world around us is changing. Trust in established institutions such as politics, business, the churches, the media has been weakened ... There’s a reheated romance in some quarters with old-fashioned socialism, and one person’s push for diversity and inclusion is another person’s divisive identity politics.
We complain about a lack of privacy and, in the same breath, gladly surrender so much of our personal information to vast platforms and networks ... And these platforms have also created new possibilities for control and intimidation of citizens.We complain about a lack of privacy and, in the same breath, gladly surrender so much of our personal information to vast platforms and networks ... And these platforms have also created new possibilities for control and intimidation of citizens.
Information is being fragmented and weaponised, the broadcast media is increasingly polarised and politicised.Information is being fragmented and weaponised, the broadcast media is increasingly polarised and politicised.
And the proliferation of media outlets means the people can select the news and facts to suit their own preconceptions and biases.And the proliferation of media outlets means the people can select the news and facts to suit their own preconceptions and biases.
The universities here, the two bastions of free speech, are under attack from within and from outside. The scientific method is under attack, even as we benefit daily from the fruits of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry.The universities here, the two bastions of free speech, are under attack from within and from outside. The scientific method is under attack, even as we benefit daily from the fruits of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry.
If we cannot even agree on basic facts, how can we have a civilised discourse? Look at the climate change debate..If we cannot even agree on basic facts, how can we have a civilised discourse? Look at the climate change debate..
Arthur Sinodinos:Arthur Sinodinos:
But the best part of my job has been to meet so many of my fellow Australians from different parts of this great continent.But the best part of my job has been to meet so many of my fellow Australians from different parts of this great continent.
Whatever race, colour or creed, we’re bound together by our good fortune in being born here, for making the brave decision to forsake ancestral home and settle down [in] the best country in the world.Whatever race, colour or creed, we’re bound together by our good fortune in being born here, for making the brave decision to forsake ancestral home and settle down [in] the best country in the world.
For me, Australia is an immigrant nation. It’s in our DNA. So too our unique Indigenous heritage with over 65,000 years of ongoing relationship with the land ... And we owe it to ourselves and to the world to make the most of our stewardship of this place. We are and should always be a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.For me, Australia is an immigrant nation. It’s in our DNA. So too our unique Indigenous heritage with over 65,000 years of ongoing relationship with the land ... And we owe it to ourselves and to the world to make the most of our stewardship of this place. We are and should always be a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.
For me, the Australian way is to live and let live, engage in fair play and leave no one behind.For me, the Australian way is to live and let live, engage in fair play and leave no one behind.
We have a special obligation to the minorities in our midst.We have a special obligation to the minorities in our midst.
These are the quiet Australians who need our help most.These are the quiet Australians who need our help most.
It includes Indigenous Australians, who seek more control over policies implemented in their name, disabled Australia, who want to be defined by the potential and not their disability, and those other marginalised Australians looking for gainful employment, and social acceptance.It includes Indigenous Australians, who seek more control over policies implemented in their name, disabled Australia, who want to be defined by the potential and not their disability, and those other marginalised Australians looking for gainful employment, and social acceptance.
The test of being an Australian is not genealogy. But whether we adhere to timeless values that make our democracy work.The test of being an Australian is not genealogy. But whether we adhere to timeless values that make our democracy work.
You may remember that yesterday the Senate ordered David Coleman to table the review into refugee resettlement.You may remember that yesterday the Senate ordered David Coleman to table the review into refugee resettlement.
It’s a yeah, nah, from the government.It’s a yeah, nah, from the government.
Another day of the Morrison Government hiding information from the public...Immigration Minister @DavidColemanMP has refused to comply with an order of the @AuSenate to release the Government's review and report into refugee resettlement in Australia. pic.twitter.com/JWqe8njKxRAnother day of the Morrison Government hiding information from the public...Immigration Minister @DavidColemanMP has refused to comply with an order of the @AuSenate to release the Government's review and report into refugee resettlement in Australia. pic.twitter.com/JWqe8njKxR
Arthur Sinodinos is now delivering his valedictory speech.Arthur Sinodinos is now delivering his valedictory speech.
And a bit of how Mike Bowers saw question time.And a bit of how Mike Bowers saw question time.
I will pay thisI will pay this
The four stages of listening to Malcolm Roberts. pic.twitter.com/UhE5xH3h3XThe four stages of listening to Malcolm Roberts. pic.twitter.com/UhE5xH3h3X
Just before Sarah Henderson’s speech, Sarah Hanson-Young saw this motion passed in the Senate:Just before Sarah Henderson’s speech, Sarah Hanson-Young saw this motion passed in the Senate:
That the Senate:That the Senate:
1. Notes:1. Notes:
a. The NSW Government plans to water down environmental rules to fast-track approvals for new dams and pipelines.a. The NSW Government plans to water down environmental rules to fast-track approvals for new dams and pipelines.
b. The Murray-Darling River is in environmental collapse and bypassing environmental protections will do more harm.b. The Murray-Darling River is in environmental collapse and bypassing environmental protections will do more harm.
c. Plans to override environmental protections will have negative impacts on downstream communities and the health of the River system.c. Plans to override environmental protections will have negative impacts on downstream communities and the health of the River system.
d. Building dams will not make it rain.d. Building dams will not make it rain.
2. Calls on the Federal Government to rule out giving any public funding to dam and water infrastructure projects that circumvent environmental assessment and don’t abide by proper environmental protections.2. Calls on the Federal Government to rule out giving any public funding to dam and water infrastructure projects that circumvent environmental assessment and don’t abide by proper environmental protections.
Sarah Henderson is making her first speech in the Senate, after being picked to take over from Mitch Fifield.Sarah Henderson is making her first speech in the Senate, after being picked to take over from Mitch Fifield.
She says it is “absolutely wonderful to be back”She says it is “absolutely wonderful to be back”
Case in point, Josh Frydenberg is off to talk to some of those very international world bodies, which we did not elect, to talk about the need for ... GLOBAL COOPERATION.Case in point, Josh Frydenberg is off to talk to some of those very international world bodies, which we did not elect, to talk about the need for ... GLOBAL COOPERATION.
From 16 to 20 October, I will travel to Washington DC to attend the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings.From 16 to 20 October, I will travel to Washington DC to attend the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings.
I will hold discussions with Australia’s regional neighbours, significant trade and investment partners, G7 economies and leaders of international financial institutions. These meetings will be used to discuss the challenges and opportunities flowing from the current conditions in the global economy.I will hold discussions with Australia’s regional neighbours, significant trade and investment partners, G7 economies and leaders of international financial institutions. These meetings will be used to discuss the challenges and opportunities flowing from the current conditions in the global economy.
I will also participate in ministerial meetings of the IMF, World Bank and G20 in conjunction with central bank governors, covering issues such as financial stability, global financial architecture, international taxation and risks to the global economic outlook.I will also participate in ministerial meetings of the IMF, World Bank and G20 in conjunction with central bank governors, covering issues such as financial stability, global financial architecture, international taxation and risks to the global economic outlook.
Australia has a seat at the top table when it comes to global economic matters. I will ensure Australia’s economic interests are protected and our successes recognised, while reaffirming our commitment to an open, free, rules-based trading system.Australia has a seat at the top table when it comes to global economic matters. I will ensure Australia’s economic interests are protected and our successes recognised, while reaffirming our commitment to an open, free, rules-based trading system.
Our strong, growing economy is an example of the benefits of free trade and investment. Australia has seen 28 consecutive years of economic growth and we are one of only 10 countries in the world to have a triple-A credit rating from all three major ratings agencies.Our strong, growing economy is an example of the benefits of free trade and investment. Australia has seen 28 consecutive years of economic growth and we are one of only 10 countries in the world to have a triple-A credit rating from all three major ratings agencies.
Free trade equals more jobs, more investment and higher economic growth. I will send the clear message that this has been the lesson for the Australian economy in the past and that this will guide us in the future.Free trade equals more jobs, more investment and higher economic growth. I will send the clear message that this has been the lesson for the Australian economy in the past and that this will guide us in the future.
Driving a strong and relevant agenda through international institutions is essential for Australia to ensure they remain capable of addressing new global challenges.Driving a strong and relevant agenda through international institutions is essential for Australia to ensure they remain capable of addressing new global challenges.
I look forward to representing Australia’s interests in this forum and emphasising the need for global cooperation.I look forward to representing Australia’s interests in this forum and emphasising the need for global cooperation.
Dave Sharma was just asked by Patricia Karvelas on Afternoon Briefing about the prime minister’s Lowy speech (where he invoked “negative globalism”), and this is what he had to say:Dave Sharma was just asked by Patricia Karvelas on Afternoon Briefing about the prime minister’s Lowy speech (where he invoked “negative globalism”), and this is what he had to say:
I was there for the speech and I think the point he was making, and this is a view I’d share, is that global institutions are basically creations of the state system and they respect the views of state bodies.I was there for the speech and I think the point he was making, and this is a view I’d share, is that global institutions are basically creations of the state system and they respect the views of state bodies.
They don’t have any independent legitimacy from that. We don’t elect the UN secretary general or the head of the UNCF.They don’t have any independent legitimacy from that. We don’t elect the UN secretary general or the head of the UNCF.
They need to reflect that legitimacy. The best way to get global bodies to help us address these challenges is to helping to coordinate and bring states together. It is not by seeking to harangue states.They need to reflect that legitimacy. The best way to get global bodies to help us address these challenges is to helping to coordinate and bring states together. It is not by seeking to harangue states.
... Except, no, that is not correct. The World Trade Organisation is one of those international bodies who we turn to to navigate trade disputes, we sign up to UN conventions, we belong to the International Labour Organisation, to decide if labour laws meet international obligations. We fought for a seat on the UN security council – the list goes on.... Except, no, that is not correct. The World Trade Organisation is one of those international bodies who we turn to to navigate trade disputes, we sign up to UN conventions, we belong to the International Labour Organisation, to decide if labour laws meet international obligations. We fought for a seat on the UN security council – the list goes on.
So you can’t suddenly decide that the bodies we voluntarily signed up to, do not have independent legitimacy, when we turn to those very bodies to maintain rules-based order.So you can’t suddenly decide that the bodies we voluntarily signed up to, do not have independent legitimacy, when we turn to those very bodies to maintain rules-based order.
According to the Hansard, this is what Josh Frydenberg said about the drought’s impact on the budget:According to the Hansard, this is what Josh Frydenberg said about the drought’s impact on the budget:
There is no doubt we face some domestic challenges to the economy, not least of which is the number one call on the budget, which is the drought. And the terrible drought that I saw firsthand. I was with the member for Maranoa in Inverell, Warrick and Stanthorpe and which itself has taken at least a quarter of a percentage point straight off GDP as well as requiring a significant call on budget to provide income support and infrastructure support and the like.There is no doubt we face some domestic challenges to the economy, not least of which is the number one call on the budget, which is the drought. And the terrible drought that I saw firsthand. I was with the member for Maranoa in Inverell, Warrick and Stanthorpe and which itself has taken at least a quarter of a percentage point straight off GDP as well as requiring a significant call on budget to provide income support and infrastructure support and the like.
Mr Speaker, the member for Rankin will look for every single opportunity to talk down the Australian economy. Every single opportunity to put at risk Australian jobs, Mr Speaker. The member for Rankin, just a matter of five months ago was the co-author, co-architect with the member for McMahon, in $387bn of higher taxes. The leader of the opposition went on Sky TV today and was asked would his tax impost on the Australian people have an impact on the economy, he said no. The reality is from the 1 July this year, Labor’s retiree text, superannuation tax, tax on family businesses, would have all taken an effect.Mr Speaker, the member for Rankin will look for every single opportunity to talk down the Australian economy. Every single opportunity to put at risk Australian jobs, Mr Speaker. The member for Rankin, just a matter of five months ago was the co-author, co-architect with the member for McMahon, in $387bn of higher taxes. The leader of the opposition went on Sky TV today and was asked would his tax impost on the Australian people have an impact on the economy, he said no. The reality is from the 1 July this year, Labor’s retiree text, superannuation tax, tax on family businesses, would have all taken an effect.
A look at the budget papers, just for accuracy sake, shows the drought funding, if you take it as the $7bn, puts 16 budget items ahead of it.A look at the budget papers, just for accuracy sake, shows the drought funding, if you take it as the $7bn, puts 16 budget items ahead of it.
The top five “calls” on the budget are the revenues paid to the states, the pension, public hospitals, aged care services and the family tax benefit.The top five “calls” on the budget are the revenues paid to the states, the pension, public hospitals, aged care services and the family tax benefit.
The Senate just voted on a Greens motion calling for a climate emergency to be declared.The Senate just voted on a Greens motion calling for a climate emergency to be declared.
Labor, Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie supported it, tying it (which means it was negatived, as the status quo prevails)Labor, Centre Alliance and Jacqui Lambie supported it, tying it (which means it was negatived, as the status quo prevails)
This is also an interesting exchange - Simon Birmingham explaining to Patricia Karvelas about how Peter Dutton using the medevac legislation to stop someone coming to Australia on national security grounds, which is the exact thing he said couldn’t be done, is not proof the government was misleading about medevac.This is also an interesting exchange - Simon Birmingham explaining to Patricia Karvelas about how Peter Dutton using the medevac legislation to stop someone coming to Australia on national security grounds, which is the exact thing he said couldn’t be done, is not proof the government was misleading about medevac.
PK: On another issue, Peter Dutton has tabled a statement on his decision to refuse a transfer under the medevac policy. But the government said he wouldn’t have the power to do that, to stop someone coming. They’re misleading there? They’ve said this scenario couldn’t happen under the legislation but today it has. So they were wrong?PK: On another issue, Peter Dutton has tabled a statement on his decision to refuse a transfer under the medevac policy. But the government said he wouldn’t have the power to do that, to stop someone coming. They’re misleading there? They’ve said this scenario couldn’t happen under the legislation but today it has. So they were wrong?
SB: No, Patricia, I think what was argued at the time was that the powers in terms of being able to reject were clearly not strong enough. And that was the argument at the time.SB: No, Patricia, I think what was argued at the time was that the powers in terms of being able to reject were clearly not strong enough. And that was the argument at the time.
PK: No, that was not the argument ...PK: No, that was not the argument ...
SB: Well, you can go away and have a look if you like ...SB: Well, you can go away and have a look if you like ...
PK: I remember very well what was said.PK: I remember very well what was said.
SB: I’m telling you ...SB: I’m telling you ...
PK: Murderers, paedophiles would be able to come to Australia. Peter Dutton has been able to stop somebody ...PK: Murderers, paedophiles would be able to come to Australia. Peter Dutton has been able to stop somebody ...
SB: And of course about the lack of necessity about this piece of legislation or reform. There are 132 people who have come to Australia under this legislation who aren’t in hospital.SB: And of course about the lack of necessity about this piece of legislation or reform. There are 132 people who have come to Australia under this legislation who aren’t in hospital.
They’re not here with acute medical conditions that necessitated coming into an Australian hospital circumstance. We had provisions already for providing healthcare and health treatment for individuals who needed it, and this legislation was demonstrably unnecessary, and the consequence of it is that it has created a pathway.They’re not here with acute medical conditions that necessitated coming into an Australian hospital circumstance. We had provisions already for providing healthcare and health treatment for individuals who needed it, and this legislation was demonstrably unnecessary, and the consequence of it is that it has created a pathway.
PK: But the minister has the ability to refuse, as he has today, this Iranian father, he’s refused his entry to Australia. So he has this power, doesn’t he?PK: But the minister has the ability to refuse, as he has today, this Iranian father, he’s refused his entry to Australia. So he has this power, doesn’t he?
SB: In limited circumstances. Obviously others who’ve come here have come under this power and under this provision ...SB: In limited circumstances. Obviously others who’ve come here have come under this power and under this provision ...
PK: But there’s no evidence that they’re murderers or they’re paedophiles, is there?PK: But there’s no evidence that they’re murderers or they’re paedophiles, is there?
SB: Let’s understand, the overall argument ...SB: Let’s understand, the overall argument ...
PK:You’re shifting this conversation to the medical priority. I’m talking about their status.PK:You’re shifting this conversation to the medical priority. I’m talking about their status.
SB: You are – focusing on one of the arguments about it ...SB: You are – focusing on one of the arguments about it ...
PK: That’s what I’m asking about it.PK: That’s what I’m asking about it.
SB: The core argument was that it was open a channel to Australia to undermined our border protection regime ...SB: The core argument was that it was open a channel to Australia to undermined our border protection regime ...
PK: Wasn’t the government misleading about this given the evidence today?PK: Wasn’t the government misleading about this given the evidence today?
SB: No, we are not. That was one argument at the time. The bigger argument at the time was it was putting another hole in the border protection regime we had built. It was unnecessary to do so because you can get health services and we did have the power, where necessary, to bring people to Australia when ready. The way this is being used to date is to set up a circumstance where you do have more than 132 people who have come, who aren’t in a hospital but they were brought here as a result of this medivac law.SB: No, we are not. That was one argument at the time. The bigger argument at the time was it was putting another hole in the border protection regime we had built. It was unnecessary to do so because you can get health services and we did have the power, where necessary, to bring people to Australia when ready. The way this is being used to date is to set up a circumstance where you do have more than 132 people who have come, who aren’t in a hospital but they were brought here as a result of this medivac law.
Simon Birmingham’s explanation is one thing. But that is not what the treasurer said.Simon Birmingham’s explanation is one thing. But that is not what the treasurer said.