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Malcolm Turnbull defends Snowy 2.0 after report savages project – politics live Dutton blocks medevac transfer after claiming it couldn't be done – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Peter Dutton has tabled a statement on his decision to exercise his medevac discretion to refuse a transfer (as is required by the legislation) The treasurer is correct to say that the IMF projects Australia’s GDP growth this year will be faster than any G7 nation except the USA. But we of course are not part of the G7; we are part of the OECD, and of the 34 member nations, our growth is projected to be the 19th best.
Not quite so impressive.
Meanwhile, a report from Anglicare has their multiple applications for each entry-level job. From Luke Henriques-Gomes
At least five people are applying for every entry-level position advertised as Australia’s most disadvantaged jobseekers are forced to compete against growing numbers of underemployed people for a dwindling number of suitable jobs, a report has found.
Anglicare’s annual Jobs Availability Snapshot, released on Wednesday, found there were 5.49 people competing for each entry-level job, while one in seven jobseekers faced difficulties getting into work such as a disability or minimal education.
Josh Frydenberg also backed Malcolm Turnbull’s defence of the Snowy 2.0 project:
I think it’s very clear that it will have significant benefits to the Australian energy market, providing power for more than 500,000 homes. Helping to stablise the growing intermittent energy that is coming into the system - particularly wind and solar. And Malcolm Turnbull’s absolutely right - that there are vested interests that want to poo-poo this project, because it may affect their own particular plans.
But the reality is, Australia, over the years has not provided enough storage in our energy market. And Snowy 2.0 is a nation-building project that will be really important on the eastern sea board in stabilising the housing market.”
Question: Why is there so much on the balanced budget? If the economic conditions in Australia turn down further, presumably the government will stimulate the economy. And aren’t you exposing yourself to the Wayne Swann problem? He promised us an iron-clad surplus, which Labor couldn’t deliver for a variety of reasons. Aren’t you exposing yourself and the government to the same risk?
Josh Frydenberg:
Surpluses are not ends in themselves. They’re not trophies on a cabinet table. They’re actually an indication of strong budget management and helping to build the resilience in the Australian economy so you can weather those economic shocks.
I mean, if Peter Costello and John Howard hadn’t paid back Labor’s debt, could you imagine the trouble* that Labor would have had, more so than they even did, through that GFC?
The fact that the Coalition left government under Howard and Costello with zero government debt, money in the bank and budget surpluses, gave Labor that fiscal flexibility to spend through that cycle when the shock hit.
So really, a strong budget position is not mutually exclusive from having a strong economy. They come together. And the fact that we’ve seen record job creation and the lowest welfare dependency in Australia in 30 years is actually an indication of good decision-making, good economic management, which is going to help to protect us into the future.
*the ‘trouble’ would have been slightly higher interest payments on government debt
Question: You’re saying “stay the course” not “change the course” in light of growth rates below 2%. Does that mean that you’re prepared to accept growth rates below 2%?
Josh Frydenberg:
Let’s wait until we see the September national account numbers. But we do know that the Australian economy is facing some significant headwinds. The global headwinds are real, and you’ve seen that in the IMF report today, and their description of a synchronised slowdown.
The impact of the drought, which has taken 0.25% straight off GDP, but has seen significant funding being required by the federal government.
So we do face these challenges. But we have lower taxes, putting more money into people’s pockets.
We have record spending on infrastructure. We have the plan to create 80,000 new apprenticeships, and we’re entering into the free-trade agreements which are also ensuring greater opportunities for Australian businesses. So that is our economic plan, and that is a plan that has also seen the budget come into balance for the first time in 11 years.
Josh Frydenberg is speaking on the IMF report, downgrading Australia’s growth rate from 2.1% to 1.4%
It is now more important than ever that we stay the course with considered, disciplined and responsible economic management. Economic management that sees Australia in its 29th consecutive year of economic growth.
With a triple A credit rating that only 10 developed nations have. With a strong labour market which has seen more than 1.4 million new jobs being created. And with the first balanced budget in 11 years. Today, the IMF has confirmed that the Australian economy will grow faster than any G7 nation, except the United States.
Now, our economic plan will see the Australian economy continue to grow with lower taxes, record spending on infrastructure, providing the workforce with the skills that they need, cutting red tape and entering into new free-trade agreements, which has already seen businesses have greater access to some two billion new customers.
And we will ensure a strong economy and a strong budget position, because it is critical to the resilience of the Australian economy, as we fails the global headwinds.
Peter Dutton has tabled a statement on his decision to exercise his medevac discretion to refuse a transfer (as is required by the legislation):
REFUSAL STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 198J OF THE MIGRATION ACT 1958REFUSAL STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 198J OF THE MIGRATION ACT 1958
On 11 October 2019,1, PETER DUTTON, Minister for Home Affairs made a decision under section 198G(2) of the Migration Act 1958 to refuse to approve the transfer of an accompanying family member from Nauru to Australia.On 11 October 2019,1, PETER DUTTON, Minister for Home Affairs made a decision under section 198G(2) of the Migration Act 1958 to refuse to approve the transfer of an accompanying family member from Nauru to Australia.
I made this decision because I reasonably believe the accompanying family member would expose the Australian community to a serious risk of criminal conduct and should not be transferred to Australia.I made this decision because I reasonably believe the accompanying family member would expose the Australian community to a serious risk of criminal conduct and should not be transferred to Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs (Department) has advised me that the accompanying family member has a history of violent and manipulative behaviour, including allegations of physical assault against his children, been investigated by Nauruan Police Force for criminal activity, engaged in military service in Iran and that the Department has been unable to verify his identity.The Department of Home Affairs (Department) has advised me that the accompanying family member has a history of violent and manipulative behaviour, including allegations of physical assault against his children, been investigated by Nauruan Police Force for criminal activity, engaged in military service in Iran and that the Department has been unable to verify his identity.
Pursuant to section 198G(5), in deciding to refuse to approve the accompanying family member’s transfer, I have had regard to the best interests of the adult transferee who it was recommended he should accompany. I have approved the transfer of a separate family member to accompany the adult transferee from Nauru to Australia. In addition, the adult transferee has other family members in Australia.Pursuant to section 198G(5), in deciding to refuse to approve the accompanying family member’s transfer, I have had regard to the best interests of the adult transferee who it was recommended he should accompany. I have approved the transfer of a separate family member to accompany the adult transferee from Nauru to Australia. In addition, the adult transferee has other family members in Australia.
Katharine Murphy has written up the latest Essential poll (yes, I know, all caveats about polls) and it has some interesting take outs: Katharine Murphy has written up the latest Essential poll (yes, I know, all caveats about polls) and it has some interesting takeouts:
While national politics frets about its trust crisis, the bulk of Australian voters appear reasonably sanguine with both of the major parties five months on from the federal election, with more than 60% of the Guardian Essential sample rating the performance of the Coalition and Labor as excellent, good or fair.While national politics frets about its trust crisis, the bulk of Australian voters appear reasonably sanguine with both of the major parties five months on from the federal election, with more than 60% of the Guardian Essential sample rating the performance of the Coalition and Labor as excellent, good or fair.
The latest survey of 1,088 respondents shows 63% are positive about the Coalition’s performance post-election and 62% say the same about Labor, although Coalition voters are more positive about the government than Labor voters are about Labor, with 93% of Coalition voters affirming the government and 83% of Labor voters affirming the opposition.The latest survey of 1,088 respondents shows 63% are positive about the Coalition’s performance post-election and 62% say the same about Labor, although Coalition voters are more positive about the government than Labor voters are about Labor, with 93% of Coalition voters affirming the government and 83% of Labor voters affirming the opposition.
Scott Morrison remains comfortably ahead of Anthony Albanese as preferred prime minister, although the Labor leader has made up ground over the past month. Morrison is preferred as prime minister by 43% of the sample to Albanese’s 28%, which is a three-point improvement for the Labor leader.Scott Morrison remains comfortably ahead of Anthony Albanese as preferred prime minister, although the Labor leader has made up ground over the past month. Morrison is preferred as prime minister by 43% of the sample to Albanese’s 28%, which is a three-point improvement for the Labor leader.
Josh Frydenberg is holding a press conference at 10.15am in the Senate courtyard.Josh Frydenberg is holding a press conference at 10.15am in the Senate courtyard.
You can expect the official government response to the IMF report, there You can expect the official government response to the IMF report, there.
Meanwhile, a report looking at federal MPs’ attitudes to democractic reform is being released today.Meanwhile, a report looking at federal MPs’ attitudes to democractic reform is being released today.
Paul Karp has had a look at the report, here:Paul Karp has had a look at the report, here:
And from the statement:And from the statement:
The report is the fifth in a series of reports developed by Democracy 2025 that examine how to strengthen democratic practice and bridge the trust divide in Australia.The report is the fifth in a series of reports developed by Democracy 2025 that examine how to strengthen democratic practice and bridge the trust divide in Australia.
The director of Democracy 2025, Professor Mark Evans, will present the report at a special event at Parliament House.The director of Democracy 2025, Professor Mark Evans, will present the report at a special event at Parliament House.
... Democracy 2025 is an initiative of MoAD—in partnership with the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the University of Canberra—that is strengthening democratic practice through research, dialogue and innovation. For more information visit www.democracy2025.gov.au.... Democracy 2025 is an initiative of MoAD—in partnership with the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the University of Canberra—that is strengthening democratic practice through research, dialogue and innovation. For more information visit www.democracy2025.gov.au.
The timing of the Courier Mail article comes as the government works to woo Jacqui Lambie, the swing vote, to repeal the medevac legislation, which was passed against its will in the last minority parliament.The timing of the Courier Mail article comes as the government works to woo Jacqui Lambie, the swing vote, to repeal the medevac legislation, which was passed against its will in the last minority parliament.
A Senate inquiry into the laws will be handed down on Friday. But the Senate won’t vote on the repeal legislation until it sits in again in November.A Senate inquiry into the laws will be handed down on Friday. But the Senate won’t vote on the repeal legislation until it sits in again in November.
Kristina Keneally says Peter Dutton’s enacting of the security safeguard shows the legislation is working:Kristina Keneally says Peter Dutton’s enacting of the security safeguard shows the legislation is working:
Why did Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton claim people of bad character could be transferred to Australia under medevac when it’s clear they have the powers to deny such transfers?Why did Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton claim people of bad character could be transferred to Australia under medevac when it’s clear they have the powers to deny such transfers?
Under medevac, the minister can refuse a transfer on security or serious character grounds and this decision does not get reviewed and cannot be overturned. In fact, before medevac, the courts were deciding medical transfers on health grounds only, not even taking into consideration security concerns.Under medevac, the minister can refuse a transfer on security or serious character grounds and this decision does not get reviewed and cannot be overturned. In fact, before medevac, the courts were deciding medical transfers on health grounds only, not even taking into consideration security concerns.
Peter Dutton is so desperate to distract from the 95,000 airplane people who have arrived on his watch, he’s boasting about using a power Labor ensured was in place to keep security threats out of the country.Peter Dutton is so desperate to distract from the 95,000 airplane people who have arrived on his watch, he’s boasting about using a power Labor ensured was in place to keep security threats out of the country.
Labor strongly supports medevac. Medevac is working. These laws should not be repealed by the government.”Labor strongly supports medevac. Medevac is working. These laws should not be repealed by the government.”
Why is all of that interesting?Why is all of that interesting?
Well, because the government, including Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison, have said they don’t have the power to stop people under medevac.Well, because the government, including Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison, have said they don’t have the power to stop people under medevac.
In June, in an interview with David Speers on Sky News, Dutton said:In June, in an interview with David Speers on Sky News, Dutton said:
DS: You did warn, of course, at the time rapists, paedophiles, murders might come in. You know, I know you were asked about this on Sunday – have you yet established whether any have?DS: You did warn, of course, at the time rapists, paedophiles, murders might come in. You know, I know you were asked about this on Sunday – have you yet established whether any have?
PD: I think there are some people that have come of bad character, David. I don’t think there’s any question about that, and under Labor’s law ...PD: I think there are some people that have come of bad character, David. I don’t think there’s any question about that, and under Labor’s law ...
DS: Amongst this 30 – are there any rapists, murders, paedophiles?DS: Amongst this 30 – are there any rapists, murders, paedophiles?
PD: Well, we’ll have a look at the details in due course, and I’d make this point though. The point made by the Labor party – and you heard a bit of the rhetoric in the previous interview – people of bad character can come, are able to come and, in fact, are required to come under Labor’s laws that they passed. That’s the reality. So, if you’ve got a national security check ...PD: Well, we’ll have a look at the details in due course, and I’d make this point though. The point made by the Labor party – and you heard a bit of the rhetoric in the previous interview – people of bad character can come, are able to come and, in fact, are required to come under Labor’s laws that they passed. That’s the reality. So, if you’ve got a national security check ...
DS: And you’re saying there are people of bad character who have come amongst that 30?DS: And you’re saying there are people of bad character who have come amongst that 30?
PD: I’m saying there are some – there are some people of bad character who have come to our country.PD: I’m saying there are some – there are some people of bad character who have come to our country.
DS: What sort of bad character?DS: What sort of bad character?
PD: Well, I’ll go into those details at the appropriate time, David, but what I’m worried about now – particularly out of this court decision, and particularly out of Labor saying that they won’t support us in the parliament to repeal this bad law – I am worried about many more cases coming through, and I think many of those people were believing, as the refugee advocates told them, that Labor would win the election, and that they would be here in significant numbers in big uplifts overnight, and that they’d be living in Australia.PD: Well, I’ll go into those details at the appropriate time, David, but what I’m worried about now – particularly out of this court decision, and particularly out of Labor saying that they won’t support us in the parliament to repeal this bad law – I am worried about many more cases coming through, and I think many of those people were believing, as the refugee advocates told them, that Labor would win the election, and that they would be here in significant numbers in big uplifts overnight, and that they’d be living in Australia.
The Courier Mail had this story this morning:The Courier Mail had this story this morning:
Peter Dutton will use his ­powers for the first time under the medevac legislation to keep out a violent Iranian asylum seeker – accused of running a prostitution ring – after doctors ordered three family members be sent to Australia.Peter Dutton will use his ­powers for the first time under the medevac legislation to keep out a violent Iranian asylum seeker – accused of running a prostitution ring – after doctors ordered three family members be sent to Australia.
In shock revelations, doctors approved an adult Iranian woman on Nauru to be sent to Australia for treatment and be accompanied by her brother and father, who do not need medical attention.In shock revelations, doctors approved an adult Iranian woman on Nauru to be sent to Australia for treatment and be accompanied by her brother and father, who do not need medical attention.
The article mentions “interventionist” doctors and Dutton having to step in on security grounds.The article mentions “interventionist” doctors and Dutton having to step in on security grounds.
Which actually just proves that the medevac legislation the government is attempting to repeal has the safeguards in it to allow ministers to step in and stop transfers on national security grounds.Which actually just proves that the medevac legislation the government is attempting to repeal has the safeguards in it to allow ministers to step in and stop transfers on national security grounds.
Which is outlined in this explainer from Murph:Which is outlined in this explainer from Murph:
Ministerial discretion applies in three areas.Ministerial discretion applies in three areas.
First, the minister can refuse the transfer if he or she disagrees with the clinical assessment.First, the minister can refuse the transfer if he or she disagrees with the clinical assessment.
The second grounds for refusal is if the minister reasonably suspects that the transfer of the person to Australia would be prejudicial to security “within the meaning of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, including because an adverse security assessment in respect of the person is in force under that Act”.The second grounds for refusal is if the minister reasonably suspects that the transfer of the person to Australia would be prejudicial to security “within the meaning of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, including because an adverse security assessment in respect of the person is in force under that Act”.
Sticking with security, the transfer can also be knocked back if Asio advises the minister that transfer of the person to Australia may be prejudicial to security “and that threat cannot be mitigated”.Sticking with security, the transfer can also be knocked back if Asio advises the minister that transfer of the person to Australia may be prejudicial to security “and that threat cannot be mitigated”.
The third grounds for refusal is if the minister knows that the transferee has a substantial criminal record and the minister reasonably believes the person would expose the Australian community to a serious risk of criminal conduct.The third grounds for refusal is if the minister knows that the transferee has a substantial criminal record and the minister reasonably believes the person would expose the Australian community to a serious risk of criminal conduct.
Nine facts about the medical evacuation billNine facts about the medical evacuation bill
The bells are sounding off.The bells are sounding off.
Parliament is about to begin.Parliament is about to begin.
Jim Chalmers was out at doors this morning to talk about the IMF downgrade.Jim Chalmers was out at doors this morning to talk about the IMF downgrade.
Our economic problems in Australia are still primarily home-grown. That’s a point that Deloitte Access Economics has made.Our economic problems in Australia are still primarily home-grown. That’s a point that Deloitte Access Economics has made.
It’s a point that the Reserve Bank has made. We’ve had issues in the Australian economy for some time now which preceded the trade tensions between the Americans and the Chinese, for example. When Josh Frydenberg tries to blame international conditions for this downgrade today, remember that the Australian downgrade in these new numbers is four times bigger than the downgrade for the other advanced economies as a whole.It’s a point that the Reserve Bank has made. We’ve had issues in the Australian economy for some time now which preceded the trade tensions between the Americans and the Chinese, for example. When Josh Frydenberg tries to blame international conditions for this downgrade today, remember that the Australian downgrade in these new numbers is four times bigger than the downgrade for the other advanced economies as a whole.
Speaking of the drought, Sarah Martin has looked at what some of the money for drought-stricken councils is being spent on:Speaking of the drought, Sarah Martin has looked at what some of the money for drought-stricken councils is being spent on:
Music festivals, cemetery upgrades, public toilets and a virtual gym are among the hundreds of projects to ­receive federal grants under the government’s signature Drought Communities Program.Music festivals, cemetery upgrades, public toilets and a virtual gym are among the hundreds of projects to ­receive federal grants under the government’s signature Drought Communities Program.
As the government fends off criticism of its national drought response, a Guardian Australia analysis of $100m in grants awarded under the program in 2019 shows that while many shires have used the grant program for water infrastructure projects, much of the funding has been spent on events, the purchase of equipment and maintenance work.As the government fends off criticism of its national drought response, a Guardian Australia analysis of $100m in grants awarded under the program in 2019 shows that while many shires have used the grant program for water infrastructure projects, much of the funding has been spent on events, the purchase of equipment and maintenance work.
My colleague Josh Taylor has been reading some of the federation chamber speeches from last night, and found this one from Ed Husic criticising the government for not doing enough to combat rightwing extremism:My colleague Josh Taylor has been reading some of the federation chamber speeches from last night, and found this one from Ed Husic criticising the government for not doing enough to combat rightwing extremism:
The point is this: I don’t care if it’s Islamist-inspired or supremacist-inspired, if it represents a threat to the Australian people it should be taken seriously. And I’m telling you now, based on the briefings I’ve received, we are not taking this seriously. We reckon that we’re only following a few people on this issue here in this country. I have the greatest respect for what our security agencies and intelligence agencies are doing. But we also know in this day and age, with the rise of the lone wolf, we can’t track these people easily. We need to take this seriously. We need to deal with it now.The point is this: I don’t care if it’s Islamist-inspired or supremacist-inspired, if it represents a threat to the Australian people it should be taken seriously. And I’m telling you now, based on the briefings I’ve received, we are not taking this seriously. We reckon that we’re only following a few people on this issue here in this country. I have the greatest respect for what our security agencies and intelligence agencies are doing. But we also know in this day and age, with the rise of the lone wolf, we can’t track these people easily. We need to take this seriously. We need to deal with it now.
You’ll find the rest of that on page 104 on that linkYou’ll find the rest of that on page 104 on that link