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Peter Dutton claims war veterans want medevac laws scrapped – politics live Labor and Greens team up to oppose expansion of fast-track visas – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Just for a bit more context on that spat Sky’s Thomas O’Brien has been reporting on - the Nationals have been annoyed about how the drought policy has been handled for quite some time. Given the indigenous recognition push, this will be interesting.
Interview will be on @RNDrive after 6pm too #auspol https://t.co/zsXIsTvDFY
Scott Morrison has walked into the chamber with David Littleproud.
See? EVERYTHING IS FINE
Who’s that MP?
It’s Ken O’Dowd.
I’ll be heading to the chamber for question time – hit me up with your predictions (but I would say drought and the economy would be on the money).
This is an interesting story from AAP:
The Canberra bubble is truly full, with countries looking to set up shop in the capital being turned away because of a lack of available land.
The National Capital Authority, which manages federal land in Canberra, told a parliamentary briefing they couldn’t offer much to those seeking land for diplomatic missions.
“We’ve had a number of countries where we’ve basically said, ‘No, we can’t offer you anything’,” chief planner Andrew Smith said.
He also told the committee negotiations with the Russian and Iranian missions to see them start works on their vacant land was ongoing.
Smith said new embassies could be built for a number of reasons, including the beginning of a new diplomatic relationship with Australia or countries already stationed in Canberra looking to move out of rented premises.
But some countries were also requesting larger premises for missions.
“We are actually at a situation where we really can’t effectively offer anything much,” Smith said.
He said there were a couple of vacant sites but the authority couldn’t offer them due to “reasons associated with terrain or soil conditions”.
When contacted by AAP, the authority said it was up to the individual missions to confirm whether they had been turned back.
The authority manages vacant sites but countries then have to look after it once they pick up the lease.
It also has a “use it or lose it” policy where countries may have leased land taken away from them if they show no signs of developing it.
Smith told the committee negotiations with the Russian and Iranian missions to see them start works on their own missions were continuing.
Last year, the committee was told that Kuwait, Iran, Brunei, Russia and Bangladesh had stalled or inactive development on their land.
At the time, Iran attributed delays to the unexpected death of their embassy’s new architect.
It also said it was holding discussions with the ACT government on the shortage of diplomatic land.
Just for a bit more context on that spat Sky’s Thomas O’Brien has been reporting on – the Nationals have been annoyed about how the drought policy has been handled for quite some time.
There was agitation within the party when Malcolm Turnbull was prime minister, with members pushing Michael McCormack to do more. Then, when Scott Morrison took over the leadership, he also took over on the drought, which furthered angered a group of National MPs, who thought the Liberals should not be leading on a policy area which traditionally, has been theirs.There was agitation within the party when Malcolm Turnbull was prime minister, with members pushing Michael McCormack to do more. Then, when Scott Morrison took over the leadership, he also took over on the drought, which furthered angered a group of National MPs, who thought the Liberals should not be leading on a policy area which traditionally, has been theirs.
So there has been angst, but a truce was called, given the drought was, from a PR point at least, a headline issue for the government.So there has been angst, but a truce was called, given the drought was, from a PR point at least, a headline issue for the government.
Then the announcement happened - and those tensions boiled over again. Then the announcement happened – and those tensions boiled over again.
For the record, none of the National MPs are willing to go on the record to say this.For the record, none of the National MPs are willing to go on the record to say this.
But yes, they are *annoyed*But yes, they are *annoyed*
A 2nd Nat MP has contacted Sky to vent: "PM is being arrogant...there are a lot of National MPs on the edge of losing their shit." Some Nats wanted to 'own' the drought announcement, & feel sidelined. Angst is more over optics than the actual policy.A 2nd Nat MP has contacted Sky to vent: "PM is being arrogant...there are a lot of National MPs on the edge of losing their shit." Some Nats wanted to 'own' the drought announcement, & feel sidelined. Angst is more over optics than the actual policy.
Labor and the Greens are teaming up against an expansion of the fast-track visa process which among others would cover asylum seekers who arrived by plane.Labor and the Greens are teaming up against an expansion of the fast-track visa process which among others would cover asylum seekers who arrived by plane.
Contrary to some reports this morning, it is not a motion to scrap the controversial process altogether – although the Greens’ position is that it should be scrapped.Contrary to some reports this morning, it is not a motion to scrap the controversial process altogether – although the Greens’ position is that it should be scrapped.
What is the fast-track process? It’s complicated and has changed over the years but essentially:What is the fast-track process? It’s complicated and has changed over the years but essentially:
The fast-track assessment and removal process was introduced in 2014, and later expanded. It applies to the group of people who sought asylum in Australia by boat from August 2012 to January 2014 (and any of their children) commonly referred to as the “legacy caseload” and numbered more than 30,000.The fast-track assessment and removal process was introduced in 2014, and later expanded. It applies to the group of people who sought asylum in Australia by boat from August 2012 to January 2014 (and any of their children) commonly referred to as the “legacy caseload” and numbered more than 30,000.
Under the process, asylum seekers can only apply for three-year temporary protection visas (TPV) or five-year Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (Shev), and are denied access to a full administrative review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. A refusal will automatically receive a limited review by the Immigration Assessment Authority (which was established for this purpose and sits within the AAT), but the IAA won’t hear new information.Under the process, asylum seekers can only apply for three-year temporary protection visas (TPV) or five-year Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (Shev), and are denied access to a full administrative review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. A refusal will automatically receive a limited review by the Immigration Assessment Authority (which was established for this purpose and sits within the AAT), but the IAA won’t hear new information.
Some fast-track applicants are excluded from this.Some fast-track applicants are excluded from this.
The process is controversial, with some legal and refugee experts criticising it as being more focused on speed than fairness.The process is controversial, with some legal and refugee experts criticising it as being more focused on speed than fairness.
The Greens and Labor motion seeks to scrap an expansion of the process to cover people from the legacy cohort reapplying after their TPV or Shev expires, as well as anyone who arrived by air and who applies for temporary protection. It applies to any application made after 1 April this year.The Greens and Labor motion seeks to scrap an expansion of the process to cover people from the legacy cohort reapplying after their TPV or Shev expires, as well as anyone who arrived by air and who applies for temporary protection. It applies to any application made after 1 April this year.
Immigration minister David Coleman told the Australian this would result in application assessment times blowing out from an average of 23 days to 504 days and would put more strain on the AAT.Immigration minister David Coleman told the Australian this would result in application assessment times blowing out from an average of 23 days to 504 days and would put more strain on the AAT.
Labor disputes the figures, claiming that as of February last year the average time (from lodgement to a primary decision) was 415 days for TPVs and 316 for Shevs.Labor disputes the figures, claiming that as of February last year the average time (from lodgement to a primary decision) was 415 days for TPVs and 316 for Shevs.
“Labor does not support the government’s unfair fast track process because it is neither fast nor fair – if it was the third term Liberal government would have been able to process these applications by now,” said a spokesman for shadow home affairs minister, Kristina Keneally.“Labor does not support the government’s unfair fast track process because it is neither fast nor fair – if it was the third term Liberal government would have been able to process these applications by now,” said a spokesman for shadow home affairs minister, Kristina Keneally.
Greens senator Nick McKim said the fast track process was neither fast nor fair.Greens senator Nick McKim said the fast track process was neither fast nor fair.
“It should be scrapped altogether, not expanded,” he said.“It should be scrapped altogether, not expanded,” he said.
“It was set up with the clear aim of reducing people’s chances of claiming asylum and denying them avenues of appeal. This government continues to demonise people who have fled persecution.”“It was set up with the clear aim of reducing people’s chances of claiming asylum and denying them avenues of appeal. This government continues to demonise people who have fled persecution.”
A group of ex-judges, anti-corruption commissioners, and experts have laid out a blueprint for improving political and democratic integrity in the wake of this year’s election.A group of ex-judges, anti-corruption commissioners, and experts have laid out a blueprint for improving political and democratic integrity in the wake of this year’s election.
The Centre for Public Integrity used a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to argue there was “ample evidence” of the need for integrity reform, pointing to the $70m campaign spend by Clive Palmer and the post-political appointments of Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop.The Centre for Public Integrity used a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to argue there was “ample evidence” of the need for integrity reform, pointing to the $70m campaign spend by Clive Palmer and the post-political appointments of Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop.
The centre, chaired by former NSW judge Anthony Whealy QC, wants parties and candidates to report all single donations of $1,000 or above or aggregated contributions of $3,000 over three years.The centre, chaired by former NSW judge Anthony Whealy QC, wants parties and candidates to report all single donations of $1,000 or above or aggregated contributions of $3,000 over three years.
The current threshold is $14,000. Donations should be disclosed to the public in real-time and include income from “party fundraisers, corporate sponsorship of business forums, and membership fees over $600 per year”.The current threshold is $14,000. Donations should be disclosed to the public in real-time and include income from “party fundraisers, corporate sponsorship of business forums, and membership fees over $600 per year”.
Electoral expenditure should be capped, and advertising limited by the finance or attorney-general’s department, which would purchase advertising space and distribute it to parties, candidates, and third parties.Electoral expenditure should be capped, and advertising limited by the finance or attorney-general’s department, which would purchase advertising space and distribute it to parties, candidates, and third parties.
The centre also wants to see stronger post-separation employment bans apply to former ministers and parliamentary secretaries, preventing them from lobbying-related activities for five years in any area linked to their former portfolio.The centre also wants to see stronger post-separation employment bans apply to former ministers and parliamentary secretaries, preventing them from lobbying-related activities for five years in any area linked to their former portfolio.
The ban would be enforced by an independent parliamentary integrity commissioner.The ban would be enforced by an independent parliamentary integrity commissioner.
“The Commonwealth has the weakest integrity laws in the country. Reform is crucial in the wake of the 2019 federal election,” Whealy said.“The Commonwealth has the weakest integrity laws in the country. Reform is crucial in the wake of the 2019 federal election,” Whealy said.
The Centre for Public Integrity board includes ex-judges Tony Fitzgerald QC, David Ipp QC, Stephen Charles QC and Whealy, professors George Williams and Joo Cheong Tham, and barrister Geoffrey Watson SC.The Centre for Public Integrity board includes ex-judges Tony Fitzgerald QC, David Ipp QC, Stephen Charles QC and Whealy, professors George Williams and Joo Cheong Tham, and barrister Geoffrey Watson SC.
Mike Bowers has been very busy this morning.Mike Bowers has been very busy this morning.
This would be the moment the Nationals gathered to announce the farm household allowance changes, but were overshadowed by the prime minister who was on not-Alan Jones radio doing exactly the same thing.This would be the moment the Nationals gathered to announce the farm household allowance changes, but were overshadowed by the prime minister who was on not-Alan Jones radio doing exactly the same thing.
Some colour in parliament, thanks to a Mongolian dance troupe.Some colour in parliament, thanks to a Mongolian dance troupe.
A very fed up Jacqui LambieA very fed up Jacqui Lambie
And that Senate lightAnd that Senate light
Katharine Murphy and Paul Karp have put together exactly what happened when Labor voted against the Greens motion to stop the government from scrapping the education infrastructure fund, in favour of redirecting it to emergency disaster responses:Katharine Murphy and Paul Karp have put together exactly what happened when Labor voted against the Greens motion to stop the government from scrapping the education infrastructure fund, in favour of redirecting it to emergency disaster responses:
Labor has done a deal with the Morrison government to pass legislation redirecting education infrastructure money to disaster relief despite significant objections from the education spokeswoman, Tanya Plibersek.Labor has done a deal with the Morrison government to pass legislation redirecting education infrastructure money to disaster relief despite significant objections from the education spokeswoman, Tanya Plibersek.
The opposition made the decision to sign on to the emergency response fund in a special shadow cabinet meeting on Wednesday night, which also considered Labor’s stance on the free trade deal with Indonesia.The opposition made the decision to sign on to the emergency response fund in a special shadow cabinet meeting on Wednesday night, which also considered Labor’s stance on the free trade deal with Indonesia.
But Guardian Australia understands Plibersek objected, and concerns persist within the caucus that the decision will blunt Labor’s ability to pursue the Coalition over cuts to education funding.But Guardian Australia understands Plibersek objected, and concerns persist within the caucus that the decision will blunt Labor’s ability to pursue the Coalition over cuts to education funding.
Labor MPs, including the former research minister Kim Carr, have expressed concern that the redirection will deliver a significant blow to investment in research infrastructure.Labor MPs, including the former research minister Kim Carr, have expressed concern that the redirection will deliver a significant blow to investment in research infrastructure.
I have been flipping through some annual reports this morning.I have been flipping through some annual reports this morning.
The Department of Employment provides us an update on the progress of its struggling $250m PaTH internships program. You might remember it’s the scheme where the government pays businesses like Hungry Jacks and Woolworths $1000 to host young welfare recipients. The interns get an incentive payment, which unions say equates to about $4 a day.The Department of Employment provides us an update on the progress of its struggling $250m PaTH internships program. You might remember it’s the scheme where the government pays businesses like Hungry Jacks and Woolworths $1000 to host young welfare recipients. The interns get an incentive payment, which unions say equates to about $4 a day.
The program was supposed to offer 30,000 internships a year – instead there have only been 6,464 since April 2017. The report does say that 65% of those internships led to a job.The program was supposed to offer 30,000 internships a year – instead there have only been 6,464 since April 2017. The report does say that 65% of those internships led to a job.
“Those who have completed Youth Jobs PaTH have achieved strong outcomes, but take-up continues to be a challenge,” the report says.“Those who have completed Youth Jobs PaTH have achieved strong outcomes, but take-up continues to be a challenge,” the report says.
The government poured another $10m into the scheme in August.The government poured another $10m into the scheme in August.
Nick Martin (the doctor from the post a few down) approves this messageNick Martin (the doctor from the post a few down) approves this message
Nailed it. https://t.co/B0IJJYu7epNailed it. https://t.co/B0IJJYu7ep
Here’s the dairy industry inquiry motion Pauline Hanson put up and won (with the support of most of the Senate, excluding the government).Here’s the dairy industry inquiry motion Pauline Hanson put up and won (with the support of most of the Senate, excluding the government).
That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day in March 2020: the performance of Australia’s dairy industry and the profitability of Australian dairy farmers since deregulation in 2000, with particular reference to –That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day in March 2020: the performance of Australia’s dairy industry and the profitability of Australian dairy farmers since deregulation in 2000, with particular reference to –
(a) the ability of Dairy Australia to act independently and support the best interests of both farmers and processors;(a) the ability of Dairy Australia to act independently and support the best interests of both farmers and processors;
(b) the accuracy of statistical data collected by Dairy Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics;(b) the accuracy of statistical data collected by Dairy Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics;
(c) the funding of Dairy Australia and the extent of its consultation and engagement on the expenditure of levies revenue;(c) the funding of Dairy Australia and the extent of its consultation and engagement on the expenditure of levies revenue;
(d) the merits of tasking the ACCC to investigate how it can regulate the price of milk per litre paid by processors to dairy farmers to ensure a viable dairy industry;(d) the merits of tasking the ACCC to investigate how it can regulate the price of milk per litre paid by processors to dairy farmers to ensure a viable dairy industry;
(e) alternative approaches to supporting a viable dairy sector;(e) alternative approaches to supporting a viable dairy sector;
(f) the introduction of a mandatory industry code of practice; and(f) the introduction of a mandatory industry code of practice; and
(g) any related matters.(g) any related matters.
The Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has also unleashed on Labor for its decision not to back a motion to save the education fund (Jacqui Lambie was also very, very angry at the move).The Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has also unleashed on Labor for its decision not to back a motion to save the education fund (Jacqui Lambie was also very, very angry at the move).
Labor and the Government have teamed up to stab education in the back by abolishing billions in education funding.Labor and the Government have teamed up to stab education in the back by abolishing billions in education funding.
I don’t expect any better of the regressive Liberals who have cut education funding at every turn, but Labor used to be the party of education. Now they are just selling out communities and young people to remain politically relevant.I don’t expect any better of the regressive Liberals who have cut education funding at every turn, but Labor used to be the party of education. Now they are just selling out communities and young people to remain politically relevant.
Labor are so eager to please the Liberals they voted to abolish the infrastructure fund they themselves established. The reality is unis, Tafes and research have all suffered under this Liberal-National government. Education in Australia is being dangerously underfunded.Labor are so eager to please the Liberals they voted to abolish the infrastructure fund they themselves established. The reality is unis, Tafes and research have all suffered under this Liberal-National government. Education in Australia is being dangerously underfunded.
The official Labor press conference on the free trade agreement decision is out.The official Labor press conference on the free trade agreement decision is out.
From Madeleine King’s office:From Madeleine King’s office:
We will back these agreements, although we are concerned about how this Government will implement them.We will back these agreements, although we are concerned about how this Government will implement them.
We have consulted widely on these issues with stakeholders in the union movement, industry, academia and the public service.We have consulted widely on these issues with stakeholders in the union movement, industry, academia and the public service.
I have written to Trade Minister Simon Birmingham seeking firm commitments to ensure that the implementation of the agreements safeguard Australian jobs and maximise market access for Australian businesses.I have written to Trade Minister Simon Birmingham seeking firm commitments to ensure that the implementation of the agreements safeguard Australian jobs and maximise market access for Australian businesses.
We are seeking:We are seeking:
A guarantee that these agreements protect Australian jobs.A guarantee that these agreements protect Australian jobs.
An assurance that working holiday makers are not exploited and are appropriately qualified for the work they undertake.An assurance that working holiday makers are not exploited and are appropriately qualified for the work they undertake.
The termination of the existing bilateral investment treaty with Indonesia.The termination of the existing bilateral investment treaty with Indonesia.
The termination or updating of out-dated bilateral investment treaties and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses.The termination or updating of out-dated bilateral investment treaties and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses.
A review of recent ISDS mechanisms in trade agreements.A review of recent ISDS mechanisms in trade agreements.
An inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) into Australia’s treaty-making process.An inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) into Australia’s treaty-making process.
An assurance that there is no inference from the agreements that would require the privatisation of government services, nor restrict any future decision to bring acquire public assets.An assurance that there is no inference from the agreements that would require the privatisation of government services, nor restrict any future decision to bring acquire public assets.
Labor’s call for the Government to pursue the termination of the existing Bilateral Investment Treaty between Australia and Indonesia was recently backed by JSCOT’s recent review of these trade agreements.Labor’s call for the Government to pursue the termination of the existing Bilateral Investment Treaty between Australia and Indonesia was recently backed by JSCOT’s recent review of these trade agreements.
This old treaty contains ISDS clauses with poor safeguards.This old treaty contains ISDS clauses with poor safeguards.
Labor does not support the inclusion of ISDS provisions in trade agreements, but the report noted that the provisions in these new agreements include strong safeguards.Labor does not support the inclusion of ISDS provisions in trade agreements, but the report noted that the provisions in these new agreements include strong safeguards.
Labor MPs on the JSCOT committee were instrumental in ensuring that these recommendations were included in the final report.Labor MPs on the JSCOT committee were instrumental in ensuring that these recommendations were included in the final report.
Back in the Senate, One Nation put forward a motion to set up an inquiry into the “performance of Australia’s dairy industry and the profitability of farmers since deregulation in 2000”.Back in the Senate, One Nation put forward a motion to set up an inquiry into the “performance of Australia’s dairy industry and the profitability of farmers since deregulation in 2000”.
Labor, the Greens and the crossbench all supported the inquiry.Labor, the Greens and the crossbench all supported the inquiry.
The government opposed it.The government opposed it.
Ayes - 33Ayes - 33
Noes - 28Noes - 28
It is not often you see that section of the chamber supporting something One Nation puts up, but there you go.It is not often you see that section of the chamber supporting something One Nation puts up, but there you go.
Just on Peter Dutton’s latest intervention on medevac, I have been reminded of this story from earlier in the year:Just on Peter Dutton’s latest intervention on medevac, I have been reminded of this story from earlier in the year:
A doctor on Nauru who blew the whistle on the deliberate medical neglect of refugees and asylum seekers on the island has been awarded a global award for free speech.A doctor on Nauru who blew the whistle on the deliberate medical neglect of refugees and asylum seekers on the island has been awarded a global award for free speech.
Dr Nick Martin, the former senior medical officer for International Health and Medical Services on Nauru, spoke out publicly against what he described as Australia’s “inflexible, unswerving, and shameless” offshore immigration regime, that deliberately harmed asylum seekers and ignored doctors’ recommendations to treat dangerously ill people.Dr Nick Martin, the former senior medical officer for International Health and Medical Services on Nauru, spoke out publicly against what he described as Australia’s “inflexible, unswerving, and shameless” offshore immigration regime, that deliberately harmed asylum seekers and ignored doctors’ recommendations to treat dangerously ill people.
In London on Wednesday night, he was awarded the 2019 Blueprint for Free Speech prize, an award previously won by Chelsea Manning, who revealed US military abuses and suspected war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and John Kiriakou, the former CIA intelligence officer who revealed information about torture techniques including waterboarding.In London on Wednesday night, he was awarded the 2019 Blueprint for Free Speech prize, an award previously won by Chelsea Manning, who revealed US military abuses and suspected war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and John Kiriakou, the former CIA intelligence officer who revealed information about torture techniques including waterboarding.
Martin is a veteran military doctor.Martin is a veteran military doctor.