This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2019/oct/17/morrison-coalition-labor-drought-farmers-politics-live

The article has changed 20 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Morrison accuses Albanese of 'throwing tantrums' – politics live Morrison accuses Albanese of 'throwing tantrums' – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Labor is attempting to suspend standing orders, to debate the economy.
It will fail. Obviously.
Joel Fitzgibbon is taking the silences in between the divisions to troll Michael McCormack about his press conference being overshadowed by the prime minister’s radio interview, where he made the same announcement, but got in first.
National MPs are still sending ‘can’t believe that happened’ messages.
Good times all round.
Stay with me folks. My computer program is struggling.
I know the feeling.
After a Senate estimates session dominated by two topics - the economy and raising Newstart -Labor’s Kristina Keneally has asked Mathias Cormann three ways why the prime minister has repeatedly refused to deny that he sought to have Brian Houston invited to the White House.Cormann is keeping the answers simple - he has nothing further to add to what Scott Morrison has said.Labor MPs are calling out “what are you hiding?”Seems they’ll need Senate Estimates next week, or maybe to bring out medieval instruments of torture like thumbscrews, to get to the bottom of this.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
My question is again addressed to the Prime Minister. Given wage growth is the lowest it’s ever been, household debt is at record highs and consumer confidence is at a four-year low, why does the Prime Minister dismiss the role that this Parliament has to play in debating the economic policy direction of the nation? Or doesn’t he have the confidence in his own position to be able to do so? My question is again addressed to the Prime Minister: Yesterday in the Parliament the Prime Minister shut down a proposed debate on the economy and organised an additional question to himself so that only he could talk about the economy. Is that because the Prime Minister only wants to listen to himself? Will the Prime Minister agree to a debate on the economy today or doesn’t he have the confidence in his own economic management?
Morrison:Morrison:
When the Labor Party can confirm what their actual policies are, maybe that’s when they want to start asking those questions.
That’s the entire answer.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
Former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull all facilitated parliamentary debate at this time in the parliament on important economic issues facing the nation.
Does the prime minister have the confidence in his economic position to be able to swallow his pride, follow their example and agree to a debate on the state of the economy today?
Morrison:
Every time, almost without exempt exemption, I come to this despatch Box, I’m talking about our economic policies. And the reason I do that – the reason I did that at the last election, Mr Speaker, the reason I do that is because I know that the strong economy is absolutely central to everything.
It’s ensuring that you have the right economic policies that provide the bedrock to create the budget that can guarantee the essential services that Australians rely on. That’s exactly what our government has been doing.
In season and out, despite what the global challenges are, we have continued to be able to build the strength and capability of our budget position, but also of the Australian economy which has seen now almost 1.5 million Australians get a job.
Now, Mr Speaker, that is the greatest argument when it comes to the economic policies of this government and that’s almost 1.5 million Australians who have got a job. That’s - that’s the great evidence, Mr Speaker, of 1.5 million almost lives of Australians that have been transformed because as a result of the policies of this government that has set the framework and economy for people to go and invest and take people on, Australians’ lives have been changed because the Liberal Party and Nationals believe that strong economic management, that disciplined and stable and certain financial policies are what actually at the end of the day guarantee our ability to reach record levels of hospital funding, record levels of education funding, and in the midst of what is a very severe drought, Mr Speaker, that we could again today confirm that those who would be coming off the farm household allowance will be given a $13,000 payment as a supplementary payment and just over $7,000 - $7,500, Mr Speaker, for individuals to continue to support them.
And we’re able to do this within the constraints of the budget which has been brought back to surplus.
As I remarked in this place some time ago, the Leader of the Opposition, he wants to have debates. I’m getting on with things.
But how can the Leader of the Opposition have a debate when he can’t tell us what his tax policy is, what his climate change policy is or any other critical issues that he fails to answer questions on a daily basis.
He hasn’t got a policy agenda, Mr Speaker. The reason we have to talk about their record in government and their policy agenda from the last election is they haven’t had any policies since that time.
So it is absolutely fair for the Australian people, Mr Speaker, to hold them to their record of the policies they took to the last election and they were condemned for those policies by the Australian people at that time. We will continue, Mr Speaker, to deliver the policies that were confirmed at the last election - policies that over the last six years have created more almost 1.5 million jobs for Australians.
To his credit, Dave Sharma manages to look a little embarrassed asking the next dixer, especially when he gets to the ‘alternative views’ part.
“It’s terrible when bad questions happen to good members,” Ed Husic says.
He is very much making hay from his backbench position.
We are just about 3/4 through this and we have had 11 mentions of “panic” and eight uses of “crises” from government ministers in response to Labor questions.
Deidre bloody Chambers!
It’s almost like they ... have talking notes ... on ... a ... phrase they would like to catch on.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
My question is again addressed to the Prime Minister. Given that yesterday the Treasurer falsely claimed that drought was the number 1 call on the budget, will the Prime Minister agree to have a debate on Australia’s economy and in particular the plight of farmers today based upon the facts?
Morrison:
Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition seems quite insistent on this point. But he obviously wasn’t insistent this morning because the matter of public importance which has been tabled today by the federal member for Barton does not mention the word “economy” at all, Mr Speaker. The word “economy”... is not even in it. So, Mr Speaker, if he can’t get his own side to agree about something, and that’s not uncommon at the moment, Mr Speaker, it’s not uncommon...
I know that the Labor Party’s penchant is for panic and crisis, Mr Speaker, but honestly - he’s got to try to resolve the panic and crisis that is going on within his own party on so many issues.
Whether it’s on - their response to climate, which they say is an emergency, but we’re not going to know their policy about it until the next election.
And in between times, we’re going of the constant infighting between the member for Hunter and the member for South Australia...
What is it again? Hindmarsh. The member for Hindmarsh, or member for Sydney or any other members. Or whether the New South Wales branch of the Labor Party is going to tear itself apart. Not only ridden by corruption but also seemed today by sexism as well, Mr Speaker.
The leader of the Labor Party has got plenty on his plate and so I’ll leave him to deal with that all on his own measure
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
My question is again addressed to the Prime Minister. Given that yesterday the Treasurer falsely claimed that drought was the number 1 call on the budget, will the Prime Minister agree to have a debate on Australia’s economy and in particular the plight of farmers today based upon the facts?
Morrison:
Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition seems quite insistent on this point. But he obviously wasn’t insistent this morning because the matter of public importance which has been tabled today by the federal member for Barton does not mention the word “economy” at all, Mr Speaker. The word “economy”... is not even in it. So, Mr Speaker, if he can’t get his own side to agree about something, and that’s not uncommon at the moment, Mr Speaker, it’s not uncommon...
I know that the Labor Party’s penchant is for panic and crisis, Mr Speaker, but honestly - he’s got to try to resolve the panic and crisis that is going on within his own party on so many issues.
Whether it’s on - their response to climate, which they say is an emergency, but we’re not going to know their policy about it until the next election.
And in between times, we’re going of the constant infighting between the member for Hunter and the member for South Australia...
What is it again? Hindmarsh. The member for Hindmarsh, or member for Sydney or any other members. Or whether the New South Wales branch of the Labor Party is going to tear itself apart. Not only ridden by corruption but also seemed today by sexism as well, Mr Speaker.
The leader of the Labor Party has got plenty on his plate and so I’ll leave him to deal with that all on his own measure
Angus Taylor actually just uttered the words “we are unified on energy and climate policy on this side of the House,” with a straight face, and honestly, I now understand how he got that Rhodes scholarship.
It’s Peter Dutton HOW SAFE ARE YOU time!
How safe are we today, Peter Dutton?
Well, Australia, I’m really glad you asked. You are as safe as we can make you. BUT JUST IMAGINE IF LABOR WAS IN POWER. THE CHAOS. THE PANIC. THE KRAKENS! WHY, THE TRIFFIDS WOULD RISE UP.
Thankfully Australia, you have Peter Dutton. So it’s all cool beans.
Dutton finishes.
Ed Husic: “Yeah, but you choose Greg [Hunt] as your deputy leader. It’s TRUE.”
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
My question is again addressed to the prime minister. Given wage growth is the lowest it’s ever been, household debt is at record highs and consumer confidence is at a four-year low, why does the prime minister dismiss the role that this parliament has to play in debating the economic policy direction of the nation? Or doesn’t he have the confidence in his own position to be able to do so?
Morrison:
It’s all about you, isn’t it?!It’s all about you, isn’t it?!
Through you, Mr Speaker! It’s about the Australian people, Mr Speaker.Through you, Mr Speaker! It’s about the Australian people, Mr Speaker.
We debate these matters in the Parliament everyday as the measures that we... We debate these matters in the parliament everyday as the measures that we ...
Apparently, Mr Speaker, when we bring legislation into this Parliament that deals with economic measures, they’re apparently not debated in this place. Apparently, Mr Speaker, when we bring legislation into this parliament that deals with economic measures, they’re apparently not debated in this place.
The Leader of the Opposition has been here long enough to know that this debating chamber deals with copious pieces of legislation, Mr Speaker, and there is ample time. Now, before the election - next election, Mr Speaker, there will be the opportunity for the types of things that the Leader of the Opposition is speaking about and I have no doubt that will be the case as it is on every other occasion.The Leader of the Opposition has been here long enough to know that this debating chamber deals with copious pieces of legislation, Mr Speaker, and there is ample time. Now, before the election - next election, Mr Speaker, there will be the opportunity for the types of things that the Leader of the Opposition is speaking about and I have no doubt that will be the case as it is on every other occasion.
But, Mr Speaker, it seems the debate he needs to have is within his own party because within his own party, they have got the climate fight club going on over there with umteenth different positions on climate change and, Mr Speaker, he’s got his own problems when it comes to the distractions of the New South Wales branch where I see compensation payments are measured in how many Aldi bags they’re handing out. (This bit was very, very loud) But, Mr Speaker, it seems the debate he needs to have is within his own party because within his own party, they have got the climate fight club going on over there with umpteen different positions on climate change and, Mr Speaker, he’s got his own problems when it comes to the distractions of the New South Wales branch where I see compensation payments are measured in how many Aldi bags they’re handing out. [This bit was very, very loud.]
Tony Smith pulls him up on relevance.Tony Smith pulls him up on relevance.
Morrison:Morrison:
I’m in this place every single day talking about the economy.I’m in this place every single day talking about the economy.
When we came to government, the real wage growth through the year was 0.5% and now today it’s 0.7%.When we came to government, the real wage growth through the year was 0.5% and now today it’s 0.7%.
I note the comments of the most recent RBA minutes and it says this, “Despite the level of high household debt in Australia, relative to other countries, the risks from household debt appear to have been mostly contained. Members noted that households continue to have large repayments on their housing debt and aggregate mortgage repayments equal to 2.5 years of repayment.”I note the comments of the most recent RBA minutes and it says this, “Despite the level of high household debt in Australia, relative to other countries, the risks from household debt appear to have been mostly contained. Members noted that households continue to have large repayments on their housing debt and aggregate mortgage repayments equal to 2.5 years of repayment.”
Mr Speaker, whether it comes to what we’re doing on jobs, whether it comes to what we’re doing in restoring the budget to surplus to ensure we’re there not only to meet the needs of today but we’re think to meet the needs of tomorrow because we me how to keep our heads, to keep calm, Mr Speaker, and to ensure we continue to lay out the policies which we know are having the impact that they need to have and particularly in relation to employment. Employment in this country is the beginning of everything. Mr Speaker, whether it comes to what we’re doing on jobs, whether it comes to what we’re doing in restoring the budget to surplus to ensure we’re there not only to meet the needs of today but we’re thinking ahead to meet the needs of tomorrow because we know how to keep our heads, to keep calm, Mr Speaker, and to ensure we continue to lay out the policies which we know are having the impact that they need to have and particularly in relation to employment. Employment in this country is the beginning of everything.
Michael McCormack is summoned to the despatch box, and the longest three minutes of all our lifes begins anew.Michael McCormack is summoned to the despatch box, and the longest three minutes of all our lifes begins anew.
Empires have risen and fallen in this time. It’s amazing how he can make every minute feel like an hour.Empires have risen and fallen in this time. It’s amazing how he can make every minute feel like an hour.
It’s Bob Katter time.It’s Bob Katter time.
He wants to know about a drought/dam plan.He wants to know about a drought/dam plan.
Are you aware that the PM after the north’s flooding cattle deaths came, listened and delivered two dams and $200 million. At the drought summit in contrast, did you not say that the free market is not necessarily benevolent, we must learn to accept climate change, we cannot carry you forever. Ideology - where is the survival plan? Isn’t this the policy of the corporate elites when you buy up owner-operator Australia and the city suits enriched by selling to foreigners. Have you stopped a single sale? Minister, who is the master that you serve? Are you aware that the PM after the north’s flooding cattle deaths came, listened and delivered two dams and $200m. At the drought summit in contrast, did you not say that the free market is not necessarily benevolent, we must learn to accept climate change, we cannot carry you forever. Ideology – where is the survival plan? Isn’t this the policy of the corporate elites when you buy up owner-operator Australia and the city suits enriched by selling to foreigners. Have you stopped a single sale? Minister, who is the master that you serve?
He directs the question to David Littleproud, who tells him that was a question for the treasurer, but that the government is working to do what it can, but needs the states to come on board.He directs the question to David Littleproud, who tells him that was a question for the treasurer, but that the government is working to do what it can, but needs the states to come on board.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
Can the Prime Minister confirm that since 2002 only two Australian Treasurers have presided over an unemployment rate that is higher than the OECD average? Will the Prime Minister agree to have a debate in this Parliament on Australia’s economy today? And will he admit the only two Treasurers who have had an unemployment rate that is higher than the OECD average are the current Treasurer and himself?Can the Prime Minister confirm that since 2002 only two Australian Treasurers have presided over an unemployment rate that is higher than the OECD average? Will the Prime Minister agree to have a debate in this Parliament on Australia’s economy today? And will he admit the only two Treasurers who have had an unemployment rate that is higher than the OECD average are the current Treasurer and himself?
Morrison:Morrison:
I’m interested in the jobs of Australians. Hear, hear. That’s what I’m interested in. The Leader of the Opposition is clearly only interested in his own job because all he wants to do is have a talk-fest in this place.I’m interested in the jobs of Australians. Hear, hear. That’s what I’m interested in. The Leader of the Opposition is clearly only interested in his own job because all he wants to do is have a talk-fest in this place.
I’m interested in the jobs of Australians.I’m interested in the jobs of Australians.
And taking action to ensure Australians are in work. Mr Speaker, more and more Australians in work and more Australians are in work today as a share of the Australian population than at any other time in Australia’s history.And taking action to ensure Australians are in work. Mr Speaker, more and more Australians in work and more Australians are in work today as a share of the Australian population than at any other time in Australia’s history.
So, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition may be thinking that this place, Mr Speaker, and the chatter that goes on here is terribly important to him and his position.So, Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition may be thinking that this place, Mr Speaker, and the chatter that goes on here is terribly important to him and his position.
I’m going to remain focused on those Australians, Mr Speaker, who simply want us to get on the job, on with the job, of ensuring we’re providing the stable and the calm and the responsible financial management which has brought the budget back to the surplus.I’m going to remain focused on those Australians, Mr Speaker, who simply want us to get on the job, on with the job, of ensuring we’re providing the stable and the calm and the responsible financial management which has brought the budget back to the surplus.
Albanese stands up for a point of order, and Morrison goes to sit down, but not before saying what sounds like ‘another spurious point of order’Albanese stands up for a point of order, and Morrison goes to sit down, but not before saying what sounds like ‘another spurious point of order’
Albanese:Albanese:
There were two parts to the question. One part went to whether the current Treasurer and the current Prime Minister are the only two Australian Treasurers who... Yeah... He hasn’t mentioned that. The second is if he’s confident let’s have a debate about it.There were two parts to the question. One part went to whether the current Treasurer and the current Prime Minister are the only two Australian Treasurers who... Yeah... He hasn’t mentioned that. The second is if he’s confident let’s have a debate about it.
Tony Smith:Tony Smith:
No, I was just going to say to the Leader of the Opposition - whilst there’s additional tolerance extended to him because of his position and to the Prime Minister, points of order are not going to be used to ask another question or to make a political statement. There were two parts to the question. The Prime Minister can address one or the other or both. That’s the way it works. The Prime Minister has the call.No, I was just going to say to the Leader of the Opposition - whilst there’s additional tolerance extended to him because of his position and to the Prime Minister, points of order are not going to be used to ask another question or to make a political statement. There were two parts to the question. The Prime Minister can address one or the other or both. That’s the way it works. The Prime Minister has the call.
Morrison:Morrison:
The Leader of the Opposition may want to come into this place and throw a tantrum at Question Time.The Leader of the Opposition may want to come into this place and throw a tantrum at Question Time.
Over whether or not someone’s going to agree to what he wants to do.Over whether or not someone’s going to agree to what he wants to do.
He’s entitled... Mr Speaker, the tantrums of the Leader of the Opposition in this place only re-enforce their addiction to panic and crisis on the Labor Party. They love panic. They love crisis.He’s entitled... Mr Speaker, the tantrums of the Leader of the Opposition in this place only re-enforce their addiction to panic and crisis on the Labor Party. They love panic. They love crisis.
And even when, Mr Speaker - even when circumstances don’t bear their argument out, they seek to create them, Mr Speaker, because they will look to any excuse to put their hands in the pockets of the Australian people and to rapidly increase spending to a reckless level.And even when, Mr Speaker - even when circumstances don’t bear their argument out, they seek to create them, Mr Speaker, because they will look to any excuse to put their hands in the pockets of the Australian people and to rapidly increase spending to a reckless level.
I referred earlier, Mr Speaker, to the catalogue of Labor Party failures in government when it came to policy.I referred earlier, Mr Speaker, to the catalogue of Labor Party failures in government when it came to policy.
And the reason they engaged in those failures is they could never break their cycle of panic and crisis.And the reason they engaged in those failures is they could never break their cycle of panic and crisis.
They put in ill-considered measures, they didn’t think them through, they just smashed them through and in the Australian community and Australians have been paying for them ever since.They put in ill-considered measures, they didn’t think them through, they just smashed them through and in the Australian community and Australians have been paying for them ever since.
At the last election I said, “You vote Labor once, you pay for it for the next decade”, and it seems exactly the same thing is true under this Leader of the Opposition. He can throw as many tantrums that he likes, we’ll just get on with the job of good government.At the last election I said, “You vote Labor once, you pay for it for the next decade”, and it seems exactly the same thing is true under this Leader of the Opposition. He can throw as many tantrums that he likes, we’ll just get on with the job of good government.
There are quite a few high school students in the gallery today, who are looking very bemused at how they arrived at this place.There are quite a few high school students in the gallery today, who are looking very bemused at how they arrived at this place.
Samesies.Samesies.
It’s another lickspittle to the prime minister on the economy.It’s another lickspittle to the prime minister on the economy.
But rest assured - Michael McCormack will get his moment to pretend he still has ownership over drought policy as the Nationals leader. He’s just got to wait his turn.But rest assured - Michael McCormack will get his moment to pretend he still has ownership over drought policy as the Nationals leader. He’s just got to wait his turn.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
Given that since May the Reserve Bank, the OECD, and the International Monetary Fund have all downgraded Australia’s growth forecast for this year, will the prime minister agree to have a debate in this chamber today on the economy?Given that since May the Reserve Bank, the OECD, and the International Monetary Fund have all downgraded Australia’s growth forecast for this year, will the prime minister agree to have a debate in this chamber today on the economy?
Morrison:Morrison:
I note – I understand from my colleagues that – they have listed for the MPI today [it] isn’t about the economy.I note – I understand from my colleagues that – they have listed for the MPI today [it] isn’t about the economy.
So I’m a bit puzzled why they want one but they’re not prepared to table one, Mr Speaker. I tell you what – what our government is going to do, it’s not about debating the economy, it’s actually about implementing the policies that make our economy stronger and that’s what our government is doing. That’s what we’re doing, Mr Speaker. And we will continue to implement those sound and carefully-managed disciplined and stable and certain policies that as I have said today, Mr Speaker, has resulted in three years of consecutive increased in employment every single month, the longest run of jobs growth on a monthly basis this country has ever seen. So what we will do is not talk about it, we’ll get on to do it.So I’m a bit puzzled why they want one but they’re not prepared to table one, Mr Speaker. I tell you what – what our government is going to do, it’s not about debating the economy, it’s actually about implementing the policies that make our economy stronger and that’s what our government is doing. That’s what we’re doing, Mr Speaker. And we will continue to implement those sound and carefully-managed disciplined and stable and certain policies that as I have said today, Mr Speaker, has resulted in three years of consecutive increased in employment every single month, the longest run of jobs growth on a monthly basis this country has ever seen. So what we will do is not talk about it, we’ll get on to do it.
I mean, government does job is a weird flex, but cool. You do you, Morrison government.I mean, government does job is a weird flex, but cool. You do you, Morrison government.
We are now hearing the same answer again, but as a dixer.
Dante obviously missed a circle.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
My question is addressed to the prime minister. Yesterday the prime minister refused to debate the economy in this House. Will he debate today whether the IMF was wrong to downgrade Australia’s economic growth forecast?
Morrison:
As I confirmed yesterday, the IMF ... midyear budget update and of course at budget time. So that is the normal process in terms of budget forecast and other forecasts that are presented here or elsewhere.
And so that is a matter of public record, Mr Speaker.
We have made no commentary regarding the accuracy of others’ forecasts because the government provides forecasts of its own as part of the midyear budget process.
We’ll be doing that when it comes to the end of the year in the normal course of events, but given I have been asked about forecasts and economic data, Mr Speaker, I’m very pleased to report to the House today that employment has increased by 14,000 jobs in the month of September.
And that was in line with the expectations – around 15,000 jobs, Mr Speaker, and I can say that we are rapidly approaching a 1.5m jobs since this government was first elected and I can also inform the House that this monthly increase in jobs in this last month, jobs have increased every month for the last three years under this government and that is the longest run, I’m advised, of consecutive monthly jobs growth ever, Mr Speaker.
This government has reduced the level of unemployment from 5.7 to 5.2% and also decreased the level of youth unemployment by also a full percentage point, Mr Speaker, over that period of time.
This government is doing the work through patient, through methodical, through stable, through disciplined economic policies whether it’s ensuring Australians can keep more of what they earn, or investing $100 billion in the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, investing and ensuring that we’re putting the right skills programs in place to enable people in this country to get the skills they need for the jobs that are there, Mr Speaker, and supporting business in the same way.
Reducing the costs for business whether it’s in the industrial relations area, and I commend the minister for the work he’s doing, looking through all the things that are preventing people from getting jobs and costing unnecessarily the process of getting jobs and the work that the assistant minister is doing in stripping away regulations that is cost investment in this country.
We’re expanding our trade horizons, lifting the percentage of trade agreements that cover our trade from 26% to 70 %. Our economic plan, the calm, measured, stable certain plan just gets on with the job of delivering for Australians and the increase of almost 15,000 jobs, Mr Speaker, 26,200 full-time jobs, bears that out.
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.
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.
For the record, none of the National MPs are willing to go on the record to say this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
“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.”