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PM’s department evades question on Brian Houston's White House invite – politics live PM’s department evades question on Brian Houston's White House invite – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Back in environment estimates, Labor has been asking about the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which received a controversial $443.3 m six-year grant from the government.
At the time the grant was awarded, it was said the foundation had “unique” capacity to attract further donations for reef projects from the private sector.Senator Nita Green notes the department’s annual report says there is an investment target of between $300m to $400m.
“How many funds have actually been raised?” she asks.
Deb Callister, from the department’s heritage, reef and marine division, says: “To date, the amount that we’ve been advised of is that they’ve raised more than $21m as in-kind contributions from their projects.”
Asked what in-kind means, she says it refers to additional provided by organisations and groups that had received funding from the foundation via the grant. This could be staff provided for projects, office space, or cash.
Callister says the federal election had affected the foundation’s ability to “participate more actively in the fundraising sphere”.
Labor warned the foundation before the election it would terminate the grant if it was elected.
“It would come as no surprise to senators that some of the uncertainty around the future of the partnership that arose around the election...has impacted on their (the foundation’s) ability to participate more actively in the fundraising sphere,” Callister says.
“But now that that outcome is known and their future is known they’re moving more actively to engage with potential donors.”
Callister says in the first year of the grant the foundation spent “in the vicinity” of $25m on projects and just under $8m on administrative costs.
She said the foundation anticipated they would spend $58m on projects in 19-20.
Labor is now asking about how the Prime Minister’s office treats journalists, highlighting messages sent from the PMO to journalist Peter van Onselen that criticised coverage.
Labor senator Tim Ayres has asked whether the department believes the correspondence from the PMO shows “professional courtesy” in how it deals with journalists, as is required under standards for staffers.
After Finance Minister Mathias Cormann defended the private exchange, Ayres said “no wonder the government wants to lock up journalists”.
This sparks an angry response from Cormann, who accuses the Senator of conflating in a “dangerous and inappropriate” way the issue of communication between staffers and journalists, and the AFP investigation into national security breaches.
Seems to be a lot of incorrect responses flying around
Here's the lead in to that exchange, where they explain the confusion of the review without a report that they said there was a report for and then took it back a month later. pic.twitter.com/OrNygLwjZN
Five years ago we lost an Australian hero – a leader, reformer, and friend.His legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/Cf0DgVwKLs
Else Kennedy, who is doing an internship with the Guardian, listened to Sydney radio 2GB to hear Ben Fordham’s response to Anne Davies’ story this morning:
“My eyes started glazing over halfway through the piece.”
“They’ve ripped into me for the role I played in organising for politicians to have a fresh look at the situation.”
“I’m not a minister, I’m not a premier, I’m just a radio host. All I did was appeal to those in charge to get out of their air-conditioned offices, go to the parts of the bush ravaged by drought and ask themselves the question, ‘Is this fair? Is it fair to threaten people with daily fines of $13,000 for not talking to a bureaucrat? Is it fair to bankrupt families that have been putting food on our plates for generations? Is it fair to push men and women to breaking point and whack them over the edge? We’ve already got farmers killing themselves, and I’ve had them talking to me with tears in their eyes. All I did was suggest meetings and ask for a fresh look. It was the NSW government that decided that the land-clearing laws were unfair. The government introduced a new policy. It wasn’t me, it wasn’t this radio station.”
“By all means have a go at me, you can do your best.”
“What I would say to the Guardian is this: you know that those farmers were in strife. You know that the worst offenders are still being prosecuted. Others have received a reprieve from the strict land-clearing laws and rules have now been changed to make them fairer.
“But understand when there’s a battle between the greenies in the big smoke and the farmers in the bush I’ll be backing the farmers, and any criticism I get for that I wear as a badge of honour. I’ll be campaigning for anyone who deserves our support and I won’t be changing my approach one single bit.”
That moment when you realise just how many titles you have.That moment when you realise just how many titles you have.
The no props in question time rule going very wellThe no props in question time rule going very well
Best anglesBest angles
The parliament smells of rich mahoganyThe parliament smells of rich mahogany
The answer to this question is no.The answer to this question is no.
Interesting exchange in #estimates given #righttoknow >>Home Affairs are on track to receive more than 21k FOI apps this year (^from 18k last yr)Sen Patrick asks if he has allocated resources to that area to deal with increased workload (which they notoriously struggle with)Interesting exchange in #estimates given #righttoknow >>Home Affairs are on track to receive more than 21k FOI apps this year (^from 18k last yr)Sen Patrick asks if he has allocated resources to that area to deal with increased workload (which they notoriously struggle with)
Acting Greens leader Adam Bandt (Richard Di Natale had to have unscheduled knee surgery, we understand) wants to try and delay the free trade agreement implementation.Acting Greens leader Adam Bandt (Richard Di Natale had to have unscheduled knee surgery, we understand) wants to try and delay the free trade agreement implementation.
Liberal and Labor have done a dirty deal to fast-track laws that will give corporations more rights than governments or workers.Liberal and Labor have done a dirty deal to fast-track laws that will give corporations more rights than governments or workers.
These dodgy deals allow corporations to boost their profits by suing governments who do things like lift the minimum wage or pass laws to protect the environment.These dodgy deals allow corporations to boost their profits by suing governments who do things like lift the minimum wage or pass laws to protect the environment.
Labor’s ‘big win’ appears to be an unenforceable side-letter from the Liberals that existing loopholes will continue to apply.Labor’s ‘big win’ appears to be an unenforceable side-letter from the Liberals that existing loopholes will continue to apply.
The Greens stand with the workers and civil society groups who want these agreements rewritten so that basic rights are protected.The Greens stand with the workers and civil society groups who want these agreements rewritten so that basic rights are protected.
We will move amendments to the bills to ensure jobs are advertised locally, corporations can’t sue our government and the Hong Kong deal is delayed while the conflict there continues.”We will move amendments to the bills to ensure jobs are advertised locally, corporations can’t sue our government and the Hong Kong deal is delayed while the conflict there continues.”
Given Labor and the government are on the same side on this, this will fail.Given Labor and the government are on the same side on this, this will fail.
Jacqui Lambie tried her luck with home affairs and border force to question them about Crown again.Jacqui Lambie tried her luck with home affairs and border force to question them about Crown again.
Mike Pezzullo cautions Lambie on her use of the term “evidence”.Mike Pezzullo cautions Lambie on her use of the term “evidence”.
“The department issues visas, and visas are not issued any way other than the Migration Act, so the suggestion that people come uncredentialed is wrong. The ABF checks credentials at the other end and then on arrival.”“The department issues visas, and visas are not issued any way other than the Migration Act, so the suggestion that people come uncredentialed is wrong. The ABF checks credentials at the other end and then on arrival.”
Lambie says that sounds like some people are coming in with visas on Crown planes.Lambie says that sounds like some people are coming in with visas on Crown planes.
She asks if ABF is “going on every one of them with your boots on to check every one of them?”She asks if ABF is “going on every one of them with your boots on to check every one of them?”
“I hung up my boots a long time ago,” says Pezzullo, referring it to Outram.“I hung up my boots a long time ago,” says Pezzullo, referring it to Outram.
Outram says, yes, we clear everyone – passengers and crew – who comes in on a plane from overseas.Outram says, yes, we clear everyone – passengers and crew – who comes in on a plane from overseas.
Lambie keeps pushing because “something’s wrong here”.Lambie keeps pushing because “something’s wrong here”.
Outram disagrees and says he’s not aware of any corporate entity bringing people to Australia illegally.Outram disagrees and says he’s not aware of any corporate entity bringing people to Australia illegally.
Over at the Home Affairs estimates, senator Rex Patrick is asking about the department about their not-great record on FOIs.Over at the Home Affairs estimates, senator Rex Patrick is asking about the department about their not-great record on FOIs.
The department had 14,463 in 201718, and it increased by about 4,000 in 2018/19.The department had 14,463 in 201718, and it increased by about 4,000 in 2018/19.
The department is on track to receive about 21,500 FOI requests this year.The department is on track to receive about 21,500 FOI requests this year.
Pezzullo says he had an obligation to prioritise risk in particular areas, and said he would have to take resources away from frontline operations, like counterterrorism and interference.Pezzullo says he had an obligation to prioritise risk in particular areas, and said he would have to take resources away from frontline operations, like counterterrorism and interference.
He said he has tried to take out the red tape and “get more productivity” out of the FOI officers, which he agreed was likely to go up.He said he has tried to take out the red tape and “get more productivity” out of the FOI officers, which he agreed was likely to go up.
“Beyond that until I’m convinced otherwise that there is a requirement because of faulty decision-making or more persistent overturns at review, that that area is performing very well … and I’m not looking to shift significant resources into that area because they’ll have to come from frontline operations.”“Beyond that until I’m convinced otherwise that there is a requirement because of faulty decision-making or more persistent overturns at review, that that area is performing very well … and I’m not looking to shift significant resources into that area because they’ll have to come from frontline operations.”
Recent coverage from Chris Knaus:Recent coverage from Chris Knaus:
Here are some more FOI stats from the Home Affairs annual report.Here are some more FOI stats from the Home Affairs annual report.
In 2018–19 the Department received 18,412 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, including 623 amendment requests, compared with 14,683 requests in 2017–18, representing a 25.4% increase. Of the 18,412 FOI requests received in 2018–19, 16,876 were for personal information and 917 for non-personal information (619 uncategorised). The Department finalised 17,078 FOI requests. Of these 16,464 were access requests and 614 were amendment requests.In 2018–19 the Department received 18,412 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, including 623 amendment requests, compared with 14,683 requests in 2017–18, representing a 25.4% increase. Of the 18,412 FOI requests received in 2018–19, 16,876 were for personal information and 917 for non-personal information (619 uncategorised). The Department finalised 17,078 FOI requests. Of these 16,464 were access requests and 614 were amendment requests.
Of the 16,464 access requests: • 9,401 cases were granted full access • 5,375 cases were granted part access • 902 cases were refused access33 • 786 cases were invalid, transferred to other agencies, or saw applicants withdraw their requests before a decision on access was made. The department’s FOI compliance rate (requests finalised within statutory timeframes) for 2018−19 was 75%. At 30 June 2018, the Department had 1081 overdue requests on hand.Of the 16,464 access requests: • 9,401 cases were granted full access • 5,375 cases were granted part access • 902 cases were refused access33 • 786 cases were invalid, transferred to other agencies, or saw applicants withdraw their requests before a decision on access was made. The department’s FOI compliance rate (requests finalised within statutory timeframes) for 2018−19 was 75%. At 30 June 2018, the Department had 1081 overdue requests on hand.
Infrastructure officials have confirmed in Senate estimates that of the projects that form part of the $4bn 10-year urban congestion fund program none – NONE – have started construction. $3bn of that spending is over the next four years, and it’s an impressive list of projects, but all of them are still at the earlier stages of planning, seeking approvals, conducting tenders for contractors etc.Infrastructure officials have confirmed in Senate estimates that of the projects that form part of the $4bn 10-year urban congestion fund program none – NONE – have started construction. $3bn of that spending is over the next four years, and it’s an impressive list of projects, but all of them are still at the earlier stages of planning, seeking approvals, conducting tenders for contractors etc.
No digging, no hi-vis.No digging, no hi-vis.
Labor’s Murray Watt wants to know which projects are going to start before Christmas – a commitment made by cities and urban infrastructure minister Alan Tudge – and wants precise delivery dates. Officials suggest that perhaps Tudge was referring to the preliminary steps (rather than the digging).Labor’s Murray Watt wants to know which projects are going to start before Christmas – a commitment made by cities and urban infrastructure minister Alan Tudge – and wants precise delivery dates. Officials suggest that perhaps Tudge was referring to the preliminary steps (rather than the digging).
Watt has also drilled down to the micro level – including a $1m spend on a pedestrian traffic light in Doncaster. Officials suggest it will help “manage pedestrian flow” and there is also a safety element, because it’s near an aged care facility.Watt has also drilled down to the micro level – including a $1m spend on a pedestrian traffic light in Doncaster. Officials suggest it will help “manage pedestrian flow” and there is also a safety element, because it’s near an aged care facility.
Now he’s moved on to the $500m commuter carpark fund. Officials describe the choice of 32 car park projects as a “decision of government” based on departmental advice about need and priorities. No construction has started on the carparks.Now he’s moved on to the $500m commuter carpark fund. Officials describe the choice of 32 car park projects as a “decision of government” based on departmental advice about need and priorities. No construction has started on the carparks.
Watt’s questions have prompted a flurry of post-it notes from officials sitting behind the front-rowers to help provide answers:Watt’s questions have prompted a flurry of post-it notes from officials sitting behind the front-rowers to help provide answers:
One of the carparks in Hurstbridge (Vic) is out to tender which will be awarded in November and be constructed “quite quickly”.One of the carparks in Hurstbridge (Vic) is out to tender which will be awarded in November and be constructed “quite quickly”.
Cragieburn (Vic) will go out to tender soon.Cragieburn (Vic) will go out to tender soon.
There’s another in Mandurah, WA out to tender; andThere’s another in Mandurah, WA out to tender; and
Two in NSW where property acquisition is underway.Two in NSW where property acquisition is underway.
Scott Morrison adds to the answer to Warren Snowdon’s question:Scott Morrison adds to the answer to Warren Snowdon’s question:
On 13 September of this year, I can confirm that the tender was awarded to Australian company Oricon, an engineering company that will lead the Kakadu road strategy, and they’ll work in a consortium with PwC, and PwC Indigenous consulting, beginning the work immediately.On 13 September of this year, I can confirm that the tender was awarded to Australian company Oricon, an engineering company that will lead the Kakadu road strategy, and they’ll work in a consortium with PwC, and PwC Indigenous consulting, beginning the work immediately.
The roads of strategy will be developed in conjunction with the tourism master plan, access to key sites and planned upgrades. I thought the member would be interested in that additional information.The roads of strategy will be developed in conjunction with the tourism master plan, access to key sites and planned upgrades. I thought the member would be interested in that additional information.
And we are done. 11 more question times left in the year.And we are done. 11 more question times left in the year.
The folders are stacked.The folders are stacked.
We are done as soon as Greg Hunt finishes this dixer.We are done as soon as Greg Hunt finishes this dixer.
Warren Snowdon to Scott Morrison:Warren Snowdon to Scott Morrison:
I ask the prime minister how does the government expect to unlock the full potential of Kakadu national park when it’s pushed back the start date for the upgrade of roads in the Kakadu national park to beyond the next federal election.I ask the prime minister how does the government expect to unlock the full potential of Kakadu national park when it’s pushed back the start date for the upgrade of roads in the Kakadu national park to beyond the next federal election.
Sussan Ley takes it:Sussan Ley takes it:
I thank the member for his question, and I find it quite extraordinary that he should be suggesting that $216 million committed by the prime minister and this side of politics for the upgrade in Kakadu national park is somehow insufficient.I thank the member for his question, and I find it quite extraordinary that he should be suggesting that $216 million committed by the prime minister and this side of politics for the upgrade in Kakadu national park is somehow insufficient.
We know what happens when you roll out an infrastructure program too quickly because it we saw it in government with Labor time after time. We know what happens when you shovel the money out the door – no policies, guidelines or procurement. $216 million has been dedicated to the upgrade.We know what happens when you roll out an infrastructure program too quickly because it we saw it in government with Labor time after time. We know what happens when you shovel the money out the door – no policies, guidelines or procurement. $216 million has been dedicated to the upgrade.
I was there recently. The traditionally owners are very happy with the process, the tourism initiatives that are starting – they’re very happy with the process. We have good relationships with the Northern Territory government. We’re not playing politics about this. How could you come into this place and talk this sort of nonsense? Honestly, Mr Speaker.I was there recently. The traditionally owners are very happy with the process, the tourism initiatives that are starting – they’re very happy with the process. We have good relationships with the Northern Territory government. We’re not playing politics about this. How could you come into this place and talk this sort of nonsense? Honestly, Mr Speaker.
Damian Drum has a dixer for David Littleproud. He stumbles getting through the long list of junior ministries Littleproud holds.
“Why do you have so many titles,” Ed Husic calls out, which makes even Littleproud smile.
Still doesn’t make up for losing the one he really wanted though – agriculture – to deputy leader Bridget McKenzie.
Anthony Albanese to Michael McCormack:
Can he confirm that the gap between what the government promised on budget night and what they’ve actually spent on infrastructure is on blackspots, $123m, heavy vehicle safety program, $134m, bridges renewal, $154m, cattle supply, 96, northern Australia roads, $266m, western Sydney infrastructure, $915m, major road projects $2.8bn and asset recycling initiatives $1.5m.
McCormack is talking, but for some reason, all I can think about is over-boiled cauliflower.
Melissa Price just told Anthony Albanese he was “very rude”.
This is where we are.
Alicia Payne to Scott Morrison:
Since coming to office the government has spent a total of $5bn less on infrastructure than it promised including $123m less than it promised on blackspots. Why?
Morrison:
Mr Speaker, as members opposite would know, the program and schedule of projects, which the government pursues, one that is put together in partnership with the states and territories as we seek to implement that plan.
And, Mr Speaker, and indeed whether it’s with local government even on projects that we pursue, our job is to ensure that we provide the allocation of the funds and to set the priority projects and to sit down with the state and territory governments.
Now those opposite would know, and in particular the leader of the opposition would know, from his time when he served as a minister for infrastructure, that the scheduling of projects is set out together with the states and territories and the profile for the delivery of those projects is often revised based on the advice provided by those states and territories.
And that is why the changes in the schedule arrive as they have. I’d make this point, though. Under our government, this year we will spend around $10bn on infrastructure. That is what is budged to be spent in this very financial year. All around the country.
Now, Mr Speaker, that’s almost double, almost double, what we inherited from the Labor party when we came to government and the leader of the opposition, who sits at the table now, I think from memory, and I’ll be happy to stand corrected on this figure, but I understand the figure at that time was around $6bn.
And so this year we’re spending $10bn or thereabouts just slightly less than that, and the reason we’re doing that is because two budgets ago we decided to put in place the $75bn pipeline of projects over 10 years, and in the last budget, recognising the difficult situation that we’re facing in the global economy, we increased that pipeline of investments over the next 10 years $100bn.
We upped it, Mr Speaker, because we knew that’s what the Australian economy would need just not now but over the next 10 years and, more importantly than that, we have the budget discipline and the budget to back those sorts of commitments up.
So, Mr Speaker, the reason for any change in schedules is not because of the lack of fiscal capacity or discipline because of this government but because of any changes to scheduling that is done in relation to our negotiations with the states and territories.
Well, I know from those opposite when they’re in government the reason they cut defence spending the reason they don’t list pharmaceuticals, the reason they have to [insert] flood levies and all these things is because they never know how to manage money. Australians knew they could trust this government to deliver and manage money.
Again, the last time Labor was in government, there was the GFC.
(No) right to knowWhile question time rolls on, officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet are declining to answer a bunch of questions.
They won’t say whether Brian Houston appeared on a list of possible guests to attend the state dinner in Washington supplied by the PMO on the basis that might prejudice international relations. (No I’m not joking).
They won’t answer questions about Alexander Downer on the same basis. Officials from PMC also said they don’t know who Scott Morrison told Donald Trump was the primary point of contact for the Barr inquiry, even though Trump made a special call to Morrison to ask for that point of contact.
An official from PMC tells the hearing he got a short read-out of the call between Morrison and Trump from a member of Morrison’s staff afterwards, but the read-out was verbal and he didn’t take notes, (so there’s no paper trail to FOI.) He says the Department of Foreign Affairs is the lead agency.
Finance minister Mathias Cormann says the first point of contact is our “outstanding and distinguished” ambassador to Washington, Joe Hockey.
Milton Dick to Scott Morrison:
Can the prime minister confirm for every $100 of the roads of strategic fund only 50 cents will be spent in Queensland this year.
Michael McCormack is given the nod, meaning Milton Dick is on my list.
We are getting on with funding, funding, roads of strategic importance.
And projects in Queensland. And I have asked Mark Bailey, the minister responsible to bring forward projects. We’re getting on with making sure that we build the roads, build the ports, and do everything that we need to do as a government to build a better Queensland.
We’re getting on with the job of making sure that if it comes to Queensland or indeed any state or territory that we’re building roads of strategic importance. Those opposite wouldn’t ever have funded a program such as the roads of strategic importance because they never, ever worried about a regional program unless they could rort it. And speaking of the chief rorter here she is.
That’s Catherine King he is referring to, as she is at the despatch box. She asks for the comment to be withdrawn.
“How do you know he was talking about you,” says a government minister, proving just how much attention they are paying to McCormack.
Because he said it as she was at the despatch box, genius.
McCormack withdraws, but he is still speaking, and now he is talking about truck drivers and whether or not people have been in them lately and just saying “strategic importance” randomly, like he has just discovered the phrase.
The government is supporting “hardworking businesses”.
So all you slackarse businesses take note.
Anthony Albanese is trying to have a dixer to Angus Taylor ruled out of order, because it referred to “emissions reductions” and emissions are going up.
Taylor:
We haven’t just turned around the financial deficit, we have turned around their abatement deficit.
Every moment I refrain from running from the chamber rampaging is a victory.
“We are getting on with planning,” Michael McCormack says.
Bookmark that as an election slogan.
And to think he actually used to work with words for a living.
Kate Thwaites to Scott Morrison:
Can the prime minister confirm that none of the eight Victorian projects listed under the roads of strategic importance fund has even reached the planning stage?
Morrison:
We have a timeline and we are working on it with the premier of Victoria
(That’s a paraphrasing because I have lost the will to live)
The opposition may want to engage in the theatre of politics on these matters, but the premier of Victoria and I are engaging in the business of delivery of infrastructure projects in Victoria.
Oh dear JLo. Now Michael McCormack is at the despatch box. He is talking about pipelines and I am willing my cells to start collapsing in on themselves because it would be less painful.