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Nationals under pressure over drought response – politics live Nationals under pressure over drought response – politics live
(32 minutes later)
The big stick legislation will be introduced in the house today. Finance minister Mathias Cormann has downplayed a report in The Australian today about an increase in the unfunded superannuation liability to $233.1 billion, an increase of $50 billion.
Cormann said the figure, revealed in the department’s annual report, was subject to annual variations, but did not place the commonwealth under any immediate financial risk.
He said changes in the discount rate could appear to have an impact on the value of the unfunded liability, but it was expected the valuation would “move around” depending on what assumptions are used over the next decade.
“In the end it is not something the government will have to pay today it is something that will continue to be dealt with in a phased approach,” Cormann said, under questioning from Labor senator Katy Gallagher.
“From our point of view it is business as usual, but we rely on the future fund to continue to do of course its job to the best of its ability so it can ultimately bridge that gap.”
Cormann said the government had made a policy decision not to draw down on the Future Fund, but to allow it to continue to accumulate.
“The decision that we have made...is to let the Future Fund to continue to invest to achieve very high returns, against of course, the very low interest rates that is paid on public debt interest,” he said.
David Neal, head of the future fund, said the agency had secured returns of 10.4% per annum over the past decade.
“We have made good progress in the pursuit of our objectives to strengthen the commonwealth’s long term financial position,” Neal said.
Joel Fitzgibbon was certainly happy to stop by doors this morning:
The National party could redeem itself today by standing up to Scott Morrison. You know, National party leaders of the past – back, back with John McEwan, Ian Sinclair, Doug Anthony – would never have allowed themselves to be bullied like the current National party MPs are being bullied by Scott Morrison.
They should forget about fighting amongst themselves and start collectively muscling up to Scott Morrison, who seems to think the drought response is a game, who has denied or given up the opportunity to work with us on a bipartisan basis. Why is that? Well, it appears Scott Morrison isn’t serious about addressing this drought.
So, instead of standing around like swinging something – I am not sure I can use the word – they need to collectively muscle up, start standing up to Scott Morrison, and start insisting that he produce a meaningful response to this drought.
And of course on dairy – we’ve now been waiting since I think it’s April of 2018 – the ACCC completed its 18-month long inquiry into the dairy sector. It recommended a dairy code of conduct and, of course, here we are in October of 2019, we still don’t have a code of conduct for the dairy industry, we’re still told we won’t have one till July of next year.
Now that stands in stark contrast to the time when Scott Morrison overnight – overnight – produced a code of conduct for the sugar industry to buy Pauline Hanson’s vote on the corporate tax cuts in the Senate.
So who is running Scott Morrison? Is it the National party? Or is it Pauline Hanson? I think we clearly know the answer to that question at the moment.
We’re advised that Member for Warringah @zalisteggall will table an e-petition on climate change today, during Members’ 90 Second Statements. This period of the sitting day runs between 1.30pm and 2pm. pic.twitter.com/HuzFdxH8q3
Back in agriculture estimates, Bridget McKenzie says she had not read David Littleproud’s ministerial charter letter, which is noteworthy because the pair have overlapping portfolio issues – she is agriculture, and he is drought.
I am confident that there is a very clear line of responsibility between minister Littleproud and I, as there is between minister Littleproud and minister McCormack,” she says.
The department has seen the two ministerial charter letters, Daryl Quinlivan, from the department of ag says.
The “big stick” energy legislation will be introduced in the house today.
Labor is now supporting it, so it is a done deal.Labor is now supporting it, so it is a done deal.
For 18/19 the #AAT received an increase in appeals related to #Centrelink debts of 31 %. Related to parenting payemnts appeals increased 30% and a 36% increase in appeals related to #Newstart#Auspol #EstimatesFor 18/19 the #AAT received an increase in appeals related to #Centrelink debts of 31 %. Related to parenting payemnts appeals increased 30% and a 36% increase in appeals related to #Newstart#Auspol #Estimates
It’s been a year since the national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse was delivered in the parliament.It’s been a year since the national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse was delivered in the parliament.
Anne Ruston will commemorate the anniversary at an event in parliament today.Anne Ruston will commemorate the anniversary at an event in parliament today.
The joint party room meeting is happening at the moment, where we will be told that everyone is very focused on the drought, and no one mentioned the Nationals’ latest existential crisis at all.The joint party room meeting is happening at the moment, where we will be told that everyone is very focused on the drought, and no one mentioned the Nationals’ latest existential crisis at all.
Australia’s agriculture ministers will meet to discuss animal welfare, after the ABC’s 7.30 report on retired racehorses.Australia’s agriculture ministers will meet to discuss animal welfare, after the ABC’s 7.30 report on retired racehorses.
From AAP:From AAP:
Federal cabinet minister Linda Reynolds has dismissed press freedom concerns saying the national campaign on Monday’s newspaper front pages proved the media was free to express its views.Federal cabinet minister Linda Reynolds has dismissed press freedom concerns saying the national campaign on Monday’s newspaper front pages proved the media was free to express its views.
Senator Reynolds, appearing at Senates estimates for Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, said the government had the balance of national security and press freedom right.Senator Reynolds, appearing at Senates estimates for Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, said the government had the balance of national security and press freedom right.
“No freedom is ever truly free,” Senator Reynolds said.“No freedom is ever truly free,” Senator Reynolds said.
“It is subject to the limitations that we in the parliament at a point of time make.”“It is subject to the limitations that we in the parliament at a point of time make.”
Australian media outlets have united with a “Right to Know” campaign to warn against growing censorship and attacks on press freedom.Australian media outlets have united with a “Right to Know” campaign to warn against growing censorship and attacks on press freedom.
The front pages of Monday’s major newspapers replicated heavily redacted government documents alongside an advertising campaign challenging laws that effectively criminalise journalism and whistleblowing.The front pages of Monday’s major newspapers replicated heavily redacted government documents alongside an advertising campaign challenging laws that effectively criminalise journalism and whistleblowing.
Senator Reynolds called it a “beautiful display” of press freedoms.Senator Reynolds called it a “beautiful display” of press freedoms.
“Two parliamentary inquiries, and front pages of the paper, I think demonstrates that we do have freedom of speech,” Senator Reynolds said.“Two parliamentary inquiries, and front pages of the paper, I think demonstrates that we do have freedom of speech,” Senator Reynolds said.
Senator Reynolds said the Bali bombings and September 11 attacks had “increased the requirement for national security legislation”.Senator Reynolds said the Bali bombings and September 11 attacks had “increased the requirement for national security legislation”.
But she said it was also about balancing defamation and freedom of information laws.But she said it was also about balancing defamation and freedom of information laws.
So, to be clear, Bridget McKenzie is not about to be dumped as deputy leader. The numbers aren’t there. This whole blow-up though, just shows that all of the issues which have plagued the Nationals since Barnaby Joyce blew up his political career, are still there. They stuck with Michael McCormack after the election because the Nationals won all their seats, not because the party room magically became united.So, to be clear, Bridget McKenzie is not about to be dumped as deputy leader. The numbers aren’t there. This whole blow-up though, just shows that all of the issues which have plagued the Nationals since Barnaby Joyce blew up his political career, are still there. They stuck with Michael McCormack after the election because the Nationals won all their seats, not because the party room magically became united.
But, and it’s an important but – there is no one else the party is uniting around. So all the same tensions which were there before the election are still there. And with no end in sight to the drought, no real answers MPs can give, beyond the government has a “reactive strategy” and One Nation now taking credit for their work, well, it makes sense that colleagues are once again publicly “bumping into each other”.But, and it’s an important but – there is no one else the party is uniting around. So all the same tensions which were there before the election are still there. And with no end in sight to the drought, no real answers MPs can give, beyond the government has a “reactive strategy” and One Nation now taking credit for their work, well, it makes sense that colleagues are once again publicly “bumping into each other”.
Darren Chester was doorstopped by journalists outside the Sky studios and said almost exactly the same thing about Bridget McKenzie’s leadership as he said on air:Darren Chester was doorstopped by journalists outside the Sky studios and said almost exactly the same thing about Bridget McKenzie’s leadership as he said on air:
In terms of Bridget’s role within the party, she’s completely secure. She’s working hard to deliver for any Australian farmers. Any minute, second or hour we spend here talking about ourselves, the Australian people will knock us down …In terms of Bridget’s role within the party, she’s completely secure. She’s working hard to deliver for any Australian farmers. Any minute, second or hour we spend here talking about ourselves, the Australian people will knock us down …
There are a lot of people who come to this place with big ideas and big personalities and from time to time they might bump into each other during discussions about policy areas. I say to my colleagues: continue to work with the minister, continue to work with the leadership team on policies that make a difference for regional Australians.There are a lot of people who come to this place with big ideas and big personalities and from time to time they might bump into each other during discussions about policy areas. I say to my colleagues: continue to work with the minister, continue to work with the leadership team on policies that make a difference for regional Australians.
That’s the problem with talking points. They always sound just a little too rehearsed.That’s the problem with talking points. They always sound just a little too rehearsed.
Bridget McKenzie is in agriculture estimates right now.Bridget McKenzie is in agriculture estimates right now.
Senator Murray Watt has opened questioning by asking her how long she expects to remain in the portfolio.Senator Murray Watt has opened questioning by asking her how long she expects to remain in the portfolio.
“Is the National party crystal clear on who is doing what in this space?” Watt asked.“Is the National party crystal clear on who is doing what in this space?” Watt asked.
“Yes,” McKenzie replied.“Yes,” McKenzie replied.
“If that is the case, why are we seeing reports that many National party members want to replace you as deputy leader.”“If that is the case, why are we seeing reports that many National party members want to replace you as deputy leader.”
The question was ruled out of order.The question was ruled out of order.
“So minister, how long do you expect to remain as the minister for agriculture.”“So minister, how long do you expect to remain as the minister for agriculture.”
That question is also ruled out of order.That question is also ruled out of order.
“Are we going to have another day of government ministers not answering questions that are inconvenient ... are you aware that there is a bit of interest in the public right to know?” Watt follows up. He asks again.“Are we going to have another day of government ministers not answering questions that are inconvenient ... are you aware that there is a bit of interest in the public right to know?” Watt follows up. He asks again.
“How long do you expect to remain as the minister for agriculture?” he tries again.“How long do you expect to remain as the minister for agriculture?” he tries again.
“Right, Senator Watt. Please stop,” says the committee chair, Susan McDonald.“Right, Senator Watt. Please stop,” says the committee chair, Susan McDonald.
Just another day in paradise.Just another day in paradise.
It is nice to see that One Nation is causing as many issues for the National party as it does for the Liberals.It is nice to see that One Nation is causing as many issues for the National party as it does for the Liberals.
Darren Chester, who is often the voice of reason in the Nationals party room, spoke to Laura Jayes on Sky News and didn’t deny that the party room meeting yesterday was a little feisty.Darren Chester, who is often the voice of reason in the Nationals party room, spoke to Laura Jayes on Sky News and didn’t deny that the party room meeting yesterday was a little feisty.
But it also didn’t stop him from trotting out the “difficult issues we are working through” lines:But it also didn’t stop him from trotting out the “difficult issues we are working through” lines:
“There is no shortage of members of parliament with passion and big ideas and sometimes those ideas, those passions, bump into each other and they play out publicly. It’s much ado about nothing.“There is no shortage of members of parliament with passion and big ideas and sometimes those ideas, those passions, bump into each other and they play out publicly. It’s much ado about nothing.
Chester said the tensions were just colleagues “bumping into each other”:Chester said the tensions were just colleagues “bumping into each other”:
People come to debate big ideas about the future of our nation and the agricultural portfolio, the one that Bridget McKenzie, our deputy leader holds, is a pretty complex policy area. There are a lot of issues right now, we are going through one of the worst droughts probably in our nation’s history and there are a lot of issues there to resolve. I have to say that overwhelmingly, the conversation which occurs in our party room meeting, the conversation that occurs in our joint party room meeting, is how do we make things better for our regional people, how do we make things better for our farmers, our small business people.People come to debate big ideas about the future of our nation and the agricultural portfolio, the one that Bridget McKenzie, our deputy leader holds, is a pretty complex policy area. There are a lot of issues right now, we are going through one of the worst droughts probably in our nation’s history and there are a lot of issues there to resolve. I have to say that overwhelmingly, the conversation which occurs in our party room meeting, the conversation that occurs in our joint party room meeting, is how do we make things better for our regional people, how do we make things better for our farmers, our small business people.
Occasionally there will be clashes of personalities, but it’s no big deal.Occasionally there will be clashes of personalities, but it’s no big deal.
Linda Burney was on RN late yesterday talking about Ken Wyatt’s proposal for a legislative body, not an enshrined voice in the constitution, when it comes to reconciliation.Linda Burney was on RN late yesterday talking about Ken Wyatt’s proposal for a legislative body, not an enshrined voice in the constitution, when it comes to reconciliation.
Patricia Karvelas: It’s clear Indigenous leaders are angry with what they see as a unilateral proposal from Ken Wyatt and the Morrison government for this legislated body. Are they right to be upset?Patricia Karvelas: It’s clear Indigenous leaders are angry with what they see as a unilateral proposal from Ken Wyatt and the Morrison government for this legislated body. Are they right to be upset?
Linda Burney:Linda Burney:
I think they are right to be upset. Certainly, the prime minister, I think, overruled Ken very early in the piece, when it came to legislating a voice to the parliament. But Labor’s position remains as it has been for some time, the same at this point.I think they are right to be upset. Certainly, the prime minister, I think, overruled Ken very early in the piece, when it came to legislating a voice to the parliament. But Labor’s position remains as it has been for some time, the same at this point.
And that is, we embrace the full content of the Uluru statement, Patricia. And as you know, that’s the national process of truth-telling, the Makarrata Commission, as well as an enshrined voice to the parliament. And that will be informed by the co-design process which I understand the minister is going to be beginning quite soon.And that is, we embrace the full content of the Uluru statement, Patricia. And as you know, that’s the national process of truth-telling, the Makarrata Commission, as well as an enshrined voice to the parliament. And that will be informed by the co-design process which I understand the minister is going to be beginning quite soon.
PK: Do you think Ken Wyatt is being disrespectful as he’s being accused of?PK: Do you think Ken Wyatt is being disrespectful as he’s being accused of?
LB:LB:
I don’t think Ken is being disrespectful. I think has a very difficult challenge in front of him. He is a member of the government. And the prime minister has made it very clear that he will undertake a referendum this term, but on recognition only, not enshrining a voice to the parliament. And the prime minister is very clearly talking about a legislated voice. Now the really serious question in front of First Nations people and the parliament is whether or not that voice is permanent and secure. That’s, Patricia, why the constitution has become such an important part of this discussion, is that people remember what happened to Atsic, that it was dismissed by the government of the day, and they don’t want to see another advisory body dismissed. They want it to be secure. And people from Uluru, which was two years ago now, see that as being a way to securing that voice, is enshrining it in the constitution.I don’t think Ken is being disrespectful. I think has a very difficult challenge in front of him. He is a member of the government. And the prime minister has made it very clear that he will undertake a referendum this term, but on recognition only, not enshrining a voice to the parliament. And the prime minister is very clearly talking about a legislated voice. Now the really serious question in front of First Nations people and the parliament is whether or not that voice is permanent and secure. That’s, Patricia, why the constitution has become such an important part of this discussion, is that people remember what happened to Atsic, that it was dismissed by the government of the day, and they don’t want to see another advisory body dismissed. They want it to be secure. And people from Uluru, which was two years ago now, see that as being a way to securing that voice, is enshrining it in the constitution.
The parliament’s Indigenous MPs are meeting this week to discuss the issue.The parliament’s Indigenous MPs are meeting this week to discuss the issue.