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Barnaby Joyce accuses Greens of 'insulting' climate claims about bushfires – politics live Barnaby Joyce accuses Greens of 'insulting' climate claims about bushfires – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Former Nationals leader says he doesn’t want to start attacking because the two who died in fires ‘most likely’ voted for GreensFormer Nationals leader says he doesn’t want to start attacking because the two who died in fires ‘most likely’ voted for Greens
Despite receiving letter signed by 22 of Australia’s former fire chiefs in April and followed up in another letter in September, requesting meetings to discuss the impact of climate change on the bushfire risk, the Federal government failed to meet with the high level delegation. The Senate sitting has begun.
Minister Simon Birmingham, representing the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said the minister’s office had contacted the group on September 10 offering a meeting in October, “but this hasn’t been taken up by the former fire chiefs.” Barnaby Joyce’s comments have reached the red chamber. I’ll bring you some of that in a moment.
Greens senator, Sarah Hanson-Young asked why it had taken five months since the first request to offer a meeting. Despite receiving letter signed by 22 of Australia’s former fire chiefs in April – followed up by another letter in September – requesting meetings to discuss the impact of climate change on the bushfire risk, the federal government failed to meet with the high level delegation.
Minister Simon Birmingham, representing the minister for energy and emissions reduction, Angus Taylor said the minister’s office had contacted the group on 10 September offering a meeting in October, “but this hasn’t been taken up by the former fire chiefs”.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young asked why it had taken five months since the first request to offer a meeting.
Birmingham replied that the April letter had asked for a meeting after the election in May, so it was not five months.Birmingham replied that the April letter had asked for a meeting after the election in May, so it was not five months.
In the high court, Annika Smethurst’s counsel has been attacking the warrant authorising the search on her home, arguing it failed to describe the conduct which allegedly constituted the offence.In the high court, Annika Smethurst’s counsel has been attacking the warrant authorising the search on her home, arguing it failed to describe the conduct which allegedly constituted the offence.
The warrant said:The warrant said:
“On the 29 April 2018, Annika Smethurst and the Sunday Telegraph communicated a document or article to a person, that was not in the interest of the Commonwealth, and permitted that person to have access to the document, contrary to section 79(3) of the Crimes Act 1914, Official Secrets” “On the 29 April 2018, Annika Smethurst and the Sunday Telegraph communicated a document or article to a person, that was not in the interest of the commonwealth, and permitted that person to have access to the document, contrary to section 79(3) of the Crimes Act 1914, Official Secrets.”
Stephen Lloyd argued the warrant needed to describe the information police were seeking and “how it became proscribed in relation to both the [potential] accused”. Warrants must “refer to the offending conduct not merely a reference to the section”, according to Lloyd.Stephen Lloyd argued the warrant needed to describe the information police were seeking and “how it became proscribed in relation to both the [potential] accused”. Warrants must “refer to the offending conduct not merely a reference to the section”, according to Lloyd.
He attacked the floating phrase “that was not in the interest of the commonwealth” - arguing it wasn’t clear if it referred to a document or a communication that wasn’t in the interest of the commonwealth. He attacked the floating phrase “that was not in the interest of the commonwealth” – arguing it wasn’t clear if it referred to a document or a communication that wasn’t in the interest of the commonwealth.
The warrant both “didn’t state an offence known to law” and lacked sufficient particularity, he said. The lack of detail was “apt to mislead Smethurst and the executing officers” to allow a broader search.The warrant both “didn’t state an offence known to law” and lacked sufficient particularity, he said. The lack of detail was “apt to mislead Smethurst and the executing officers” to allow a broader search.
Joel Fitzgibbon has held a doorstop on the dairy code of conduct, flanked by senators and members of the NSW and Queensland dairy sector.Joel Fitzgibbon has held a doorstop on the dairy code of conduct, flanked by senators and members of the NSW and Queensland dairy sector.
Fitzgibbon called on Bridget McKenzie to explain the changes to the diary code of conduct, saying it had been watered down to the extent that some farmers would rather have no code than the one proposed. Fitzgibbon called on Bridget McKenzie to explain the changes to the dairy code of conduct, saying it had been watered down to the extent that some farmers would rather have no code than the one proposed.
“Senator Bridget McKenzie, the agriculture minister, needs to immediately answer the question she declined to respond to five times on ABC radio this morning - she needs to tell dairy farm communities who it was that recommended to her that the all-important code of conduct in the dairy industry be watered down - watered down so significantly that dairy farm leaders are now saying that this dairy code would be worse than not having a dairy code at all,” “Senator Bridget McKenzie, the agriculture minister, needs to immediately answer the question she declined to respond to five times on ABC radio this morning – she needs to tell dairy farm communities who it was that recommended to her that the all-important code of conduct in the dairy industry be watered down – watered down so significantly that dairy farm leaders are now saying that this dairy code would be worse than not having a dairy code at all.”
Fitzgibbon said.Labor is calling for the code to be introduced “sooner rather than later” alongside a floor price on farm gate prices.He said the deregulation of the industry that occurred under the Howard government in 2000 had not resulted in a “good outcome” for dairy farmers, who were struggling with the cost price squeeze. Fitzgibbon said Labor was calling for the code to be introduced “sooner rather than later” alongside a floor price on farm gate prices. He said the deregulation of the industry that occurred under the Howard government in 2000 had not resulted in a “good outcome” for dairy farmers, who were struggling with the cost price squeeze.
He called on prime minister Scott Morrison to intervene in the sector. He called on the prime minister, Scott Morrison, to intervene in the sector.
“Scott Morrison needs to put his pride aside and admit he has it wrong (and) concede that we do need some significant government intervention in the dairy industry. “Scott Morrison needs to put his pride aside and admit he has it wrong [and] concede that we do need some significant government intervention in the dairy industry.
”A code of conduct is important, but it won’t fix the wide range of problems facing our dairy farmers including that price squeeze. We need a minimum farm gate milk price so that farmers can receive a fair price for their milk. “A code of conduct is important, but it won’t fix the wide range of problems facing our dairy farmers, including that price squeeze. We need a minimum farm gate milk price so that farmers can receive a fair price for their milk.
“If we don’t intervene, we don’t have a dairy industry in this country and god forbid we will be importing our milk.” “If we don’t intervene, we don’t have a dairy industry in this country and, god forbid, we will be importing our milk.”
Fitzgibbon said that he never expected Pauline Hanson’s dairy industry bill to pass the parliament, and defended the “symbolic” move against criticism that the legislation may have had some flaws.Fitzgibbon said that he never expected Pauline Hanson’s dairy industry bill to pass the parliament, and defended the “symbolic” move against criticism that the legislation may have had some flaws.
He said details could have been thrashed out in the House of Representatives had the legislation won the support of Nationals MPs, who could have crossed the floor in support of the Hanson bill.He said details could have been thrashed out in the House of Representatives had the legislation won the support of Nationals MPs, who could have crossed the floor in support of the Hanson bill.
Dairy farmers from NSW and Queensland also spoke to the media, saying they were disappointed that the code had been watered down, noting concerns about the ability of contract prices to be revised down in certain circumstances.Dairy farmers from NSW and Queensland also spoke to the media, saying they were disappointed that the code had been watered down, noting concerns about the ability of contract prices to be revised down in certain circumstances.
“We are very disappointed that the code has gone backwards in our opinion,” Brian Tessmann, president of the Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation, said. “We are very disappointed that the code has gone backwards in our opinion,” Brian Tessmann, the president of the Queensland Dairyfarmers Organisation, said.
He said the number of dairy farmers in Queensland had dropped from 1500 in 2000 to just 350 today. He said the number of dairy farmers in Queensland had dropped from 1,500 in 2000 to just 350 today.
“We are losing them all the time”. “We are losing them all the time.”
Fitzgibbon said that dairy farmers needed to unite to persuade the government to act, singling out the SA dairy industry for opposing the minimum farm gate price.Fitzgibbon said that dairy farmers needed to unite to persuade the government to act, singling out the SA dairy industry for opposing the minimum farm gate price.
When asked if he believed the code had been watered down to appease large producers in McKenzie’s home state of Victoria, Fitzgibbon said Australians needed to consider who would benefit from the changes.When asked if he believed the code had been watered down to appease large producers in McKenzie’s home state of Victoria, Fitzgibbon said Australians needed to consider who would benefit from the changes.
The interview finishes with this.The interview finishes with this.
Kieran Gilbert: But the thing is, you’re also arguing for policies to change in this context, which I, which I understand and your constituents are affected here. But would any of that be enough to deal with these catastrophic conditions that we are seeing?Kieran Gilbert: But the thing is, you’re also arguing for policies to change in this context, which I, which I understand and your constituents are affected here. But would any of that be enough to deal with these catastrophic conditions that we are seeing?
Barnaby Joyce:Barnaby Joyce:
KG...In the washup in this tragedy, this disaster, there needs to be a discussion about how we maximise our response to this, because you have said yourself the fire season is longer, the window is shorter in terms of trying to protect these communities, to backburn, to reduce these hazards. KG: In the wash-up in this tragedy, this disaster, there needs to be a discussion about how we maximise our response to this, because you have said yourself the fire season is longer, the window is shorter in terms of trying to protect these communities, to backburn, to reduce these hazards.
BJ:BJ:
Gilbert continues.Gilbert continues.
KG: But the thing is that we hear from as I mentioned, Jason McKellar, the incident controller, the New South Wales deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said earlier that hazard reductions have gone on each and every year, each year we get as much done as we would like ...KG: But the thing is that we hear from as I mentioned, Jason McKellar, the incident controller, the New South Wales deputy commissioner Rob Rogers said earlier that hazard reductions have gone on each and every year, each year we get as much done as we would like ...
Barnaby Joyce: Well see, you’re using different words there, “as they are able to do”.Barnaby Joyce: Well see, you’re using different words there, “as they are able to do”.
KG: Do they have enough resources to get it done?KG: Do they have enough resources to get it done?
BJ:BJ:
Kieren Gilbert from Sky News asked Barnaby Joyce about Greg Mullins’ comments:Kieren Gilbert from Sky News asked Barnaby Joyce about Greg Mullins’ comments:
KG: But do you accept that the fire-burning opportunity is reduced, because of the fire season being longer. So the question is, when do you get to do the backburning?KG: But do you accept that the fire-burning opportunity is reduced, because of the fire season being longer. So the question is, when do you get to do the backburning?
BJ:BJ:
(Just another reminder that the fire authorities have said they have done hazard reduction burning ahead of this season.)(Just another reminder that the fire authorities have said they have done hazard reduction burning ahead of this season.)
Did I miss that period in Australian political history where the Greens held every single government?Did I miss that period in Australian political history where the Greens held every single government?
Or that the Liberals have held government in NSW for the last eight years?Or that the Liberals have held government in NSW for the last eight years?
Or that the Coalition has held federal government for 17 of the last 23 years?Or that the Coalition has held federal government for 17 of the last 23 years?
Former NSW fire commissioner Greg Mullins wrote this in the SMH yesterday:Former NSW fire commissioner Greg Mullins wrote this in the SMH yesterday:
He would know. It was his job to know. He, along with former fire and emergency chiefs from all over the country have tried to meet with the government since April to discuss issues with Australia’s fire preparation, including the impact of climate change, and why the old way of doing things just isn’t cutting it anymore. They didn’t get that meeting.He would know. It was his job to know. He, along with former fire and emergency chiefs from all over the country have tried to meet with the government since April to discuss issues with Australia’s fire preparation, including the impact of climate change, and why the old way of doing things just isn’t cutting it anymore. They didn’t get that meeting.
Barnaby Joyce is on Sky News talking about the hazard reduction burns and other things he thinks have been policy failures, less than 20 minutes after Scott Morrison told Ray Hadley that all of these issues (ahem, climate change) should only be discussed after the fire emergency.Barnaby Joyce is on Sky News talking about the hazard reduction burns and other things he thinks have been policy failures, less than 20 minutes after Scott Morrison told Ray Hadley that all of these issues (ahem, climate change) should only be discussed after the fire emergency.
This is despite experts like Greg Mullins, saying that the fire seasons are getting closer together, leaving less time to do things like hazard burns. And also, that the Greens are not in power anywhere in Australia, and therefore have not actually enacted policy anywhere. As well as emergency service chiefs saying hazard reductions have been occurring each and every year. Joyce says it can be done during the winter.This is despite experts like Greg Mullins, saying that the fire seasons are getting closer together, leaving less time to do things like hazard burns. And also, that the Greens are not in power anywhere in Australia, and therefore have not actually enacted policy anywhere. As well as emergency service chiefs saying hazard reductions have been occurring each and every year. Joyce says it can be done during the winter.
Which would be just before the Queensland fire season began this year – in September. When the rainforest was on fire.Which would be just before the Queensland fire season began this year – in September. When the rainforest was on fire.
Gabby Chan has written about Michael McCormack’s ABC radio interview yesterday – and the impact that his words have on people who live in the areas his party is supposed to be representing:Gabby Chan has written about Michael McCormack’s ABC radio interview yesterday – and the impact that his words have on people who live in the areas his party is supposed to be representing:
The high court is sitting in Canberra today to hear Annika Smethurst’s challenge against the validity of the warrant authorising the police raid on her home.The high court is sitting in Canberra today to hear Annika Smethurst’s challenge against the validity of the warrant authorising the police raid on her home.
In June the Australian federal police raided Smethurst’s home, investigating an alleged breach of section 79(3) of the Crimes Act, which prohibits “communicating or allowing someone to have access to an official secret without authorisation”.In June the Australian federal police raided Smethurst’s home, investigating an alleged breach of section 79(3) of the Crimes Act, which prohibits “communicating or allowing someone to have access to an official secret without authorisation”.
Smethurst’s challenge has two prongs: one challenging the validity of the warrant and the second challenging the validity of the offence on the basis it infringes the implied freedom of political communication.Smethurst’s challenge has two prongs: one challenging the validity of the warrant and the second challenging the validity of the offence on the basis it infringes the implied freedom of political communication.
At the start of the hearing, chief justice Susan Kiefel reveals that the court has asked Smethurst’s lawyers to focus their arguments on the validity of the warrant. Smethurst’s counsel Stephen Lloyd says his understanding is the court wants him to make submissions about the warrant and then stop, which Kiefel confirms. This is a big hint that the case is not going to be decided on the constitutional argument.At the start of the hearing, chief justice Susan Kiefel reveals that the court has asked Smethurst’s lawyers to focus their arguments on the validity of the warrant. Smethurst’s counsel Stephen Lloyd says his understanding is the court wants him to make submissions about the warrant and then stop, which Kiefel confirms. This is a big hint that the case is not going to be decided on the constitutional argument.
Attorney general Christian Porter has intervened in the case, asking the court to refuse a bid to destroy material collected from the raid, arguing it “may well be important” for a potential future prosecution. Porter and the Australian federal police will be represented by solicitor general Stephen Donaghue.Attorney general Christian Porter has intervened in the case, asking the court to refuse a bid to destroy material collected from the raid, arguing it “may well be important” for a potential future prosecution. Porter and the Australian federal police will be represented by solicitor general Stephen Donaghue.
South Australia has intervened supporting the commonwealth, while the Australian Human Rights Commission has made further submissions about the limits of commonwealth power in support of Smethurst.South Australia has intervened supporting the commonwealth, while the Australian Human Rights Commission has made further submissions about the limits of commonwealth power in support of Smethurst.
Scott Morrison to Ray Hadley on “policy discussions” to be had after the fire emergency:Scott Morrison to Ray Hadley on “policy discussions” to be had after the fire emergency:
Alexander Downer performing, “lol, I am not a spy (not that I can talk about it).”Alexander Downer performing, “lol, I am not a spy (not that I can talk about it).”
Scott Morrison is speaking to Ray Hadley on 2GB.Scott Morrison is speaking to Ray Hadley on 2GB.
“I just really want to assure people that everything that can be done, is being done,” he said, despite nature probably “throwing some curveballs”.“I just really want to assure people that everything that can be done, is being done,” he said, despite nature probably “throwing some curveballs”.
The defence force is on standby to assist – they are not necessarily trained in firefighting, but they can help with evacuations and coordinating teams.The defence force is on standby to assist – they are not necessarily trained in firefighting, but they can help with evacuations and coordinating teams.
Alexander Downer is working his way through “I can’t talk about it because it is an ongoing US investigation, but I am not a spy” tour.Alexander Downer is working his way through “I can’t talk about it because it is an ongoing US investigation, but I am not a spy” tour.
He will address the National Press Club later today.He will address the National Press Club later today.
Meanwhile, the number of lobbyists wandering around Parliament House has almost doubled in less than a decade (spoiler – nothing is being done to address it).Meanwhile, the number of lobbyists wandering around Parliament House has almost doubled in less than a decade (spoiler – nothing is being done to address it).
From Josh TaylorFrom Josh Taylor
You can read more about that here.You can read more about that here.
We start another day by talking about a trainwreck interview performance from a National party leader – this time Bridget McKenzie.We start another day by talking about a trainwreck interview performance from a National party leader – this time Bridget McKenzie.
It was over the dairy code, which is what sparked calls for her to be scrapped as deputy leader just a few weeks ago. After three years of discussions, the Nationals looked ready to move forward with the much-vaunted code. Then One Nation cottoned on to it and started making a lot of very public noises over it, including withholding votes on non-crucial legislation until one was implemented. It was a stunt more than anything – One Nation still turned up for every vote that mattered, but it was a very loud stunt and it forced McKenzie into saying the timetable would be moved up, meaning the code would be implemented early next year instead of mid next year. Pauline Hanson claimed victory.It was over the dairy code, which is what sparked calls for her to be scrapped as deputy leader just a few weeks ago. After three years of discussions, the Nationals looked ready to move forward with the much-vaunted code. Then One Nation cottoned on to it and started making a lot of very public noises over it, including withholding votes on non-crucial legislation until one was implemented. It was a stunt more than anything – One Nation still turned up for every vote that mattered, but it was a very loud stunt and it forced McKenzie into saying the timetable would be moved up, meaning the code would be implemented early next year instead of mid next year. Pauline Hanson claimed victory.
The National party MPs who had spent the past three years working on the code (marrying up the different state industries is a little difficult, but hey – that’s the federation for you) were pretty annoyed that One Nation was taking credit for their work and went on the offensive.The National party MPs who had spent the past three years working on the code (marrying up the different state industries is a little difficult, but hey – that’s the federation for you) were pretty annoyed that One Nation was taking credit for their work and went on the offensive.
Next thing you know, there are backbench drought-assistance submissions and Barnaby Joyce is anywhere a blinking camera light is featured, and the Nats came together for peace in our times.Next thing you know, there are backbench drought-assistance submissions and Barnaby Joyce is anywhere a blinking camera light is featured, and the Nats came together for peace in our times.
Except that’s not possible with all the stuff that is going on right now. McKenzie looked stressed in Senate question time yesterday, and her colleagues are openly questioning whether she is up to the job. It wouldn’t matter so much if they weren’t also questioning whether Michael McCormack was also up to the job, and after his tone-deaf head-in-the sand performance yesterday morning over climate change and its link to the catastrophic early bushfire season, well, things aren’t exactly great in the Nationals group chat.Except that’s not possible with all the stuff that is going on right now. McKenzie looked stressed in Senate question time yesterday, and her colleagues are openly questioning whether she is up to the job. It wouldn’t matter so much if they weren’t also questioning whether Michael McCormack was also up to the job, and after his tone-deaf head-in-the sand performance yesterday morning over climate change and its link to the catastrophic early bushfire season, well, things aren’t exactly great in the Nationals group chat.
So McKenzie got up this morning and spoke to ABC radio about the dairy code and just how on top of it she all is.So McKenzie got up this morning and spoke to ABC radio about the dairy code and just how on top of it she all is.
Except – she’s not. And she had to concede she didn’t have all the answers about why changes have been made to the exposure draft. And she had to admit that it more than likely wouldn’t be ready by January.Except – she’s not. And she had to concede she didn’t have all the answers about why changes have been made to the exposure draft. And she had to admit that it more than likely wouldn’t be ready by January.
“We either want to get it done quickly or we want to get it done right,” she said. “I am not going to rush to put out a code that is not going to be fit for purpose and not going to actually work in all eight of our [dairy] regions across the country.”“We either want to get it done quickly or we want to get it done right,” she said. “I am not going to rush to put out a code that is not going to be fit for purpose and not going to actually work in all eight of our [dairy] regions across the country.”
That sound you hear is Hanson skipping into work today.That sound you hear is Hanson skipping into work today.
We’ll cover that, plus the Senate, plus the government response to the ongoing bushfire emergency.We’ll cover that, plus the Senate, plus the government response to the ongoing bushfire emergency.
You’ve got a one-coffee Amy on your hands, so I will fix that, but you have the incomparable Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and Sarah Martin to make up for my failings. Which may include, but are not limited to, typing diary instead of dairy every now and then.You’ve got a one-coffee Amy on your hands, so I will fix that, but you have the incomparable Mike Bowers, Katharine Murphy, Paul Karp and Sarah Martin to make up for my failings. Which may include, but are not limited to, typing diary instead of dairy every now and then.
Ready?Ready?
Let’s get into it.Let’s get into it.