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Coronavirus Australia update: Senate agrees to inquiry into destruction of 46,000-year-old caves – as it happened Senate agrees to inquiry into destruction of 46,000-year-old caves – as it happened
(about 13 hours later)
Investigation will look at range of issues including operation of state and federal laws affecting Indigenous cultural heritage. This blog is now closedInvestigation will look at range of issues including operation of state and federal laws affecting Indigenous cultural heritage. This blog is now closed
And that’s where we’ll leave things tonight. Here are the day’s key events:And that’s where we’ll leave things tonight. Here are the day’s key events:
Scott Morrison has apologised to robodebt victims, telling the parliament: “I would apologise for any hurt or harm in the way that the government has dealt with that issue and to anyone else who has found themselves in those situations.”Scott Morrison has apologised to robodebt victims, telling the parliament: “I would apologise for any hurt or harm in the way that the government has dealt with that issue and to anyone else who has found themselves in those situations.”
The government’s ensuring integrity bill is off the table, for now, after it consented to Labor’s motion to have it removed from the notice paper.The government’s ensuring integrity bill is off the table, for now, after it consented to Labor’s motion to have it removed from the notice paper.
The Senate agreed to an inquiry into Rio Tinto’s destruction of 46,000-year-old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.The Senate agreed to an inquiry into Rio Tinto’s destruction of 46,000-year-old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Pauline Hanson’s “all lives matter” motion was denied by the Senate.Pauline Hanson’s “all lives matter” motion was denied by the Senate.
The OECD warned that Australia’s economic output could fall by 6.3% if there was a second wave of coronavirus.The OECD warned that Australia’s economic output could fall by 6.3% if there was a second wave of coronavirus.
The remuneration tribunal ruled there would be no pay rise for federal MPs this year.The remuneration tribunal ruled there would be no pay rise for federal MPs this year.
The prime minister called on states with closed borders to nominate the date when they will reopen.The prime minister called on states with closed borders to nominate the date when they will reopen.
NSW will raise the state’s limit on gatherings to 20 people from Saturday.NSW will raise the state’s limit on gatherings to 20 people from Saturday.
As always, thanks for following along with us. Catch you again tomorrow for a rare Friday sitting day.As always, thanks for following along with us. Catch you again tomorrow for a rare Friday sitting day.
Some breaking news from my colleagues Lorena Allam and Calla Wahlquist.Some breaking news from my colleagues Lorena Allam and Calla Wahlquist.
BHP has said it will not damage 40 Aboriginal heritage sites which it received ministerial permission to destroy without “further extensive consultation” with traditional owners.BHP has said it will not damage 40 Aboriginal heritage sites which it received ministerial permission to destroy without “further extensive consultation” with traditional owners.
It comes after Guardian Australia revealed the resources giant had permission from the Western Australian government to destroy the sites in the Pilbara and that traditional owners had been legally prevented from speaking publicly about the sites.It comes after Guardian Australia revealed the resources giant had permission from the Western Australian government to destroy the sites in the Pilbara and that traditional owners had been legally prevented from speaking publicly about the sites.
The government appears to have ditched a regulation that reduced the consultation time frame for changes to workers conditions and pay.The government appears to have ditched a regulation that reduced the consultation time frame for changes to workers conditions and pay.
The regulation, announced in April, allowed employers to provide just 24 hours’ notice, down from a week, to seek wide-ranging changes including cuts to pay, penalty rates, leave entitlements and changes to ordinary hours of work. At the time the government argued it was necessary to allow employers to deal with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.The regulation, announced in April, allowed employers to provide just 24 hours’ notice, down from a week, to seek wide-ranging changes including cuts to pay, penalty rates, leave entitlements and changes to ordinary hours of work. At the time the government argued it was necessary to allow employers to deal with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Labor sought to disallow it but failed after One Nation voted against the motion. But One Nation’s support of the government was contingent on the regulation being given a sunset clause.Labor sought to disallow it but failed after One Nation voted against the motion. But One Nation’s support of the government was contingent on the regulation being given a sunset clause.
“It now appears Christian Porter was unable to deliver on his deal with One Nation to amend the regulation so he’s been forced to ditch it altogether,” Tony Burke, Labor’s industrial relations spokesman, said on Thursday.“It now appears Christian Porter was unable to deliver on his deal with One Nation to amend the regulation so he’s been forced to ditch it altogether,” Tony Burke, Labor’s industrial relations spokesman, said on Thursday.
“This is thoroughly humiliating for the minister – but a great win for workers.”“This is thoroughly humiliating for the minister – but a great win for workers.”
A judgment in a federal court challenge by the CFMMEU to the regulation was due tomorrow.A judgment in a federal court challenge by the CFMMEU to the regulation was due tomorrow.
From AAP:From AAP:
The Morrison government has described a push to lock in two lower house seats in the Northern Territory as premature.The Nationals have formed an unlikely alliance with Labor to guarantee two Northern Territory federal lower house seats in parliament.The Morrison government has described a push to lock in two lower house seats in the Northern Territory as premature.The Nationals have formed an unlikely alliance with Labor to guarantee two Northern Territory federal lower house seats in parliament.
But the government is keeping its powder dry ahead of a redistribution tipped to reduce the NT’s seats from two to one.NT Labor senator Malarndirri McCarthy introduced a bill to parliament on Thursday to lock in the status quo, with the support of all five upper house Nationals.But the government is keeping its powder dry ahead of a redistribution tipped to reduce the NT’s seats from two to one.NT Labor senator Malarndirri McCarthy introduced a bill to parliament on Thursday to lock in the status quo, with the support of all five upper house Nationals.
The government Senate leader, Mathias Cormann, said political parties, parliamentarians and voters would be able to make submissions about the redistribution.The government Senate leader, Mathias Cormann, said political parties, parliamentarians and voters would be able to make submissions about the redistribution.
“It is premature to speculate about hypothetical outcomes of an electoral redistribution process yet to be undertaken independently by the Australian Electoral Commission,” said.“It is premature to speculate about hypothetical outcomes of an electoral redistribution process yet to be undertaken independently by the Australian Electoral Commission,” said.
The AEC will not start the process before 3 July, with boundaries to be decided before the next election.The AEC will not start the process before 3 July, with boundaries to be decided before the next election.
Cormann said the government would work with the electoral parliamentary committee to consider if laws were needed after the redistribution.Cormann said the government would work with the electoral parliamentary committee to consider if laws were needed after the redistribution.
The push for an inquiry into the destruction of 46,000-year-old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia was agreed to without any dissent in the Senate this evening.The push for an inquiry into the destruction of 46,000-year-old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia was agreed to without any dissent in the Senate this evening.
Labor senators Anthony Chisholm and Pat Dodson proposed an inquiry into a range of issues, including: the operation of state and federal laws that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage; the decision-making and consultation processes of Rio Tinto; the loss or damage to the traditional owners Puutu, Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people from the destruction of the site.Labor senators Anthony Chisholm and Pat Dodson proposed an inquiry into a range of issues, including: the operation of state and federal laws that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage; the decision-making and consultation processes of Rio Tinto; the loss or damage to the traditional owners Puutu, Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people from the destruction of the site.
It was referred to the joint standing committee on Northern Australia for inquiry and report by 30 September.It was referred to the joint standing committee on Northern Australia for inquiry and report by 30 September.
But the Greens senator Rachel Siewert said while her party was not opposing the move, she had concerns about the task being handled by a government-dominated committee focused on just part of Australia.But the Greens senator Rachel Siewert said while her party was not opposing the move, she had concerns about the task being handled by a government-dominated committee focused on just part of Australia.
“Why is it being referred to a committee being dominated by the government when they’re involved in decision-making on this issue being investigated?” she said.“Why is it being referred to a committee being dominated by the government when they’re involved in decision-making on this issue being investigated?” she said.
In the Senate, a matter of public importance is under way on the the decision to end the jobkeeper subsidy for childcare workers from 20 July.In the Senate, a matter of public importance is under way on the the decision to end the jobkeeper subsidy for childcare workers from 20 July.
Labor’s Jess Walsh says the decision comes despite the pandemic having hit women the hardest.Labor’s Jess Walsh says the decision comes despite the pandemic having hit women the hardest.
“This is not a government that has the backs of Australian working women,” she says.“This is not a government that has the backs of Australian working women,” she says.
As Australia enters a recession, Walsh says the government’s priorities are “giving out bathroom renovations on one hand and ripping away programs that support women with the other”.As Australia enters a recession, Walsh says the government’s priorities are “giving out bathroom renovations on one hand and ripping away programs that support women with the other”.
She says the removal of free childcare from 13 July will hurt families at a time when many are earning less, “when many families are desperately trying to get back on their feet”.She says the removal of free childcare from 13 July will hurt families at a time when many are earning less, “when many families are desperately trying to get back on their feet”.
On that note, I am going to hand the blog over to Lisa Cox for the evening stretch.On that note, I am going to hand the blog over to Lisa Cox for the evening stretch.
We’ll be back early tomorrow morning for the Friday sitting.We’ll be back early tomorrow morning for the Friday sitting.
And don’t forget: you have four more days of sittings next week as well! Huzzah! What lucky little ducks you all are.And don’t forget: you have four more days of sittings next week as well! Huzzah! What lucky little ducks you all are.
In the meantime, be kind, be thoughtful, and take care of you.In the meantime, be kind, be thoughtful, and take care of you.
And from AAP:And from AAP:
Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween face a racial vilification lawsuit over a controversial segment on Indigenous adoption aired on Channel Seven.Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween face a racial vilification lawsuit over a controversial segment on Indigenous adoption aired on Channel Seven.
The potential federal court action comes after settlement negotiations collapsed in a group racial discrimination complaint filed in the Australian Human Rights Commission.The potential federal court action comes after settlement negotiations collapsed in a group racial discrimination complaint filed in the Australian Human Rights Commission.
During a March 2018 broadcast, Armytage and panellists on the breakfast TV show discussed Aboriginal adoption.During a March 2018 broadcast, Armytage and panellists on the breakfast TV show discussed Aboriginal adoption.
MacSween said: “Just like the first stolen generation, where a lot of children were taken because it was for their wellbeing, we need to do it again.”MacSween said: “Just like the first stolen generation, where a lot of children were taken because it was for their wellbeing, we need to do it again.”
The federal court action is being led by Aboriginal elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, the group’s lawyers said in a statement on Thursday.The federal court action is being led by Aboriginal elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor, the group’s lawyers said in a statement on Thursday.
They said the eight Aboriginal complainants were forced to take the action after the commission negotiations broke down.They said the eight Aboriginal complainants were forced to take the action after the commission negotiations broke down.
“Sunrise platformed wealthy white women calling for a stolen generations 2.0 as a means of salvation for our young people,” Dixon-Grovenor said.“Sunrise platformed wealthy white women calling for a stolen generations 2.0 as a means of salvation for our young people,” Dixon-Grovenor said.
“This shameful, profoundly hurtful and devastating display of racism was broadcast by a commercial television station into homes right across Australia.“This shameful, profoundly hurtful and devastating display of racism was broadcast by a commercial television station into homes right across Australia.
“The dignity of all Aboriginal people and children was violated in our very own homes and lounge rooms around Australia.”“The dignity of all Aboriginal people and children was violated in our very own homes and lounge rooms around Australia.”
A Seven spokeswoman said the network was not aware of any actual claim being filed at this stage so could not comment on the case.A Seven spokeswoman said the network was not aware of any actual claim being filed at this stage so could not comment on the case.
“Seven settled the original matter in late 2019 in the federal court with the Yirrkala community and the Yolngu families and offered an unreserved apology on-air shortly after,” she said.“Seven settled the original matter in late 2019 in the federal court with the Yirrkala community and the Yolngu families and offered an unreserved apology on-air shortly after,” she said.
After negotiations broke down the group had 60 days to file a case in the federal court.After negotiations broke down the group had 60 days to file a case in the federal court.
AAP understands law firm Susan Moriarty will file proceedings on their behalf once they receive a certificate stating the initial negotiations were unresolvable.AAP understands law firm Susan Moriarty will file proceedings on their behalf once they receive a certificate stating the initial negotiations were unresolvable.
In case you haven’t seen it:In case you haven’t seen it:
Pauline Hanson giving Malcolm Roberts a hand in counting the “ayes”.Pauline Hanson giving Malcolm Roberts a hand in counting the “ayes”.
There were two of them: Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts.There were two of them: Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts.
From AAP:From AAP:
The Australian stock market has plunged 3% in its worst day in six weeks, snapping a seven-day winning streak. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed on Thursday down 187.8 points, or 3.05%, at 5,960.6 points, while the broader all ordinaries index closed down 189.8 points, or 3.03% lower, at 6,079.5.The Australian stock market has plunged 3% in its worst day in six weeks, snapping a seven-day winning streak. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed on Thursday down 187.8 points, or 3.05%, at 5,960.6 points, while the broader all ordinaries index closed down 189.8 points, or 3.03% lower, at 6,079.5.
Awwwwww. Jim Molan reads us! Thanks for the clicks, senator.Awwwwww. Jim Molan reads us! Thanks for the clicks, senator.
Daniel Hurst found this in yesterday’s Senate Hansard, from one of Molan’s speeches:Daniel Hurst found this in yesterday’s Senate Hansard, from one of Molan’s speeches:
I was in the Senate gallery a short time ago when the chamber divided over Pauline Hanson’s attempt to suspend standing orders to allow consideration of her motion that “all lives matter”.I was in the Senate gallery a short time ago when the chamber divided over Pauline Hanson’s attempt to suspend standing orders to allow consideration of her motion that “all lives matter”.
Hanson’s attempt failed, as she garnered support from only her One Nation colleague Malcolm Roberts. Most others – including the Coalition, Labor and the Greens – united against the attempt to suspend standing orders.Hanson’s attempt failed, as she garnered support from only her One Nation colleague Malcolm Roberts. Most others – including the Coalition, Labor and the Greens – united against the attempt to suspend standing orders.
But it’s worth noting that the conservative Liberal party senator Jim Molan stepped out of the chamber immediately before the division on Hanson’s motion and returned straight after the result was read out, 51 votes to 2. It looked very much like he abstained rather than voting with his government colleagues – but we’re chasing a comment from his office.But it’s worth noting that the conservative Liberal party senator Jim Molan stepped out of the chamber immediately before the division on Hanson’s motion and returned straight after the result was read out, 51 votes to 2. It looked very much like he abstained rather than voting with his government colleagues – but we’re chasing a comment from his office.
Patricia Karvelas: Just finally, there’s something significant that’s happened in the Senate. Pauline Hanson was trying to get her motion up, the all lives matter motion. The government, the Greens, Labor, minor parties ensured that never did go to a vote. Why did you all work together on that?Patricia Karvelas: Just finally, there’s something significant that’s happened in the Senate. Pauline Hanson was trying to get her motion up, the all lives matter motion. The government, the Greens, Labor, minor parties ensured that never did go to a vote. Why did you all work together on that?
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells:Concetta Fierravanti-Wells:
I have to say I’m on leave at the moment, so I haven’t been in the chamber. So I’m not fully across what’s happened this afternoon in relation to that. In relation to this, can I just say all lives matter. And therefore as far as I’m concerned, I have to say that the activities that we’ve seen, particularly of some of the protesters at a time when we are in these very difficult circumstances, I think has demonstrated a degree of irresponsibility.I have to say I’m on leave at the moment, so I haven’t been in the chamber. So I’m not fully across what’s happened this afternoon in relation to that. In relation to this, can I just say all lives matter. And therefore as far as I’m concerned, I have to say that the activities that we’ve seen, particularly of some of the protesters at a time when we are in these very difficult circumstances, I think has demonstrated a degree of irresponsibility.
Karvelas: That’s the language of senator Hanson’s motion that all lives matter. The reason the movement is called Black Lives Matter is black people around the world and in the US are disproportionately represented in these kinds of cases, with the police and the justice system. That’s why the movement exists because there is a different treatment.Karvelas: That’s the language of senator Hanson’s motion that all lives matter. The reason the movement is called Black Lives Matter is black people around the world and in the US are disproportionately represented in these kinds of cases, with the police and the justice system. That’s why the movement exists because there is a different treatment.
Fierravanti-WellsFierravanti-Wells
Patricia, can I just say I respect the right of people to express their point of view and to protest. The point being at this point in time, given what we are going through, it wasn’t the appropriate thing to do. I appreciate events in the US. Can I also say in relation to the events in the US, I think we do need to distinguish what’s happening in the US and what’s happening in other parts of the world. I do respect this issue but at this particular point in time I would have liked to have seen a lot more responsibility on the part of Australians and I know this is an issue that a lot of Australians are very upset about. There are people who weren’t able to go to weddings and mourn their families.Patricia, can I just say I respect the right of people to express their point of view and to protest. The point being at this point in time, given what we are going through, it wasn’t the appropriate thing to do. I appreciate events in the US. Can I also say in relation to the events in the US, I think we do need to distinguish what’s happening in the US and what’s happening in other parts of the world. I do respect this issue but at this particular point in time I would have liked to have seen a lot more responsibility on the part of Australians and I know this is an issue that a lot of Australians are very upset about. There are people who weren’t able to go to weddings and mourn their families.
Karvelas: I’m talking about the substantive issue: black lives matter. That’s because black people are not treated the same in the justice system. Do you agree with that?Karvelas: I’m talking about the substantive issue: black lives matter. That’s because black people are not treated the same in the justice system. Do you agree with that?
Fierravanti-WellsFierravanti-Wells
Patricia, I think as myself being a lawyer; I think the justice system has served us well in Australia. As I have said, I think in the end what is really important is that all Australians have the opportunity to be their best. And that includes most especially having a job and so therefore the focus of our government has been on ensuring jobs, jobs, jobs. That means jobs for all Australians.Patricia, I think as myself being a lawyer; I think the justice system has served us well in Australia. As I have said, I think in the end what is really important is that all Australians have the opportunity to be their best. And that includes most especially having a job and so therefore the focus of our government has been on ensuring jobs, jobs, jobs. That means jobs for all Australians.
Karvelas: You say the justice system as the served our nation well. Do you think it has served Indigenous Australians well?Karvelas: You say the justice system as the served our nation well. Do you think it has served Indigenous Australians well?
Fierravanti-WellsFierravanti-Wells
I think it has served Australia well. There are concerns and there have been concerns in relation to deaths in custody. But I think in the end when you do look at the reasons why young people go off the rails or things happen, it’s because ultimately there has been a breakdown issue in their family circumstances or their economic circumstances. And as somebody who worked with Father Chris Riley, there are many things that contribute to young people or people going off the rails. So ultimately, stability and a very important component of that is work. So it is vitally important for us to have a strong economy and part of that strong economy is to ensure that as many people are in jobs as is possible.I think it has served Australia well. There are concerns and there have been concerns in relation to deaths in custody. But I think in the end when you do look at the reasons why young people go off the rails or things happen, it’s because ultimately there has been a breakdown issue in their family circumstances or their economic circumstances. And as somebody who worked with Father Chris Riley, there are many things that contribute to young people or people going off the rails. So ultimately, stability and a very important component of that is work. So it is vitally important for us to have a strong economy and part of that strong economy is to ensure that as many people are in jobs as is possible.
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells then says “All lives matter” when asked about Pauline Hanson’s motion.Concetta Fierravanti-Wells then says “All lives matter” when asked about Pauline Hanson’s motion.
SIGGGGGHHHHH.SIGGGGGHHHHH.
If I have to explain to anyone, again, why all lives matter is an offensive and completely tone-deaf response to Black Lives matter, please send an email to doyourresearchandthentakealookinthemirror@gmail.comIf I have to explain to anyone, again, why all lives matter is an offensive and completely tone-deaf response to Black Lives matter, please send an email to doyourresearchandthentakealookinthemirror@gmail.com
The Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who crossed the floor to support a crossbench motion for a Senate inquiry into Australia’s relationship with China, tells the ABC she doesn’t believe it is smart for Australia to have so much trade with one country:The Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who crossed the floor to support a crossbench motion for a Senate inquiry into Australia’s relationship with China, tells the ABC she doesn’t believe it is smart for Australia to have so much trade with one country:
The “ensuring integrity” union busting bill is officially dead (for now). The government consented to Labor’s motion to have it removed from the notice paper.The “ensuring integrity” union busting bill is officially dead (for now). The government consented to Labor’s motion to have it removed from the notice paper.