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Coronavirus Australia update: national cabinet releases plans for return of international students – politics live Coronavirus Australia update: national cabinet releases plans for return of international students – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Victoria records four new cases, none linked to protests, as Queensland continues to cop brunt of federal pressure to reopen borders. Follow liveVictoria records four new cases, none linked to protests, as Queensland continues to cop brunt of federal pressure to reopen borders. Follow live
People held in prisons in Western Australia will be allowed face-to-face visits again “within a few weeks”, the state corrective services minister, Francis Logan, has said.
Inmates have been denied face-to-face visits since late March to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and were instead given free telephone calls, extra mail privileges, and in some cases access to video calls. Prisons are potential hotbeds for the virus – a global report said it was potentially a “death sentence” in overcrowded facilities.
Thalia Anthony, an Australian academic, called it a “ticking time-bomb”.
Logan said prisoners will still have to comply with physical distancing rules during visits, so no hugging. Inmates will still be able to access video-conferencing kiosks.
Logan said:
”Stopping social visits was not an easy task and came with its own risks to the good order of a prison or custodial facility.
“But it is to the credit of the department and each custodial facility that they worked cooperatively, including with prisoners, to put in place measures that almost completely eliminated the threat of the virus taking hold inside.”
My colleague Melissa Davey has another update on the Surgisphere scandal.My colleague Melissa Davey has another update on the Surgisphere scandal.
Some of the world’s leading medical journals are reviewing their processes after they were forced to retract studies based on flawed data. This follows a Guardian investigation revealing serious flaws in the database behind studies that were published by the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet.Some of the world’s leading medical journals are reviewing their processes after they were forced to retract studies based on flawed data. This follows a Guardian investigation revealing serious flaws in the database behind studies that were published by the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet.
You can read more about the latest developments here:You can read more about the latest developments here:
The parliament sitting is starting to wind down now, so I will hand you over to Lisa Cox. She’ll be keeping an eye on the Sydney protest for you, so make sure you watch out for that.The parliament sitting is starting to wind down now, so I will hand you over to Lisa Cox. She’ll be keeping an eye on the Sydney protest for you, so make sure you watch out for that.
Thanks to everyone who joined me this week. I’ll be back on Monday when the sitting resumes for the last week before the winter break.Thanks to everyone who joined me this week. I’ll be back on Monday when the sitting resumes for the last week before the winter break.
Have a wonderful weekend and take care of you.Have a wonderful weekend and take care of you.
From AAP:From AAP:
The Indigenous Australians minister, Ken Wyatt, has conceded a referendum on recognising Indigenous people in the constitution is unlikely in this term of parliament.The Indigenous Australians minister, Ken Wyatt, has conceded a referendum on recognising Indigenous people in the constitution is unlikely in this term of parliament.
Wyatt said the Morrison government remained committed to a referendum.Wyatt said the Morrison government remained committed to a referendum.
“We have always said this would be done when consensus was built and it has the best chance of success. It is unlikely this will happen in this term of parliament,” he said.“We have always said this would be done when consensus was built and it has the best chance of success. It is unlikely this will happen in this term of parliament,” he said.
An Indigenous voice to government will be pursued before a referendum.An Indigenous voice to government will be pursued before a referendum.
“Constitutional recognition is too important to rush and too important to fail. We will not be placing a timeline on this process,” he said.“Constitutional recognition is too important to rush and too important to fail. We will not be placing a timeline on this process,” he said.
Wyatt had pushed for a referendum in this term of parliament, which is due to expire in 2022, but Scott Morrison had rejected the timetable.Wyatt had pushed for a referendum in this term of parliament, which is due to expire in 2022, but Scott Morrison had rejected the timetable.
National Federation Reform National federation reform:
Following on from National Cabinet’s agreement to continue as the ongoing forum for first ministers, to form the National Federation Reform Council (NFRC) and to cease the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), National Cabinet today had further discussions regarding the architecture to fundamentally transform federal relations and achieve policy outcomes in areas of shared interest to create jobs and to improve the lives of all Australians. Following on from national cabinet’s agreement to continue as the ongoing forum for first ministers, to form the national federation reform council (NFRC) and to cease the council of Australian governments (Coag), national cabinet today had further discussions regarding the architecture to fundamentally transform federal relations and achieve policy outcomes in areas of shared interest to create jobs and to improve the lives of all Australians.
National Cabinet has announced six initial priority areas of reform, and the formation of six National Cabinet Reform Committees: National cabinet has announced six initial priority areas of reform, and the formation of six reform committees:
These committees will be driven by leaders of National Cabinet and tasked to progress a rapid jobs agenda. These committees will be driven by leaders of national cabinet and tasked to progress a rapid jobs agenda.
Deregulation will be taken forward by the Council of Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) as a matter of priority. Deregulation will be taken forward by the council of federal financial relations (CFFR) as a matter of priority.
National Cabinet held further discussions regarding the role of the CFFR, which is led by the Commonwealth Treasurer and made up of Treasurers of states and territories. The CFFR has a central role in the new system, supporting the work of National Cabinet as it focuses on job creation. Specifically, National Cabinet has tasked CFFR to progress targeted reforms in areas such as tax, deregulation and housing. CFFR will report to National Cabinet on findings and recommendations of these commissioned reform projects, with input from Expert Advisory Groups. Further information on reform projects to be undertaken by the CFFR will be provided shortly. National cabinet held further discussions regarding the role of the CFFR, which is led by the commonwealth treasurer and made up of treasurers of states and territories. The CFFR has a central role in the new system, supporting the work of national cabinet as it focuses on job creation. Specifically, national cabinet has tasked CFFR to progress targeted reforms in areas such as tax, deregulation and housing. CFFR will report to national cabinet on findings and recommendations of these commissioned reform projects, with input from expert advisory groups. Further information on reform projects to be undertaken by the CFFR will be provided shortly.
The CFFR will also take on responsibility for coordination of all commonwealth/state funding agreements, including National Partnership Agreements. National Cabinet has asked that CFFR commence a review of existing agreements with a view to consolidation and rationalisation. This includes identifying agreements that could be ceased in order to streamline responsibilities and to reduce duplication and overlap. CFFR will provide National Cabinet with an update on their progress and a plan for implementation by the end of August. The CFFR will also take on responsibility for coordination of all commonwealth/state funding agreements, including national partnership agreements. National cabinet has asked that CFFR commence a review of existing agreements with a view to consolidation and rationalisation. This includes identifying agreements that could be ceased in order to streamline responsibilities and to reduce duplication and overlap. CFFR will provide national cabinet with an update on its progress and a plan for implementation by the end of August.
As new Commonwealth/State National Partnership Agreements are developed, it will be CFFR’s responsibility to negotiate funding elements, in consultation with relevant portfolio ministers. As new commonwealth/state national partnership agreements are developed, it will be CFFR’s responsibility to negotiate funding elements, in consultation with relevant portfolio ministers.
International Students National cabinet agreed to work closely and carefully to return international students on a small, phased scale through a series of controlled pilots.
National Cabinet agreed to work closely and carefully to return international students on a small, phased scale through a series of controlled pilots.
This planning process will take time and require well thought through plans from state and territory governments. Preconditions will include the reopening of internal state and territory borders, as well as the return to on-campus learning for the benefit of domestic students and the international students who are already in Australia.This planning process will take time and require well thought through plans from state and territory governments. Preconditions will include the reopening of internal state and territory borders, as well as the return to on-campus learning for the benefit of domestic students and the international students who are already in Australia.
Closing the GapClosing the Gap
Today National Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians so this generation and the next can have the same expectations and opportunities as all Australians. We are doing this in partnership with Indigenous Australians for the first time, working together to decide how policies and targets are developed and delivered. Today national cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians so this generation and the next can have the same expectations and opportunities as all Australians. We are doing this in partnership with Indigenous Australians for the first time, working together to decide how policies and targets are developed and delivered.
National Cabinet was provided with an update on the new Closing the Gap National Agreement, and set of targets, that will empower Indigenous Australians to transform their lives. The new National Agreement will set ambitious, yet achievable targets for all governments and will ensure that there is shared accountability and shared responsibility to achieve those targets. National cabinet was provided with an update on the new Closing the Gap national agreement, and set of targets, that will empower Indigenous Australians to transform their lives. The new national agreement will set ambitious, yet achievable targets for all governments and will ensure that there is shared accountability and shared responsibility to achieve those targets.
The agreement is very close to final as the draft is now with states and territories for consideration before the Joint Council in July. Our aim is to have the agreement signed by the end of July. The agreement is very close to final as the draft is now with states and territories for consideration before the joint council in July. Our aim is to have the agreement signed by the end of July.
Outdoor events including stadiumsOutdoor events including stadiums
For outdoor venues up to 40,000 spectator capacity, ticketed and seated events will be able to be held in front of a crowd of no more than 25 per cent of capacity under Step 3. For outdoor venues up to 40,000 spectator capacity, ticketed and seated events will be able to be held in front of a crowd of no more than 25% of capacity under step 3.
States and territories will make decisions on when to move to Step 3 under COVIDSafe plans. States and territories will make decisions on when to move to step 3 under CovidSafe plans.
At a minimum, COVID-Safe arrangements must be maintained including: At a minimum, CovidSafe arrangements must be maintained including:
· 1 person per 4sqm;· 1 person per 4sqm;
· staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;· staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
· maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;· maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
· staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever; and· staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever; and
· downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case. · downloading the CovidSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed Covid case.
For outdoor venues of more than 40,000 spectator capacity, further advice is being sought from the AHPPC, with arrangements to be settled by the states and territories on a venue by venue basis.For outdoor venues of more than 40,000 spectator capacity, further advice is being sought from the AHPPC, with arrangements to be settled by the states and territories on a venue by venue basis.
National Cabinet reiterated that high risk outdoor events without ticketed seating such as music festivals do not form part of Step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts. National cabinet reiterated that high-risk outdoor events without ticketed seating such as music festivals do not form part of step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.
Indoor Gatherings Indoor gatherings
National Cabinet agreed to remove the 100 person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings under the Step 3 Framework and replace it with: National cabinet agreed to remove the 100-person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings under step 3 and replace it with:
· 1 person per 4sqm;· 1 person per 4sqm;
· staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;· staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
· maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;· maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
· staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever;· staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever;
· downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case; and · downloading the CovidSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed Covid case; and
· developing COVIDSafe plans for workplaces and premises. · developing CovidSafe plans for workplaces and premises.
States and territories will determine when to implement these changes under Step 3. States and territories will determine when to implement these changes under step 3.
National Cabinet requested further advice from the AHPPC on the 1 person per 4 sqm density rule and application for small premises. National cabinet requested further advice from the AHPPC on the one person per 4 sqm density rule and application for small premises.
National Cabinet reiterated that it is vital for our society and our economy that we can live with this virus, and keep ourselves and others safe – we cannot risk a second wave and having to step backwards, especially now that we are making such good progress. National cabinet reiterated that it is vital for our society and our economy that we can live with this virus, and keep ourselves and others safe. We cannot risk a second wave and having to step backwards, especially now that we are making such good progress.
National Cabinet reiterated that high risk venues such as nightclubs do not form part of Step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts. National cabinet reiterated that high-risk venues such as nightclubs do not form part of step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.
The official national cabinet statement is out:The official national cabinet statement is out:
National Cabinet will meet again on 26 June 2020. National cabinet will meet again on 26 June.
Statement on risks of COVID and attending mass gathering protests Statement on risks of Covid and attending mass gathering protests:
National Cabinet reiterated the AHPPC advice that protests are very high risk due to the large numbers of people closely gathering and challenges in identifying all contacts. AHPPC again urges the Australian community to not participate in mass gatherings. National cabinet reiterated the AHPPC advice that protests are very high risk due to the large numbers of people closely gathering and challenges in identifying all contacts. AHPPC again urges the Australian community to not participate in mass gatherings.
Progress on restrictionsProgress on restrictions
National Cabinet reconfirmed the commitment to the 3 step framework for a COVID-safe Australia to be completed in July 2020. National cabinet reconfirmed the commitment to the three-step framework for a Covid-safe Australia to be completed in July.
All states are now in Step 2 or 3, the number of new cases has remained low, and localised outbreaks have been responded to effectively. Active case numbers continue to drop, community transmission remains low, and we are starting to see days with no new cases in most parts of the country. This progress needs to be maintained in order to make further economic and social gains – by living and working in COVID-safe ways as restrictions continue to ease. All states are now in step 2 or 3, the number of new cases has remained low, and localised outbreaks have been responded to effectively. Active case numbers continue to drop, community transmission remains low, and we are starting to see days with no new cases in most parts of the country. This progress needs to be maintained in order to make further economic and social gains – by living and working in Covid-safe ways as restrictions continue to ease.
National Cabinet agreed to further changes based on AHPPC advice to enable extended removal of restrictions under Step 3 for indoor gathering density rules and reopening ticketed and seated outdoor events, including in stadiums. National cabinet agreed to further changes based on AHPPC advice to enable extended removal of restrictions under step 3 for indoor gathering density rules and reopening ticketed and seated outdoor events, including in stadiums.
Question time, as seen by Mike Bowers:Question time, as seen by Mike Bowers:
Mood of the country:Mood of the country:
Paul Fletcher mastering the prefect pose Paul Fletcher mastering the prefect pose:
Angus Taylor being Angus Taylor Angus Taylor being Angus Taylor:
Universities Australia is happy with the pilot international student program:Universities Australia is happy with the pilot international student program:
Universities Australia has welcomed the prime minister’s announcement of a pilot program, beginning as early as next month, aimed at enabling international students to return to Australia.Universities Australia has welcomed the prime minister’s announcement of a pilot program, beginning as early as next month, aimed at enabling international students to return to Australia.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, today confirmed plans were being considered for the safe return of international students “in a very controlled setting”.The prime minister, Scott Morrison, today confirmed plans were being considered for the safe return of international students “in a very controlled setting”.
Universities Australia’s chief executive, Catriona Jackson, said the safety and welfare of the community was paramount.Universities Australia’s chief executive, Catriona Jackson, said the safety and welfare of the community was paramount.
“It is important that our hard-won success in limiting the spread of Covid-19 isn’t jeopardised,” she said. “That is why a trial for the safe return of students is a sensible approach.“It is important that our hard-won success in limiting the spread of Covid-19 isn’t jeopardised,” she said. “That is why a trial for the safe return of students is a sensible approach.
“Universities Australia has been talking to the federal government about an overarching framework for a safe return for some time. It is good to see progress today with specific pilot proposals under consideration.“Universities Australia has been talking to the federal government about an overarching framework for a safe return for some time. It is good to see progress today with specific pilot proposals under consideration.
“The gradual reintroduction of international students into Australia requires careful planning with coordination between universities, governments across jurisdictions, health authorities and other key stakeholders.“The gradual reintroduction of international students into Australia requires careful planning with coordination between universities, governments across jurisdictions, health authorities and other key stakeholders.
“Any trial will rigorously test the controlled entry of international students and will include robust quarantine arrangements put in place by state and territory governments.”“Any trial will rigorously test the controlled entry of international students and will include robust quarantine arrangements put in place by state and territory governments.”
Scott Morrison finishes his dixer with a plea for protesters not to go to any events this weekend:Scott Morrison finishes his dixer with a plea for protesters not to go to any events this weekend:
“We have made great, great progress, but the challenge ahead is even greater, so the decisions we make now are about the next five years and the five years of changes we make will set up the next 30 years of prosperity. And we cannot put it at risk. And that’s why I ask those, this weekend, who are contemplating engaging in a mass rally, don’t do it. Follow the health advice. Don’t attend.“We have made great, great progress, but the challenge ahead is even greater, so the decisions we make now are about the next five years and the five years of changes we make will set up the next 30 years of prosperity. And we cannot put it at risk. And that’s why I ask those, this weekend, who are contemplating engaging in a mass rally, don’t do it. Follow the health advice. Don’t attend.
“Do the right thing by your fellow Australians. Protect the lives and the livelihoods, protect the businesses.“Do the right thing by your fellow Australians. Protect the lives and the livelihoods, protect the businesses.
“Now is a time not to talk about what people want to tear down, but what we are going to build up, Mr Speaker, together. And, Mr Speaker, I would urge those who are considering this, I say it in total respect for the issues they wish to raise, please find another way to do it and do it with the support of your fellow Australians.“Now is a time not to talk about what people want to tear down, but what we are going to build up, Mr Speaker, together. And, Mr Speaker, I would urge those who are considering this, I say it in total respect for the issues they wish to raise, please find another way to do it and do it with the support of your fellow Australians.
He then asks if Anthony Albanese wants to add to his answer on indulgence:He then asks if Anthony Albanese wants to add to his answer on indulgence:
“Did you want to support that otherwise I was going to say further questions will be placed on notice. I ask that further questions be placed on the notice. I thought you were going to speak on indulgence, if not I apologise.”“Did you want to support that otherwise I was going to say further questions will be placed on notice. I ask that further questions be placed on the notice. I thought you were going to speak on indulgence, if not I apologise.”
Albanese gets up:Albanese gets up:
He goes to ask another question, but question time has ended.He goes to ask another question, but question time has ended.
Jason Falinski, who has deleted his previous cryptic tweet about leadership, gets a dixer.Jason Falinski, who has deleted his previous cryptic tweet about leadership, gets a dixer.
Jim Chalmers to Josh Frydenberg:Jim Chalmers to Josh Frydenberg:
Has the government modelled how many Australians will have to join the unemployment queues when the job giveaway subsidy is suddenly withdrawn under the prime minister’s hard snap back in September?Has the government modelled how many Australians will have to join the unemployment queues when the job giveaway subsidy is suddenly withdrawn under the prime minister’s hard snap back in September?
Frydenberg: Well, Mr Speaker, as the secretary of the Treasury said ... recently, he expects unemployment in the September quarter to reach about 8%. Now, Mr Speaker, we know people are doing it tough at the moment. We have gone through a 1-in-100-year event. But we also know that we are starting to see confidence pick up across the Australian economy, and Mr Speaker, we have seen consumer confidence pick up around 90% and business confidence pick up from around 70%. So Treasury, in relation to the question that was asked by the member for Rankin, will continue to assess the economic situation and we are undertaking a review into jobkeeper, Mr Speaker, and we will make decisions about the future of that program and we will announce those decisions on the 23 July. Mr Speaker, I’ll tell you what helps create jobs, its lower taxes, Mr Speaker ...Frydenberg: Well, Mr Speaker, as the secretary of the Treasury said ... recently, he expects unemployment in the September quarter to reach about 8%. Now, Mr Speaker, we know people are doing it tough at the moment. We have gone through a 1-in-100-year event. But we also know that we are starting to see confidence pick up across the Australian economy, and Mr Speaker, we have seen consumer confidence pick up around 90% and business confidence pick up from around 70%. So Treasury, in relation to the question that was asked by the member for Rankin, will continue to assess the economic situation and we are undertaking a review into jobkeeper, Mr Speaker, and we will make decisions about the future of that program and we will announce those decisions on the 23 July. Mr Speaker, I’ll tell you what helps create jobs, its lower taxes, Mr Speaker ...
After the second point of order on relevance (one premature) we get this:After the second point of order on relevance (one premature) we get this:
Alicia Payne to Scott Morrison:Alicia Payne to Scott Morrison:
I refer to reports today that Coalition MPs, including the member for Leichhardt, want JobSeeker extended beyond September. But the Prime Minister is refusing to rule out kicking workers in other industries off JobSeeker before September. Why can’t the Prime Minister be clear - which Australians will he leave behind?I refer to reports today that Coalition MPs, including the member for Leichhardt, want JobSeeker extended beyond September. But the Prime Minister is refusing to rule out kicking workers in other industries off JobSeeker before September. Why can’t the Prime Minister be clear - which Australians will he leave behind?
Morrison:Morrison:
From the very outset of this crisis, the Government has put in place the most comprehensive, the largest set of income support and economic lifeline measures that this country has ever seen. And the one we started with was JobSeeker, because JobSeeker, the unemployment benefit is the safety net that sits right under all Australians if they find themselves out of work. That’s what we did first.From the very outset of this crisis, the Government has put in place the most comprehensive, the largest set of income support and economic lifeline measures that this country has ever seen. And the one we started with was JobSeeker, because JobSeeker, the unemployment benefit is the safety net that sits right under all Australians if they find themselves out of work. That’s what we did first.
The second measure, substantial measure that we put in place for income support was JobKeeper. Now, JobKeeper was put in to ensure that Australians could find themselves continuing to be on the books of employers and doing some work in some cases, and they would be there in that arrangement for six months.The second measure, substantial measure that we put in place for income support was JobKeeper. Now, JobKeeper was put in to ensure that Australians could find themselves continuing to be on the books of employers and doing some work in some cases, and they would be there in that arrangement for six months.
That has bought our economy critical time. If businesses were put in a position that they had to make decisions back in March and April about whether those employees could stay in those businesses, we would have seen millions more find themselves on their way seeking support through the unemployment system.That has bought our economy critical time. If businesses were put in a position that they had to make decisions back in March and April about whether those employees could stay in those businesses, we would have seen millions more find themselves on their way seeking support through the unemployment system.
Now, Mr Speaker, that decision bought those businesses time. It bought Australia time. When other countries were only going for three months, we took the decision to go for six months.Now, Mr Speaker, that decision bought those businesses time. It bought Australia time. When other countries were only going for three months, we took the decision to go for six months.
And that provided some certainty and confidence, and since that time, we have seen consumer confidence restored under the ANZ Index, and 70% restore by business since the COVID crisis hit. Now we are going through the same thoughtful, meticulous process of considering the data and looking forward and reviewing the program to make the right set of decisions about the right combination of income supports and fiscal supports to the economy that would be in place after the end of September.And that provided some certainty and confidence, and since that time, we have seen consumer confidence restored under the ANZ Index, and 70% restore by business since the COVID crisis hit. Now we are going through the same thoughtful, meticulous process of considering the data and looking forward and reviewing the program to make the right set of decisions about the right combination of income supports and fiscal supports to the economy that would be in place after the end of September.
This is how our Government makes decisions. We do things carefully, considering the advice, looking at the economic environment and ensure that we make those decisions at the right time.This is how our Government makes decisions. We do things carefully, considering the advice, looking at the economic environment and ensure that we make those decisions at the right time.
JobKeeper is there until the end of September, Mr Speaker. That’s why we put it in place. It will remain in place until the end of September.JobKeeper is there until the end of September, Mr Speaker. That’s why we put it in place. It will remain in place until the end of September.
And Mr Speaker, it will continue to provide that confidence. At the same time, the Treasurer and I and the members of the Cabinet will work together with the members of the Government to ensure that we get the right balance and mix of fiscal policies, because it’s the fiscal policies, given the absence of monetary ammunition that’s in the system that will be so important. But we want, above all things, above all things, is to get Australians back into jobs. Australians don’t want to be on JobKeeper or JobSeeker. They want to be in jobs, Mr Speaker.And Mr Speaker, it will continue to provide that confidence. At the same time, the Treasurer and I and the members of the Cabinet will work together with the members of the Government to ensure that we get the right balance and mix of fiscal policies, because it’s the fiscal policies, given the absence of monetary ammunition that’s in the system that will be so important. But we want, above all things, above all things, is to get Australians back into jobs. Australians don’t want to be on JobKeeper or JobSeeker. They want to be in jobs, Mr Speaker.
And what we hear from the Opposition all the time is how they would seek to keep people back, not allow them to go forward. And the policies we will put in place and continue to put in place will be about them - not only getting the support they need when they need it. But in the jobs they need.And what we hear from the Opposition all the time is how they would seek to keep people back, not allow them to go forward. And the policies we will put in place and continue to put in place will be about them - not only getting the support they need when they need it. But in the jobs they need.
Jim Chalmers to Scott Morrison:Jim Chalmers to Scott Morrison:
Will the prime minister look at extending the jobkeeper wage subsidy beyond September as suggested by the Reserve Bank governor?Will the prime minister look at extending the jobkeeper wage subsidy beyond September as suggested by the Reserve Bank governor?
Josh Frydenberg gets the nod:Josh Frydenberg gets the nod:
Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison about the VC for Tasmanian Teddy Sheean, again, and Morrison is NOT impressed:Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison about the VC for Tasmanian Teddy Sheean, again, and Morrison is NOT impressed:
Albanese: the prime minister has received a recommendation from the defence honours and awards appeals tribunal that Tasmania’s Teddy Sheean be awarded a Victoria Cross for “the most conspicuous act of valour in the presence of an enemy”. Why does the prime minister need another review to tell him that Teddy’s sacrifice should be honoured with a Victoria Cross?Albanese: the prime minister has received a recommendation from the defence honours and awards appeals tribunal that Tasmania’s Teddy Sheean be awarded a Victoria Cross for “the most conspicuous act of valour in the presence of an enemy”. Why does the prime minister need another review to tell him that Teddy’s sacrifice should be honoured with a Victoria Cross?
Morrison: there is absolutely no doubt that Teddy Sheean was an extraordinary Australian who did extraordinary things. At a time that none of us in this place can possibly imagine. And the issues that were confronted by servicemen and women at that time is nothing we can imagine. Their commanders and those who were there at that time and made judgment on these issues. So when one goes back and looks at these matters again, one must be very careful when they’re putting themselves in the place of others who were there at the time.Morrison: there is absolutely no doubt that Teddy Sheean was an extraordinary Australian who did extraordinary things. At a time that none of us in this place can possibly imagine. And the issues that were confronted by servicemen and women at that time is nothing we can imagine. Their commanders and those who were there at that time and made judgment on these issues. So when one goes back and looks at these matters again, one must be very careful when they’re putting themselves in the place of others who were there at the time.
Now, Mr Speaker, the tribunal, the four members of the tribunal, not all 11, but the four members of it, was unanimous. Not 11, just four. I point that out to the leader of the opposition. As he represented that all 11 members of the tribunal made that decision. That is in fact not the case. There was four, Mr Speaker.Now, Mr Speaker, the tribunal, the four members of the tribunal, not all 11, but the four members of it, was unanimous. Not 11, just four. I point that out to the leader of the opposition. As he represented that all 11 members of the tribunal made that decision. That is in fact not the case. There was four, Mr Speaker.
But Mr Speaker, equally, then the government receives the recommendation from the tribunal, the government then needs to consider that recommendation informing a view, and indeed, the minister and then the prime minister needs to form a view. And so you take advice from all of the agencies that would have a relevant view on this, as I have done.But Mr Speaker, equally, then the government receives the recommendation from the tribunal, the government then needs to consider that recommendation informing a view, and indeed, the minister and then the prime minister needs to form a view. And so you take advice from all of the agencies that would have a relevant view on this, as I have done.
And I tabled, Mr Speaker, the letter from the chief of the defence force, Gen Campbell, for the purposes of the question and for the House. I can assure you, as prime minister and as chair of the national security committee of cabinet, that I do not consider the advice of the chief of the defence Force lightly. I consider it very carefully. And it wasn’t just the current chief of defence force, Mr Speaker. Not just the current chief of the defence force that I have consulted on this matter. But many others, many others, Mr Speaker, who have served in that capacity in recent times.And I tabled, Mr Speaker, the letter from the chief of the defence force, Gen Campbell, for the purposes of the question and for the House. I can assure you, as prime minister and as chair of the national security committee of cabinet, that I do not consider the advice of the chief of the defence Force lightly. I consider it very carefully. And it wasn’t just the current chief of defence force, Mr Speaker. Not just the current chief of the defence force that I have consulted on this matter. But many others, many others, Mr Speaker, who have served in that capacity in recent times.
So I’m not going to consider the advice that comes from the single person who commands every single man, woman who serves in our defence forces lightly. So the issue that is raised in relation to this matter, Mr Speaker, is whether compelling new evidence has been presented and is available for me to take a decision that would enable me to make a recommendation to Her Majesty.So I’m not going to consider the advice that comes from the single person who commands every single man, woman who serves in our defence forces lightly. So the issue that is raised in relation to this matter, Mr Speaker, is whether compelling new evidence has been presented and is available for me to take a decision that would enable me to make a recommendation to Her Majesty.
Now Mr Speaker, that matter, on my advice, is in dispute, and so I have sought advice from the former defence minister, the former solicitor general, the former secretary of the department of prime minister and cabinet, and one of the most renowned military historians in this country, to consider that very precise question. And Mr Speaker, if that advice comes back and says that very high bar has been passed, then that is helpful advice. And I can assure you, because I consulted the chief of the defence force on this matter.Now Mr Speaker, that matter, on my advice, is in dispute, and so I have sought advice from the former defence minister, the former solicitor general, the former secretary of the department of prime minister and cabinet, and one of the most renowned military historians in this country, to consider that very precise question. And Mr Speaker, if that advice comes back and says that very high bar has been passed, then that is helpful advice. And I can assure you, because I consulted the chief of the defence force on this matter.
Albanese tries to table the document, but a snippy Christian Porter says it is a public document, so no. (He was pretty snippy.)Albanese tries to table the document, but a snippy Christian Porter says it is a public document, so no. (He was pretty snippy.)