This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/oct/26/coronavirus-australia-live-updates-politics-live-daniel-andrews-lockdown-senate-estimates
The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 7 | Version 8 |
|---|---|
| Victoria records no coronavirus cases and NSW one as federal parliament returns – politics live | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Melbourne lockdown extended as authorities monitor outbreak in city’s north, while Treasury chief faces questions at Senate estimates. Follow all the latest updates | |
| Rear Admiral Greg Sammut, head of Australia’s future submarine program, has told defence estimates the first new attack-class submarine is planned to be operating by 2035. | |
| He said the number of older Collins-class still operating at that time would be subject to a government decision on the number of those being extended | |
| Labor’s Penny Wong wants to know why the government has not yet made a decision on the number of Collins-class submarines that will undergo “life of type extension”. | |
| The defence minister, Linda Reynolds, starts by criticising Labor’s performance when it was in government. | |
| That prompted Wong to shoot back: “How long have you been in government?” | |
| The committee chair, Eric Abetz, interjected: “Not long enough.” | |
| (The answer from Reynolds - who is joining by video link - is “because we will do it at the right time” and “we will make it when we are ready to make it”.) | |
| Over in defence estimates, officials have sought to pre-empt questions from Labor’s Penny Wong, who will be pursuing answers over the blowout in the cost of Australia’s future submarines acquisition. | |
| It was revealed earlier this year that the out-turned cost will be $89.7bn (up from the original talk of at least $50bn). | |
| The defence department secretary, Greg Moriarty, made an opening statement that sought to “clarify answers” previously given to the Senate about defence’s knowledge of the likely cost. He said at the time officials told Senate estimates in 2015 of an out-turned cost of $50bn, that was before the outcome of key decisions including the process to determine the builder were made. | |
| Moriarty said the government’s 2016 defence white paper committed to acquisition of a fleet of 12 regionally superior submarines. He said the integrated investment program released at that time foreshadowed an approximate investment “of greater than $50bn out-turned over the time period 2018 to 2057”. He revealed, however, that the classified version of the integrated investment program at that time included a figure of $78.9bn. On why that higher figure was not released, he said: | |
| “It was not released due to commercial sensitivities, noting the government was yet to consider the outcomes of the competitive evaluation process and decide the build location.” | |
| Moriarty said a recent response to a question on notice from the department of finance “has been interpreted to mean defence was aware in October 2015” that the cost was $78.9bn - but “this was not the case”. He said it predated the decision that 12 submarines would be acquired and that they would be built in Australia. | |
| In August, Labor’s defence spokesman, Richard Marles, signalled the party was going to take a more assertive role in critiquing what he called the government’s mismanagement of the future submarine program. He argued the Coalition’s handling of a submarine project had made Australians less safe. | |
| One Nation senator, Malcolm Roberts, is very upset the federal government intervened in the Rosatto case to prevent misclassified casual employees “double dipping” by claiming entitlements of permanent employees. | |
| Roberts said the affidavit sworn by the attorney general’s department is “inflammatory and wrong” by claiming the decision could apply to casuals Australia-wide, such as cafe employees. He insists it “doesn’t apply to every casual employee” but only those who have been “abused” by being misclassified as casuals. | |
| Roberts has a particular concern about this issue because he believes employees in the coal industry, particularly in the Hunter in NSW, have been misclassified. | |
| He’s fruitlessly trying to get the department to rule out a bill to wipe out retrospective claims for entitlements. | |
| Back at the Treasury estimates, Steven Kennedy has departed and the Labor senator Katy Gallagher is asking officials whether the department has done any modelling on the employment effects of the stage three tax cuts. | |
| “No senator, we haven’t,” the official says. | |
| (Before the budget there was a lot of speculation that the government would bring forward both stage two and stage three of the tax cuts. In the end only stage two came forward. Stage three involves flattening the tax brackets, with the lion’s share of the benefit going to high-income earners.) | |
| The official says it is possible that analysis was done when the government introduced stage three in last year’s budget to take effect from 2024, but it wasn’t done for this budget. | |
| The Law Council has joined the chorus of people and organisations calling for the government to get a wriggle on with the federal integrity commission legislation. | |
| From its statement: | |
| The Law Council president, Pauline Wright, says that by delaying the release of the draft bill, the government is falling behind Australia’s obligations as a signatory of the UN convention against corruption, which includes developing policies in relation to anticorruption. | |
| Ms Wright said: | |
| Although the Law Council strongly supports the establishment of a commonwealth integrity commission, there are concerns with the government’s proposed model, as foreshadowed in the previously released consultation paper. | |
| These concerns include the establishment of two separate divisions, one for the public sector and one for law enforcement, both with differing scopes of powers and definitions to the term “corrupt conduct”. | |
| Ms Wright said: | |
| Stepping away from the daily political grind for a moment: anti-nuclear weapons campaigners are celebrating the news that a new UN treaty banning nuclear weapons will come into force. | Stepping away from the daily political grind for a moment: anti-nuclear weapons campaigners are celebrating the news that a new UN treaty banning nuclear weapons will come into force. |
| It’s prompted fresh calls for Australia to consider signing up, with Gem Romuld, the director of ICAN Australia, saying: | It’s prompted fresh calls for Australia to consider signing up, with Gem Romuld, the director of ICAN Australia, saying: |
| “It’s high time the Australian government followed New Zealand and most other countries in our region in signing and ratifying this treaty which will soon become international law.” | “It’s high time the Australian government followed New Zealand and most other countries in our region in signing and ratifying this treaty which will soon become international law.” |
| At the weekend Honduras became the 50th country to ratify the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons – the test for triggering its entry into force in 90 days. Other supporters of the treaty – which includes undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons –- include New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico and the Vatican. | At the weekend Honduras became the 50th country to ratify the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons – the test for triggering its entry into force in 90 days. Other supporters of the treaty – which includes undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons –- include New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico and the Vatican. |
| But it has not been signed by the declared nuclear-armed states including the US, Britain, France, China and Russia (for more background see our global report from the weekend). | But it has not been signed by the declared nuclear-armed states including the US, Britain, France, China and Russia (for more background see our global report from the weekend). |
| Francesco Rocca, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, called on “all the other world leaders to act with courage and join the right side of history”. | Francesco Rocca, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, called on “all the other world leaders to act with courage and join the right side of history”. |
| The Greens senator Jordon Steele-John issued a statement today describing the milestone as “an historic day in the ongoing campaign for peace” and said: “There is no excuse for Australia’s continued abstinence.” | The Greens senator Jordon Steele-John issued a statement today describing the milestone as “an historic day in the ongoing campaign for peace” and said: “There is no excuse for Australia’s continued abstinence.” |
| The Labor leader, Anthony Albanese – who has a history of campaigning against nuclear weapons – issued a cautious statement with Penny Wong yesterday saying the party welcomed the “significant milestone” and shared “the ambition of a world free of nuclear weapons”. | The Labor leader, Anthony Albanese – who has a history of campaigning against nuclear weapons – issued a cautious statement with Penny Wong yesterday saying the party welcomed the “significant milestone” and shared “the ambition of a world free of nuclear weapons”. |
| Outlining the Labor party position – which includes some high hurdles that are unlikely, in practice, to be met – Albanese and Wong said: | Outlining the Labor party position – which includes some high hurdles that are unlikely, in practice, to be met – Albanese and Wong said: |
| The Australian government has said it does not support the “ban treaty” because it believes it would “would not eliminate a single nuclear weapon” and “ignores the realities of the global security environment” and “would be inconsistent with our US alliance obligations”. | The Australian government has said it does not support the “ban treaty” because it believes it would “would not eliminate a single nuclear weapon” and “ignores the realities of the global security environment” and “would be inconsistent with our US alliance obligations”. |
| Labor’s Murray Watt has asked the federal government’s legal bill for intervening in a few high-profile industrial relations cases. He discovered: | Labor’s Murray Watt has asked the federal government’s legal bill for intervening in a few high-profile industrial relations cases. He discovered: |
| Intervening in the Rossato case in the federal and high courts cost $420,000. In that case, the attorney general, Christian Porter, joined on the side of employers to argue that an employee paid a casual loading should not be eligible to “double dip” on entitlements by claiming annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, compassionate leave and public holidays. The federal court found that misclassified casuals who were in fact permanent workers are eligible for both sets of entitlements. | Intervening in the Rossato case in the federal and high courts cost $420,000. In that case, the attorney general, Christian Porter, joined on the side of employers to argue that an employee paid a casual loading should not be eligible to “double dip” on entitlements by claiming annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, compassionate leave and public holidays. The federal court found that misclassified casuals who were in fact permanent workers are eligible for both sets of entitlements. |
| Intervening in the Mondelez case cost $310,000. In that case, Porter and Mondelez won in the high court, arguing the rate to compensate employees for 10 days of paid annual leave should be calculated based on a worker’s ordinary hours, not their usual shift pattern (which can be much higher in terms of the number of hours). | Intervening in the Mondelez case cost $310,000. In that case, Porter and Mondelez won in the high court, arguing the rate to compensate employees for 10 days of paid annual leave should be calculated based on a worker’s ordinary hours, not their usual shift pattern (which can be much higher in terms of the number of hours). |
| For those wondering when Daniel Andrews will be holding his daily press conference, don’t worry too much about the delay. | For those wondering when Daniel Andrews will be holding his daily press conference, don’t worry too much about the delay. |
| We have seen them later in the day when they have been crunching data. Given the decision yesterday to delay announcing when restrictions would be eased (which were to begin days after the announcement) I’d say there is a bit of number reviewing going on. | We have seen them later in the day when they have been crunching data. Given the decision yesterday to delay announcing when restrictions would be eased (which were to begin days after the announcement) I’d say there is a bit of number reviewing going on. |
| NSW records one new locally acquired case. | NSW records one new locally acquired case. |
| It’s the first Covid case of the day – but it has been linked to a known cluster and the patient has been in isolation. | It’s the first Covid case of the day – but it has been linked to a known cluster and the patient has been in isolation. |
| From NSW Health: | From NSW Health: |
| There were 7,447 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,465 in the previous 24 hours. | There were 7,447 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,465 in the previous 24 hours. |
| While it is not unusual for weekend testing numbers to be lower, if we are to ensure NSW continues to detect cases as soon as possible and prevent onward transmission, it is vital that members of the community continue to come forward for testing. | While it is not unusual for weekend testing numbers to be lower, if we are to ensure NSW continues to detect cases as soon as possible and prevent onward transmission, it is vital that members of the community continue to come forward for testing. |
| NSW Health continues to appeal to the community to be tested right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could signal COVID-19. | NSW Health continues to appeal to the community to be tested right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could signal COVID-19. |
| Of the four new cases to 8pm last night: | Of the four new cases to 8pm last night: |
| Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. | Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine. |
| One was locally acquired and linked to a known case. | One was locally acquired and linked to a known case. |
| The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Oran Park community cluster. They have been in isolation. There are now 23 cases linked to this cluster. | The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Oran Park community cluster. They have been in isolation. There are now 23 cases linked to this cluster. |
| A text message from Mineralogy – Clive Palmer’s company – has been sent around, asking people to “Stop Labor’s 20% death tax”. | A text message from Mineralogy – Clive Palmer’s company – has been sent around, asking people to “Stop Labor’s 20% death tax”. |
| Labor has not proposed a death tax. In fact the only commentary around a death tax has been refuting that one exists in response to this sort of campaigning. | Labor has not proposed a death tax. In fact the only commentary around a death tax has been refuting that one exists in response to this sort of campaigning. |
| It was one of the issues identified in the last federal campaign – a rumour took hold that Labor was in support of a death tax, was pushed on social media and taken up by opponents who vowed to fight the non-existent tax policy. And here we are again. | It was one of the issues identified in the last federal campaign – a rumour took hold that Labor was in support of a death tax, was pushed on social media and taken up by opponents who vowed to fight the non-existent tax policy. And here we are again. |
| Neither Labor nor the LNP have proposed a death tax in the Queensland election. | Neither Labor nor the LNP have proposed a death tax in the Queensland election. |
| Labor moves on to the controversy about the Leppington triangle. Steve Kennedy was the secretary of the Department of Infrastructure at the time the controversial land purchase took place. (This is the Western Sydney airport issue – officials paid $30m for land valued at $3m.) | Labor moves on to the controversy about the Leppington triangle. Steve Kennedy was the secretary of the Department of Infrastructure at the time the controversial land purchase took place. (This is the Western Sydney airport issue – officials paid $30m for land valued at $3m.) |
| Kennedy says he was “surprised and concerned” by the findings in the ANAO report, including the criticisms of the department’s processes. | Kennedy says he was “surprised and concerned” by the findings in the ANAO report, including the criticisms of the department’s processes. |
| The ANAO said officials conducting the land purchase kept senior decision makers in the department and the ministers office out of the loop. | The ANAO said officials conducting the land purchase kept senior decision makers in the department and the ministers office out of the loop. |
| Kennedy says it is hard to provide information to the ANAO that hasn’t been provided to you. | Kennedy says it is hard to provide information to the ANAO that hasn’t been provided to you. |
| So there was no way for you to have known the information in the financial statements was inaccurate, Katy Gallagher asks? | So there was no way for you to have known the information in the financial statements was inaccurate, Katy Gallagher asks? |
| Kennedy says he is waiting for the independent inquiries before forming a view. | Kennedy says he is waiting for the independent inquiries before forming a view. |
| He says there are concerning comments about the quality of the department’s systems. “They concern me,” he says. | He says there are concerning comments about the quality of the department’s systems. “They concern me,” he says. |
| “I was the secretary.” | “I was the secretary.” |
| Kennedy says officials worked hard on those transactions and “it’s now reflecting poorly on all, of us ... the ANAO has done its job and it’s now up to us to respond.” | Kennedy says officials worked hard on those transactions and “it’s now reflecting poorly on all, of us ... the ANAO has done its job and it’s now up to us to respond.” |
| Gallagher asks did he know the Leppington land purchase was under way? | Gallagher asks did he know the Leppington land purchase was under way? |
| “I was aware in broad terms,” he says. “I wasn’t across it in detail.” | “I was aware in broad terms,” he says. “I wasn’t across it in detail.” |
| Kennedy then asks himself a question (bit rare in a Senate estimates hearing, witnesses grilling themselves): why did I sign off on financial statements that proved to be inaccurate? | Kennedy then asks himself a question (bit rare in a Senate estimates hearing, witnesses grilling themselves): why did I sign off on financial statements that proved to be inaccurate? |
| Gallagher is glad the secretary gets to the nub of the issue. | Gallagher is glad the secretary gets to the nub of the issue. |
| Kennedy says he signed the statements because he was at that point heading to Treasury and he didn’t want to leave his successor with unsigned financial statements. | Kennedy says he signed the statements because he was at that point heading to Treasury and he didn’t want to leave his successor with unsigned financial statements. |
| “I didn’t appreciate the significance of this matter,” he says. He knew there were some issues and he would have been advised to that effect by the department’s chief operating officer. | “I didn’t appreciate the significance of this matter,” he says. He knew there were some issues and he would have been advised to that effect by the department’s chief operating officer. |
| “I did sign off but that will be one of my other reflections – whether I should have chosen to wait until that exercise had been complete, but I felt I was starting a new job in Treasury and I had to be responsible for the year that I had just seen and a huge amount of activity goes on in that department and it was my responsibility to sign it off, so I chose to sign it off.” | “I did sign off but that will be one of my other reflections – whether I should have chosen to wait until that exercise had been complete, but I felt I was starting a new job in Treasury and I had to be responsible for the year that I had just seen and a huge amount of activity goes on in that department and it was my responsibility to sign it off, so I chose to sign it off.” |
| Labor has moved on in Treasury estimates to recent developments at the corporate regulator, Asic. | Labor has moved on in Treasury estimates to recent developments at the corporate regulator, Asic. |
| The chairman, James Shipton, stood aside on Friday while the Treasury investigates payments of more than $118,000 made to KPMG for tax advice he received. | The chairman, James Shipton, stood aside on Friday while the Treasury investigates payments of more than $118,000 made to KPMG for tax advice he received. |
| Amy has let you know that the deputy chair, Daniel Crennan, has resigned this morning. | Amy has let you know that the deputy chair, Daniel Crennan, has resigned this morning. |
| Did the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, seek advice from Treasury when the Australian National Audit Office flagged this issue? Not at that point, is the answer from a Treasury official, Meghan Quinn. Steven Kennedy says he spoke to Frydenberg’s chief of staff on 28 September about the issue flagged by the ANAO. | Did the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, seek advice from Treasury when the Australian National Audit Office flagged this issue? Not at that point, is the answer from a Treasury official, Meghan Quinn. Steven Kennedy says he spoke to Frydenberg’s chief of staff on 28 September about the issue flagged by the ANAO. |
| Some correspondence has been tabled at the committee this morning about the interactions between the players. | Some correspondence has been tabled at the committee this morning about the interactions between the players. |
| The Labor senator Jenny McAllister is trying to unpick who did what when. “There was a series of conversations ... flowing from the September 28 discussion,” Quinn says. | The Labor senator Jenny McAllister is trying to unpick who did what when. “There was a series of conversations ... flowing from the September 28 discussion,” Quinn says. |
| Quinn says the initial advice to the treasurer was to wait for the final advice from the ANAO. Was there thought given to an independent inquiry, McAllister asks? | Quinn says the initial advice to the treasurer was to wait for the final advice from the ANAO. Was there thought given to an independent inquiry, McAllister asks? |
| Quinn says they were waiting for a final arbitration from the ANAO. After that, further advice was provided on 22nd October. | Quinn says they were waiting for a final arbitration from the ANAO. After that, further advice was provided on 22nd October. |
| Treasury said an “independent review” would be advisable in the circumstances. | Treasury said an “independent review” would be advisable in the circumstances. |
| She says Frydenberg learned Shipton would step aside on 23 October, just before the Asic chair announced his intentions publicly. | She says Frydenberg learned Shipton would step aside on 23 October, just before the Asic chair announced his intentions publicly. |
| McAllister notes that Crennan said last week he wouldn’t resign. What has changed between Friday and Monday, she asks? | McAllister notes that Crennan said last week he wouldn’t resign. What has changed between Friday and Monday, she asks? |
| Mathias Cormann refers McAllister to Crennan’s statement. Was Crennan asked to resign? | Mathias Cormann refers McAllister to Crennan’s statement. Was Crennan asked to resign? |
| “Not to my knowledge,” Cormann says. | “Not to my knowledge,” Cormann says. |
| After a couple of minutes, Cormann says he can confirm Shipton wasn’t asked to resign. | After a couple of minutes, Cormann says he can confirm Shipton wasn’t asked to resign. |