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| Version 18 | Version 19 |
|---|---|
| Labor probes Dyson Heydon link to Liberal fundraiser – as it happened | Labor probes Dyson Heydon link to Liberal fundraiser – as it happened |
| (5 months later) | |
| 8.53am BST | |
| 08:53 | |
| That's all folks! | That's all folks! |
| It’s been some week, but like all good birds, I must fly. If you are in Canberra tonight, I’ll be at the Paperchain bookstore in an hour with my good friend Bernard Keane, the Crikey correspondent, who has written his first novel. If you are at loose end, do pop along an have a word. | It’s been some week, but like all good birds, I must fly. If you are in Canberra tonight, I’ll be at the Paperchain bookstore in an hour with my good friend Bernard Keane, the Crikey correspondent, who has written his first novel. If you are at loose end, do pop along an have a word. |
| Let’s sum up today, and another week in Numptyville. | Let’s sum up today, and another week in Numptyville. |
| A few observations, dare I say, from the helicopter. | A few observations, dare I say, from the helicopter. |
| That’s the week, viewed from my perch. | That’s the week, viewed from my perch. |
| And we’ll leave you a very special farewell from our #BrickParliament. | And we’ll leave you a very special farewell from our #BrickParliament. |
| The Fixer fixes the artist formerly known as Madam Speaker by taking her to a conveyance to ferry her home after a tough week. | The Fixer fixes the artist formerly known as Madam Speaker by taking her to a conveyance to ferry her home after a tough week. |
| And Speaker Smith is fixed up with a hot ride to take the famous rev head down the road to Melbourne. | And Speaker Smith is fixed up with a hot ride to take the famous rev head down the road to Melbourne. |
| All kind of fabulous. | All kind of fabulous. |
| The wonderful Gabrielle Chan will be driving the Politics Live bus next week. Thanks to that giant slaying photographic legend Mike Bowers and to my colleagues and our incredibly loyal readers. Have a good weekend. | The wonderful Gabrielle Chan will be driving the Politics Live bus next week. Thanks to that giant slaying photographic legend Mike Bowers and to my colleagues and our incredibly loyal readers. Have a good weekend. |
| 8.17am BST | |
| 08:17 | |
| The day is strange enough to be closing out with the defence minister Kevin Andrews chasing comments this morning from government backbencher Dan Tehan. You might recall that’s where we started this morning, with Tehan saying Australia should bomb IS targets in Syria. | The day is strange enough to be closing out with the defence minister Kevin Andrews chasing comments this morning from government backbencher Dan Tehan. You might recall that’s where we started this morning, with Tehan saying Australia should bomb IS targets in Syria. |
| The defence minister is telling ABC radio in Melbourne that the first he knew of the Tehan intervention was when he read it in the newspaper. Andrews says he has spoken to his Victorian colleague since. (Good that, I dare say.) Andrews says the case for intervention in Syria is IS doesn’t respect borders. | The defence minister is telling ABC radio in Melbourne that the first he knew of the Tehan intervention was when he read it in the newspaper. Andrews says he has spoken to his Victorian colleague since. (Good that, I dare say.) Andrews says the case for intervention in Syria is IS doesn’t respect borders. |
| 7.55am BST | |
| 07:55 | |
| Not enough time for pictures today. A terrific shot of Tony Burke mid censure motion from Mr Bowers. | Not enough time for pictures today. A terrific shot of Tony Burke mid censure motion from Mr Bowers. |
| 7.26am BST | |
| 07:26 | |
| I can't imagine there will be a referendum on same sex marriage | I can't imagine there will be a referendum on same sex marriage |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| It got lost in the wash of a hectic question time, but George Brandis did not back away from his criticism at lunchtime of holding a referendum on same-sex marriage. In fact, he’s going even further. “I can’t imagine that there will be a referendum on this question,” he said during Senate question time. “If there were a public vote, it clearly would be a plebiscite.” | It got lost in the wash of a hectic question time, but George Brandis did not back away from his criticism at lunchtime of holding a referendum on same-sex marriage. In fact, he’s going even further. “I can’t imagine that there will be a referendum on this question,” he said during Senate question time. “If there were a public vote, it clearly would be a plebiscite.” |
| 7.05am BST | |
| 07:05 | |
| Paul Osborne from AAP connects some interesting dots between the Sir Garfield Barwick address and parliamentary entitlements. | Paul Osborne from AAP connects some interesting dots between the Sir Garfield Barwick address and parliamentary entitlements. |
| Here’s Paul: | Here’s Paul: |
| Attorney-general George Brandis claimed over $1000 in taxpayer expenses to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser in 2010. When he was shadow attorney-general, Senator Brandis delivered the inaugural Sir Garfield Barwick address in Sydney on June 28, 2010. The funds from the $90-a-head function were payable to the Liberal Party’s NSW division. | Attorney-general George Brandis claimed over $1000 in taxpayer expenses to attend a Liberal Party fundraiser in 2010. When he was shadow attorney-general, Senator Brandis delivered the inaugural Sir Garfield Barwick address in Sydney on June 28, 2010. The funds from the $90-a-head function were payable to the Liberal Party’s NSW division. |
| The annual address is in the headlines on Thursday after unions royal commissioner Dyson Heydon pulled out of speaking over its potential to compromise his independence. Senator Brandis told reporters in Canberra on Thursday he was aware the event was organised by the Liberal party. The senator’s travel entitlements records show that he took a domestic flight from Brisbane to Sydney on June 28, 2010, at a cost of $531.60. In Sydney he used two comcars totalling just over $100 and his Brisbane comcars cost $93. The return flight to Brisbane on the same night cost $408.18. | The annual address is in the headlines on Thursday after unions royal commissioner Dyson Heydon pulled out of speaking over its potential to compromise his independence. Senator Brandis told reporters in Canberra on Thursday he was aware the event was organised by the Liberal party. The senator’s travel entitlements records show that he took a domestic flight from Brisbane to Sydney on June 28, 2010, at a cost of $531.60. In Sydney he used two comcars totalling just over $100 and his Brisbane comcars cost $93. The return flight to Brisbane on the same night cost $408.18. |
| (Perhaps that’s why the attorney-general was so keen today to define the function as not a political event?) | (Perhaps that’s why the attorney-general was so keen today to define the function as not a political event?) |
| 6.53am BST | |
| 06:53 | |
| Couple of insights on timeline | Couple of insights on timeline |
| The other thing that is implied through this email correspondence is Heydon more than likely agreed to appear at this event in the first instance because he expected the royal commission to be over by that time. Remember, the government extended the commission earlier this year. | The other thing that is implied through this email correspondence is Heydon more than likely agreed to appear at this event in the first instance because he expected the royal commission to be over by that time. Remember, the government extended the commission earlier this year. |
| Again from the correspondence. | Again from the correspondence. |
| Gregory Burton: In the absence of hearing from you we have proceeded on the basis you are happy to go ahead even though the commission is still in hearing. | Gregory Burton: In the absence of hearing from you we have proceeded on the basis you are happy to go ahead even though the commission is still in hearing. |
| The response early this morning from Dyson Heydon’s assistant indicates the commissioner still intended to come. | The response early this morning from Dyson Heydon’s assistant indicates the commissioner still intended to come. |
| But there’s a qualification – he could not come while still royal commissioner if there is any possibility that the event could be described as a Liberal party event. | But there’s a qualification – he could not come while still royal commissioner if there is any possibility that the event could be described as a Liberal party event. |
| 6.30am BST | |
| 06:30 | |
| This is not a fundraiser but people will disclose if they hit the state threshold: go figure | This is not a fundraiser but people will disclose if they hit the state threshold: go figure |
| The email released just by the royal commission suggests commissioner Heydon was told on August 12 (that would be yesterday) by Gregory Burton, who is one of the organisers – that the event wasn’t a fundraiser. (“This is not a fundraiser.”) | The email released just by the royal commission suggests commissioner Heydon was told on August 12 (that would be yesterday) by Gregory Burton, who is one of the organisers – that the event wasn’t a fundraiser. (“This is not a fundraiser.”) |
| The language describing the arrangements for the evening is ambiguous, however. The note to Heydon from Burton says the costs charged for the event cover dinner and a small contingency for fixed costs in case numbers collapse, but “of course people will disclose if they go over the state donation limit.” | The language describing the arrangements for the evening is ambiguous, however. The note to Heydon from Burton says the costs charged for the event cover dinner and a small contingency for fixed costs in case numbers collapse, but “of course people will disclose if they go over the state donation limit.” |
| That does imply that people would make donations at the event. | That does imply that people would make donations at the event. |
| 6.19am BST | |
| 06:19 | |
| The royal commission has released some correspondence concerning the fundraiser. Give me a minute to read them and I’ll update you. | The royal commission has released some correspondence concerning the fundraiser. Give me a minute to read them and I’ll update you. |
| 6.14am BST | |
| 06:14 | |
| Couple more. | Couple more. |
| 6.11am BST | |
| 06:11 | |
| Just while the divisions are underway – time for a few chamber shots. The two managers of business manage their business behind the Speaker’s chair. | Just while the divisions are underway – time for a few chamber shots. The two managers of business manage their business behind the Speaker’s chair. |
| 6.07am BST | |
| 06:07 | |
| Pyne, continuing. | Pyne, continuing. |
| So Labor find themselves on the side of bashing the umpire in this occasion. Of taking out a political baseball bat and attacking the umpire, attacking the head of the royal commission rather than recognising his reputation for seriousness, for fairness. | So Labor find themselves on the side of bashing the umpire in this occasion. Of taking out a political baseball bat and attacking the umpire, attacking the head of the royal commission rather than recognising his reputation for seriousness, for fairness. |
| They decided, because they are so obsessed with the union movement, that they want to find themselves on the side of attacking the royal commissioner, attacking former justice Dyson Heydon. | They decided, because they are so obsessed with the union movement, that they want to find themselves on the side of attacking the royal commissioner, attacking former justice Dyson Heydon. |
| He points across the dispatch box. | He points across the dispatch box. |
| He’s called him a bagman. One of the members of the front bench has just called Dyson Heydon a bagman! | He’s called him a bagman. One of the members of the front bench has just called Dyson Heydon a bagman! |
| My eye sight might not be good but my hearing is very good and he should withdraw that statement. | My eye sight might not be good but my hearing is very good and he should withdraw that statement. |
| Labor’s Jason Clare withdraws the characterisation. | Labor’s Jason Clare withdraws the characterisation. |
| 6.01am BST | |
| 06:01 | |
| Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne. | Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne. |
| Delighted. With chum bucket. | Delighted. With chum bucket. |
| Mr Speaker, on this my 48th birthday, I was thinking I wasn’t going to get a birthday present. | Mr Speaker, on this my 48th birthday, I was thinking I wasn’t going to get a birthday present. |
| But I was wrong, Mr Speaker! Because the opposition has provided me with a lovely birthday present which is the most spectacular own goal I have seen in this parliament, in this 44th parliament. | But I was wrong, Mr Speaker! Because the opposition has provided me with a lovely birthday present which is the most spectacular own goal I have seen in this parliament, in this 44th parliament. |
| What a spectacular own goal from the opposition! | What a spectacular own goal from the opposition! |
| The very subject that they want hidden from the public view – namely, their tawdry relationship with the Australian union movement – they have decided to place front and centre of the Australian political debate here in question time and all day in parliament! | The very subject that they want hidden from the public view – namely, their tawdry relationship with the Australian union movement – they have decided to place front and centre of the Australian political debate here in question time and all day in parliament! |
| 5.57am BST | |
| 05:57 | |
| Burke, continuing. | Burke, continuing. |
| You would have thought that the former Justice Heydon would have known (appearances of neutrality were important) given that these are the words of a judgment he himself delivered in the British American Tobacco Australia Services Limited case in 2011 – not that long ago. | You would have thought that the former Justice Heydon would have known (appearances of neutrality were important) given that these are the words of a judgment he himself delivered in the British American Tobacco Australia Services Limited case in 2011 – not that long ago. |
| And I quote from paragraph 139. ‘It is fundamental to the administration of justice that the judge be neutral. It is for this reason that the appearance of departure from neutrality is a ground of disqualification. It is the perception of the hypothetical observer that provides the yard stick.’ | And I quote from paragraph 139. ‘It is fundamental to the administration of justice that the judge be neutral. It is for this reason that the appearance of departure from neutrality is a ground of disqualification. It is the perception of the hypothetical observer that provides the yard stick.’ |
| Be in no doubt that if a juror behaved this way they would be off the jury immediately. They would be gone. But somehow this prime minister reckons that a royal commissioner can behave this way and that’s fine. And the reason goes to the very character of this prime minister and why he started this royal commission to begin with. | Be in no doubt that if a juror behaved this way they would be off the jury immediately. They would be gone. But somehow this prime minister reckons that a royal commissioner can behave this way and that’s fine. And the reason goes to the very character of this prime minister and why he started this royal commission to begin with. |
| Because he wanted someone who would be partisan. He wanted someone who would be biased. | Because he wanted someone who would be partisan. He wanted someone who would be biased. |
| Mark Dreyfus, coming after Burke, steps back from that. Dreyfus says it can’t be known whether Heydon is biased. The problem is the appearance of bias. | Mark Dreyfus, coming after Burke, steps back from that. Dreyfus says it can’t be known whether Heydon is biased. The problem is the appearance of bias. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.01am BST | |
| 5.48am BST | |
| 05:48 | |
| Labor’s Tony Burke: | Labor’s Tony Burke: |
| We had no choice but to suspend standing orders, Mr Speaker, when we have a situation when we try to pursue it by questions and the prime minister can’t even maintain the same answers for a space of thirty minutes. | We had no choice but to suspend standing orders, Mr Speaker, when we have a situation when we try to pursue it by questions and the prime minister can’t even maintain the same answers for a space of thirty minutes. |
| What is the point trying to pursue this issue through question time when we have a prime minister who can’t agree with his attorney-general or with himself and his between his first answer and his most recent answer. | What is the point trying to pursue this issue through question time when we have a prime minister who can’t agree with his attorney-general or with himself and his between his first answer and his most recent answer. |
| We have someone in front of us who is willing to mislead this parliament, who is willing to think that he will get away with saying one thing and then the exact opposite only thirty minutes later and think maybe no-one will notice. | We have someone in front of us who is willing to mislead this parliament, who is willing to think that he will get away with saying one thing and then the exact opposite only thirty minutes later and think maybe no-one will notice. |
| Well, people will notice and people need to. | Well, people will notice and people need to. |
| 5.43am BST | |
| 05:43 | |
| Rightio, here comes the motion to censure the prime minister. | Rightio, here comes the motion to censure the prime minister. |
| And for 94A junkies, Speaker Smith has recorded his first ejection under 94A. Labor’s Pat Conroy. | And for 94A junkies, Speaker Smith has recorded his first ejection under 94A. Labor’s Pat Conroy. |
| 5.41am BST | |
| 05:41 | |
| I stand by both answers | I stand by both answers |
| Q: My question is to the prime minister. I refer to the prime minister’s last answer where he denied he had previously stated that the function in question was a Liberal party fundraiser. I also refer to his answer to the first question I raised - where he answers, well plainly Mr Speaker, the royal commissioner himself believed it was inappropriate to give address at a Liberal party fundraiser. Which answer do you stand by? The last answer or the one you gave a few minutes earlier? Was this a Liberal party fundraiser or not? | Q: My question is to the prime minister. I refer to the prime minister’s last answer where he denied he had previously stated that the function in question was a Liberal party fundraiser. I also refer to his answer to the first question I raised - where he answers, well plainly Mr Speaker, the royal commissioner himself believed it was inappropriate to give address at a Liberal party fundraiser. Which answer do you stand by? The last answer or the one you gave a few minutes earlier? Was this a Liberal party fundraiser or not? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| I stand by both answers. | I stand by both answers. |
| (Post modern politics.) | (Post modern politics.) |
| 5.39am BST | |
| 05:39 | |
| This is a small thing I know, but it’s one of a number of examples of the government’s internal coordination being absolutely terrible. The prime minister quite often sails close to the wind in answers, not because he means to, but because he’s not always aware of what has previously been said. It’s quite obvious, the pattern. It either suggests poor staffing, or mistrust and turf fights preventing the government functioning as it should. Not rocket science, this stuff. And in this case, the prime minister can’t even seem to get what he said a minute ago. | This is a small thing I know, but it’s one of a number of examples of the government’s internal coordination being absolutely terrible. The prime minister quite often sails close to the wind in answers, not because he means to, but because he’s not always aware of what has previously been said. It’s quite obvious, the pattern. It either suggests poor staffing, or mistrust and turf fights preventing the government functioning as it should. Not rocket science, this stuff. And in this case, the prime minister can’t even seem to get what he said a minute ago. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.46am BST | |
| 5.34am BST | |
| 05:34 | |
| Given the obvious contradiction in the lines between Abbott and Brandis, Labor asks the obvious question. | Given the obvious contradiction in the lines between Abbott and Brandis, Labor asks the obvious question. |
| Q: I refer to the prime minister’s previous answer where he confirmed that the Sir Garfield Barwick address was a Liberal party fundraiser. In the other place, a few moments ago, the attorney-general said it is not a political function. Prime minister, who is right? You or the attorney-general? | Q: I refer to the prime minister’s previous answer where he confirmed that the Sir Garfield Barwick address was a Liberal party fundraiser. In the other place, a few moments ago, the attorney-general said it is not a political function. Prime minister, who is right? You or the attorney-general? |
| This question is from Tony Burke. Burke is asked by Speaker Smith to reframe the question slightly. | This question is from Tony Burke. Burke is asked by Speaker Smith to reframe the question slightly. |
| Tony Abbott, sensing the difficulties. | Tony Abbott, sensing the difficulties. |
| I offered, Mr Speaker, in response to the member who asked the question I offered absolutely no judgment or no opinion as to the event in question. | I offered, Mr Speaker, in response to the member who asked the question I offered absolutely no judgment or no opinion as to the event in question. |
| (He did in fact. He called the event a fundraiser.) | (He did in fact. He called the event a fundraiser.) |
| 5.29am BST | |
| 05:29 | |
| Over in the Senate, the Barwick address is not a political function | Over in the Senate, the Barwick address is not a political function |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| Super rowdy in the Senate today, with the attorney general, George Brandis, copping the brunt of the questions over Dyson Heydon. Brandis insisted that the Sir Garfield Barwick address was “not a political function”, adding that the fact it is organised by the Liberal party is “hardly the point”. “The Liberal party sometimes does provide a platform for eminent Australians,” he said. The attorney general noted that former high court justice Murray Gleeson was the keynote speaker at last year’s address. | Super rowdy in the Senate today, with the attorney general, George Brandis, copping the brunt of the questions over Dyson Heydon. Brandis insisted that the Sir Garfield Barwick address was “not a political function”, adding that the fact it is organised by the Liberal party is “hardly the point”. “The Liberal party sometimes does provide a platform for eminent Australians,” he said. The attorney general noted that former high court justice Murray Gleeson was the keynote speaker at last year’s address. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.46am BST | |
| 5.27am BST | |
| 05:27 | |
| Q: Why did the attorney-general contact the prime minister’s royal commissioner this morning about his agreement to be the key note speaker at a Liberal party fundraiser – advertised since April this is. | Q: Why did the attorney-general contact the prime minister’s royal commissioner this morning about his agreement to be the key note speaker at a Liberal party fundraiser – advertised since April this is. |
| Julie Bishop: | Julie Bishop: |
| I am advised that the attorney-general first heard about this through the media. He telephoned the commissioner about 11:30 this morning and the commissioner advised he had already confirmed he would not be attending the Sir Garfield Barwick address. | I am advised that the attorney-general first heard about this through the media. He telephoned the commissioner about 11:30 this morning and the commissioner advised he had already confirmed he would not be attending the Sir Garfield Barwick address. |
| (Just for the record the statement by the commission was issued at 11.22am today.) | (Just for the record the statement by the commission was issued at 11.22am today.) |
| 5.22am BST | |
| 05:22 | |
| The environment minister Greg Hunt is pretending Labor are terrified about their carbon pricing policy. Labor seems to be laughing. At him. Not with him. | The environment minister Greg Hunt is pretending Labor are terrified about their carbon pricing policy. Labor seems to be laughing. At him. Not with him. |
| 5.19am BST | |
| 05:19 | |
| Labor is pursuing any advice government gave Heydon in relation to the fundraiser. Foreign minister Julie Bishop takes the question. | Labor is pursuing any advice government gave Heydon in relation to the fundraiser. Foreign minister Julie Bishop takes the question. |
| I understand that the attorney-general contacted the commissioner this morning at which time the commissioner informed him that he was not attending the Sir Garfield Barwick address. | I understand that the attorney-general contacted the commissioner this morning at which time the commissioner informed him that he was not attending the Sir Garfield Barwick address. |
| 5.15am BST | |
| 05:15 | |
| Question to Abbott – when did the prime minister first know about the fundraiser? | Question to Abbott – when did the prime minister first know about the fundraiser? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| By the time I found out about this the royal commissioner said already he wasn’t going to attend. | By the time I found out about this the royal commissioner said already he wasn’t going to attend. |
| The prime minister wants to know what the point of prosecution is. If the complaint is the integrity of the commissioner then Labor needs to make the case that there is something amiss. | The prime minister wants to know what the point of prosecution is. If the complaint is the integrity of the commissioner then Labor needs to make the case that there is something amiss. |
| This government will certainly defend the integrity of the royal commissioner and we will certainly defend the necessity of the royal commission. | This government will certainly defend the integrity of the royal commissioner and we will certainly defend the necessity of the royal commission. |
| 5.09am BST | |
| 05:09 | |
| Updated | |
| at 5.13am BST | |
| 5.09am BST | |
| 05:09 | |
| Contrary to Standing Order 91 Delta. | Contrary to Standing Order 91 Delta. |
| Government whip Andrew Nikolic has reverted to his military past. | Government whip Andrew Nikolic has reverted to his military past. |
| The House cracks up at the slip. What a mad day this is. | The House cracks up at the slip. What a mad day this is. |
| 5.07am BST | |
| 05:07 | |
| Question time | Question time |
| Poor old George Brandis has just been hung out to dry by the prime minister. Earlier this afternoon, Brandis was playing down the idea the lecture in Sydney was a fundraiser. The prime minister accepts that it was. | Poor old George Brandis has just been hung out to dry by the prime minister. Earlier this afternoon, Brandis was playing down the idea the lecture in Sydney was a fundraiser. The prime minister accepts that it was. |
| In answer to the first question from Labor about Dyson Heydon, the prime minister says the commissioner has cancelled his appearance at the Liberal party fundraiser prior to any media inquiries about the event. | In answer to the first question from Labor about Dyson Heydon, the prime minister says the commissioner has cancelled his appearance at the Liberal party fundraiser prior to any media inquiries about the event. |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| Obviously the royal commissioner himself believes that it is wrong for people in his position to address party fundraisers. The behaviour of the royal commissioner has been absolutely beyond reproach. Absolutely beyond reproach. | Obviously the royal commissioner himself believes that it is wrong for people in his position to address party fundraisers. The behaviour of the royal commissioner has been absolutely beyond reproach. Absolutely beyond reproach. |
| 5.01am BST | |
| 05:01 | |
| One more, the NSW Liberal party director Tony Nutt has issued a statement. This wasn’t a significant fundraiser, Nutt says. | One more, the NSW Liberal party director Tony Nutt has issued a statement. This wasn’t a significant fundraiser, Nutt says. |
| Tony Nutt says $80 cost means it's 'ridiculous' to consider Heydon's lecture a 'significant fundraising event.' pic.twitter.com/WSHcQbyqTy | Tony Nutt says $80 cost means it's 'ridiculous' to consider Heydon's lecture a 'significant fundraising event.' pic.twitter.com/WSHcQbyqTy |
| 4.57am BST | |
| 04:57 | |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| One more development in a day as tight and action-packed as this media scrum. | One more development in a day as tight and action-packed as this media scrum. |
| The Greens and five crossbenchers will introduce a bill forcing the government to hold a plebiscite on same-sex marriage at the same time as the next federal election. Crossbenchers Nick Xenophon, Ricky Muir, Jacqui Lambie, Glenn Lazarus and David Leyonhjelm say that putting a timeframe on the plebiscite will ensure that the issue of same-sex marriage will not be indefinitely delayed. The bill will ensure that taxpayer dollars go to funding both the yes and no campaigns. “It has constantly been foiled by politicians to and fro, and I think it’s time that stopped,” Muir said. “This is a circuit-breaker; the opportunity to allow the Senate to set the terms of reference for a plebiscite at this election,” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said. | The Greens and five crossbenchers will introduce a bill forcing the government to hold a plebiscite on same-sex marriage at the same time as the next federal election. Crossbenchers Nick Xenophon, Ricky Muir, Jacqui Lambie, Glenn Lazarus and David Leyonhjelm say that putting a timeframe on the plebiscite will ensure that the issue of same-sex marriage will not be indefinitely delayed. The bill will ensure that taxpayer dollars go to funding both the yes and no campaigns. “It has constantly been foiled by politicians to and fro, and I think it’s time that stopped,” Muir said. “This is a circuit-breaker; the opportunity to allow the Senate to set the terms of reference for a plebiscite at this election,” Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.09am BST | |
| 4.53am BST | |
| 04:53 | |
| Quick stocktake before the roaring starts downstairs | Quick stocktake before the roaring starts downstairs |
| Given the day, one more quick summary before question time. In the last 30 minutes: | Given the day, one more quick summary before question time. In the last 30 minutes: |
| Question time. | Question time. |
| Onward. Upwards. | Onward. Upwards. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.07am BST | |
| 4.38am BST | |
| 04:38 | |
| I’m really more concerned that I can do a little bit to end the confusion ... en plein air | I’m really more concerned that I can do a little bit to end the confusion ... en plein air |
| And a voice was heard from Questacon. The voice of the communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull. He notes that if you wanted to make same-sex marriage a very contentious issue at the next federal election, then you would follow the approach being pursued by Tony Abbott. | And a voice was heard from Questacon. The voice of the communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull. He notes that if you wanted to make same-sex marriage a very contentious issue at the next federal election, then you would follow the approach being pursued by Tony Abbott. |
| Then a few thoughts about referendums and plebiscites. | Then a few thoughts about referendums and plebiscites. |
| Malcolm Turnbull: | Malcolm Turnbull: |
| So, a number of my ministerial colleagues have suggested that you could amend the constitution which enables the federal parliament to legislate about marriage to say ‘and marriage shall include marriage between people of the same sex, men and men, women and women’. | So, a number of my ministerial colleagues have suggested that you could amend the constitution which enables the federal parliament to legislate about marriage to say ‘and marriage shall include marriage between people of the same sex, men and men, women and women’. |
| Now I don’t think there is any doubt that parliament has the power to legislate now, but if you wanted to you could put that into the constitution, that would require a national majority, and a majority in four out of six states. It would – but it would not conclude the matter because parliament would then have to legislate, it would still have to have detailed amendments to the Marriage Act. So a constitutional amendment would only be one step. | Now I don’t think there is any doubt that parliament has the power to legislate now, but if you wanted to you could put that into the constitution, that would require a national majority, and a majority in four out of six states. It would – but it would not conclude the matter because parliament would then have to legislate, it would still have to have detailed amendments to the Marriage Act. So a constitutional amendment would only be one step. |
| And of course, and this is a very important thing to bear in mind, even if an overwhelming majority of Australians were in favour of same-sex marriage, even if you had a referendum and 80% voted yes, I don’t think you’d ever get a majority like that, but let’s say you did, there will still be members of parliament who in good conscience will say because of my, or their, religious beliefs I cannot vote in favour of same-sex marriage. | And of course, and this is a very important thing to bear in mind, even if an overwhelming majority of Australians were in favour of same-sex marriage, even if you had a referendum and 80% voted yes, I don’t think you’d ever get a majority like that, but let’s say you did, there will still be members of parliament who in good conscience will say because of my, or their, religious beliefs I cannot vote in favour of same-sex marriage. |
| So a constitutional change, in other words, would not determine the issue. A plebiscite that was in effect the triggering factor for a bill, clearly would. | So a constitutional change, in other words, would not determine the issue. A plebiscite that was in effect the triggering factor for a bill, clearly would. |
| Q: So you would like to see a plebiscite this side of the election? | Q: So you would like to see a plebiscite this side of the election? |
| Well, look, again we’re in a sort of unusual situation where this, this is probably quite liberating perhaps, where this issue is being discussed by ministers en plein air, literally en plein air, in the open. Everyone’s expressing different views. I, my own view, is simply this, same-sex marriage is a very, very important issue. It is a – it’s an important issue for the proponents and the opponents. It needs to be taken seriously. I agree with all of that. However, there are a lot of other issues, really, issues of economic management, national security, digital transformation, management of the national broadband network – there are a whole lot of other issues that we in the Liberal party certainly believe should be the issues at the election. Who do you trust to manage the economy? That’s going to be a very key issue. Now ... my own view, and it’s just a personal view, is I would rather not have the election campaign with a co-extensive, simultaneous debate about same-sex marriage going on at the same time. Obviously the Labor party really wants that to happen, they want nothing more than that. Because they think the issue works for them. So, my own view is that it would be good if the matter was dealt with before the election. But you know time will tell, I hope that at some point we’ll have a, we’ll have to flesh this out in the cabinet and come to a finding. | Well, look, again we’re in a sort of unusual situation where this, this is probably quite liberating perhaps, where this issue is being discussed by ministers en plein air, literally en plein air, in the open. Everyone’s expressing different views. I, my own view, is simply this, same-sex marriage is a very, very important issue. It is a – it’s an important issue for the proponents and the opponents. It needs to be taken seriously. I agree with all of that. However, there are a lot of other issues, really, issues of economic management, national security, digital transformation, management of the national broadband network – there are a whole lot of other issues that we in the Liberal party certainly believe should be the issues at the election. Who do you trust to manage the economy? That’s going to be a very key issue. Now ... my own view, and it’s just a personal view, is I would rather not have the election campaign with a co-extensive, simultaneous debate about same-sex marriage going on at the same time. Obviously the Labor party really wants that to happen, they want nothing more than that. Because they think the issue works for them. So, my own view is that it would be good if the matter was dealt with before the election. But you know time will tell, I hope that at some point we’ll have a, we’ll have to flesh this out in the cabinet and come to a finding. |
| Q: Can you deny right here that this is not just a killing off measure? Everything that’s happened over this week, just to kill off the issue completely? | Q: Can you deny right here that this is not just a killing off measure? Everything that’s happened over this week, just to kill off the issue completely? |
| I really don’t want to buy into that. It is a, at this stage the government does not have a policy on a plebiscite or a referendum. I mean the prime minister has said that he has, and he believes the party has, a disposition to give the people their say on this and that can be done in a variety of ways and we’ve seen a variety of models presented. I hope what I have said today has clarified the context and the different consequences of different proposals. I’m not trying to argue for one thing or another. I’m really more concerned that I can do a little bit to end the confusion. | I really don’t want to buy into that. It is a, at this stage the government does not have a policy on a plebiscite or a referendum. I mean the prime minister has said that he has, and he believes the party has, a disposition to give the people their say on this and that can be done in a variety of ways and we’ve seen a variety of models presented. I hope what I have said today has clarified the context and the different consequences of different proposals. I’m not trying to argue for one thing or another. I’m really more concerned that I can do a little bit to end the confusion. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.06am BST | |
| 4.12am BST | |
| 04:12 | |
| Thrice, he cried: I know not | Thrice, he cried: I know not |
| Daniel Hurst | Daniel Hurst |
| The attorney general, George Brandis, has moved on from biffing Scott Morrison to addressing reporters in the corridor. | The attorney general, George Brandis, has moved on from biffing Scott Morrison to addressing reporters in the corridor. |
| The shadow attorney general, Mr Dreyfus, has earlier in the day called into question the integrity and the professionalism of Mr Dyson Heydon. That personal attack on Mr Heydon by Mr Dreyfus is disgraceful. | The shadow attorney general, Mr Dreyfus, has earlier in the day called into question the integrity and the professionalism of Mr Dyson Heydon. That personal attack on Mr Heydon by Mr Dreyfus is disgraceful. |
| Mr Dreyfus as a senior practising barrister who well knows there are few more eminent lawyers in this country than Dyson Heydon. He has an absolutely stainless reputation for punctilious integrity. | Mr Dreyfus as a senior practising barrister who well knows there are few more eminent lawyers in this country than Dyson Heydon. He has an absolutely stainless reputation for punctilious integrity. |
| Mr Dreyfus’s attack on this gentleman whom he knows to be a person of stainless integrity reduces Mr Dreyfus. | Mr Dreyfus’s attack on this gentleman whom he knows to be a person of stainless integrity reduces Mr Dreyfus. |
| Q: If the royal commissioner can’t do his own due diligence what faith can the public have in him to oversee other people’s due diligence? | Q: If the royal commissioner can’t do his own due diligence what faith can the public have in him to oversee other people’s due diligence? |
| Mr Heydon was invited to deliver the Garfield Barwick oration. That is an oration delivered to the NSW bar and bench, advertised among NSW bar and bench … and promoted by members of the NSW bar who are members of the Liberal party. | Mr Heydon was invited to deliver the Garfield Barwick oration. That is an oration delivered to the NSW bar and bench, advertised among NSW bar and bench … and promoted by members of the NSW bar who are members of the Liberal party. |
| It is a very common thing for eminent public figures to speak at political occasions. This is an occasion whose primary audience was the NSW bar and the bench. It was hosted by what I understand to be legal practitioners branch of the Liberal party but this was a public oration. | It is a very common thing for eminent public figures to speak at political occasions. This is an occasion whose primary audience was the NSW bar and the bench. It was hosted by what I understand to be legal practitioners branch of the Liberal party but this was a public oration. |
| Q: Who would have received the funds? | Q: Who would have received the funds? |
| Um, I don’t know. | Um, I don’t know. |
| Q: Who would have received the funds? | Q: Who would have received the funds? |
| I don’t know. | I don’t know. |
| Q: Who would have received the funds? | Q: Who would have received the funds? |
| I answered the question. | I answered the question. |
| I don’t know. | I don’t know. |
| (Excuse me. Murph here. Daniel was our persistent thrice questioner. Hats off.) | (Excuse me. Murph here. Daniel was our persistent thrice questioner. Hats off.) |
| Updated | |
| at 5.02am BST | |
| 3.48am BST | |
| 03:48 | |
| Brandis sticks it to Scott Morrison on same-sex marriage | Brandis sticks it to Scott Morrison on same-sex marriage |
| The attorney general hasn’t finished, however. He’s asked about a referendum on same-sex marriage. The whole idea is ridiculous, Brandis says, given legislating for marriage does not involve the requirement for constitutional change. | The attorney general hasn’t finished, however. He’s asked about a referendum on same-sex marriage. The whole idea is ridiculous, Brandis says, given legislating for marriage does not involve the requirement for constitutional change. |
| George Brandis: | George Brandis: |
| No constitutional referendum is necessary in this case. There is no doubt, no doubt whatsoever. | No constitutional referendum is necessary in this case. There is no doubt, no doubt whatsoever. |
| Brandis says he only became aware of Morrison’s remarks this morning. He says it’s very important as attorney general to remove any confusion. There is absolutely no need for a referendum. | Brandis says he only became aware of Morrison’s remarks this morning. He says it’s very important as attorney general to remove any confusion. There is absolutely no need for a referendum. |
| Brandis avoids saying you idiot Scott. Somehow. | Brandis avoids saying you idiot Scott. Somehow. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.25am BST | |
| 3.42am BST | |
| 03:42 | |
| Brandis contends the event with Heydon is not a fundraiser | Brandis contends the event with Heydon is not a fundraiser |
| In Melbourne, the ACTU is calling on the Abbott government to bin the royal commission. | In Melbourne, the ACTU is calling on the Abbott government to bin the royal commission. |
| On Sky News, the attorney general, George Brandis, is digging in behind Heydon. | On Sky News, the attorney general, George Brandis, is digging in behind Heydon. |
| My understanding is this was not a fundraiser. | My understanding is this was not a fundraiser. |
| I think it’s misdescribed as a fundraiser. | I think it’s misdescribed as a fundraiser. |
| Any suggestion that Justice Heydon would be lending his support to one side of politics or another is absurd. | Any suggestion that Justice Heydon would be lending his support to one side of politics or another is absurd. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.24am BST | |
| 3.33am BST | |
| 03:33 | |
| Politics this lunchtime | Politics this lunchtime |
| Proper summary now. Still haven’t quite managed to backtrack to Abbott’s full press conference but I suspect if we were about to invade somewhere or if the parliament had been dissolved someone would have mentioned it by now. | Proper summary now. Still haven’t quite managed to backtrack to Abbott’s full press conference but I suspect if we were about to invade somewhere or if the parliament had been dissolved someone would have mentioned it by now. |
| Let’s deal with everything else. | Let’s deal with everything else. |
| Thursday morning in Canberra. | Thursday morning in Canberra. |
| Have lunch at the desk today. | Have lunch at the desk today. |
| I recommend you stay tuned for what will be a lively old question time. | I recommend you stay tuned for what will be a lively old question time. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.24am BST | |
| 3.09am BST | |
| 03:09 | |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| Today’s news is not all bad for the government. Labor has lost its federal court case against the attorney general, George Brandis, over the so-called divorce tax. It had contended that Brandis unlawfully introduced regulation to increase court fees such as divorce applications shortly after similar regulation had been overturned by the Senate. Legislation states that regulation cannot be introduced within six months of similar regulation being shot down. The government argued that the later regulation, which came into play on 13 July, was substantially different from earlier regulation, because it saw fees rise by an additional $5. Divorce applications rose by more than 40% as a result of the regulation, which was disallowed for a second time on Tuesday. | Today’s news is not all bad for the government. Labor has lost its federal court case against the attorney general, George Brandis, over the so-called divorce tax. It had contended that Brandis unlawfully introduced regulation to increase court fees such as divorce applications shortly after similar regulation had been overturned by the Senate. Legislation states that regulation cannot be introduced within six months of similar regulation being shot down. The government argued that the later regulation, which came into play on 13 July, was substantially different from earlier regulation, because it saw fees rise by an additional $5. Divorce applications rose by more than 40% as a result of the regulation, which was disallowed for a second time on Tuesday. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.22am BST | |
| 3.05am BST | |
| 03:05 | |
| Just by-the-by, the NSW Bar Association has been advertising the Heydon event since April. | Just by-the-by, the NSW Bar Association has been advertising the Heydon event since April. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.21am BST | |
| 2.48am BST | |
| 02:48 | |
| The controversy spills out into one of the parliamentary courtyards, where Labor’s Mark Dreyfus and Brendan O’Connor are addressing reporters. Dreyfus says the government needs to terminate the royal commission, and Heydon needs to stand down. | The controversy spills out into one of the parliamentary courtyards, where Labor’s Mark Dreyfus and Brendan O’Connor are addressing reporters. Dreyfus says the government needs to terminate the royal commission, and Heydon needs to stand down. |
| Mark Dreyfus: | Mark Dreyfus: |
| Any fair-minded Australian would see this royal commissioner has demonstrated the appearance of bias. | Any fair-minded Australian would see this royal commissioner has demonstrated the appearance of bias. |
| O’Connor says Heydon’s preparedness to attend a party fundraiser shows this is Tony Abbott’s royal commission. | O’Connor says Heydon’s preparedness to attend a party fundraiser shows this is Tony Abbott’s royal commission. |
| [Heydon] must disqualify himself. The prime minister has to intervene and ensure this commissioner is no longer presiding over this proceeding. | [Heydon] must disqualify himself. The prime minister has to intervene and ensure this commissioner is no longer presiding over this proceeding. |
| Dreyfus says this is a call in the first instance for Heydon to step down. He signals federal court action might follow in the event Heydon chooses not to act. | Dreyfus says this is a call in the first instance for Heydon to step down. He signals federal court action might follow in the event Heydon chooses not to act. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.21am BST | |
| 2.40am BST | |
| 02:40 | |
| Let's recap quickly: Dyson Heydon's tough morning at the office | Let's recap quickly: Dyson Heydon's tough morning at the office |
| In the event you are just tuning in or you can’t quite follow all the gear changes in the past 30 minutes, let’s take stock of the travails of Dyson Heydon: | In the event you are just tuning in or you can’t quite follow all the gear changes in the past 30 minutes, let’s take stock of the travails of Dyson Heydon: |
| Updated | |
| at 4.20am BST | |
| 2.31am BST | |
| 02:31 | |
| Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, declares the debate must happen now. The government cannot be allowed to cover up the royal commissioner participating in Liberal fundraising. | Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, declares the debate must happen now. The government cannot be allowed to cover up the royal commissioner participating in Liberal fundraising. |
| Labor MP Rob Mitchell, sitting in the Speaker’s chair, says the debate cannot happen now. | Labor MP Rob Mitchell, sitting in the Speaker’s chair, says the debate cannot happen now. |
| The chamber returns to normal business. | The chamber returns to normal business. |
| There will be more on this issue. The safest bet in politics today. | There will be more on this issue. The safest bet in politics today. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.17am BST | |
| 2.28am BST | |
| 02:28 | |
| Back to the House. | Back to the House. |
| Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne. | Manager of government business, Christopher Pyne. |
| I’m sure the opposition wants to fulminate about this matter, but they can do it at the right time. | I’m sure the opposition wants to fulminate about this matter, but they can do it at the right time. |
| 2.25am BST | |
| 02:25 | |
| Heydon withdraws from the fundraiser | Heydon withdraws from the fundraiser |
| A statement just now from the royal commission. | A statement just now from the royal commission. |
| The commissioner, Dyson Heydon, will not be delivering the Sir Garfield Barwick address. As early as 9.23 this morning (and prior to any media enquiry being received) he advised the organisers: “If there was any possibility that the event could be described as a Liberal party event he will be unable to give the address, at least whilst he is in the position of royal commissioner.” | The commissioner, Dyson Heydon, will not be delivering the Sir Garfield Barwick address. As early as 9.23 this morning (and prior to any media enquiry being received) he advised the organisers: “If there was any possibility that the event could be described as a Liberal party event he will be unable to give the address, at least whilst he is in the position of royal commissioner.” |
| Updated | |
| at 4.16am BST | |
| 2.22am BST | |
| 02:22 | |
| The government is moving to gag Labor in the House. | The government is moving to gag Labor in the House. |
| 2.22am BST | |
| 02:22 | |
| Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke: | Manager of opposition business, Tony Burke: |
| [Heydon] is conflicted, he is biased, the royal commission is a farce. | [Heydon] is conflicted, he is biased, the royal commission is a farce. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.15am BST | |
| 2.20am BST | |
| 02:20 | |
| Labor moves to have Deyson Heydon removed from the royal commission | Labor moves to have Deyson Heydon removed from the royal commission |
| Down in the House, Labor is moving that Deyson Heydon be removed from the royal commission into trade union corruption. | Down in the House, Labor is moving that Deyson Heydon be removed from the royal commission into trade union corruption. |
| A motion is underway now. | A motion is underway now. |
| 2.19am BST | |
| 02:19 | |
| According to folks with the prime minister in Braddon, on the matter of Dyson Heydon he won’t run speculative commentary on the issue. | According to folks with the prime minister in Braddon, on the matter of Dyson Heydon he won’t run speculative commentary on the issue. |
| The event is not something Tony Abbott is aware of. | The event is not something Tony Abbott is aware of. |
| I’ll get the direct quote when I can. | I’ll get the direct quote when I can. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.13am BST | |
| 2.14am BST | |
| 02:14 | |
| Don't play silly buggers, Tony | Don't play silly buggers, Tony |
| Liberal backbencher and same-sex marriage advocate Warren Entsch isn’t pulling punches. He has warned the prime minister “and his allies” not to “play silly buggers” with procedural tactics to delay or defeat a “people’s vote”, saying it would cost Coalition seats at the next election. | Liberal backbencher and same-sex marriage advocate Warren Entsch isn’t pulling punches. He has warned the prime minister “and his allies” not to “play silly buggers” with procedural tactics to delay or defeat a “people’s vote”, saying it would cost Coalition seats at the next election. |
| Lenore Taylor and Shalailah Medhora | Lenore Taylor and Shalailah Medhora |
| Entsch is a co-sponsor of the multi-party bill that will be introduced next week, but it has no chance of success after the Coalition’s decision to support the current definition of marriage until the next election. | Entsch is a co-sponsor of the multi-party bill that will be introduced next week, but it has no chance of success after the Coalition’s decision to support the current definition of marriage until the next election. |
| He said the Coalition party room had not decided what kind of ‘people’s vote’ there should be and it was ‘disappointing’ to see the social services minister, Scott Morrison, speaking out in favour of a referendum. | He said the Coalition party room had not decided what kind of ‘people’s vote’ there should be and it was ‘disappointing’ to see the social services minister, Scott Morrison, speaking out in favour of a referendum. |
| ‘We need broad acceptance for what we are doing; it shouldn’t be just something that the prime minister and his closest allies think is the clever way to go.’ | ‘We need broad acceptance for what we are doing; it shouldn’t be just something that the prime minister and his closest allies think is the clever way to go.’ |
| He said if the government did try to delay or influence a ‘people’s vote’ he would ‘go ballistic’ and the Coalition would lose seats at the next federal election. | He said if the government did try to delay or influence a ‘people’s vote’ he would ‘go ballistic’ and the Coalition would lose seats at the next federal election. |
| ‘The party room committed to putting this to the people, not that we would try to find some way to make sure there was no outcome. We certainly did not lock into the idea of having a referendum,’ Entsch told Guardian Australia. | ‘The party room committed to putting this to the people, not that we would try to find some way to make sure there was no outcome. We certainly did not lock into the idea of having a referendum,’ Entsch told Guardian Australia. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.12am BST | |
| 2.11am BST | |
| 02:11 | |
| Back now. I know I will have missed a bunch of questions and I’ll come back. | Back now. I know I will have missed a bunch of questions and I’ll come back. |
| The prime minister is being asked whether he prefers a plebiscite or a referendum to settle same-sex marriage. | The prime minister is being asked whether he prefers a plebiscite or a referendum to settle same-sex marriage. |
| Abbott won’t specify now. | Abbott won’t specify now. |
| The form it might take is something we’ll have more to say about between now and polling day. | The form it might take is something we’ll have more to say about between now and polling day. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.11am BST | |
| 2.03am BST | |
| 02:03 | |
| We’ve lost the live link to that press conference unfortunately. Hopefully it will be restored – in any case I’ll catch us up when we can. | We’ve lost the live link to that press conference unfortunately. Hopefully it will be restored – in any case I’ll catch us up when we can. |
| 1.57am BST | |
| 01:57 | |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| Ice is the worst drug scourge Australia has faced. | Ice is the worst drug scourge Australia has faced. |
| He says he is pursuing tougher penalties for ice addicts who act out violently against health workers. | He says he is pursuing tougher penalties for ice addicts who act out violently against health workers. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.10am BST | |
| 1.53am BST | |
| 01:53 | |
| The prime minister speaks to reporters at the Australian Crime Commission | The prime minister speaks to reporters at the Australian Crime Commission |
| Tony Abbott’s press conference is under way now. Can’t see flags. This outing appears to be about ice, and the police response to international syndicates. | Tony Abbott’s press conference is under way now. Can’t see flags. This outing appears to be about ice, and the police response to international syndicates. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.07am BST | |
| 1.45am BST | |
| 01:45 | |
| Updated | |
| at 2.00am BST | |
| 1.44am BST | |
| 01:44 | |
| Pretty bizarre that Heydon would think his attendance at a Liberal party event was in any way acceptable when he’s in the middle of a royal commission process. | Pretty bizarre that Heydon would think his attendance at a Liberal party event was in any way acceptable when he’s in the middle of a royal commission process. |
| 1.37am BST | |
| 01:37 | |
| Ah, here it is now. | Ah, here it is now. |
| Fairfax Media. | Fairfax Media. |
| The former judge charged with overseeing the royal commission into union corruption has been billed as guest speaker at a Liberal party fundraiser. The revelation could discredit the royal commission, which Labor has decried as a political witch-hunt from the outset. Justice Dyson Heydon is listed as the keynote speaker at the Sir Garfield Barwick address on August 21 at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in Sydney. | The former judge charged with overseeing the royal commission into union corruption has been billed as guest speaker at a Liberal party fundraiser. The revelation could discredit the royal commission, which Labor has decried as a political witch-hunt from the outset. Justice Dyson Heydon is listed as the keynote speaker at the Sir Garfield Barwick address on August 21 at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in Sydney. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.07am BST | |
| 1.34am BST | |
| 01:34 | |
| Shorten is asked whether he’ll support Nick Xenophon’s bill on entitlements. (He’ll talk to him.) Then he’s asked whether it is appropriate for the royal commissioner into trade union corruption, Dyson Heydon, to be speaking at Liberal party fundraisers. | Shorten is asked whether he’ll support Nick Xenophon’s bill on entitlements. (He’ll talk to him.) Then he’s asked whether it is appropriate for the royal commissioner into trade union corruption, Dyson Heydon, to be speaking at Liberal party fundraisers. |
| Shorten clearly hasn’t seen any report of this. Neither have I. I’ll chase it up, or perhaps blog readers could direct me to it if they’ve seen it somewhere? | Shorten clearly hasn’t seen any report of this. Neither have I. I’ll chase it up, or perhaps blog readers could direct me to it if they’ve seen it somewhere? |
| But he says if that’s true, if the royal commissioner inquiring into the government’s political opponents is attending Liberal party fundraisers, then that is incredibly serious, incredibly concerning. | But he says if that’s true, if the royal commissioner inquiring into the government’s political opponents is attending Liberal party fundraisers, then that is incredibly serious, incredibly concerning. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.06am BST | |
| 1.30am BST | |
| 01:30 | |
| Shorten is asked about Scott Morrison’s support for resolving same-sex marriage via a referendum. | Shorten is asked about Scott Morrison’s support for resolving same-sex marriage via a referendum. |
| There are a range of people in the ranks of the right of the Liberal party who will say and do anything to stop marriage equality. | There are a range of people in the ranks of the right of the Liberal party who will say and do anything to stop marriage equality. |
| Shorten says politicians are elected to make decisions. | Shorten says politicians are elected to make decisions. |
| It’s an abdication of responsibility by Mr Abbott and a delaying tactic and I don’t trust him. | It’s an abdication of responsibility by Mr Abbott and a delaying tactic and I don’t trust him. |
| I do think Mr Abbott is being tricky. | I do think Mr Abbott is being tricky. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.05am BST | |
| 1.26am BST | |
| 01:26 | |
| Shorten says he'll get a briefing on Syria next week | Shorten says he'll get a briefing on Syria next week |
| Questions start with Syria. | Questions start with Syria. |
| Will Labor shift its position on no bombing in Syria? | Will Labor shift its position on no bombing in Syria? |
| Bill Shorten says national security is too important for thought bubbles. | Bill Shorten says national security is too important for thought bubbles. |
| I’ve contacted the prime minister and we’ll get a briefing next week. | I’ve contacted the prime minister and we’ll get a briefing next week. |
| He says he understands there has been no formal request from the US as yet. | He says he understands there has been no formal request from the US as yet. |
| 1.24am BST | |
| 01:24 | |
| Labor’s environment spokesman, Mark Butler. | Labor’s environment spokesman, Mark Butler. |
| Thank you, Bill. I want to thank FRV which has responsibility for the solar farm for welcoming us here today. As Bill has said this was one of the first movers in building utility-scale solar farms in Australia and there are many more being built. | Thank you, Bill. I want to thank FRV which has responsibility for the solar farm for welcoming us here today. As Bill has said this was one of the first movers in building utility-scale solar farms in Australia and there are many more being built. |
| FRV is building in Moree a solar farm which is more than twice the size of this that will have solar panels put on steel frames, metal frames, that are made in Australia by a company that used to be part of the automotive industry. | FRV is building in Moree a solar farm which is more than twice the size of this that will have solar panels put on steel frames, metal frames, that are made in Australia by a company that used to be part of the automotive industry. |
| (The future is now.) | (The future is now.) |
| Updated | |
| at 4.04am BST | |
| 1.20am BST | |
| 01:20 | |
| What you see behind me is the future of energy in this country. | What you see behind me is the future of energy in this country. |
| That’s the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, at the Royalla solar farm. Given it’s already there, I’d say it’s the present of energy in this country. | That’s the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, at the Royalla solar farm. Given it’s already there, I’d say it’s the present of energy in this country. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.03am BST | |
| 1.18am BST | |
| 01:18 | |
| Labor’s Joe Ludwig is offering substantially the same reasoning as the Liberal David Fawcett in the national Icac debate. | Labor’s Joe Ludwig is offering substantially the same reasoning as the Liberal David Fawcett in the national Icac debate. |
| We already have a range of integrity measures at the commonwealth level, which in my view are adequate to combat corruption at the federal level. | We already have a range of integrity measures at the commonwealth level, which in my view are adequate to combat corruption at the federal level. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.02am BST | |
| 1.11am BST | |
| 01:11 | |
| If you think I’m being too harsh on the prime minister concerning same sex-marriage (people’s vote my @#$*) the never-cynical Michelle Grattan, political editor of The Conversation, offers her readers much the same view, but with less implied expletives. | If you think I’m being too harsh on the prime minister concerning same sex-marriage (people’s vote my @#$*) the never-cynical Michelle Grattan, political editor of The Conversation, offers her readers much the same view, but with less implied expletives. |
| Michelle Grattan: | Michelle Grattan: |
| Let’s put aside the spin. This is more like a promise of false gold. Tricky, if you want to be harsh. Abbott’s intention has been called out by his sister Christine Forster and by Warren Entsch, the Liberal mover of the cross-party private member’s bill for same-sex marriage that will come in next week and then be buried by Abbott. | Let’s put aside the spin. This is more like a promise of false gold. Tricky, if you want to be harsh. Abbott’s intention has been called out by his sister Christine Forster and by Warren Entsch, the Liberal mover of the cross-party private member’s bill for same-sex marriage that will come in next week and then be buried by Abbott. |
| Both Entsch and Forster urge that if there is to be a popular vote it should be with the coming election. Needless to say, Abbott has no intention of having it then, even though that would be the logical timing and it would be no more of a distraction than the issue will be as things stand. If held then, he would have limited chance of defeating it. | Both Entsch and Forster urge that if there is to be a popular vote it should be with the coming election. Needless to say, Abbott has no intention of having it then, even though that would be the logical timing and it would be no more of a distraction than the issue will be as things stand. If held then, he would have limited chance of defeating it. |
| People will be very trusting if they buy the Abbott line as being a fair and square attempt to gauge community opinion. | People will be very trusting if they buy the Abbott line as being a fair and square attempt to gauge community opinion. |
| Abbott no doubt is thinking back to the John Howard playbook for the 1999 republic referendum. Howard pledged a vote, said he would be ‘withdrawn’ during the campaign, but used his clout to help ensure the defeat of the referendum. Abbott would be unlikely to bother with the ‘withdrawn’ bit, and the government position would, on present indications, be for the status quo, with individual Liberals able to take whatever position they liked. | Abbott no doubt is thinking back to the John Howard playbook for the 1999 republic referendum. Howard pledged a vote, said he would be ‘withdrawn’ during the campaign, but used his clout to help ensure the defeat of the referendum. Abbott would be unlikely to bother with the ‘withdrawn’ bit, and the government position would, on present indications, be for the status quo, with individual Liberals able to take whatever position they liked. |
| Based on his consistent record, if Abbott wins the election and goes ahead with a vote, he will do everything he can to stymie a pro-same-sex marriage outcome. | Based on his consistent record, if Abbott wins the election and goes ahead with a vote, he will do everything he can to stymie a pro-same-sex marriage outcome. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.02am BST | |
| 1.05am BST | |
| 01:05 | |
| The Labor leader, Bill Shorten, is out at Royalla inspecting a solar farm. | The Labor leader, Bill Shorten, is out at Royalla inspecting a solar farm. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.01am BST | |
| 12.57am BST | |
| 00:57 | |
| Liberal David Fawcett is speaking in the Icac debate now. I think the thrust of Fawcett’s reasoning is we already have an anti-corruption strategy at the federal level. | Liberal David Fawcett is speaking in the Icac debate now. I think the thrust of Fawcett’s reasoning is we already have an anti-corruption strategy at the federal level. |
| The recent ALP national conference also rejected a push from delegates in NSW to create a federal Icac. My colleague Gabrielle Chan reported the rejection just after our three-day odyssey in Melbourne. | The recent ALP national conference also rejected a push from delegates in NSW to create a federal Icac. My colleague Gabrielle Chan reported the rejection just after our three-day odyssey in Melbourne. |
| The Labor frontbencher and former ALP national secretary Gary Gray rejected a push for an Icac-style national integrity commission at the party’s conference because he says existing federal bodies are working. Tony Sheldon, national secretary of the Transport Workers Union and a former party vice-president, had included a motion for a federal independent commission against corruption at last weekend’s national ALP conference but it was taken down at the last minute. It failed to get internal parliamentary party support, including from Gray, Labor’s shadow special minister of state. Asked by Guardian Australia why he did not support the concept of a federal Icac, Gray said the ALP national conference had never done so. | The Labor frontbencher and former ALP national secretary Gary Gray rejected a push for an Icac-style national integrity commission at the party’s conference because he says existing federal bodies are working. Tony Sheldon, national secretary of the Transport Workers Union and a former party vice-president, had included a motion for a federal independent commission against corruption at last weekend’s national ALP conference but it was taken down at the last minute. It failed to get internal parliamentary party support, including from Gray, Labor’s shadow special minister of state. Asked by Guardian Australia why he did not support the concept of a federal Icac, Gray said the ALP national conference had never done so. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.00am BST | |
| 12.43am BST | |
| 00:43 | |
| Down in the red room, the Greens have brought forward a bill to establish a national Icac. This bill was first introduced in 2013. | Down in the red room, the Greens have brought forward a bill to establish a national Icac. This bill was first introduced in 2013. |
| The Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, is speaking now. | The Greens leader, Richard Di Natale, is speaking now. |
| The explanatory memorandum says the National Integrity Commission Bill 2013 establishes a national integrity commission, bringing together and co-locating the independent oversight functions for: | The explanatory memorandum says the National Integrity Commission Bill 2013 establishes a national integrity commission, bringing together and co-locating the independent oversight functions for: |
| Updated | |
| at 3.58am BST | |
| 12.37am BST | |
| 00:37 | |
| Dutton says same-sex marriage should be decided by a referendum | Dutton says same-sex marriage should be decided by a referendum |
| On 2GB right now, the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is backing a referendum (as opposed to a plebiscite) to decide the same-sex marriage issue. | On 2GB right now, the immigration minister, Peter Dutton, is backing a referendum (as opposed to a plebiscite) to decide the same-sex marriage issue. |
| I’m in the camp of supporting a referendum, because I think there’s a significant social change being proposed here. | I’m in the camp of supporting a referendum, because I think there’s a significant social change being proposed here. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.57am BST | |
| 12.34am BST | |
| 00:34 | |
| The environment minister, Greg Hunt, has been in our corridor this morning attempting to sell the government’s new post-2020 emissions targets. | The environment minister, Greg Hunt, has been in our corridor this morning attempting to sell the government’s new post-2020 emissions targets. |
| Radio National host Fran Kelly asked Hunt about estimates reported by my colleague Lenore Taylor of the costs associated with meeting the target via the government’s preferred policy mechanism, which is to make taxpayers pick up the tab for emissions reductions rather than businesses. | Radio National host Fran Kelly asked Hunt about estimates reported by my colleague Lenore Taylor of the costs associated with meeting the target via the government’s preferred policy mechanism, which is to make taxpayers pick up the tab for emissions reductions rather than businesses. |
| The Ai Group said this morning that achieving the new target using only the emissions reduction fund would cost between $100bn and $250bn. | The Ai Group said this morning that achieving the new target using only the emissions reduction fund would cost between $100bn and $250bn. |
| Hunt’s view about that? | Hunt’s view about that? |
| Ridiculous. Wrong. | Ridiculous. Wrong. |
| (From memory the government’s number is $2.4bn. Hunt said yesterday the government would miss the target rather than spend more money to meet it.) | (From memory the government’s number is $2.4bn. Hunt said yesterday the government would miss the target rather than spend more money to meet it.) |
| Updated | |
| at 3.57am BST | |
| 12.23am BST | |
| 00:23 | |
| The prime minister is off shortly to the Australian Crime Commission. Not sure about today’s flag rating. Stay tuned. | The prime minister is off shortly to the Australian Crime Commission. Not sure about today’s flag rating. Stay tuned. |
| 12.19am BST | |
| 00:19 | |
| Just back to same-sex marriage, rather than take my word on what the high court found in relation to marriage, have a look at the judgment. It’s quite short. | Just back to same-sex marriage, rather than take my word on what the high court found in relation to marriage, have a look at the judgment. It’s quite short. |
| These reasons will show that the commonwealth and the territory were right to submit that s 51(xxi) gives the federal parliament power to pass a law providing for same-sex marriage. | These reasons will show that the commonwealth and the territory were right to submit that s 51(xxi) gives the federal parliament power to pass a law providing for same-sex marriage. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.55am BST | |
| 12.11am BST | |
| 00:11 | |
| One story I haven’t stretched to yet is a data hack story in Fairfax Media. | One story I haven’t stretched to yet is a data hack story in Fairfax Media. |
| Islamic State has hacked the personal information of Australian defence force employees and their relatives, a Victorian MP and several public servants, and urged home-grown terrorists to attack them, in a chilling online breach. | Islamic State has hacked the personal information of Australian defence force employees and their relatives, a Victorian MP and several public servants, and urged home-grown terrorists to attack them, in a chilling online breach. |
| Michael Keenan on Sky this morning confirmed a breach had occurred but would not given any more details. | Michael Keenan on Sky this morning confirmed a breach had occurred but would not given any more details. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.53am BST | |
| 11.59pm BST | |
| 23:59 | |
| Exclusive: Australia’s youngest ever MP vows to cross the floor on marriage equality http://t.co/xjcQ1i5xVS pic.twitter.com/sXJHhnVfpa | Exclusive: Australia’s youngest ever MP vows to cross the floor on marriage equality http://t.co/xjcQ1i5xVS pic.twitter.com/sXJHhnVfpa |
| Liberal MP Wyatt Roy has, unsurprisingly given his positive view on the subject, indicated he’ll cross the floor to support marriage equality. | Liberal MP Wyatt Roy has, unsurprisingly given his positive view on the subject, indicated he’ll cross the floor to support marriage equality. |
| Pity he won’t get the opportunity if we believe the prime minister’s comments yesterday. Abbott has all but said the cross-party bill spearheaded by Warren Entsch won’t come to a vote. We could see a Senate vote though at some point on this issue, given the government doesn’t control the play in the red room. Perhaps Wyatt could burst on in. Stranger in the house! | Pity he won’t get the opportunity if we believe the prime minister’s comments yesterday. Abbott has all but said the cross-party bill spearheaded by Warren Entsch won’t come to a vote. We could see a Senate vote though at some point on this issue, given the government doesn’t control the play in the red room. Perhaps Wyatt could burst on in. Stranger in the house! |
| Updated | |
| at 3.52am BST | |
| 11.53pm BST | |
| 23:53 | |
| Shalailah Medhora | Shalailah Medhora |
| Keenan on Sky also stated the obvious on consultations with the US. | Keenan on Sky also stated the obvious on consultations with the US. |
| We’re constantly talking to our allies about the best way of destroying IS. Those conversations are ongoing. We’re determined to do all we can to destroy IS. Whilst they exist, they will be a threat to Australia. Obviously, we are doing that in conjunction with our allies. | We’re constantly talking to our allies about the best way of destroying IS. Those conversations are ongoing. We’re determined to do all we can to destroy IS. Whilst they exist, they will be a threat to Australia. Obviously, we are doing that in conjunction with our allies. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.52am BST | |
| 11.43pm BST | |
| 23:43 | |
| While I’ve been deconstructing people’s votes the justice minister, Michael Keenan, has been on Sky News thanking Dan Tehan for his useful contribution to the debate over Islamic State and Syria. Keenan notes, however, that any decision on that will be made at the highest levels of government. | While I’ve been deconstructing people’s votes the justice minister, Michael Keenan, has been on Sky News thanking Dan Tehan for his useful contribution to the debate over Islamic State and Syria. Keenan notes, however, that any decision on that will be made at the highest levels of government. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.31am BST | |
| 11.37pm BST | |
| 23:37 | |
| People's vote my @#$* | People's vote my @#$* |
| Invoking Syria is, of course, one way to change the marriage equality conversation, but default cynicism like this creates heat rather than light. Politics is rarely as orderly is it appears. What look like grand schemes are quite often accidents or cock-ups. And in any case, people will go on taking about marriage equality. Let’s get up to speed on that score. | Invoking Syria is, of course, one way to change the marriage equality conversation, but default cynicism like this creates heat rather than light. Politics is rarely as orderly is it appears. What look like grand schemes are quite often accidents or cock-ups. And in any case, people will go on taking about marriage equality. Let’s get up to speed on that score. |
| Folks hanging off the debate over the past couple of days will know that the government attempted yesterday to shrug off its internal schism by talking grandly about a people’s vote to settle the question of whether or not Australia should legalise same sex marriage. Doesn’t that sound marvellous? A people’s vote. | Folks hanging off the debate over the past couple of days will know that the government attempted yesterday to shrug off its internal schism by talking grandly about a people’s vote to settle the question of whether or not Australia should legalise same sex marriage. Doesn’t that sound marvellous? A people’s vote. |
| Unless you consider the following. The prime minister will be chief cheerleader for the “no” case. The prime minister doesn’t actually want a people’s vote at all, particularly if it is a positive vote. He just wants to buy himself a bit of time to navigate past the fight between conservatives and progressives within his own ranks. | Unless you consider the following. The prime minister will be chief cheerleader for the “no” case. The prime minister doesn’t actually want a people’s vote at all, particularly if it is a positive vote. He just wants to buy himself a bit of time to navigate past the fight between conservatives and progressives within his own ranks. |
| This is not a cynical judgment – I’m just adding up the sum of available facts. To understand the truth of this statement just think about the issue in these terms: if the Australian people vote in favour of marriage equality, will people such as Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison and Eric Abetz and Cory Bernardi just say, ‘Ah well, fair cop. Let’s just let the nice progressivism in.’ Of course not. Conservatives are not looking for a path to get this done; they are just looking to hold off the change for as long as possible. | This is not a cynical judgment – I’m just adding up the sum of available facts. To understand the truth of this statement just think about the issue in these terms: if the Australian people vote in favour of marriage equality, will people such as Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison and Eric Abetz and Cory Bernardi just say, ‘Ah well, fair cop. Let’s just let the nice progressivism in.’ Of course not. Conservatives are not looking for a path to get this done; they are just looking to hold off the change for as long as possible. |
| Gratifying in that context to see the true colours starting to show. | Gratifying in that context to see the true colours starting to show. |
| It’s not clear yet of course what this people’s vote is. The communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull, said yesterday he hoped the cabinet might get to determine that. (Good luck, Malcolm.) I suspect that depends whether or not Dan Tehan has a view. (Sorry, too much, I know.) | It’s not clear yet of course what this people’s vote is. The communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull, said yesterday he hoped the cabinet might get to determine that. (Good luck, Malcolm.) I suspect that depends whether or not Dan Tehan has a view. (Sorry, too much, I know.) |
| Last night on the ABC’s 7.30 Scott Morrison said he thought it should be a constitutional referendum rather than a yes/no plebiscite. Of course a constitutional referendum has a much higher threshold for success than a plebiscite. It’s quite easy in this country to get a no vote in a referendum. | Last night on the ABC’s 7.30 Scott Morrison said he thought it should be a constitutional referendum rather than a yes/no plebiscite. Of course a constitutional referendum has a much higher threshold for success than a plebiscite. It’s quite easy in this country to get a no vote in a referendum. |
| Also it’s completely unnecessary. The high court made it clear in its recent decision about the ACT same-sex marriage law that the federal parliament has the power to legislate to define marriage. | Also it’s completely unnecessary. The high court made it clear in its recent decision about the ACT same-sex marriage law that the federal parliament has the power to legislate to define marriage. |
| Ask no higher authority than Tony Abbott, who said this in May. | Ask no higher authority than Tony Abbott, who said this in May. |
| Q: Prime minister, [same-sex marriage] has come before the parliament a number of times though. Isn’t it time now to just give it to the public and make it a referendum? | Q: Prime minister, [same-sex marriage] has come before the parliament a number of times though. Isn’t it time now to just give it to the public and make it a referendum? |
| Tony Abbott: | Tony Abbott: |
| Well, that’s an interesting point. Referendums are held in this country where there is a proposal to change the constitution. I don’t think anyone’s suggesting that the constitution needs to be changed in this respect. Under the constitution, questions of marriage are the preserve of the commonwealth parliament; other matters of regulation of society are normally a matter for the state parliaments. Plainly, this is a matter that could quite properly come before the commonwealth parliament if members of parliament wanted it to be raised. | Well, that’s an interesting point. Referendums are held in this country where there is a proposal to change the constitution. I don’t think anyone’s suggesting that the constitution needs to be changed in this respect. Under the constitution, questions of marriage are the preserve of the commonwealth parliament; other matters of regulation of society are normally a matter for the state parliaments. Plainly, this is a matter that could quite properly come before the commonwealth parliament if members of parliament wanted it to be raised. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.31am BST | |
| 11.14pm BST | |
| 23:14 | |
| Why would we send Australian personnel into the most dangerous place on earth: Plibersek | Why would we send Australian personnel into the most dangerous place on earth: Plibersek |
| I’ll get to marriage very shortly, but right now I’m caught between Tehan being interviewed on Sky and Plibersek being interviewed on the ABC about Syria. | I’ll get to marriage very shortly, but right now I’m caught between Tehan being interviewed on Sky and Plibersek being interviewed on the ABC about Syria. |
| Tehan has already told the ABC this is his own view – the prime minister hasn’t sent him out to make the case for Australia’s involvement in Syria. | Tehan has already told the ABC this is his own view – the prime minister hasn’t sent him out to make the case for Australia’s involvement in Syria. |
| Tanya Plibersek, meanwhile: | Tanya Plibersek, meanwhile: |
| If the prime minister is interested in Australia now being involved in Syria, he should first declare what is the legal basis for Australian involvement. | If the prime minister is interested in Australia now being involved in Syria, he should first declare what is the legal basis for Australian involvement. |
| This is no doubt there is a humanitarian disaster in Syria, 11.5m people are internally or externally displaced, but without a clear legal basis for Australian involvement and without a clear plan ... what does victory in Syria look like ... ? | This is no doubt there is a humanitarian disaster in Syria, 11.5m people are internally or externally displaced, but without a clear legal basis for Australian involvement and without a clear plan ... what does victory in Syria look like ... ? |
| I think it would be very dangerous to send Australian personnel into one of the most dangerous places on Earth right now. | I think it would be very dangerous to send Australian personnel into one of the most dangerous places on Earth right now. |
| If the prime minister wants us to change our position, he should have the courage to go into the parliament and make that argument rather than sending a backbencher out to float an idea and see how people respond. | If the prime minister wants us to change our position, he should have the courage to go into the parliament and make that argument rather than sending a backbencher out to float an idea and see how people respond. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.39pm BST | |
| 11.00pm BST | |
| 23:00 | |
| Good morning | Good morning |
| Good morning politics tragics, and welcome to the final day of this parliamentary sitting week. Now riddle me this: does the Abbott cabinet not run and articulate security policy any more? | Good morning politics tragics, and welcome to the final day of this parliamentary sitting week. Now riddle me this: does the Abbott cabinet not run and articulate security policy any more? |
| I ask the question because this morning we read the chairman of parliament’s joint intelligence and security committee, Dan Tehan, thinks we should be bombing Islamic State targets in Syria. | I ask the question because this morning we read the chairman of parliament’s joint intelligence and security committee, Dan Tehan, thinks we should be bombing Islamic State targets in Syria. |
| Dan Tehan, in a column in the Herald Sun. | Dan Tehan, in a column in the Herald Sun. |
| The time has come for Australia to join the military coalition seeking to destroy Daesh [Isis] in Syria. We are acting in Iraq against Daesh, with our Hornets launching air strikes on a regular basis. We should be doing the same in Syria. | The time has come for Australia to join the military coalition seeking to destroy Daesh [Isis] in Syria. We are acting in Iraq against Daesh, with our Hornets launching air strikes on a regular basis. We should be doing the same in Syria. |
| Tehan is a good bloke, and he’s entirely within his rights to express an opinion on this score given he runs the security committee and takes a very close interest in these issues. However, there is some history here. When the prime minister ran into cabinet-level trouble a couple of months back on its citizenship revocation proposal (pests like Malcolm Turnbull and Christopher Pyne and Barnaby Joyce thought it might be good if the law was constitutional) Tehan and other backbenchers on the security committee materialised publicly to make Abbott’s case for him. | Tehan is a good bloke, and he’s entirely within his rights to express an opinion on this score given he runs the security committee and takes a very close interest in these issues. However, there is some history here. When the prime minister ran into cabinet-level trouble a couple of months back on its citizenship revocation proposal (pests like Malcolm Turnbull and Christopher Pyne and Barnaby Joyce thought it might be good if the law was constitutional) Tehan and other backbenchers on the security committee materialised publicly to make Abbott’s case for him. |
| In fact this bunch wanted the government to go further on citizenship: strip citizenship from people who were sole citizens. So I’m looking at Tehan’s contribution this morning with the sum of that recent history in mind. | In fact this bunch wanted the government to go further on citizenship: strip citizenship from people who were sole citizens. So I’m looking at Tehan’s contribution this morning with the sum of that recent history in mind. |
| Perhaps there has already been a discussion within the government and Tehan merely has been deputised to reflect the government’s new view (as opposed, for some reason, to the defence minister or the prime minister). Or perhaps this is a bit of authorised boundary riding in order to test the current bipartisanship around the Iraq commitment. Labor supports military action in Iraq, but the opposition thus far has drawn the line at crossing the border into Syria. | Perhaps there has already been a discussion within the government and Tehan merely has been deputised to reflect the government’s new view (as opposed, for some reason, to the defence minister or the prime minister). Or perhaps this is a bit of authorised boundary riding in order to test the current bipartisanship around the Iraq commitment. Labor supports military action in Iraq, but the opposition thus far has drawn the line at crossing the border into Syria. |
| Ah yes, here is Tanya Plibersek now at the doors of parliament, talking to reporters. Has the government’s policy on the deployment to the Middle East changed, she wonders, and if so, would the government be so kind as to offer a briefing? There are serious questions about the legality of incursions into Syria. What, exactly, is going on here? | Ah yes, here is Tanya Plibersek now at the doors of parliament, talking to reporters. Has the government’s policy on the deployment to the Middle East changed, she wonders, and if so, would the government be so kind as to offer a briefing? There are serious questions about the legality of incursions into Syria. What, exactly, is going on here? |
| Tehan’s intervention is no small or academic thing given the delicacy of political support for the current deployment, and I note there’s another story in the Hun’s sister paper, the Telegraph, this morning indicating the United States has asked for Australia’s help in the conflict. All this foregrounding is about as subtle as a meat axe – and we all know how much the prime minister desires a point of difference between the government and Labor on a security issue. We’ve seen that dynamic play out in bursts of pure politics (never mind coherence or fairness or technicalities or the long game) for the best part of 12 months. | Tehan’s intervention is no small or academic thing given the delicacy of political support for the current deployment, and I note there’s another story in the Hun’s sister paper, the Telegraph, this morning indicating the United States has asked for Australia’s help in the conflict. All this foregrounding is about as subtle as a meat axe – and we all know how much the prime minister desires a point of difference between the government and Labor on a security issue. We’ve seen that dynamic play out in bursts of pure politics (never mind coherence or fairness or technicalities or the long game) for the best part of 12 months. |
| The only question in my mind is: why is the backbench leading the charge? | The only question in my mind is: why is the backbench leading the charge? |
| Anyway we’ll pursue the threads of this story through the course of the day. Loads of other issues still burbling in the building. I’ll address where we are with same-sex marriage this morning in the next post. | Anyway we’ll pursue the threads of this story through the course of the day. Loads of other issues still burbling in the building. I’ll address where we are with same-sex marriage this morning in the next post. |
| Let’s open the conversation for today. The thread is waiting for your business. You can also reach Mikearoo and me on the twits @murpharoo and @mpbowers | Let’s open the conversation for today. The thread is waiting for your business. You can also reach Mikearoo and me on the twits @murpharoo and @mpbowers |
| Grab your flat whites. Here comes Thursday. | Grab your flat whites. Here comes Thursday. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.37pm BST |