Federal election live blog: What you need to know with three days to go
AN ‘inappropriate’ and fiery incident at an early voting polling booth today shows the election campaign is starting to heat up.
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- Awkward start for Bill Shorten
- Focus on plebiscite plans
- Inappropriate incident at polling booth
- Psychic croc predicts election outcome
OPPOSITION Leader Bill Shorten has faced an awkward line of questioning from Today host Karl Stefanovic.
THERE are only three days to go until the July 2 poll. Here’s what matters today. The morning has kicked off with a spectacularly awkward moment from Opposition Leader Bill Shorten who was caught short when challenged on Labor’s budget record by none other than Today host Karl Stefanovic. There was also an aggressive incident today where a Labor volunteer pushed a Liberal volunteer at an early voting polling booth.
9.05pm
That’s a wrap
This brings us to the end of news.com.au’s election blog for today.
One of the main talking points was Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s awkward response to a question about the last time Labor delivered a surplus.
In other big election news, an elderly Liberal volunteer was pushed by a Labor volunteer at an early polling booth in Ingleburn.
Catch up on anything you may have missed today from the blog below.
9pm
Will Shorten appear?
ABC’S 7.30 presenter Leigh Sales said she hoped Opposition Leader Bill Shorten would appear on the program again before the election.
“To give you an update, both leaders promised to do two interviews with 7.30,” Sales said.
“The Prime Minister has already done two. The Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has done one.
“We are waiting to hear if he will honour his commitment by joining us tomorrow or Friday.”
7.30pm
Labor “deplores” all threats
Election tensions have boiled over at a pre-poll booth in Sydney’s southwest with a scuffle breaking out and allegations a Liberal MP threatened to “fix up” a volunteer. Liberal MP Russell Matheson claims one of his volunteers aged in his 70s was pushed over by a Labor volunteer in Ingleburn in the key battleground electorate of Macarthur on Wednesday.
But a Labor spokesman says the scuffle is the latest of several incidents reported to have occurred at pre-poll booths in the electorate, including allegations Mr Matheson threatened to take a volunteer “out the back and fix him up”.
They’ve also alleged several of Mr Matheson’s volunteers surrounded a young female volunteer and verbally harassed her. Labor says that incident, and allegations Liberal volunteers have removed how-to-vote cards from the hands of voters, have been referred to the Australian Electoral Commission.
“Labor deplores all threats and violent acts and expects all volunteers to live up to the highest standards of conduct,” the spokesman said.
“Mr Matheson, as a member of the federal parliament, should live up to the same standards of behaviour and decency.” Mr Matheson says he wasn’t at the booth on Wednesday, but claims Labor has become “increasingly desperate and aggressive” in the area.
He says both police and ambulance attended the scene and the volunteer is recovering at home.
“This kind of behaviour is completely inappropriate and I call on the Labor Party to apologise for the behaviour of their volunteer,” he said.
Police say there was a scuffle between two men aged in their 60s and 70s, but no charges had been laid.
The Liberals have held the seat of Macarthur since 1996 but boundary changes mean the electorate now has more Labor voters, giving the opposition hope of snagging it back.
— AAP
7.10pm
“I don’t hate the Liberal Party”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten had to face some tough questioning on The Project tonight and it started with how he felt about the crocodile that chose Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over him.
After settling in with a joke, Mr Shorten was asked to tell the Australian public what his weakness was.
“Sometimes in politics everybody has to be black and white,” he said.
“I don’t hate the Liberal Party, I think we have better ideas, but I think sometimes we have too much conflict.
“Everything gets dumbed down the 15-second sound bites and I’d sometimes like to take longer to make my point and work through my issues and work with the Liberals as opposed to being at each other’s throats.”
Mr Shorten then faced questioning about whether he put people first, considering he knifed both his predecessors Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd.
“It’s important the Labor Party learns lessons from that and people really do disapprove of that disunity. I guess we saw that again when Mr Turnbull paid the same compliment to Tony Abbott,” he said.
“But Labor for the last 1000 days has been united and put disunity aside.”
6.40pm
“Let’s just say you’ll know I’m there”
Outspoken media personality Derryn Hinch told Sky News he would use parliamentary privilege to “name and shame” sex offenders.
“It’ll be the call of last resort and I won’t be a cowboy but if I feel that kids are in danger I will name and shame I will and ill use parliamentary privilege to do so,” he said.
“And I stress, for convicted sex offenders. I’m not talking about people who have just been charged.
“I’ve been pushing for a long time for a national register of convicted sex offenders and I also hope if I get in, I would like first of all a national inquiry into family court and child welfare agencies around Australia — there are kids in foster care who shouldn’t be and kids are taken out of foster care who should be. It’s an area I was to push hard for.
“Let’s just say you’ll know I’m there.”
.@HumanHeadline says he may use parliamentary privilege to 'name and shame' convicted sex offenders #ausvotes https://t.co/pEnW4f8sEx
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) June 29, 2016
5.50pm
“Inappropriate” incident at polling booth
A Liberal volunteer in his 70s was pushed over by a Labor volunteer today at a pre-poll booth in Ingleburn.
The Australian Electoral Commission contacted police and the ambulance service, both attended the scene.
The Liberal volunteer is recovering at home and Member for Macarthur Russell Matheson released a statement about the aggressive incident.
“I was not at the booth when the incident occurred or at any stage today before the incident, but I do know that Labor is becoming increasingly desperate and aggressive in my local area,” he said.
“This kind of behaviour is completely inappropriate and I call on the Labor Party to apologise for the behaviour of their volunteer.”
5.40pm
Muslims reject their “defender”
Wannabe senator and leader of the Rise Up Australia political party, Daniel Nalliah, earlier said he was a defender of moderate Muslims and helped calm the views of far right groups like United Patriots Front.
But the Lebanese Muslim Association has criticised him and said he had little understanding of Islam and challenges faced by Muslims in Australia.
“We reject his attempts at ‘talking’ to the far right groups on behalf of the Muslim community as he is not a representative of the Australian Muslim community, nor does he show any kind of understanding of the experiences and challenges Muslims face,” a spokesperson told AAP.
“We also reject his divisive and discriminatory use of the ‘extreme’ and ‘moderate’ Muslims dichotomy, and call upon Mr Nalliah and his party to abandon their bigoted policies and positions.”
5.10pm
Hilarious video with sad realities
Comedian Sammy J has created an adult version of Playschool called “Playground Politics”, poking fun of the election.
Playing with a stuffed doll outside a cardboard house, the comedian says “what a bright sunny day. I’m saddled with debt, I can’t afford childcare and I’ll die before I ever see a surplus.”
He introduces us to “Average Voter” who has abandonment issues because Prime Ministers keep leaving, causing the voter to renounce their citizenship.
“All you need is an Australian flag, some petrol and a source of heat. You could use your burning rage at the fact that this election campaign feels like it’s gone for a decade or a cigarette lighter. Make sure you ask mummy or daddy first,” the comedian said in the video posted by ABC.
“See Average Voter has developed major abadanoment issues since every Prime Minister he has elected over the last decade has left him midterm.
“Well now he’s decided he’s had enough. He won’t be fooled again by smooth talking politicians and their sweet sounding promises.”
4.45pm
Prime Minister challenged by elderly voter
When Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stepped off the train at Hurstville earlier today, an elderly man politely greeted him before grilling him.
“After the way John Howard lied to us, why should we believe anything you have to say?” the elderly man said.
Mr Turnbull stopped to talk to him and said he’s been absolutely straight during this election.
He then tried to cut off the conversation by saying to the man “it has been really good to see you” but the elderly man wasn’t finished.
“It’s the hidden agenda that’s the real problem,” he said.
Mr Turnbull said it was all in the budget and the elderly voter was clearly frustrated and it seemed the Prime Minister didn’t win him over.
“I don’t believe you sir. I’m not saying you’re lying but just that you’re a professional politician and that’s the sort of way you distort things. Have a lovely day,” the elderly man said as he walked off.
4.30pm
Eddie Obeid “a disgrace”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said former NSW MP Eddie Obeid was a “disgrace”.
Obeid was found guilty earlier this week for misconduct in public office.
“He is a disgrace, there is no place for him in politics,” Mr Shorten told the Nine Network.
Obeid, 72, was accused of failing to declare a personal stake in Circular Quay cafe leases when making representations about the plight of leaseholders in late 2007.
AAP reports between August and November 2007, it was alleged Obeid contacted NSW Maritime Authority chief executive Steve Dunn and insisted a group of Circular Quay lessees had been mistreated and urged him to intervene.
4.20pm
People care about their sausage sizzles
A trending hashtag on Twitter has shown just how much people are looking forward to a sausage in bread at a polling booth on Saturday.
People have expressed their love for the ground meat using the hashtag #electionin6words.
Splash Sauce On A Sausage Saturday #electionin6words
— Peter Fyfe (@FyfePeter) June 29, 2016
Others are taking the hashtag a little more seriously and using it as an opportunity to express their views on election promises.
Some support the gay marriage plebiscite while others don’t and there’s even a voter predicting former Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be leading again.
4pm
Julie Bishop unafraid of backlash
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is unafraid of a voter backlash over superannuation in her safe West Australian seat of Curtin.
Ms Bishop said there would be no changes made to the incoming superannuation regime and she would explain the reasons behind the decision to the Liberal Party’s Curtin division, which opposes the policy.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the coalitions’s determination to push ahead with a crackdown on superannuation tax concessions as “absolutely iron clad”.
“We’ve got two days to go and I’m still campaigning,” Ms Bishop told reporters in Perth on Wednesday.
“We don’t take any seat for granted. It will be a close election and we’re working hard across every electorate in Western Australia and across the country.”
- AAP
3.45pm
Wannabe senator defender of moderate Muslims
AAP reports Sri Lankan-born Christian preacher and wannabe senator Daniel Nalliah considers himself a defender of moderate Muslims.
He is the leader of the Rise Up Australia political party and will attempt to get a seat in the Victorian senate on Saturday.
AAP reports Mr Nalliah believes he’s helped calm the views of far-right groups who’ve had Australian Muslims in their sights, including the United Patriots Front, a group trying to stop the “spread of Islam”.
“I’ve spoken to them, to (United Patriots Front leader) Blair Cottrell several times,” Mr Nalliah told AAP.
“My connection with them has possibly helped them understand that we are not fighting a people’s group, we are fighting an ideology.
“Jesus said to love the sinner but not the sin. I love the Muslim people but not the ideology.”
Mr Nalliah has attended Reclaim Australia rallies and AAP reports he was chanting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!” to a cheering crowd at a Melbourne rally.
The wannabe senator says all Australians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, must adopt the Australian way of life when they choose to live here.
For Australian Muslims, he says that means religious reformation and a rejection of “extreme” elements of Islam, including Sharia law.
He told AAP moderate Muslims understood his message, and the effect those with extreme views of Islam had on their lives.
“I’d like to see Muslim leaders come out on the rooftop of the mosques and say if you are doing jihad you’re not going to heaven, you’re going to hell,” Mr Nalliah told AAP.
“In my heart I feel I am a champion for many Muslims who are thinking what I’m thinking.”
3.30pm
Costings are not a guarantee
The Parliamentary Budget Office believes Labor’s medium-term budget predictions may not be something to rely on.
The Australian Financial Review reports the office thinks changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax may not be something for Labor to rest on.
The opposition party plans to raise more than $37 billion over the next 10 years with its plan to change negative gearing and capital gains tax.
According to the Australian Financial Review, the coalition asked the Parliamentary Budget Office to draw up a similar policy to Labor’s when it came to negative gearing.
It was revealed if the coalition had a similar plan to Labor, it would raise about $6 billion a year by 2026-27, which was about $800 million less than what Labor predicted.
AAP reports Opposition Leader Bill Shorten stood by his costings and said the government would have to try harder than that to discredit the opposition.
Parliamentary Budget Officer Phil Bowen said all policy costings, no matter who they were prepared by, were subject to uncertainty.
3pm
Peta Credlin a victim of sexism
Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young told Sky News there was a level of sexism directed towards Peta Credlin when she was the chief of staff for former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
She believed members of the coalition and the media subjected Ms Credlin to sexism.
“The fact she is now in a position of commentator and a strong, very compelling commentator throughout this election — and I don’t agree with most things that she says — but yeah, look, I think comments about cups of teas should probably be left in the 1950s and let’s get on with talking about the validity of people’s political analysis for who they are and the knowledge they have, not what gender they are,” she said.
2.15pm
Staff strategically positioned on streetwalk
An ABC cameraman has captured an awkward moment during the Prime Minister’s streetwalk through southern Sydney earlier today.
The clip posted to Twitter shows members of Mr Turnbull’s advance team and media team taking turns in standing in front of an electricity box with a poster showing the PM’s face and the caption “Fizza”.
Staff members blocked the poster as Mr Turnbull walked past and the press pack followed.
The Prime Minister’s staff clearly saw the humour in the situation.
Take a look for yourself:
Staff strategically positioned on the PM's streetwalk. #auspol #ausvotes @abcnews @ABCNews24 pic.twitter.com/TNvB8Dx4xt
— ABCcameramatt (@ABCcameramatt) June 29, 2016
1.35pm
Shorten deflects leadership talk
Sick of Australia’s revolving door of prime ministers and political leaders?
So are the politicians. Well, the ones who are comfortable in their jobs anyway.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who was instrumental in overthrowing two Labor prime ministers, has deflected leadership talk today.
Mr Shorten dismissed as “silly” a question over how much of a win he’d need on Saturday to stave off a challenge from Mr Albanese.
He said Labor had learnt its lesson on past leadership changes and was more united than it had been in recent times.
“How many seats does Malcolm Turnbull have to lose before Tony Abbott moves on him,” Mr Shorten said.
“We are unarguably the most united we’ve been in probably two decades.”
Mr Albanese said the opposition had been focused on getting back to government over the past three years.
No one in the team was in it for themselves.
“We haven’t been a small target at this election — and that is to the credit of the leader.
“I back our team.”
Mr Albanese won the majority of grassroots votes in Labor’s leadership ballot in 2013, but did not achieve enough caucus votes to beat Mr Shorten.
If Mr Shorten loses the federal election the Labor leadership will be automatically spilt.
AAP
1.20pm
2500 scientists scold Turnbull
He’s already being grilled on his party’s plebiscite plan, now Malcolm Turnbull is incurring the wrath of thousands of Australian scientists who aren’t happy with the PM’s Great Barrier Reef solution.
The International Coral Reef Symposium, Itnernational Society for Reef Studies, and “their combined voices of over 2,300 coral reef scientists, managers, policy makers and staholders” have written to Mr Turnbull.
“We urge you to improve the protection of the Great Barrier Reef on climate change and lead not follow on this critically important global issue,” they wrote.
12.20pm
Marriage equality legislation ‘will sail through parliament’
Malcolm Turnbull’s daily press conference has been completely dominated by questions on same sex marriage.
He’s provided a guarantee same sex marriage would be legislated for, but still hasn’t cleared up confusion over how individual MPs would vote on the issue as required to pass a bill on the issue.
“One thing that I would say that is an absolute certainty, is that if the plebiscite is passed or carried by the Australian people, same-sex marriage will be legislated for by the Australian parliament,” he said.
“If the plebiscite is passed there is nothing more certain than that the legislation will pass through the parliament. It will sail through he parliament.”
But when it came to how MPs would respond to the plebiscite, Mr Turnbull said it was “a matter for them”.
“In our party it will be a free vote. How members respond to the plebiscite is a matter for them,” he said.
12.15pm
Turnbull will work with Turkey to fight terrorism
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has taken pause from delivering his campaign messages to convey condolences to the people of Turkey.
“We convey our very deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Turkey who have been hit with a series of suicide bombings of this kind in recent time. We also convey our sympathy and condolences to the family of those who have been killed and injured,” he said.
“This is a reminder that Islamist terrorists seem to destroy and divide Muslims as well as Christians and those of other faiths.”
Mr Turnbull said his Government would work with Turkey’s to fight terrorism.
“We will continue to work relentlessly with our, t the best security and intelligence services in the world, certainly there are none better, to keep australians safe from terrorism at home and so far as we can abroad,” he said.
Mr Turnbull said Australia and Turkey “have a common bond” and many australians were familiar with the scene of the Instanbul attack.
He described those responsible as a “murderous, criminal movement”.
Bill Shorten has also addressed the attack, declaring it “deplorable”.
“Istanbul is a fantastic city. Turkey is a fantastic country. We have many proud Australian people of Turkish origin,” the Labor leader told reporters in Sydney.
“So my heart goes out to the population, to the people of Turkey, to the government of Turkey, and of course, to the Australian Turkish population who’ve made such a great contribution to this country.”
11.50am
‘He can go and get f***ed’
Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm has told a NSW Greens MP to “get f***ed” over a disagreement about one of Mr Leyonhjelm’s supporters’ behaviour.
The argument began when a proud gun enthusiast and vocal supporter of the outspoken senator posted a Youtube video under the alias “The Sydney Militia” showing off his extensive firearm collection and encouraging viewers to vote for Mr Leyonhjelm.
NSW Greens justice spokesman David Shoebridge alleges the man breached NSW firearms laws by unsafely handling and storing the weapons, and alerted police. He called on Senator Leyonhjelm to distance himself.
“The video is disturbing because it not only flouts our firearms laws but does so in the context of the upcoming federal election,” Mr Shoebridge told AAP.
“It is obviously of heightened concern when firearms laws are breached in support of political aims.” But Senator Leyonhjelm responded to Mr Shoebridge in strong terms.
“A minor flurry today in response to that dickhead David Shoebridge pretending he knows something about gun laws,” he posted on Facebook on Tuesday.
“I said he can go and get f***ed.”
The Sydney Militia also hit back, saying Mr Shoebridge wanted him to lose his business and livelihood.
11.25am
Australia facing its own Brexit moment?
According to AAP, Australia’s own Brexit moment is brewing.
This from the news service’s Belinda Tasker:
The same voter anger driving Britain’s messy divorce from the European Union and Donald Trump’s political rise in the United States is simmering away in Australia and some political pundits believe it’s only a matter of time before it erupts.
Recent opinion polls show more than a fifth of Aussie voters intend to vote “other” at Saturday’s federal election amid disenchantment with politics.
Dr Mark Triffitt, a public policy lecturer at the Melbourne School of Government, says the rising popularity of candidates like South Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon mirrors the gravitation towards outsiders like Mr Trump and Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson.
“Australia hasn’t had its Trump or Brexit moment but it’s likely to happen at some point because the same disenchantment and disengagement about the way politics is done is evidently here but it just hasn’t had a catalyst like in the US or UK,” Dr Triffitt told AAP.
“Even if Saturday’s result reflects people thinking twice about a particular issue or their vote, it won’t make too much difference to the longer-term trend that people in Australia are angry like in the UK and US about the political class letting them down.”
Dr Triffitt said the general level of trust in political parties is at its lowest ebb, with the system based on ideas from the 19th and 20th centuries and the growing perception that it only benefits wealthy individuals and companies rather than ordinary folk. “These are issues that have played out in the UK and US for a number of years and are now gathering steam here,” said Dr Triffitt, who was an adviser to former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett.
11am
Leaders land in Sydney
In the first few weeks of the election Bill Shorten seemed to be sung to and kissed almost everywhere he went, but it’s been a little while since the Opposition Leader was serenaded during a street walk.
A group of kids have broken the tuneless drought this morning singing to the leader “home among the gumtrees” as he visited a childcare centre in Sydney’s Riverwood.
We had a @billshortenmp zinger after this: "We'll have to teach the journos that for the bus" #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/MMVAJ0qTB5
— Rachel Baxendale (@rachelbaxendale) June 29, 2016
Meanwhile, Malcolm Turnbull is engaging in a family affair.
After catching the train with wife Lucy from Martin Place, he’s off to meet his son Alex, his partner Yvonne and their one-year-old daughter Isla in Sydney’s south.
They’re going to have a yum cha lunch following a rare street walk from the Prime Minister, where he’ll mingle with the people of Hurstville.
A stream of selfies & babies... PM now meeting family in a restaurant for yum cha #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/NSMRAEOVtf
— Jessica Marszalek (@JessMarie_News) June 29, 2016
10.20am
Libs jump on Shorten’s latest gaffe
Call it payback for Labor meme-ifying Mr Turnbull’s comments yesterday.
The Liberal Party has seized on Bill Shorten’s awkward live TV moment during his interview with Today’s Karl Stefanovic this morning.
The party’s official Twitter account was quick to post a Vine of the clip where Mr Shorten was asked when Labor last delivered a surplus, and had trouble answering.
The clip has been posted with the caption “This actually happened”.
Just in case you haven’t enjoyed the bizarre sound and sheer awkwardness of the moment already, here it is again:
PSA: This actually happened (Hint: Labor's last surplus was in 1989) #ausvotes #auspol https://t.co/3zs2WpREOK
— Liberal Party (@LiberalAus) June 28, 2016
10am
Campaign interrupted to condemn terror attack
The Prime Minister is expected to pause campaigning later today to make comments on Turkey’s overnight terror attack.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has released a statement condemning the attack on Ataturk Airport.
Her statement confirms it is as yet unknown whether any Australians have been affected.
“The Australian Government condemns what appears to be a co-ordinated terror attack on the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey on 28 June. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Turkey,” she said.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urgently seeking to determine whether any Australians have been affected.
“I understand the Turkish authorities have secured the area of the attack and have advised that Ataturk Airport will be closed for up to 48 hours.”
Travel advice for Turkey has been updated to reflect the attack with Australians urged to “reconsider their need to travel to Istanbul.
My statement regarding the attack on Ataturk Airport, Istanbul. Our thoughts & sympathies are with people of Turkey https://t.co/ldPxHaE74G
— Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) June 28, 2016
9.40am
PM should recognise Abbott’s ‘constructive role’
Peta Credlin has been at it again, suggesting Malcolm Turnbull should “act with grace” and recognise Tony Abbott’s “constructive role” in the campaign.
Mr Abbott’s former chief of staff told SkyNews that the former PM had fundraised very hard for the campaign and gone wherever he was needed.
He has also knocked back “9 out of 10” media requests. Ms Credlin said it had not been the “Rudd and Gillard show” that everyone expected.
Peta Credlin says PM Turnbull should 'act with grace' and recognise Tony Abbott's 'constructive role' in campaign https://t.co/X3SrRIkMPi
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) June 28, 2016
9.30am
Psychic croc predicts election outcome
A 5.1m crocodile has tipped a win for Malcolm Turnbull in Saturday’s federal election.
The Northern Territory News consulted the monster, who indicated his preference by chowing down on a picture of the PM attached to a pole, along with some fish guts.
Territory crocs apparently have an unblemished record when it comes to picking prime minister.
And really who would dare argue?
WE RECKON THIS IS HOW THE PM SHOULD ACTUALLY BE ELECTED. HONESTLY, WHERE'S VOTING GOT US THE LAST 9 YEARS? #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/NvWGZuM0La
— The NT News (@TheNTNews) June 28, 2016
9am
PM dials into Cowper
A close race in the NSW mid-north coast seat of Cowper may have prompted an unusually generous offer from Malcolm Turnbull to be interviewed on a local ABC station.
According to Fairfax, radio presenter Michael Spooner was stunned when Mr Turnbull’s media adviser called to offer a rare interview.
Some believe the coalition is worried that longstanding Nationals MP Luke Hartsuyker will lose his seat to independent Rob Oakeshott.
During the 15-minute interview Mr Turnbull described Mr Hartsuyker as very committed and a passionate representative.
8.30am
WWF reveals environment scorecard
The World Wildlife Fund Australia is not impressed with the environment policies of either major party.
Its final scorecard evaluated policies for protecting the Great Barrier Reef, addressing climate change and protecting threatened species. It found neither of the major parties had committed to the level of funding required to turn around the reef’s decline.
They had also not committed to ending non-agricultural polluting fossil fuel subsidies.
8am
Milk prices back on the agenda
Malcolm Turnbull has promised to sit down with milk processors such as Murray Goulburn to “get to the bottom” of the milk crisis.
As Murray Goulburn further slashes the price it plans to pay dairy farmers to $4.31 a kilogram, 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones asked the PM to look at using a special clause in their contracts to pay dairy farmers more.
Mr Turnbull said he would “sit down” with milk processors, if re-elected.
When asked about his Budget measures being blocked by the new Senate, Mr Turnbull said was confident most of the new senators would recognise the will of the Australian people in backing budget repair.
7.45am
Focus on plebiscite plans
Both sides of politics will be challenged on their plans for a same-sex marriage vote today.
Last night, Treasurer Scott Morrison was grilled by 7.30 host Leigh Sales over which way he would vote on the issue if it came down to a post-plebiscite parliamentary vote.
He refused to answer the question directly, repeating “I’ll respect the outcome of the plebiscite”.
Sales kept asking why the Treasurer was dodging the question, but Mr Morrison still failed to reveal how he would vote.
The cringe-inducing interview has been followed up by another with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. He was questioned by Karl Stefanovic this morning on Today over his “backflip” on a plebiscite vote, which he once supported.
Mr Shorten’s previous support was revealed in The Australian today, and he was forced to admit the backflip in an ABC radio interview this morning.
“I no longer think the plebiscite’s the way to go. The nation is ready to have the vote and move on,” he said.
7.15am
‘You are a liar, you are a criminal’
There have been plenty of attacks thrown at each political leader throughout the almost eight-week election campaign, but the latest burn has been directed at former prime minister John Howard.
Campaigning in Western Australia, the former PM was heckled on his record of refugees.
“John Howard, what about the children overboard? You are a liar, you are a criminal, shame on you,” a shopper shouted out before being removed by security guards.
The Liberal Party figure was lending support to MP Luke Simpkins, who is up against deradicalisation-expert-turned-Labor-candidate Anne Aly in the marginal seat of Cowan.
Mr Howard continued his party’s attacks on Ms Aly over her views on national security.
“Like a lot of other people in the Labor Party, she does not support strong border protection policy,” he said.
“She is one of the candidates for the Labor Party that has made it very plain that the robust claims of Bill Shorten are not claims she supports.”
Ms Aly hit back at Mr Howard and the Liberals claiming it was an “obvious smear campaign with no substance and no evidence”.
6.45am
Awkward start for Shorten
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten yesterday described a throwaway comment from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as the defining gaffe of the election, but he may have called it early.
In a spectacularly awkward exchange with Today host Karl Stefanovic this morning, the Mr Shorten was left visibly dumbstruck when challenged on Labor’s budget record.
Asked when a Labor government last delivered a surplus, the Opposition Leader froze up and then made a bizarre sound, rolling his tongue around in his mouth as he scrambled to answer.
After a long pause, he said: “Um, I guess I was an adult.”
Stefanovic went on to remind the Opposition Leader he was just out of university at the time, and that Coalition governments had achieved a surplus far more recently.
“You were 22, you’re 49 now,” he said.
“Why would anyone believe you could return a surplus within 10 years?”
Mr Shorten recovered quickly, saying Labor had made “simple changes”, and gave a guarantee his government would deliver a surplus in the next decade if elected.
6.30am
Who’s where today
Both leaders will be campaigning in the familiar battleground of Sydney today.
It’s the city each leader has spent most time in throughout the campaign, with Bill Shorten spending 15 days in the harbour city and Malcolm Turnbull 21.
Mr Shorten is headed to Sydney’s south in a bid to win back old territory as the government tries to paint Labor as reckless with the nation’s finances.
He’ll be in the marginal Liberal-held seat of Banks to campaign against the Coalition’s cuts to health.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will also be campaigning in Sydney on Wednesday, starting the day with a radio interview with shock jock Alan Jones.
Tomorrow, he’ll head to Canberra to address the National Press Club with his final big campaign pitch.
Originally published as Federal election live blog: What you need to know with three days to go
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