Politics Live: July 15, 2014

We are off to examine our collection of prime ministerial magnets.

But before that, what did we learn?

• The Senate will be open later than a Canberra pub this week;
• When Clive Palmer says he is not negotiating with the government, it can actually mean he is;
• Warren Truss is one tough cookie in question time; 
• The carbon tax repeal fiesta should more accurately be called "The Neverending Story". 

 

Many thanks for tuning in for this epic day of democracy. Alex Ellinghausen, Andrew Taylor and I will snap and type you tomorrow.

 

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer on Tuesday evening. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

There's no firm word on whether there will be a vote tonight on the carbon tax, but to be honest ... can anything be predicted sensibly here?

If you would like to tune in to the debate, you can do so at the Parliament House website.

The Senate has voted, 48 ayes and 10 noes to bring on the carbon tax debate now.

And to extend sitting hours this week.

Despite decrying the "chaotic experience" of the Senate at the moment, Labor voted with the government.

The Greens were the only party to vote against the new schedule, with Christine Milne arguing against forcing the carbon tax repeal through. 

 

As also flagged earlier, the Fifield motion would see the carbon tax repeal debate brought on "immediately".

 

Mitch Fifield is now seeking to move a motion to vary the "hours of meeting" for the Senate for the rest of the week.

It also lays out the plan for government business.

As flagged earlier, this will mean longer hours tonight and Thursday and provides the option of sitting "beyond Thursday".

Fifield concedes that the government has been feeling "a little frustrated" about its inability so far to give effect to its election commitments in the Senate.

 

Manager of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Mitch Fifield, during a motion to vary the routine of business in the Senate. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

The carbon tax repeal bills have been re-introduced into the Senate.

(i.e. read a first time.)

Um, in other news, the head of the Abbott government's national curriculum review has backed the use of corporal punishment for naughty kids.

Matthew Knott has the tale.

And a mad scramble for everyone else.

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer departs after addressing the media during a press conference in the press gallery. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

It is a two thumbs up result for Clive.

Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer departs after addressing the media during a press conference in the press gallery. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

But Labor leader Bill Shorten is calling the whole thing "the dirtiest of backroom deals".

"Tony Abbott and his government have put Clive Palmer before Australian investors and families."