Politics Live: July 17, 2014

So just when you thought we were up to the long winter break, it looks like we will get a bonus edition of Parliament!

On that exciting note, we leave you for the evening.

But before that, what did we learn today?

• Cory Bernardi is a conservative with a big reform agenda; 
• Joe Hockey is sticking with Plan A for the budget. Albeit with a "small variation";
• Ian Macdonald and Bill Heffernan disagree over the wearing of fluro tops in the Senate;
• The carbon tax is dead. SRSLY;
• But the fight over what comes next is only just beginning.

 

Many thanks for tuning in for what was a historic day - whatever you think about the carbon tax.

And a shout out to all those who commented. More than 1000 comments!

Alex Ellinghausen and I will be back tomorrow for one last Pulse before the break.

 

 

 

Prime Minister Tony Abbot after the carbon tax repeal on Thursday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

The Senate has taken a dinner break until 7.30pm.

It will then have until 11pm to debate the mining tax repeal.

There may be a vote. There may not.

(Sorry not to be more specific!)

The House is debating changes to the Seniors Health Card.

It has extended its hours today but is not likely to sit as late as the Senate tonight.

There is a good chance both houses of Parliament will be back tomorrow for a special Friday sitting.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten speaks on a MPI after question time. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Labor's Claire Moore also asks for "guidance" on the use of advertising material in the chamber.

As does the Greens Rachel Siewert, who also notes she would like to know if the fluro tops have been provided to Senators for the purpose of wearing them in the chamber.

Macdonald hops back up and says he does not see what the problem is.

He notes his name on the top: "perhaps I'm advertising myself."

And re: Australians for Coal: "I'm not sure which company that is".

The matter has been referred to Senate President Stephen Parry.

 

Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald speaks on the mining tax repeal as Bill Heffernan storms off. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

But don't think this is the end of the orange top.

Fellow Coalition MP Bill Heffernan gets up multiple times to protest Macdonald's fluro.

This is embossed with "Macdonald" and also bears the logo for "Australians for Coal".

Heffernan seems to be brandishing his own top, still in the plastic packaging.

He is unhappy about advertising material in the chamber.

"It sets a precedent."

"Bill Heffernan, Friends of Coca Cola," he suggests.

"I've told the Minerals Council to shove this!"

Senator Bill Heffernan on the orange tops. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

"I proudly wear this high-vis vest in the chamber today..."

Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald on the mining tax. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Macdonald has been having a grand old go at the Greens and their involvement in the mining tax.

"Don't let the Greens fool you. They were in it up to their neck with the Labor government!"

While all this is going on, Greens senator Scott Ludlam wanders around and sits behind Macdonald.

He holds up a sign that reads: "SRSLY!"

It doesn't not take long for Cory Bernardi - who is the chair - to discipline Ludlam.

 

Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald speaks on the mining tax repeal while Scott Ludlam holds up a sign. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald stands to argue in favour of the repeal.

He is wearing a bright orange mining uniform.

He says he is supporting the miners and those who work in the industry.

The mining tax "discouraged investment and therefore, discouraged jobs".

(The orange is clashing wildly with the Senate's red decor.)

Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald speaks on the mining tax repeal. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

"Rather than seeing this tax repealed, we should fix this tax!"

Christine Milne is telling the Senate that loopholes in the mining tax should be closed to bring in the big tax dollars. 

She points out that Joe Hockey has a revenue issue at the moment.

"I'm ready to give him more revenue!"

"I am standing here ready to help Mr Hockey..."

As the Senate continues to chat mining tax, here is some Ellinghausen magic.

The full set of the nine booted Labor MPs - in order of their dismissal from the House during question time today.

The last QT for more than a month. But the first in a post-carbon tax world.

 

New Defence chief Mark Binskin was also on hand.

(You don't get away with falling asleep in the military. Imagine the push ups!)

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop (centre) and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (right) meet with General Fan Changlong, Vice Chair of China's Central Military Commission. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen