The Pulse: June 19, 2014

It's about time we headed for the homestead to enjoy re-reading the week's Hansard with a glass of something grapey.

But before that, what did we learn?

• The vibe of the chaplaincy program is unconstitutional;
• Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten are wittier than you might have come to think (based on their question time performances);
• It is six months since an asylum seeker boat "successfully" arrived in Australia;
• But the government is not declaring victory. It is only holding victorious press conferences.

 

Many thanks from Andrew Meares and I. The Pulse will be back next Monday for the last sitting week before the new Senate gets here.

Laters!

 

 

The House has risen for the week.

The Senate chats on.

It is debating paid parental leave under "general business".

 

Mechanical Fitter, Plant Room (2014) Anne ZAHALKA (1957-)Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services, Canberra, ACTCredit: Tawfik Elgazzar

The exhibition of Anne's behind-the-scenes photos is open until August 10 (free entry).

Tomorrow, she will participate in a panel discussion about the inspiration behind her work (10.30am in the Parliament House theatre).

Gardener, Forecourt (2014) Anne ZAHALKA (1957-) Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services, Canberra, ACT

Parliament turned 25 last year, but the celebrations continue.

Australian photographer Anne Zahalka has been commissioned to take a beautiful series of photos documenting the people who work in one of the largest buildings in the southern hemisphere.

When Parliament sits, there are more than 5000 people who work here.

And they are not just MPs and staffers and journos.

The Jordanian ambassador, Rima Ahmad Aladeen, spoke at the ministerial doors this afternoon.

She said that the ambassadors had been reassured that "there was no change in Australia's position".

"We consider that it was a positive meeting and we are encouraged by this clarification."

The ambassadors also met with Labor leader Bill Shorten, Tanya Plibersek and Penny Wong.

And were similarly reassured that there is no policy change there.

What about any trade - or other - implications for Australia?

There is an Organisation of Islamic Co-operation meeting this evening in Saudi Arabia.

"We have to wait and see what transpires from the ... meeting."

Jordanian ambassador Rima Ahmad Alaadeen and Arab ambassadors after a meeting with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Photo: Andrew Meares

Julie Bishop described her meeting with the Arab ambassadors today as "constructive".

What do the ambassadors have to say?

 

Jordanian ambassador Rima Ahmad Alaadeen R and Arab ambassadors emerge from a meeting with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. Photo: Andrew Meares

Just before question time, the Green Army Bill passed the Senate.

This is good (if unsurprising) news for Environment Minister Greg Hunt.

He has released an up tempo statement, telling the world that the government has "delivered on its key election commitment".

"The first round of Green Army projects will soon roll out across the country with 250 projects and 2500 young people beginning on-the-ground environmental activities," he said.

School leavers, gap-year students, graduates and job seekers will all be able to get involved.

 

Up in Sydney, Health Services Union official Kathy Jackson has again appeared at the royal commission into trade union governance.

Anna Patty and Ben Schneiders report that Jackson has been unable to explain how a string of  large withdrawals from a union slush fund were spent.

This comes after Jackson's ally, Marco Bolano, has been accused of threatening, harassing and spitting at an opponent outside the HSU hearing.

 

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pass after a division in Parliament House. Photo: Andrew Meares

Hi-diddly-ho neighbour.

All that dividing (voting) meant that MPs had to get up and shuffle around the chamber.

And provided Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten with opportunity to say g'day at closer range.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pass after a division in Parliament House. Photo: Andrew Meares