Politics Live: October 2, 2014

It is time we head off into the sunny Canberra evening to check just how many times Wayne Swan's book refers to a surplus.

Before that, what did we learn?

• People can get bored of anything. David Leyonhjelm reckons people are sick of hearing democracy's but.
• Should we be worried about welfare's welfare? The social services budget bills now come from a broken home;
• There is peace for our time. Malcolm Turnbull thinks Tony Abbott has endearing qualities. And Abbott is proud of the work Turnbull is doing;
• But not necessarily harmony for our parliament. People with facial coverings must now sit in the "enclosed" galleries of the House of Reps and Senate.

 

Many thanks from Alex Ellinghausen, Andrew Meares and I for tuning in today.

Thanks also to Fergus Hunter, Frank Keany, Michael Pachi and Gabrielle Hooton for their behind-the-scenes help.

Parliament will be back on October 20!

 

 

 

Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the conclusion of question time on Thursday. Photo: Andrew Meares

The results of today's poll are in.

There was an overwhelming response when we asked what should be banned from Parliament House. 

• 61 per cent said Dorothy Dixers;
• 20 per cent said MPs in workout gear;
• 10 per cent said the burqa;
• 6 per cent said the overpriced under-filled sandwiches; and
• 3 per cent picked the Bogong moths that arrive every Spring.

 

Merci to the 1003 people who voted.

We will be sending this data to the Department of Parliamentary Services.

 

And:

Wayne "I may no longer have power but I've still got my principles" Swan

Labor MP Wayne Swan leaves under 94a. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Bill "I can't believe you handed down that budget" Shorten

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten during question time on Thursday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Tony "I can't believe you asked that question" Abbott

Prime Minister Tony Abbott reacts to a question by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten that was ruled out of order by the Speaker during question time on Thursday. Photo: Andrew Meares

Bronwyn "my death stare is scarier than Julie's" Bishop

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop during question time on Thursday. Photo: Andrew Meares

*Starring*

Cathy "I don't know anything about those dodgy votes" McGowan

Independent MP Cathy McGowan reacts to the answer from Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

The time being 5.23pm, we now present PHOTOS WITHOUT NOTICE.

 

In response to media queries, the Department of Parliamentary Services has issued another statement about the security changes in the building:

All visitors to the public areas of the building are subject to the same screening arrangements and are not required to prove their identify.  This policy remains unchanged.

However, given the current security environment, the Presiding Officers are concerned to ensure that all people in private areas of the building and in the sensitive area of the chamber galleries are able to be identified.

This means that visitors entering the private areas of the building will now be subject to the same level of identification verification as permanent Parliament House pass holders.  That is, they must be positively identified by Parliamentary security staff on entry to the private area.

If a visitor has facial covering that prevents security staff from verifying that they are the person in their photo ID they will be not be permitted into the private area.  If the visitor wishes to enter they will need to temporarily remove any item that obscured their facial features to allow a security officer to verify their identity.  This process is now the same for permanent pass holders and visitors.

If for any reason a person is uncomfortable or unable to remove their facial covering, the security staff will handle this issue sensitively, in a private area and in a culturally appropriately manner.

The chamber galleries have always been treated as a special part of the building.  Therefore there are long-standing specific conditions of entry relating to standards of dress, behaviour and items permitted in the chamber galleries. 

The bells have just rung to signal that the House has adjourned.

The Senate - always keen to get the last word in - is still going.

It is debating "education funding" under the "general business" heading.

It will not get back to the social services bill today for a vote. There was no shortage of Greens speakers on it before question time, and there is no more time for government business today.

The Senate will also not be able to vote on it until October 27.

The next time Parliament sits, during the week of October 20, the Senate has estimates.