PoliticsNow: Michael McCormack, Scott Morrison humiliated as Llew O’Brien gets deputy speaker job
Queensland Nationals MP Ken O’Dowd has thrown his support behind Barnaby Joyce to run again for the leadership.
- McCormack. Morrison humiliated
- Crossbenchers support Steggall bill
- Hanson declares war
- Steggall: lock zero emissions in
- O’Brien loss ‘incredibly sad’
- Labor ‘welcomes coal jobs’
Hello and welcome to PoliticsNow, The Australian’s live blog on the happenings at Parliament House in Canberra.
Another Monday, another National Party controversy as one MP quits the party a week on from the leadership spill, with the turmoil threatening to overshadow Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s visit to Canberra. Crossbenchers have come out in support of Zali Steggall’s planned climate action bill.
Top stories: McCormack, Morrison humiliated | O’Dowd throws support behind Joyce
Richard Ferguson 6.02pm: Lambie’s outburst over report
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has refused to release an internal government report into former minister Bridget McKenzie’s handling of the sports grant scandal.
The report from the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet secretary Phillip Gaetjens found Senator McKenzie breached ministerial standards for failing to disclose her membership of a gun club she gave a grant to, but cleared the controversial scheme which handed millions in taxpayers money to Coalition election target seats.
Senator Cormann told the Senate on Monday that Mr Gaetjens would speak publicly about his report “in due course”, but that resulted in a furious response from crossbench senator Jacqui Lambie.
“Does he take us all for morons?” Senator Lambie said in the Senate.
“Shameful†Senator @JacquiLambie unleashes after the government refuses to table “The Gaetjens Report†into the coalition’s $100 million Community Sport Infrastructure Grant scheme #auspol @SBSNews pic.twitter.com/XPRuftlaYE
— Brett Mason (@BrettMasonNews) February 10, 2020
“Shameful ... apparently we should trust the PM when he says there’s nothing to see here. He doesn’t have the guts to show that report here, to millions of Australians who want to see that report.
“It reeks of cover up. It reeks of absolute cover-up.”
Rosie Lewis 5.35pm: O’Dowd throws support behind Joyce
Queensland Nationals MP Ken O’Dowd has thrown his support behind Barnaby Joyce to run again for the leadership and says Llew O’Brien’s appointment as deputy speaker is a “warning shot” for Michael McCormack.
The Member for Flynn also said he was concerned Mr McCormack, the Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister, was not considering all members in the partyroom for promotion.
Several Nationals MPs have been critical of Mr McCormack for only promoting his backers in last week’s ministry reshuffle.
“He should (reach out to more colleagues). That’s the message the room has given,” Mr O’Dowd said, adding the leadership turmoil would only be resolved depending on Mr McCormack’s next steps.
“It’ll depend where Michael wants to take it from here but I think that (the deputy speaker ballot) was a warning shot.
“(Mr McCormack should) sit down and talk to the partyroom as a room of individuals but also it’s bonding of a team. He’s got to get that bonding right.”
Mr O’Brien, who quit the Nationals on Sunday in the wake of last week’s leadership spill, was elected deputy speaker 75-67 against the wishes of Mr McCormack.
Mr O’Dowd said he respected Mr O’Brien’s decision to leave the Nationals, declaring “he had the balls to do it”.
He also predicted Mr Joyce, who unsuccessfully challenged Mr McCormack’s leadership last Tuesday, would have another crack at running for the top job.
“Some time down the track he will. I don’t say tomorrow or the next day,” Mr O’Dowd told The Australian.
“He’s there, he’s in parliament, he’s got to be given a job. A responsible job.”
Mr O’Dowd said he was prepared to cross the floor if he disagreed with policy, especially when it came to coal.
The Australian revealed last week that Mr Joyce has warned Scott Morrison Mr McCormack’s failure to put any of his supporters into the ministry had created a rebel group in the House of Representatives capable of blocking Coalition legislation.
“I wouldn’t be frightened to cross the floor, put it that way,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“It’d have to be a serious issue and it could be for coal-fired power stations, I’m very pro-coal. If the party went against that I’d certainly cross the floor on those sorts of issues. It’s the reason why a lot of us got into parliament at the last election, because of our fight for coal. I’d be a fool to my constituents if I went against their wishes.”
Dennis Shanahan 4.45pm: Comment — McCormack humiliated
Michael McCormack has been humiliated on the floor of the House of Representatives and suffered another massive blow to his Nationals’ leadership with the defeat of his nomination for the job of deputy Speaker.
Scott Morrison has suffered likewise humiliation as Prime Minister unable to deliver the Coalition’s choice. It’s not his fault but he cops the fallout.
Now, not only Nationals’ are angry with the Nationals’ leader and deputy Prime Minister for his refusal to calm the Nationals party room and offer even a tiny olive twig but also the Liberals are now furious with him.
McCormack’s leadership remains under real and immediate threat because he shows no sign he is capable of working his way out of a leadership crisis and stem the dissent or stop the rebellion.
Elias Visontay 4.25pm: Nats divisions exposed
The result of the deputy speaker ballot means several Coalition MPs voted for Mr O’Brien, showing the divisions in the wake of last week’s Nationals leadership spill.
Mr O’Brien has quit the Nationals party over frustration that Mr McCormack had rewarded party colleagues who backed him in a leadership spill last week.
On his election, Mr O’Brien said “it is a tremendous privilege to be in this place”.
“As a country policeman I find it incredible that I can walk into this place and take part in this. It will be an honour to serve this house as Deputy Speaker.” Mr O’Brien said.
Mr McCormack was among those members congratulating Mr O’Brien on his election, saying “that’s democracy”.
Elias Visontay 4.15pm: O’Brien named deputy speaker
Liberal National Party MP Llew O’Brien has won a shock victory in the lower house, after being elected Deputy Speaker against the wishes of Nationals leader Michael McCormack.
Mr O’Brien won 75 votes in the ballot, while Mr McCormack’s pick - Victorian Nationals MP Damian Drum - received just 67 votes.
Elias Visontay 4.05pm: Former Nat in line for deputy role
After the doors to the lower house are locked, Speaker Tony Smith asks Llew O’Brien if he accepts Labor’s nomination for Deputy Speaker.
The Wide Bay MP accepts, saying: “I wish to accept the nomination”
Mr Smith says: “We will now proceed to a ballot.”
Members are now filling out individuals ballot forms.
Mr Smith will not vote in the ballot, but if it tied, he will cast the deciding ballot.
Dennis Shanahan 4pm: Comment — PM, Nats woes continue
The agony and chaos continues for Scott Morrison and Michael McCormack as internal Nationals dissent and infighting continues to embarrass the Coalition.
Even the ballot for the lowly job of deputy speaker is being exploited by Labor.
Whatever the result of the ballot, the fight against Mr McCormack’s picks and leadership continue and will keep on.
Elias Visontay 3.55pm: Labor out to cause mischief
Labor has nominated Llew O’Brien for the role of Deputy Speaker, hours after he quit the Nationals Party in protest over Michael McCormack’s leadership.
The position was left vacant after Kevin Hogan was elevated to the outer ministry on Friday.
It’s traditionally the Nationals role to fill and they self selected Damian Drum.
But in a bid to cause mischief, Labor has nominated Mr O’Brien
Speaker Tony Smith is saying Mr O’Brien can’t be nominated because he has left the chamber.
Division bells were to be rung for Mr O’Brien to return to the chamber for his nomination to be eligible to be voted on.
He has now returned to the chamber.
Elias Visontay 3.45pm: Tudge won’t budge
Unsatisfied with the government’s response to their question on the privatising the visa system, Anthony Albanese asks Alan Tudge, who is acting minister for Immigration:
“It goes to his last answer where he ignored the 165,000-dollar donation from a private company, which seeks to, to quote him, ‘build and operate the visa system’. I say to the Minister: If it looks like a privatisation and smells like a privatisation, why won’t the Minister concede that this is privatisation of our visa system by a major donor and mate of the Prime Minister?” the Labor leader says.
Mr Tudge says he “can only just reiterate that it is not a privatisation because the
government will remain responsible for all of the key national security decisions, the risk assessment, the visa policy, the business rules and all of the key functions of government.”
“This model, which we have been going through an expression of interest process through, is precisely the same as the Electronic Travel Authority, upon which, when Labor was in Government for those six, long years, they ran and they were quite happy with that process under way.” Mr Tudge says.
Elias Visontay 3.40pm: Visa charge rejected
Labor MP Andrew Sculin asks the prime minister about privatisation of Australia’s visa system.
“Does the Prime Minister plan to proceed with the privatisation of Australia’s visa system in light of revelations that his mate, Scott Briggs, spent last year leading a group trying to buy the visa group while spending $165,000 to the Liberal Party?”
Liberal MP Alan Tudge responds to the question, saying “we are not privatising the visa system”.
“Several years ago we decided that we needed to upgrade our visa processing capabilities ... because the visa processing capabilities are about 25 years old and unable to do some of the modern functionality which we would like.
“We’ve actually been out to the market to see who would partner with the government to build the new capability.
“The government would always retain the responsibility, as they do today, for all visa decision-making.” Mr Tudge says.
Elias Visontay 3.30pm: Power play
Labor’s climate change and energy spokesman asks Scott Morrison if he supports providing $300 million to keep the Liddell power station in NSW open for three more years.
Angus Taylor responds to the question by saying he won’t pre-empt the outcome of a report into the mine, and that the government will consider the report’s recommendations.
“As generators come to the end of their natural lives, we want to see life extension or like for like replacement. This is all about replacement. This is all about adding in more supply to the electricity market whilst we ensure that the existing supply is managed very carefully.” the Energy Minister says.
Elias Visontay 3.20pm: Heading south
Labor’s treasury spokesman asks about “the collapse in tourism income” on the NSW south coast, and if Scott Morrison has received the response that “his government’s marketing campaign is not cutting through”.
Josh Frydenberg responds he finds it “amusing coming from the shadow minister ... when 62,000 (businesses) closed their doors in (Labor’s) last year in office.”
“The reality is that small businesses have been damaged by the fires will get grants up to $50,000 and we’re working through the states.” the Treasurer says.
“Over the last reported year, we have seen 75,000 small businesses created. Our focus is on helping the tourism sector get back on its feet.” Mr Frydenberg says.
Elias Visontay 3.15pm: Dam shame
Labor spokeswoman for environment and water Terri Butler asks why “the building of dams has ground to a halt” under the Coalition, noting local and state government funding announced for the Eurobodalla dam that the federal government hasn’t yet joined.
Michael McCormack rejects the questions, saying “building a dam under this government has gone ahead at a great pace, more than those opposite could ever imagine”.
“We’ll look at Eurobodalla, certainly, but the New South Wales government prioritises dam projects, as does Queensland,” the Deputy Prime Minister says.
“If there’s one thing that needs to be a legacy of this Parliament, it is the fact that we need to build more dams. To build climate resilience, to help regional communities. We need more dams for mainland Australia. And we’re getting on and we’re doing it.”
“Those opposite, Mr Speaker, when they were in power, they just wanted to take water away from our irrigators.” Mr McCormack said.
Elias Visontay 3.10pm: PM ‘won’t play politics’ on fires
Sticking to the topic of bushfires, Labor’s next question comes from Anthony Albanese, who asks Scott Morrison “why thousands of workers who lost income because of the fires can’t get a helping hand from this government?”.
The Prime Minister says he won’t “play politics with bushfires”.
“There are many other payments, whether it’s in the welfare system, whether it is in the Newstart program, or many other measures available to provide income support for those who found themselves in difficulty.”
“What we’ll stay focused on is rebuilding this economy in those areas that have been so devastated by the bushfires.” Mr Morrison says.
Elias Visontay 3pm: Labor on fire trail
Labor MP Stephen Jones asks Scott Morrison why businesses on the south coast of NSW that didn’t burn down but have still suffered a financial hit from the bushfire crisis are not eligible for business grants, only grants “that are going to push them further into debt”.
The Prime Minister says there have been 172 applications made for the small business grants in questions, with 46 having been paid out so far to a sum “worth over $600,000”.
“The grant applications are assessed by the New South Wales state government and managed by them. They make the payments and we reimburse those payments,”
“Those businesses which had a loss of income as a result of the loss of tourist trade, what we provided to them through this category D assistance is loans, zero interest, nothing to pay for two years, and then at concessional rates, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to those businesses should they seek to take those up.”
“I see you shake your head, if you’re saying it should be different, why didn’t the Labor Party change it when you were in government, we’re using your rules.” Mr Morrison says.
Elias Visontay 2.55pm: ‘Coal-fuelled climate emergency’
New Greens leader Adam Bandt asks Scott Morrison if he accepts “we’re facing a coal-fuelled climate emergency”.
The Prime Minister says the planned royal commission into the bushfire crisis “starts from the premise that we’re dealing with longer, hotter, drier summers.”
“We have always, and I have always acknowledged the link between climate change and these broader weather climatic events. That’s not been in dispute by our government.
“It’s not in dispute by our government. Those on the opposite ... they laugh and giggle and smirk, because they’re seeking to put forward a false conflict in this place.
“Building dams is climate action now. I note the leader of the Greens doesn’t agree with that.”
“We think that capitalism and technology is the way you ensure a brighter future for this world and this country.” Mr Morrison says.
Elias Visontay 2.50pm: Bushfire response
Labor health spokesman Chris Bowen asks Scott Morrison if the government will agree to Labor’s proposal to extend Medicare rule incentives to bushfire-affected areas and work with states to provide counselling for kids in affected schools.
The Prime Minister responds by detailing the mental health package response “that have been directed to support students in schools in bushfire-affected areas”.
“There are so many upsetting and devastating impacts of these recent fires, but the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children, those who may not have lived in the bushfire-affected areas, but have travelled to those areas, and have seen things they have never seen before, and the trauma it could have caused it something very much in foremost in the minds of the government and the actions of the national bushfire recovery agency.” he says.
Elias Visontay 2.45pm: Pitt delivers nuclear hit
Newly appointed resources Minister Keith Pitt gives his first answer since his rise to cabinet last week.
Asked if he supports the development of a domestic nuclear power industry, Mr Pitt says “there’s a moratorium on nuclear energy in this country”.
“The opposition knows the government’s position. I was a member of the backbench committee that made recommendations. The government will respond to the recommendations in due course.”
Mr Pitt also notes there is already an active nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in NSW for medical research.
“Those opposite should do their research,” he says.
Elias Visontay 2.35pm: Albanese attacks ‘coalition of chaos’
Question time begins at 2.30pm due to a Joko Widodo lunch event, with Anthony Albanese asking Scott Morrison how he can claim to lead a stable government given Nationals turmoil that stretched into its second week.
“When Australia needs stable government, why do we have a coalition of chaos?” the Labor leader asks.
The Prime Minister responds: “Our government is keeping Australians safe and we’re respecting our veterans with the measures we announced last week,”
“We’re delivering on what we told the Australian people we would do. What do we have from those opposite? Each way. They’re for tax cuts, they’re against tax cuts, they are for the drought fund, they’re against the drought fund.” Mr Morrison says.
Mr Albanese responds: “My question didn’t invite him to use the rhetoric from Sky News after dark.”
Greg Brown 12.35pm: Turnbull: coal favouring Nats ‘nuts’
Malcolm Turnbull has described Nationals MPs pushing for government support of a new-coal fired power station as “nuts”.
The former prime minister said new coal generators were not commercially viable and would lead to higher emissions and power prices.
“The fundamental economic reality is this: there is no economic basis on which to build a coal-fired power station in Australia any longer,” Mr Turnbull told reporters at Parliament House in Canberra.
“The cheapest form of new generation is a combination of renewables plus storage. Literally that is no longer even a remotely contentious proposition.
“So those people who are advocating that the government should fund coal-fired power are basically making the case for higher emissions and higher energy prices. And that is nuts.”
Elias Visontay 12.25pm: Joko hails ‘a friend in need’
Joko Widodo has begun his speech to a joint sitting of Parliament by hailing Australia and Indonesia as “true friends” who stay with each other “during the good and bad times”.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” the Indonesian President said, referring to bushfire assistance offered to Australia now, and Australian assistance to Indonesia following the Aceh earthquake in 2004.
Mr Widodo’s first point was on the need to “continue to advocate the values of democracy, human rights.
“Stop intolerance, stop xenophobia, stop radicalism and stop terrorism.”
He then said: “Identity politics is a trap to democracy, a threat to adversity and a threat to tolerance.
“These threats will become more actual exploitation for short-term political interests, resulting in hatred, fear and even social conflict. These democratic and diverse countries, we must work hard, side by side together, to defend the values of democracy, tolerance and adversity and to look at the clash of civilisation.”
He then spoke of the importance of enforcing “open, free and fair economic principles”.
“Whilst protectionism is rising, we must continue to advocate economic openness and fairness.”
Mr Widodo then urged the two countries to “become the anchors for developing partners in the Pacific region”, as well as to “work together to protect the environment and to achieve sustainability”, including a “commitment to lowering carbon emissions and renewable energy and other green technologies.”
He summarised Australia’s relationship with Indonesia by saying: “The collaboration with Indonesia and Australia’s partnership in the midst of the rising globing ascendancies can be illustrated by the movie, Avengers End Game, where the forces of good unite, the Avengers assemble, and the common enemy can be defeated.”
Elias Visontay 12.10pm: Albanese praises ‘common interest’
Anthony Albanese has praised Australia and Indonesia’s “common interest in working together to shape our region, based on the principles of openness, transparency, democratic principles, and inclusion.”
Speaking during a joint sitting of Parliament for Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Mr Albanese said he was pleased Labor was able to support the new bilateral agreement and hopes for “a new phase of economic engagement between our two countries”.
“Indonesia is on course to take its place among the top economies in the world. The fourth largest over coming decades. Yet our economic relationship has struggled to keep pace with the reality of Indonesia’s economic rise. We need to build on this recently finalised agreement. Not only to dramatically increase our trade relationships, but to widen this to our own investment links,” he said.
“Beyond these, we also see it as an opportunity to deepen our economic, business, trade union, and civil society links. So important is this goal that I have launched an Indo-Pacific trade taskforce within the Australian Labor Party, led by Luke Gosling.
“It will identify new ways in which Australia and Indonesia can expand our economic relationship, alongside our other relationships in the region.
“I hope you go away from your visit, with a clear understanding, no matter which party forms government here in Canberra, you can expect a strong and bipartisan commitment to the importance of the relationship between not just our two nations but our two people.”
Mr Albanese also produced a gift for Mr Widodo, a ceramic Indonesian artwork he had purchased in the aftermath of bushfires in the NSW town of Mogo.
Elias Visontay 12.00pm: PM welcomes Widodo
Scott Morrison has opened his speech at a joint sitting of Parliament for Indonesian President Joko Widodo by thanking Indonesian support in the aftermath of Australia’s bushfire crisis.
“President Widodo, we are not only welcoming you and your delegation at this time in this country, because at present we welcome 40 members of the Indonesian national armed forces, including military engineers and medical staff, who are currently assisting with bushfire relief and recovery in New South Wales, and today they are working on floods. We thank you, Mr President.” the Prime Minister said.
After earlier announcing harsh visa entry laws for Indonesian tourists to Australia would be reassessed as part of a new bilateral deal between the two countries, Mr Morrison also heralded the strategic partnership.
“Maintaining international rules and norms and a resurgence of extremism and violent terrorism all of which we must face together, because these are not challenges we can face alone. We need partners, we need our friends.” Mr Morrison said.
In addition to talking of growing educational ties which include Monash University opening a campus in Indonesia, Mr Morrison said: “We now have a plan of action to take the next steps in our relationship, from trade and investment to defence, counter-terrorism, maritime security, ocean sustainability and education, to name only some, and even today we add energy and the future of fuel sources for our nations to this long list.” Mr Morrison said.
“On behalf of this Parliament, the Australian people, I welcome you again,” Mr Morrison said, before thanking Mr Widodo in Indonesian.
Greg Brown 11.25am: Canavan tweets against Lib colleagues
Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan has criticised Liberal MPs who have come out against government support for new coal-fired power stations.
“I see some are saying that we should not help coal fired power stations provide jobs because we should leave it to the market,” Senator Canavan tweeted.
“Well if that’s the view be consistent and argue against the billions we give to renewables every year.”
Moderate NSW MPs Trent Zimmerman and Dave Sharma on Monday morning said they opposed taxpayer support for a new coal-fired generator.
I see some are saying that we should not help coal fired power stations provide jobs because we should leave it to the market. Well if that's the view be consistent and argue against the billions we give to renewables every year!
— Matthew Canavan (@mattjcan) February 9, 2020
Greg Brown 11.05am: 2050 target ‘about emotion’
Liberal senator Eric Abetz says Scott Morrison should not commit to a net-zero emissions by 2050 emissions target.
The Tasmanian conservative said a long term target, being considered by the Prime Minister, was based on the “emotion and not about the substance of the issue”.
“Trying to forecast to 2050 is 30 years in advance. If you were to wind the clock back 30 years and say ‘did men and women 30 years ago predict what is happening today?’ The answer is no,” Senator Abetz told Sky News.
“Similarly, trying the figure on 2050, why 2050 why not 2040 or 2060? That is all about I think the emotion and not about the substance of the issue.
“What we need to deal with is ensuring we have a sustainable energy supply while reducing our emissions as much as possible.”
Greg Brown 10.40am: Christensen slams ‘inner-city Lib’ Sharma
Nationals MP George Christensen has is criticised “inner-city Liberal MP” Dave Sharma for saying a new-coal fired power station should not be underwritten by government.
Mr Christensen said a new coal-fired power station in the central Queensland town of Collinsville will create jobs and lower power bills.
“Despite claims by one inner-city Liberal MP on Sky News this morning, the Morrison Liberal National government is providing funding to coal-fired power projects, principally because they provide stable and reliable baseload supply,” Mr Christensen said in a statement.
“When the Collinsville clean coal-fired power project is ready to be constructed, it will be eligible for consideration under the Morrison Liberal National government’s Underwriting New Generation Investments program, which supports targeted investment that will lower prices, increase competition and increase reliability in the energy system.
“That is exactly what a coal-fired power plant at Collinsville will do. That funding program is open until 2023 and the Collinsville project will be eligible for such support. I note that one coal project is already being considered for support under the program.”
Mr Christensen said the Coalition’s backing of a feasibility study into a new coal-fired power station helped the government win the regional Queensland seats of Herbert, Dawson, Capricornia and Flynn.
“These seats have allowed us to retain government. It is therefore very encouraging to read recent reports that the Prime Minister has stated he will not be ‘bullied’ by ‘inner-city’ interests when it comes to climate policy and his support for reliable and affordable power,” he said.
Elias Visontay 11.15am: Crossbenchers support Steggall bill
Crossbench MPs have come out in support of Independent Zali Steggall’s planned climate action bill.
Ms Steggall will today put forward a private members bill proposing a climate change commission modelled on a similar UK body which will have emissions reductions budget periods every five years.
“I have long advocated for effective action on climate change and believe that dealing with it should be the first priority for the Federal Parliament,” Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said when announcing his support for the bill.
“Indeed the Parliament must stop treating climate change as a political plaything and start representing the community, starting with a credible plan to achieve zero net carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy.”
“Frankly people are already suffering and dying from climate change and any politician and political party that fails to advocate the strongest possible response is complicit.” Mr Wilkie said.
Fellow independent Helen Haines said of the bill: “This is our opportunity, this is an opportunity for rural and regional Australia”.
“This is a chance for us to enhance the work that’s already happening with solar with wind and potentially with hydrogen.”
Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie also appeared with independent MPs pledging their support.
Richard Ferguson 10.10am: Hanson declares war with Littleproud
Pauline Hanson has declared war with new Agriculture Minister David Littleproud over the state of the dairy industry.
Mr Littleproud – who succeeded Bridget McKenzie as both agriculture minister and Nationals deputy leader – rejected the One Nation leader’s push for a minimum milk price last week as “simplistic, populist nonsense.”
On Twitter on Monday, Senator Hanson accused Mr Littleproud of not reaching out to her on the issue and of ignoring dairy farmers.
“After failing his way into the Agricultural spot, failed Water Minister Dave LittleToBeProud has not reached out to me, my party or my staff. However, he has displayed a shocking level of ignorance with his ill-informed attacks on my proposal to save the dairy industry,” she said.
“If Minister LittleToBeProud thinks ignoring me and insulting me, like he and the Nationals ignore and insult Australian farmers, will work he is an even bigger fool than everyone says. I’d advise him to actually read my diary legislation to avoid further embarrassment.”
After failing his way into the Agricultural spot, failed Water Minister Dave LittleToBeProud has not reached out to me, my party or my staff. However, he has displayed a shocking level of ignorance with his ill-informed attacks on my proposal to save the dairy industry. –PH
— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) February 9, 2020
Elias Visontay 10.05am: Zimmerman speaks for net zero emissions
Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman has said his government “needs to seriously consider” committing to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The North Sydney MP’s also agreed with comments from fellow moderate Liberal Dave Sharma who said he doesn’t think the government should use taxpayer funds to underwrite new coal-fired power stations after the government commissioned a feasibility study into a proposed coal-fired power station in Queensland.
“We are doing a feasibility study. We have made no commitment,” Mr Zimmerman said on Sky News.
“We have no commitment to fund a coal fired power station and I don’t think we should.”
“From my perspective, it’s not the business of the Commonwealth government to be building or funding coal fired power stations.
“I don’t think we should be funding coal fired power stations it’s not the job of the Commonwealth government. It’s up to the private sector. It’s up to the Queensland Government who has responsibility for doing the type of planning.” he said.
Regarding a commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, he said:
“I think it’s something that we need to seriously consider,” Mr Zimmerman said in relation to reports his government is weighing up joining more than 80 other countries and commit to net zero carbon emissions at a UN climate summit in Glasgow in November.
“I think that is an opportunity for us to outline our strategies and our targets beyond 2030.”
“We need to do the due diligence and we need to work out how we get there. I think it’s very easy to say yes,” he said.
Richard Ferguson 9.25am: ‘Sign of things to come for Coalition’
Anthony Albanese claims Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien’s move to quit the National Party is a sign for things to come for the Coalition.
“This again is them (the Morrison Government) being obsessed by their internals,” he said in Canberra on Monday.
“And this is just six months after the last election. Imagine what they’ll be like over the next two years.”
Mr O’Brien will remain in the government’s joint party room and a member of the Queensland Liberal National Party. He will not sit in the federal Nationals partyroom.
Elias Visontay 9.00am: ‘Taxpayers shouldn’t fund new power stations’
Liberal MP Dave Sharma has said he doesn’t think the government should use taxpayer funds to underwrite new coal-fired power stations
However the MP for the inner Sydney seat of Wentworth said there was a case for using public funds to extend the life of existing coal-fired power assets, and that private investment could still fund new coal-fired power stations.
“I can’t see us being in a position where the government is underwriting a new coal fired power station,” Mr Sharma told Sky News.
“Certainly there’s a case to be made and I support it for extending the life of existing coal fired power assets, and if the private sector wants to come in and do this well this is a different proposition, but I don’t think the government should be in the position of doing this.” he said.
Mr Sharma also noted the issue was contentions within the National Party with many politicians holding a different view on subsidisation of the industry after the government commissioned a feasibility study into a proposed coal-fired power generator near Collinsville in Queensland.
“I respect the right of any member of parliament to represent the views of their constituency that’s what they’re here for that’s their job,”
“I’m not discouraged by this debate I’m not discouraged by differences of views.
“I certainly expect the same level of respect and I certainly don’t hesitate on putting forward the views of my electorate and my constituency as well.” Mr Sharma said.
Richard Ferguson 8.45am: ‘Committed to net zero target for the world’
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says Australia is already committed to a net zero carbon emissions target “for the world” by 2050, and that the Morrison Government is able to “update” its commitments beyond 2030.
Reports have emerged this morning that the Morrison Government is considering a UK-style net zero target by 2050, and will make a decision by the Glasgow climate change summit at the end of the year.
Senator Birmingham on Monday said that the government is already working towards a net zero target and will “meet and beat” the 2030 targets.
“In signing onto the Paris Agreement, Australia has committed to a net zero target for the world by the second half of this century,” he told Sky News.
“And we have to work towards that, and we do that in the bite-size pieces that we can achieve to 2030. My expectations is that we not just meet but beat those commitments.
“That’s why we outline these plans. They enable us to update commitments, and then indeed to look further into the future as what those commitments can be beyond 2030.”
Richard Ferguson 8.40am: Birmingham lashes Canavan on renewables
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has slapped down his former cabinet colleague Matt Canvan for calling renewables the “dole bludgers” of the energy sector.
Senator Birmingham – the government’s leading Liberal moderate – said on Monday that renewables were competitive, popular with Australians and a key part of the Morrison government’s climate action policies.
“No, renewables are a crucial part of our new technology mix,” he told Sky News.
“They are highly competitive in many parts of the world and Australians have chosen to vote with their feet in terms of endorsing the placement of solar panels on their rooftops.
“More generally, large opportunities for renewables to fuel new technologies like hydrogen in the future.
“He can comment for himself, I’ve got no doubt. The government’s policies are to take a technology-neutral approach that focuses on how we achieve emission reductions.”
Senator Canavan left cabinet last week after backing Barnaby Joyce’s failed tilt at the Nationals leadership and has since strongly advocated in public for a new coal-fired power station.
“Renewable energy can complement our energy needs but renewables do not run all the time, making them unsuitable to support manufacturing jobs,” Senator Canavan told the Courier Mail on Monday.
“Renewables are the dole bludgers of the energy system, they only turn up to work when they want to.”
Elias Visontay 8.35am: Steggall – Lock zero emissions in
Zali Steggall has accused the government of creating uncertainty by not committing to a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
The Independent MP’s comments come after a report in Nine Newspapers that Australia will take a new-long emissions target to the UN Glasgow climate summit in November but was yet to make up its mind about joining more than 80 other countries with the 2050 goal.
“If it’s intending to commit to that, commit to it now. Let’s lock it in and give the Australian people some certainty so they know where we’re heading.” Ms Steggall told ABC RN.
The Warringah MP will today put forward a private members bill proposing a climate change commission modelled on a similar UK body which will have emissions reductions budget periods every five years.
Ms Steggall said: “It’s time the federal government got in step with the rest of Australia.
“I do have a question for the Prime Minister, what is the cost of climate impacts? Because we’re seeing huge amounts wiped off at the moment in terms of our tourism, in terms of the economy when it comes to the bushfires and the impacts.
“We’ve had businesses shut because of air pollution. We have drought ravaging regional Australia. So let’s get real about the question that needs to be asked here. What is the cost of climate impacts to Australia?” she said.
Elias Visontay 8.20am: O’Brien quitting ‘incredibly sad’
Barnaby Joyce has lamented the departure of Queensland MP Llew O’Brien from the National Party, responding to news he quit as “incredibly sad”.
Mr Joyce’s defence comes after Mr Llew quit the Nationals a week after he supported Mr Joyce in his failed leadership push, with Nationals rebels also raising the possibility of crossing the floor since the spill.
“It’s incredibly sad,” Mr Joyce told ABC.
“We want to keep him in the team, former vice president of the LNP, a person with so many years experience serving in the police force.” Mr Joyce said.
Elias Visontay 8.05am: Labor ‘welcomes coal jobs’
Joel Fitzgibbons has said Labor would welcome the jobs created from new coal mines and power stations, insisting the party are “strong supporters of Australia’s coal mining industry”.
The Labor spokesman for Agriculture and Resources said any new coal projects, whether new coal-fired generators for domestic energy or mining to export coal would still have to be economically viable and pass “the toughest environmental tests”.
But he declared proposals that meet that criteria would have Labor’s support.
“We are strong supporters of Australia’s coal mining industry.” Mr Fitzgibbon told Sky News.
“If people want to invest in a new coal mine or an extension of a coal mine, or indeed the construction of a coal fired generator, they’ve got to make their own assessment as to whether that’s economically viable, whether they can make a profit from that venture, and...then they need to run the gauntlet of the toughest environmental tests in the world here in Australia.
“If they can do that, of course, we welcome the investment and the jobs.” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
However he vowed that Labor would not “subsidise” any projects in a way, saying: “Why would we spend taxpayers’ money on a venture the private sector has deemed to be uncommercial?”
He also threw cold water on a proposed coal-fired power generator near Queensland’s Collinsville that the government commissioned a feasibility study into on the weekend, saying Queensland produces almost twice as much energy as it needs.
Elias Visontay 7.45am: Coal-fired power station ‘in environment’s interest’
Mathias Cormann has given a staunch defence of a potential new coal-fired power station, saying “it is obviously in the interests of the environment for more Australian coal to be used”.
The Finance Minister’s comments come after his government commissioned a feasibility study into the proposed mine near Collinsville in Queensland over the weekend, as Labor ambiguity over whether it supports new coal mines frustrates the CFMEU.
“We always said that we would support a feasibility study like the one been announced...but ultimately, a project like that will have to stack up commercially.” Mr Cormann said.
“Australia produces about 6% of global coal. It is responsible for about 6% of global coal production. I think you’ll find that Australia will continue to be a significant producer, exporter and consumer of coal into the future.
“Australian coal is environmentally much more efficient than the coal alternatives from other parts of the world. Our coal, our black coal, obviously it has lower moisture content, lower ash content, higher energy intensity. And it is obviously in the interests of the environment for more Australian coal to be used and for it to replace coal from other sources which is more polluting,” Mr Cormann said.
Elias Visontay 7.20am: Cormann plays down O’Brien split
Mathias Cormann has said that Llew O’Brien reportedly quitting the National Party won’t affect the government, insisting the Queensland MP “will continue to sit” in the Coalition joint party room.
The Finance Minister’s comments come after the Courier Mail reported Mr O’Brien quit the Nationals in a new blow to Coalition unity in the wake of Barnaby Joyce’s failed bid to win over the party leadership last week.
“Llew O’Brien will continue to sit in our Coalition joint party room as a member of the LNP in Queensland and that also continues to support the government.” Mr Cormann told the ABC.
“I’m not aware of the ins and outs of the National Party internal, but in terms of the fundamentals, Llew O’Brien is a member of the LNP, remains a member of the joint party room and he continues to support the government. That is what he has made clear to the Prime Minister,” Mr Cormann said.
What’s making news:
Queensland MP Llew O’Brien has quit the Nationals in a new blow to Coalition unity in the wake of Barnaby Joyce’s failed bid to win over the party leadership last week.
Scott Morrison has defined Indonesia as playing a pivotal role in the government’s push to diversify Australia’s economy and broaden trade and strategic partners in the region to hedge against the heavy reliance on China
Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles has failed to say whether he supports new coal-fired power plants or coalmines, as the Victorian CFMEU backed high-efficiency, low-emission coal and nuclear energy over renewables.
Inside the union movement, there is growing frustration that the civil war engulfing the CFMEU is undermining the ACTU’s campaign to kill off the Coalition’s union-restricting Ensuring Integrity Bill.
Strategic experts have expressed alarm at a CSIRO partnership with a top Chinese marine science institute that undertakes military-related research, including the development of a satellite-based laser to detect foreign submarines.
Additional reporting: Elias Visontay, Richard Ferguson
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