Politics Now: Angus Taylor rejects ‘outrageous’ document claims
The Energy Minister responds as Labor hounds the Coalition over the police probe into a letter to the City of Sydney.
- Document claims ‘outrageous’
- PM ‘won’t leap to conclusions’
- NSW police investigate Taylor
- Lambie blasts Labor, unions
- PM ‘running Liu protection racket’
- CEO move appropriate: Hunt
- Hartzer had ‘no choice’: Chalmers
- Westpac CEO steps down
Hello and welcome to PoliticsNow, The Australian’s live blog on the happenings at Parliament House in Canberra.
Top story: Energy Minister Angus Taylor responds as Labor hounds the Coalition over revelations that NSW police are investigating his office in relation to a letter to the City of Sydney.
Olivia Caisley 4.35pm: What happened in Question Time
Labor used Question Time today to seize on breaking news that NSW Police had launched an investigation into Energy Minister Angus Taylor’s office over claims an annual report to lash Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore over her travel expenses had been doctored.
Last month, Mr Taylor conceded that he used incorrect numbers to attack Ms Moore, but strongly denies his office forged a false document.
He said the incorrect figures, used in a letter to the council and given to The Daily Telegraph, had been sourced from a document downloaded from the council’s own website.
During a heated hour on Tuesday, Labor fired-off question after question over the incorrect figures and the subsequent police investigation.
But Mr Taylor staunchly defended himself on Tuesday. He rejected the suggestion he or any members of his staff had altered the document in question, while labelling the accusations “outrageous.”
Mr Taylor said he wouldn’t be lectured by the party of “ALDI bags and wine boxes full of cash.”
Scott Morrison also defended his colleague, saying he would await to speak with NSW Police before “jumping to conclusions” about the claims.
The incorrect numbers were written in a letter to the council and given to The Daily Telegraph. Mr Taylor’s letter said City of Sydney councillors had spent $1.7m on international travel and $14.2m on domestic travel.
However, the council’s 2017-18 annual report, available online, shows Ms Moore’s international out-of-pocket travel costs were only $1727.77 and domestic costs were $4206.32. Labor referred the matter to police.
Rosie Lewis 3.55pm: PM’s response to Hartzer resignation
Scott Morrison has told his partyroom that Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer made the correct decision to resign in the wake of the money laundering scandal, but indicated it would not deter his government from pursuing its union-busting ensuring integrity bill.
It is understood the Prime Minister said the government would work just as hard on legislating the ensuring integrity laws, which make it easier to deregister and disqualify unions and union officials, as it had responding to egregious conduct in the corporate sector.
Olivia Caisley 3.44pm: Labor motions fail
Attorney-General Christian Porter moves to gag the debate and Tony Burke moves to second Anthony Albanese’s motion. That too is gagged.
After Labor loses 73-67, there is another division but the gag motion is lost.
Following dixers from Health Minister Greg Hunt and Environment Minister Sussan Ley, Scott Morrison suspends Question Time.
“It is great to see the leader of the opposition’s backbench support here in full swing,” the Prime Minister quips, referring to Labor’s empty backbench.
And so ends the most fiery question time in recent months.
Olivia Caisley 3.27pm: Labor MPs leave the chamber
Labor’s backbench has walked out of the House.
Olivia Caisley 2.55pm: Labor moves to suspend standing orders
Labor now moves to suspend standing orders over the doctored document saga.
Olivia Caisley 2.51pm: Document claims ‘outrageous’: Taylor
Mark Butler asks whether Angus Taylor “blocked” FOI requests because he knew they revealed the Energy Minister had “misled the house” when he claimed erroneous figures used to lash the City of Sydney mayor had been downloaded from the council’s own website.
Mr Taylor takes the question and lashes Labor’s accusations as “outrageous”.
“I reject absolutely the suggestion that I, or any members of my staff, altered the documents in question,” he says.
Mr Taylor says he won’t be lectured by the party of “ALDI bags and wine boxes full of cash.”
“I’m not going to be lectured about integrity in the week that Labor is celebrating Eddie Obeid coming out on parole.”
Olivia Caisley 2.44pm: PM ‘won’t leap to conclusions’
Labor leader Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison whether he will fully co-operate with any request from the NSW Police regarding the doctored document scandal.
The Prime Minister says he won’t leap to conclusions regarding Mr Taylor and says Mr Albanese is seizing on the investigation to distract from the fact there are 65 representatives of the CFMEU before the courts.
“Just because the opposition has referred matters to the NSW Police, and just because the opposition have referred so many matters on so many members,” Mr Morrison says. “They’ve all ended up going absolutely nowhere at the end of the day.”
“Forgive me for not leaping to the conclusions that the Leader of the Opposition has on this day.”
Olivia Caisley 2.36pm: PM flips Taylor attack
Following a fifth question regarding Energy Minister Angus Taylor, Scott Morrison seizes on Labor’s attack to accuse the opposition of engaging in a “protection racket” for militant unionism by not supporting the Ensuring Integrity Bill.
“It’s that thuggery that this Leader of the Opposition wants to protect by not supporting the government’s bill to ensure that union thugs are held to account,” the Prime Minister says.
Mr Albanese asks that Mr Morrison withdraws his response.
Olivia Caisley 2.31pm: ‘What action will Taylor take?’
It’s the fourth question from Labor leader Anthony Albanese regarding NSW Police’s investigation into Energy Minister Angus Taylor and the use of doctored documents to attack City of Sydney mayor Clover Moore.
Mr Albanese asks what action Mr Taylor will take considering former Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos “had the integrity to stand aside from the ministry, even though a police investigation was never commenced.”
But the Prime Minister seizes on the question to attack Mr Albanese’s links to NSW Labor, as well as corruption in the state branch, namely jailed former state minister Eddie Obeid.
2.24pm: NSW police investigate Angus Taylor over ‘fraudulent’ document claim
Police have confirmed they are in the “early stages” of an investigation into reports Energy Minister Angus Taylor was involved in the creation of a “fraudulent” document to attack the spending of City of Sydney Council.
NSW police confirmed in a statement they have formed a special strike force to investigate.
Olivia Caisley 2.22pm: Victoria delays health rollout: Hunt
Independent Helen Haines calls on Health Minister Greg Hunt to answer why there has been a substantial delay in rolling-out health services in the Albury-Wodonga region.
“Minister, will you follow through on your government’s commitment to making mental health a key priority and immediately bring this funding forward?” she asks.
Mr Hunt says while the Morrison government is delivering on its promises according to the agreed time frame, “the state may not be able to deliver.”
“I will accordingly be writing to the Victorian Minister for Health to seek an assurance that the Victorian Government will deliver their part of the master plan,” he says.
Olivia Caisley 2.17pm: PM to take police advice
Labor leader Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison what actions he will take considering Energy Minister Angus Taylor could now be in breach of ministerial conduct.
The Prime Minister says he will wait to take advice from NSW Police.
Olivia Caisley 2.14pm: ‘Why is Taylor still on the frontbench?’
Labor leader Anthony Albanese fires-off another question regarding the Energy Minister. This time he asks why Angus Taylor is still sitting on the frontbench.
Mr Albanese calls on Scott Morrison to answer when he will stand Mr Taylor aside over claims the Energy Minister used an altered document to attack the spending of City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore.
The Prime Minister says he was not aware of recent developments regarding NSW Police’s decision to create a taskforce to investigate the document.
“I think I can understand why those opposite have taken such a keen interest in him, because he’s responsible for policies that we are finally starting to see stabilise electricity prices in this country,” Mr Morrison fires back.
Olivia Caisley 2.08pm: Taylor investigation starts QT
Question Time kicks off with Labor leader Anthony Albanese, who calls on Scott Morrison to answer what action he will take regarding news that NSW Police is investigating possible criminal behaviour connected to Energy Minister Angus Taylor.
The Daily Telegraph reports that NSW police are in the early stages of investigation regarding a letter Mr Taylor sent to City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore and have launched Strike Force Garrad to determine if any criminal offences had been committed.
A letter sent from Mr Taylor to Ms Moore criticising her for hypocritically driving up carbon emissions by spending more than $15m in council money on domestic and international travel contained grossly inflated travel costs.
The letter was reported in The Daily Telegraph and said City of Sydney councillors had spent $1.7m on international travel and $14.2m on domestic travel.
However, the council’s 2017-18 annual report, available online, shows Ms Moore’s international out-of-pocket travel costs were only $1727.77 and domestic costs were $4206.32.
The use of the inaccurate figures triggered a political stoush when parliament last sat in October, with Mr Taylor strongly rejecting suggestions that he of any members of his staff altered any documents taken from the City of Sydney website.
Rosie Lewis 1.54pm: RBA deputy flags Newstart stimulus
Increasing the rate of Newstart would stimulate the economy and help long-term unemployed people prepare for work, deputy RBA governor Guy Debelle says.
Addressing the ACOSS national conference in Canberra, Dr Debelle said lifting the fortnightly Newstart payments – which range from $559 for a single person with no children to $787.70 for a single principal carer – was one of the options available to the government to stimulate economic growth.
“There are a number of things which help which will provide stimulus to the economy, this is one of them,” he said.
“The issue is what can you do to get these people most ready for work? Newstart is clearly one of the options around that.”
The comments follow RBA governor Philip Lowe saying in June that “stronger support payments” for unemployed people would help boost household disable income.
Dr Debelle said the fast-tracking of the government’s personal income tax cuts were another way of increasing household income.
Even if Australians used the tax cuts to pay down debt faster rather than spend the money, they would return to spending “how they used to” sooner.
Olivia Caisley 1.33pm: ‘Walking away’: Lambie blasts Labor, unions
Crossbencher Jacqui Lambie has blasted Labor for supporting the passage of the Indonesian, Hong Kong and Peru free-trade agreements, while having a crack at the CFMEU and the ETU for “walking away” from workers.
During a parliamentary debate in the Senate on Tuesday Senator Lambie said Labor should stand up to the Coalition over the union-busting bill, which she said would take jobs away from Tasmanians.
“I’m calling Labor out for walking away from the workers they’re supposed to represent because obviously the CFMMEU and the ETU won’t do the job,” Senator Lambie said. “They used to be the party of the worker, these days they are the party of foreign investors, the party of rolling over for the government.”
She said the unions had stopped representing workers and were instead “standing up for their thugs”.
“Quite frankly I think Australia has had a gutful of it,” Senator Lambie said.
It comes as the parliament prepares to debate the Morrison government’s union-busting legislation this week.
With Centre Alliance backing the bill, the government needs the two Senate votes of One Nation or the support of Senator Lambie to get the bill passed.
Senator Lambie’s comments are a possible sign of her stance on the legislation.
Senator Hanson told Sky News on Tuesday she was still locked in talks with union leaders on the bill, but believes ordinary members will be spared in the government’s pursuit of misbehaving officials.
“The whole bill is about reining in the union officials – not to do with the members,” Senator Hanson said.
“We have put amendments to the bill so that (ordinary) members will not be dragged (in with) officials, or if their paperwork is not up to scratch, that they can’t be deregistered.”
Unions argue that despite the proposed amendments, volunteer officials could still be ensnared by the legislation.
It is understood the government is preparing to amend sitting hours in the Senate to deal with the legislation.
Olivia Caisley 12.36pm: New financial services legislation imminent
Josh Frydenberg will this week introduce two new pieces of legislation from the banking royal commission amid a banking scandal engulfing major Australian bank Westpac.
The Treasurer on Tuesday said he welcomed news Westpac chief executive Brian Hartzer was stepping down over a money laundering and child exploitation scandal.
Mr Frydenberg told reporters in Canberra the scandal exposed a lack of appropriate oversight, as well as systemic failures at the bank.
“We’ve increased both the civil and criminal penalties for misconduct in the financial sector,” he said of the government’s response to improving the banking industry. “We’ve boosted the resources of our regulators. We’re putting in place a criminal division of the Federal Court and we’re taking action on all 76 recommendations of the royal commission.
“This week I’ll be introducing two pieces of legislation which will implement more of those royal commission recommendations.”
Mr Frydenberg said it was “very important” the financial services sector upheld the highest standards of professionalism considering it contributes about 10 per cent of GDP and employs more than 400,000 Australians.
“Decisions about who are on senior management teams are decisions for boards, but these alleged breaches are of the most serious nature and there needed to be accountability,” Mr Frydenberg said. “You heard very strong language from our Prime Minister, from myself, and from other ministers, about the seriousness of these issues and the need for accountability at the bank.”
Rosie Lewis 12.30pm: Deputy RBA governor responds to Westpac scandal
Deputy RBA governor Guy Debelle has defended the work of financial sector regulators in the wake of the Westpac money laundering scandal, as he labelled the allegations “incredibly disturbing and serious”.
“I have confidence in my fellow regulators, both AUSTRAC as well as ASIC and APRA, that they’re going to follow this through,” Dr Debelle said at the ACOSS national conference in Canberra.
“But the allegations are clearly incredibly disturbing and serious. It looks like to me the sort of response you would expect given the nature of the allegations that are on the table. AUSTRAC and ASIC and APRA are clearly following this through, of that I have no doubt, and do what’s necessary.”
12.25pm: ATO appeals backpacker tax ruling
The tax office has launched an appeal against a court’s ruling that Australia’s backpacker tax is invalid.
The Federal Court last month ruled the controversial 15 per cent levy breached tax treaty clauses with the UK.
Australia has similar agreements with the US, Germany, Finland, Chile, Japan, Norway and Turkey.
The Australian Taxation Office released a statement on Tuesday confirming it would appeal to the court over the decision.
Under the controversial tax, working holiday-makers have to pay 15 per cent tax on earnings under $18,200. Australians don’t pay tax on similar earnings.
“That is a disguised form of discrimination based on nationality,” Justice John Logan said in his ruling.
The ATO will continue to administer the tax until the appeals process is exhausted.
AAP
Greg Brown 12.21pm: Labor flags religious freedom concerns
Anthony Albanese has declared he will not support religious freedom legislation if it increases discrimination in other areas.
The Opposition Leader told his MPs in Tuesday morning’s caucus meeting that protecting religion should not come at the extent of other rights.
“We support the freedom of religion and the right to practice religion but we don’t support increasing discrimination in other areas,” Mr Albanese said, according to a party spokesman.
The comments come after Attorney-General Christian Porter last week revealed his bill would allow religious hospitals and aged-care operators to employ staff according to their religious belief.
Mr Albanese said he had asked the government to show Labor the legislation before it enters parliament. The request was refused.
Mr Albanese opened nominations for a caucus subcommittee of eight members who would review the religious discrimination bill.
Olivia Caisley 10.45am: PM running Liu protection racket: Wong
Labor Senator Penny Wong has accused Scott Morrison of running a protection racket for Liberal MP Gladys Liu over her alleged links to the Chinese government amid allegations Beijing tried to install an agent in her electorate of Chisholm.
Senator Wong has demanded Ms Liu explain her connections to various Beijing-linked organisations as allegations of Chinese foreign interference swirl around federal parliament.
“Gladys Liu has refused to give a statement to the parliament. She is being protected from doing so by Mr Morrison,” Senator Wong told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
It comes as Nine newspapers and the 60 Minutes program reported that Australian authorities are investigating claims that a Chinese espionage ring tried to install Nick Zhao — a luxury car dealer — in the east Melbourne seat and offered $1 million to bankroll his campaign.
Earlier, Senator Wong renewed calls for greater transparency when it comes to donations, telling ABC Radio that Ms Liu – who has raised more than $1 million for the Victorian Liberals in recent years – should provide a statement to the parliament to put any lingering concerns regarding her alleged links to bed.
“I think from my perspective, it’s not of ethnicity, it’s an issue of transparency and I have been critical of Ms Liu, the member for Chisholm,” Senator Wong told the ABC. “I was critical because, her story had discrepancies and there was a failure of disclosure in relation to substantial donations.
“I think, a matter of record and a matter of regret that this government has been – dragging its feet when it comes to a whole range of transparency issues around foreign donations, which at their heart are about protecting the integrity of Australia’s democratic system”.
With AAP
Ben Packham 10.38am: Taiwanese police probe Wang’s boss
Taiwanese police have launched an investigation on Chinese defector Wang Liqiang’s alleged former boss, who Mr Wang claims recruited him to undertake espionage work in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.
Taiwan’s United Daily News reports China Innovation and Investment Limited CEO Xiang Xin and his wife Kung Ching, were questioned at Guo’an Station before being transferred to the Taipei Metropolitan Prosecutor’s at 9.30pm local time on Monday.
The pair were stopped at Taipei airport by the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice – Taiwan’s equivalent of the United States’ FBI.
According to United Daily News, the Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation under national security laws, and is seeking information “from the relevant Australian authorities”.
“The National Security Service also filed a case investigation and asked the prosecutor to report to the North Command investigation,” the news outlet reported.
The Australian Federal Police has also opened a formal investigation into the claims by Mr Wang Liqiang that Chinese intelligence services sought to interfere in Australian politics.
In a statement, Mr Xiang’s company, China Innovation and Investment Limited: “Mr Xiang and Mrs Kung have hired Taiwan lawyers to provide assistance.”
CIIL said Mr Xiang and Mrs Kung “knew nothing” about issues in the news reports.
“Wang Liqiang was never an employee of the group,” it said.
“The news reports were all fictitious and forged.”
The Australian is not suggesting the allegations against Mr Xiang are true, only that they are being investigated.
Wang is understood to be at an undisclosed location in Sydney. He has formally applied for asylum.
Olivia Caisley 10.07am: Wong calls for bipartisan China approach
Labor Senator Penny Wong has called for stronger bipartisan engagement when it comes to handling Canberra’s “complex and consequential” relationship with Beijing.
It comes amid fears of increasing Chinese influence in Australia and as the Australian Federal Police opened a formal investigation into claims by self-proclaimed Chinese spy Wang Liqiang that Chinese intelligence services sought to interfere in domestic politics.
Senator Wong said the nation needed to send a clear message to Beijing that while Canberra recognises China’s importance it would only engage with the global superpower in a manner that safeguards Australian sovereignty and democracy. She said it was still possible to maintain a healthy trading relationship.
“It’s a challenge but a challenge we will have to find a way through because disengagement from China isn’t realistic,” Senator Wong said. “China is going to be the world’s largest economy and China will influence the shape of our region.
“This is a complex and consequential relationship and it isn’t a new phase, it’s in the phase where we have to manage the differences which arise from the fact that we are a democracy and China is not, but we have to continue to engage.”
Senator Wong said the Morrison government needed to reclaim ownership of public discussion about China, which she said was currently being led by Liberal backbenchers and the media.
Olivia Caisley 9.31am: ‘State of hysteria’
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang has lashed Australians for “reaching a state of hysteria” over claims Beijing attempted to plant a spy MP in Canberra.
In a statement released on Monday Mr Geng said China didn’t interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and would continue to develop “friendly co-operation” with Australia based on respect, equality and mutual benefit.
“We have not interfered and are never interested in interfering in other countries’ domestic affairs,” Mr Geng said.
“Some Australian politicians, institutions and media have been highly tense on China-related issues. They seem to have reached a state of hysteria and extreme nervousness.”
He called-out media reports regarding claims of Chinese espionage as “nothing but lies”.
“We hope those Australian politicians, institutions and media can view China and China-Australia relations with a healthy attitude, which will truly contribute to the sound and stable growth of bilateral relations as well as their own physical and mental health.”
Nine newspapers and the 60 Minutes program have reported that Australian authorities were investigating claims that a Chinese espionage ring tried to install Nick Zhao — a luxury car dealer — in a seat in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and offered $1 million to bankroll his campaign.
Mr Zhao was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room in March after disclosing the approach made to him by China to ASIO.
Olivia Caisley 9.13am: ‘Welcome, appropriate’: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt has described revelations that outgoing Westpac chief executive Brian Hartzer allegedly claimed the bank didn’t need to “overcook” the Austrac paedophile scandal as “utterly unacceptable”.
The Australian revealed on Tuesday Mr Hartzer told his executives in a closed-door meeting on Monday that mainstream Australia was not overly concerned about the money scandal amid allegations the bank facilitated child exploitation in The Philippines.
Mr Hunt backed the resignation Mr Hartzer on Tuesday, telling Sky News the embattled chief executive couldn’t be more wrong.
“This is about the potential for serious criminal activity to have been allowed,” Mr Hunt said. “In particular, the idea that there are crimes against children, in any way shape or form, which could be treated as (anything) other than profoundly important and utterly unacceptable is to me a complete failure.”
Mr Hunt said he echoed Scott Morrison’s strong rebuke of the scandal shrouding the bank.
“I have to say, you could not have heard stronger, clearer a position set out by the Prime Minister and respond to, in response to what were, frankly, not just disappointing but shocking and unacceptable revelations.
“Both the chairman and the CEO are leaving, and I think that’s appropriate.”
Olivia Caisley 8.55am: Hartzer had ‘no choice’: Chalmers
Labor has welcomed the resignation of embattled Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer with opposition Treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers declaring the outgoing chief executive had “no choice” but to step down amid the bank’s Austrac scandal.
“The behaviour at Westpac under Brian Hartzer’s leadership was nothing short of disgraceful,” Mr Chalmers said on Tuesday. “Brian Hartzer had no option but to resign after the extremely serious and appalling revelations of what has gone on in Westpac over a period of some years.
“After 23 million breaches of the counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws, Brian Hartzer had no option. We welcome the decision that he’s taken today to step down.”
Mr Chalmers said the decision didn’t fix all of the issues that had emerged but it was a step in the right direction.
He also seized on the issue to take a swipe at the Morrison government, saying it “beggared belief” the Coalition would this week attempt to convince the Senate crossbench to back the Ensuring Integrity Bill and attack the unions when they had “gone soft” on the banks.
“The Morrison government has gone soft on the banks, resisted a banking royal commission, voted against it 26 times, dragged their feet on the recommendations of the banking royal commission.”
Mr Chalmers said it was now time to restore confidence in the financial system.
“We need to make sure that the Australian people can have confidence in their banks and in their financial system,” Mr Chalmers said. “It’s a key part of the economy. Actions like that, which has been uncovered at Westpac, only damage confidence in the banking system.”
Olivia Caisley 8.20am: Westpac CEO quits
Embattled Westpac chief executive Brian Hartzer will step down from the company in the wake of a money laundering scandal involving claims the bank facilitated transactions enabling child exploitation in The Philippines.
In a statement released on Tuesday the bank said the change would be effective next Monday, December 2, with Chief Financial Officer Peter King set to take up the role of acting CEO while the bank searches for a long-term replacement.
It comes as The Australian revealed on Tuesday Mr Hartzer had tried to assure the bank’s most senior leaders that the scandal “was not playing out as a high street issue”.
The bank was thrown into crisis by a regulatory lawsuit last week with the Austrac statement of claim including allegations more than 23 million transactions breached anti-money-laundering laws.
The bank is facing the prospect of fines totalling more than $1bn.
Westpac group Chairman Lindsay Maxsted said on Tuesday the board accepted the gravity of the issues raised by Austrac.
“As was appropriate, we sought feedback from all our stakeholders including shareholders and having done so it became clear that Board and management changes were in the best interest of the Bank,” Mr Maxsted said.
He described Mr King as an executive of “exceptional integrity who is deeply respected by the market and the entire Westpac team.”
“The Board has asked Peter to focus on two immediate priorities: to implement the Westpac Response Plan and to continue to execute the group’s broader strategy.
“We are determined to urgently fix these issues and lift our standards to ensure our anti-money laundering and other financial crime prevention processes are industry leading.”
In addition to the executive changes, Mr Maxsted also announced that longstanding director Ewen Crouch will not seek re-election at the upcoming Westpac AGM.
Mr Maxsted has also confirmed he will bring forward his retirement as chairman to the first half of 2020.
Olivia Caisley 7am: Chinese influence again debated
The issue of Chinese influence in Australia will be front and centre again today in Canberra as the Australian Federal Police opens a formal investigation into claims Chinese intelligence services sought to interfere in Australian politics.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will also return to parliament today, but this time it’s to launch a new Quarterly Essay on Chinese Communist Party influence.
Here in Beijing this afternoon, at a conference I’m participating in on US-China relations, a 94 year old Henry Kissinger described Washington and Beijing as “ being in the foothills of a new Cold Warâ€. Chilling.
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) November 21, 2019
An asylum-seeker on Nauru charged with domestic violence offences and facing allegations he attempted to enter into a relationship with a 13-year-old girl has been approved for medical transfer to Australia, as the government tries to win the support of Senate crossbencher Jacqui Lambie to repeal medivac laws.
The Australian Federal Police has opened a formal investigation into claims by self-proclaimed Chinese spy Wang Liqiang that Chinese intelligence services sought to interfere in Australian politics.
The man at the centre of claims that China wanted to install one of its agents in federal parliament was a low-profile Liberal Party member who had shown no ambition of becoming an MP, sources familiar with his activities say.
Australian universities have been warned against academic collaborations with 115 Chinese institutions considered at “high” or “very high risk” of involvement in defence and security research, or human rights abuses.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott will say mining and agriculture “are not the old economy” as she condemns environmental appeals processes that make it too easy for activists to stymie projects.
Plans are under way for Scott Morrison to use a state visit to India in January to seek deals with New Delhi for co-operation on critical technologies and minerals, in a bid to counter Chinese dominance in hi-tech sectors.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese is rating worse than Simon Crean did at the same time in his leadership. Crean, who took over from Kim Beazley to face John Howard after the 2001 election, also Labor’s third straight loss, had a higher voter satisfaction than Albanese does six months after the Labor loss and a change of leadership, Newspoll shows.
Liberal senator Jim Molan says he will be a team player in his second stint in parliament, after he was sworn into the upper house to replace Arthur Sinodinos, who will become Australia’s ambassador in Washington.
Employers have swung behind government attempts to convince the Senate crossbench to back the Ensuring Integrity Bill, accusing unions of “deliberate untruths and concocted misrepresentations” about the impact of the proposed union-restricting laws.
The National Australia Bank has been appointed as the first major lender for the government’s first home loan deposit scheme after committing to not charging eligible customers higher interest rates and offering guarantees when the housing stimulus package begins on January 1.
Peter Dutton has accused Westpac of giving “a free pass to pedophiles” as Anthony Albanese sought to capitalise on the latest banking scandal to attack the government’s Ensuring Integrity laws.
An extra 10,000 aged-care places for Australians requiring high-level care at home has been welcomed, but the Morrison government is being urged to swiftly introduce broader reforms to reduce waiting times.
Dennis Shanahan writes: Scott Morrison has been announcing billions to “bust congestion” in the cities or “fight drought” in the bush but his $537m in response to the interim aged-care royal commission report was about much more than numbers.
Greg Sheridan writes: Australia-China relations have entered a new historic era, one that will involve much more strategic competition, political mess and diplomatic and security challenge than anything we have known previously in our modern diplomatic history with Beijing.
Alice Workman’s Sketch: Don’t mention the C word! China, obviously. After news the Communist Party planned to plant a spy deep within the cold Canberra bubble, it’s no surprise that Gladys Liu, Australia’s first elected Chinese-born MP, is jumping at shadows. And possibly Chinese whispers.
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