PoliticsNow: PM takes aim at NSW Labor
In a fiery question time, the PM targeted Anthony Albanese’s branch of the ALP as being tainted.
- ‘Big stench of corruption’
- Senate approves ‘federal ICAC’
- Joyce slams Greens over fires
- Lambie’s about-face
- ‘Lives endangered’: Di Natale
- Bills before parliament
Hello and welcome to PoliticsNow, The Australian’s live blog on the happenings at Parliament House in Canberra. In a fiery question time, Scott Morrison has targeted Anthony Albanese’s branch of the Labor Party as being tainted.
Greg Brown 8.18pm: PM defends cashless welfare
Scott Morrison has defended his plans to extend the cashless welfare card and introduce drug testing trials for welfare recipients, declaring the measures would give people a “brighter future”
The Prime Minister said the reforms were a “genuine attempt” to help people and give drug addicts a “greater control of their lives”.
“It should be seen for what it is” which is a genuine attempt to help people in these situations, to help them better managing the resources they have and ensure there is food on the table for the people who depend on these payments,” Mr Morrison told the ABC.
Mr Morrison said drug abuse was one of the biggest impediments to employment.
“There is an opportunity when people are engaging with the government, when they are coming for support in the form of Newstart and other programs, to help get them the support that they need,” Mr Morrison said.
“We are trying to help people get off drugs and get into work and trial innovative new ways of doing that. It is worth a try.”
He said a trial of the cashless welfare card in Queensland’s Wide Bay helped lower youth unemployment from 27 per cent to 18 per cent.
“When you are getting those sort of results, it is worth continuing to pursue those sort of programs,” Mr Swan said.
Richard Ferguson 4.18pm: ‘Big stench of corruption’
Scott Morrison has targeted Anthony Albanese’s branch of the Labor Party as being tainted by the “big stench of corruption” in a fiery question time, as parliament returned from the winter break.
As the opposition moved to target a slowing national economy, criticising the government’s fiscal settings the Prime Minister hit back.
As the Opposition Leader asked why Mr Morrison was talking more about Labor than the economy, the Prime Minister launched a savage hit on the NSW Labor Party’s Sussex St head office.
“What is happening on the side of the Labor Party, and I was asked about the Labor Party, is chaos,” Mr Morrison said in parliament.
“It’s chaos and uncertainty and in New South Wales, there is the big stench of corruption, Mr Speaker.
“When I said we had to recycle plastics, Mr Speaker, I didn’t mean Aldi plastic bags stuffed full of cash. That was not my plan, Mr Speaker. But it is certainly the plan of the New South Wales Labor Party.”
NSW Labor has been crushed by allegations of corruption and susceptibility to foreign interference in recent ICAC hearings, which has already led to the downfall of powerful ALP state general secretary Kaila Murnain.
The revelations at ICAC — including a claim Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo donated $100,000 which was stuffed into an Aldi bag — is the second major crisis in the Labor movement Mr Albanese has had to face since he took over as Opposition Leader.
Labor spent all of their focus on the slowest economic growth figures since the global financial crisis, with Josh Frydenberg admitting some growth figures were behind budget projections.
But the Treasurer defended the government’s economic growth record and said Labor’s pre-election tax plans would have crippled a struggling economy.
Richard Ferguson 3.35pm: Australian cricketers congratulated
Scott Morrison congratulates the Australian cricket team on winning the Ashes.
“Many of us, I’m sure, were watching the game last night but it has been an absolutely tremendous result and I want to particularly pay tribute to Tim Paine,” he says.
“Tim Paine took over the captaincy of the test team at a very difficult time for cricket in Australia, and the leadership he has shown of that team I think was rewarded last night.
“And can I also acknowledge the absolutely amazing efforts of Steve Smith. Steve Smith is a proud son of the Sutherland District Cricket Club, Mr Speaker.”
Anthony Albanese also congratulates the team.
“I join with the Prime Minister in congratulating the Australian cricket team. Led, most ably by Tim Paine, and coached most ably by Justin Langer,” he says.
“And with Steve Smith back in the team, scoring a fair percentage of the runs, it must be said that Australia has scored. We did miss him in the last tests, to say the least. And we wish them well. We look forward to welcoming them back here on Australian shores.”
Richard Ferguson 3.28pm: Investment up: Treasurer
Labor’s future of work spokeswoman Clare O’Neil asks Josh Frydenberg to confirm investment has fallen to its worst levels since the 1990-91 recession.
The Treasurer says non-mining investment is much higher than when Labor left office in 2013.
“I can confirm non-mining investment is growing 1.4 per cent through the year, compared to negative 8.4 per cent through the year when Labor left office, Mr Speaker,” he says.
“So the record there is that that we have overseen a better result when it comes to non-mining investment than the Labor Party did, Mr Speaker.
“Now, in terms of the mining sector, we have seen a transition from the investment stage to the production phase, and one of the positive points out of the national accounts for the June quarter was actually mining investment was up.
“Mining investment was up, Mr Speaker.”
Richard Ferguson 3.24pm: ‘Chaos, uncertainty in NSW Labor’
Scott Morrison takes aim at the recent woes of the NSW Labor Party in ICAC.
“What is happening on the side of the Labor Party, and I was asked about the Labor Party, is chaos,” he says.
“It’s chaos and uncertainty and in New South Wales, there is the big stench of corruption, Mr Speaker.
“When I said we had to recycle plastics, Mr Speaker, I didn’t mean Aldi plastic bags stuffed full of cash. That was not my plan, Mr Speaker. But it is certainly the plan of the New South Wales Labor Party.”
Richard Ferguson 3.22pm: Labor questions PM’s focus
Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison why he keeps talking about Labor, instead of the economy.
The Prime Minister defends his economic record.
“1.4 million jobs created under the economic policies of this government, Mr Speaker. 75 per cent of those full-time jobs, Mr Speaker. A budget that is coming back into surplus this
year — this year, Mr Speaker,” he says.
“People are not only earning more, they are getting to keep more of what they earn and we want them to earn more in the future. But you won’t get higher wages with higher taxes.
“They never understand that if they want to tax people more, they will slow the economy, which will thieve them, Mr Speaker, of their economic opportunities.”
Manager of opposition business Tony Burke complains to Speaker Tony Smith that Mr Morrison is still attacking Labor.
“I will just say that several of the topics in the question (from Mr Albanese) was Labor, so he didn’t put it there,” the Speaker responds.
Richard Ferguson 3.15pm: Infrastructure spending challenged
Labor’s infrastructure spokeswoman Catherine King asks why the PM has ignored seven calls post-election from Reserve Bank governor Phillip Lowe to boost infrastructure spending.
Mr Morrison quotes evidence Mr Lowe gave to the House Economics Committee.
“‘That is not a call for the Australian government to do more now.’ I am quoting the governor of the reserve bank,” he says.
“He said, ‘Can I clarify something? I have not called on the government to do fiscal expansion.’ Quoting the governor of the reserve bank, giving evidence, not some chat to a journalist, but evidence, to the House Economics Committee.
“It is as a result of the reserve bank governor years ago, suggestions to us about the need to move on infrastructure, that we have the hundred billion dollar infrastructure pipeline, that has been in the Budget since April of this year, and is featured in previous budgets.”
Richard Ferguson 3.09pm: Every sector decarbonised?
Independent MP Zali Steggall asks Scott Morrison if he agrees every sector must be decarbonised and if he will present such a plan to the parliament.
The Prime Minister says he is committed to tackling climate change and that Australia is “meeting and beating” climate targets under his leadership.
“As a result of the policies of this government, put in place over the last six years to make sure we are meeting and beating our emissions reductions targets,” he says.
“Whether it’s on emissions reduction, renewable energy, the government has a plan, has committed to targets, is implementing the plan and will meet the targets.
“The government is taking action on climate change, as we should. We will continue to take that action in a responsible way where we don’t have to sell out the jobs for the future, to make sure we have the future of a clean and green environment.”
Richard Ferguson 3.03pm: GDP growing above forecasts: Treasurer
Labor’s treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers asks Josh Frydenberg to confirm the economy is growing at a slower rate than predicted in the May budget.
The Treasurer says nominal GDP is growing above budget forecasts.
“Above the forecast. 5.3 per cent, and the budget forecast was 5 per cent,” he says.
“The reality is, we on the side of the House stand for lower taxes. We have passed through the parliament, the most significant tax cuts and more than two decades. You know who oppose those tax cuts? The Member for Rankin (Mr Chalmers).”
Richard Ferguson 2.58pm: ‘A record number of Australians are in work’
Labor’s treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers asks Josh Frydenberg if recent national accounts figures show Australia is growing at the slowest pace since the global financial crisis of 2008.
The Treasurer says he can confirm Australia continues to grow.
“Employment growth is 2.6 per cent. Do you know what it was when we came to government? 0.7 per cent! Less than a third of what it is today,” he says.
“A record number of Australians are now in work, workforce participation is at a record high, the gender pay gap has closed and the budget is coming back to surplus for the first time in more than a decade, Mr Speaker.
“When you look at the national accounts, economic growth was 0.5 per cent for the June quarter, and 1.9 per cent in terms of year average terms.
“The Australian economy has completed 28 consecutive years of economic growth and under our watch, more people are employed than ever before.”
Richard Ferguson 2.56pm: PM’s update on fires
Scott Morrison tells the House of Representatives that he is keeping a close eye on bushfires in Queensland and northern NSW.
“It is only September and every indication is that a hot, dry summer is ahead and there are over 100 fires burning across Queensland and New South Wales,” he says.
“The forecast of dry and windy conditions until Tuesday means that the fire situation does remain volatile.
“In terms of property, five houses were destroyed, another fire damage and 25 non-residential structures have been destroyed in New South Wales fires. I spoke to the Premier (Gladys Berejiklian) earlier today again about the response that has been provided and the cooperation.
“I have also been in contact with the Queensland Premier’s (Annastacia Palaszczuk) office, who is currently travelling. In Queensland 52 houses were damaged included 15 houses that were completely destroyed.
“In New South Wales and Queensland we are providing disaster recovery assistance.”
Richard Ferguson 2.48pm: QT begins on economy
We’re now onto Question Time. Anthony Albanese asks Scott Morrison why he is not focusing on the economy, and accuses him of spending more energy wedging Labor.
The Prime Minister denies he is not focused on the economy and says he is working towards economic growth.
“I can understand why the Leader of the Opposition is so focused on his own
woes at the moment,” Mr Morrison says.
“But what this side of the house is focused on is growing the Australian economy and the Australian economy has been growing year in, year out, under the policies of this government, which has seen record growth and employment.
“We have backed in our industries, whether in our overseas markets, or here at home, we are investing in skills, investing in infrastructure, investing in lowering the tax burden.
“And as we prepared this year’s budget, we looked forward and we saw the
challenges that the Australian economy face in an increasingly complex time in the global economy, and we put our plan to the Australian people and the Australian people chose our government and chose our plan, Mr Speaker, and we are delivering that plan.”
2.37pm: Henderson’s route back to Canberra
Just confirmed with @JacintaAllanMP's office: Victorian Parliament will vote tomorrow to hold a joint sitting on Wednesday to ratify @SarahMHendo's appointment as a Vic senator #springst #auspol
— Rachel Baxendale (@rachelbaxendale) September 9, 2019
Richard Ferguson 2.30pm: ‘He loved country people’
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is paying to tribute to one of his predecessors as Nationals leader Tim Fischer.
“He loved country people, country people loved him, they knew he cared, they knew as a Prime Minister said he would listen,” he tells the House.
“When you were talking to Tim, you were the only focus and he concentrated on you and you alone. He would always act on people’s needs and their wants and their expectations.
“He promoted regional Australia like no one else, and wherever he went, he went everywhere, he did — from his work in the rural industry to his service in Vietnam, his contribution as a member of the New South Wales Parliament or the seat of Sturt, and then Murray, as a member of the Federal Parliament for the seat of Farrer, at a Shadow Minister, a minister and then Deputy Prime Minister — Tim Fischer was always in there doing his level best.
“Much has been said and written in recent weeks about Tim’s role with then Prime Minister John Howard in tightening semiautomatic and firearm controls after the horrific 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
“There are Australians today who are alive thanks to those reforms. There are Australians today who owe their lives to those reforms and to Tim Fischer.”
Richard Ferguson 2.20pm: ‘A man with a rock solid constitution’
Anthony Albanese is now paying tribute to the late Tim Fischer.
“Australia has lost one of our true gentlemen. We have also lost one of our greatest enthusiasts,” the Opposition Leader tells the House.
“One of the gentlest souls, and one of our most doggedly persistent advocates. We have lost one of the most distinctive figures, to have ever graced the Australian political stage. There was never in danger of him being mistaken for just another politician.
“He rose beautifully above some people’s early expectations. What many couldn’t see, was that behind the idiosyncrasy ticks, the air of quizzical geniality, was a man with a rock solid constitution.”
Richard Ferguson 2.10pm: PM’s tribute to Fischer
Scott Morrison opens up Question Time with a tribute to the late Tim Fischer, Australia’s former deputy prime minister and leader of the National Party.
“Timothy Andrew Fisher was Australia all over. He was an Australian original,” he tells the House.
“Tim transcended the political divide probably more than any I could nominate in this place.
“That’s why, I think so many of us in this chamber, and those who have been in this chamber, we all have a Tim Fischer story.
“It is easy now when we remember him to think first of as many quirks, and endearing traits. The stoop, the hat, the big hands I have mentioned. His unique cadence, and its faint echo of a childhood speech impediment, that was never totally mastered. Then there was the singularity. The individuality, that set slightly apart, from the rest of the world.
“He was a deep thinker, a true representative of the bush, a man respected through the region, a man of immense political skill, content with his own company but also one of the people.”
Greg Brown 1.05pm: Butler slaps down Swan
Labor Left heavyweight Mark Butler says the party’s climate change and tax policies must be part of a “deep, broad and ruthlessly unsparing” examination, as he delivers a scathing verdict on Bill Shorten’s loss in the May election.
The party’s former national president — a key factional ally of Anthony Albanese — has broken ranks with current president Wayne Swan, who declared on Friday Labor should hold the line on its economic and climate policies.
Rosie Lewis 11.58am: Senate approves ‘federal ICAC’
The Senate has voted to establish a federal anti-corruption commission, with the Greens, Labor and crossbenchers combining to back the proposal 35 votes to 32.
The bill, moved by Greens senator Larissa Waters, would create an Australian national integrity commission with five commissioners to “promote and improve the integrity and accountability of commonwealth public administration”.
The legislation still has to be voted on in the House of Representatives, where the Morrison government has the numbers and it is highly likely it will be rejected, before it can become law.
One Nation abstained from the vote after senator Malcolm Roberts spoke against the bill.
Centre Alliance and Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie supported the creation of an anti-corruption commission.
Richard Ferguson 11.35am: Di Natale a ‘fringe dweller’: Littleproud
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud has labelled Greens leader Richard Di Natale a “fringe dweller” and “irrelevant” for claiming he was “endangering Australians” facing bushfires.
Senator Di Natale attacked Mr Littleproud for calling the climate change-bushfire debate “irrelevant” compared to practical firefighting outcomes while fire blaze in Queensland and northern NSW.
Mr Littleproud stuck by his comments on Monday and said he was focused on people in bushfire-affected communities, not Senator Di Natale.
“I do not intend to dignify these comments from fringe dwellers,” he told The Australian.
“I am focused on responsible and practical outcomes for people on the ground.
“That is what we are delivering and that’s what I will stick to.
“Until the Australian Greens prove they are mature, they will remain irrelevant.”
Senator Di Natale has also been attacked by New England National MP Barnaby Joyce for comparing climate action and bushfires to the consequences of weak gun laws.
Richard Ferguson 11.10am: Joyce slams Greens over bushfires
Barnaby Joyce has slammed Green attempts to politicise recent bushfires hitting his NSW electorate of New England, and says he wants more water points in National parks to tackle fires.
Greens leader Richard Di Natale today accused Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud of “endangering Australians” for calling the climate change-bushfire debate “irrelevant.”
Mr Joyce told The Australian that Senator Di Natale’s comparison of climate change reform and gun laws was “politicising” tragedy and said Greens policies would actually harm his constituents suffering from bushfires.
“Di Natale should seriously consider apologising for his politicising of the horrendous association of the carnage of the criminality of gun massacres conducted by people and the battle against the ferocity of nature,” he said.
“If a person lights a fire they are a criminal and that is where it finishes.
“If Di Natale wants to test his rhetoric go to a person who has lost his house and tell them what he is going to do for them now is put up their power bill. The climate is changing but the Greens can’t change it back in Canberra.”
He urged the Greens to instead back moves to make it easier for firefighters to collect water.
“Mr Di Natale should lobby for watering points in mismanaged National Parkas that can’t control bushfires and have little to no watering points for firefighters to collect water,” he said.
“In many areas, they are not parks managed like farms. They are merely arbitrary lines on the map with wind pigs, blackberries, and massive fuel loads in between.”
Rosie Lewis 11.00am: All eyes on Lambie
Jacqui Lambie is the woman of the moment at Parliament House on Monday. After her Sky News interview, she explained her position on the government’s bid to drug test welfare recipients to waiting media.
“I’ve always said there needs to be more services out there and the services aren’t there, it’s as simple as that. The mental health services aren’t there, and sure as hell the drug and alcohol rehabilitation is not there either,” she said.
“I’m happy to support the drug test trials when those services are in place and that’s not going to happen.”
Asked how much money she thought was needed for the services, which were required right around the country and not just in Tasmania, she said: “I reckon there’d be millions of dollars because we are way behind. If we can’t get mental health services down pat then we’re never going to deal with drug and alcohol.
“There’s people out there with drug and alcohol problems and they should be given a second chance and if they put up their hand or get caught out then we give them a chance and we go and rehabilitate them and give them an opportunity at that before we start penalising them and taking money off them, because that’s not the Australian way.”
Richard Ferguson 9.44am: Lambie’s about-face on drug-testing trials
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has backflipped on the government’s drug-testing trials for welfare recipients, saying she would not support them one day after backing in the proposals.
“No, I won’t be supporting it unless I can see the rehabilitation services and the services that these people need to kick their habit are actually set up. Which I am yet to see,” she told the Nine Network.
On Sunday, Senator Lambie said she would ultimately support the bill.
“I’m happy to support the drug testing of welfare recipients,” she said at Canberra Airport on Sunday.
Senator Lambie’s shift on drug testing imperils the chances of the drug-testing trials passing the senate during this sitting fortnight. Labor and the Greens oppose the government’s plans.
She has previously said she would only support drug testing for dole recipients if politicians are tested too.
Senator Lambie seems still set to back the government’s union-busting bills — allowing courts to deregister rogue unions and union officials — unless controversial construction union boss John Setka quits.
“I’m going to stay very solid on this: John Setka needs to resign,” Senator Lambie told Nine newspapers today.
“Either he resigns now or these rules will come into place and he won’t be able to stay on the line and he’s going to go down anyway. Is it worth taking 1.4 million union members down with him?”
Richard Ferguson 8.40am: ‘Lives endangered’, Di Natale says
Greens leader Richard Di Natale has accused Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud of “endangering people’s lives” for not directly linking recent bushfires in Queensland to climate change.
The Greens have upped their rhetoric on climate change and bushfires this week, with Senator Di Natale comparing climate change and bushfires to gun violence and gun laws.
“If he’s not prepared climate change is not a driver of bushfires … what he’s in fact doing he is endangering the lives of Australians,” he told ABC radio.
Devastating to witness the impact of bushfires on Qld and NSW communities. My thoughts are with everyone who has lost their homes and property and with the emergency services workers bravely fighting fires and supporting those affected.
— Richard Di Natale (@RichardDiNatale) September 7, 2019
These are the real life consequences of the worsening climate crisis. No more excuses. We are in a climate emergency.
— Richard Di Natale (@RichardDiNatale) September 7, 2019
“As a result of climate change, we will see an increased frequency and severity of bushfires.
“We know that climate change makes bushfires worse, in the way lax gun laws make gun violence worse.”
Mr Littleproud said on Monday that whether man-made climate change was responsible for bushfires was “irrelevant”, but admitted the climate was changing.
“We’re adapting to it as the climate continues to change, and we’ll continue to equip our fire service members,” he told ABC radio.
“Whether it’s man-made or not is irrelevant. That is a debate (climate change) that has extremes from both sides.”
Richard Ferguson 8.05am: Marles flips on drug tests
Labor’s deputy leader Richard Marles has stared down the government’s proposal to drug test welfare recipients, despite signalling he was open to the bill last week.
“There’s an indignity to what’s being proposed here,” he told ABC News on Monday.
“It’s a real problem if we’re seeing our most vulnerable persecuted.
“There is no evidence at all which suggests this makes any difference.”
Last Friday, Mr Marles said he would listen to experts on the bill but did not rule out support.
“We are for anything that will get people off drugs. We will look at the legislation,” he told Nine.
The drug-test trials are set to pass with independent senator Jacqui Lambie’s support.
Richard Ferguson 8am: Water review essential, Littleproud says
Water Minister David Littleproud will wait for a review into the water market before answering calls to rein in investors accused of hoarding billions of litres of water and ratcheting up the cost.
Representatives from about a dozen horticultural industries have written to Mr Littleproud claiming the non-farm water investors are playing the market.
“What I heard was that they (non-land investors) were speculating … so I listened and instigated that (Australian Consumer and Competition Commission) review,” he told ABC radio.
EXCLUSIVE | Investors are allegedly hoarding billions of litres of water, ratcheting up the cost and cruelling food growers who claim they face a massive artificial price spike that is crippling agriculture #auspol https://t.co/7m6FrUn2LN
— The Australian (@australian) September 8, 2019
“It’s important we get this right and it’s important governments don’t reach into marketplaces unless there is a need, there is unbalance.
“This is why I asked the ACCC. They’re the professionals, not me.
“My intent would be to see that water is used by family farms to keep their communities going in an economical way.”
Richard Ferguson 7.25am: Bills before parliament
It’s set to be a busy sitting fortnight for Scott Morrison as he pushes key parts of his election agenda. Here are some of the big bills set to be voted on in parliament, and their chances of passing:
ENSURING INTEGRITY BILL
Laws allowing courts to deregister rogue unions and union officials are before the senate. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said she’ll block the bill if controversial construction union boss John Setka resigns.
SEX CRIME REFORMS
The Morrison government will impose mandatory minimum sentences for pedophiles, make it harder for repeat sex offenders to get bail, and ensure people who commit the most serious abuses against children remain in prison for life. Labor is set to back the proposal, despite its stance against mandatory minimum sentencing.
PM says he’s looking to “test†Labor this week when Parliament resumes.. So where do Labor sit on key legislation?
— Caitlin Taylor (@caitotaylor) September 7, 2019
- Cashless welfare card expansion ✖ï¸
- Drug testing for Newstart recipients ✖ï¸
- Mandatory sentencing for pedophiles (a reluctant) ✔ï¸
- Ensuring Integrity Bill ✖ï¸
WELFARE BILLS
Cashless welfare debit cards and drug-testing trials for dole recipients are set to pass the senate with Senator Lambie’s support. Labor is opposed and the Prime Minister is setting it up as one of the key “tests” for a post-election Opposition.
If the Govt is saying that welfare recipients should be drug tested because they are on the public purse then by that logic everyone else being paid by the taxpayer should also be subject to drug testing why just pick on poor people? #auspol
— Jacqui Lambie (@JacquiLambie) September 8, 2019
MEDEVAC REPEAL
The government wants to finally repeal the medical transfers regime for offshore refugees that was foisted upon it by Bill Shorten and crossbench MPs during the hung parliament last year. Labor and Centre Alliance remain opposed to repeal. Senator Lambie has not come to a position.
Richard Ferguson 6.55am: What’s making news
Scott Morrison is close to securing a major victory for his social and welfare reform agenda, including the expansion of the cashless welfare card and drug tests for welfare recipients, with both bills likely to be passed after Jacqui Lambie confirmed her support.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has suffered a collapse in voter support, with his approval rating heading into negative territory for the first time since becoming leader three months ago.
Anthony Albanese has slipped further behind Scott Morrison in the head-to-head contest, now trailing by a 20-point margin as the preferred prime minister https://t.co/GpKteILI9B #Newspoll pic.twitter.com/3ECqc9bu3V
— The Australian (@australian) September 8, 2019
Former assistant housing minister Sarah Henderson has won a hard-fought Liberal Party preselection battle for a Victorian Senate seat, beating farmer and former Liberal Party country vice-president Greg Mirabella 234 votes to 197.
Labor’s chief strategist, Tony Burke , says it is in the national interest to allow the Sri Lankan Tamil family facing deportation to stay in Australia, after Scott Morrison ruled out any “special favours”.
Barnaby Joyce will ask the Nationals to adopt a new policy to increase representation of regional Australians in the Senate, suggesting there be two “high-profile” senators representing the most populous city of Sydney.
Simon Benson writes: Anthony Albanese can only look with envy at PM’s approval rating.
More Coverage
The two-party-preferred vote remains unchanged at 51-49 in favour of the Coalition https://t.co/GpKteILI9B #Newspoll pic.twitter.com/HZs8nOUA5T
— The Australian (@australian) September 8, 2019
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Wayward Queensland Labor MP Jimmy Sullivan will make a surprise reappearance at the party’s caucus love-in next week, but will factional treachery kill the vibe?
So many visits signal a whole lot of trouble
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