Labor backs down on terror; queries over record-breaking marathon Question Time
PoliticsNow | As Question Time was extended to a record-breaking 148 minutes, Labor asked why it went on … and on.
- Not just marathon, record breaking
- Labor backs down on terror
- Hakeem meets with PM
- Shorten unfazed by Tampa repeat
- Boats battle far from over
Hello and welcome to PoliticsNow, The Australian’s live blog on the happenings at Parliament House in Canberra.
Top story: Labor has watered down their dissenting report to new national security laws stripping terrorists in Australia of their citizenship to a minority report, as revealed in The Australian today, but do not plan on passing the laws as they stand.
Primrose Riordan 6.43pm: Dispute breaks out over encryption laws
A dispute has broken out between the Home Affairs Department and the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security – an agency which oversees intelligence agencies – over new laws which give authorities greater access to messages sent over encrypted apps.
The inspector general, Margaret Stone, has said the department has made “inaccurate” statements and had a “limited understanding” of how her agency worked. The inspector general’s agency has expanded after the Coalition beefed up intelligence agencies last year.
Ms Stone made a number of suggestions to improve the oversight of how spooks are using the laws, such as making sure intelligence officers reported each use of the powers, that warrants were used correctly and that agencies delete sensitive private information if it’s not needed anymore.
Home Affairs then responded to the suggestions, which led to Ms Stone making a number of criticisms contained in a submission to a review of the laws which were rushed through late last year.
“The Department’s comments appear to be inaccurate,” she said in one comment.
“The Department’s comment appears to demonstrate a limited practical understanding about how IGIS conducts independent operational oversight of intelligence agencies,” she said in reply to another Home Affairs response.
Ms Stone appeared unsatisfied with the department assurances that innocent people’s private login information and other details that were collected inadvertently were deleted and suggested these requirements were legislated.
The inspector general also suggested there was still too much ambiguity around the issuing of warrants and also whether intelligence officers or their sources were subject to civil immunity.
The laws are the subject of a political fight at the moment with Labor claiming the laws need major changes and go too far.
Richard Ferguson 4.45pm: Not just marathon, record-breaking
Today’s Question Time is the longest ever Question Time, stretching to a record-breaking 148 minutes.
The previous record was 126 minutes for Question Time on December 2, 2009.
Generally, Question Time starts at 2pm and wraps about 3.10pm, with the Prime Minister asking any further questions be placed on a notice paper.
Earlier, as the time ticked on, Speaker Tony Smith said the is no “hard finish” for question time, and that the end of question time is the prerogative of the prime minister.
Debate in the lower house usually finishes for the day at 4.30pm on a Thursday, with members adjourning at 5pm. AAP reports.
Richard Ferguson 4.30pm: Marathon QT over
The House has been adjourned without any vote on Bill Shorten’s motion.
This two-and-a-half hour Question Time is now at an end.
Richard Ferguson 4.29pm: I’ve never opposed disability royal commission: PM
Scott Morrison says he has never opposed a royal commission into disability abuse and he keeps an open mind.
“I have not resolved not to do this … I have not seen a terms of reference,” he says.
He says he questions the wisdom of a royal commission into a disability system that is still being built.
“I will not let us leave with this place with some suggestion that this government does not take these issues seriously,” he says.
“On this further issue, we will consider how this can be best progressed.”
Richard Ferguson 4.13pm: Shorten moves suspension of standing orders
Bill Shorten is now moving a motion noting the abuse and neglect of people with disabilities who have suffered abuse, and that the government is not supporting it.
Speaker Tony Smith has told the House twice that there has been no message from the senate, and there would no vote on it today whether question time was extended or not.
Mr Shorten is moving a suspension of standing orders. He would 76 votes to pass that suspension.
This is the motion he is moving in the House in support of a disability royal commission.
“I seek leave to move the following motion —
That the House:
notes that:
1- Australians with a disability and their loved ones have been crying out for a Royal Commission to inquire into violence, abuse and neglect of people with a disability;
a — only a royal Commission has the powers to compel evidence, conduct public hearings and provide a safe place for witnesses to shine a light on the shameful abuse and neglect being suffered by Australians with a disability;
b — today in the Senate at approximately 12.15pm, the Government voted against a Royal Commission to inquire into violence, abuse and neglect of people with a disability; and
c — the Government is right now desperately running down the clock so that there is not enough time for the House to vote on the Senate’s message; and
d — the Government is doing all it can to avoid a second loss on the floor of Parliament in just one week; and
2- Therefore, calls on this Prime Minister to allow enough time in the House so that the Australian people can know where he and his Government stands on this important issue.”
Senator Brian Burston admits it was his blood smeared on Pauline Hanson's office door in Parliament House.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 14, 2019
'I now have come to the conclusion that it was myself and I sincerely apologise for that action.'
MORE: https://t.co/q86vdx8JIw #Speers pic.twitter.com/SqT5x74TpE
Richard Ferguson 4.10pm: Ashby blocked from parliament
Senator Burston has admitted he was responsible for the blood on Senator Hanson’s door.
“Whilst I do not recall the incident of blood on the door I’ve now come to the conclusion that it was myself and I sincerely apologise for that action,” he said.
Senate President Scott Ryan: The video footage that I have reviewed records the reported incident between Senator Burston and Mr James Ashby last night.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 14, 2019
I have exercised my authority to revoke Mr James Ashby of his pass to access the building.
MORE: https://t.co/q86vdx8JIw pic.twitter.com/OHmAyddroE
Brian Burston confirms it was him that put the blood on @PaulineHansonOz's office door last night, apparently in retaliation to the spat with James Ashby @australian #auspol
— Rosie Lewis (@rosieslewis) February 14, 2019
Richard Ferguson 3.50pm: Senate message hasn’t arrived: Smith
Speaker Tony Smith says he is “unmoved” by manager of opposition business Tony Burke’s arguments: “the conventions in this place matter”.
He says the message from the Senate on a disability royal commission has not been sent over and would not be dealt with today in any event.
Mr Smith earlier noted one question time in 2009 lasted for 126 minutes.
Debate in the lower house usually finishes for the day at 4.30pm on a Thursday, with members adjourning at 5pm.
Richard Ferguson 3.45pm: End of QT is “PM’s prerogative”
Manager of opposition business Tony Burke moves a procedural motion to call business of the day.
He and Christopher Pyne are now duelling over different standing orders.
Speaker Tony Smith says it is responsibility to call question time on procedurally. He says there is no “hard finish” for question time, and that the end of question time is the prerogative of the prime minister.
Richard Ferguson 3.42pm: PM says he has not lost control
Bill Shorten asks Scott Morrison if he is extending question time because he has lost control of the House of Representatives.
“No that is not the case,” the Prime Minister says.
“The Leader of the Opposition is basically surrendering, saying he has nothing to say.”
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, a disabled Australian, shouts from the doors and calls for a vote on a disability royal commission. Speaker Tony Smith asks him to stop interjecting.
Richard Ferguson 3.34pm: “I’m happy to stand here all day”
Bill Shorten asks Scott Morrison if question time has been extended to avoid a vote on a disability royal commission.
“Can the prime minister confirm that he’s decided that today’s question time will continue longer than any other day in the 45th parliament in order to prevent the house from voting on a royal commission into abuse of people with disabilities?” Shorten asks.
The Prime Minister responds: “What a declaration of surrender from the leader of the Labor Party. When has the Leader of the Opposition ever wanted to shut down question time?”
“I’m happy to stand here all day and talk about our record.
“Why wouldn’t want to hold this government to account? Because he (Shorten) has had a shocking week.
“The Australian people have seen the weakness in his heart.”
JUST IN: Labor has accused the government of filibustering Question Time to prevent losing a vote on the disability inquiry. pic.twitter.com/vp25GVsCDA
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 14, 2019
Richard Ferguson 3.30pm: Question Time extended
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan confirms question time has been extended today.
It has been speculated this extension maybe because the government is trying to avoid a vote on a Senate message on establishing a disability royal commission.
Adjournment debates in the House of Representatives today start at 4:30pm.
This means there could be no vote on a disability royal commission.
This question time may stretch out to at least 4:29pm
Is the Government going to run Question Time for another 45 minutes or so and then fillerbuster till 4.30pm to avoid a vote on disability? #qt @cpyne @Tony_Burke @SkyNewsAust
— Laura Jayes (@ljayes) February 14, 2019
Richard Ferguson 3.20pm: Pyne brings the house down
Opposition employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor asks Human Services Minister Michael Keenan if anyone at his office ever leaked details of a raid on AWU offices.
Speaker Tony Smith says he is not sure the question is on order. He decides it is but then allows Leader of the House Christopher Pyne to speak if it is “compelling”
“Well I think it’s compelling,” Mr Pyne says. There is much laughter in the chamber.
The Speaker asks Brendan O’Connor to re-ask the question but “not backwards.” More laughter.
Mr Smith allows the question and Mr Keenan speaks.
“I’m pleased to be asked because I have a lot more to say about this … this has a lot to say about the character of the Leader of the Opposition,” Mr Keenan says.
Richard Ferguson 3.07pm: Keenan quizzed on AWU raid leaks
Opposition employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor asks Human Services Minister Michael Keenan how he can stand by previous statements on the AWU raids, when it was revealed in court his former media adviser leaked details of a raid to the press.
Mr Keenan says the person who has an issue is Bill Shorten, who ran the AWU at the period of the alleged incidents the federal police were investigating.
Richard Ferguson 3pm: ‘Yes or no?’
Bill Shorten asks again if Scott Morrison supports a royal commission into disability abuse: “Yes or No?”
“I will remain open to every option there is to support people with disabilities,” the Prime Minister responds.
Mr Morrison says he would have hoped there was still bipartisanship over disability issues.
Richard Ferguson 2.54pm: ‘Will you oppose a disability abuse royal commission?’
Bill Shorten asks Scott Morrison twice more if he will oppose and vote against a disability royal commission, or back one.
Scott Morrison says it’s the government’s power to call royal commissions. And if want to call one, they will call one.
“We are prepared to initiate a royal commission into any matter,” the Prime Minister says.
“That is a matter for the executive government … it is not a matter for the legislature.
“Our focus on the moment is that we are establishing the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“How arrogant has the Labor Party become?”
Richard Ferguson 2.40pm: Shorten doubles down
Bill Shorten asks Scott Morrison again if he will support a royal commission into disability abuse.
“I thought I made the government’s position on this clear,” the Prime Minister responds.
“There are powers to investigate problems in this sector as we know understand it … We remain open.”
Richard Ferguson 2.40pm: Call for disabilities royal commission
Bill Shorten asks Scott Morrison why he will not support a royal commission to abuse of people with disabilities.
“My government takes neglect and abuse of people with disabilities very seriously,” the Prime Minister responds.
“We will always remain to open to egregious issues … right now our focus is on the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
Richard Ferguson 2.32pm: Big Stick versus drought
Opposition agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon asks Scott Morrison if he told Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack he decided not to put his big stick bill before parliament, as Nationals MP Keith Pitt calls for an emergency meeting on the matter.
“When are you going to ask about the drought?” Mr McCormack shouts repeatedly.
“The Deputy Prime Minister will stop shouting,” Speaker Tony Smith says forcefully.
The Speaker rules out part of Mr Fitzgibbon’s question.
Scott Morrison rises and criticises Labor’s history on border protection policy.
Richard Ferguson 2.23pm: Home Affairs contract query
Opposition immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann asks Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton about a Home Affairs contract with a company, where the owner has been linked to fraud.
“I’m rather touched … he rarely asks questions,” the Home Affairs Minister responds.
“The secretary of my department will deal with these matters.
“This contract deals with security services … why might we need security services, Mr Speaker?
“Labor has been a disaster on border protection.”
Richard Ferguson 2.20pm: Adani protests halted
A group of environmentalists from Coffs Harbour have interrupted question time to protest the Adani coal mine.
The Coffs Coast Climate Action Group say they want parliamentarians to “examine their conscience” over the mine.
Among the group was Uniting Church deacon Jason John who said he was protesting Scott Morrison’s call for Australians to “pray” for rain during drought.
Dr John said: “It’s cynical to simply “pray for rain,” as if God controls every drop, whilst doing absolutely nothing to deliver a safer climate with less severe weather extremes. I am not afraid of a lump of coal, but I am afraid that some of our nation’s leaders seem to worship it.”
The environmentalists were seated in random positions throughout parliament. They rose from their chair as one of their number was removed from the chamber.
The protests have stopped.
Richard Ferguson 2.16pm: Protesters disrupt Question Time
A series of protesters in the public gallery has been shouting out and disrupting question time.
Each time one is removed by security, another appears, dotted around the chamber. There appears to be more than 10 protesters talking about the environment so far.
They keep rising from their seats, randomly and out of the blue.
#BREAKING: Climate change protesters are disrupting Question Time, yelling over proceedings. pic.twitter.com/S7QAAZ4VVB
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 14, 2019
Richard Ferguson 2.14pm: PFP to investigate Burston-Ashby stoush
The Australian Federal Police has confirmed they will investigate a physical skirmish between NSW senator Brian Burston and Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff, James Ashby.
“The AFP can confirm it has spoken to Senator Burston in relation to an incident at Parliament House on Wednesday, 13 February 2019. The AFP will undertake an evaluation of this matter,” an AFP spokesman said.
Senator Burston has said he is seeking a restraining order on Mr Ashby for an alleged prolonged history of harassment. Mr Ashby denies the allegations.
Rosie Lewis 2.09pm: Ashby denies Burston ‘set up’
Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby has broken his silence after he was involved in a physical altercation with Brian Burston at Parliament House last night, rejecting the senator’s claim he had harassed and threatened him for some time.
Senator Burston claimed Mr Ashby set him up “to look badly for political purpose” following a spat between the pair, which was filmed on camera and witnessed by The Australian.
Mr Ashby told The Australian: “I have always maintained a good relationship with all elected members, regardless of their political persuasion.
“The constant and baseless claims by Brian Burston are growing old and I trust investigators will review video footage to assist clearing my name over this matter.”
Mr Ashby filmed Senator Burston and his wife as they left the Australian Minerals Industry Parliamentary Dinner in the Great Hall, prompting Senator Burston to grab at the staffer’s phone.
Security officials were later called to Senator Hanson’s office after a red substance described by One Nation staff as blood was found on the doors of the suite. The Australian is not suggesting Senator Burston was involved in that incident.
Another eye witness, who did not want to be identified, claimed Mr Ashby had provoked Senator Burston’s response and things got more heated after the staffer turned his camera on the parliamentarian’s wife.
Senator Burston allegedly threw Mr Ashby’s phone away and also pushed him up against a wall. Mr Ashby was allegedly seen laughing throughout the incident.
Richard Ferguson 2.08pm: Beating the big stick
Opposition energy spokesman Mark Butler asks when the Coalition will announce its “12th energy policy” now big stick legislation will not face parliament until after the election.
“Now we have another member of the Labor Party coming up here and speaking rubbish,” the Prime Minister responds.
“They roll over the energy companies … they roll over when it comes to keeping Australians safe and secure.
“The Australian Labor Party rolls over whenever anyone comes near them … their weakness will infect this nation.”
Richard Ferguson 1.43pm: Hanson, Burston stuck together
Pauline Hanson and Brian Burston may be warring, but they are stuck in the Senate together.
During a division in the Senate today, Senator Hanson found herself sitting behind Senator Burston, who defected from One Nation last year and has now accused her of sexual harassment. Senator Hanson has denied the allegations.
She looked displeased in her seating position and the man in front of her in the chamber.
Senator Burston had a physical clash with Senator Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby last night.
The NSW senator, now aligned with Clive Palmer. said today he has made a complaint to the federal police, and has also denied recent allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Primrose Riordan 12.50pm: Labor backs down on terror
Labor has watered down their dissenting report to new national security laws stripping terrorists in Australia of their citizenship to a minority report, as revealed in The Australian today, but do not plan on passing the laws as they stand.
“Labor will issue a minority report on this bill on the basis that the government has made no efforts to show it is constitutional. Labor stands ready to negotiate on other parts of the bill which do not risk a High Court challenge,” Labor legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus said this morning.
As The Australian reported, Labor members of the committee are still concerned about the constitutionality of the laws. In the report, the MPs said the laws should not be passed until some of these issues are addressed.
“Labor members of this Committee are not prepared to ignore the evidence presented by eminent constitutional lawyers and scholars who have told this Committee — including our Liberal colleagues — that the Citizenship Bill is likely unconstitutional,” the MPs said in their minority report.
“Given those are the likely consequences of proceeding as the government proposes, it is extraordinary that the government has so far refused to provide either the Committee or the Australian people with any assurance whatsoever that the Citizenship Bill is constitutionally sound.”
However the government members of the committee, led by chair Andrew Hastie, has also made a number of recommendations which include a call for a review of the operation of current laws.
While terrorists can already be stripped of their Australian citizenship while they are overseas, the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security was examining new laws which government could revoke the citizenship of terrorists who are about to finish, or have finished, serving prison sentences in Australia.
Richard Ferguson 12.28pm: Energy ‘heart of chaos’
Opposition treasury spokesman Chris Bowen has blasted Josh Frydenberg for not putting up the big stick legislation in parliament.
“Josh Frydenberg was the one who prosecuted the NEG (national energy guarantee) and couldn’t convince his own party. We were happy to interact with the government,” he said in Canberra.
“His big signature energy policy as Treasurer was the big stick, and he couldn’t even bring it on for a vote.
“This government is hopeless when it comes to energy policy. And the chaos at the heart of this government is infecting their ability in the parliament to get their legislation. Don’t worry about passed, it’s not been voted on one way or another.”
Richard Ferguson 11.55am: Hakeem meets with the PM
Scott Morrison has been lucky enough to get a signed soccer ball from footballer and recently freed refugee Hakeem al-Araibi.
The Prime Minister lobbied Thailand and Bahrain to release Mr al-Araibi from a Thai jail cell, after the refugee — who fled to Australia from persecution in 2013 — was locked up due to a INTERPOL red notice from Bahrain while he was on his honeymoon.
Mr al-Araibi and Mr Morrison were joined by Foreign Minister Marise Payne and former Socceroos captain Craig Foster, who led a public campaign to release the footballer.
Richard Ferguson 11.14am: ‘We can’t stop murderer coming in’
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says the medivac law will allow in asylum seekers alleged to have committed serious crimes, and says some people on Nauru have been accused of child abuse and murder.
“Allowing people to come into our country who have serious allegations of sexual assault or being involved in sexual relationships with young girl. One person has been accused of murder, out of Iran,” he told Sydney’s 2GB radio.
“Under the Labor Party bill, or now law, we cannot stop that person from coming in.
“If there is a person trying to board a plane in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur or somewhere today, and they have a visa to our country, but we know that there is an allegation of rape or child molestation, that person is not getting on that plane, they are not coming to our country.
“And yet people on Nauru and Manus with similar allegations, under Bill Shorten’s law, will have the right of passage to our country. The doctors will decide that. And it’s completely unacceptable.”
11.11am: No love for Gladys from Labor
Meanwhile, in NSW, the March 23 state election is fast approaching. Labor have taken a cheeky dig at the Berejiklian government, with a Valentine’s Day twist.
This Valentine's Day, we're breaking up with @GladysB 💔🥀 #nswpol #auspol pic.twitter.com/1nhVhAuixF
— NSW Labor (@NSWLabor) February 13, 2019
Richard Ferguson 10.47am: Indigenous voice Labor’s ‘priority’
Bill Shorten promises to make a constitutional voice for indigenous people a “priority.”
“I’m proud to declare again that enshrining a voice for First Australians will be Labor’s first priority for constitutional change,” he says.
“If we are elected as the next government of Australia, we intend to hold a referendum on this question in our first term as our partners have asked us to do.
“I’m optimistic the reform can succeed, the referendum can succeed, because the proposition we should include our First Nations in the nation’s birth certificate is an idea whose time has come.”
Mr Shorten has come under pressure from both Indigenous leaders and with the Labor movement to ensure a referendum on constitutional recognition is given priority over any public vote on the republic.
Richard Ferguson 10.41am: Can’t close gap if parliament ‘can’t admit racism exists’
Bill Shorten says if parliament “can’t admit racism exists” it will not close the gap.
“It is not the targets that have failed, it is, we, that have failed to meet them. And this is the hard truth that this report demands we confront,” he says.
“The truth about ongoing discrimination and disadvantage, the truth about families and communities being broken by poverty, violence, abuse, addiction and alcohol.
“The truth that there is still men and women being arrested, charged and jailed not because of the gravity of their offence, but because of the colour of their skin.
“If this parliament cannot admit the racism still exists in 2019, then we’re just wasting the time of our First Australians today. If we can’t admit that racism exists, then how on earth do we ever fix it. This is not political correctness, it’s just stating the obvious — it’s the truth.”
Richard Ferguson 10.39am: Shorten flags indigenous policy
Bill Shorten says Aboriginal-controlled organisations will be central to his Closing the Gap policies if he is elected prime minister in May.
“I’m conscious that the peak organisations have done heavy lifting too to date with limited resources.
“And I congratulate them for persevering for refusing to meekly affect a draft framework that was presented to you as a fait accompli and instead asserting your right for a permanent place at the table.
“My colleagues and I deeply respect your role as advocates, as experts and as Aboriginal community-controlled organisations committed to closing the gap.
“If we are successful at the next election, you will be central to setting policies … collaborating with frontline services and community leaders at local and regional levels. Partnership and action, not just words.”
Richard Ferguson 10.37am: ‘Good news, but not enough good news’
Bill Shorten responds to the Closing the Gap report and says there is “good news, but not enough good news.”
“I’m frustrated. I suspect many members of the House feel that frustration too,” he says.
“Frustration, disappointment that after a decade of good intentions, tens of thousands of well-meaning, well-crafted and well-intentioned words, heartfelt words, from five Prime Ministers, we assemble here and we see that not enough has changed.
“Mind you, I was halfway through expressing these views to the colleagues when Senator Patrick Dodson cut me off and said, ‘Comrade, how do you think we feel?’”
Richard Ferguson 10.33am PM to renew efforts to close
Scott Morrison concludes in parliament by saying he will renew his efforts to close the gap.
“The miracle worked in an apology is not when it is offered, but when it is accepted and that
forgiveness takes place,” he says.
“That is when true reconciliation occurs. In an age of offence and where the bonds between us are often under strain, there is much we can learn from our First Peoples.
“So we draw strength from their grace and we renew our efforts to address the gaps that exists. We owe it to them, to our history, to our country that we share to work together and to make the difference that is vital to so many Australian lives.”
Richard Ferguson 10.27am: ‘Things have rightly changed’
Scott Morrison is talking in parliament about the changes in recognising and valuing Indigenous culture, reflecting on his own family’s journey.
“I remember as a boy just 12 travelling with my older brother, Alan, to a property 30km
east of Cloncurry in North Queensland. That property today is under water,” he says.
“It was the family property of my late uncle Bill, the son of Dame Mary Gilmore who wrote about the mourning of Indigenous Australians long before, long before, most others in this country.
“And there was a large Indigenous family working on that property with uncle Bill and aunty Robyn. They were skilled stockmen and I almost had no interaction with Aboriginal people at this time in my life. And my first reaction as a young boy was to withdraw. We too often withdraw when we don’t know what we don’t understand.
“I fast forward a generation to the evening before Australia Day this year where I took my own girls with Jen down to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, spent time with the Ngunnawal people.
“My girls are younger than Alan and I were back then but my children had no such apprehension, only enthusiasm, and they already had an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture that I didn’t have as their age as a child. Things have rightly and positively changed.”
Richard Ferguson 10.24am: ‘It’s a calling’
Scott Morrison is speaking in the House of Representatives about today’s Closing the Gap report, and unveiling his policy to wipe HECS debt for teachers in remote Indigenous communities.
“Every child that gets into school and stays in school is a victory that should be claimed. Every Indigenous child born healthy and that remains healthy is a victory that must be claimed,” he says.
“If you’re a teacher in a very remote area, what you are doing is more than a job: it’s a calling. It’s an act and expression of love for your fellow Australians. And we should never take advantage of that great act of love.
“If anything, and we should, it must be rewarded. That is why the Government will provide incentives to teachers working in very remote areas to help them pay their higher education loans.
“For these teachers, their HECS debt will be frozen from today, from today.
“Teachers working in a very remote will not have one cent of interest added to their debt while they’re working in a very remote area. And if they work for four years in a very remote areas, their HECS debt will be scrapped.”
Ben Packham 10.22am: Coalition to take ‘big stick’ policy to election
The government has shelved controversial “big stick” divestment powers for power industry players under threat of a parliamentary defeat, declaring the Coalition would now take the policy to the election.
The move came ahead of a planned attempt by the Greens to amend the legislation to prevent public money being used to underwrite coal-fired power stations, which was set to receive support from Labor and crossbenchers.
The legislation, which would allow forced divestment of energy companies found to have misused their market position, was due to be debated in the House of Representatives today.
But the Treasurer’s office said the bill was now unlikely to be considered before parliament rises.
“Our legislation to prohibit energy market misconduct is an important reform that aims to hold the big energy companies to account and drive competition in the market and lower prices for consumers,” he said.
Richard Ferguson 9.50am: ‘Race against time’ to screen refugees
The government are in a “race against time” to check whether 300 refugees set to come to Australia via the medivac law are threats, Attorney-General Christian Porter says.
“We are in a race against time to determine each of those 300 to determine whether or not there are charges pending, whether or not there are awaiting trial,” he told Sky News.
“Whether or not they are awaiting sentence, whether or not there’s credible allegation, whether or not they is credible intelligence that an offence may have been committed.
“The reality is people who may have, or have been charged, or who are awaiting sentence, or who are awaiting trial can now been brought to Australia.”
The Attorney-General would not answer questions on how many of the 300 refugees who have, or will soon have, certification from two doctors were convicted but awaiting sentence.
Richard Ferguson 8.54am: Shorten unfazed by Tampa repeat
Bill Shorten says he is not worried the next election will be a re-run of the 2001 Tampa poll, after backing a controversial medical transfer of refugees law.
“This country in 2019 is not the same nation as in 2001. I do not believe Australians want a government which governs by slogans and fear,” he said.
“Strong borders does not have come at the expense of humane treatment of people who have been in our care for half a decade or more.
“I totally repudiate the attacks of the government, seeking to whip up fear and hysteria. Seeking to lure people smugglers to entice people onto boats.”
The 2001 federal election was largely considered Labor’s to lose, until 433 asylum seekers tried to enter Australia via Norwegian freighter MV Tampa in August of that year.
John Howard denied the asylum seekers entry to Australia, and his decision is largely credited for his win the following November.
Richard Ferguson 8.44am: Burston-Ashby scuffle ‘unacceptable’: Shorten
The violent scuffle between United Australia Party senator Brian Burston and Pauline Hanson’s chief of staff James Ashby in parliament last night was “unacceptable”, Bill Shorten says.
“Violence in unacceptable. The footage which I’ve seen is really, it has no place in parliament,” the Opposition Leader said in Canberra this morning.
“Some of these small parties are consumed by themselves. It would be comic except it’s not, it’s violence and it’s unparliamentary conduct.
“Clearly the One Nation party has descended into chaos, which it tends to do.”
Richard Ferguson 8.26am: Shorten meets with Hakeem
Bill Shorten has wandered down to the soccer pitch to meet footballer and recently freed refugee Hakeem al-Araibi. The Opposition Leader was in a suit and not dressed for a kick-a-bout.
Mr al-Araibi also met parliamentary soccer fans wearing “#SaveHakeem” soccer jerseys, including Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie, Nationals MP Bert Van Mannen, and Labor MPs Peter Kahlil, Graham Perrett and Andrew Giles.
The footballer is accompanied by his supporter and public champion, former Socceroos captain and SBS presenter Craig Foster.
He will meet Scott Morrison later this morning. The Australian expects he will also wear a suit and not head to the pitch for a match against Mr al-Araibi.
Richard Ferguson 8.10am: No need for early election: Pyne
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne says there will be no rush to an early election and called on voters to vote against independents Kerryn Phelps and Julia Banks.
“You think because Labor and the crossbenches are either naive or reckless we should have an election? We have an election in May. We are taking the necessary actions to protect our borders,” he said.
“They (the independents) sat there, voting with Labor to undermine border protection.
“I hope the voters in those seats (Wentworth, Flinders and Indi) will not reward Kerryn Phelps, Julia Banks, and re-elect a Coalition member in Indi.”
Richard Ferguson 8.03am: Reason behind Christmas Island decision
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne says Christmas Island is being reopened because it is too dangerous to bring some asylum seekers to mainland detention centres.
“Some of them are very dangerous … we will have to supply the medical attention on Christmas Island, it will be very, very expensive,” he told ABC radio.
“We’re opening up Christmas Island because there are very dangerous people on Nauru who have not been able to get to Australia.
“And if they can get themselves here, and some of those people are among the 300 that activists are already saying need to come here, then they’ll be going to Christmas Island.”
The medivac law gives the immigration minister to veto medical transfer on national security grounds or if the person is convicted of serious crimes.
Mr Pyne said the cases would end up in courts anyway. The government has said it would not be possible to immediately veto people accused, but not yet convicted, of serious crimes like rape and child abuse would.
Richard Ferguson 8.00am: Labor’s changes ‘red herring’: Pyne
Defence Minister Christopher Pyne says Labor’s amendment to the medivac bill to make it only apply to current asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru is a “red herring” and “irrelevant point.”
“Labor is saying that they want to get people off Nauru who are not getting medical treatment, of course there are 64 doctors (on Nauru) … but if you’re a new asylum seeker, apparently you don’t need to get medical attention. What’s the principle here?” he told ABC radio.
“It’s an irrelevant point … it’s irrelevant because what’s actually happened here is that Labor wants to escape the fact that they have weakened our border protection regime by trying to create these red herrings.”
Richard Ferguson 7.20am: Hakeem heads to parliament
Recently freed footballer and Baharani refugee Hakeem al-Araibi is at Parliament House today and he’s started the day by checking out the parliament soccer pitch.
He watched a kick-a-bout with Foreign Minister Marise Payne, who was instrumental in securing his release from a Thai jail cell earlier this week.
The footballer will later today meet Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten.
Freed refugee football player Hakeem Al-Araibi is spending time with Foreign Minister @MarisePayne in Canberra ahead of meetings with Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP and Opposition leader @billshortenmp.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 13, 2019
MORE: https://t.co/nqywwytZuB #FirstEdition pic.twitter.com/nERgs8npo9
Mr al-Araibi fled Bahrain for Australia in 2014 after being detained and tortured over his involvement in pro-democracy protests.
Earlier this year, he was arrested by Thai officials while on his honeymoon after they were alerted by an INTERPOL red notice put out by Bahrain. The government worked for his release, backed a huge public campaign lead by former Socceroos captain and SBS sports presenter Craig Foster.
The case against Mr al-Araibi was dropped and he returned to Melbourne on Tuesday.
Richard Ferguson 7.15am: Labor coy on security call
Labor frontbencher Tony Burke refused to say whether it was a mistake for the Opposition not to seek security advice before it backed a weaker medivac bill in the Senate late last year.
“We have always dealt with legislation on its merits. We dealt with it (the original medivac bill) on its merits,” he told Sky News.
.@ljayes: Was it a mistake not to seek security advice last year? @Tony_Burke: We have always dealt with legislation on its merits.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 13, 2019
MORE: https://t.co/IGuvFXA1DS #FirstEdition pic.twitter.com/sbdm0koGAM
“Security agencies, when they have issues with this sort of legislation, raise it.
“When it was raised, we immediately varied the position so that to make sure that it only applied to the people who are currently there.”
Richard Ferguson 7.09am: ‘It should’ve been dealt with last year’
Labor frontbencher Tony Burke says the Opposition sought to change border protection laws three months before a federal election because of the Australian Medical Association.
.@Kieran_Gilbert: Why would you allow this issue of medical transfers for refugees to be front of the political frame, three months out?@Tony_Burke: The timing came off the back of AMA. It should have been dealt with last year.
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) February 13, 2019
MORE: https://t.co/IGuvFXA1DS #FirstEdition pic.twitter.com/hJUkgdJGH1
“The timing came off the back of the AMA having sent doctors there and saying people were in a state of health way beyond, much worse than people thought,” he told Sky News.
“It should have been dealt with last year but the government stopped the parliament early.”
Richard Ferguson 7.04am: No embarrassment in medivac bill: Labor
Manager of opposition business Tony Burke denies the medivac bill was aimed to “embarrass” the government, as Labor continues to deal with the fallout of Tuesday’s vote.
“You’re saying there was a motivation in terms of embarrassing the government. If that were the case then as soon as we’d won that vote, I would have moved a motion of no confidence in the government,” he told Sky News.
“That was very deliberate because what we are doing here is dealing with an issue on its merits.”
“What the government is doing, not only not dealing with it on its merits, coming up with a bizarre argument that somehow you have to keep people sick to keep borders safe.”
Richard Ferguson 6.46am: Boats battle far from over
Politicians will put down their arms and pick up a soccer ball to welcome footballer and recently freed refugee Hakeem al-Araibi to Canberra. But the battle over boats looks far from over.
What’s making news:
• Teachers will have HECS debts waived if they work in remote indigenous communities, under a major initiative aimed at improving education outcomes and reforming the Closing the Gap process, which has failed to achieve almost all of the targets set more than a decade ago.
• Up to 300 refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru have obtained recommendations from treating doctors to enable them to be transferred to Australia under the new medivac legislation.
• Senator Brian Burston and One Nation adviser James Ashby have clashed in a heated confrontation at Parliament House following claims of alleged sexual harassment involving the One Nation turncoat and Pauline Hanson.
• Labor was last night scrambling to avoid a major split with the government over national security legislation that aims to strip terrorists of their citizenship as the opposition came under fresh attack from Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
• A Defence Department attempt to gain sweeping controls over university and private research to prevent countries including China and Russia stealing Australian technology has been stymied by a new review.
• Scott Morrison has launched negotiations with Bob Katter about low-interest loans for flood affected farmers in an effort to placate the maverick Queensland MP after he threatened to support extra parliamentary sitting days against the Prime Minister’s will.
• Treasury has warned that Labor’s rushed amendments to legislation that would make corporate penalties retrospective “would be a clear breach of Australia’s human rights obligations”.
• Labor’s move to oppose legislation expanding the government’s ability to revoke the visas of criminals — which New Zealand has said would damage bilateral relations with Australia — has been labelled as “madness” by government MP Jason Wood.
• Nationals senator John ‘Wacka’ Williams has “pulled up stumps” with tears in his eyes and in front of the chief executive of the bank he brought untold damage to in exposing its practices and leading the charge for a banking royal commission.
• Competition tsar Rod Sims has signalled he will lobby government for new laws cracking down on the harsh and unfair treatment of consumers by big business after losing a case against health insurer Medibank.
• Dozens of people overran a public area of Parliament House yesterday to voice outrage over environmental issues, claiming to speak on behalf of First Nations people.
• James Jeffery’s Sketch — Question time morphs swiftly into a noisy struggle to determine which is the mightier weapon — boats or banks.
• Simon Benson writes Scott Morrison’s claim of ‘senseless dysfunctionality’ is a powerful indictment on a decade of failure on indigenous policy.
• Dennis Shanahan writes Labor’s forced arguments for its change on border protection are full of inconsistencies, contradictions and illogicalities.
Miners change tune on climate change
Peak mining industry body The Minerals Council of Australia has joined the fight on climate.
Labor to turn up heat on Taylor
Labor will use the final two weeks of parliament to heap pressure on Energy Minister Angus Taylor.