PoliticsNow: MPs vote Yes to same-sex marriage
On a historic day the same-sex marriage bill has passed the parliament’s lower house with only four MPS voting against.
Hello and welcome to PoliticsNow, The Australian’s live coverage of the happenings in Parliament House.
The same-sex marriage bill has passed the parliament’s lower house in what has been a huge day for Ausralians.
Dean Smith called it a great “win for Australian values,” while Malcolm Turnbull openly spoke of more love for all Australians as the rainbow flag was raised in Canberra.
Rachel Baxendale 7.21pm: You don’t need to be afraid: Wilson says vote a win for young LGBTIQ people
Labor marriage equality spokeswoman Terri Butler said people who may have been engaged for years could finally realise their hopes to one day be married.
“They can now finally join the institution from which they have been excluded for far too long,” she said.
“I am proud today that we have as a parliament acted to remove discrimination and I certainly look forward to many, many weddings to come.”
Gay Liberal MP Tim Wilson said people had seen parliament and the nation at their finest.
“People came together and made the case for change, and the beauty of this outcome is that everybody owns the result, every single Australian, because they had the choice to fill out the survey form and to tell the parliament what they wanted it to do, and we have gone on to honour that and it is a fantastic outcome for everybody in this great nation.
“Today, this is a strong message to every kid that is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity, that you do not need to be afraid, that when you look to the nation’s parliament, to our sporting heroes, and to the values that underpin this country, that you can be what you see, you see a country that is forward-looking, modern and embracing the idea that everybody has a place at our nation’s table.”
Rosie Lewis 7.19pm: The Thorpedo is excited
Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe thanked both sides of politics “for really getting on with it”.
“I’m surprised frankly. But it was amazing to see and it shows what can happen here and that’s what I’m pleased to know,” he said.
“I realise what this means for young LGBTIQ people right across the country, for them to know the person that they love, the way that they feel, is equal to that of anyone else. The change that that will mean for future generations is significant.”
Rachel Baxendale 7.08pm: SSM a win for Australian values: Dean Smith
Dean Smith said Australians had won twice: on the 15th of November when the result of the same-sex marriage survey was revealed, and today when same-sex marriage was legislated.
“This is a great win for Australian values,” he said.
“People can be proud that over the last few weeks, they have seen the best of their parliament, the best of their parliamentarians, as I said before, the real challenge going forward is to think about how we can do this more often, how we can put the politics and partisanship aside.
Senator Smith dedicated today’s win to young LGBTI Australians who might find life in their workplace or schoolyard tough.
“Let me tell you, you are OK, it will all be OK, and this is a great country to grow up and be an LGBTQI Australian,” he said.
Rosie Lewis 7.05pm: Szubanski gets emotional
Magda Szubanski has been at the centre of celebrations at Parliament House since gay marriage was legalised and declared:
“When I watched all of those people move to that Yes side of the House I thought Canberra was going to tip over. As someone who grew up feeling on the brink of suicide, seriously, as so many of us have because we felt unwanted, unloved, we felt loathed, to feel so loved now and to see that parliament nearly tip over, its support for us, was an amazing feeling and it was the people of Australia and all of us feel I’m sure incredibly indebted and grateful to you that when it was put to you, you had our backs. Thank you forever for that.”
Rachel Baxendale 7pm: Love conquers all, says Greenwich
Same-sex marriage campaigner Alex Greenwich said love had finally conquered.
“Marriage equality is finally the law of the land and we are so proud of Australia, we are so proud of the LGBTQI community, we are so proud of our Parliament for bringing together people across the political aisle, making people happy and doing something amazing,” he said.
Mr Greenwich’s fellow Australian Marriage Equality co-convenor Anna Brown said Australia had said ‘Yes’ to fairness and equality and today was an historic day.
“We thank all Australians for their support, for saying ‘Yes’,” she said.
“We thank all those who have campaigned for many years, for over 10 years, for fairness and equality.
“We thank our elected officials for their contributions this week, their personal reflections, their commitment to the principles that underpin this piece of legislation. “We thank Dean Smith for his leadership and all of our LGBTQI representatives in parliament.
“This is a victory for all of Australia. The world was watching and our parliament delivered, so thank you.”
Rachel Baxendale 6.57pm: Abbott, ScoMo abstained from final vote - 4 voted no
Tony Abbott, Andrew Hastie, Michael Sukkar, Kevin Andrews, Scott Morrison, Alex Hawke and George Christensen all effectively abstained for the final vote.
The MPs all left the House of Representatives when the second reading of the bill passed on voices, so were absent during the final division, when all present voted in favour except Coalition MPs David Littleproud, Russell Broadbent and Keith Pitt and crossbencher Bob Katter.
6.52pm: Scenes at Parliament House
Celebrations every minute or so as more & more people arrive at a Parliament House party following the legalisation of gay marriage #auspol pic.twitter.com/wzpXbPHV5t
— Rosie Lewis (@rosieslewis) December 7, 2017
Thorpie happy with the result #auspol pic.twitter.com/4qu2IUHbF5
— Greg Brown (@gregbrown_TheOz) December 7, 2017
6.48pm: More of what Turnbull, Shorten and Bandt said
TURNBULL
“What a day! What a day for love, for equality, for respect. Australia has done it,” he said.
“It’s time for more marriages, more commitment, more love, more respect.”
SHORTEN
“When this law is passed, we should declare we are no longer a nation of people who voted no, or people who voted yes - we are simply Australians one and all.”
BANDT
“It’s time to pop the bubbly ... because love has won.”
6.39pm: As does Bill Shorten who had a special pair of socks on today
#MarriageEquality IS a reality! ðŸ³ï¸â€ðŸŒˆ
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) December 7, 2017
Can't wait to cast my final vote for #MarriageEquality. Thanks for the socks Rainbow Families pic.twitter.com/SigCSpG1PU
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) December 7, 2017
6.35pm: The PM remains excited
It's time for more marriages.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) December 7, 2017
More commitment.
More love.
More respect.
Marriage equality has passed!
6.30pm: When couples can sign up
Mobile readers view here
Rachel Baxendale 6.27pm: Champagne flows in parliament house
Champagne is flowing in Parliament House’s Mural Hall as Australian Marriage Equality hosts celebrations. Same-sex marriage advocates including Magda Subanski, Ian Thorpe, Christine Forster and Virginia Edwards are here toasting Liberal, Labor, Green and crossbench supporters of same-sex marriage.
Labor MP Chris Hayes is also at the function enjoying a glass of red wine - despite being an opponent of same-sex marriage.
Greg Brown 6.05pm: Gallery erupts in song
The public gallery starts singing the song, I Am Australian.
“We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We’ll share a dream and sing with one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian.”
After the song finishes, Speaker Tony Smith reminds the House that more work needs to be done.
“We’ve got some other business to do,” he said to a laugh.
Greg Brown 6.00pm: Same-sex marriage legalised
Same-sex marriage has been legalised in Australia after a bill to change the Marriage Act has passed the lower house of parliament.
Only four MPs voted against the the legislation.
A packed gallery is cheering loudly and there are rainbow flags being waved.
Greg Brown 5.58pm: Bill read for the final time
Malcolm Turnbull has moved the Dean Smith bill be read a final time, paving the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
“What a day for love, for equality, for respect. Australia has done it,” Mr Turnbull said.
“This is Australia, fair and diverse, loving and filled with respect.”
Bill Shorten said marriage equality will “be a reality in minutes”.
“At long last, LGBTIQ Australians will be equal under the law. All law will speak for a modern Australia, inclusive and fair,” Shorten said.
“I say the gift that LGBTIQ Australians have given all of us is that we are a nation who includes all of our people, who values all relationships and all families, that we are a better nation altogether.”
A division has been called.
Victorian MP Russell Broadbent and crossbench MP Bob Katter, along with Keith Pitt and David Littleproud are the only members who will against the bill to legalise same-sex marriage.
About eight MPs are standing on the side of the House supporting the bill as there are not enough seats for them.
Greg Brown 5.48pm: Final amendment voted down
There is a roaring cheer in the House as the final amendment is voted down by 79 votes to 63.
Christopher Pyne was one of the few cabinet MPs who joined Labor in opposing the amendments.
Most government ministers backed the amendment, inckuding Julie Bishop, Scott Morrison, Kelly O’Dwyer and Greg Hunt.
Liberal MPs Tim Wilson and Jason Falinski abstained.
Malcolm Turnbull rises to speak fro the final reading of the bill.
Same-sex marriage has passed on the voices to a standing ovation #auspol
— Rachel Baxendale (@rachelbaxendale) December 7, 2017
Greg Brown 5.33pm: Andrews questions vote’s legitimacy
Liberal MP Kevin Andrews has claimed the legitimacy of same-sex marriage would be compromised because Labor MPs were not allowed a conscience vote on amendments.
In an address to the House of Representatives supporting amendments to the Dean Smith bill, Mr Andrews said Labor MPs were concerned about the Dean Smith bill but were not allowed a free vote.
He said this would reduce the legitimacy of the legislation in the eyes of Australian voters.
Labor has denied it would not allow MPs a free vote on amendments, although all of its members or senators have rejected proposed amendments.
Rachel Baxendale 5.27pm: Senators head to House of Reps
Liberal, Labor and Greens senators who support same-sex marriage have come to the House for the final vote.
On the Liberal side Dean Smith, George Brandis, Marise Payne and Simon Birmingham are in attendance, joined by crossbencher Derryn Hinch.
Greens Jordon Steele-John, Sarah Hanson-Young, Janet Rice, Richard Di Natale, Peter Whish-Wilson and Nick McKim and Labor senators Anthony Chisholm, Murray Watt, Jenny McAllister, and Penny Wong are also here.
Greg Brown 5.15pm: ‘Thorpie’ present for vote
Swimming great and Olympic champion Ian Thorpe is in the front row of the public gallery, next to marriage equality campaigner Alex Greenwich.
Labor senators have also entered the gallery, including Penny Wong. Liberal senator Dean Smith has also arrived in the chamber.
There is barely an empty seat as the vote on the bill comes closer.
Greg Brown 5.08pm: Final amendment’s ‘false premise’
Leader of the House Christopher Pyne says he is against the proposed amendment because it is based on a “false premise”.
He said the bill in no way derogates the practice of religion, making the amendment unnecessary.
“It should not include superfluous amendments that do nothing other then prevent something which I think is a myth,” Mr Pyne said.
Crossbench MP Bob Katter said people should be “very suspicious” that every amendment has been rejected.
“Every single effort to protect religious freedom has been denigrated in here today,” Mr Katter said.
He goes on about boys been forced to wear dresses in school, and didn’t take interjections kindly.
“Once you get a stampede on it is a brave man who stands in front of it,” he said.
Greg Brown 5.00pm: Final amendment moved
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson is moving the final proposed amendments in the House.
She argues there should be more protection for civil celebrants and a provision which ensures that nothing in the same-sex marriage bill would prevent someone from carrying out their religious beliefs.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott speaks to back the amendment.
“What possible objection could there be to including this in the bill before us,” Mr Abbott said.
He said there would only be an “hour or so” delay if an amendment was passed.
“We could provide some hospitality in this House, there would be many members who would be only too happy to open the bar for you,” he said.
Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman thanked Tony Abbott for his “kind offer” to pay for the celebrations, which got a laugh.
Mr Zimmerman, the first openly gay lower house MP, got another laugh when he said Liberal MP Warren Entsch could be a “honorary gay”.
Senators George Brandis, Simon Birmingham and Marise Payne are in the House watching the proceedings.
Greens senators are also in the House.
Dennis Shanahan 4.33pm: Shorten congratulates SSM advocates
Bill Shorten has joined the public galleries where people have been applauding the defeat of amendments all day. Wearing rainbow socks, the Labor leader is shaking hands and offering congratulations, greeting Kerryn Phelps and Magda Szubanski with a kiss.
Greg Brown 4.30pm: Joyce announces split from wife
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has told the House of Representatives he has separated from his wife of more than 20 years.
Mr Joyce put his marriage troubles on the public record after battling rumours of his personal life during the New England by-election.
He made the admission while speaking in favour of more religious protections on the Dean Smith bill to legalise same-sex marriage.
He also defended his reasons for believing the definition of marriage should not be changed.
“I don’t come to this debate pretending to be any saint or anything like that but I do believe the current definition of marriage, which has stood the test of time,” Mr Joyce said.
“Half of them fail, I acknowledge that, I’m happy to acknowledge that I am currently separated so that is on the record.
“People should respect the views of the relationships peoples parents have been in, grandparents, it is a special relationship between a man and a woman, predominantly for the purpose, if you are so lucky, to bring children into the world.”
Mr Joyce and his wife, Natalie, were married in 1993 and have four daughters.
Meanwhile, the legalisation of same-sex marriage is a step closer after the House voted against amendments pushed by Nationals MPs Andrew Broad. Mr Broad is now trying to move other amendments in the House.
4.22pm: First Broad amendment defeated
Broad’s “electric guitar” amendment is defeated 52-86. He resumes with a further amendment, with one further amendment and vote to follow.
4.12pm: Division required for Broad amendment
Broad finishes by comparing his daughter playing an electric guitar badly and having the right to play it at other people’s houses after Katter gave a speech where he refused to say the word “gay”.
3.40pm: Morrison amendment voted down
The Treasurer’s amendment to protect the charitable status of faith-based organisations is voted down 59-82, as Andrew Broad now steps forward with his amendment.
Greg Brown 3.36pm: Dutton blasts Labor’s ‘crazy’ demands
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says Labor is “crazy” for demanding government MPs be referred to the High Court, claiming they had no case to answer.
Mr Dutton said the government wanted to have the issue resolved “as quickly as possible” but denied it should support a Labor motion that would have nine MPs referred to the High Court, including four Coalition MPs.
“They were running around yesterday saying that ‘we admit four of our people need to be referred but you need to give us more of yours so it can be an even process’. Now that is a nonsense,” Mr Dutton told Sydney radio station 2GB.
“Picking people at random or suggesting that somebody should be referred to the High Court, even if they are not in doubt, simply so that you can balance up the ledger is crazy talk and I think Bill Shorten needs to show leadership, refer these people off.”
3.08pm: Where to now for the SSM debate?
We’re on the home straight in the same-sex marriage debate, with three amendments left to be voted on.
Greg Brown 3.00pm: Citizenship wraps up QT
Labor erupts with laughter when Macolm Turnbull gets a Dixer on citizenship.
“Why is it important to be satisfied that every member of the house has been legitimately elected?” asks Liberal MP Craig Kelly.
The Prime Minister attacks Labor for not referring Susan Lamb, Justin Keay and Josh Wilson to the High Court.
He accuses Lamb, the Member for Longman, of being a British citizen.
“Her declaration makes it clear that her attempts to renounce her British citizenship were unsuccessful and so she is in the same position as senator Malcolm Roberts, she has declared she’s a UK citizen. She should not be sitting in the parliament,” Turnbull says.
That is the end of QT, which has finished earlier than usual.
Greg Brown 2.52pm: NBN merry-go-round
Labor goes for a fourth time on the NBN. Labor is focusing on the issue while the government is trying to link everything to Bennelong while criticising Labor candidate Kristina Keneally.
Labor’s Tanya Plibersek reiterates Labor’s claim that Malcolm Turnbull promised the NBN would be rolled out by 2016.
Malcolm Turnbull accuses the opposition of verballing him.
“The proposition that it was our policy and our promise to complete the NBN by 2016 is simply not consistent with the policy document we produced,” Turnbull says.
“Members know that and they also know that when we got into government, we discovered the full extent of the train wreck Labor had created and we have been sorting it out.”
Greg Brown 2.47pm: Pyne and Pasin cosy up
Liberal MP Tony Pasin asks Christopher Pyne a Dixer - despite last month accusing the Defence Industry Minister of undermining him at the 2013 election.
Pasin, a factional rival to Pyne in South Australia, last month accused Pyne of encouraging an independent to run against him in the seat of Barker.
But they are more chummy in QT today, with Pasin asking Pyne a question on national security.
“Will the minister outline to the house why it is important to exercise good judgment on matters of national security? What are the risks associated with alternative approaches?”
Pyne uses it to attack Sam Dastyari.
“The problem for the Leader of the Opposition is he can’t act against Senator Dastyari because he’s hopelessly compromised by the role that Senator Dastyari played in the Leader of the Opposition’s election as leader of the Labor Party and the questions around that ballot,” Pyne says.
“Around the missing 50 ballot papers that went to Senator Dastyari’s office that have never been resolved.”
Greg Brown 2.37pm: NBN ahead of SSM
Bill Shorten goes on the NBN.
“Why has the Prime Minister failed to deliver the NBN like he promised?”
Malcolm Turnbull says the Coalition never said the NBN would be finished by 2016, which is what Labor claims.
“In fact the policy document forecast a completion date by 2019,” Turnbull says.
“It was clear that our objectives could not be achieved and we said so and we said why. The company was set on a new, more practical business-like course and it is getting on with the job and it will have three-quarters of Australian premises covered by June next year and it will be completed, according to the company’s forecast, by 2020.”
Greg Brown 2.28pm: Interested parties
Watching on in the gallery today are marriage equality campaigners Magda Szubanski and Christine Forster.
Former Liberal MP Fiona Scott is also watching QT from the public gallery.
Greg Brown 2.26pm: Welfare over wealth
Crossbench MP Andrew Wilkie asks why the government should offer personal income tax cuts rather than improving pension and other welfare payments.
Malcolm Turnbull talks up the government’s policies on social welfare for the vulnerable.
“We all know that there are many Australians not just in Denison but across the nation that are doing it tough. We know how hard it can be for many of our pensioners and for those who rely on the social welfare safety net,” Turnbull says.
“We are committed to ensuring our social welfare safety net supports those most in need and ...I want to state again our respect and our thanks to all our senior Australians who have built our great nation and to whom we owe so much.”
Greg Brown 2.20pm: Counter-attack switches to Dastyari
Bill Shorten is back to his brawling self as he lists the litany of misfortunes of the Turnbull government and asks why anyone should believe it will be different next year.
Malcolm Turnbull uses the question to yet again attack Labor senator Sam Dastyari.
“Australians are hoping they will not have to wait to 2018 for the Leader of the Opposition to acknowledge that Senator Dastyari has no place in this parliament,” Turnbull says.
“We’ve been having a debate about citizenship and allegiance. We have a senator in our parliament who has been asking questions for a foreign government.”
Greg Brown 2.15pm: PM, Opposition Leader united
Bill Shorten gives Malcolm Turnbull an opportunity to pay tribute to victims of child sex abuse as the royal commission’s final report will be released next week.
An unusual approach to QT from the Opposition Leader.
The Prime Minister solemnly takes up Mr Shorten’s invitation and says it is important justice is restored to victims of child sex abuse.
“The words they wanted to hear most of all was that they, after life times of being ignored and neglected and pushed away, they were believed and that the charities and churches and governments that had done them so much wrong were going to be held to account,” Mr Turnbull says.
“Justice, honesty, transparency, that’s what the royal commission has been delivering. I want to thank the commissioners, I want to thank above all the survivors. We believe you, we love you, we will stand with you.”
Greg Brown 2.05pm: Shorten’s delay bid dashed
Bill Shorten asks Malcolm Turnbull if Question Time can be abandoned to allow for the quicker passage of same-sex marriage legislation.
The Prime Minister says it was the first time an opposition has made such as request.
“In the course of this week, many hours have been taken up with Labor Party motions about citizenship and penalty rates, matters that could properly have been dealt with after marriage had been dealt with, but no the Labor Party rushed their motion in the hope that they would get it voted on before the Member for New England made his return,” Turnbull says.
“The government is accountable in question time and so is the opposition so we will all be accountable in question time today as we are every day that parliament sits.”
Greg Brown 2pm: Canavan lashes Labor
Resources Minister Matt Canavan says he is not upset Malcolm Turnbull failed to argue the case for further religious exemptions in the Dean Smith bill, instead putting all the blame on Labor.
Senator Canavan said the Coalition was always going to allow a conscience vote, so the Prime Minister was not required to lobby MPs for further exemptions.
But he lashed out at Labor, accusing the party of not giving its MPs a free vote on amendments.
“What I’m disappointed is the Labor Party reneged on their commitment, they said they would give their senators a conscience vote,” Senator Canavan told Sky News.
“Don’t give me this rubbish they did and 25 independently minded senators came to the same position they didn’t want to move any one of the amendments, that is rubbish, it is statistically impossible.
“I think it is a shame because this issue should be one where all views are freely expressed in parliament and it is a shame the Marriage Act changes won’t fully respect the views of Australians because of the Labor decision to not give their members a free conscience on the parliament floor.”
Rachel Baxendale 1.35pm: Wait on historic moment
Manager of Government Business in the House Christopher Pyne says the debate is due to resume at 4.15pm, after Matters of Public Importance.
His Labor counterpart Tony Burke rises to say Labor will relinquish their MPI speech which he jokingly promises “has the potential to bring down the government”, and will instead give the speech to “bring down the government” when parliament returns in February in the interests of passing same-sex marriage as soon as possible.
Accordingly, debate will now resume at 3:15pm.
Tony Abbott is the last speaker before debate adjourns, and he highlights the good work religious charities do.
Greg Brown 1.20pm: Dastyari should go - Howard
Former PM John Howard has accused Bill Shorten of protecting the Senator because the Opposition Leader relies on his factional support. Full story here
Rachel Baxendale 1.15pm: ‘No threat to charities’
Warren Entsch is speaking against Mr Morrison’s amendment, saying it is completely unnecessary.
He says there is no threat, whatsoever, to the charity status of faith-based organisations.
“A charity may advocate on any issue relevant to that charity and nothing in this bill will change that,” Mr Entsch says.
Rachel Baxendale 1.13pm: Bill unlikely before QT
After Scott Morrison’s amendment we have two more to get through, from Victorian National Andrew Broad and Victorian Liberal Sarah Henderson.
Debate will be adjourned at 1:30 to enable MPs to have lunch before Question Time at 2pm, meaning it is highly unlikely same-sex marriage will pass before Question Time.
Rachel Baxendale 1.10pm: Hawke amendment voted down
The Hawke amendment is voted down, 59-97.
Now Treasurer Scott Morrison is moving his amendments, designed to protect faith-based organisations from losing their charitable status.
Rachel Baxendale 1.00pm: Turnbull supports ADF amendment
The House is now voting on an amendment from NSW Liberal MP Alex Hawke, which seeks to enable non-religious marriage celebrants employed by the Australian Defence Force to conscientiously object to marrying same-sex couples.
Malcolm Turnbull is this time supporting Mr Hawke’s amendment.
Liberals voting with Labor against the amendment include Trent Zimmermann, Andrew Laming, Damian Drum, Tim Wilson, Warren Entsch, Trevor Evans. Christopher Pyne and Jane Prentice.
Dennis Shanahan 12.55pm: Bishop wavers on vote
Julie Bishop was uncertain how to vote on the military amendments to protect serving ministers of religion and sat first with Labor and the Greens voting against. A quick call to the foreign department followed and she quickly switched sides to vote with Malcolm Turnbull for the amendments.
Rachel Baxendale 12.30pm: Hastie amendment voted down
The House of Reps has voted on WA Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s amendments to the same-sex marriage bill, which among other things would grant parents the right to withdraw their children from classes relating to same-sex marriage.
Malcolm Turnbull appears to have abstained, as he did on Victorian Liberal MP Michael Sukkar’s amendments earlier.
Coalition MPs voting with Labor against the amendments included Kelly O’Dwyer, Darren Chester, Paul Fletcher, Jason Falinski, Sussan Ley, Trent Zimmerman, Julia Banks, Warren Entsch, Trevor Evans, Christopher Pyne, Sarah Henderson.
Notably, pro-same-sex marriage MP Tim Wilson voted in favour of Mr Hastie’s amendment.
Bob Katter is the only cross bencher who voted in favour.
The amendment was voted down 56-87 to cheers from same-sex marriage advocates in the public gallery.
Greg Brown 12.20pm: ‘What would Keating think?’
Tony Abbott has criticised Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten for failing to support stronger religious protections in the Dean Smith bill.
The former prime minister said the House had a “problem” because it was debating a bill that did not have the protections “promised” by the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader.
He said there should be no delay to legislating for religious freedoms.
“A promise was made by the leaders of this parliament and the promise has not adequately been delivered upon and that is why this parliament is now being called upon to deal with this on the run as it were, because the promises that were made from the top were not adequately delivered upon,” Mr Abbott told the House.
He also criticised the “supine respect” the House is giving the Senate, asking: “What would Paul Keating think?”.
“I have never heard before members of this House showing such supine respect to another place,” he said.
“Why is it that simply because something has been passed in the Senate, these are tablets of stone handed down from the mountain top beyond any question or consideration or delay by this House?”
Primrose Riordan 11.55am: Travel advice to MidEast updated
Australia has updated travel advice to Jordan, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem.
On Thursday Australia advised travellers there was an “increased possibility of large-scale protests in Jordan” from December 6 in response to the US announcement.
“Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as they may turn violent,” the Department of Foreign Affairs advised on their Smart Traveller website.
The level of advice has not changed, however.
DFAT has also left their level of advice for Israel unchanged, but has warned of violent protests.
“In response to an anticipated US announcement on Jerusalem on 6 December 2017, the Palestinians have called for protests in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza from 6 December.”
“Large protests are likely, particularly after Friday prayers, and could result in violence. Avoid demonstrations and monitor the media about possible unrest.”
“During this period of heightened tension, Australian officials are limiting non-essential travel in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Former senior officer in the Australian Army and likely future Senator Jim Molan said there was “a high probability” there would be “some trouble” as a result of the President’s move but it could result in positive change.
“People are taking an extreme view and what we don’t want to see – we don’t want to see Hamas firing into Israel, we don’t want to see Lebanese Hezbollah firing into Israel because both those nations would suffer badly if they do,” Mr Molan said at Parliament House this morning.
“It’s very high-risk what President Trump has done, what Prime Minister Netanyahu has come in behind him to do”.
“But high risk always has the chance of delivering something good. Both those two people are talking peace, we’re not seeing any move on the peace process, we’re not seeing any move on the two-state solution and if we keep doing the same thing with the same result, which is nothing, perhaps it’s time to change it.”
Mr Molan said the issue of the capital now needed to be “put to one side”.
“If one side says Jerusalem must be the capital, if the other side says Jerusalem must be their capital, then the peace process is going to go nowhere. Why don’t we take what’s been done today, put that to one side, and negotiate all the other things. If we keep tripping over the issue of capital we’re not going to get anywhere at all.”
Greg Brown 11.20am: Sukkar amendment fails
Amendments pushed by Liberal MP Michael Sukkar have been roundly defeated in the House of Representatives. The bill for further religious protections was defeated by 97 votes to 43.
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has taken to stand to try and move his own amendments.
Malcolm Turnbull was absent for the vote.
Excitement grows on the lawn of Parliament House ahead of the SSM bill vote. @MagdaSzubanski giving out hugs pic.twitter.com/qr35xYlrgX
— Nick Moir (@nampix) December 6, 2017
Greg Brown 10.50am: ‘Like Ned Kelly in charge of banks’
Labor has attacked the government for appointing former Labor minister Gary Johns as the head of the independent charities regulator.
Labor’s charities spokesman Andrew Leigh said Mr Johns, a regular columnist for The Australian, is a “foe of charities” and one of the strongest critics of charities in Australia.
“He has attacked indigenous charities, he has attacked mental health charities and he has attacked charities that attempt to engage in advocacy,” Mr Leigh said.
“That’s the thing about this government, they have a ‘charities should be seen and not heard’ approach.
“They think that charities are okay so long as they’re running soup kitchens, but once they start talking about poverty and inequality, they’re overstepping their mark and they should go back to the kitchen.”
Mr Leigh said charities would be “horrified” by the appointment.
“This is somebody being appointed to head the charities commission who is a critic of theirs, not a supporter of theirs. This is like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank. It’s like putting Ned Kelly in charge of bank security,” Mr Leigh said.
Greg Brown 10.40am: Amendments ‘to improve SSM bill’
Tony Abbott says amendments being pushed in the House should be treated on their merits rather than blanket opposition from Labor as he throws his support behind proposals pushed by Liberal MP Michael Sukkar.
“I think it would be wrong to say there are very many people left in this house who are opposed to same-sex marriage,” Mr Abbott told the House.
“What there are left in this house ... is people who believe in freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and parental choice.
“These amendments are not designed to frustrate this bill, are not designed to delay this bill they are designed to improve this bill and make it a unifying occasion, as unifying as it can be under the circumstances.”
Rosie Lewis 10.30am: ‘Difficult’ to back government
Crossbench MP Rebekha Sharkie says she is finding it “more and more difficult every day” to back the government on key issues of confidence and supply as she refuses to guarantee her continued support in the months ahead.
Ms Sharkie is furious with the government after it declined to support a Labor motion that would have referred four Labor MPs, four Liberal MPs and herself to the High Court over citizenship matters.
Leader of the House Christopher Pyne says the government won’t be referring any more government MPs as the Coalition does not believe anyone else on their side has legitimate questions to answer.
But the government wants the elections of Ms Sharkie and Labor’s Justine Keay, Josh Wilson and Susan Lamb sent to the High Court because they were British dual citizens when the nominated for the 2016 election despite taking steps to renounce.
Asked on Sky News whether she would reconsider her support for confidence and supply, Ms Sharkie said: “It makes it more and more difficult every day but my reason for offering confidence and supply is because I know my community does not want to see another general election and they want us to work. But yesterday was incredibly disappointing.
“I don’t believe my community would be facing a by-election even if I went before the High Court, I think I took reasonable steps and I’ve got some pretty strong legal advice to say so.”
Ms Sharkie said she would take things “day-by-day” but continue to work with the government “in good faith”.
“I have said I will support supply and I don’t want to be seen as a wrecker, but I think the government’s doing a very good job of wrecking the parliament themselves. I really want today the citizenship issue to be put to rest and I think the only way it can be put to rest is by a bipartisan approach (towards referrals).”
Greg Brown 10.25am: Sukkar moves celebrants get-out clause
Liberal MP Michael Sukkar has moved amendments to the Dean Smith bill that would allow civil celebrants to conscientiously object to solemnising same sex marriage, as well as creating a separate category for gay marriage and traditional marriage.
“It is extraordinarily important today that we do cater for 100 per cent of Australians,” Mr Sukkar told the House.
He said civil celebrants should not be forced to conduct ceremonies that are against their beliefs.
“It might seem counter intuitive to many people listening to my contribution but I don’t think we should be saying only those with religious objections should be entitled to do so,” Mr Sukkar said.
“I say there is lots of people who would have objections for very secular reasons that have nothing to do with religion and they should not be forced to conduct ceremonies.
“The transitional measures that are currently contained in this bill are hopelessly inadequate in protecting those individuals.”
Opposition legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus said Labor would not support any amendments to the Dean Smith bill.
“For the very simple reason that this bill needs to pass the parliament , it should pass the parliament in an unamended form,” he told the House.
Mr Dreyfus said the amendments proposed by Mr Sukkar would increase discrimination against gay people.
Rosie Lewis 10.05am: ‘Let’s get this done’
Supporters of same-sex marriage from across the chamber, including Liberals Trent Zimmerman and Tim Wilson and Labor’s Anthony Albanese, tell Mr Bandt they will not support his amendments that would remove some of the religious exemptions.
Mr Zimmerman says he does not want a Mexican standoff and they had promised Australians they would legislate gay marriage by Christmas.
Mr Albanese says now is not the time for grandstanding but for national unity. “Let’s get this done today.”
Joe Kelly 10.03am: Johns to head charities regulator
Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Michael Sukkar has announced that former Labor minister and regular columnist for The Australian Gary Johns will be appointed to head up the independent charities regulator for a five-year term.
Mr Sukkar said Dr Johns was a “respected leader in the charities and not-for-profits sector” having wide-ranging experience in regulation, public service and policy.
Dr Johns was a Labor MP from 1987-1996 and served as an Associate Commissioner of the Productivity Commission, a senior consultant at ACIL Tasman and an Associate Professor at the Australian Catholic University.
Mr Sukkar also used the announcement to urge the House of Representatives to pass amendments to a same-sex marriage bill proposed by Liberal Senator Dean Smith ensuring that faith based charities cannot lose their charitable status because of their views on marriage.
He said he agreed with the proposal from the Acting Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, Murray Baird, to include a legislative safeguard in the bill to guarantee that charities could not be negatively affected because of their stance on marriage.
The Australian revealed this morning Mr Baird informed Senator Smith on November 24 that the inclusion of an amendment would put “beyond doubt” the question of whether an organisation’s charity status could change by reason of the new definition of marriage.
“I have seen the correspondence between the Acting Commissioner and Senator Smith,” Mr Sukkar said. “Look, l think the Acting Commissioner was very sensible in his remarks in that letter that out of an abundance of caution at the very least protections should be provided for charities.”
“That is why.... I know for certain that amendments will be moved in the house to that effect. And we hope, and I certainly personally hope, remembering that this is a conscience for our party, I hope that those amendments protecting charities, consistent with what the Acting Commissioner has said, will be passed. But that is a matter for the house.”
Greg Brown 10.00am: Greens condemn Jerusalem move
The Greens have condemned Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
“This decision by President Trump is a body blow for the peace process and for the Palestinian people,” said Greens leader Richard Di Natale.
“Trump’s announcement has been universally condemned – by the United Nations, European and Middle Eastern leaders and religious leaders. Yet the Australian government stands alone in maintaining that this is a matter only for the United States.
“It is shameful that Malcolm Turnbull cannot even display the leadership to stand with our allies in Europe and Asia to publicly urge Trump not to proceed with this deeply unfair and dangerous decision.”
Greg Brown 9.55am: Forster joins supporters
Ian Thorpe, Magda Szubanski and Christine Forster are among the prominent same-sex marriage supporters who attended a gathering outside Parliament House in Canberra this morning.
Australian Marriage Equality co-chair Alex Greenwich said it was time for parliament to “do its job” and legislate for same-sex marriage.
“This has been a very long journey for so many and it is something that has brought Australians together, from coast to coast and across the political spectrum,” Mr Greenwich said.
#MarriageEquality Campaigners celebrate outside Parliament House on the day the SSM bill is expected to pass in the lower house. #auspol pic.twitter.com/jPaJ0bIii7
— kym smith (@kymbo9) December 6, 2017
Rosie Lewis 9.50am: SSM bill ‘takes from no one’
Watched on by co-sponsors of the gay marriage bill - Dean Smith, Trevor Evans, Trent Zimmerman and Tim Wilson - Warren Entsch tells the House of Representatives:
“I have considered the amendments and do not believe any of these amendments are necessary. The bill does not restrict religious belief or inhibit freedom of speech. This bill gives so much and takes from no one.
“I have listened to the concerns of people that have voted ‘no’ in the postal survey and to colleagues who openly oppose marriage equality. Any concerns raised in the amendments, notably those that have consistently opposed marriage equality, can be properly considered by the government’s thorough inquiry into religious freedom due to be reporting by next March.
“I look forward to the chamber’s consideration of amendments and ask colleagues to remember that Australians have emphatically voted to end discrimination against LGBTI community friends and family and colleagues. I commend the bill in its current form to the house and seek leave to move a second reading of the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) bill 2017.”
Rosie Lewis 9.50am: Abbott amendment fails
Tony Abbott’s amendment to the same-sex marriage bill has failed. Greens MP Adam Bandt is now moving amendments. He says there are some aspect of the bill his party is worried might lead to further discrimination in the future.
Out of respect for the millions of Australians who take religious freedom seriously I moved my amendment; out of respect for the millions who want the SSM bill swiftly passed I chose not to divide on it
— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) December 6, 2017
Rosie Lewis 9.45am: Abbott amendment ‘will stop bill’
Tony Abbott has moved an amendment to the same-sex marriage bill as the second-reading debate wraps up. Gay marriage supporter Warren Entsch tells the chamber he has advice from the clerk of the House that if the amendment is carried it will stop progress of the bill.
The amendment reads: “Whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes that it is vital that individuals and entities are not disadvantaged nor suffer any adverse effects as a result of conscientiously holding a particular view of the nature of marriage.”
Mr Entsch said: “The reason why the progress on the bill is arrested is that if the amendment is agreed to, the immediate question before the house is while not deciding to give the bill a second reading, etc, there is no longer an opportunity for the house to consider the question that the bill be now read a second time, an essential step for the bill to be able to progress to further stages. In the absence of any action, the bill will effectively be dead.”
But a division isn’t required as when the House is asked whether it supports the amendment, there is a resounding “no” and Mr Abbott does not call for a division.
Joe Kelly 9.40am: McKenzie ‘excited’
Senator McKenzie told The Australian: “I’m excited being able to be in a position where I can support Barnaby as leader of our party to continue the work he’s been doing in driving an agenda for regional Australia’s growth and development and doing whatever I can in that capacity to assist him and our work to ensure that regional Australia continues to grow and develop and that geography ceases to be a determinant for opportunity.”
Greg Brown 9.35am: McKenzie to cabinet
Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie will be elevated to the cabinet after being appointed deputy leader of the Nationals.
Senator McKenzie said she was “humbled” at winning the ballot and defeating other contenders including Resources Minister Matt Canavan, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack and Assistant Minister for Trade Keith Pitt.
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce would not be drawn on whether there will be an extra Nationals member in cabinet to replace former Nationals deputy Fiona Nash or whether Senator McKenzie would replace a Nationals MP in the ministry.
Greg Brown 9.25am: ‘Don’t succumb to populism’
Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong says Labor will not take China’s protests into account when reviewing the Turnbull government’s proposals to crack down on foreign interference in Australian politics.
Senator Wong said Australia was entitled to ensure its sovereignty was protected.
“Australia, as is any nation, is always entitled to ensure our sovereignty is safeguarded and that our regulatory regime does protect our sovereignty and that is the basis on which the opposition will assess the legislation that is being proposed,” Senator Wong said.
“I do make this point too: in the heat of a partisan debate it is important that national leaders set the appropriate tone and don’t succumb to populism in how they take these matters forward.”
Senator Wong reiterated her criticism of Donald Trump for choosing to move the US embassy to Israel.
“It is clear that the unilateral declaration that is being proposed, the unilateral action that is being proposed by the President, is not helpful to the peace process,” she said.
Greg Brown 9.20am: McKenzie elected Nats deputy leader
Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie has been elected deputy leader of the Nationals.
She was elected in a partyroom ballot this morning, replacing Fiona Nash who was struck out of parliament because she was a dual citizen.
Greg Brown 9.10am: SSM ‘legalised by Question Time’
Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke says same-sex marriage could be legalised before question time today but warned “everything stops” in the unlikely event amendments to the Dean Smith bill are supported in the House of Representatives.
Mr Burke said votes on amendments would begin this morning but he did not expect the debate to go late into the evening or tomorrow.
“There is no desire to gag the debate but I also don’t think there is any desire from people moving amendments to filibuster and try to make it go forever, so I suspect either very shortly before question time or about an hour after question time marriage equality will become law in Australia,” Mr Burke told Sky News.
But he said “it is all off” if amendments pushed by conservative MPs were carried through the lower house.
“I would be surprised if any of the amendments get up and certainly if they were to get up we could potentially be here for quite a while,” Mr Burke said.
“If any of the amendments are carried, and I don’t think they will be, but if any of them are carried we have a problem because it will mean marriage equality would have been passed in one form in the (House) and a different form in the Senate.”
Greg Brown 8.40am: China ‘upset’ over Dastyari
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the Chinese government is “deeply concerned” about the actions of Labor senator Sam Dastyari, declaring he had brought his relationship with the communist nation into “disrepute”.
Ms Bishop played down China’s complaints about the Turnbull government’s crackdown on foreign interference, arguing the nation was more concerned about the actions of the NSW senator, who is alleged to have provided counter-surveillance advice to a billionaire with links to the Chinese Communist Party.
“I believe the Chinese are deeply concerned with the media attention on senator Sam Dastyari, he really has brought his relationship with the Chinese into disrepute, I can understand their concern about senator Sam Dastyari but our legislation is of course aimed at ensuring that Australians act in Australia’s national interest and I’m sure the Chinese understand and respect that,” Ms Bishop told ABC radio.
“I believe that China is concerned with examples like Sam Dastyari who received the payment of personal debts by a Chinese benefactor and then proceeded to adopt Chinese foreign policy that was directly contradictory to not only Labor foreign policy but the Australian government’s foreign policy.”
Ms Bishop said the crackdown on foreign donations and espionage laws unveiled this week was not aimed at China.
“Our legislation is directed at all nations, Australians must put our national interest first and that’s why senator Sam Dastyari’s case is such a disgrace because he was putting the interest of another nation ahead of Australia’s national interest,” Ms Bishop said.
Greg Brown 8.15am: Bishop to review travel advice to MidEast
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the government is reviewing its advice on travel to the Middle East as tensions escalate in the wake of Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the holy city.
Ms Bishop said she was taking advice on the tensions in Israel and the broader region, flagging travel advice may change.
“We are considering whether we should change our travel advice, we are monitoring the situation very carefully, we are getting feedback from our embassy in Tel Aviv in the region,” Ms Bishop told ABC radio.
“I am deeply concerned at the level of unrest now, the fault lines between Turkey and the Kurds, between the Sunnis and the Shia, between the Saudis and Iranians.
“I am concerned about the level of tension now and of course would not support any action that would add to that.”
Ms Bishop said Australia would not follow the US President’s lead and identify the contested city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“The political identification of the status of Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, that has always been our position, it has been a longstanding position from both sides of the Australian parliament,” Ms Bishop said.
Greg Brown: 7.50am: Katter slams SSM ‘snivelling drivel’
Crossbench MP Bob Katter delivered a scathing attack of his parliamentary colleagues last night, declaring their speeches on the same-sex marriage bill were “snivelling drivel” and that they were out of touch.
In a speech to the House of Representatives on the same-sex marriage bill, Mr Katter also said that most AIDs cases were from homosexuals while suggesting the white race was at risk of dying out in Australia because of the low birth rate.
Mr Katter attacked speeches delivered before his 10pm address by MPs who were in favour of same-sex marriage.
“I’m glad I made a mistake and had to come down early so that I could hear the speeches, as I know now why I do not sit here and listen to speeches or question time,” Mr Katter said.
“I have heard a conglomeration of snivelling drivel in my life, but there is not the slightest scintilla of intellectual content in any one of tonight’s speeches.”
Mr Katter said hetero couples in North Queensland were hardly getting married anymore.
“You’ve got absolutely no hope of getting that other mob to marry,” Mr Katter said.
“Down in the pub, in the real world, where I live and other people live, I walked into the pub and said, ‘Bobby, I’m going bush, mate, before they make it compulsory,’ and everyone roared laughing.
“But you don’t live in that world. You don’t live in that world where real people live. You live down here, where you listen to this incredible concoction of drivel.”
Mr Katter also said white Australians were a “vanishing race” because of the low birth rate.
“If you take out my cousin-brothers, the First Australians, and if you take out the migrant population in Australia—recent migrants—then we have the lowest birth rate on earth,” he said.
Making new today:
Malcolm Turnbull is ramping up pressure on Bill Shorten over the citizenship scandal after Labor staged a stunning backdown to refer two of its senior MPs to the High Court, fuelling demands for three more Labor backbenchers to face the same fate today.
Labor MPs who were British citizens when they nominated for federal parliament have refused to refer themselves to the High Court unless government members also go, as the opposition suffered its first casualties in the widening citizenship scandal.
The woman tipped to topple David Feeney if the Labor powerbroker is forced to run in a by-election has her own dual-citizenship issues, ostensibly inheriting Indian citizenship from her father.
The Chinese government has launched an extraordinary intervention into Australia’s politics, attacking the government, senior bureaucrats and journalists, and lashing out against a “Cold War mentality”, following Malcolm Turnbull’s crackdown on foreign interference and fuelled by resentment over the foreign white paper.
The Liberal senator who devised the same-sex marriage bill rejected a proposal from the charities commission to make changes that would put “beyond doubt” protections for faith-based organisations.
A ballot for the Nationals deputy leadership will be held this morning, with hopes fading of returning Fiona Nash to the parliament and the chance of the Nationals winning a new seat in cabinet.
Dennis Shanahan writes that Labor’s bungling can turn a tactical advantage into a strategic victory for the Coalition.
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