'Anti-democratic': Labor seeks controversial change to rules in the House
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
The Albanese government is seeking to expand the powers of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to kick MPs out of the chamber if they misbehave and reduce the number of questions Coalition members get during Question Time.
Opposition manager of business in the house Alex Hawke blasted the move as "anti-democratic and not transparent."
"These changes that are proposed ... are something very sneaky."
The proposed changes, if passed, would empower Speaker Milton Dick to order MPs to leave the chamber for three hours, instead of one.
Government leader of the house Tony Burke said when introducing a package of amendments to the standing orders, including the three-hour change under standing order 94a, that it had been a unanimous recommendation of the procedure committee, which had previously considered it in 2021.
Other amendments introduced on Wednesday include changes to the number of questions to the crossbench during question time - with crossbenchers to receive more chances to speak after the first 10 questions - and amendments to the number of votes required for a full division count.
Independent MPs have also questioned the proposed amendments.
Warringah MP Zali Stegall introduced an amendment that sought to "clarify what constitutes disorderly conduct so that when it occurs it is not left to vague interpretation and can be quickly addressed allowing MPs to return to productive policy debate."
Ms Steggall said there was "a balancing act between robust parliamentary debate and having a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free workplace."
READ MORE:
Mr Burke said the issue would be referred to the procedural committee.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Kate Chaney supported Ms Steggall's amendment.
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6 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'Big day for America': US President Donald Trump declares August 1 tariff deadline will not be extended after securing deals with Japan, EU
President Donald Trump has declared his August 1 deadline for the introduction of tariffs will not be extended after the United States secured fresh trade deals with Japan and the European Union. The President's threat of widespread tariffs first emerged in April when the US leader announced a long list of nations would be hit with levies to address perceived trade imbalances. Those measures were subsequently delayed, however, with President Trump ultimately pushing back their introduction until August 1 in order to strike "90 deals in 90 days". Despite the delay, the US is set to fall well short of that target, prompting speculation the President could again push back the deadline. On Wednesday, though, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to dispel any doubts about when tariffs would come into force. "The August first deadline is the August first deadline - it stands strong, and will not be extended," he wrote. "A big day for America!!!" The declaration is likely to cause concern for a number of Australian businesses, with the Albanese government yet to negotiate a new deal with the Trump administration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Trade Minister Don Farrell have both cited an existing free trade agreement, as well as Australia's longstanding trade deficit with the US, as reasons the nation should escape tariffs, although neither argument has appeared to resonate. President Trump had singled out Australian biosecurity restrictions on US beef, which the government loosened last week, as an example of unfair trade practices, while pharmaceutical companies are understood to have lobbied his administration over Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. If Australian officials are unsuccessful at allaying those concerns, and others, the nation appears set to face tariffs of at least 10 per cent - although President Trump flagged that number may rise as high as 20 per cent in future. The President's declaration comes on the heels of major new agreements struck with Indonesia, Japan and the EU. All three nations will still face tariffs as part of the deals, although at a lower level than originally threatened when President Trump first announced the measures. President Trump's moves to upend global trade have sparked chaos in world markets and prompted the International Monetary Fund to warn they could impact economic growth in the years ahead. In its July World Economic Outlook Update, the organisation's chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, warned: "The world economy is still hurting, and it's going to continue hurting with tariffs at that level, even though it's not as bad as it could have been". Mr Gourinchas added tariffs were beginning to impact the US economy, saying the IMF was seeing evidence consumer prices were beginning to edge higher.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Cheers at last for Olympians who defied Moscow boycott
Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him."
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Perth Now
Moscow Olympians finally recognised
Australian Olympians who competed at the 1980 Moscow Games have finally been recognised for their efforts 45 years later. The 1980 games have been a black spot on the Olympic record. Seven months before they were set to be held, the then Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan causing many countries to boycott the games. Although Australia never formally boycotted the event, public sentiment against Australian attendance was widespread. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser urged the Australian Olympic Federation (now the Australian Olympic Committee) to support the boycott and even offered athletes $6000 each as incentive not to compete. The 1980 Australian Olympic Team that defied intense public pressure to take part in the controversial Moscow Games attend Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Some teams, including the entire Australian hockey and equestrian teams, withdrew completely, but in the end the Australian Olympic Federation narrowly voted against withdrawing from the games — six votes to five. Ultimately, just 121 of the original 273 athletes made it to the Games — quietly and with little fanfare — they were snuck in and out of the country in an unmarked plane and out of uniform. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Sussan Ley officially recognised the athletes participation and subsequent treatment in an address to parliament. 'When you were chosen to wear the green and gold you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you,' the Prime Minister said. 'And on your return you should be welcomed home and celebrated for the inspiration you have brought to the next generation of Australian athletes. Mr Albanese, Sport Minister Anika Wells and Speaker of the House, Milton Dick meet with the 1980 Australian Olympic Team for afternoon tea at Parliament House in Canberra. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'Yet 45 years ago, the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan cast a dark shadow over what should have been your shining moment. 'As nations around the world grappled with the boycott, Australia's athletes — some still only teenagers — were placed in an incredibly difficult position. 'One hundred and twenty-one Australians chose to compete under the Olympic flag. Others chose to join the boycott. Some who had won selection never even had the chance to choose because their sport made the decision for them.' Mr Albanese said upon their return athletes were met with 'cold silence or cruel comments'. 'Today, we fix that. Today, on the 45th anniversary, we recognise all that you have achieved and acknowledge all that you have overcome. 'Take pride in both. You are Olympians. You are Australians and you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation. Welcome to parliament and welcome home.'
