Empty chairs

Victoria’s Greens gear up for a party vote to fill Richard Di Natale’s Senate vacancy, plus similar developments for the state Liberals in Tasmania and Victoria.

As you can see in the post below this one, the Courier-Mail yesterday had a YouGov Galaxy state poll for Queensland that found both major parties stranded in the mid-thirties on the primary vote. State results from this series are usually followed a day or two later by federal ones, but no sign of that to this point. If it’s Queensland state politics reading you’re after, I can offer my guide to the Currumbin by-election, to be held on March 29. Other than that, there’s the following news on how various parliamentary vacancies around the place will be or might be filled:

• Noel Towell of The Age reports two former state MPs who fell victim to the Greens’ weak showing at the November 2018 state election are “potentially strong contenders” to take Richard Di Natale’s Senate seat when he leaves parliament, which will be determined by a vote of party members. These are Lidia Thorpe, who won the Northcote by-election from Labor in June 2018, and Huong Truong, who filled Colleen Hartland’s vacancy in the Western Metropolitan upper house seat in February 2018. The party’s four current state MPs have all ruled themselves out. Others said to be potential starters include Brian Walters, a barrister and former Liberty Victoria president, and Dinesh Mathew, a television actor who ran in the state seat of Caulfield in 2018.

• Former Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman’s seat in parliament will be filled by Nic Street, following a preference countback of the votes Hodgman received in the seat of Franklin at the March 2018 election. This essentially amounted to a race between Street and the other Liberal who nominated for the recount, Simon Duffy. Given Street was only very narrowly unsuccessful when he ran as an incumbent at the election, being squeezed out for the last of the five seats by the Greens, it was little surprise that he easily won the countback with 8219 out of 11,863 (70.5%). This is the second time Street has made it to parliament on a countback, the first being in February 2016 on the retirement of Paul Harriss.

• The Age reports Mary Wooldridge’s vacancy in the Victorian Legislative Council is likely to be filled either by Emanuele Cicchiello, former Knox mayor and deputy principal at Lighthouse Christian College, or Asher Judah, who ran unsuccessfully in Bentleigh in 2018. Party sources are quoted expressing surprise that only four people have nominated, with the only woman being Maroondah councillor Nora Lamont, reportedly a long shot. Also in the field is Maxwell Gratton, chief executive of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.

Author: William Bowe

William Bowe is a Perth-based election analyst and occasional teacher of political science. His blog, The Poll Bludger, has existed in one form or another since 2004, and is one of the most heavily trafficked websites on Australian politics.

1,209 comments on “Empty chairs”

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  3. Zali Steggall to unveil climate change bill and push for a conscience vote for MPs

    Now is the time for ‘modern Liberals’ to speak for their community rather than toe the party line, independent MP says

    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/10/zali-steggall-to-unveil-climate-change-bill-and-push-for-a-conscience-vote-for-mps

    The woman who toppled Tony Abbott in Warringah at the last election on a platform of climate change action now has the whole parliament in her sights as she seeks bipartisan support for a climate change framework bill aimed at transitioning Australia to a decarbonised economy.

    Zali Steggall – along with her fellow crossbenchers Rebekah Sharkie, Helen Haines and Andrew Wilkie – will release the climate change national framework for adaption and mitigation bill on Monday, ahead of its introduction to the parliament in March.

    Steggall and the crossbench have begun a conscience vote campaign online and within their communities. They hope to win over enough government MPs to see the bill, which has been modelled on existing legislation in the UK, New Zealand and Ireland, pass in Australia.
    :::
    “The bill will be circulated to all MPs as well as business, environmental and relevant stakeholder groups on Monday,” she said.

    “It is time to take the party politics out of climate policy. It is a matter of principle that we should all be committed to a safer future. I am urging for a conscience vote when I present the bill on March 23 as a private member’s bill. Now is the time for a rational approach to climate change.”
    :::
    The group wants the government to focus on a national adaption schedule for Australia’s industries, based on what the science has revealed in regards to impacts of climate change.

    To ensure accountability, the group wants to follow the UK’s lead and establish some sort of climate change authority, which would act independently of the government, and report back on the progress each year.

  4. Peg: ‘about who anong its ranks would be seen opposing the bill in concert with the Coalition climate deniers.’

    I am concerned about the Greens voting against because it is not good enough. You know they have form in doing this.

  5. The Australian is reporting:

    “Labor expels ‘disloyal’ mayor. Australia’s youngest female mayor has been expelled from the Labor Party after a lengthy disciplinary process.”

    As it is paywalled, I can not read the reasons as to why. Can someone please enlighten me….

  8. A private member’s bill supported by Labor…must be another “stunt”.

    The Guardian:

    Over in the Senate, and Labor wants to try and address some issues with the encryption laws – the ones Labor had passed, in the hopes that it could fix the legislation if it won the election.

    We all know how that played out.

    Today, Labor will try and have the recommendations the intelligence and security committee put forward, which the government did not implement.

    From Kristina Keneally:

    Today in the Senate, Labor will debate a Private Senator’s Bill – Telecommunications Amendment (Repairing Assistance and Access) Bill 2019.

  9. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-party-expels-disloyal-mayor-emilia-sterjova/news-story/76bb2e3327c44a7b6a798493f23f7a62

    Australia’s youngest female mayor has been expelled from the Labor Party after a lengthy disciplinary process that started days after former Victoria Police chief Simon Overland was removed as the council’s chief executive.

    Whittlesea Council mayor Emilia Sterjova, 22, was ousted from the ALP late last month after breaching caucus solidarity by ­accepting a non-Labor vote to help elevate her to the helm of the large outer Melbourne council.

    The expulsion came as Ms Sterjova accused her critics of mounting a bullying campaign against her, in what is emerging as one of the most dysfunctional councils in Australia.

  10. ‘A matter of conscience’: Zali Steggall unveils plans for climate change act

    https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2020/02/10/zali-steggall-plans-climate-change-act/

    The legislation is modelled on the UK’s Climate Change Act and is designed to provide a national framework for action and mandatory annual reporting of Australia’s trajectory towards meeting reduction targets.

    “We need to set out a road map for Australia to become a low-carbon economy without all the fear-mongering and misinformation,” Ms Steggall said.

    “The big question all sensible Australians are asking is how? This is why we need a climate change act to set out a legislative framework.”

    “We need to set out a road map for Australia to become a low-carbon economy without all the fear-mongering and misinformation,” Ms Steggall said.

    “The big question all sensible Australians are asking is how? This is why we need a climate change act to set out a legislative framework.”
    :::
    Asked if an Albanese government would support new coal-fired power stations, Mr Marles said it was for the market to decide.

    “Well, when the energy industry itself aren’t touching this with a barge pole, why on earth would governments be in the business of subsidising it?” Mr Marles asked.

    But he would not rule out a future Labor government supporting a new venture as long as it wasn’t government subsidised, arguing the normal processes should apply.

  11. @phillipwmoore49
    ·
    1h
    The Aust. Energy Market Operator has “abruptly slashed the output of 5 solar farms” because the system can’t cope. Meanwhile let’s build more coal fired power stations. We truly are governed by imbeciles.

  12. Clearly, many in the coalition believe we DO NOT have to change our behaviour about climate — they expect technology (probably delivered via some ‘god-borne’ inspiration) will save us from ourselves.

    Therefore we do not have to lower our emissions by stopping using fossil fuels — Morrison likely expects someone will invent giant air-conditioners that will be placed in the stratosphere and will cool the atmosphere.

    Simples.

    *note: I can see morrison’s mind ticking over

  13. This is how NDIS works. Don’t spend their funds then cry poor. Trish has no arms.

    Trish-artist, photographer & thalidomide survivor @footsiephotos
    ·
    53s
    I went & tested out the only foot driven scooter in Australia. The scooter is amazing, suited me without modifcations! But it comes at a price that @NDIS says is too much to pay 4a scooter, they would rather give me a dearer wheelchair that I cant use. Another fight looming.

  16. ‘Asked if an Albanese government would support new coal-fired power stations, Mr Marles said it was for the market to decide.

    “Well, when the energy industry itself aren’t touching this with a barge pole, why on earth would governments be in the business of subsidising it?” Mr Marles asked.

    But he would not rule out a future Labor government supporting a new venture as long as it wasn’t government subsidised, arguing the normal processes should apply.’

    In other words: No, a future Labor government would not financially support a future coal fired power station. However, if one gets up all by itself, after ticking all the appropriate boxes, then there’s nothing a government can do to stop it.

    (He should have made it clearer that ultimately the processes are determined by the States…)

  17. From Dawn Patrol.

    I don’t no about the other Countries, but she is clearly adhering to current Australian standards.

    At the heart of this cross-continent brawl are two issues: whether the Secretariat is adhering to the same basic standards expected of its own member governments, and whether its senior ranks have failed to provide the leadership needed to realise the Commonwealth’s huge potential in trade and diplomacy.

    Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom believe it is definitely failing on the former, and quite likely on the latter. They are are incensed by an audit handed down late last year into a decision by Baroness Scotland to award contracts worth $500,000 to Baron Patel of Bradford, a friend and colleague from the House of Lords.

    https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/marise-payne-gets-tough-where-it-counts-20200209-p53z2y.html

  20. zoomster @ #666 Monday, February 10th, 2020 – 9:29 am

    ‘Asked if an Albanese government would support new coal-fired power stations, Mr Marles said it was for the market to decide.

    “Well, when the energy industry itself aren’t touching this with a barge pole, why on earth would governments be in the business of subsidising it?” Mr Marles asked.

    But he would not rule out a future Labor government supporting a new venture as long as it wasn’t government subsidised, arguing the normal processes should apply.’

    In other words: No, a future Labor government would not financially support a future coal fired power station. However, if one gets up all by itself, after ticking all the appropriate boxes, then there’s nothing a government can do to stop it.

    (He should have made it clearer that ultimately the processes are determined by the States…)

    Lipstick. Pig.

  21. Anyone feel claustrophobic on reading this???

    Kirby Barkalot
    @jrdn54
    ·
    11h
    Has anyone from #auspol been watching these disturbing videos from Wuhan where they are welding apartment buildings shut so residents can’t get out?’ There are quite a few.

  22. Zoomster

    Obviously Zali Stegall is doing this as it’s unlikely to get passed on party lines.
    And if it gets passed it’s not a stunt….

    This constant questions of Peg, looks like stalking, and given you’ve accused others of the same you should probably just make your point, rather than dragging this out. If your point is “it’s a stunt” then you made it already and repeating it a la Boerwar doesn’t make it more true.
    Nor will you know if it’s true until after the event.

  23. lizzie @ #1002 Monday, February 10th, 2020 – 9:27 am

    Labelling solar power a dole bludger. Not funny really.

    ” rel=”nofollow”>

    Let’s be very clear – what Canavan and the rest of these Gina-lickers are defending to our (not their) last dollar is Billionaire rentier’s (mostly offshore, like the Murdorcs – only a handful are “locals” like Gina the Hutt, Sticky-fingers Forrest, The lesser Aubergined-plumed Pratt & Fat Clive the Con Man) stranded investments in coal, oil, gas, the privatised grid and other fossil-fueled lurks that constitute the long-con of the Rum Corps. They know it, we know it. They are on a hiding to nothing within 10 years, but make a very good living in the meantime by bullshitting for profit.

  26. z

    In response to my:

    ‘Private members’ bills keep issues front and centre, force discussion and generally are concerned with issues the major parties are reluctant to tackle in any meaningful and real way.’

    You replied:

    Yep – which means they’re stunts, by definition.

    and despite your misrepresentation as I admitted no such thing:

    However, as you’ve admitted, they’re stunts, so they’re not intended to.

    Your definition of ‘stunts’ obviously differs from mine. I have no intention going down your rabbit hole as it would be a complete waste of my time.

  27. I’d never heard of Llew O’Brien until today and now he’s trending on twitter!

    Low bar. Get him on Survivor or MAFS then peeps will be talking about him at GG’s pub and BBQs.

  32. The Guardian

    Zali Steggall has released the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020

    The crossbench are hoping to get a conscience vote on this. But for those wondering what it’s all about, here is the introduction to the bill.

    This Act establishes a framework for adaptation and mitigation in

    relation to climate change.

    Decision-makers must consider 7 guiding principles when performing functions or duties or exercising powers under this Act or provisions of other prescribed Acts.

    The Commission is required to prepare a national climate change risk assessment within a year of the commencement of this Act and every 5 years after that.

    In response to each national climate change risk assessment, the Minister must prepare a national adaptation plan. The Commission must evaluate the implementation of these plans annually.

    This Act sets a target of zero net accounting emissions by 2050.

    The target can only be changed if there is a significant change in circumstances and the Commission is satisfied the significant change justifies the change.

    In order to meet the net zero target, the Act also provides for the Minister to set emissions budgets for emissions budget periods on advice from the Commission.

    The Minister must also prepare emissions reduction plans for each emissions budget. The Commission provides advice on these plans also.

    This Act establishes the Commission and provides for a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation. Appointments to the Commission must be approved by the Committee.

  33. Yo, Astrobleme!

    Back with a bit of running commentary on other posters under the guise of being against bullying.

    Not half smart, guv!

    Have you joined Bandt in the Greens New Deal CO2 Emissions Strike Action yet?

    You won’t become a Zeronetter, like me, but you will contribute your 10 tons reduction mite to the Greens Climate Emergency Fight Back.

  36. Astro

    I think you’ll find that peg responds to me as much as I respond to her, so if there’s stalking going on, it’s on both sides.

    I do find it interesting that Labor’s policies and people are allowed to be questioned about their motives etc to the nth degree, but heaven forbid one should suggest an indie might have other motives than those stated.

    I’m not sure being an indie grants you immunity from normal scrutiny.

  37. Dave Wasserman@Redistrict
    ·
    3h
    I’m gonna be honest: talking to Dem NH voters, I’m encountering a lot of concerns about whether the country would vote for a woman in the fall that I don’t think are terribly based in reality/evidence.

    Nevertheless, it’s affecting primary vote choice.

    Based on what I’ve read and seen, I’d share those concerns.

  39. lizzie

    The appointment of Adam Bandt certainly seems to have raised the spirits of Greens supporters.

    My spirits didn’t need raising….same level as always….always hopeful while being pragmatic and realistic.

    Rather, the elevation of Bandt seems to have depressed the spirits of some Laborites a tad.

    Gotta go. Stay cool.

  40. I do find it interesting that Labor’s policies and people are allowed to be questioned about their motives etc to the nth degree, but heaven forbid one should suggest an indie might have other motives than those stated.

    Try criticising the Greens. You get called a drunk and a racist!

  41. l
    Not entirely convincing. The building looks derelict. What’s to stop someone opening the window and stepping out? Are peeps supposed to starve to death?

  42. Victoria,
    Just saw your link about property and it’s depressing, particularly as Melbourne’s prices seem to have resumed skyrocketing back to 2017 levels. I’ve been weighing up whether it’s worth buying a small apartment as a first home or something bigger in a location that could barely still be considered Melbourne. I don’t sense a crash is imminent, but would almost like to be wrong on that.

  43. Well, I am interested in both the detail and the politics of Steggalls announcement. I have been waiting for this.

    Also interested in the general idea of quarantining these bodies from political influence/tinkering. Politicians have become very adept at influencing traditional independent organisational structures (ABC etc) through various devious means. What does it say about our democracy and the state of our politics that we feel the need to strengthen these independent groups further?

  44. Be interesting to know the full context of that vid lizzie. Saw another similar one. Bit of a useless exercise in buildings with ground floor windows??

  45. Malcolm Farr
    @farrm51
    ·
    2m
    If this is an act of principled protest it falls a touch short of martyrdom.
    Quote Tweet

    Katharine Murphy
    @murpharoo
    · 1h
    On the departure of Liew O’Brien, as @AmyRemeiks makes clear on the blog, govt telling me he’s still in the LNP. He will still sit in the joint party room. He just won’t go to the Nats party room. As you do #priorities #auspol

  46. BW

    Yeah, looks a bit dodgy. There’s no signs of welding on the door when they show it at the end of the clip and the welding seems confined to one spot, which wouldn’t be very effective.

    Might be another case along the lines of ‘koalas being sold for meat’.

  50. Bonza

    It is especially if you have children who are attempting to enter the ppty market, even if they have saved well.
    Such as my daughter who returned from studying in Germany in May last year on election day.
    Upon her return she started to look to buying a ppty and within weeks of the election, the market had jumped at least a 100,000 in areas she was looking in.
    Very disheartening

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