Another day, another day. What happened?
- the government's attempts to toughen up the 457 visa scheme are still not through Parliament (only five days to go);
- question time was very similar to yesterday and the day before that - only half hearted punches thrown;
- five departing MPs gave their farewell speeches - Tony Crook, Mal Washer, Sharon Grierson, Steve Gibbons and Robert McClelland;
- and everyone is dolling up for tonight's Midwinter Ball (expect an Oscars-fashion-style-gallery in the morning).
My thanks, as always, to photographers Alex Ellinghausen and Andrew Meares and to everyone who took the time to read and comment.
One more day! (Until next week.)
You know how people like to fantasise about what it would be like if Kevin Rudd was Labor leader and Malcolm Turnbull was Liberal leader?
Andrew Meares shows us what that would look like.
Kevin Rudd talks with Liberal MPs Malcolm Turnbull and George Brandis after attending valedictory addresses in Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Labor MP Steve Gibbons is now making his farewell speech (he is the last one for the day).
Mr Gibbons says he joined the Labor Party in 1976 because of its opposition to the Vietnam War.
Mr Gibbons says he never made it to the front bench in either opposition or government.
He couldn't see the point in being away from his (marginal) electorate in order to tend to a portfolio, he says, but more to the point: "You had to kiss the backside of some of the factional warlords and I wasn't prepared to do that."
Then there was the problem that he was the only member of his sub faction, so it wasn't all that influential.
(You will recall that Mr Gibbons is the author of a motion that went to caucus on Tuesday that would have returned the right to appoint the frontbench to the caucus. It was deferred until after the election.)
Steve Gibbons delivers his valedictory address in Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
I promised to bring you the video of Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop's question time performance (see 3.07 pm post).
Here it is.
'A farrago of mendacities'
Bronwyn Bishop makes an unsuccessful point of order during question time.
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Dr Washer lists his involvement with the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development as one of the highlights of his career - particularly its work to raise issues to do with reproductive choice for women.
Women "have the right to choose how many children they have" and not to die in childbirth, Dr Washer says.
Climate change and the treatment of indigenous people remain huge issues for the Parliament, Dr Washer says.
Dr Washer recalls a visit to his electorate by then treasurer Peter Costello who commented on the size of the moon when seen in Western Australia.
"I explained this was because he was looking at the face of it not the rear end," he says.
"I say to those who may be retiring involuntarily - stand tall and count yourself proud that you've been part of history serving these hallowed halls," Dr Washer says.
Dr Mal Washer delivers his valedictory speech on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Liberal MP Dr Mal Washer - another stalwart of the moderates' group - is now giving his farewell speech.
Dr Washer came to Canberra in 1998 and promised his former practice manager turned assistant that if she came with him she'd "never be bored".
Dr Washer - a former GP - is highly regarded around Parliament as a decent and thoughtful man who won't hesitate to offer help to fellow MPs if he believes they are in need.
Dr Washer says it is time to consider "streamlining" the hours and practices of Parliament to ease the burden not only on MPs but also staff.
Dr Mal Washer is hugged by Kevin Rudd after he delivered his valedictory address on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Prime Minister Julia Gillard is not in the chamber. Mr McClelland has not mentioned her or Kevin Rudd (but he has found time to mention the St George Dragons).
Mr McClelland says he would have liked "a little longer" in the attorney-general's job (he was replaced by Nicola Roxon in 2011).
Mr McClelland thanks his friends, particularly the ones he only spoke to when he needed "to ask them to come along to a fund-raiser or to hand out for me on polling day".
Mr McClelland says he may spend his post-political life collating his son's tweets about politics.
Robert McClelland delivers his valedictory address (Kevin Rudd can be seen on the far right of the picture) on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Former attorney-general Robert McClelland has just begun his valedictory speech.
Mr McClelland - also no friend of Prime Minister Julia Gillard - is harking back to the days of Labor legend Mick Young.
Mr Young "was responsible for taking the Labor Party from the language of class warfare to a party that aspired to and was capable of governing for all Australians", Mr McClelland says.
(See what he's doing there?)
Mr McClelland says he supports comments made by Martin Ferguson and Simon Crean about the Labor Party's "tradition of bringing Australians together" and working through "issues in the national interest".
Robert McClelland delivers his valedictory address in Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
A plane towing a sign stating "GO GO GO PLAMER UNITED PARTY" flys past Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
It's not as evocative as Skywhale but billionaire Titanic enthusiast, Clive Palmer, has taken to the air waves in a different way to get his message out.
Chris Bowen's new Facebook cover page picture.
Well that didn't last long.
Back in the 12.58 pm post I noted that former immigration minister Chris Bowen had changed his Facebook cover photo to a shot of him with Kevin Rudd. Now it's been changed again -to Mr Bowen with some cute kiddies.
Yes, delightful readers, the clever video people are going to deliver the footage of Bronwyn Bishop's "farrago of mendacities" to me soon. I'll post it as soon as I can (but that might not be for a little while as there are a few valedictory speeches to get through first).
Let's have a look at what happened while question time was going on.
Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon has talked down the changes of Kevin Rudd returning to power. Apparently the whole leadership issue is "behind us". (Warning - please read this story with an enormous shaker of salt.)
Reporter Daniel Hurst has covered today's debate and provided an update on the state of play at the moment. The government is still struggling to get enough support for the changes it wants to make to the 457 visa scheme. One Liberal MP has called it "the most racist piece of legislation" he has ever seen.
Hmmm....What will I wear to the Midwinter Ball tonight?
(And yes, thanks everyone, I've noticed Mr Shorten is wearing a blue and red striped tie.)
Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
And that's it for question time today. Another greatest hits kind of day. Is it just me or does it feel like people are marking time?
I think we can all agree Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop wins question time today.
First, she managed to give a dramatic interpretation of an old quote from Prime Minister Julia Gillard (much to the amusement of colleagues Christopher Pyne and Julie Bishop).
Then, she one upped the government who has been overusing the word "mendacious" of late and accused it of "giving us a farrago of mendacities".
Speaking of back room deals....
Workplace Minister Bill Shorten talks with opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey behind the Speaker's chair during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
....while everything is coming up roses here.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
All sunshine and lollipops here....
Prime Minister Julia Gillard during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Fear and loathing on the backbench.
Labor MP Kevin Rudd and friends during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
You may have noticed that Prime Minister Julia Gillard has appropriated Climate Change Minister Greg Combet's favourite question time adjective - "mendacious".
This is what Mr Combet thinks of that.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet during question time on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
While doing a quick email check I discovered a plea from independent MP Craig Thomson to contribute to his defence fund.
Not sure emails to reporters are the way to go there.
Ah - we can all relax because things are back to normal.
Labor MP Deborah O'Neill asks Prime Minister Julia Gillard about how totes awesome the government's education reforms are.
And we seem to be in an alternate world for question time today. The shadow treasurer, Joe Hockey, has started proceedings with a question for the Treasurer, Wayne Swan. It's on the carbon price so maybe not so much of an alternate universe after all.
The House of Representatives poses for a group photo at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The House of Reps is having a quick break so the "class photo" for this Parliament can be taken.
Speaker Anna Burke reminds Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to move to the front. They are not taking the chance to engage in pleasantries.
As ABC television's Lyndal Curtis notes, people years from now will look at this picture and wonder about the fashion for blue ties.
The House of Representatives poses for a group photo at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
An update on the Midwinter Ball auction (see 10.46 am post). It appears the PM's scarf is one of the most hotly contested items at the moment.
Bid early, bid often people, it's for charity.
And the winner is Michelle de Krester for Questions of Travel.
(I'm going to go out on a limb and say de Krester's literary prize does not attract as many MPs' tweets as the Socceroos win.)
The winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award is about to be announced in Canberra.
Here are a few of the finalists with Greens leader Christine Milne.
Greens leader Christine Milne talks with Miles Franklin Literary Award finalists Carrie Tiffany (left), Annah Faulkner (centre) and Romy Ash (right) at the National Library of Australia on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
West Australian National Party MP Tony Crook is also bidding farewell to Parliament - after just one term.
Mr Crook arrived in 2010 but said earlier this year he could not continue because he was disappointed with the way politics worked and the constant travel was taking him away from his family too much.
But Mr Crook departs politics with his sense of humour intact (which is more than could be said for some departing MPs).
He began his farewell speech by apologising to his father for not getting Tawny Port onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
National Party MP Tony Crook delivers his valedictory speech on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Chris Bowen's Facebook cover page.
Anyone Facebook friends with former immigration minister Chris Bowen? You might have noticed he has just changed his profile picture to feature a shot of himself with Kevin Rudd taken during Mr Rudd's visit to his electorate last week.
Debate on the 457 visa bill has been suspended and Labor MP Sharon Grierson is giving her valedictory speech.
There is some speculation that the government has allowed the speeches to begin now because it needs more time to get support for the 457 bill.
(Incidentally, this morning I was told the valedictories would not start until 4 pm. Others due to say goodbye today include former attorney general Robert McClelland and Liberal MP Mal Washer.)
Everyone loves the Socceroos:
So proud of our @Socceroos. Bring on #Brazil2014!!! JG
— Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) June 19, 2013
Various Labor MPs during a division on the government's 457 visas. Photo: Andrew Meares
While the House of Representatives continue to debate the government's 457 visa bill let's look at a few other things that have been going on:
- the UNHCR has released figures showing that more people around the world were forced to flee their homes each day last year than the total number seeking asylum in Australia over the whole year. Oh, and, poor countries host the most asylum seekers;
- Defence Minister Stephen Smith has given his strongest indication yet that Australia will keep special forces soldiers in Afghanistan beyond the end of next year; and
- the High Court has accepted an indigenous woman's argument that alcohol restrictions on a Queensland island targeted indigenous people (but has rejected her bid to have the restrictions removed).
Environment Minister Tony Burke has filed this report form the Senate (I'll have more on this later):
Water Trigger Bill has passed the Senate. Underground and surface water now part of Australian Env Law for CSG & large coal mines. #auspol
— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) June 19, 2013
A moment of friendship across the party divide.
Deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop hugs Labor MP Janelle Saffin during a division on the government's 457 visa bill on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Kevin Rudd and Prime Minister Julia Gillard during debate on the government's 457 visa bill in Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
You can see the Prime Minister's chair from here!
Much going on lads?
Kevin Rudd with (left to right) Ed Husic, Andrew Leigh, John Murphy, Stephen Jones, Joel Fitzgibbon and Alan Griffin following a division during debate on the 457 bill in Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
Leader of the house, Anthony Albanese, gives a preview of some of the moves he will bust on the dance floor at tonight's Midwinter Ball.
Leader of the House Anthony Albanese debating legislation in Parliament. Photo: Andrew Meares
Kevin Rudd and Joel Fitzgibbon converse during a division behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
The opposition's immigration spokesman, Scott Morrison, is seeking to suspend standing orders that the bill not be considered until a full report on the government's claims about rorting of 457 visa is completed.
"This is a bill the government is seeking to ram through before the election," Mr Morrison said.
The leader of the house, Anthony Albanese, says one can't force a bill through when "there is no bill even being discussed" (referring to the various points of order, attempts to stop debate and so forth that are going on).
(The divisions being called are, at least, creating opportunities for pictures such as these ones by Andrew Meares.)
Kevin Rudd and Joel Fitzgibbon converse during a division behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
This is about as close as you will ever see Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd these days. Sometimes democracy (voting on the 457 bill) forces closeness.
In the House of Representatives the government's bill regarding changes to the 457 visa scheme is being debated.
The government wants to compel employers who hire foreign workers under the visa scheme to prove they have first tried to recruit suitably qualified Australians. This could include demonstrating employers had advertised and participated in career expos.
The government argues the visa scheme is being rorted while the independents question the need for reform.
Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor got put through his paces last night on the ABC's Lateline over the government's claims about the numbers of businesses rorting the scheme.
Business remains sceptical that any widespread rorting is going on.
Tonight is the political-media-hangers'-on social event of the year (don't laugh - it's a lot of fun) when the annual Midwinter Ball is held. The event is a charity fundraiser with the event raising well over a million dollars over its lifetime.
It is organised by members of the press gallery and features speeches from the prime minister and opposition leader of the day who generally treat the affair with good humour and general bonhomie.
Money is raised via an ebay auction and includes some excellent prizes. This year's offerings include:
- dinner for four with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at either The Lodge or Kirribilli House;
- a scarf knitted by the PM;
- join the Prime Minister in January next year for the England vs the PM's XI cricket match including entry to the official pre-match function with the team and the PM the night before at the Lodge;
- a bike ride with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott followed by breakfast; and
- dinner for six with the opposition's foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop and communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull in the board room of the National Press Club in Canberra.
Bidding closes at 5pm tonight and you can find the details by heading on over to the eBay site and searching for "Midwinter Ball".
Remember, it's for a good cause!
The fall out has continued from last night's valedictory speech of Labor Senator Trish Crossin who managed to get through her entire speech without mentioning Prime Minister Julia Gillard. There is no love lost between the two after the PM decided to oust Senator Crossin in favour of former athlete Nova Peris.
Senators Doug "colour and movement" Cameron and Kim Carr have since spoken out in Senator Crossin's defence but Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said - more or less - she should suck it up.
Breaking news reporter Jonathan Swan has filed this story on the reaction.
Senator Trish Crossin delivers her valedictory speech in the Senate on Tuesday. Photo: Andrew Meares
The view from "the doors" this morning - the usual line up of MPs spouting the line of the day.
Liberal MP Greg Hunt waits to speak to the media at Parliament House on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Let's have a look through the stories doing the rounds this morning.
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny has looked into the constitutional ramifications of a late switch to Kevin Rudd. People well versed in this area have told Mark that Governor-General Quentin Bryce could be in a tricky spot because a new Labor leader would not necessarily command a parliamentary majority.
Ms Bryce, whose term expires next year, is the mother-in-law of Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten.
The Age's national affairs editor, Tony Wright, has written this tasty piece in which he likens the Labor games to the "Caucus-race" from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten during a function at Parliament House on Tuesday. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Sports photographers call it "jubo", the shots of elation when a team or individual wins an event. The best we can hope for in Canberra is an enthusiastic fan getting into the spirit of things.
Sadly, Socceroos' jerseys seem to be in short supply around Parliament House. Although the Sports Minister, Kate Lundy, is delighted with the win she is sans jersey today I'm afraid. And Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, who is a huge soccer fan, was on duty in the Senate last night.
Basically there's nothing to match the enthusiasm of former prime minister John Howard in this archive shot by Andrew Quilty from 2006.
Prime Minister John Howard cheers as the first goal is scored by The Socceroos to equalise 1-1 in their final pool match against Croatia in 2006. Photo: Andrew Quilty
Rio fever has swept Parliament House like it has everywhere else. Expect a bit of chest puffing and displays of green and gold. What else will happening during the day? Join Alex Ellinghausen, Andrew Meares and myself to find out.
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