Australia politics live: ‘climate wars are almost over,’ Steggall says; new measures against foot-and-mouth disease

New exotic animal disease taskforce announced in reaction to foot and mouth disease

Murray Watt is announcing a new exotic animal disease preparedness taskforce as part of Australia’s response to the foot and mouth outbreak in Indonesia.

Watt says this adds to what is already in place (strengthened biosecurity procedures and mail screening)

Watt:

Today we are adding a third prong to our response to this outbreak that is on our doorstep.

That is because while the risk of foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease entering Australia is low, it is not zero. We cannot assume that it will stay that way. We need to be fully prepared.

Experts have assessed the risk of a foot-and-mouth incursion in Australia in the next five year as 11.6% and 28% for lumpy skin disease. It is prudent to make sure that we are prepared now.

That is because good governments plan for the best and prepare for the worst.

That is exactly what we are doing. That is what we have done on natural disaster management, ever since we came to office and that is what we are doing with biosecurity threats such as these diseases.

Now, while the federal, state and territory governments all have thorough well-developed biosecurity response plans in place, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we are ready, should an outbreak occur here.

That is why I have directed the establishment of a new commonwealth taskforce to thoroughly assess our current level of national preparedness for these diseases and advise of any improvements that might be needed.

Minister for agriculture, Murray Watt.
Minister for agriculture, Murray Watt. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated at 21.41 EDT

Key events

That is the last amendment – after this, we are done!

Chris Bowen takes the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in the negotiations on the bill and those who agree that it is “a good day” for the nation.

The last amendment is from Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown, which make sure the legislation include how the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets meet the Paris Agreement goals of keeping warming well below 2 degrees.

(At the most basic reading of the amendment)

Chris Bowen says the government supports the amendment, so it will pass.

The person handling Monique Ryan’s social media is doing a bang up job

There is some suggestion that Nationals MP Darren Chester may have accidentally voted ‘yes’ on Allegra Spender’s amendment.

It doesn’t change anything – the amendments the government are supporting have more than the numbers needed to pass and the ones it doesn’t won’t pass.

We have gone to the honourable member for comment. If so, seems like perhaps someone may have zoned out for a moment

Zali Steggall wants to see Climate Change Authority advice on greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets included in the legislation.

The government also supports this amendment.

A list of changes to climate bill

So we have seen some small changes to the legislation, which have not materially changed anything. The main points are:

  • 43% is a floor to start from, not a target to hit and stop.
  • Ministers will need to table the advice they receive.
  • Regional experts will be included as part of the Climate Change Authority.
  • And the legislation acknowledges climate action is urgent and should be based on science.
  • They are the ones the government has supported so far.
  • The Coalition has voted against everything.
  • The government has voted against raising the target in the legislation, and not opening any more fossil fuel projects.

Updated at 22.07 EDT

Kylea Tink’s amendments to the climate bill are now up for division

(Ms Tink)

(1) Clause 14, page 9 (lines 4 and 5), omit “must publish a copy of that advice on its website.”, substitute:

must:

(a) publish a copy of that advice on its website; and

(b) cause a copy of that advice to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after giving the advice to the Minister.

[tabling advice]

Chris Bowen says the government is in support, and he would always table advice – with a pointed look across the chamber.

The opposition is also opposing this amendment.

The independent member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, speaks during debate on the climate change bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The independent member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, speaks during debate on the climate change bill in the House of Representatives on Thursday. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated at 22.13 EDT

Greens hail ‘massive step forward for tax transparency’ after tax loophole closure

Greens senator Nick McKim has responded to the tax loophole closure Paul Karp just reported on:

This is a massive step forward for tax transparency in Australia.

We already know that big corporations are paying too little tax – today’s changes mean we can have a much clearer picture for many more companies.

The Australian public has a right to know this information.

Corporate tax transparency is critical for applying political pressure to make sure the big corporations pay their fair share of tax.

This shows what the Greens can achieve in balance of power, and what Labor and the Greens can do when we work together.

Greens senator Nick McKim.
Greens senator Nick McKim. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Updated at 22.21 EDT

Government’s climate bill just ‘exacerbating’ the climate wars, says Liberal MP

Earlier this morning, Karen Andrews argued the government legislation to do something (very modest) on climate action was just “exacerbating” the climate wars.

So far, Andrews and her party have voted no to everything. The Coalition has not put up any amendments. It has offered no alternatives.

Andrews:

I think that the climate wars need to be over. They needed to be over a couple of years ago. I think that what’s happening in parliament is just exacerbating a situation. The target has already been set at 43%. Let’s all behave as adults. Let’s all go after that target and make sure that we do reach it.

Liberal MP Karen Andrews.
Liberal MP Karen Andrews. Photograph: Trevor Collens/AAP

Updated at 21.57 EDT

Helen Haines is watching on from Covid isolation

Updated at 21.51 EDT