The prime minister Scott Morrison during question time in the house of representatives in parliament house Canberra. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
The prime minister Scott Morrison during question time in the house of representatives in parliament house Canberra. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
We are going to leave it here today, but don’t despair, we will be back on Monday.
As a special treat, you’ll also be able to tune in with Gabrielle Chan, Anne Davies and Katharine Murphy for coverage of the Wentworth byelection, with Chan back on the blog for a special guest appearance, as I have a prior engagement.
Monday will also bring the national apology for the survivors of childhood institutional abuse. It is bound to be a powerful and emotional moment, so I hope you will join us, as we say sorry to those forced into horrific situations, through no fault of their own.
Thank you for joining us this week. Thank you to the Guardian’s brains trust, and those who turn this into something that makes sense (I hope). Goodness knows the parliament could do with that at times!
But your company makes it all worthwhile. Have a wonderful weekend and remember – take care of you.
One of two Senate committees examining the My Health Record has delivered a report calling on the government to extend the opt-out period for a further 12 months and to legislate that the records “cannot be accessed for employment or insurance purposes”.
It also wants the My Health Record law strengthened so that data cannot be used for commercial purposes.
The community affairs references committee has a Labor-Greens majority, which explains why it has gone further in calling for safeguards than the legislation committee, which simply recommended that the Senate pass the government’s bill to ensure police cannot access records without a warrant and other refinements.
Last Friday Labor health spokeswoman Catherine King reiterated that Labor supports the electronic health record but called for “a range of deficiencies” to be addressed before it is rolled out to all Australians (who have not opted out).
King announced Labor’s intention to push amendments to ensure private health insurers “can never access My Health Records, including de-identified data”, to protect employees’ right to privacy and strengthen safeguards in domestic violence situations.
We’ve seen “strong” be recycled – are we now going for a redo of “the things that matter?”
The last person who used this slogan was Alexander Downer. It didn't go well. Remember he joked that the Coalition's domestic violence policy was "The Things That Batter" .
But surely the lapel flag pins of Australian truthiness, meat pies, whatever football code is more politically palatable to you and surf brand caps would be enough to pop the Canberra bubble?
The Torys in the UK may have their power stance, but it seems the Scott Morrison video has confirmed that our conservatives have their own unique take – the ultimate man spread.
Australian prime minister Tony Abbott and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe pose for a photograph. Photograph: Alan Porritt/AFP/Getty Images
Darren Chester tells Sky that Barnaby Joyce had his chance as leader, repeating that there is no vacancy and Michael McCormack is doing “a damn good job”.
One tweet on #kidsoffnauru - I understand we need a credible policy against people smugglers who are self interested economic actors but there is no upside to doing this to children no matter how they came over. Bring them here. We don't imprison minors, why are we doing this?
The former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has filed an adverse action against the broadcaster at the Fair Work Commission after being sensationally sacked by the board last month.
Sources close to Guthrie confirmed she had begun the legal process for adverse actionthis week but no further details were available. Applications made to the commission are private.
Guthrie’s argument is that the ABC board had no grounds to apply the termination clause in her $900k contract which still had two-and-a-half years to run.
Darren Chester pays tribute to the athletes and participants in the upcoming Invictus Games in Sydney.
Bill Shorten follows up and adds this proposal:
Previously the Australian sports medal was awarded to people who contributed to sporting success ... it’s been discontinued.
I offer Labor’s support in reviving the medal, to write to the governor general and revive it. Given the wonderful spotlight that Invictus puts on veterans and disability and the nation’s sport, I think it would be a modest recognition for the team, administrators.
Scott Morrison accepts Labor’s proposal:
For all of those who will be participating, we wish you all the best and in the spirit of bipartisanship in this place on such an important matter, we’d be very happy to take on the recommendation of the leader of the opposition.
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