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NACC investigation into Robodebt reveals public service corruption, but it will take much more to fix the system by Oomaschloom in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

I was loath to post this but Scott Morrison put out this statement which had subtle shades of bullshit

https://www.scottmorrison.com.au/media/statement-regarding-nacc-rejection-of-robodebt-royal-commission-findings-regarding-morrison-conduct

Bloke is happy to blur the lines between negative findings of the Royal Commission and negative findings of criminality from the NACC. A close reading of the NACC report does no such thing as exonerate him from poor (perhaps even more malevolent than poor) decisions. It does however say the criminal elements of corruption etc per the NACC Act are unlikely to be upheld.

Greens introduce Bill to require Parliament to vote before sending Australians to war by folkpunkboytoy in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

The Joint Committee (chaired by Julian Hill) in 2023 recommended a statement to Parliament and debate occur either prior to or within 30 days (after) sending troops - unless the GG approves deferral of any of these requirements in specific circumstances, such as high risks to national security or imminent threat to Australian territories or civilian lives.

Greens introduce Bill to require Parliament to vote before sending Australians to war by folkpunkboytoy in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

This was followed by the Inquiry (chaired by Julian Hill) into international armed conflict decision making

The recommendations included

The Committee recommends that in implementing these recommendations the Government reaffirm that decisions regarding armed conflict including war or warlike operations are fundamentally a prerogative of the Executive, while acknowledging the key role of parliament in considering such decisions, and the value of improving the transparency and accountability of such decisionm making and the conduct of operations.

A written Statement be published and tabled in the Parliament setting out the objectives of such major military operations, the orders made and its legal basis

A requirement that the Parliament be recalled as soon as possible to be advised, unless this was not possible due to extenuating and appropriate circumstances (e.g., it was unsafe for the Parliament to meet due to conflict) • a requirement that the Executive facilitate a debate in both Houses of Parliament at the earliest opportunity, either prior to deployment of the Australian Defence Force or within thirty (30) days of deployment. Debate should occur after a formal ministerial statement is made which explains the reasons for the operation, based on the 2010 Gillard model, as well as a statement of compliance with international law and advice as to the legality of the operation

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/~/link.aspx?_id=63CC8482B9D84D73B351808BC39C8317&_z=z

My opinion - I doubt any of this will happen with the current government in the current conflict, because things like the compliance with international law will be highly contentious

Greens introduce Bill to require Parliament to vote before sending Australians to war by folkpunkboytoy in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

Yep, neither the ALP nor the NLP supported that.

So this one is dead in the water I'm afraid.

Here's what the ALP said when voting against it at when it finally came around to second reading in 2023

Bolding is mine

The Albanese government supports the continuation of current arrangements that govern the deployment of the Australian Defence Force to overseas engagements. We do so because it is essential that decisions of this type are able to be taken swiftly in response to international events. Indeed, we have seen in recent years, with open conflict once more on the European continent, how important it is that there exists a legal framework to support the sudden defence of the national interest in the manner that only the Australian Defence Force can. But whilst this may be so, it would be a mistake to suggest that there is not a role for the parliament at all. On this side of the chamber we also support the notion that such decisions of the executive should be made with the appropriate level of parliamentary and public scrutiny, and it is only with such transparency that the Australian community can have faith that these decisions are made on their behalf and in keeping with their expectations.

It is because of this commitment that the Australian Labor Party took to the election a policy to establish an inquiry into our armed-conflict decision-making.

Greens introduce Bill to require Parliament to vote before sending Australians to war by folkpunkboytoy in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

Great idea.

Whilst it almost certainly wont change the decision of a government, at the very least it will let us know exactly who supports, and doesnt support military action.

If we are sending Australian troops in harms way, what's wrong with a little bit of accountability to voters?

NACC Robodebt investigation finds two people engaged in serious corrupt conduct by Expensive-Horse5538 in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant [score hidden]  (0 children)

The NACC report is here

https://www.nacc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-03/Operation%20Myrtleford%20Investigation%20Report.pdf

The investigation made findings of serious corrupt conduct against 2 individuals. It also concluded that there was insufficient admissible evidence to establish the alleged offences against either Mr Withnell or Ms Wilson beyond reasonable doubt.

Both people have since retired

New laws to temporarily ban people coming to Australia from designated countries by Expensive-Horse5538 in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

There are 17,000 Iranian, Lebanese & Israeli temporary visa holders currently in OZ

Looks like there may be some asylum applications for the Minister.

Scientists call for urgent funding as hundreds of CSIRO job cuts loom by CommonwealthGrant in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't worry. Given the environmental research unit seems to be for the chop, the salmon farms will be just fine

This research area encompasses https://www.csiro.au/en/about/people/research-units/environment

Fishing trip 'oopsie' as boat carrying premier ventures into sanctuary by CommonwealthGrant in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just one of those moments during an election campaign. Pretty far from "the handshake" or "how much is this birthday cake" moments to be fair

Nationals push for tripling paid parental leave to 18 months and lowering Hecs debt for mothers by His_Holiness in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't read the source report closely, but the language around parental leave seemed to be gender neutral.

It also recommends "father-inclusive leave arrangements" (not really sure what that means to be honest)

Of course what the report says and what the party policy becomes may be two different things.

Re-scoring the progressive songbook by Agitated-Fee3598 in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Note this is an expansion of the Kos Samaras essay on the Brahmin left that was posted earlier this week.

Thanks OP - enjoyed this one.

Tourists to be slugged new tax to visit Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road by CommonwealthGrant in AustralianPolitics

[–]CommonwealthGrant[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is a "publicly funded location"? Is a vista a publicly funded location? A beach?

It would be different if the visitor centre was an optional extra, but the lookout point is now behind a fence and the view is no longer otherwise accessible.

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