Yes Minister, what Question Time taught us today

ABC reporter Stephanie Anderson has waded through the details for you.



1. Stuart Robert and China

What happened: Human Services Minister Stuart Robert was the focus of a number of questions from the Opposition benches, including one from Mr Shorten on whether Mr Turnbull would stand by him. Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus also tried asked a question, which Speaker Tony Smith thought was out of order. After some debate, it was not allowed as it referred to his previous role.

What you need to know: Mr Robert travelled to China in 2014, where he attended a signing ceremony for a deal between a Chinese company and an Australia company he owns shares in. He reportedly made comments in his role as then Assistant Defence Minister, a claim his office denies. Mr Turnbull said he still had confidence in Mr Robert, but confirmed:

“I have asked the secretary of my department for advice in relation to the statement of ministerial standards.”

The news comes after two government ministers, Jamie Briggs and Mal Brough, moved to the backbench amid controversy. Mr Brough has only stepped down temporarily.

2. Asylum seekers and resettlement

What happened: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten used his first question to take aim at the Coalition over the lengthy processing times for asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru, leaving Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull open to criticise former Labor policies and speak on the need for strong border security.

What you need to know: The asylum seeker issue is back in the headlines after last week’s High Court judgement, which could see 267 people currently in Australia sent back to Nauru. Both Government and Opposition politicians have voted against granting amnesty for the group, though Labor has been highlighting increased processing times. The Coalition have in return been criticising Labor’s

previous border protection policies, which resulted in increased boat arrivals.

3. Tax reform and GST

What happened: Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen was pushing Treasurer Scott Morrison on the GST and tax reform, asking whether he could confirm that an increase was off the table. Mr Shorten also threw a question at Mr Turnbull, while independent MP Andrew Wilkie asked the Treasurer on income tests and pensions.

What you need to know: Government ministers have told the ABC that a potential increase in the GST has now been abandoned by the Coalition. It follows a lengthy campaign by the Opposition, which was noted today by Mr Turnbull.

“It would mean the green grocery aisles of Australia would be safe from the Leader of the Opposition.”

To sum up the lengthy answers from both Mr Turnbull and Mr Morrison, the government has neither ruled in or out any potential changes to Australia’s taxation system, including the GST.