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It’s the last sitting day of the week until the end of March, and the all-important pre-election budget.
Debate will continue over the character test legislation – although there are now doubts it will pass before the election, with the government and the opposition at odds over potential amendments. Labor waved it through the house on Wednesday but is likely to push for changes in the Senate.
There’s also a firearms trafficking bill that the government will use to prove its “tough” credentials.
Scott Morrison has vowed to keep hammering Labor over national security – despite security chiefs warning against the tactic. The prime minister has been going hard on Labor over China, accusing it of being soft. But even foreign affairs minister Marise Payne agrees there’s bipartisanship on the issue and Asio boss Mike Burgess has said – more than once – that it’s not helpful to politicise national security.
And while it’s deeply unlikely any federal anti-corruption legislation will make it to the table, that won’t stop it being discussed.
Senate estimates, the so-called “nerd Olympics”, also rolls on.
Sydney beaches are closed after a fatal shark attack, which is tragic (and the stuff of nightmares).
United Australia Party boss Clive Palmer, who had to pay damages over his unauthorised use of Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It in 2019, is now bankrolling ads with the tagline “Tell them they’re dreaming”. Fans of The Castle will be digging a hole.
Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin, Daniel Hurst, Paul Karp, Josh Butler and Mike Bowers will bring you all the news from Canberra. Our crack team across the country have got you covered elsewhere.
How’s the serenity?
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