Original subtitles

Where are we at with youth justice reform?

Unfortunately, the bill is going to have to take a back seat.

You're not suggesting they were bought?

They were being lobbied by the company

that funded their campaigns.

Your advisor, Ben, his salary was subsidised

by a company called Earthsong Industries.

Nick set it up.

Paul's scheduled to open up the criminal code.

I plan to make some amendments.

I never quite know whether you don't know what you're doing or you do.

But if this gives me a win on the floor, then I'm all for it.

I'm gonna ask you to back me. It's gonna be tough at first.

What's happening? I can't say.

But if it works, it'll be worth it.

Exebuild killed Marcy.

They killed Jess,

with the help of one of your Ministers.

And they helped me get elected?

You fucked us, Rachel.

MAN: On in five.

The Murphy government remain in damage control

amid the fallout from the sudden resignation of Helena Rossi.

While crossbench MP Rachel Anderson

has guaranteed supply and confidence,

the question now is

what impact she'll have on the government's agenda

as it approaches the next election...

..and whether Paul Murphy can hold on to his shaky minority until then.

With an unpredictable crossbench and an opposition out for blood,

this final sitting day is certain to be the biggest test

of his leadership yet.

Can you just pack that up for me?

And make sure you put the notes in the...those little dividers.

Can you go and put some tabs in that?

Just follow what that one looks like. The tabs are there.

Sally, can you just make sure you clip that together for me?

Thank you.

Thanks, guys.

(LAUGHTER, CHATTER)

(CLAPS)

We have a shit-ton of legislation to push through today, people.

The only chat I want to hear is work related.

Where are those briefings I asked for?

You know when to come in.

Yeah, I didn't mind the first million times you told me.

Better not fuck up, then.

You OK? Yeah, I'm OK.

You sure? Yeah, I said I'm fine.

Stop pestering me.

Alright, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thanks, guys.

WOMAN: (OVER RADIO) Rachel Anderson has saved the government

from a snap election,

stepping in to cover the sudden resignation of Helena Rossi.

It was a... Feels like it's all unravelling.

..considering that her electorate...

There are headwinds, but we knew there would be.

..of the Murphy government...

No, I mean all of it.

(PROTESTERS SHOUT INDISTINCTLY)

(SHOUTING CONTINUES)

I don't think they know what they want anymore.

That hasn't changed.

What they want is a government that gives a damn about them.

..low unemployment, persistent inflation and interest rate rises

are darkening the financial outlook for everyday Australians.

Cutting it a bit fucking close to the wire, aren't we, Chuckles?

Succinct talking points.

I'm just making some amends after this morning's op eds.

Well, I wanted them reissued an hour ago.

Well, so did I, but some of us are human, Sharon.

Where the fuck is AI when you need it?

Morning, folks. Another day at the factory.

MAN: Morning, Prime Minister.

And we're through with the dummy spitting, right?

WOMAN: Can I grab you another coffee, Prime Minister?

No, better stop at three,

otherwise I won't be able to sleep through Question Time.

Did you see the Ausnews op ed? Mm-hm.

Out for blood, as usual. Are we on it?

Yeah, Charlie's making changes to the talking points now.

Just some pre-emptive strikes in case we need it.

I mean, it looks like he's pulled his head in

since yesterday's meltdown.

Good. We on track for today?

Other side's primed and ready to spew dog vomit all over the house.

No surprises there.

But, ah...we've got the numbers.

Crossbench is solid on this one.

Even Alex?

Even Alex understands

the importance and the common sense of this legislation.

It's going to go through.

Thank Christ. We need a win.

Yeah, and if we're not careful

we may actually get some positive coverage in tomorrow's press.

Resorting to blind optimism now, are we?

Where's Home Affairs?

It should be there. I specifically...

Oh, fucking incompetents! Jesus.

I tell you, if you want a job done around here...

Fuck!

Tegan?

Any surprises?

No, it looks like business as usual.

What exactly did Alex say?

Ah, that she had Damien in the palm of her hand.

She's up to something.

Well, whatever Alex is planning, we stay the course.

She creates an opportunity, we take it.

Has your office had a reach-out from Kathleen?

She can't be happy about me backing Paul.

No.

But that might work out for us.

Tell her you're well-positioned

to kill the Procurement Bill when it comes back from the Senate.

Oh, that's a good spin.

And let me take the meeting with Matthew.

He might be more honest with me about his roadblock.

Yeah. Yeah, that might take the pressure off.

I'm starting to feel like a stalker.

(CHUCKLES) And you'll follow up with Kathleen?

Yes. OK.

Thanks, Peter. Yeah.

Morning.

Good morning, Madam Speaker.

Gorgeous day out there, isn't it? Sure is.

Look, I don't know what she was thinking, but I'll find out.

Just sit tight till then.

Listen, I'll see you in there.

They don't look very happy.

Look, we were getting there.

Then Rachel went and guaranteed Paul's supply and confidence.

It's a shit show. Well, short-term.

The election will be brought forward, so...

Which way do you want to go, Matthew?

What, apart from the obvious? Yes.

Rachel was a great PM...

..but is she the right person to lead this new party?

Well, you've worked with her? Yeah.

She has a huge reach,

and she's a ferocious fundraiser, as we both know.

And she's never been more popular.

So, what exactly are you doubting here?

Listen, that's all true.

I just want to be certain

that we all still have enough left in the tank

to see this thing through.

You really doubt that she's the right person for this?

That she doesn't have the fight for it?

Look, um...Rachel has asked me to warn you.

Alex Irving, she's up to something. We don't know what.

You need to be prepared. It might turn ugly.

This fuckin' place. (CHUCKLES)

Thanks.

Minister. Just a couple of adjustments.

Thank you.

MAN: Honourable Members, the Speaker.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples,

who are the traditional custodians of the Canberra area

and pay respect to elders past and present

of all Australia's Indigenous peoples.

God Almighty, we humbly beseech thee

to vouchsafe thy blessing upon this Parliament.

Direct and prosper our deliberations to the advancement of thy glory

and the true welfare of the people of Australia.

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive...

Why aren't the talking points down there?

They'll be there. Before the second reading, please.

God, we haven't got all day.

Did you get onto Home Affairs? Yeah, well...

I mean, it's their fucking bill.

The least they could do is show a modicum of interest.

The PM wants to see him before he goes in.

MAN: Can you get Sharon in here?

(SIGHS) Oh, fuck. What the fuck?

Sorry, Sharon, the PM is... Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm on it.

(SIGHS)

SPEAKER: And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom

and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen. ALL: Amen.

Catching up on the football, I'm guessing?

Of course.

(RETCHES)

(TOILET FLUSHES)

(COUGHS)

Good morning, sunshine.

Mm.

Shouldn't you be at school?

Mm.

Heard you and your mate might have gone a bit overboard last night.

Mm. Hey, this will fix you.

Grease and protein. Best cure for a hangover.

Was it worth it, at least?

Not when it makes you feel this shit.

What did you drink?

Mum's rum.

It's OK with Coke.

Sure, if... Ooh.

You OK? (GROANS)

Mm-hm. Contraction.

Shouldn't you be in the hospital or something?

Yeah, they're, ah...

..yeah, a little close for comfort now. Oh...

Can you try Charlie again for me?

(BREATHES STEADILY)

Oh...

(GROANS) Ooh... (INDISTINCT MALE VOICE OVER PHONE)

Voicemail.

OK. Can you get my overnight bag? It's in the lounge room.

And my keys. You're going to need to drive.

I'm probably still over the limit.

If I get pulled over, Mum will murder me.

What about an ambulance?

I'm not having this baby on the kitchen floor.

Go on, go. Get it. Please.

MAN: The standing committee made 16 recommendations

for targeted, legislative policy and administrative changes.

(CLEARS THROAT) Ah...

The committee recommends that the Department of Finance

provide an update of its review,

the findings of the Auditor General,

Report 11...

(FADES) ..2022 to '23.

I want you in the advisor's box with Charlie, and you stay here with me.

Bill's up! They can't start without me.

You're past being fashionably late. Got your words?

Is anyone from Home Affairs there?

Yeah, they said the head of the department will be in the box,

but Charlie's there for the duration.

He'd want to be.

(PHONE RINGS) Oh, God, whose...

Whose fucking phone is that?

Hi, Dee, Charlie's down...

(OVER PHONE) Where is fuck is Charlie, Sharon?

No, he can't... She's coming! Oh, God!

Um...no, hold on.

Don't worry. No, hold on. It's OK.

Hold the fort. I'll be back.

(GROANS)

Next time, call an ambulance.

Whatever, mate.

(PANTS) OK. OK.

(GROANS)

OK. Are you the father?

Ah... No.

No. That's my aunt.

No, my partner's at work.

So a support person. Follow us.

You hear from Charlie?

Formal tabling of the government's response

to the interim and final report by the Joint Select Committee.

We now move to the next order of business. I call the clerk.

Government Business Orders of the Day. Number four.

The resumption of the second reading debate

on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2024.

I give the call to the Prime Minister.

MURPHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

(PHONE BUZZES)

This is substantive legislation we're debating.

As previously outlined,

this bill encompasses effective and immediate amendments

to the Criminal Code Act 1995, to bring it into the 21st century.

This legislation represents

necessary and overdue amendments to the Act

to reflect our changing society.

We've consulted widely and sought advice

to address the shortfalls of the existing legislation.

It is the duty of the Australian Government

to keep Australians safe, Madam Speaker,

and this bill demonstrates the Government's effectiveness...

Come on, come on, pick up.

Hey, I left my fucking phone in the office, OK? I'm on my way.

BAUER: This bill, Madam Speaker,

is the work of a weak and illegitimate Prime Minister

and a hopelessly divided minority government.

You're saying this? Are you saying this?

The most hypocritical and deceitful government

this country has seen in decades.

It's not a government interested in protecting ordinary people,

Madam Speaker.

This bill is pure posturing and time wasting, Madam Speaker.

Who's posturing and time-wasting? Sit down, you muppet.

Members on both sides will cease interjecting.

Pure posturing for a very simple reason, Madam Speaker.

That this is not in the nation's interest,

but to placate certain members of the crossbench

who prop up this poor excuse for a Prime Minister.

(COMMOTION)

This bill is pandering to the puppeteers, Madam Speaker.

This bill is too little too late.

It's evidence that this barely held-together government...

(LAUGHTER) Time!

..is grossly incompetent.

Can you believe this guy?

I give the call to the Prime Minister.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I hope the Leader of the Opposition feels better

for getting that pile of effluent off his chest.

Order. Because that's all it is.

A steaming bucket of horse manure, Madam Speaker.

I ask the Prime Minister to kindly curb his poetic turn of phrase.

I'll do my best, Madam Speaker.

You see, it doesn't matter how this other side spins it,

the Australian people can see right through

the divisive party political rhetoric

that this Opposition so often resorts to.

OTHERS: Hear, hear. You mean the Opposition?

The truth, Madam Speaker,

is that the Leader of the Opposition

just isn't a big-enough man

to admit when the government has got it right.

I'll admit it if you get it right. We've got the balance right.

We're making for fairer and better sentencing.

We're addressing domestic terrorism and we're improving procedure.

What a mess.

In brief, Madam Speaker,

while this Opposition is pissing in the wind...

(LAUGHTER) Madam Speaker!

The Prime Minister will kindly refrain

from using unparliamentary language.

Apologies, Madam Speaker.

While the Opposition is...

Urinating in the wind?

(LAUGHTER)

..the government is getting on with business.

We're getting the job done.

OTHERS: Hear! Hear!

Does the Member for Freeman seek the call?

I do, Madam Speaker.

I give the call to the Member for Freeman.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

This Bill should be withdrawn and redrafted.

I move that all words after 'that' be omitted,

with a view to substituting with the following words,

"The Government must provide for fairness in sentencing

"by acting on expert studies

"recommending the relocation of funds

"from prisons and youth detention

"to community and health-based initiatives,

"thereby moving the justice system away from

"punitive treatment supplied for private profit

"and towards

"not-for-profit restorative justice and rehabilitation."

Oh, for fuck's sake, Alex.

Why don't we defund the police, abolish prisons,

and all sing Kumbaya while we're at it?

Order. The Leader of the Opposition.

This motion is preposterous, Madam Speaker.

The Prime Minister knows as well as I do

that the motion is actually within Standing Orders.

The Prime Minister will take his seat.

Take a seat. Down you go.

The Member for Freeman is aware that

amendments of this kind must be seconded.

I am, Madam Speaker.

And is the motion seconded?

(LAUGHTER)

Order!

Where are your mates, Alex?

(LAUGHTER) Order.

Gone to the pub?

I thought the Member for Freeman had been around long enough

not to make a spectacle of herself.

Obviously not, mate. Order!

The Member for Freeman has the call.

Will the Prime Minister commit

to overhauling the youth justice system

in his next term of Government?

(LAUGHS) What next term?

The Leader of the Opposition has been warned.

My commitment is to the Australian people

and not to the Member for Freeman.

OTHERS: Hear, hear.

And it is to the Australian people that I'll be answerable to.

Doesn't seem like it, mate. I know a henpecked cock when I see one.

(LAUGHTER)

Can you get rid of him? Can... Can you...

The Leader of the Opposition will cease disorderly conduct

or I'll eject him under 94A.

I will have silence and order on the floor.

As the motion is not seconded, the amendment will not be debated.

The question put to the House

is that the Bill be now read a second time.

All those of that opinion say Aye. OTHERS: Aye.

Those against, No.

I think the Ayes have it. Clauses 1 to 26 are agreed.

The question is that clauses 27 to 32 be agreed to.

I put the...

I give the call to the Member for Freeman.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I request that the amendments in my name now be circulated.

(MURMURING)

What amendments are these? Hey. Hey, hey.

What amendments... She must've had them under embargo.

What the hell is she playing at?

Maternity Ward? Down the hall to the left.

(GROANS) That's OK, I got it from here.

Took your time, hey.

Sorry, I left as soon as I got your message.

Oh, where have you been...

What have I missed? Anything good?

Eight centimetres. Getting close.

Main feature should start soon.

OK. How do you feel? (GROANS)

Like we should have made more antenatal classes.

(GROANS)

What's that? What about the birth plan? You said no drugs.

Fuck the birth plan! OK.

Madam Speaker, as I stated,

the Bill proposed by this government is not only flawed,

but insufficient in its reach.

My amendments go some way to addressing its shortcomings.

While this government has had ample opportunity

to make vital decisions on justice reform,

and time enough to make a difference in this country,

disappointingly they have not had the courage to lead.

Ordinary Australians have to ask, "Why not?"

(OVER TV) Why have their leaders not had the courage

to break free from the chokehold?

of lobbyists, big business, and the media,

and actually do what's in the interest of their constituents?

MAN: Have you actually talked to your constituents?

(OVER TV) In the interests of building

a better and fairer country...

Shh!

..it's time to stand up and do what needs to be done.

As you will see, these amendments

propose an increase in the minimum sentence

for acts of domestic terrorism,

against the unlawful use of violence and intimidation

in the pursuit of political aims.

Minimum sentencing for this kind of brutal violence,

incited by hate and prejudice,

driven by the media and social media...

Wait a minute.

One minute you want to abolish prisons,

the next you want to lock people up and throw away the key.

Now, how about you make up your mind?

OTHERS: Hear, hear. Order. Order.

The Prime Minister and Members on the right will cease interjecting.

This kind of violence has no place in Australia

and an increase in minimum sentencing...

Has she got the crossbench? No, no, no. Where's Rachel Anderson?

I commend these amendments to the House.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Oh.

Jesus fuck. Alex has got power.

Go tell the Prime Minister.

The question is that the amendments are agreed to.

I give the call to the Leader of the Opposition.

Is this it? Not yet.

Madam Speaker... Not yet.

MAN: Oh, here we go.

(COMMOTION)

May I applaud the Member for Freeman...

MAN: Oh, you would.

..for finally pushing this government

to take national security seriously.

MAN: Oh, you're so predictable!

While these amendments could and should go further,

they're already an improvement on the impoverished Bill

the government has cobbled together

to give the appearance they're actually doing something.

The Member for Freeman is doing what the government will never do

if left to their own devices.

The Member for Freeman is stepping up

and protecting ordinary Australians

from brutal and violent attacks

perpetrated by those who don't share our values.

Madam Speaker, I commend these amendments to the House.

MAN: Thank you so much. Thank you.

The question is that the amendments are agreed to.

I give the call to the Prime Minister.

Madam Speaker,

what a laughable display from the Leader of the Opposition,

jumping on the Member for Freeman's bandwagon

and using it to showboat for his own conservative base.

And God only knows what the Member for Freeman is doing,

hijacking a responsible piece of legislation

and collaborating with an extreme right-wing dog-whistler

to get attention for herself.

Order! The Prime Minister will withdraw that imputation.

Withdrawn, Madam Speaker.

Needless to say, the Government will not be supporting these amendments.

The Member for Freeman is well aware

that extensive expert advice was taken in preparation of this Bill.

In the light of the most recent traumatic events against her,

I understand that the Member for Freeman has personal interests

in minimum sentencing.

But personal interests have been known to cloud judgement.

And in this case, her judgement is very cloudy indeed.

OTHERS: Hear, hear.

The question is that the amendments are agreed to.

Those of the opinion say Aye.

OTHERS: Aye!

Hey, hey, Member for Tucker.

Does your party know what you're actually doing?

You're Green, mate.

Green on the outside. Blue on the inside.

Green Tory! Order!

Order!

Where are ya?

Order.

Those against, No.

OTHERS: No!

Do the Ayes have it? No!

The Noes have it. Division required. Ring the bells for four minutes.

(BELL RINGS)

What the hell is she doing?

Well, shitting on you from a great height.

Minimum sentencing, is she serious?

No, no, it's just a bullshit stunt to make you look weak.

She's got Bauer and the crossbench in her back pocket. This is bad.

You think?

So, what the fuck are you doing, Alex?

I figure at this point anything is better than nothing.

Which seems to be your default position.

You push this through, then what?

I'm going to get the next tranche through. With your support.

Surprise.

(CHUCKLES)

I told you to be patient.

I want to do this, but we agreed next term.

I don't have the time. Not sure if you do either.

You know I can't support this. The states will revolt.

I can see that you risk looking spineless,

but if these don't pass,

I can move to discontinue the reading of your Bill,

and it'll get thrown out.

And that's really not a good look for a government Bill, is it?

You don't have the numbers.

Damien is so excited he's about to come. I've got the crossbench.

Do the math.

Or get Sharon to do it for you.

Oh, you know, you're right.

I have been around this place long enough to know better.

Lock the doors.

Any idea what's going on?

No. Do you? No, but it's fun.

The question is, is that amendments one to three,

circulated in the name of the Member for Freeman be agreed to.

Ayes pass to the right of the chair, Noes to the left.

(HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS THROUGH HEADPHONES)

Fuuuuuck!

Fuck! (EXCLAIMS)

I can't do it! I can't do it!

I, I can't do it!

Yes, you can. You're nearly there, I promise.

He's right. You're getting close.

Now I want you to push for real next time.

What the fuck do you think I was doing?

Do we need a Caesar? Everything's fine.

Everything's fine, OK? Now, when you're ready, when you feel it...

Push.

Keep pushing.

Keep pushing. You're doing great.

(EXCLAIMS)

Baby's crowning.

You're doing great. (CRIES)

(LAUGHTER, HUBBUB)

Order.

The result of the division is Ayes 75, Noes 73.

The matter is resolved in the affirmative.

(APPLAUSE)

Paul Murphy suffered an embarrassing defeat on the floor of Parliament

when the Opposition backed a surprise amendment

proposed by MP Alex Irving

to the Government's Criminal Code Reform Bill.

(HUBBUB)

MAN: Sing it. Sing it loud and proud, mate.

We now proceed to read Amendments 4 to 11.

I give the call to the Member for Freeman.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I now move Amendments 4 to 11, as circulated in my name.

These amendments include

raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14,

as well as raising the minimum age of detention to 16.

What the fuck is she talking about? We didn't agree to this.

Madam Speaker,

Australia's age of criminal responsibility

is significantly below

the United Nations' recommended minimum 14 years.

It is also the recommendation of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

We should be leading the world on human rights,

not playing catch-up.

Let me help you up there on your soapbox, darlin'.

(LAUGHTER)

The Leader of the Opposition

will let the Member for Freeman speak without interruption.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

We need to keep our kids out of the justice system

for as long as possible.

Studies show that locking up children as young as 10 years old

makes them more likely to re-offend

and sets them up for a lifetime in the criminal justice system.

Australia has a shameful record.

And I shouldn't remind this Prime Minister

that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

are the most incarcerated people on earth.

Here we go again with the colour card.

These are criminals and thugs we are talking about here.

OTHERS: Hear, hear! Order.

Aboriginal children account

for almost 65% of young people behind bars,

23 times more likely to be in detention

than non-Indigenous people.

So, what does that say about them? The numbers speak for themselves.

Order.

The Leader of the Opposition will cease interjecting

or he'll leave the chamber under 94A.

Our laws... (PHONE DINGS)

..disproportionately affect Aboriginal children.

They tear families apart

and they entrench disadvantage down the generations.

Children in this country are being strip searched, assaulted,

and thrown into adult prisons.

Children are dying in detention.

We have to act now.

We can reform a broken, punitive system

to one that is restorative,

providing age-appropriate services outside the criminal justice system.

Children who are still losing their baby teeth

should not be thrown in prison, Madam Speaker.

Now, these amendments are not a wish list, Madam Speaker.

They need to be actioned urgently.

I give the call to the Leader of the Opposition.

BAUER: Thank you kindly, Madam Speaker.

You had me worried for a minute.

And here I was beginning to think

the Member for Freeman had finally come to her senses.

(LAUGHTER)

But this drivel, this is bleeding heart politics gone mad.

Do I need to remind the House

that we have a youth crime crisis in this country?

OTHERS: Hear, hear.

And the Member for Freeman thinks the answer to that

is to go soft on the perpetrators.

"Let them go! Don't lock them up!"

Not so much as a smack on the backside.

They're just kiddies, after all.

Kiddies who steal cars, vandalise property, assault people,

and commit murder, Madam Speaker!

OTHERS: Shame! Shame! Order. Order.

If certain sectors of Australia can't control their children,

can't raise them to be responsible citizens,

why should the rest of Australia suffer?

What about the innocent victims? Good, law-abiding Australians.

Go ask the people of Townsville and Darwin how they feel about it.

Don't you dare use the people of Townsville and Darwin

to further your agenda.

Ask the people of Townsville and Darwin how they feel about it,

when these gangs of youths

break in, bash them, assault them,

and they can't do anything about it.

Oh, shame, Damien, shame.

Pensioners out there are fed up with having their homes broken into

and being knocked down on the streets

by these delinquents.

MAN: Rubbish!

I don't care if their skin's green, pink, or polka dot.

Don't give me this rubbish they're too young to know

what they're talking about.

Raising the age won't stop the crime.

It just means no-one will be held accountable.

Where does the buck stop?

Have no doubt, Madam Speaker,

the Opposition will be voting against these amendments.

Our policy is, and always will be, to make Australia a safe country

in which ordinary Australians can live and raise their families

away from violence and dangerous elements.

There is only one solution to this, and that is to be tough on crime.

And anyone who votes for these amendments

might as well go out and bash an innocent pensioner themselves!

Sit down! This is a House of Legislature.

This isn't talkback radio, mate. Sit down!

I don't care how old they are.

I don't care how sad their story is.

Because in my book, if you do the crime, you do the time.

(APPLAUSE)

I give the call to the Member for Freeman.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The Leader of the Opposition seeks to politicise something

that is beyond politics.

This is about human rights.

This is about children's rights.

And I challenge anyone who votes against these amendments

with a good conscience.

My conscience is clean as a whistle, sweetheart.

Yeah, well, whistling is your forte, Damien.

Oh, so... (HUBBUB)

On my feet.

The Member for Freeman has the call.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I want to remind all those who vote today against these amendments

that Hansard will record your names.

Each and every one of you will go down in history

for those who voted to continue the incarceration of children,

Madam Speaker.

Children as young as 10 years old.

The Opposition Leader wants to talk about innocence.

There is nothing innocent about taking away a child's future

before they even know what to do with it.

And what makes these 10 year-olds different

from your ordinary Australians?

Because their skin isn't green, pink, or polka dot.

They're black.

Which kids are we as a country choosing to care about here?

There is only one choice to make today.

Vote yes and stand up for justice, humanity and compassion.

Or vote no, and forever be on the wrong side of history.

I commend these amendments to the House.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

The question is that the amendments 4 to 11 circulated in the name

of the Member for Freeman be agreed to.

All those of that opinion say aye.

OTHERS: Aye. Against, No.

OTHERS: No! Do the Ayes have it?

They do not.

The Noes have it. Division required.

Ring the bells for four minutes.

(BELL RINGS, HUBBUB)

She's got us over a barrel.

If we vote yes, I'll look like her fucking lapdog.

I know, but you can't say no. You can't vote no.

Because you don't want to be seen

drinking out of the same sewer as Damien.

Right? And you actually can't say

you want to keep locking up 10-year-olds.

Especially not black ones.

Of course I don't want to.

But, Jesus. Yeah, it's...

Anyway, she's got the numbers to kill the Bill

if we vote against her.

If we vote yes,

the state will break my balls for treading on their toes.

Well, we blame her. We blame Alex. Everyone knows she's a loose unit.

We had no idea.

No. Plausible deniability.

I still look fucking weak. Yeah, but she's off your back.

It's everything you wanted. It's the outcome you need.

What do you want us to do?

Yes. Yep?

OK. Yep.

(BELL RINGS)

No, no, this is not happening.

I'm abstaining.

He will fucking destroy you.

What's he doing? He's fucking abstaining.

He's fucking what?

Kohli, where are you going, mate?

My constituents wouldn't want me to vote with you on this.

I didn't run on a platform of brutality. Irving's right.

This is human rights, not politics.

(OTHERS EXCLAIM)

You vote with the party. This isn't a fucking conscience vote.

(OTHERS EXCLAIM) It is now.

(CHEERING, APPLAUSE) You're finished, Kohli!

Oh, yeah, go on, lap it up, lap it up!

Oh, you're spineless!

Jelly fucking legs!

Yeah, go on. Get over there!

Oh, Matthew. Shall we have a chat?

Lock the doors.

(PHONE BUZZES)

The question before the House

is that amendments 4 to 11

circulated in the name of the Member for Freeman be agreed to.

Ayes will pass to the right of the chair,

Noes to the left.

Order. Results of the division.

Ayes 76. Noes 63.

The matter is resolved in the affirmative.

(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)

Yes!

MAN: Yes!

Historic scenes in Parliament today

as MP Alex Irving moved amendments

to raise the age of criminal responsibility

for the first time in Australia.

Damien Bauer opposed the motion,

but the Opposition was left in tatters

when the moderate faction walked out of the vote

in a move that could spell the end of the party.

(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)

(OVER PHONE) Hi, you've reached Charlie Irving.

Sorry, I can't take your call right now.

Leave a message and I'll get straight back to you.

(PHONE BEEPS)

Charlie. We raised the age.

It was the bare minimum of what we wanted to get done

and it almost bloody killed me but...

..but at least we won't be locking up 10-year-olds.

I love you.

We did it.

(SNIFFS)

WOMAN: Ms Anderson, what does this mean for the future of...

Any questions about Damien Bauer or his party

are a matter for my fellow colleagues.

This Parliament today achieved something truly historic.

I'm happy to talk in the days ahead when we've all caught our breath.

How long are you going to hold up the Paul Murphy government?

That's enough, thank you.

(PHONE BUZZES)

Hey. They expecting us? Yep.

Alright, this is it.

(HUBBUB)

MATTHEW: So, there's no regrets. We're here now, and let's figure out

how to deal with this now.

Hi, folks. I just wanted to say congratulations.

You drew a line in the sand today and you stood on your principles.

I know that'll come at a cost.

Damien will come after you in the party room,

he'll come after you in the press,

and he will come after you in pre-selection.

That's not the party you joined, so you have a right to walk away.

I know for some of you

that splitting the party will be too much to ask.

You might still believe in fighting for the broad church

from within the tent,

and I respect that, and I wish you luck.

But the alliance has a draft constitution,

we're closing a deal with our financiers, and we are ready.

We have strength in numbers if we stick together.

We'll need to talk to our electorates.

Not everyone will understand.

Of course.

We have a chance to build a Centre Alliance

that holds the balance of power

with a formal agreement in every Federal Government

from this moment forward.

I hope that you join with me and take that chance.

Thank you, Matthew. We've got this.

Right, everyone, you know what to do. No-one says a word.

Good luck, Rachel. Thanks, Donna.

What?

That was epic.

You sure you got the numbers in the Senate?

It's government legislation now. It'll pass.

You up for this?

Yeah.

Make sure you enjoy the moment.

Savour it.

Because you just made fucking history.

Dominic. Ms Irving.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Everyone, please.

Thank you for waiting. It's been a long session.

What has been achieved today is monumental.

REPORTERS: Ms Irving! Ms Irving!

Just one at a time, please. One at a time.

WOMAN: Congratulations, Ms Irving. You have achieved so much today.

Thank you.

What have you got to say for yourself?

I'm incredibly proud.

MAN: How do you answer the fresh allegations made against you?

Were you paid for your vote?

What?

What's your relationship with Earthsong Industries?

Earthsong?

Today's Ausnews report alleges that you took money

in return for supporting a green tech company

with alleged links to organised crime.

Alex, what's your position on minimum sentencing

for corrupt politicians?

REPORTERS: Ms Irving! Ms Irving! Ms Irving!

(HUBBUB)

What the fuck, Rachel? Did Marion publish?

I don't see how. We got an injunction.

Why are there journos in the front yard?

I think I fucked up.

WOMAN: It isn't Alex and Helena should be stepping down.

Everything.

It just leads back to you.

Do you know who else took money directly from Earthsong Industries?

Paul Murphy.

BAUER: How much money did she take from organised crime?

How many votes did she sell?

And how much longer does she intend

to disgrace our parliament with her presence?

(ALL EXCLAIM) Alex!

Captions by Red Bee Media

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation