crikey--2020-04-30--Can employment agencies actually help you find a job right now?

It has been reported employment agencies across Australia will receive millions of new jobseekers , as COVID-19 pushes thousands of Australians out of work and onto their books .
Can employment agencies actually help you to find a job in the current climate ?
It is predicted the unemployment rate could jump somewhere between 10-19 % by June .
It has been reported employment agencies across Australia will receive millions of new jobseekers , as COVID-19 pushes thousands of Australians out of work and onto their books .
Per Capita , an independent progressive think tank , called for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers , in its most recent report .
Per Capita state that “ based on the existing fee structure , our estimates indicate that funding existing jobactive providers to provide employment services to 700,000 new recipients will cost the government around $ 210 million ” .
Jobactive describes itself as the “ Australian Government ’ s way to get more Australians into work .
It connects job seekers with employers and is delivered by a network of jobactive providers in over 1700 locations across Australia ” .
Per Capita estimates over 700,000 additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services in the coming months .
According to the report , “ the jobactive model is already undergoing significant reform in response to government and stakeholder recognition that it has failed to provide real assistance to most people seeking work ” .
In a 2018 , Per Capita said “ jobactive is not welfare to work , it is welfare to nowhere ” , adding that “ the government ’ s punitive and paternalistic approach to employment services has failed ” .
As of March , the agency was said to have 750,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caseload of 148 jobseekers .
Can employment or recruitment agencies actually help you find a job right now ?
As is the case with most work placements , success often comes from being at the right place at the right time , and even more importantly , finding the right employer and being the right employee for the job , at the right time .
At this point , expect both employment and recruitment agencies will be inundated .
Expect longer waiting times than usual , but don ’ t fully discount having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an expression of interest .
If you have lost your job , use this time and space for reflection .
Consider your options .
Think about your career path and goals .
Do not , I repeat do not , blanket email employers in whatever may even slightly resemble your industry .
Breathe .
Think .
Try not to panic , then , turn on your computer and open your laptop .
There may be something out there waiting for you .

Can employment agencies actually help you to find a job in the current climate?
It is predicted the unemployment rate could jump somewhere between 10-19% by June.
It has been reported employment agencies across Australia will receive millions of new jobseekers, as COVID-19 pushes thousands of Australians out of work and onto their books.


crikey--2020-04-30--A good old-fashioned commercial property crisis could wreck recovery

History shows that trouble in commercial property ends up roiling the broader economy .
That sector is facing both a @ @ @ @ @ that could smash investment plans .
Pretty much everything about the current economic contraction is @ @ @ @ @ familiar phenomenon could be emerging that will extend and deepen the crisis .
The health @ @ @ @ @ is always a key indicator for financial and corporate regulators .
When big problems emerge @ @ @ @ @ real risk of endangering the rest of the property sector , the financial system , @ @ @ @ @ Commercial property is n't just office towers and shopping centres -- since 2015 , apartments @ @ @ @ @ a larger share as construction has boomed across Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane and their @ @ @ @ @ been plenty of hotels built , often as part of apartment projects .

Pretty much everything about the current economic contraction is unprecedented — but one very familiar phenomenon could be emerging that will extend and deepen the crisis.
The health of the commercial property sector is always a key indicator for financial and corporate regulators. When big problems emerge there, they have a real risk of endangering the rest of the property sector, the financial system, and the wider economy.
Commercial property isn’t just office towers and shopping centres — since 2015, apartments and home units have taken a larger share as construction has boomed across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and their hinterlands. There have also been plenty of hotels built, often as part of apartment projects.


crikey--2020-04-30--End of New York, death of London: why these great cities will never be the same

The coronavirus may have fundamentally changed our relationship with big cities forever .
Coronavirus will leave the world a very @ @ @ @ @ our institutions may never recover .
Among the most vulnerable ?
The world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ unlike a terrorist attack , doesn ’ t destroy the physical fabric of cities .
@ @ @ @ @ , no smoke .
Instead , what ’ s torn to pieces is our willingness @ @ @ @ @ .
Other people are now seen as suspicious -- a potential source of viral infection @ @ @ @ @ awkward dance one does to put more space between ourselves and an oncoming pedestrian .
@ @ @ @ @ now utterly terrifying .
And you can ’ t exactly have a city without crowds @

Coronavirus will leave the world a very different place. Some of our institutions may never recover. Among the most vulnerable? The world’s biggest cities.
Coronavirus, unlike a terrorist attack, doesn’t destroy the physical fabric of cities. There’s no fire, no smoke. Instead, what’s torn to pieces is our willingness to be around other people.
Other people are now seen as suspicious — a potential source of viral infection. We all know the awkward dance one does to put more space between ourselves and an oncoming pedestrian. Crowds, meanwhile, are now utterly terrifying. And you can’t exactly have a city without crowds.


crikey--2020-04-30--'Twiggy' Forrest and Co give the government a lesson in loyalty

The mining magnate — who 's hooked up to China like no other business figure — is one of several @ @ @ @ @ concerted effort to skew debate in favour of China .
Yesterday the government learnt the @ @ @ @ @ in politics : sections of Australian business will back Beijing rather than Canberra in any @ @ @ @ @ because of the economic benefits .
`` If an Australian government quite reasonably stands its @ @ @ @ @ in A Bigger Picture , `` and China quite unreasonably overreacts negatively ( as it @ @ @ @ @ business will inevitably blame their own government . ''
The government under Turnbull was perfectly @ @ @ @ @ Sam Dastyari for his links with China while downplaying its equally extensive links with Chinese @ @ @ @ @

Yesterday the government learnt the same lesson Malcolm Turnbull learnt in politics: sections of Australian business will back Beijing rather than Canberra in any dispute between China and Australia because of the economic benefits.
“If an Australian government quite reasonably stands its ground,” Turnbull wrote in A Bigger Picture, “and China quite unreasonably overreacts negatively (as it often does), Australian business will inevitably blame their own government.”
The government under Turnbull was perfectly happy to demonise Labor’s Sam Dastyari for his links with China while downplaying its equally extensive links with Chinese donors like Huang Xiangmo.


crikey--2020-04-30--How long does coronavirus last on surfaces? |The latest study explained

How long does coronavirus last on surfaces ?
We talk you through the findings of a recent study that uncovers the stability of coronavirus on various materials over different time periods .
Coronavirus can last on surfaces from three hours to seven days , according to a recent study that sought to uncover the stability of the COVID-19 virus .
According to the World Health Organization , the length of time the COVID-19 virus will remain on surfaces depends on a number of conditions , such as the texture of the surface , surrounding humidity and temperature .
How long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus can remain stable while airborne for three hours • Coronavirus can live on copper surfaces for four hours • Coronavirus can live on cardboard for 24 hours • Coronavirus can live on plastic for two to three days • Coronavirus can live on stainless steel for two to three days .
The study , titled “ Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1 ” , sought to replicate a scenario in which the virus contaminates materials that make up home and hospitals settings .
An infected individual contaminated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as mentioned above .
The scientists then measured the length of time the virus was still live and transmissible .
The findings of the study highlight the detrimental effects casual contact with objects can have , especially in areas that have high footfall , such as supermarkets .
In light of the findings , the study recommends regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home ; avoiding close contact with people who are sick ; staying home if you are sick , regardless of whether you think it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disposing of tissues and other items used to wipe the mucous membranes of the face , such as the eyes , nose and mouth .
While more research needs to be carried out to fully understand the nature of coronavirus , the cited study highlights a need to regularly clean your surroundings .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following : • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces on a daily basis .
Examples of high-touch surfaces include doorknobs , kitchen tables , handles , electronic handheld devices , keyboards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bedclothes at a high water temperature where possible • If there is an infected person in the household , ensure they are isolated in one area .
Read : How is coronavirus spread ?
Plus steps to reduce your risk

Coronavirus can last on surfaces from three hours to seven days, according to a recent study that sought to uncover the stability of the COVID-19 virus.
According to the World Health Organization, the length of time the COVID-19 virus will remain on surfaces depends on a number of conditions, such as the texture of the surface, surrounding humidity and temperature.
How long does coronavirus last on surfaces?
Coronavirus can remain stable while airborne for three hours
Coronavirus can live on copper surfaces for four hours
Coronavirus can live on cardboard for 24 hours
Coronavirus can live on plastic for two to three days
Coronavirus can live on stainless steel for two to three days.
The study, titled “Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1”, sought to replicate a scenario in which the virus contaminates materials that make up home and hospitals settings. An infected individual contaminated the surfaces through coughing or touching the materials as mentioned above. The scientists then measured the length of time the virus was still live and transmissible.


crikey--2020-04-29--Introducing Ask The Ethicist. First up, what about the teachers?

Ethically , do teachers have a responsibility to educate students face-to-face during the crisis ?
We ask an ethicist .
@ @ @ @ @ Centre 's executive director Dr Simon Longstaff will be answering your ethics questions .
This @ @ @ @ @ a conscientious objection to returning to the classroom ?
In recent weeks , there has @ @ @ @ @ about whether or not students should return to the classroom .
Much of that debate @ @ @ @ @ of the children and their families .
However , there is a third stakeholder group @ @ @ @ @ teachers -- who need to be considered .

Each week, The Ethics Centre’s executive director Dr Simon Longstaff will be answering your ethics questions. This week: can teachers cite a conscientious objection to returning to the classroom?
In recent weeks, there has been a particularly intense debate about whether or not students should return to the classroom. Much of that debate has focused on the interests of the children and their families.
However, there is a third stakeholder group — the nation’s teachers — who need to be considered.


crikey--2020-04-30--Crisis exposes world's supply chain flaws — it's time to abandon the just-in-time model

Our blind faith in global markets for essential products was naive .
We must look to ourselves for solutions now @ @ @ @ @ chains , depleting medical stocks and risking the lives of millions of health workers and @ @ @ @ @ It also shows a critical fault in how Australia gets lifesaving supplies -- and incidentally @ @ @ @ @ Forrest a chance to use his influence in China to import 10 million coronavirus testing @ @ @ @ @ over-reliance on China to supply medical equipment and the model which underpins international supply chains @ @ @

COVID-19 has frozen supply chains, depleting medical stocks and risking the lives of millions of health workers and patients around the world.
It also shows a critical fault in how Australia gets lifesaving supplies — and incidentally gave the mining magnate Twiggy Forrest a chance to use his influence in China to import 10 million coronavirus testing kits.
Australia’s over-reliance on China to supply medical equipment and the model which underpins international supply chains is exposed.


crikey--2020-06-18--Unemployment worse than expected as jobless numbers surge and participation slumps

Jobs figures for May make for grim reading , as unemployment hits 7.1 % and participation returns to 1990s levels @ @ @ @ @ signs amid the carnage .
While the May unemployment numbers released this morning were expected @ @ @ @ @ ended up a little worse than feared .
Unemployment rose to 7.1 % seasonally adjusted @ @ @ @ @ upwardly revised April figure 0f 6.4 % , as a net 227,000 jobs were lost @ @ @ @ @ full-time positions and nearly 140,000 part-time positions .
A total of 835,000 people have lost @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began in March , taking unemployment to its highest level since 2001 .

While the May unemployment numbers released this morning were expected to be bad, they ended up a little worse than feared.
Unemployment rose to 7.1% seasonally adjusted in May, off an upwardly revised April figure 0f 6.4%, as a net 227,000 jobs were lost in the month — 90,000 full-time positions and nearly 140,000 part-time positions.
A total of 835,000 people have lost their jobs since the pandemic lockdown began in March, taking unemployment to its highest level since 2001.


crikey--2020-04-15--Don't lockout civic duty in the name of locking down the pandemic

This is an opportunity to change the archaic relationship of citizens and government .
We need more information now , @ @ @ @ @ nationwide lockdowns heading into the fourth week , the question of when and how they @ @ @ @ @ is coming to the fore .
Prior to considering that however , and the many @ @ @ @ @ it 's worth pausing for a moment to observe that they appear to be working @ @ @ @ @ early , and had not been the first hit , have been spared the larger @ @ @ @ @ haphazard or late with their application .

With the nationwide lockdowns heading into the fourth week, the question of when and how they will start to be modified is coming to the fore.
Prior to considering that however, and the many issues arising from lockdowns, it’s worth pausing for a moment to observe that they appear to be working.
Nations that imposed lockdowns early, and had not been the first hit, have been spared the larger tolls of those who were haphazard or late with their application.


crikey--2020-05-21--Morrison is having a good pandemic. But why isn't it translating to the Coalition?

Scott Morrison has come off a bushfire-debacle to blitz the polls .
But the Coalition he leads is still picking @ @ @ @ @ latest Newspoll shows the prime minister 's approval rating at 66 % ; three months @ @ @ @ @ % .
He leads Anthony Albanese 56 % to 29 % as preferred prime minister @ @ @ @ @ by 39 % to 43 % .
Scotty from marketing has been reborn as the @ @ @ @ @ and belligerent bushfire victims are distant memories

Scott Morrison is having a great crisis.
The latest Newspoll shows the prime minister’s approval rating at 66%; three months ago it wallowed at 37%. He leads Anthony Albanese 56% to 29% as preferred prime minister; in January he trailed by 39% to 43%.
Scotty from marketing has been reborn as the Comeback Kid. Hawaiian holidays and belligerent bushfire victims are distant memories


crikey--2020-05-20--Australia's COVID-19 commission faces questions over gas conflicts

The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission has been in place for two months , and now questions are being asked about @ @ @ @ @ of its members .
It ’ s been nearly two months since Scott Morrison unveiled @ @ @ @ @ , a body staffed largely by business , public service and former political leaders , @ @ @ @ @ Australia ’ s pandemic recovery .
But since then , it ’ s not entirely @ @ @ @ @ actually done .
Instead , it ’ s faced scrutiny over a lack of transparency @ @ @ @ @ business interests .
Lots of well-connected people from the corporate sector , but very little @ @ @ @ @ are :

It’s been nearly two months since Scott Morrison unveiled his National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, a body staffed largely by business, public service and former political leaders, that was intended to plan Australia’s pandemic recovery.
But since then, it’s not entirely clear what the commission has actually done. Instead, it’s faced scrutiny over a lack of transparency, and apparent promotion of business interests.
Who’s on the commission?
Lots of well-connected people from the corporate sector, but very little health experience. The commissioners are:


crikey--2020-03-04--Stay-at-home boomers threaten to kill off print advertising

COVID-19 is hurrying along the inevitable death of print news .
As COVID-19 shakes up our social practices and habits @ @ @ @ @ tourism , it threatens to shake out the long practice of printing news on paper @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s closure of AAP may not be the last job losses this year @ @ @ @ @ secret is that ads for travel and events are all that ’ s keeping printed @ @ @ @ @ according to the Standard Media Index , those figures are starting to slide , with @ @ @ @ @ 5.1 % in January compared to the previous year .
Travel will come back to @ @ @ @ @ their coronavirus fears , but not to print .
The big lesson from the past @ @ @ @ @ an advertising category leaves print it only comes back in digital .

As COVID-19 shakes up our social practices and habits, beginning with travel and tourism, it threatens to shake out the long practice of printing news on paper. It suggests that this week’s closure of AAP may not be the last job losses this year.
The industry’s not-so-quiet secret is that ads for travel and events are all that’s keeping printed papers alive. Now, according to the Standard Media Index, those figures are starting to slide, with agency bookings for travel down 5.1% in January compared to the previous year.
Travel will come back to advertising as people work through their coronavirus fears, but not to print. The big lesson from the past 20 years is that once an advertising category leaves print it only comes back in digital.


crikey--2020-03-04--Flat economy offers corona-stimulus lessons as households and business hide in the bunker

With households and business keeping their wallets shut , only the mining industry and government spending is keeping the economy ticking over .
Substantial stimulus is needed both to protect against the coronavirus downturn and lift growth beyond its current insipid level .
While most of the media were cheering `` better than expected '' national accounts numbers yesterday and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was celebrating the `` resilience '' of the Australian economy , the data shows why we 're in a great deal of trouble even if the government unveils a virus-related stimulus program next week .
Given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers -- 0.5 % for the quarter , 2.2 % for calendar 2019 -- we seem to have permanently relocated to a world where 2-2.25 % growth is a cause for celebration .
For people with slightly longer memories than many journalists and commentators , trend growth for the Australian economy used to be around 3 % to 3.25 % .
The strongest calendar year growth in the past decade was in 2011 when GDP grew 3.3 % -- and that was while the dollar was at parity against the US dollar or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.3 % in the March quarter due to Queensland and Western Australian cyclones that wrecked mineral exports for months .

While most of the media were cheering “better than expected” national accounts numbers yesterday and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was celebrating the “resilience” of the Australian economy, the data shows why we’re in a great deal of trouble even if the government unveils a virus-related stimulus program next week.
Given the reaction yesterday to the December quarter GDP numbers — 0.5% for the quarter, 2.2% for calendar 2019 — we seem to have permanently relocated to a world where 2-2.25% growth is a cause for celebration. For people with slightly longer memories than many journalists and commentators, trend growth for the Australian economy used to be around 3% to 3.25%.
The strongest calendar year growth in the past decade was in 2011 when GDP grew 3.3% — and that was while the dollar was at parity against the US dollar or higher, and included a contraction of 0.3% in the March quarter due to Queensland and Western Australian cyclones that wrecked mineral exports for months.


crikey--2020-03-05--Virus Watch: royal jokes, workers' fears, and there's a podcast for that

Workers around the world are feeling the pinch as coronavirus affects jobs and livelihoods ( though the royals still found @ @ @ @ @ Here 's what you need to know .
The coronavirus fatality rate has leapt to @ @ @ @ @ more than 3,200 people -- including a 95-year-old woman in NSW , the first in @ @ @ @ @ Australia overall .
Despite the death toll , the royals have kept up their banter @ @ @ @ @ of being quarantined .
Here are some of the latest developments .

The coronavirus fatality rate has leapt to 3.4%, having killed more than 3,200 people — including a 95-year-old woman in NSW, the first in the state and second in Australia overall.
Despite the death toll, the royals have kept up their banter as workers fear the repercussions of being quarantined.
Here are some of the latest developments.


crikey--2020-01-31--What Hollywood gets right (and wrong) about deadly pandemics

Films often depict disease epidemics originating in non-Western countries .
What does this say about our attitudes , and how @ @ @ @ @ to real-world crises ?
Aside from all being fictitious medical disaster blockbusters tracking the spread @ @ @ @ @ the films share a common enemy : the non-Western world .
In Contagion , an @ @ @ @ @ restaurant gives the virus to patient zero .
While patient zero is n't identified in @ @ @ @ @ zombie-like infected are first encountered by Indian troops .
And the deadly Motaba virus that @ @ @ @ @ fight off in Outbreak is discovered in the African jungle .

Contagion (2011). World War Z (2013). Outbreak (1995).
Aside from all being fictitious medical disaster blockbusters tracking the spread of a deadly virus, the films share a common enemy: the non-Western world.
In Contagion, an infected pig in a Macau restaurant gives the virus to patient zero. While patient zero isn’t identified in World War Z, the zombie-like infected are first encountered by Indian troops. And the deadly Motaba virus that Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman fight off in Outbreak is discovered in the African jungle.


crikey--2020-03-03--Worm: Springborg recoils back into politics

Good morning , early birds .
Victoria ’ s election system is facing upheaval , Lawrence Springborg is set for a political comeback , and a former Manus Island security guard has taken her own life .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Victoria ’ s election system is currently facing upheaval on two ends , The Age reports .
• A legal challenge from state Nationals and Liberals against the electoral commissioner aimed at opening a loophole to allow cash transactions between Coalition partners .
• A wild , nigh-3am vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government elections , which , despite protests from the Greens , looks set to pass and pave the way for more major party councillors .
Up north , former Queensland LNP leader Lawrence Springborg is set for a political comeback , after the electoral commission revealed he was the only person to nominate for mayor of Goondiwindi , The Courier-Mail ( $ ) reports .
Meanwhile , both CLP and Territory Alliance have refused a coalition ahead of the August territory election , NT News ( $ ) reports .
FORMER MANUS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DYING BY SUICIDE A former security guard suffering PTSD from the 2014 Manus Island riots has died by suicide before her legal battle with the federal government and G4S Australia reaches court next week .
With permission from her children and executor of her estate — and amid 12 fresh compensation cases from former staff — The Age reports that Diane Parker , 53 , also addressed a suicide note to Scott Morrison , one that called for him to settle her claim but that was ultimately not delivered .
In news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Australian ( $ ) reports the major banks will pass on the Reserve Bank ’ s interest rate cut — a record-low 0.5 % that saw an immediate jump in investment — to borrowers “ swiftly ” , after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg called chief executives directly last night .
TALKING POINT : In terms of government policy , the Coalition has only hinted its coronavirus-response package will target affected sectors and , as the ABC reports , be announced sometime between now and the May 5 budget .
The ABC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Paul Fletcher on January 24 , pledging to invest another $ 10 million a year in regional journalism if the Coalition lifted its planned $ 40 million-a-year indexation pause , The Australian ( $ ) reports .
The letter was clearly ignored , and the broadcaster is now set to absorb a cumulative $ 105.9 million in annual budget cuts .
TALKING POINT : News of Anderson ’ s offer comes after the ABC confirmed in Senate estimates that its bushfire coverage cost $ 3 million and , as The Guardian reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were spent on a Mardi Gras float .
THERE IS NO OTHER AAP FOR THAT The backbone of Australian journalism , AAP , will officially close in June this year after delivering vital , breaking and often unappreciated news for 85 years .
While some jobs may be reabsorbed into parent company ’ s Nine and News Corp , it was a depressing day for Australian journalism .
The Crikey team thanks our colleagues for their peerless work , and hopes that — for the industry ’ s sake , if not theirs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back on the wire .
Check out The Guardian ’ s wrap of some of AAP ’ s recent , astonishing photojournalism .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The former vice president and hopeful presidential candidate highlights why he is , quite likely , the worst possible person to debate Donald Trump .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Automatic suppression of alleged sexual offenders ’ identities abolished by SA Parliament after two-decade Advertiser campaign ( $ ) Upgrades for North East Rail Line delayed for months before Wallan train crash ( $ ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offsets superannuation growth Abortion case out of Louisiana a first test for Trump ’ s Supreme Court justices Indigenous Australians ’ voice will be heard loud and proud ( $ ) — Marcia Langton and Tom Calma ( The Australian ) : “ The focus of the national group is to develop options and models for a national voice .
It will work in partnership with the local and regional group at key points , to ensure that options for a national voice can be informed by , and connect with , local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murders highlight the failings of our custody system — Cathy Humphreys ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ The instincts of a mother may be to protect their children from these violent and abusive fathers , but courts seldom listen to a mother ’ s instincts .
Only 3 per cent of Federal Family Court orders result in the father not being granted some access.
” AAP is Australian democracy ’ s safety net – its closure will affect us all — Margaret Simons ( The Guardian ) : “ The closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is a tragedy for our already under-reported nation .
It underlines what was already clear : that the crisis in public interest journalism has reached a critical stage.
” • Senate estimates will begin hearings into “ Group B ” portfolios , community affairs ( which includes health , so watch out for sport rorts updates ) , economics , education and employment , and foreign affairs , defence and trade .
• ANU ’ s Fenner School of Environment & Society will host forum event “ Africa and its People : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Following the release of his book Super-Power : Australia ’ s Low-Carbon Opportunity , Professor Ross Garnaut will present on the politics of climate change at La Trobe University .
• RMIT ’ s Social & Global Studies Centre will launch its latest report Not Pregnant Enough ?
: Pregnancy and Homelessness as part of International Women ’ s Day .
• Opening day of the Melbourne Fashion Festival , to run until Saturday , March 14 .
• Children ’ s writer Jessica Miller will launch her latest book , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bookroom .
• Professor Bill Mitchell , from the Centre of Full Employment and Equity , will present “ A Just Transition Framework for the Future ” at a Country Labor event at East Maitland Bowling Club .
• Author Rob Sturrock will launch his new book Man Raises Boy at Berkelouw Paddington .
• Counsel assisting the royal commission into aged care will outline proposals for a redesign of the system .
• Local author and poet Rosemary Winderlich will launch her two latest collections , Sky Roads , Sea Roads & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City of Tea Tree Gully Library .
• Visiting Indonesian writer Erni Aladjai will speak at UWA Public Policy Institute forum event “ Close to Home : Discovering Female Indonesian Writers ” .
• Vigils will be held for Hannah Clarke and her children outside parliament houses , libraries , clubs and other spaces across the country .
• The ABS will release the December quarter estimate of gross domestic product .
• Democrat nominees will fight it out on ‘ Super Tuesday ’ , where 17 states cast their primary votes .

ELECTION MADNESS
Victoria’s election system is currently facing upheaval on two ends, The Age reports.
A legal challenge from state Nationals and Liberals against the electoral commissioner aimed at opening a loophole to allow cash transactions between Coalition partners.
A wild, nigh-3am vote in state parliament for a change to single-member local government elections, which, despite protests from the Greens, looks set to pass and pave the way for more major party councillors.
Up north, former Queensland LNP leader Lawrence Springborg is set for a political comeback, after the electoral commission revealed he was the only person to nominate for mayor of Goondiwindi, The Courier-Mail ($) reports.
Meanwhile, both CLP and Territory Alliance have refused a coalition ahead of the August territory election, NT News ($) reports.
FORMER MANUS GUARD CALLED FOR MORRISON TO ACT BEFORE DYING BY SUICIDE
A former security guard suffering PTSD from the 2014 Manus Island riots has died by suicide before her legal battle with the federal government and G4S Australia reaches court next week.
With permission from her children and executor of her estate — and amid 12 fresh compensation cases from former staff — The Age reports that Diane Parker, 53, also addressed a suicide note to Scott Morrison, one that called for him to settle her claim but that was ultimately not delivered.
Lifeline: 13 11 14; Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.
FRYDENBERG TAKES ACTION
In news that feels just a tiny bit sad, The Australian ($) reports the major banks will pass on the Reserve Bank’s interest rate cut — a record-low 0.5% that saw an immediate jump in investment — to borrowers “swiftly”, after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg called chief executives directly last night.
TALKING POINT: In terms of government policy, the Coalition has only hinted its coronavirus-response package will target affected sectors and, as the ABC reports, be announced sometime between now and the May 5 budget.
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A FAILED PLEDGE
The ABC’s managing director David Anderson wrote to Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on January 24, pledging to invest another $10 million a year in regional journalism if the Coalition lifted its planned $40 million-a-year indexation pause, The Australian ($) reports.
The letter was clearly ignored, and the broadcaster is now set to absorb a cumulative $105.9 million in annual budget cuts.
TALKING POINT: News of Anderson’s offer comes after the ABC confirmed in Senate estimates that its bushfire coverage cost $3 million and, as The Guardian reports, promised Eric Abetz no public funds were spent on a Mardi Gras float.
THERE IS NO OTHER AAP FOR THAT
The backbone of Australian journalism, AAP, will officially close in June this year after delivering vital, breaking and often unappreciated news for 85 years. While some jobs may be reabsorbed into parent company’s Nine and News Corp, it was a depressing day for Australian journalism.
The Crikey team thanks our colleagues for their peerless work, and hopes that — for the industry’s sake, if not theirs — they find a new way to get back on the wire. Check out The Guardian’s wrap of some of AAP’s recent, astonishing photojournalism.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
We hold these truths to be self-evident. All men and women created by the you know, you know the thing. Joe Biden
The former vice president and hopeful presidential candidate highlights why he is, quite likely, the worst possible person to debate Donald Trump.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Sporting bodies lash government’s proposed religious freedom bill
NSW considers new laws to overturn ‘unjust’ child abuse settlements
Automatic suppression of alleged sexual offenders’ identities abolished by SA Parliament after two-decade Advertiser campaign ($)
Upgrades for North East Rail Line delayed for months before Wallan train crash ($)
Winston Peters invokes Christchurch massacre as NZ’s deportations row with Australia escalates
Ken Wyatt makes room for regional voice ($)
NSW Government bureaucrats treated to harbour cruise before multimillion-dollar tender won ($)
Retirement is getting tougher as higher debt offsets superannuation growth
Paedophile Darrel Harington continued teaching for decades despite repeated accusations ($)
An absolute disaster’: Iran struggles as coronavirus spreads
Abortion case out of Louisiana a first test for Trump’s Supreme Court justices
THE COMMENTARIAT
Indigenous Australians’ voice will be heard loud and proud ($) — Marcia Langton and Tom Calma (The Australian): “The focus of the national group is to develop options and models for a national voice. It will work in partnership with the local and regional group at key points, to ensure that options for a national voice can be informed by, and connect with, local elements of a voice.”
Clarke family murders highlight the failings of our custody system — Cathy Humphreys (The Sydney Morning Herald): “The instincts of a mother may be to protect their children from these violent and abusive fathers, but courts seldom listen to a mother’s instincts. Only 3 per cent of Federal Family Court orders result in the father not being granted some access.”
AAP is Australian democracy’s safety net – its closure will affect us all — Margaret Simons (The Guardian): “The closure of Australian Associated Press, announced today, is a tragedy for our already under-reported nation. It underlines what was already clear: that the crisis in public interest journalism has reached a critical stage.”
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Senate estimates will begin hearings into “Group B” portfolios, community affairs (which includes health, so watch out for sport rorts updates), economics, education and employment, and foreign affairs, defence and trade.
ANU’s Fenner School of Environment & Society will host forum event “Africa and its People: Interdisciplinary lessons from ANU research”.
Melbourne
Following the release of his book Super-Power: Australia’s Low-Carbon Opportunity, Professor Ross Garnaut will present on the politics of climate change at La Trobe University.
RMIT’s Social & Global Studies Centre will launch its latest report Not Pregnant Enough?: Pregnancy and Homelessness as part of International Women’s Day.
Opening day of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, to run until Saturday, March 14.
Children’s writer Jessica Miller will launch her latest book, The Republic of Birds, at The Little Bookroom.
Sydney
Professor Bill Mitchell, from the Centre of Full Employment and Equity, will present “A Just Transition Framework for the Future” at a Country Labor event at East Maitland Bowling Club.
Author Rob Sturrock will launch his new book Man Raises Boy at Berkelouw Paddington.
Adelaide
Counsel assisting the royal commission into aged care will outline proposals for a redesign of the system.
Local author and poet Rosemary Winderlich will launch her two latest collections, Sky Roads, Sea Roads & Dreams and Silence is Consent, at City of Tea Tree Gully Library.
Perth
Visiting Indonesian writer Erni Aladjai will speak at UWA Public Policy Institute forum event “Close to Home: Discovering Female Indonesian Writers”.
Australia
Vigils will be held for Hannah Clarke and her children outside parliament houses, libraries, clubs and other spaces across the country.
The ABS will release the December quarter estimate of gross domestic product.
USA


crikey--2020-03-03--Morrison has the right virus fix — for now

'Targeted and modest ' stimulus is the right course for the moment .
But , if things get worse , @ @ @ @ @ government that puts politics ahead of economics .
In the wake of COVID-19 Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ willingness to engage in fiscal stimulus .
The PM has flagged spending plans that are @ @ @ @ @ scalable ” .
This likely means some help for the sectors most affected by the @ @ @ @ @ education and tourism .
Morrison was quick to emphasise that “ we 're not a @ @ @ @ @ fiscal responses ” .
Translation : I ’ m no Kevin Rudd and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ cutting $ 1000 cheques .

In the wake of COVID-19 Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shown some willingness to engage in fiscal stimulus.
The PM has flagged spending plans that are “targeted, modest and scalable”. This likely means some help for the sectors most affected by the pandemic at present — higher education and tourism.
Morrison was quick to emphasise that “we’re not a government that engages in extreme fiscal responses”. Translation: I’m no Kevin Rudd and I’m not going to start cutting $1000 cheques.


crikey--2020-03-22--Is the government's second rescue package too little, too late?

The government 's second stimulus package will deliver tens of billions in additional funding , primarily to business but also to welfare recipients , but just may not be big enough given how quickly the crisis is unfolding .
Scott Morrison has today unveiled the government 's second economic rescue package to deal with the escalating crisis .
The packaging , totalling $ 66.1 billion over the remainder of this financial year and next , is designed to pump money to small and medium businesses and protect those who lose their jobs .
It consists of the following measures : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new , time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $ 550 per fortnight '' for the next six months .
Eligibility for Newstart , under its various new names , will also be expanded to make access easier .
• All welfare recipients except Newstart recipients will receive a further $ 750 payment on top of the previous $ 750 handout , in July .
• The Newstart measure is expected to cost $ 14.1 billion over the forward estimates period while the welfare recipient handouts will cost another $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress will be able to apply online to access up to $ 10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $ 10,000 in 2020-21 , tax free .
Cost : $ 1.2 billion • Businesses with turnover of below $ 50 million will be able to access funding based on the PAYG payments they withhold of up to $ 50,000 this financial year , and $ 50,000 next financial year ( there will also be a floor payment of $ 20,000 for all businesses ) .
The payments will be made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 32 billion ( including $ 7 billion from the first package ) .
• The government will also guarantee 50 % of new loans to small and medium enterprises of up to $ 250,000 , making it easier for small and struggling businesses to access funding made available by the Reserve Bank 's massive $ 90 billion injection of funding for business investment last Thursday .
The government will guarantee up to $ 20 billion .
• Bankruptcy law thresholds will also be increased to make it temporarily more difficult for creditors @ @ @ @ @ @

Scott Morrison has today unveiled the government’s second economic rescue package to deal with the escalating crisis.
The packaging, totalling $66.1 billion over the remainder of this financial year and next, is designed to pump money to small and medium businesses and protect those who lose their jobs. It consists of the following measures:
Newstart recipients will receive “a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight” for the next six months. Eligibility for Newstart, under its various new names, will also be expanded to make access easier.
All welfare recipients except Newstart recipients will receive a further $750 payment on top of the previous $750 handout, in July.
The Newstart measure is expected to cost $14.1 billion over the forward estimates period while the welfare recipient handouts will cost another $4 billion.
Individuals in financial stress will be able to apply online to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21, tax free. Cost: $1.2 billion
Businesses with turnover of below $50 million will be able to access funding based on the PAYG payments they withhold of up to $50,000 this financial year, and $50,000 next financial year (there will also be a floor payment of $20,000 for all businesses). The payments will be made in late April and July. Cost: $32 billion (including $7 billion from the first package).
The government will also guarantee 50% of new loans to small and medium enterprises of up to $250,000, making it easier for small and struggling businesses to access funding made available by the Reserve Bank’s massive $90 billion injection of funding for business investment last Thursday. The government will guarantee up to $20 billion.
Bankruptcy law thresholds will also be increased to make it temporarily more difficult for creditors to initiate action against firms.
Comment


crikey--2020-03-22--Morrison's response to the crisis is falling apart — and it's not his fault

Scott Morrison 's measured and sensible approach to the coronavirus crisis has always been under pressure .
Yesterday , it fell apart .
It 's a measure of how rapidly we 've descended into crisis that 11 days ago a stimulus package worth nearly $ 18 billion seemed like a good first step in supporting a virus-ridden economy , but yesterday 's announced $ 66 billion package looks inadequate .
The government did its best to hype the size of its second package , throwing in the Reserve Bank 's liquidity and credit funding measures as well as the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 190 billion .
Some press gallery journalists dutifully bought it .
But the great bulk of it is additional loans or investment funds being made available for business if they can use it .
Only about $ 60 billion is actual cash going to businesses or households , and much of that wo n't reach businesses for at least four weeks .
And by last night , the package was being forgotten as the states and the federal government split over school closures , sundering the `` national cabinet '' model that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Scott Morrison ( and , no , it does n't need Anthony Albanese on it , but that 's an argument for another day ) .

It’s a measure of how rapidly we’ve descended into crisis that 11 days ago a stimulus package worth nearly $18 billion seemed like a good first step in supporting a virus-ridden economy, but yesterday’s announced $66 billion package looks inadequate.
The government did its best to hype the size of its second package, throwing in the Reserve Bank’s liquidity and credit funding measures as well as the first package to claim it was handing out $190 billion. Some press gallery journalists dutifully bought it. But the great bulk of it is additional loans or investment funds being made available for business if they can use it. Only about $60 billion is actual cash going to businesses or households, and much of that won’t reach businesses for at least four weeks.


crikey--2020-03-27--It's time to demand more of the people we elected to lead us

Part of the reason so many Australians have failed to heed government warnings about the coronavirus is that our faith in politicians has been so badly broken .
We desperately need that to change .
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 will no doubt be remembered for many things .
I wonder if one of those will be that our political leaders collectively managed to win back the trust and legitimacy they squandered over the past couple of decades .
I hope so — because as we are now seeing in this time of crisis , it really matters .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott Morrison describe panic-shoppers as engaging in behaviour that is “ ridiculous ” and “ un-Australian ” .
He also had a crack at the people who flocked to Bondi Beach in the recent warm weather for not taking seriously the requirements for physical distancing .
He is right on both counts .
However , his message is blunted by the lack of authority attached to his office .
This is part of a larger problem .
The government ’ s meta-narrative is now one in which responsibility for the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its citizens .
The message from our political leaders is clear : you — all of you , the people — must take responsibility for your choices .
Again , they are right .
It ’ s just a terrible pity that the potency of the message is undermined by the hypocrisy of the messengers — a group that has refused to take responsibility for pretty much anything .
Consider the most recent case : the already infamous sports rort scandal , in which government ministers ( including the PM ) offered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no laws were broken ” .
They wriggled and squirmed in an attempt to deflect any and all criticism .
Ordinary Australians saw through the evasions , but put it all down to political “ business as usual ” .
I recognise that it is unfair to focus on a single incident as indicative of all that has happened to erode trust and legitimacy .
McKenzie and co ’ s behaviour is just the most recent example of a longer , larger trend .
A more equitable reckoning would say to the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick of your blame-shifting , your evasiveness , your self-serving hair-splitting , your back-stabbing , your blatant lies ( large and small ) , your reckless ( no , gutless ) refusal to accept responsibility for your errors and wrong-doing , and your loyalty to the machine rather than to the people you are supposed to serve .
The split between ethics and politics was not always so evident .
For Ancient Greeks , like Aristotle , each was a different side of a single coin .
Ethics dealt with questions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Politics considered the good for the life of the community .
The connections were not accidental — they were intrinsic to the understanding of the relationship between people and the communities of which they formed a part .
As Umberto Eco once observed , the ancient world was a place of depth populated by heroes .
In contrast , we moderns are fascinated by glittering surfaces and find satisfaction in celebrities .
The shallowness of much of modern life has fed into our politics — an arena within which marketing spin too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek to excuse this tendency by saying that our politicians merely reflect the society they represent .
It is said that we should demand nothing more of political leaders than what we expect of ourselves .
Really ?
Is that really good enough ?
Let ’ s write to our politicians , phone their offices , and bombard them with messages of encouragement .
Let ’ s ask them to rise to the occasion — to prove to us ( and perhaps to themselves ) what they could be .
Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneath the callouses .
Let ’ s tell them that they are needed ; that they have a noble calling .
Let ’ s enrol them in our dream of a better democracy — one that truly serves the interests of its citizens .
Let them be our champions .
Let them drive out of their ranks anyone who refuses to be and do better .
Let ’ s imagine what it would be like if , at the end of this year , we were proud of our politicians and the quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time of crisis .
Dr Simon Longstaff , AO , is a philosopher , focussing on applied ethics .
He has been Executive Director of The Ethics Centre ( formerly the St James Ethics Centre ) since 1991 .

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 will no doubt be remembered for many things. I wonder if one of those will be that our political leaders collectively managed to win back the trust and legitimacy they squandered over the past couple of decades. I hope so — because as we are now seeing in this time of crisis, it really matters.
The past few days have seen Prime Minister Scott Morrison describe panic-shoppers as engaging in behaviour that is “ridiculous” and “un-Australian”. He also had a crack at the people who flocked to Bondi Beach in the recent warm weather for not taking seriously the requirements for physical distancing.
He is right on both counts. However, his message is blunted by the lack of authority attached to his office. This is part of a larger problem.


crikey--2020-04-02--The good, the bad and the missing in action: how are our institutions coping with the pandemic?

Some institutions have stepped up in the face of the coronavirus crisis .
Others ... not so much .
The @ @ @ @ @ aspect of society under a harsh spotlight .
Some institutions have responded well , acting @ @ @ @ @ faced by the community .
Hospitals , doctors and nurses around the world have worked @ @ @ @ @ great personal risk , to fight the disease .
The university sector , often ( @ @ @ @ @ as hidebound and sclerotic , moved rapidly to stop classes , shift to online teaching @ @ @ @ @ ) direct all academic and administrative staff to work from home .

The COVID-19 pandemic has put every aspect of society under a harsh spotlight. Some institutions have responded well, acting quickly to reduce the risks faced by the community.
Hospitals, doctors and nurses around the world have worked bravely and tirelessly, at great personal risk, to fight the disease.
The university sector, often (and often correctly) viewed as hidebound and sclerotic, moved rapidly to stop classes, shift to online teaching and (slightly more belatedly) direct all academic and administrative staff to work from home.


crikey--2020-04-02--In times of turmoil, many business leaders are only looking out for themselves

Forget about the rest of us : in a national crisis , business leaders are working hard to protect their @ @ @ @ @ thought lack of political leadership was a problem , the dearth of business leadership is @ @ @ @ @ and the national interest .
Surprisingly it ’ s not the usual suspects .
With @ @ @ @ @ companies , perhaps .
Banks and supermarkets for once are not the most-loathed behemoths , @ @ @ @ @ for their efforts at the front lines of the crisis .

If you thought lack of political leadership was a problem, the dearth of business leadership is exposing the difference between self-interest and the national interest.
Surprisingly it’s not the usual suspects. With the exception of profiteering petrol companies, perhaps.
Banks and supermarkets for once are not the most-loathed behemoths, but instead are being lauded for their efforts at the front lines of the crisis.


crikey--2020-02-28--Virus Watch: market crashes and papal sniffles.

As the world battens down the hatches for a COVID-19 pandemic , here 's what you need to know about @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 continues to see event cancellations and spooked investors .
Scientists are still grappling @ @ @ @ @ determining what its long-term impact could be , while the US continues to look very @ @ @ @ @ be a global pandemic .
The economy ( and everything else ) is cancelled For @ @ @ @ @ global stock markets fell .
Analysts are warning we could be heading for economic turmoil @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
On top of that , big events are either being cancelled or are @ @ @

The spread of COVID-19 continues to see event cancellations and spooked investors.
Scientists are still grappling with tracking the virus and determining what its long-term impact could be, while the US continues to look very unprepared for what could soon be a global pandemic.
The economy (and everything else) is cancelled
For the sixth straight day, global stock markets fell. Analysts are warning we could be heading for economic turmoil to rival the global financial crisis. On top of that, big events are either being cancelled or are in trouble.


crikey--2020-02-27--Government still ignoring reality as investment recession hits

The economy entered a dangerous phase in the December quarter while the government ignored all calls for economic leadership .
Now it 's trying to blame a virus for its own failings .
What will it take to get this do-nothing government to show some economic leadership ?
Maybe , after two thoroughly rotten sets of economic data this week , and Scott Morrison 's `` please stop talking about my government 's corruption '' coronavirus pandemic announcement yesterday , the penny is dropping that something serious in the way of fiscal stimulus is desperately needed for an economy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its feet .
Wednesday 's data for construction work in the December quarter was the first blow .
It showed total construction fell 3 % in seasonally adjusted terms , and was down 7.4 % over 2019 .
Residential construction was worst : down 4.6 % in the quarter , and 12.8 % in the year -- over one-eighth .
Non-residential building fell by 3.4 % ; the crucial engineering category -- that 's private and public infrastructure -- was down 0.5 % and 6.8 % .
Whither the infrastructure boom ?

What will it take to get this do-nothing government to show some economic leadership?
Maybe, after two thoroughly rotten sets of economic data this week, and Scott Morrison’s “please stop talking about my government’s corruption” coronavirus pandemic announcement yesterday, the penny is dropping that something serious in the way of fiscal stimulus is desperately needed for an economy that is not so much punch-drunk as out on its feet.
Wednesday’s data for construction work in the December quarter was the first blow. It showed total construction fell 3% in seasonally adjusted terms, and was down 7.4% over 2019. Residential construction was worst: down 4.6% in the quarter, and 12.8% in the year — over one-eighth. Non-residential building fell by 3.4%; the crucial engineering category — that’s private and public infrastructure — was down 0.5% and 6.8%. Whither the infrastructure boom?


crikey--2020-02-28--A brief history of how the Coalition (may have) responded to the coronavirus

Do n't worry , the Coalition is treating coronavirus as seriously as it 's treating climate change , writes Andrew @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Craig Kelly and Tony Abbott go on a speaking roadshow around marginal electorates to @ @ @ @ @ great coronavirus conspiracy : How scientists are getting rich by making the rest of us @ @ @ @ @ as MC .
January 7 Barnaby Joyce declares , “ We ’ ve always had @ @ @ @ @ part of our way of life .
It ’ s just looney tunes to suggest @ @ @ @ @ because of something that ’ s occurred naturally for millions of years.
” January 18 @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organisation of falsifying data to make the coronavirus epidemic look far worse than @ @ @ @ @ you compare it directly to the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1919 , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
What the data clearly shows is that we are getting better at dealing with @ @ @ @ @ ”

January 3, 2020 Craig Kelly and Tony Abbott go on a speaking roadshow around marginal electorates to deliver their PowerPoint address The great coronavirus conspiracy: How scientists are getting rich by making the rest of us scared. Alan Jones acts as MC.
January 7 Barnaby Joyce declares, “We’ve always had germs. This is just part of our way of life. It’s just looney tunes to suggest we should close our borders because of something that’s occurred naturally for millions of years.”
January 18 Senator Gerard Rennick accuses the World Health Organisation of falsifying data to make the coronavirus epidemic look far worse than it is. “When you compare it directly to the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1919, it’s actually nowhere near as bad. What the data clearly shows is that we are getting better at dealing with viruses, not worse.”


crikey--2020-05-28--Why is COVID-19 modelling 'useful' but suicide modelling 'unwarranted'?

Flattening the curve of mental health-related deaths is just as important as flattening the curve of the coronavirus .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ the two issues could hardly be more different .
Research released this week has tracked @ @ @ @ @ psychological stress among Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mental health experts argue flattening the @ @ @ @ @ is just as important as flattening the curve of the coronavirus -- however rhetoric surrounding @ @ @ @ @ health deaths is starkly different .
COVID-19 modelling by Melbourne University 's Doherty Institute has @ @ @ @ @ Scott Morrison as “ a useful tool ” to “ inform Australian governments ” , @ @ @ @ @ suicide modelling by Sydney University ’ s Brain and Mind Centre has been called “ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer for mental health Ruth Vine .

Research released this week has tracked a marked increase in severe psychological stress among Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental health experts argue flattening the curve of mental health-related deaths is just as important as flattening the curve of the coronavirus — however rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 deaths versus post-pandemic mental health deaths is starkly different.
COVID-19 modelling by Melbourne University’s Doherty Institute has been described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as “a useful tool” to “inform Australian governments”, whereas mental health impact and suicide modelling by Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre has been called “unwarranted” by recently-appointed deputy chief medical officer for mental health Ruth Vine.


crikey--2020-05-06--Seven quiet on COVID-19 effects as legacy media suffers

As Prime Media and Nine update the market on how COVID-19 is effecting their businesses , Seven West Media has @ @ @ @ @ is among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to control its @ @ @ @ @ filings from Seven 's regional network affliate Prime Media Group ( and an earlier update @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday , Prime revealed its April revenue slumped by $ 6 million or more @ @ @ @ @ , in turn , has seen a 12.7 % slide in revenue for the 10 @ @ @ @ @ April .
So why hasn ’ t Seven West Media in particular , released a @ @ @ @ @

Legacy media is among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to control its spread, judging by ASX filings from Seven’s regional network affliate Prime Media Group (and an earlier update from Nine Entertainment).
On Tuesday, Prime revealed its April revenue slumped by $6 million or more than 38%. That, in turn, has seen a 12.7% slide in revenue for the 10 months to the end of April.
So why hasn’t Seven West Media in particular, released a similar update for April?


crikey--2020-05-06--Some may call it hypocrisy but Turnbull's politics can turn on a dime

In his post-prime ministerial activist mode , Malcolm Turnbull is striking positions somewhat at odds with his time in politics @ @ @ @ @ , and clichéd , criticism to make of Malcolm Turnbull that would n't it be @ @ @ @ @ been in a position to actually implement so many of his wonderful progressive ideas like @ @ @ @ @ the leather jacket has yet to make a reappearance , the post-prime ministerial `` activist @ @ @ @ @ of fodder for harsh contrasts between his views now and his actions while in power @ @ @ @ @ was moved to castigate conservatives baying for the blood of Victoria 's Deputy Chief Health @ @ @ @ @ , over her comparison of the pandemic with the diseases brought by white invaders .

It’s an easy, and clichéd, criticism to make of Malcolm Turnbull that wouldn’t it be wonderful if he’d ever been in a position to actually implement so many of his wonderful progressive ideas like climate action.
But while the leather jacket has yet to make a reappearance, the post-prime ministerial “activist” Turnbull is providing plenty of fodder for harsh contrasts between his views now and his actions while in power.
At the weekend Turnbull was moved to castigate conservatives baying for the blood of Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer, Annaliese van Diemen, over her comparison of the pandemic with the diseases brought by white invaders.


crikey--2020-05-03--'Gullible' pollies being fooled by the Catholic Church? A former PM thinks so

Malcolm Turnbull ’ s talks with church leaders reveal what is wrong with private school funding .
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has detailed private conversations with a Catholic Church leader to substantiate claims that the church has been duplicitous and unaccountable in distributing taxpayer money within its school system .
The vivid revelations in a chapter in Turnbull ’ s memoir A Bigger Picture have reopened the debate about needs-based funding of Australia ’ s schools , in particular , disadvantaged Catholic schools .
Government money is received by the Catholic system in one big cheque but , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis of educational need , but to keep school fees lower in middle-class schools to enhance enrolments and maintain “ market share ” against public and independent schools .
Former NSW education minister , Adrian Piccoli ( Nationals ) now director of the Gonski Institute for Education , said Turnbull ’ s account of 2017 conversations with the Archbishop of Sydney , Anthony Fisher , vindicated his own public complaints about the use of taxpayer funds within the Catholic schools system .
“ Malcolm is right , they had us all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unethical , ” Piccoli said .
Archbishop Fisher ’ s office was emailed to check the accuracy of the Turnbull version .
A spokeswoman responded : “ The Archbishop doesn ’ t comment on private conversations ” .
Turnbull persuaded David Gonski , an old school friend and fellow merchant banker , to appear at his press conference with his then-education minister Simon Birmingham to announce his government would follow Gonski ’ s formula for schools funding to be allocated on the basis of need .
Gonski chaired a groundbreaking inquiry into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had been anointed a “ secular saint ” by Labor and the education unions to the political disadvantage of his LNP Coalition government , Turnbull wrote .
While not going as far in funding as the Bill Shorten-led Labor Party , the Turnbull government ’ s formula hit a snag with the Catholic Church , which had enjoyed what was called a “ system weighted average ” that reflected the average socio-economic circumstances across the whole school system , as opposed to assessing each school and funding it accordingly .
“ Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pell , had always insisted the virtue of funding the Catholic schools in one lump sum , as a system , was that they could cross-subsidise the poorer schools at the expense of those in the wealthier suburbs , ” Turnbull wrote .
“ And this claim seemed so plausible , given the church ’ s mission , that none of us gullible politicians questioned it.
” Turnbull said he discerned from conversations and correspondence with Archbishop Fisher the “ reverse was the case ” .
“ He [ Fisher ] explained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model was that more funding would go to schools in ‘ the poorer outer suburbs of Sydney and country New South Wales ’ .
“ I was astonished .
‘ But don ’ t you do that now ?
’ There was a long pause .
‘ Malcolm if your reforms go through , it would mean the fees of St Francis ’ school in Paddington , would have to go up ’ .
Turnbull writes that parents of St Francis , with excellent education results in his Wentworth electorate , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
“ The archbishop sighed .
‘ I am afraid to say , on this occasion , the politician has a more idealised view of human nature than the archbishop ’ .
” Turnbull wrote that he explained that government funding would still come to the church in one cheque but transparency was required .
“ If they wanted to subsidise fees in posh areas at the expense of schools in poor areas , they were free to do that .
‘ Oh , come on , Malcolm , ’ said Fisher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell people how the government has assessed need and shown how much each school would get , we could never get away with it .
People would say we were short-changing poor schools to benefit the rich ones ’ .
” Turnbull wrote that at one point Archbishop Fisher argued schools in his Wentworth electorate were needier “ because the parents had bigger mortgages ” .
The exchanges with Archbishop Fisher were some of the most “ unedifying and disappointing ” Turnbull had undertaken with a church leader .
“ This was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency and accountability and wasn ’ t prepared publicly to defend how they moved government money around their school system.
” Turnbull concluded he could only assume that the objective of the Catholic system was to maintain enrolments in middle-class areas by keeping fees lower .
While not denying Turnbull ’ s version of the conversations , a spokeswoman for Archbishop Fisher said : “ The abiding principle for the mission of Catholic education is that it should be accessible and affordable to all parents , who want their children to receive a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial burden many families face and , as such , offer the lowest fees possible .
“ Our schools are currently assisting many families with either a reduction in their fees or cancellation due to the current coronavirus-induced economic downturn as we have with those affected by the bushfires and drought in regional areas.
” Professor Piccoli said unaccountable Catholic schools funding prevailed to this day .
“ While they are fixing it , they are fixing it progressively .
Reducing funding to non-government schools is politically very difficult .
I did it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my job , ” he said .
“ So the reason the Catholics were giving high SES ( socio-economic status ) schools more money than they were entitled to under needs-based funding had nothing to do with need .
“ It had everything to do with keeping market share in wealthy suburbs .
I thought that was pretty disgusting.
” This article is republished with permission from The New Daily .

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has detailed private conversations with a Catholic Church leader to substantiate claims that the church has been duplicitous and unaccountable in distributing taxpayer money within its school system.
The vivid revelations in a chapter in Turnbull’s memoir A Bigger Picture have reopened the debate about needs-based funding of Australia’s schools, in particular, disadvantaged Catholic schools.
Government money is received by the Catholic system in one big cheque but, according to Turnbull, is distributed, not on the basis of educational need, but to keep school fees lower in middle-class schools to enhance enrolments and maintain “market share” against public and independent schools.


crikey--2020-06-19--'No different to insider trading': how the books can be cooked on Masterchef

According to betting agents , there 's a clear winner for this season of Masterchef .
But are insiders who @ @ @ @ @ the books ?
If you ’ re hooked on Masterchef , look away now .
@ @ @ @ @ pointy end of the season , and betting sites are pointing to a clear winner @ @ @ @ @ on Sportsbet , Emelia Jackson has pulled away as the favourite to take out the @ @ @ @ @ got similarly strong odds on TAB , PointsBet and Neds .
Something is not quite @ @

If you’re hooked on Masterchef, look away now. It’s down to the pointy end of the season, and betting sites are pointing to a clear winner.
At just $1.37 on Sportsbet, Emelia Jackson has pulled away as the favourite to take out the crown. She’s got similarly strong odds on TAB, PointsBet and Neds.
Something is not quite right.


crikey--2020-06-19--Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: Footy's back, but where's the enthusiasm?

Last night 's viewership figures for the Richmond-Hawthorn game were down more than 35 % from those of the week before .
Normal service has resumed for the AFL .
Like the NRL before it , the ratings for the second Thursday night game of the restarted AFL competition plunged -- from 1.27 million for the Richmond-Collingwood game last week to 827,000 for the Richmond-Hawthorn game last night .
That was a fall of more than 35 % .
It was a similar story on pay TV -- the audience for the game on Foxtel slumped to 235,000 from 342,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 30 % .
The NRL audience also fell 35 % from its first game ( on a Thursday night ) to the second Thursday night game -- 951,000 to 618,000 .
Last night the audience for the third Thursday night NRL game fell a further 10 % to 552,000 .
Still the AFL audience managed to drag Seven to a big win on the night , and that will be repeated tonight with the AFL helping Seven past Nine and its NRL match .
Without Masterchef Ten was very weak -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a share of 10.5 % beat Ten ’ s main channel with 9.6 % .

Normal service has resumed for the AFL. Like the NRL before it, the ratings for the second Thursday night game of the restarted AFL competition plunged — from 1.27 million for the Richmond-Collingwood game last week to 827,000 for the Richmond-Hawthorn game last night. That was a fall of more than 35%. It was a similar story on pay TV — the audience for the game on Foxtel slumped to 235,000 from 342,000 the week before, a fall of more than 30%.
The NRL audience also fell 35% from its first game (on a Thursday night) to the second Thursday night game — 951,000 to 618,000. Last night the audience for the third Thursday night NRL game fell a further 10% to 552,000.
Still the AFL audience managed to drag Seven to a big win on the night, and that will be repeated tonight with the AFL helping Seven past Nine and its NRL match. Without Masterchef Ten was very weak — the ABC’s main channel with a share of 10.5% beat Ten’s main channel with 9.6%.


crikey--2020-06-18--Fancy paying a COVID tax? Er, levy? You might be about to find out

With businesses being hit by extra costs brought on by the pandemic , should we be bracing ourselves for a @ @ @ @ @ Australia might lead the way in coronavirus health numbers but as yet we don ’ @ @ @ @ @ overseas firms trying to add a special COVID-19 levy .
As the US and the @ @ @ @ @ , some businesses are resorting to whacking on an extra fee to cover additional costs @ @ @ @ @ A restaurant in Missouri hit the headlines early on when diners found a line hidden @ @ @ @ @ bill claiming a COVID surcharge .

Australia might lead the way in coronavirus health numbers but as yet we don’t appear to have followed overseas firms trying to add a special COVID-19 levy.
As the US and the UK slowly begin to reopen, some businesses are resorting to whacking on an extra fee to cover additional costs associated with the pandemic.
A restaurant in Missouri hit the headlines early on when diners found a line hidden at the bottom of the bill claiming a COVID surcharge.


crikey--2020-05-27--A question of trust: can unions, the government and business all stay friends?

Scott Morrison 's plan for economic recovery relies on unions and employers working together , presenting both a risk and @ @ @ @ @ movement .
Scott Morrison ’ s vision for an economic recovery in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ together of unions and employers in Accord-style working groups .
But Crikey has been speaking @ @ @ @ @ past week in anticipation of the government ’ s industrial relations agenda and they remain @ @ @ @ @ government and business groups will take .
The push for national unity presents both opportunity @ @ @ @ @ union movement .
While it gives unions a seat at the table , it could @ @ @ @ @ genuine .

Scott Morrison’s vision for an economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19 relies on a coming together of unions and employers in Accord-style working groups.
But Crikey has been speaking to union figures over the past week in anticipation of the government’s industrial relations agenda and they remain sceptical about which path the government and business groups will take.
The push for national unity presents both opportunity and risk for the trade union movement. While it gives unions a seat at the table, it could backfire if it’s not genuine.


crikey--2020-05-27--Even with a coronavirus vaccine, this could be our new normal

The CSIRO says that even if scientists produce a coronavirus vaccine , many social distancing measures may need to remain @ @ @ @ @ to reopen and life began to return to normal , this morning the world was @ @ @ @ @ to remind us of the bleakness of the pandemic .
Even with a vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ stay , while the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has stressed the globe is @ @ @ @ @ middle of the first wave of the pandemic .
CSIRO director of health and biosecurity @ @ @ @ @ the world may have to get used to living with COVID-19 as the virus adapts @ @ @ @ @ flu , potentially requiring a new vaccine every year .

Just as pubs started to reopen and life began to return to normal, this morning the world was slapped with two dire warnings to remind us of the bleakness of the pandemic.
Even with a vaccine, COVID-19 could be here to stay, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stressed the globe is still very much in the middle of the first wave of the pandemic.
A vaccine won’t save us
CSIRO director of health and biosecurity Dr Rob Grenfell has said the world may have to get used to living with COVID-19 as the virus adapts and mutates just like the flu, potentially requiring a new vaccine every year.


crikey--2020-04-08--Is it time for Australia to enact a universal basic income?

Governments needs to look at ways to protect the economically vulnerable — and the planet — in ways that are @ @ @ @ @ The COVID-19 crisis is changing the way we live and how our economy works , @ @ @ @ @ be the case for an extended period .
The crisis also requires new thinking about @ @ @ @ @ in a liberal democracy .
We are already seeing new experiments to refashion liberalism — @ @ @ @ @ transcend traditional ideological divides .
We have seen a conservative government in the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ subsidy to private-sector firms up to a relatively generous cap .

The COVID-19 crisis is changing the way we live and how our economy works, and that looks set to be the case for an extended period. The crisis also requires new thinking about the role of the state in a liberal democracy.
We are already seeing new experiments to refashion liberalism — often in surprising ways that transcend traditional ideological divides.
We have seen a conservative government in the United Kingdom provide an 80% wage subsidy to private-sector firms up to a relatively generous cap.


crikey--2020-04-09--Why does a family worth $24b waste so much money? Better ask Rupert

Murdoch outlets have been calling for public service pay freezes , while they continue to back Andrew Bolt 's commercially @ @ @ @ @ published its 2020 global Rich List this week and the Murdoch family was top of @ @ @ @ @ with a valuation of US $ 14.9 billion ( A $ 23.9 billion ) .
@ @ @ @ @ 67 families or individuals on the planet who are richer than the Murdochs and their @ @ @ @ @ daily tracker of wealth based on share price movements .
Even though the Murdoch pile @ @ @ @ @ peak Forbes valuation of US $ 19.4 billion ( A $ 31.1 billion ) in @ @ @ @ @ still clearly has plenty of scope to be generous during the COVID-19 crisis .

Forbes magazine published its 2020 global Rich List this week and the Murdoch family was top of the pops amongst the Australians with a valuation of US$14.9 billion (A$23.9 billion).
Forbes reckons there are only 67 families or individuals on the planet who are richer than the Murdochs and their family profile provides a useful daily tracker of wealth based on share price movements.
Even though the Murdoch pile may have declined from the peak Forbes valuation of US$19.4 billion (A$31.1 billion) in March 2019, the family still clearly has plenty of scope to be generous during the COVID-19 crisis.


crikey--2020-04-02--So, you're suddenly regretting your choice of tax haven (and other news you may have missed)

Cruise giants are left marooned , travel restrictions affect abortion access , and Thailand says no to April Fools .
@ @ @ @ @ here are the stories you may have missed .
The havens and the haven-nots As @ @ @ @ @ into action to attempt to prevent businesses from collapsing and individuals from falling into dire @ @ @ @ @ , there are concerns about those who will inevitably fall between the gaps .
Like @ @ @ @ @ cruise lines .
Take Princess Cruises , for example , the part of the Carnival @ @ @ @ @ their image into purveyors of seaborne holiday and entertainment excellence rather than floating petri dishes @ @ @ @ @ Princess disgorged its viral load into Australia ’ s ports and look : as PR @ @ @ @ @ world a remake of Contagion was perhaps somewhat ill-considered .

The havens and the haven-nots
As governments around the world leap into action to attempt to prevent businesses from collapsing and individuals from falling into dire poverty from COVID-19-related economic catastrodisasterageddon, there are concerns about those who will inevitably fall between the gaps.
Like, for example, international cruise lines.
Take Princess Cruises, for example, the part of the Carnival group which had almost transformed their image into purveyors of seaborne holiday and entertainment excellence rather than floating petri dishes. And then the Ruby Princess disgorged its viral load into Australia’s ports and look: as PR stunts go, giving the world a remake of Contagion was perhaps somewhat ill-considered.


crikey--2020-04-09--For the media, hibernation is the prelude to death unless government intervenes

There are no takeover deals or foreign investors who will save Australia 's major media companies from rapid death .
@ @ @ @ @ confront the reality of who will pay for public interest journalism .
As if the @ @ @ @ @ enough on its hands dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic , it must @ @ @ @ @ the Australian media as well .
Traditionally `` the future of the Australian media '' @ @ @ @ @ would be allowed to own what , and what favours the government would hand to @ @ @ @ @ , the Stokes , and what the quid pro quo would be for those who @ @ @ @ @ means whether it has a future at all .
For every other industry being mauled @ @ @ @ @ economy , the question for the government is how to keep it on life support @ @ @ @ @ aviation , which faces years of hardship , will eventually recover , if not necessarily @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed until February .

As if the federal government didn’t have enough on its hands dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic, it must deal with the future of the Australian media as well.
Traditionally “the future of the Australian media” in federal politics meant who would be allowed to own what, and what favours the government would hand to the Murdochs, the Packers, the Stokes, and what the quid pro quo would be for those who missed out. Now it means whether it has a future at all.
For every other industry being mauled by the shuttering of the economy, the question for the government is how to keep it on life support until things improve. Even aviation, which faces years of hardship, will eventually recover, if not necessarily to quite the health it enjoyed until February.


crikey--2020-04-22--JobSeeker payment | Are you eligible and what can you claim?

Wondering if you 're eligible for JobSeeker payment during the coronavirus outbreak ?
We outline the key criteria necessary to claim , as well as the steps you should be taking if your hours have been reduced or you have lost your job .
The JobSeeker payment does exactly what it says on the tin : it offers payment to those who are seeking work .
It is also for those who are sick or injured and need to take some time out from work .
Are you eligible for the JobSeeker payments during the coronavirus outbreak ?
You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Your hours have been reduced • Your contract has been terminated .
You are also eligible for the payment if you fall under these categories : To be eligible to receive the payment you need to be between the age of 22 and pension age , meet residence rules and pass the income test .
Those who are seeking payment will need to prove that they are looking for work or that they are sick and/or injured .
If you are in part-time or casual employment and you are unsure whether you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JobSeeker payment , you should first check with your employer to see if you are eligible for the JobKeeper payment .
If you are in part-time or casual employment , but you are not eligible for the JobKeeper payment , you can apply for the JobSeeker payment , but how much you get paid may be affected by your income .
If you make over $ 104 per fortnight , your payment may be reduced .
Centrelink offers a tool to check your eligibility for the payment .
How much is the JobSeeker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum fortnightly JobSeeker payment .
If your income reaches a certain limit , your payment will reduce to zero .
This is important to bear in mind .
Read : Will coronavirus cause a recession in Australia ?
| The most recent forecasts

The JobSeeker payment does exactly what it says on the tin: it offers payment to those who are seeking work. It is also for those who are sick or injured and need to take some time out from work.
Are you eligible for the JobSeeker payments during the coronavirus outbreak?
You are eligible for the JobSeeker payment if:
Your hours have been reduced
Your contract has been terminated.
You are also eligible for the payment if you fall under these categories:


crikey--2020-04-23--Virus Watch: Senate inquiry begins into government's COVID-19 response

From the Australian government to the World Health Organisation , authorities are beginning to scrutinise responses to the COVID-19 crisis @ @ @ @ @ starting to look the other side of the coronavirus outbreak , reviews and inquiries have @ @ @ @ @ ' handling of the crisis .
An inquiry into the federal government ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ an inquiry into the Ruby Princess saga continues today .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has @ @ @ @ @ for the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) to investigate disease outbreaks -- alongside calls @ @ @ @ @ inquiry into Australia ’ s coronavirus response , chaired by Labor Senator Katy Gallagher , @ @ @ @ @ House today .

While Australia is only starting to look the other side of the coronavirus outbreak, reviews and inquiries have already begun into various organisations’ handling of the crisis.
An inquiry into the federal government’s response began this morning, while an inquiry into the Ruby Princess saga continues today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also called for greater powers for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate disease outbreaks — alongside calls for a review.
COVID-19 inquiry begins
An inquiry into Australia’s coronavirus response, chaired by Labor Senator Katy Gallagher, has kicked off in Parliament House today.


crikey--2020-04-23--Angus Taylor can't resist a deal, even amid a global pandemic

As the bottom falls out of the global economy , Australia 's energy minister , ever the entrepreneur , has seen an opportunity .
You ’ ve got to hand it to Angus Taylor .
Even in the midst of a global pandemic , he ’ s managed to land a deal .
The energy minister wants the government to take advantage of the collapse in oil prices by spending $ 94 million buying stockpiles of crude oil in the United States .
The move , which the opposition has labelled as “ bizarre ” , has not come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Trump government as far back as last year to try to tap into US fuel reserves .
And in March he flew to Washington to sign a memorandum of understanding promising to do just that .
But how does having oil on the other side of the world help Australia ’ s strategic position in the case of a major disruption ?
And who does the deal really benefit ?
Australia does need to increase its strategic fuel reserves .
It ’ s something that the International Energy Agency ( IEA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do for decades .
But Taylor ’ s plan doesn ’ t solve that problem , because the oil would be stored in the US .
“ The logic of getting space in US petroleum reserves makes absolutely no sense to me , ” Vlado Vivoda , a senior lecturer in strategic studies at Deakin University , told Crikey .
“ We ’ re talking about US strategic fuel reserves located in Texas and Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico .
First of all it would take about a month to get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Australia , it ’ s useless , because we have no refineries.
” As a primary commodity , crude oil is useful only if you ’ ve got somewhere to refine it .
And Australia has all but eradicated its oil refinery industry .
Taylor says he is talking to industry about building storage capabilities here .
But the reality is there is barely any industry left .
“ They ’ ve let the entire refining industry close , ” Tim Buckley , a director at the Institute of Energy Economics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other issue is that America is running out of storage capacity itself .
“ It makes it even more random .
If this is actually something the government is worried about , maybe it shouldn ’ t just do it as a random thought because the price is negative , ” Buckley said .
Australia imports 90 % of its liquid fuels but only has enough in storage to last 54 days — well below the 90 days it is obliged to stockpile under an agreement with the IEA .
Vivoda says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standpoint to do a deal with a closer ally like Singapore , where more than half of our refined fuel comes from .
“ If anything our security measures should be focused on ensuring stability in Singapore and places along the supply chain , ” he said .
The US , which has been brought to its knees by the slump in oil prices , might benefit from the arrangement .
For Australia , the benefits are less clear .
“ Buying oil at record lows is not a bad idea if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be arguing they should be storing it in Australia , ” Buckley said .

You’ve got to hand it to Angus Taylor. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, he’s managed to land a deal.
The energy minister wants the government to take advantage of the collapse in oil prices by spending $94 million buying stockpiles of crude oil in the United States.
The move, which the opposition has labelled as “bizarre”, has not come out of nowhere. Taylor has been negotiating with the Trump government as far back as last year to try to tap into US fuel reserves. And in March he flew to Washington to sign a memorandum of understanding promising to do just that.


crikey--2020-04-22--Don't blame the virus. The real reason Virgin collapsed is all too human.

What makes Virgin ’ s collapse unusual is that it was n't so much caused by a virus or economic @ @ @ @ @ vaulting ambition of its former chief executive .
The inevitable collapse of Virgin in most @ @ @ @ @ noteworthy .
Airlines collapse all the time .
It ’ s arguably one of the @ @ @ @ @ because it is subject to so many existential forces .
COVID-19 is one of many @ @ @ @ @ ’ s collapse slightly more unusual was that it wasn ’ t so much caused @ @ @ @ @ or a rocketing oil price , but by the vaulting ambition of its former chief @ @ @ @ @ board which allowed the former Qantas executive to essentially destroy a successful business .

The inevitable collapse of Virgin in most part isn’t especially noteworthy. Airlines collapse all the time.
It’s arguably one of the most difficult sectors to operate because it is subject to so many existential forces. COVID-19 is one of many examples.
What made Virgin’s collapse slightly more unusual was that it wasn’t so much caused by a virus or terrorism or a rocketing oil price, but by the vaulting ambition of its former chief executive John Borghetti and its board which allowed the former Qantas executive to essentially destroy a successful business.


crikey--2020-04-22--On the frontline: 'People break down in front of you because it's so tough'

It 's one thing to lose the person closest to you , and another to not spend time with them @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Pinder .
Andrew Pinder is managing director at Ern Jensen Funerals and national president @ @ @ @ @ Association .
The following is an edited transcript of his interview with Crikey ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the day by sanitising and sterilising everything .
Every door handle , every surface that @ @ @ @ @ access points to our chapel .
All our mortuary equipment .
It was always important @ @ @ @ @ it 's crucial that we 're pristine .
In the past few days I 've @ @ @ @ @ had not been able to see their husbands towards the end .
One 's husband @ @ @ @ @ -- he had dementia .
The facility had been in lockdown and she had n't @ @ @ @ @ six weeks .

Andrew Pinder is managing director at Ern Jensen Funerals and national president of the Australian Funeral Directors Association. The following is an edited transcript of his interview with Crikey’s Charlie Lewis.
We start the day by sanitising and sterilising everything. Every door handle, every surface that can be touched, all access points to our chapel. All our mortuary equipment. It was always important, obviously, but now it’s crucial that we’re pristine.
In the past few days I’ve spoken to two widows who had not been able to see their husbands towards the end. One’s husband was in an aged-care facility — he had dementia. The facility had been in lockdown and she hadn’t seen him for his last six weeks.


crikey--2020-04-14--Higher education needs a major rethink, not just a funding lifeline

The pandemic has exposed the flawed funding model on which universities relied .
A major reassessment , rather than a @ @ @ @ @ needed for a post-virus world .
While the government has given the university sector a @ @ @ @ @ announcement , the opportunity presented by the pandemic crisis for a fundamental reset in our @ @ @ @ @ how it is funded risks going begging in a desire to perpetuate the status quo @ @ @ @ @ students .
In a slightly surreal announcement on Sunday , Education Minister Dan Tehan announced @ @ @ @ @ to the sector the amount of funding it had already committed to via the Commonwealth @ @ @ @ @ Loan Program funding , based on domestic student numbers .
That will provide a funding @ @ @ @ @ year ahead .

While the government has given the university sector a lifeline with its Easter funding announcement, the opportunity presented by the pandemic crisis for a fundamental reset in our thinking about higher education and how it is funded risks going begging in a desire to perpetuate the status quo ante of reliance on foreign students.
In a slightly surreal announcement on Sunday, Education Minister Dan Tehan announced the government would be giving to the sector the amount of funding it had already committed to via the Commonwealth Grants Scheme and Higher Education Loan Program funding, based on domestic student numbers.
That will provide a funding base for universities for the year ahead.


crikey--2020-05-10--Government to the rescue of old media. But is it just a pause in extinction?

The media dinosaurs are stomping their feet for government assistance .
But will it be enough to save them from @ @ @ @ @ now , Australia ’ s news media dinosaurs are standing on the cliffs of the @ @ @ @ @ the government to come -- come quick !
-- to rescue them from the impact @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re not alone .
Around the world , once proudly independent media are @ @ @ @ @ accepting -- government rescue from this threatened extinction event .
Governments are keen to help @ @ @ @ @ propping up the old ad-supported business models .
Here ’ s an opportunity to remake @ @ @ @ @ .

Right now, Australia’s news media dinosaurs are standing on the cliffs of the Yucatan Peninsula roaring out to the government to come — come quick! — to rescue them from the impact of the COVID-19 meteor.
They’re not alone. Around the world, once proudly independent media are calling for — and gratefully accepting — government rescue from this threatened extinction event.
Governments are keen to help. But they should forget propping up the old ad-supported business models. Here’s an opportunity to remake the journalism that Australia needs.


crikey--2020-05-04--Don't fool yourself: normal life isn't coming back any time soon

We know it deep down , even if we do n't want to admit it : reopening Australia carries with @ @ @ @ @ The next stage of the COVID-19 period in Australia has begun -- a stage which @ @ @ @ @ erroneously , that the next stage in the COVID-19 period has begun .
Having locked @ @ @ @ @ deal of collective commitment and solidarity , no-one really mentioned the prospect of reopening for @ @ @ @ @ for a section of the now discredited ideological right and a few `` anti-politics '' @ @ @ @ @ now that the rate of infection , serious symptoms and death has been slowed and @ @ @ @ @ being flattened -- for the moment -- the talk of reopening the economy has begun @ @ @ @ @ in Australia , it has started to take off , and to propagate the illusion @ @ @ @ @ stepping back into our old life , wholly unchanged , powering along , going to @ @ @ @ @

The next stage of the COVID-19 period in Australia has begun — a stage which largely consists of believing, erroneously, that the next stage in the COVID-19 period has begun.
Having locked down nationwide with a great deal of collective commitment and solidarity, no-one really mentioned the prospect of reopening for a few weeks, save for a section of the now discredited ideological right and a few “anti-politics” whackos on Twitter.
But now that the rate of infection, serious symptoms and death has been slowed and is on the way to being flattened — for the moment — the talk of reopening the economy has begun. And once started, in Australia, it has started to take off, and to propagate the illusion that we will soon be stepping back into our old life, wholly unchanged, powering along, going to all the restaurants tralala.


crikey--2020-05-11--Lies, damn lies and statistics: grim jobs numbers hiding an even scarier reality

Statistical challenges meant the US unemployment figure was far worse than reported .
Around the world , statisticians are having @ @ @ @ @ by the pandemic and government responses to it .
You likely heard of the frightening @ @ @ @ @ on Friday their time : the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 % , with 20.5 @ @ @ @ @ .
Just two months ago , the unemployment rate was 3.5 % , a 50-year @ @ @ @ @ the jobless rate is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Much worse .
And not just in an obscure way that 's only of @ @ @ @ @ There was a mistake in the classification of some of the jobless , which meant @ @ @ @ @ been 19.5 % instead of 14.7 % .
The US Labor Department revealed in a @ @ @ @ @ its survey-takers erroneously classified millions of Americans as employed in April even though their employers @ @ @ @

You likely heard of the frightening unemployment number from the US on Friday their time: the unemployment rate rose to 14.7%, with 20.5 million jobs lost in April. Just two months ago, the unemployment rate was 3.5%, a 50-year low. The rise means the jobless rate is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression.
Except, it was worse. Much worse. And not just in an obscure way that’s only of interest to labour economists.
There was a mistake in the classification of some of the jobless, which meant the unemployment rate should have been 19.5% instead of 14.7%. The US Labor Department revealed in a note to the figures that its survey-takers erroneously classified millions of Americans as employed in April even though their employers had closed down.


crikey--2020-05-10--What it's really like teaching high school right now

A high school teacher details what life has been like under COVID-19 , and why it 's time for the @ @ @ @ @ of its own for once ' .
Tim Hutton is a high school English teacher @ @ @ @ @ tells Crikey how the nature of teaching has changed since COVID-19 hit .
I find @ @ @ @ @ turbulent waters .
The nature of education has changed over the past few weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ learning provisions has left many teachers , parents and students feeling off-kilter .
Technological teething @ @ @ @ @ and frustration for everyone involved .
That said , the change to online learning is @ @ @ @ @ paint it , an unmitigated disaster .
In fact , it may provide a valuable @ @ @ @ @ approach schooling in the future .

Tim Hutton is a high school English teacher based in Brisbane, he tells Crikey how the nature of teaching has changed since COVID-19 hit.
I find myself sailing through uncharted and turbulent waters. The nature of education has changed over the past few weeks. The rapid deployment of alternative learning provisions has left many teachers, parents and students feeling off-kilter. Technological teething pains have resulted in angst and frustration for everyone involved.
That said, the change to online learning is not, as some would paint it, an unmitigated disaster. In fact, it may provide a valuable opportunity to revaluate how we approach schooling in the future.