crikey--2020-05-19--worm: Call for independent review into COVID-19 passes without objection

Good morning , early birds .
The World Health Assembly has formally adopted a resolution calling for an independent review into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , and researchers call for a visa amnesty for undocumented workers in order to reduce the risk of infection clusters .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
According to the ABC , the World Health Assembly has formally adopted a resolution calling for an independent review into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , with the EU ’ s draft resolution passing without objection at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s government added its name to the list , Beijing ’ s embassy in Canberra released a statement saying “ to claim the WHA ’ s resolution a vindication of Australia ’ s call is nothing but a joke ” because the inquiry being considered by the WHA was “ totally different ” to the one Australia proposed .
US AND THEM : After China engineered some goodwill with their dual US $ 2 billion/global vaccine pledge , The AFR ( $ ) reports that the US both rejected provisions on pooling vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorer countries — and “ disassociated ” from references to “ sexual and reproductive health ” .
Because that would mean supporting the right to abortion .
A new report from Associate Professor Joanna Howe and Dr Ankur Singh for the United Workers Union finds undocumented workers are at a high risk of creating “ new clusters of infection ” , according to The Sydney Morning Herald .
Researchers call for a visa amnesty to prevent up to 100,000 people working and living in cramped conditions — i.e .
across farms during picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Singapore ’ s migrant community in their now-infamous second wave .
AN ONGOING PROBLEM : While the call for an amnesty is not exactly new — see Inq ’ s analysis of how the current situation breeds exploitation — that undocumented migrants lack basic access to medical and legal support , let alone JobKeeper/Seeker , might be why the Undocumented Migrants COVID-19 Fund has managed to fundraise $ 65K during a de-facto recession .
MORRISON GOVERNMENT HAS SOMETHING IN THE PIPELINE Finally , in case the government ’ s plan to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel companies to increase emissions — an idea that came off a review headed by former fossil fuel company Origin Energy CEO Grant King — wasn ’ t on the nose enough , The AFR ( $ ) reports that the Morrison government ’ s COVID-19 commission is considering a gas pipeline from Western Australia , boosted production in the eastern states , and even shifting energy-intensive manufacturing west as part of the country ’ s economic recovery .
• Queensland outlined the first stage of the state ’ s economic reset package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs ‘ , which includes $ 400m for road works , $ 200m for council and local jobs , a $ 100m Small Business Adaption Grants Program , and other funds aimed at tourism , biomedical science , training , energy and renewable hydrogen .
• The government also announced a COVID-19 Fiscal and Economic Review ( C19-FER ) will drop in September , while a Bill covering new legal and economic changes , the Justice and Other Legislation ( COVID-19 Emergency Response ) Amendment Bill 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria announced a $ 350 million Higher Education State Investment Fund , to include funds for technology and infrastructure that “ enables universities to conduct new research , commercialise intellectual property and create high-value jobs ” , as well as $ 110 million in payroll tax deferrals for universities .
• Additionally , the government launched ‘ Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined ’ , a six-month-long , digital version of the state ’ s ( originally month-long ) seniors festival .
• Tasmania announced a ‘ COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund ’ , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000 or four weeks rent for all tenants , including temporary visa holders , suffering extreme hardship .
• As the ABC reports , NSW will also allow regional travel in the state for any reason , including holidays , from June 1 .
• Additionally , the state government announced new legislative changes to provide councils greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure throughout the crisis , and confirmed that students will return to the classroom full-time from next Monday 25 May 2020 .
• Both the Northern Territory and South Australia announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while SA also flagged a $ 500,000 eCommerce Accelerator Program ( eCAP ) will be launched for exporters .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
In comments he ’ s since had to walk back somewhat , the Democratic Governor for New York calls for families of the more than 5,300 state nursing home residents who died from COVID-19 to cool it on the blame game .
Coincidentally , the announcement comes a week after public pressure forced Cuomo to reverse a decision to send patients still recovering from COVID-19 back to nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skips meals to pay rent during the coronavirus pandemic — they say rent aid goes a long way Great Lockdown must not lead to Great Protectionism , says IMF chief ( $ ) Galleries , libraries the latest to be given a date to reopen One in eight Australians believe 5G is spreading coronavirus Chaos poll : JobKeeper Morrison v JobSeeker Albanese ( $ ) — Paul Kelly ( The Australian ) : “ Australia should have a more rational debate than many other nations — but it will be contentious and bitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its territory .
Anthony Albanese wants JobKeeper to survive in ‘ transition ’ and ensure JobSeeker does not fall to the old Newstart rate .
He wants support for an additional million casuals , a package for the arts and entertainment sector , and invokes ‘ the power of government to make a positive difference to people ’ s lives ’ .
” Royal Commission needed into child removal crisis — Megan Krakouer and Gerry Georgatos ( National Indigenous Times ) : “ There is a cumulative swell of concern about an amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament proposing changes to the Children and Community Services Act 2004 .
The proposed powers may affect all of Australia ’ s children who come to the attention of child protection authorities but , in effect , enable more powers over First Nations children , and then thereafter over Culturally and Language Diverse ( CALD ) children.
” COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the bigger picture when it comes to tech and kids — Joanne Orlando ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ Prior to COVID-19 , a key message that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community is that technology is dangerous and unsafe for children .
This message has become an ingrained part of school life , and this has been the entrenched approach schools have taken since the first desktop landed on a students ’ desks.
” • Industry Minister Karen Andrews will present ‘ Australian manufacturing in a post-COVID world ’ at the National Press Club .
• The Wheeler Centre will launch a new podcast mentorship and development scheme ‘ Signal Boost , ’ with audio producers Helen Zaltzman , Daniel Browning , Jess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an online broadcast hosted by ‘ Broadwave ’ co-founder Beth Atkinson-Quinton .

COVID INQUIRY PASSES
According to the ABC, the World Health Assembly has formally adopted a resolution calling for an independent review into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the EU’s draft resolution passing without objection at a meeting in Geneva.
While China’s government added its name to the list, Beijing’s embassy in Canberra released a statement saying “to claim the WHA’s resolution a vindication of Australia’s call is nothing but a joke” because the inquiry being considered by the WHA was “totally different” to the one Australia proposed.
US AND THEM: After China engineered some goodwill with their dual US$2 billion/global vaccine pledge, The AFR ($) reports that the US both rejected provisions on pooling vaccine information — which will be crucial for poorer countries — and “disassociated” from references to “sexual and reproductive health”. Because that would mean supporting the right to abortion.
FEARS OF ‘CLUSTERS’ AMONGST UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS
A new report from Associate Professor Joanna Howe and Dr Ankur Singh for the United Workers Union finds undocumented workers are at a high risk of creating “new clusters of infection”, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Researchers call for a visa amnesty to prevent up to 100,000 people working and living in cramped conditions — i.e. across farms during picking season — from facing a similar fate as Singapore’s migrant community in their now-infamous second wave.
AN ONGOING PROBLEM: While the call for an amnesty is not exactly new — see Inq’s analysis of how the current situation breeds exploitation — that undocumented migrants lack basic access to medical and legal support, let alone JobKeeper/Seeker, might be why the Undocumented Migrants COVID-19 Fund has managed to fundraise $65K during a de-facto recession.
MORRISON GOVERNMENT HAS SOMETHING IN THE PIPELINE
Finally, in case the government’s plan to expand its Emissions Reduction Fund to pay fossil fuel companies to increase emissions — an idea that came off a review headed by former fossil fuel company Origin Energy CEO Grant King — wasn’t on the nose enough, The AFR ($) reports that the Morrison government’s COVID-19 commission is considering a gas pipeline from Western Australia, boosted production in the eastern states, and even shifting energy-intensive manufacturing west as part of the country’s economic recovery.
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STATE WRAP: MORE STIMULUS, UNIVERSITY SUPPORT, AND RENT RELIEF
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
What is justice? Who can we prosecute for those deaths? Nobody. Nobody. Mother nature. God … Older people, vulnerable people are going to die from this virus. That is going to happen despite whatever you do. Andrew Cuomo
In comments he’s since had to walk back somewhat, the Democratic Governor for New York calls for families of the more than 5,300 state nursing home residents who died from COVID-19 to cool it on the blame game.
Coincidentally, the announcement comes a week after public pressure forced Cuomo to reverse a decision to send patients still recovering from COVID-19 back to nursing homes.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
This family skips meals to pay rent during the coronavirus pandemic — they say rent aid goes a long way
Fossil fuel industry applauds Coalition climate measures that support carbon capture and storage
Coalition eyes Australian ‘economic sovereignty’ with boost to manufacturing
Great Lockdown must not lead to Great Protectionism, says IMF chief ($)
McDonald’s wins temporary overhaul of fast food work rules
Galleries, libraries the latest to be given a date to reopen
One in eight Australians believe 5G is spreading coronavirus
Australia Council funding set to shine light on regional NSW
EasyJet reveals cyber-attack exposed details of 9 million customers
THE COMMENTARIAT
Chaos poll: JobKeeper Morrison v JobSeeker Albanese ($) — Paul Kelly (The Australian): “Australia should have a more rational debate than many other nations — but it will be contentious and bitter. Labor has begun to mark out its territory. Anthony Albanese wants JobKeeper to survive in ‘transition’ and ensure JobSeeker does not fall to the old Newstart rate. He wants support for an additional million casuals, a package for the arts and entertainment sector, and invokes ‘the power of government to make a positive difference to people’s lives’.”
Royal Commission needed into child removal crisis — Megan Krakouer and Gerry Georgatos (National Indigenous Times): “There is a cumulative swell of concern about an amendment Bill in front of the West Australian Parliament proposing changes to the Children and Community Services Act 2004. The proposed powers may affect all of Australia’s children who come to the attention of child protection authorities but, in effect, enable more powers over First Nations children, and then thereafter over Culturally and Language Diverse (CALD) children.”
COVID-19 has opened our eyes to the bigger picture when it comes to tech and kids — Joanne Orlando (The Sydney Morning Herald): “Prior to COVID-19, a key message that schools communicated to parents, students and the community is that technology is dangerous and unsafe for children. This message has become an ingrained part of school life, and this has been the entrenched approach schools have taken since the first desktop landed on a students’ desks.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Industry Minister Karen Andrews will present ‘Australian manufacturing in a post-COVID world’ at the National Press Club.
Melbourne


crikey--2020-05-18--The incredible loneliness of being a former prime minister

What have former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd been up to ?
After nearly a year since he was ousted from the seat of Warringah , Tony Abbott ’ s supporters received an update from the former PM this weekend .
And what would he be talking to us about ?
His ambitions to head the World Health Organisation ?
Whether he would indeed run for Eden-Monaro ?
Nope — it ’ s in support of his fellow Christian moralist Andrew Hastie .
Hastie has taken a hard line against China since the outbreak — he has called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a petition calling for his supporters to “ take action on Australian sovereignty ” : All of which may end up adding to a headache for current Prime Minister Scott Morrison , as he tries to moderate the rhetoric surrounding China .
We also noted Abbott ends his correspondence with , “ I encourage you to support Andrew and I have asked him to email you ” .
We asked if this meant he ’ d just handed over his supporters ’ contact details to a friend without permission , but he didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadline .
President Donald Trump ’ s firing of the state department ’ s internal watchdog inspector general Steve Linick wasn ’ t exactly quiet , but Trump is incapable of breathing quietly , let alone engaging in a partisan firing purge .
Still , it was late night Friday that the official received his pink slip , which we ’ re sure has nothing to do with the fact that he was reportedly investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for suspected abuse of office .
By staggering coincidence , Trump keeps finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency .
Most famously he gave FBI director James Comey his marching orders while he was conducting an investigation into potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign .
It was a sign of things to come .
At the beginning of this month Trump made moves to replace Christi Grimm , principal deputy inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services .
Surely it had nothing to do with her report which pointed out disastrous shortages of testing supplies at hospitals as the coronavirus pandemic billowed out across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspector general Michael Atkinson , who had forwarded the Ukraine whistleblower ’ s report to Congress , which triggered Trump ’ s impeachment .
A few days later , Trump ousted Glenn Fine , the acting inspector general for the Defense Department , from his job overseeing nearly $ 2 trillion in coronavirus relief spending .
Crikey understands that Virgin Australia ’ s rewards system Velocity is once again offering domestic flight redemptions .
“ Virgin Australia domestic reward seat and any seat bookings have re-opened for travel from 1 September 2020 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” they beam in an email to members .
It ’ s a uniquely odd time to receive such an offer : the budget airline is currently in administration , and besides , you may have noticed there ’ s a bit of an interstate/worldwide travel lockdown on account of the whole pandemic thing .
Yet , a tipster sent through that airline ’ s generous offers , including : Of course , airlines are possibly the most desperate for some return to normal , but , as our tipster mused , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t have owners can be selling seats ” .
The Australian ‘ s media section this morning — after you get through three stories that dealt exclusively with News Corp news , and two opinion pieces on News Corp and the ABC and how News Corp is better than the ABC — told us that former prime minister Kevin Rudd wants to continue his post-politics career of weighing in on as many topics as possible by taking on a role as a “ shock jock ” .
He ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , why shouldn ’ t he get paid for it ?
Except , you ’ ve already GOT a job Kevin .
He ’ s president of the Asia Society Policy Institute , a think tank in New York .
Apart from what it would do for his credibility in advising governments and business on diplomacy if he talks about his personal experience of the “ Murdoch cancer ” every morning , has he learnt nothing about the dangers of spreading oneself too thin from his time as PM ?
Do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have you heard a murmur you think we should know about ?
Let us know .

Power Deficit Disorder #1
After nearly a year since he was ousted from the seat of Warringah, Tony Abbott’s supporters received an update from the former PM this weekend.
And what would he be talking to us about? His ambitions to head the World Health Organisation? Whether he would indeed run for Eden-Monaro? Nope — it’s in support of his fellow Christian moralist Andrew Hastie.
Hastie has taken a hard line against China since the outbreak — he has called for “push back”, posting a petition calling for his supporters to “take action on Australian sovereignty”:


crikey--2020-05-18--Does Australia have the highest food security in the world?

Agriculture Minister David LIttleproud says Australia has the best food security in the world .
RMIT ABC Fact Check investigates .
With Australians bunkering down amid the COVID-19 pandemic , panic buying and hoarding of everyday groceries led to severe shortages of some products .
Rice , pasta and some canned foods sold out in the weeks after state and federal governments imposed restrictions and urged Australians to stay at home , with a sudden rush to stock up severely straining supply chains .
State and federal government ministers have said repeatedly that buying huge volumes of food and groceries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morrison labelling panic buying “ ridiculous ” and “ not sensible ” .
The National Farmers ’ Federation also sought to quell concerns about food shortages , telling consumers not to “ panic ” as there was “ plenty of food to go around ” .
Minister for Agriculture , Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud went so far as to declare that Australia “ [ has ] the most secure food security in the world ” .
“ We ’ re a nation of 25 million people , ” Littleproud told ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 11 .
“ We produce enough food for 75 million.
” Is that correct ?
Does Australia have “ the most secure food security in the world ” ?
RMIT ABC Fact Check investigates .
Littleproud ’ s claim is in the ballpark .
According to many studies and experts , Australia enjoys a very high level of food security .
The nation produces an abundance of food , exports far more than it needs , and has ample alternative sources of certain foods should they become scarce .
While Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” food-secure nation in the world , according to some comparisons , it nevertheless has plenty of flexibility in terms of food sources and could switch production priorities to alleviate shortfalls .
One international comparison places Australia 12th among 113 nations in terms of food security .
Richard Heath , of the Australian Farm Institute , typified the response of the experts .
“ By the most basic definition–— which is , ‘ Are we at risk of starving because we can not feed ourselves ?
’ — we are so far from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ When you consider the availability of irrigated-water area , the amount of arable land … we are a very secure nation in terms of food.
” What does it mean for a nation to be ‘ food secure ’ ?
Food security is a complex notion that incorporates two fundamental concepts : quantity and quality .
The first is whether a nation has sufficient sources of food — whether locally produced or imported — to sustain its people .
The second is whether the people have reliable access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nutritious and affordable .
A nation , for example , may have bountiful supplies of a particular type of food , but insufficiently diverse food sources to provide a consistently nutritious diet .
Similarly , it may have physical access to food , but its people can not afford to buy it .
Or it may be overly dependent for its needs on imported products , or vulnerable to severe fluctuations in commodity prices .
All nations commonly have segments of their population that suffer from limited access to safe , affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless , low-income households , isolated communities or households that struggle to manage daily life challenges .
Having a high “ food security ” rating ( as determined by various theoretical models ) implies a nation is able to provide the overwhelming majority of its people , most of the time , with affordable food sources that will nourish them and provide a healthy diet .
This is a wider concept that takes into account issues about who controls the primary sources of food and its associated distribution systems : ownership structures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underpin a nation ’ s food supply chain .
Food sovereignty incorporates cultural preferences about what kinds of food are produced , how they are farmed and what goes into their production .
Heath , the executive director of the Australian Farm Institute , a policy research group focused on the agriculture sector , said some organisations and individuals commonly misappropriated the term “ security ” when they were really arguing about “ food sovereignty ” .
He described the latter as “ where what you eat is all produced in the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food security ” sometimes took on political overtones in Australia .
Fact Check has examined the concept of “ food security ” by applying a broad interpretation , assessing “ food security ” based on globally-used definitions for nutrition and affordable access to food , while also taking into account vulnerability to food shortfalls or supply-chain disruption .
An abiding duty of governments is to ensure that their citizens are protected and safe , a concept that includes having sufficient food to sustain the population ’ s daily needs .
A nation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable to political instability .
Conversely , political instability and regional hostilities can lead to food shortages if daily production is disrupted or crops are destroyed .
Occasionally , local shortages may arise due to drought , floods or pestilence that curb production and disrupt the usual supply of one or more types of vegetables , fruits , grains or meats to consumer markets .
Market forces or government intervention can assist to ensure alternative foods or alternative sources of supplies are made available .
In a globalised trading world , many elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packaging depend on imported goods , such as machinery , certain types of fertilisers and some types of packaging .
A break in this supply chain could disrupt the ability of local producers ultimately to meet demand .
But experts say this would not be catastrophic to Australia ’ s food sustainability .
Global concerns about food security were heightened in the early 1970s after drought , storms and floods ravaged developing nations in eastern Africa and heavily-populated Bangladesh .
At the same time , political upheaval and the trend towards collectivised agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chile , Peru and some other nations .
Rapid population growth , inflation , black market profiteering and mismanagement of government-owned stockpiles resulted in extreme food shortages .
The crisis led to a global summit in Rome in 1974 where delegates to the World Food Conference set a highly ambitious goal of eradicating hunger everywhere .
The World Food Summit of 1996 confirmed the failure of that goal , but set new commitments and an action plan focusing on the concept of “ undernourishment ” .
As part of these deliberations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FAO ) defined food security as : The FAO noted four dimensions to food security : • Availability — food is actually available through food production , stock levels and trade ; • Access — people have economic and physical access to food ( aspects that centre on prices , market forces and income levels ) ; • Utilisation — there is good biological utilisation of food through preparation and feeding practices , diversity of diet and intra-household distribution ; • Stability — there is long-term stability of the above three factors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine the extent of Australia ’ s food security .
The Economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU ) compiles extensive country-based research and statistics on a broad range of economic and policy areas .
As well as nourishment , availability and affordability aspects of food security , its Global Food Security Index takes account of the natural resources and resilience of a country .
The index also considers structural changes that may affect a nation ’ s ability to feed its people .
The EIU ’ s Global Food Security Index ranked Australia 12th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based on an overall score of 81.4 out of 100 .
Australia sat below Singapore ( 87.4 ) , Ireland ( 84 ) and the US ( 83.7 ) , as well as seven other European nations and Canada .
Although Singapore is the top-ranking nation for “ food security ” , it imports most of its food and has little access to arable land .
The Singapore Food Agency concedes the nation ’ s food supply chain “ remains vulnerable to external shocks “ .
Put another way , should Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian and cargo movements , it would soon run out of food .
This highlights the confusion over “ food security ” , which is measured in terms of the food that is available to a nation , and “ food sovereignty ” , which includes concepts about control of the food chain .
The EIU ranked Australia seventh for affordability of food and 10th in terms of availability of food .
On the quality and safety of its food , Australia came in at number 20 , behind the Scandinavian countries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s latest statistical reports indicate that Australia , like countries in North America and Europe , ranks highly in terms of food security .
The FAO considers food security — or rather , insecurity — in terms of the proportion of a nation ’ s population that does not have access to safe , nutritious and affordable food .
The organisation ’ s assessment is that a relatively low percentage of Australia ’ s population experiences severe or moderate-to-severe food insecurity , placing it among the most food secure nations in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an increasing number of people in Australia struggled to obtain reliable , safe , nutritious and affordable food .
Indeed , the number of Australians said to be suffering from severe “ food insecurity ” has risen from about 600,000 in 2014-16 ( calculated as a three-year average ) to about 900,000 in 2016-2018 , while as much as 13 % of the population has a moderate degree of food insecurity .
A review published in early 2019 by Deakin University researchers also found significant variation in the way food insecurity was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — an outcome that , in their view , suggested the prevalence and severity of food insecurity was under-reported inside Australia .
A separate study by Max Roser of Oxford University and Hannah Ritchie of the University of Edinburgh , which examined data on food security rates worldwide , suggested Australia ’ s undernourishment rate may be closer to 3.5 % of the population , and that as many as 3 million Australians experience moderate to severe food insecurity at some stage .
3 .
Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and research division of the Department of Agriculture , Research and the Environment .
It provides detailed analysis and production forecasts for various industries , including agriculture , fishing , forestry , climate and drought biosecurity and food demand .
On April 17 , ABARES published an analysis of Australia ’ s food security in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic .
It concluded that concerns about food security in Australia were “ understandable , but misplaced ” .
ABARES found the nation produces substantially more food than it consumes .
Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production ( by volume ) , including 71 % of its wheat crop , 75 % of beef and veal production , and 40 % of its dairy products .
In turn , about 11 % by value ( not volume ) of food and beverages consumed in Australia comes from overseas .
ABARES said it was “ unlikely , but possible ” that COVID-19 restrictions could temporarily disrupt supply chains of imported foodstuffs .
That may cause “ inconvenience ” to some consumers , but ABARES said it would not jeopardise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABARES researchers noted , however , that shortages or disruptions to supply chains for products used by Australian agricultural producers ( such as fertilisers , seed variants , machinery and so forth ) could affect the volume of output and profits for local food producers .
In a subsequent , more detailed report , ABARES said that although disruptions in international markets “ may affect the choice and cost of some items , it will not have a material impact on overall food availability ” .
“ There may be disruptions to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia ’ s food production relative to the needs of the domestic population mean domestic food supplies will not fall short , ” the researchers concluded .
“ Despite temporary shortages of some food items in supermarkets caused by an unexpected surge in demand , Australia does not have a food security problem.
” The volume and availability of rice in Australia has garnered particular attention in recent weeks amid concerns about potentially lower world production and constraints on the rice trade due to pandemic restrictions imposed by some rice-producing nations .
Severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Vietnam , two of the top three rice exporting nations by volume .
Yet the world ’ s biggest exporter , India , enjoyed favourable rice-growing conditions and has increased the area of land under plantation .
It is expected to produce a record crop of more than 117 million tonnes in 2019-20 and one similarly large next year , although COVID-19 civilian movement restrictions may crimp production outcomes .
Labour shortages in some countries due to restrictions on civilian movement , has led the US Department of Agriculture to clip its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 496.1 million tonnes , about 0.5 % below last year ’ s record high .
As well , trade restrictions imposed by some South-East Asian nations that export significant quantities of rice could curb the volume of rice traded internationally .
The USDA ’ s April 2020 forecast suggests traded rice volumes in 2020 are likely to be about 5 % below last year .
Vietnam , for example , temporarily banned most exports of rice in March as part of concerns about its population ’ s food security during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease pandemic-related export restrictions and planned to recommence rice exports fully this month .
Also , the USDA noted in its April 9 bulletin that global supplies of rice ( and wheat ) are “ at record levels and are large enough to meet global demand ” .
Australia is a relatively minor player in the world rice market , representing about 2 % by volume of internationally-traded rice .
The Ricegrowers ’ Association of Australia says that in a non-drought year , about 80 % of the local crop is exported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including several drought-affected years , local rice-growers produced an average of 575,000 tonnes , and exported about half that amount .
ABARES ’ figures on the rice industry indicate Australian consumers demand ( on average ) 297,000 tonnes a year , a mix of imported varieties and locally-produced rice .
Local demand has been increasing steadily for more than a decade .
Several years of drought in eastern Australia ’ s prime rice-growing regions have severely affected domestic production , due to a lack of water and high prices for traded water .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 54,000 tonnes , or less than 10 % of the long-term average .
The Ricegrowers ’ Association of Australia , which lobbies on behalf of domestic producers , criticised the ABARES food security report as “ misleading ” in terms of the rice sector .
It said the security of Australia ’ s rice supplies remained in question due to the combined effects of drought and constraints on exports by some countries .
It argued that another “ extremely small ” Australian rice crop was likely unless more water was “ made available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 rice-planting window in October ” .
Local rice producers and growers of irrigated crops have called on the state and federal governments to make more water available to them from the Murray-Darling Basin .
ABARES researchers , though , say locally-grown rice is only a “ modest ” contributor to the notion of food security in Australia .
In its April 23 report , ABARES rejected the call to divert water to rice and other irrigated crops .
“ Calls to divert water or other inputs to the production of crops such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other agricultural producers or to the environment , while doing nothing to increase the supply in the short run since the growing season for rice has past [ sic ] , ” ABARES researchers said .
What do other experts say ?
Bill Bellotti , the food systems program director for the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland , said the recent panic buying in grocery stores is a consumer-demand issue .
It did not stem from problems with the production of food or Australia ’ s capacity to produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most people , depends on the familiar food supply chain — producing , processing , distributing and consuming food , ” Bellotti said .
He suggested the real bottleneck during the COVID-19 crisis had been in the retail chain .
“ The big retailers had food in their distribution centres but could not re-stock fast enough to meet panic demand , ” he said .
“ The pandemic is forcing a rethink on the resilience of these global connections and the ‘ just-in-time ’ food supply chains .
A take-home message is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time for all food actors [ the people along the supply chain ] to reflect on the impact of the coronavirus on their role.
” Bellotti said this opportunity for reflecting was available to everyone , including consumers .
“ For example , consumers might consider buying local fresh produce over imported or highly-processed food , ” he said .
“ Consumers might reduce food waste .
I think there will be lasting changes in consumer behaviour in response to the coronavirus.
” Richard Heath , of the Australian Farm Institute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with food security .
“ By the most basic definition — which is , ‘ Are we at risk of starving because we can not feed ourselves ?
’ — we are so far from that , it ’ s ridiculous , ” he said .
“ When you consider the availability of irrigated-water area , the amount of arable land … we are a very secure nation in terms of food .
“ But the language of food security has become politicised in Australia .
It has come to mean that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings and market mechanisms , we do not have certain industries [ thriving ] — think about rice and dairy .
“ That is not because we do not have the production capacity to do it .
Our production capacity of food is very high , but we are using water that is available and producing almonds for export , for example , rather than milk for consumption or rice .
“ We are food secure , but policy and market settings mean that from time to time , we are not secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although ] we can very easily substitute it for something else.
” • ABC News , Scott Morrison says panic buying driven by coronavirus lockdown fears is ‘ ridiculous ’ and ‘ unAustralian ’ , March 18 , 2020 • Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Research Economics and Sciences ( ABARES ) , Agricultural commodities and trade data , 2019 – Rural commodities – rice • ABARES , Analysis of Australia ’ s food security and the COVID-19 pandemic • Banger , M. No need to stockpile amid virus : Vic govt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordillo , G. and Jerónimo , O.M.
, Food Security and Sovereignty – Base Document for Discussion , UN Food and Agriculture Organisation , 2013 • Greenville , J. , McGilvray , H. , Cao , L.Y .
and Fell , J. , Impacts of COVID-19 on Australian agriculture , forestry and fisheries trade , ABARES Research Report 20.11 , April 2020 • Harvey , G. , Water expert predicts rice shortage after door shut on imports , The Sydney Morning Herald , 11/04/2020 • Hasell , J. and Roser , M. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised edition , December 7 , 2017 • Higgins , E. , Coronavirus : We need more water to grow food in this crisis , say Murray-Darling farmers , The Australian , March 30 , 2020 • Lindberg , R. , Lawrence , M. , Gold , L. , Friel , S. and Pegram , O. , Food Insecurity in Australia : Implications for general practitioners , Royal Australian College of General Practitioners , ( 2015 ) vol .
44 ( 11 ) , 859-862 • Littleproud , D. , Minister for Agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Interview with Tom Connell Sky News , 30/03/20 • Mackay , F. , Haines , B. and Dunn , M. , Measuring and Understanding Food Insecurity in Australia : A Systematic Review , International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 2019 Feb ; 16 ( 3 ) , 476 • Ricegrowers ’ Association of Australia , All About Rice – Factsheet • Ricegrowers ’ Association of Australia , ABARES give false comfort on COVID-19 risks to local and international rice supplies , April 17 , 2020 • Rosier , K. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , who experiences it and how can child and family services support families experiencing it ?
, Australian Institute of Family Studies , August 2011 • Roser , M. and Ritchie , H. , Severe Food Insecurity , Our World in Data , 2018 • Srivastava , S. , Labor Woes in India Rice-Growing Region May Push Farmers to Cotton , Bloomberg , April 23 , 2020 • UN FAO , An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Food Security , 2008 • UN FAO , 2019 The State of Food Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Against Economic Slowdowns and Downturns , 2019 • US Department of Agriculture , Grain : World Market and Trade – Record Corn , Wheat and Rice Crops Build Stocks in 2020/21 , May 2020

The claim
With Australians bunkering down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, panic buying and hoarding of everyday groceries led to severe shortages of some products.
Rice, pasta and some canned foods sold out in the weeks after state and federal governments imposed restrictions and urged Australians to stay at home, with a sudden rush to stock up severely straining supply chains.
State and federal government ministers have said repeatedly that buying huge volumes of food and groceries is unnecessary, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison labelling panic buying “ridiculous” and “not sensible”.


crikey--2020-03-02--Worm: Every man and his secretary

Worm: Every man and his secretary

Good morning , early birds .
Day one of Senate estimates saw revelations and accusations galore , and South Australia has proposed new laws that will make it easier to detain and quarantine people .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Day one of Senate estimates delivered on multiple government scandals .
• Labor criticised Scott Morrison ‘ s position as the sole permanent member of the cabinet office policy committee , meaning , as The Guardian explains , he can call meetings protected by cabinet confidentiality without other cabinet members .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angus Taylor nor Clover Moore were interviewed over doctored emissions data , insisting the matter is “ closed ” .
Taylor later described the investigation on 7.30 as “ pretty thorough ” .
• There was a back and forth between Greens senator Nick McKim and Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo over whether information released to The Courier-Mail relating to a refugee ’ s medical costs were declassified before or after release .
• Labor accused the Coalition ’ s $ 2 billion bushfire recovery fund of not existing .
As The Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers and small businesses have received loans under the scheme — which is now due for a shake-up , according to the ABC .
• It was revealed PM & C secretary Philip Gaetjens neither interviewed anyone at the Prime Minister ’ s office nor , as SBS reports , discovered the 136 emails between Bridget McKenzie and Morrison ’ s staff .
• Turns out Sports Australia received several different versions of McKenzie ’ s colour-coded spreadsheets on the day the 2019 election was called , with projects added and subtracted following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ ) reports .
Coincidentally , Labor senator Murray Watt was at one point censured for using the word “ rorts ” to describe the day ’ s events .
As Australia records its first two person-to-person cases of coronavirus , the ABC reports South Australia has proposed new laws to make it easier to detain or quarantine people exposed to the virus , while The Conversation notes Attorney-General Christian Porter has detailed existing powers at the federal level .
The Sydney Morning Herald has three pressing reports out : an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Shincheonji behind South Korea ’ s outbreak ; news the University of Technology Sydney is preparing to close its campus if an emergency is declared ; and — while less worrying — that packaging shortages from China could affect local chocolate stocks .
An advisor to Iran ’ s supreme leader has died after contracting the virus , The New Daily reports , and Indonesia has officially recorded its first two coronavirus cases , amid concerns over the country ’ s quarantine and screening processes , the ABC reports .
Closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts for the public to stop “ panic buying ” face masks , which are not effective against the virus but are crucial for other health care providers , Australian pharmacies are selling out .
THE COALITION KICK THE ABC ( OUT ) WHILE THEY ’ RE DOWN Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has “ strongly encouraged ” the ABC to consider selling capital city offices , notably in Sydney ’ s Ultimo and Melbourne ’ s Southbank , as the broadcaster grapples with a funding freeze set to take $ 84 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 200 redundancies , The Sydney Morning Herald reports .
TALKING POINT : The ABC might be in even more financial strife , with Racing NSW boss Peter V ’ landys launching defamation proceedings over the 7.30 investigation into cruelty against former racehorses .
And as Crikey detailed last month , there ’ s also all that pricey , life-saving bushfire coverage they ’ ve been up to lately .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The AFP commissioner laughs off a suggestion that police ought to have interviewed Energy Minister Angus Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , it ’ s all good .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Imprisoned academic deserves more sympathy than Assange , Sharma says Nova Peris speaks candidly on Q+A about life in politics and the ongoing fight for Indigenous Australians Jacinda Ardern brushes off criticism from Peter Dutton on deportation stance Could it get easier for people to say yuck stuff about women in the workplace ?
Attorney-General : no , lawyers : yes .
Reserve Bank expected to cut rates amid calls for more government spending Another Indigenous man has walked free from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case Huawei ’ s Nick Xenophon ‘ must sign up to the foreign influence register ’ , Andrew Hastie demands More than 80,000 Uighurs sent to work in factories across China , report finds Investors look to salvage parts of AAP as newswire faces closure The Treasurer is missing the mark ( $ ) — Richard Denniss ( AFR ) : “ Treasury ’ s Intergenerational Report ( IGR ) will be out soon and if it ’ s anything like the last four , it will provide far more detail on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the costs of climate disasters .
While Joe Hockey ’ s 2015 IGR states that “ extreme fire weather has increased , and the fire season has lengthened ” his report provides no estimate of what this will cost the budget.
” Police need faster access to overseas information to fight crime and keep Australians safe ( $ ) — Reece Kershaw ( The Australian ) : “ In 2020 , communication happens instantly .
Emails , messages , videos and countless volumes of data are sent between countries at the tap of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept waiting months or even years for a response .
Yet this is the reality law enforcement agencies often face when requesting data from overseas , particularly from the US , with much of our electronic information settling somewhere near Silicon Valley.
” ‘ People are crying and begging ’ : the human cost of forced relocations in immigration detention — Michelle Peterie ( The Conversation ) : “ As monotonous as detention can be , detainees are not allowed to become comfortable .
Between July 2017 and May 2019 , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some of these were deportations , but others were forced transfers between facilities.
” • Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong will both launch National Security College head Rory Medcalf ‘ s new book Contest for the Indo-Pacific : Why China won ’ t map the future at The Australian National University .
• CEO of Indigenous support agency Djirra Antoinette Braybrook will present ANU ’ s 2020 Pamela Denoon Lecture on “ Making First Nations women safe and strong ” .
• Senate estimates hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Attorney-General ’ s department , agriculture and water .
• The federal government ’ s agriculture forecaster ABARES will host its annual two-day conference .
• Historian Frank Bongiorno will launch Professor John Uhr and Dr Shaun Crowe ’ s new book Novel Politics : Studies in Australian Political Fiction at ANU .
• Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams will launch the Centre for Innovative Justice ’ s latest research The PIPA Project : Positive Interventions for Perpetrators of Adolescent violence in the home .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a panel discussion at The Wheeler Centre on the issues raised in Nine ’ s 2019 documentary The Invisible Crime : Are We Failing Victims of Sexual Violence ?
• Cancer Council Victoria will launch a new AI tool that monitors how products that increase risk of cancer are marketed to children .
• American climatologist Michael Mann will speak on “ Our House Is On Fire : How Universities Can Become Advocates For Action ” at the University of Sydney .
• Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will present “ Building a Better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Victoria Park Golf Complex .
• Multiple events will be held this week ahead of International Women ’ s Day on Sunday , March 8 .

A GLORIOUS DAY IN PARLIAMENT
Day one of Senate estimates delivered on multiple government scandals.
Coincidentally, Labor senator Murray Watt was at one point censured for using the word “rorts” to describe the day’s events.
CORONAVIRUS HITS ‘ESCALATING FASCISM’ STAGE OF DISASTER FILM
As Australia records its first two person-to-person cases of coronavirus, the ABC reports South Australia has proposed new laws to make it easier to detain or quarantine people exposed to the virus, while The Conversation notes Attorney-General Christian Porter has detailed existing powers at the federal level.
The Sydney Morning Herald has three pressing reports out: an investigation into Australian branches of the “secretive cult” Shincheonji behind South Korea’s outbreak; news the University of Technology Sydney is preparing to close its campus if an emergency is declared; and — while less worrying — that packaging shortages from China could affect local chocolate stocks.
GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
An advisor to Iran’s supreme leader has died after contracting the virus, The New Daily reports, and Indonesia has officially recorded its first two coronavirus cases, amid concerns over the country’s quarantine and screening processes, the ABC reports.
Closer to home, despite pleas from global medical experts for the public to stop “panic buying” face masks, which are not effective against the virus but are crucial for other health care providers, Australian pharmacies are selling out.
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THE COALITION KICK THE ABC (OUT) WHILE THEY’RE DOWN
Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher has “strongly encouraged” the ABC to consider selling capital city offices, notably in Sydney’s Ultimo and Melbourne’s Southbank, as the broadcaster grapples with a funding freeze set to take $84 million from its annual budget and result in up to 200 redundancies, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
TALKING POINT: The ABC might be in even more financial strife, with Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys launching defamation proceedings over the 7.30 investigation into cruelty against former racehorses. And as Crikey detailed last month, there’s also all that pricey, life-saving bushfire coverage they’ve been up to lately.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
We don’t operate like that. Reece Kershaw
The AFP commissioner laughs off a suggestion that police ought to have interviewed Energy Minister Angus Taylor before deciding that, doctored document or not, it’s all good.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
‘Ethical’ super funds invest in coal, oil, gas
Imprisoned academic deserves more sympathy than Assange, Sharma says
Nova Peris speaks candidly on Q+A about life in politics and the ongoing fight for Indigenous Australians
Jacinda Ardern brushes off criticism from Peter Dutton on deportation stance
Could it get easier for people to say yuck stuff about women in the workplace? Attorney-General: no, lawyers: yes.
Reserve Bank expected to cut rates amid calls for more government spending
Margaret Court’s church set up consulate for anti-gay African regime
Another Indigenous man has walked free from immigration detention after the “aliens” case
Huawei’s Nick Xenophon ‘must sign up to the foreign influence register’, Andrew Hastie demands
Tasmania boosts renewable hydrogen aspirations with $50m “action plan”
More than 80,000 Uighurs sent to work in factories across China, report finds
Investors look to salvage parts of AAP as newswire faces closure
THE COMMENTARIAT
The Treasurer is missing the mark ($) — Richard Denniss (AFR): “Treasury’s Intergenerational Report (IGR) will be out soon and if it’s anything like the last four, it will provide far more detail on the future costs of Youth Allowance than on the costs of climate disasters. While Joe Hockey’s 2015 IGR states that “extreme fire weather has increased, and the fire season has lengthened” his report provides no estimate of what this will cost the budget.”
Police need faster access to overseas information to fight crime and keep Australians safe ($) — Reece Kershaw (The Australian): “In 2020, communication happens instantly. Emails, messages, videos and countless volumes of data are sent between countries at the tap of a screen. It would be difficult to accept waiting months or even years for a response. Yet this is the reality law enforcement agencies often face when requesting data from overseas, particularly from the US, with much of our electronic information settling somewhere near Silicon Valley.”
‘People are crying and begging’: the human cost of forced relocations in immigration detention — Michelle Peterie (The Conversation): “As monotonous as detention can be, detainees are not allowed to become comfortable. Between July 2017 and May 2019, there were 8,000 involuntary movements within the system. Some of these were deportations, but others were forced transfers between facilities.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong will both launch National Security College head Rory Medcalf ‘s new book Contest for the Indo-Pacific: Why China won’t map the future at The Australian National University.
CEO of Indigenous support agency Djirra Antoinette Braybrook will present ANU’s 2020 Pamela Denoon Lecture on “Making First Nations women safe and strong”.
Senate estimates hearings will today focus on communications, finance, the Attorney-General’s department, agriculture and water.
The federal government’s agriculture forecaster ABARES will host its annual two-day conference.
Historian Frank Bongiorno will launch Professor John Uhr and Dr Shaun Crowe’s new book Novel Politics: Studies in Australian Political Fiction at ANU.
Melbourne
Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams will launch the Centre for Innovative Justice’s latest research The PIPA Project: Positive Interventions for Perpetrators of Adolescent violence in the home.
The Age journalist Nicole Precel will host a panel discussion at The Wheeler Centre on the issues raised in Nine’s 2019 documentary The Invisible Crime: Are We Failing Victims of Sexual Violence?
Cancer Council Victoria will launch a new AI tool that monitors how products that increase risk of cancer are marketed to children.
Sydney
American climatologist Michael Mann will speak on “Our House Is On Fire: How Universities Can Become Advocates For Action” at the University of Sydney.
Brisbane
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will present “Building a Better Brisbane – Vision for the Future” at Victoria Park Golf Complex.
Australia


crikey--2020-03-01--Netflix shares strong amid media troubles

While major media and tech companies took a battering last week , one was seen as a 'safe haven ' @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s coronavirus-driven sharemarket plunge , one of the few stocks ( and the @ @ @ @ @ to stand against the selling wave was US streaming video giant , Netflix .
It @ @ @ @ @ rest of the media ( and most other ) companies here and in the US @ @ @ @ @ with shares up 0.8 % .
It ’ s a message from the market that @ @ @ @ @ board .
While every major media and tech company did poorly last week in the @ @ @ @ @ GFC , only one was seen as a `` safe haven '' in the sector @ @ @ @ @ boom of the past two years .
It seems investors reckon Netflix is the ideal @ @ @ @ @ there is a COVID-19 pandemic that confines hundreds of millions of people to their homes @ @ @ @ @ venues to close in coming months .

Amid last week’s coronavirus-driven sharemarket plunge, one of the few stocks (and the only media related one) to stand against the selling wave was US streaming video giant, Netflix.
It did better than all the rest of the media (and most other) companies here and in the US, UK and Europe, with shares up 0.8%. It’s a message from the market that its rivals should take on board. While every major media and tech company did poorly last week in the most volatile trading since the GFC, only one was seen as a “safe haven” in the sector that has driven the great boom of the past two years.
It seems investors reckon Netflix is the ideal stock to invest in if there is a COVID-19 pandemic that confines hundreds of millions of people to their homes and forces entertainment and sport venues to close in coming months.


crikey--2020-04-30--Worm: 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment

In the past six weeks , 18 % of the US workforce have lost their jobs .
CNN reports that 30.3 million Americans — 5 million more people than the entire population of Australia — have filed unemployment claims since mid-March .
This is 18.6 % of the US workforce .
The news comes after US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — who helped sneak a $ 90 billion tax cut for millionaires into the last relief package — pledged in a Fox News interview to not support another relief bill unless it includes liability or litigation protections for businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Australians now on JobSeeker , The Guardian reports that a Labor-Greens-led Senate inquiry has recommended keeping the recently-doubled payment above poverty levels .
According to The Brisbane Times , Australia will support the US in lobbying for Taiwan to be granted WHO observer status at the World Health Organisation .
It ’ s been four years since Taiwan was ejected from the organisation due to pressure from China .
The move follows an appeal from Taiwan ’ s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung in the Nine papers this week , and will likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Australian ( $ ) reports , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has backed Scott Morrison ’ s push for an inquiry into the pandemic ’ s source , and is pushing other US politicians to support the initiative .
CALLS FOR CALM : The AFR ( $ ) reports that , with China helping Western Australia rebound quicker relative to the eastern states , Australia ’ s most popular premier Mark McGowan has called on everyone to cool their jets , and not upend the gravy train .
National Cabinet will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , territory and federal leaders will reportedly discuss a draft aged care code of practice .
The voluntary code would allow families of dying loved ones controlled visits to nursing homes .
Advocates for elderly Australians are pushing for the code to be made mandatory .
Also on today ’ s National Cabinet agenda : the COVID-19 surveillance plan , mental health recovery , and principles to guide the return of professional and recreational sport .
‘ ROADMAP TO THE NEW NORMAL ’ After more than three weeks without a new case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprehensive timeline yet for reopening .
While dependent on zero new community transmissions and maintaining 1.5-metre physical distancing , restrictions will be lifted at noon across three dates : • Friday , May 15 : safer indoor activities for less than two hours , including cafes , food courts and gyms ( venues will have to pass safety plan checklists ) • Friday , June 5 : the two-hour limit will be removed and other restrictions lifted on sporting matches , TABs , cinemas The territory will also examine internal border controls with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of their expiration on June 18 .
SOUTH AUSTRALIA PUSHES FORWARD : Ahead of National Cabinet today , The Australian ( $ ) reports that South Australia is pushing to reopen in three weeks , after clocking their eighth consecutive day with no new cases .
• New South Wales has today launched a heat map of suburbs with active cases , recovery rates and testing figures .
The state also launched 13 new fee-free TAFE online short courses for people looking to upskill during the pandemic • Tasmania has released an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital outbreak , which found hospital staff worked while sick and suggests the original source of infection was most likely to have been Ruby Princess passengers • South Australia has announced a $ 2.4 million domestic violence package , to include funding for a new dedicated 24/7 men ’ s domestic violence hotline amongst other services .
The state also published the country ’ s highest per capita testing rate of over 3.2 % .
• Victoria has extended its “ Hotels For Heroes ” program to police , firefighters and other frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , and launched six new mobile coronavirus testing sites across Melbourne shopping centres yesterday • Western Australia has pledged to fast-track transport construction contracts worth up to $ 20 million , with a state-wide construction panel established to expedite delivery .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
After calling the coronavirus panic “ dumb ” and trying to get Tesla listed as an essential service , everyone ’ s favourite billionaire lashes the Californian and US governments for state ( and factory ) shutdowns .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Barilaro sets up showdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ ) Shipbuilder receives $ 350 million lifeline to construct six new patrol boats during COVID-19 Business and unions urge governments to help jobless foreign students The strictest coronavirus policy that has saved lives Coronavirus could wreak havoc on poor communities like South Sudan , new report says Manufacturing a way forward for our economy ( $ ) — Graham Richardson ( The Australian ) : “ ‘ The enemy of my enemy is my friend ’ is a maxim I have always rejected .
Stalin may have been an enemy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of convenience for Churchill and Roosevelt .
You can bet that the Solvol was at the ready for Winston and Franklin to cleanse their hands , and not simply clean them.
” Behind every test is a patient with cultural and emotional needs — Shannon Springer ( IndigenousX ) : “ Ask any Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander person , the daily grind of ‘ life in the colony ’ offers up the usual pervading social and cultural challenges , ( gaining a meaningful job , racism , having access to appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and determine change , etc.
, etc . )
” Can the government defy history and return Eden-Monaro to ‘ bellwether ’ status ?
— Michelle Grattan ( The Conversation ) : “ It ’ s been the summer and autumn from hell for very many of the voters in the NSW federal seat of Eden-Monaro , a Labor electorate on under 1 % that forms an envelope around the nation ’ s capital .
”

30 MILLION AMERICANS UNEMPLOYED
CNN reports that 30.3 million Americans — 5 million more people than the entire population of Australia — have filed unemployment claims since mid-March. This is 18.6% of the US workforce.
The news comes after US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — who helped sneak a $90 billion tax cut for millionaires into the last relief package — pledged in a Fox News interview to not support another relief bill unless it includes liability or litigation protections for businesses.
WHAT ABOUT AUSTRALIA? With 1.3 million Australians now on JobSeeker, The Guardian reports that a Labor-Greens-led Senate inquiry has recommended keeping the recently-doubled payment above poverty levels.
TAIWAN TROUBLES
According to The Brisbane Times, Australia will support the US in lobbying for Taiwan to be granted WHO observer status at the World Health Organisation. It’s been four years since Taiwan was ejected from the organisation due to pressure from China.
The move follows an appeal from Taiwan’s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung in the Nine papers this week, and will likely compound ongoing tensions with China. As The Australian ($) reports, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has backed Scott Morrison’s push for an inquiry into the pandemic’s source, and is pushing other US politicians to support the initiative.
CALLS FOR CALM: The AFR ($) reports that, with China helping Western Australia rebound quicker relative to the eastern states, Australia’s most popular premier Mark McGowan has called on everyone to cool their jets, and not upend the gravy train.
NATIONAL CABINET LOOKS AT NURSING HOMES
National Cabinet will meet again this morning, where state, territory and federal leaders will reportedly discuss a draft aged care code of practice. The voluntary code would allow families of dying loved ones controlled visits to nursing homes. Advocates for elderly Australians are pushing for the code to be made mandatory.
Also on today’s National Cabinet agenda: the COVID-19 surveillance plan, mental health recovery, and principles to guide the return of professional and recreational sport.
Get Crikey FREE to your inbox every weekday morning with the Crikey Worm. Email Sign up By subscribing you are agreeing to our terms and conditions
‘ROADMAP TO THE NEW NORMAL’
After more than three weeks without a new case, the Northern Territory yesterday launched the most comprehensive timeline yet for reopening. While dependent on zero new community transmissions and maintaining 1.5-metre physical distancing, restrictions will be lifted at noon across three dates:
Today, May 1: outdoor activities including pools, playgrounds, weddings and funerals Friday, May 15: safer indoor activities for less than two hours, including cafes, food courts and gyms (venues will have to pass safety plan checklists) Friday, June 5: the two-hour limit will be removed and other restrictions lifted on sporting matches, TABs, cinemas
The territory will also examine internal border controls with the federal government, councils and communities ahead of their expiration on June 18.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA PUSHES FORWARD: Ahead of National Cabinet today, The Australian ($) reports that South Australia is pushing to reopen in three weeks, after clocking their eighth consecutive day with no new cases.
STATE WRAP
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
Frankly, I would call it forcibly imprisoning people in their homes against all their constitutional rights… This is fascist. This isn’t democratic. This isn’t freedom. Give people back their goddamn freedom. Elon Musk
After calling the coronavirus panic “dumb” and trying to get Tesla listed as an essential service, everyone’s favourite billionaire lashes the Californian and US governments for state (and factory) shutdowns.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Arrested Aboriginal elder says communities in coronavirus lockdown can’t access essentials
Barilaro sets up showdown with Libs to become Nationals federal leader ($)
Shipbuilder receives $350 million lifeline to construct six new patrol boats during COVID-19
US intelligence agency study concludes COVID-19 ‘not man-made or genetically modified’
Corporate lending posts biggest increase since January 1988 ($)
Business and unions urge governments to help jobless foreign students
Forrest among 20 Virgin Australia bidders ($)
The strictest coronavirus policy that has saved lives
Coronavirus could wreak havoc on poor communities like South Sudan, new report says
THE COMMENTARIAT
Manufacturing a way forward for our economy ($) — Graham Richardson (The Australian): “‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend’ is a maxim I have always rejected. Stalin may have been an enemy of Hitler but he was a mere friend of convenience for Churchill and Roosevelt. You can bet that the Solvol was at the ready for Winston and Franklin to cleanse their hands, and not simply clean them.”
Behind every test is a patient with cultural and emotional needs — Shannon Springer (IndigenousX): “Ask any Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander person, the daily grind of ‘life in the colony’ offers up the usual pervading social and cultural challenges, (gaining a meaningful job, racism, having access to appropriate housing, having a platform to voice and determine change, etc., etc.)”
Can the government defy history and return Eden-Monaro to ‘bellwether’ status? — Michelle Grattan (The Conversation): “It’s been the summer and autumn from hell for very many of the voters in the NSW federal seat of Eden-Monaro, a Labor electorate on under 1% that forms an envelope around the nation’s capital.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE


crikey--2020-02-19--Worm: Morrison moves to extend China travel ban

Good morning , early birds .
The government is expected to extend its China travel ban from three to four weeks , and Hannah Baxter has died in hospital overnight .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
The Morrison government is “ expected ” to extend its China travel ban to four weeks , the Nine papers report , with the move set to be debated by cabinet ’ s national security committee today or Friday .
In something of a contrast , the Victorian government has announced a trade delegation of 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is safe , and will light up Melbourne landmarks in red and gold in solidarity on Friday .
FUN FACT : Travel agents are marketing targeted “ 14-day , 13-night ” packages to third-country transit locations as a workaround to the travel ban , The Australian ( $ ) reports .
Brisbane woman Hannah Baxter has died in hospital overnight due to injuries from a car fire that killed her three children and husband , former rugby league player and alleged perpetrator of the murder-suicide , Rowan Baxter .
While police are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had escaped the vehicle and yelled “ he ’ s poured petrol on me ” , while The Courier-Mail ( $ ) has reported further , utterly devastating details of Rowan ’ s alleged actions .
India ’ s Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi has announced the country will stop importing thermal coal from the 2023-24 financial year onwards , The Economic Times reports , as the government looks to transform state-owned mining company Coal India into an integrated energy company .
SIDE NOTE : Anthony Albanese yesterday confirmed Labor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but drew the line at throwing “ hush money ” at a new coal plant for “ climate sceptics ” , The Guardian reports .
A Nine investigation has found suspected spy and Melbourne businessman Brian Chen was able to avoid ASIO ’ s “ net ” and fly out of Australia last March , despite allegations he tried to insert a Chinese agent into federal parliament .
TALKING POINT : It hasn ’ t been a great 24 hours for Australia ’ s top security agencies .
The Guardian reports AFP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police never interviewed Angus Taylor over that whole “ alleged fraud ” case they dropped .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The man who called domestic violence education and refugee advocacy “ grooming ” downplays the dictionary definition of the word .
READ ALL ABOUT IT ‘ How would you like to handle it ?
’ : the minister , the irrigators and a flood Victoria left in the dark over potential bilateral energy deal with Angus Taylor Cannon-Brookes teams with Tesla , 5B to fund solar and batteries for fire victims Michelle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a Qld tour Coles and Target are the tip of the iceberg .
There could be ‘ dozens ’ more underpayment scandals There are none so blind as those who will not see ( $ ) — Nikki Savva ( The Australian ) : “ Joel Fitzgibbon and Anthony Albanese met at a Young Labor conference in 1985 .
Both were elected to federal parliament on March 2 , 1996 , the day that John Howard became prime minister.
” Making a virtue of Christmas Island – the evacuation that did us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morning Herald ) : “ Who would have thought it ?
A red-hot offshore detention centre , 240 Australian citizens , including children , detained for a fortnight .
Soldiers on patrol .
Not a single case of coronavirus in what will no doubt turn out to have been an overly cautious isolation period.
” Wikipedia is the last best place on the internet — Richard Cooke ( Wired ) : “ Like Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook , it broadcasts user-generated content .
Unlike them , it makes its product de-personified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
More than an encyclopedia , Wikipedia has become a community , a library , a constitution , an experiment , a political manifesto—the closest thing there is to an online public square.
” • Wurundjeri elder Aunty Di Kerr will perform a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony for the asylum seekers and refugees detained in the Mantra Hotel in Preston , as part of an Amnesty International event .
• Ongoing negotiations between Yarra Trams and the transport union will see drivers strike for the second time this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women in Film Festival , to run until Sunday , February 23 .
• Local Greens MP Jamie Parker will hold a public meeting about the Western Harbour Tunnel at Balmain Town Hall .
• Historian Kate Fullagar will launch her new book , The Warrior , the Voyager , and the Artist : Three Lives in an Age of Empire , at the State Library of NSW .
• A NSW upper house committee will hold a regional hearing as part of an inquiry into the regulation of building standards , building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labor MPs Di Farmer and Shannon Fentiman will host a fundraising relaunch of Sakina House at Queensland Parliament .
• SA Governor Hieu Van Le will present the 2019 Governor ’ s Civics Awards and launch the 2020 program .
• The ABS will publish data on January employment and unemployment figures .
• Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will appear via video-link in Westminster Magistrates Court for his final case management hearing before his extradition trial begins .

I BELIEVE I BAN FLY
The Morrison government is “expected” to extend its China travel ban to four weeks, the Nine papers report, with the move set to be debated by cabinet’s national security committee today or Friday.
In something of a contrast, the Victorian government has announced a trade delegation of 100 businesses to tour China as soon as it is safe, and will light up Melbourne landmarks in red and gold in solidarity on Friday.
FUN FACT: Travel agents are marketing targeted “14-day, 13-night” packages to third-country transit locations as a workaround to the travel ban, The Australian ($) reports.
HANNAH BAXTER DIES
Brisbane woman Hannah Baxter has died in hospital overnight due to injuries from a car fire that killed her three children and husband, former rugby league player and alleged perpetrator of the murder-suicide, Rowan Baxter.
While police are still investigating, the ABC reports Hannah had escaped the vehicle and yelled “he’s poured petrol on me”, while The Courier-Mail ($) has reported further, utterly devastating details of Rowan’s alleged actions.
Lifeline: 13 11 14; 1800Respect: 1800 737 732.
INDIA CANCELS COAL IMPORTS
India’s Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi has announced the country will stop importing thermal coal from the 2023-24 financial year onwards, The Economic Times reports, as the government looks to transform state-owned mining company Coal India into an integrated energy company.
SIDE NOTE: Anthony Albanese yesterday confirmed Labor’s support for the Adani Carmichael mine, but drew the line at throwing “hush money” at a new coal plant for “climate sceptics”, The Guardian reports.
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ALLEGED SPY FLIES AWAY
A Nine investigation has found suspected spy and Melbourne businessman Brian Chen was able to avoid ASIO’s “net” and fly out of Australia last March, despite allegations he tried to insert a Chinese agent into federal parliament.
TALKING POINT: It hasn’t been a great 24 hours for Australia’s top security agencies. The Guardian reports AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw admitted yesterday that federal police never interviewed Angus Taylor over that whole “alleged fraud” case they dropped.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
Well, that headmaster that she [reporter Louise Milligan] mentioned, who gave a character reference for a man who was an ex-teacher, who hit on a boy at that school – no sex occurred – hit on the boy, later jailed for grooming. Andrew Bolt
The man who called domestic violence education and refugee advocacy “grooming” downplays the dictionary definition of the word.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
‘How would you like to handle it?’: the minister, the irrigators and a flood
Court action over new St Kevin’s allegations
Victoria left in the dark over potential bilateral energy deal with Angus Taylor
Cannon-Brookes teams with Tesla, 5B to fund solar and batteries for fire victims
‘Activism’ puts focus on High Court vacancies ($)
Michelle Landry has offered to accompany Adam Bandt on a Qld tour
‘Un-Australian’: Female cricketer denied visa over flight risk concerns
Mining magnate Peter Wright’s son Julian fights surviving sister for one-third share of estate
Labor’s Jim Chalmers backs Jacinda Ardern’s ‘wellbeing budget’ plan ($)
Coles and Target are the tip of the iceberg. There could be ‘dozens’ more underpayment scandals
Gender parity at music festivals? It’s complicated, says Splendour boss
THE COMMENTARIAT
There are none so blind as those who will not see ($) — Nikki Savva (The Australian): “Joel Fitzgibbon and Anthony Albanese met at a Young Labor conference in 1985. Both were elected to federal parliament on March 2, 1996, the day that John Howard became prime minister.”
Making a virtue of Christmas Island – the evacuation that did us proud — Pru Goward (The Sydney Morning Herald): “Who would have thought it? A red-hot offshore detention centre, 240 Australian citizens, including children, detained for a fortnight. Soldiers on patrol. Not a single case of coronavirus in what will no doubt turn out to have been an overly cautious isolation period.”
Wikipedia is the last best place on the internet — Richard Cooke (Wired): “Like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, it broadcasts user-generated content. Unlike them, it makes its product de-personified, collaborative, and for the general good. More than an encyclopedia, Wikipedia has become a community, a library, a constitution, an experiment, a political manifesto—the closest thing there is to an online public square.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Melbourne
Wurundjeri elder Aunty Di Kerr will perform a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony for the asylum seekers and refugees detained in the Mantra Hotel in Preston, as part of an Amnesty International event.
Ongoing negotiations between Yarra Trams and the transport union will see drivers strike for the second time this week.
Opening night of the Melbourne Women in Film Festival, to run until Sunday, February 23.
Sydney
Local Greens MP Jamie Parker will hold a public meeting about the Western Harbour Tunnel at Balmain Town Hall.
Historian Kate Fullagar will launch her new book, The Warrior, the Voyager, and the Artist: Three Lives in an Age of Empire, at the State Library of NSW.
Newcastle
A NSW upper house committee will hold a regional hearing as part of an inquiry into the regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes.
Brisbane
State Labor MPs Di Farmer and Shannon Fentiman will host a fundraising relaunch of Sakina House at Queensland Parliament.
Adelaide
SA Governor Hieu Van Le will present the 2019 Governor’s Civics Awards and launch the 2020 program.
Australia
The ABS will publish data on January employment and unemployment figures.
London


crikey--2020-03-19--Worm: No non-citizens allowed, says Morrison

Good morning , early birds .
As of 9pm tonight , all foreigner travellers will be barred from entering Australia , and the government has indicated it will increase the Newstart Allowance for the first time in 25 years .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
IF IT ’ S “ UN-AUSTRALIAN ” , SHUT IT DOWN All foreigner travellers will be barred from entering Australia from 9pm AEDT tonight , the ABC reports , due to Scott Morrison replacing the China , Iran , Italy and South Korea travel bans with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The news , which follows similar measures from New Zealand and even Tasmania yesterday , means anyone with a student or working holiday visa currently out of the country will be unable to enter Australia for the foreseeable future .
Visa holders already in Australia can remain , however , The Guardian reports the ban creates new limbos for two million temporary visa holders .
IN RELATED NEWS : The government has advised more than 170 Australians trapped in locked-down Peru to find a commercial charter flight home , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of Newstart for the first time in 25 years as part of the federal government ’ s second stimulus package , according to The Australian Financial Review ( $ ) .
In an earlier report , AFR indicated the package would include a new unemployment payment — one targeted at people who lose their jobs during the crisis — higher than the existing Newstart rate , although Scott Morrison appeared to indicate yesterday the new rate would extend to all recipients .
IN RELATED NEWS : Labor ’ s Shadow Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for mortgage , rent and utility support to form part of the package , while Josh Frydenberg told 7.30 last night that mortgage support might be offered by the big banks .
The RBA has slashed interest rates to 0.25 % , The Age reports , revealed plans to buy government debt to lower borrowing rates , and announced at least a $ 90 billion loan to banks on the condition they pass the money onto small and medium businesses .
Along with $ 15 billion from the government for small lenders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the banking system .
KEEP IN MIND : With a global recession all but guaranteed , it might be worth checking out the World Economic Forum ’ s guide to dwindling monetary policy tools .
A video leaked to BuzzFeed News shows detained refugees in Brisbane voicing fears to immigration officials — and largely getting nothing in the way of answers — after both Buzzfeed and The Guardian reported that a local Serco guard contracted the virus .
The news comes amid campaigns to free people from confined , at-risk areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the prison system .
The Australian soldier recorded shooting and killing an unarmed Afghan man in footage aired by Four Corners has been suspended from duty , while Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has referred the matter to the AFP commissioner , the ABC reports .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Speaking at an LNP fundraiser on the Gold Coast last July , the Adani Australia CEO demonstrates brief concern that his secret plan to rip 100 million tonnes of coal a year out of the Galilee Basin might go public .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes in Iran as medics forced to treat sick without masks China reports no domestic cases of coronavirus for first time since outbreak began Elderly Aussies on cruise ship fear being ‘ left to die ’ if it docks in Italy , families say ( $ ) Prepare for the worst : Extraordinary powers granted to Qld health chief Younger adults are a large percentage of coronavirus hospitalisations in US , Europe , data shows Anti-malaria drug to be made available to coronavirus patients ‘ almost immediately ’ : Trump Israeli spies source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission Contact sport in a time of social distancing — Georgina Robinson ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ The National Rugby League went to unprecedented lengths to safeguard the health of its players when round two of its season got under way in Sydney on Thursday night .
In response to the coronavirus outbreak , it placed its interchange benches 20 metres apart at ANZ Stadium , with each chair on each bench 1.5 metres away from the next .
Officials washed and disinfected the match balls every 10 minutes.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms ( $ ) — Simon Benson ( The Australian ) : “ Scott Morrison is heading down a road that may require him to do what was politically unimaginable only three weeks ago .
Some companies may end up having to be nationalised , if even only temporarily .
The government isn ’ t there just yet .
But people should be under no illusion as to what might be coming down the pipeline.
” Scott Morrison has said we ’ ll face at least 6 months of disruption .
Where does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller ( The Conversation ) : “ Scott Morrison yesterday warned Australians will face at least six months of disturbance to our day-to-day lives as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic .
Social distancing measures such as restrictions on large group gatherings and events won ’ t just be in place until next week or the week after.
” • COAG energy ministers are expected to discuss the response to the coronavirus outbreak .
• The High Court of Australia will hear Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton ‘ s appeal against the test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guinea asylum seekers .
• The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia will hold a virtual version of its “ 2020 Pathology Update ” .

IF IT’S “UN-AUSTRALIAN”, SHUT IT DOWN
All foreigner travellers will be barred from entering Australia from 9pm AEDT tonight, the ABC reports, due to Scott Morrison replacing the China, Iran, Italy and South Korea travel bans with a global ban on all non-residents and non-citizens.
The news, which follows similar measures from New Zealand and even Tasmania yesterday, means anyone with a student or working holiday visa currently out of the country will be unable to enter Australia for the foreseeable future. Visa holders already in Australia can remain, however, The Guardian reports the ban creates new limbos for two million temporary visa holders.
IN RELATED NEWS: The government has advised more than 170 Australians trapped in locked-down Peru to find a commercial charter flight home, according to the ABC.
25 YEARS LATER, NEWSTART MAY INCREASE
Australia will increase the real-term rate of Newstart for the first time in 25 years as part of the federal government’s second stimulus package, according to The Australian Financial Review ($).
In an earlier report, AFR indicated the package would include a new unemployment payment — one targeted at people who lose their jobs during the crisis — higher than the existing Newstart rate, although Scott Morrison appeared to indicate yesterday the new rate would extend to all recipients.
IN RELATED NEWS: Labor’s Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare has called for mortgage, rent and utility support to form part of the package, while Josh Frydenberg told 7.30 last night that mortgage support might be offered by the big banks.
$105 BILLION BIG BOYS FOR THE BANKS
The RBA has slashed interest rates to 0.25%, The Age reports, revealed plans to buy government debt to lower borrowing rates, and announced at least a $90 billion loan to banks on the condition they pass the money onto small and medium businesses.
Along with $15 billion from the government for small lenders, this will effectively inject $105 billion into the banking system.
KEEP IN MIND: With a global recession all but guaranteed, it might be worth checking out the World Economic Forum’s guide to dwindling monetary policy tools.
Get Crikey FREE to your inbox every weekday morning with the Crikey Worm. Email Sign up By subscribing you are agreeing to our terms and conditions
GUARD TESTS POSITIVE
A video leaked to BuzzFeed News shows detained refugees in Brisbane voicing fears to immigration officials — and largely getting nothing in the way of answers — after both Buzzfeed and The Guardian reported that a local Serco guard contracted the virus.
The news comes amid campaigns to free people from confined, at-risk areas, with The Age reporting of similar fears across the prison system.
SOLDIER STOOD DOWN
The Australian soldier recorded shooting and killing an unarmed Afghan man in footage aired by Four Corners has been suspended from duty, while Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has referred the matter to the AFP commissioner, the ABC reports.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
Sorry, are you recording that? Or you’re… no? Okay. We’re permitted up to 60 million tonnes, so the reality is we’ve got an opportunity to be able to expand beyond that. Lucas Dow
Speaking at an LNP fundraiser on the Gold Coast last July, the Adani Australia CEO demonstrates brief concern that his secret plan to rip 100 million tonnes of coal a year out of the Galilee Basin might go public.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
One dead every 10 minutes in Iran as medics forced to treat sick without masks
China reports no domestic cases of coronavirus for first time since outbreak began
Elderly Aussies on cruise ship fear being ‘left to die’ if it docks in Italy, families say ($)
Prepare for the worst: Extraordinary powers granted to Qld health chief
Younger adults are a large percentage of coronavirus hospitalisations in US, Europe, data shows
Anti-malaria drug to be made available to coronavirus patients ‘almost immediately’: Trump
Education Queensland crackdown as school absences soar during coronavirus crisis ($)
NSW irrigators Peter and Jane Harris guilty of breaching water-take regulations
Jeffrey Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell sues his estate over legal fees
Israeli spies source up to 100,000 coronavirus tests in covert mission
THE COMMENTARIAT
Contact sport in a time of social distancing — Georgina Robinson (The Sydney Morning Herald): “The National Rugby League went to unprecedented lengths to safeguard the health of its players when round two of its season got under way in Sydney on Thursday night. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, it placed its interchange benches 20 metres apart at ANZ Stadium, with each chair on each bench 1.5 metres away from the next. Officials washed and disinfected the match balls every 10 minutes.”
Coronavirus: PM looks to nationalise failing firms ($) — Simon Benson (The Australian): “Scott Morrison is heading down a road that may require him to do what was politically unimaginable only three weeks ago. Some companies may end up having to be nationalised, if even only temporarily. The government isn’t there just yet. But people should be under no illusion as to what might be coming down the pipeline.”
Scott Morrison has said we’ll face at least 6 months of disruption. Where does that number come from? — Joel Miller (The Conversation): “Scott Morrison yesterday warned Australians will face at least six months of disturbance to our day-to-day lives as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing measures such as restrictions on large group gatherings and events won’t just be in place until next week or the week after.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Brisbane
COAG energy ministers are expected to discuss the response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Canberra
The High Court of Australia will hear Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton‘s appeal against the test cases of four Nauru and Papua New Guinea asylum seekers.
Sydney


crikey--2020-05-22--Social distancing in Tasmania: Update on work, education, travel and fines

Here is the latest on coronavirus social distancing rules in Tasmania .
This article will be updated regularly to keep you informed .
Social distancing in Tasmania began to ease on May 18 , on commencement of stage one of the recovery plan .
Since May 18 , up to 5 people can visit a household and 10 people can meet in public indoor and outdoor settings .
Here is the latest update on : • What businesses are closed in Tasmania ?
• What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
As of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 5 visitors to their home .
Group gatherings of 10 people are also allowed in public indoor and outdoor venues , as long as physical distancing guidelines are observed such as maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres from one another .
Tasmanians may also leave their homes for the following reasons : • Facilitating shared parenting arrangements , guardianship or care arrangements for another person ; • Exercising , including the use of outdoor gyms , playgrounds and skate-parks ; • Attending work , volunteering , school and study , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Taking a pet to a veterinarian or providing reasonable measures to ensure the welfare of an animal ; • Performing essential maintenance on other premises owned by them ; and • Launching a boat in the same municipal area as their primary residence .
The number of people who can attend funerals has increased from 10 to 20 .
30 people can attend funerals that are held outdoors .
Social distancing rules in Tasmania are similar to New South Wales and Victoria , although the state ’ s rules have been more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tasmanians are still allowed to legally sell their possessions on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree , provided they follow responsible social distancing guidelines , such as good personal hygiene and a physical distance of 1.5 metres from other people .
Tasmanians are also allowed to exercise horses , go boating , hunting , fishing and surfing , as long as the two-person rule is adhered to .
The Tasmanian government is urging students to continue learning from home unless they need to physically attend school .
Schools in Tasmania ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-week lockdown that came in the wake of a coronavirus outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital .
According to the Tasmanian government , “ keeping children at home and supporting their learning where possible is the best thing we can do to support Tasmania ’ s response to COVID-19 ” .
From May 25 , kindergarten to Year 6 students will return to school and Year 11 and 12 students at extension schools and colleges return to learning at school .
Currently , there are no updates on businesses reopening and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak in the north-west of Tasmania may lead to further delays in restrictions being lifted in Tasmania .
Tasmania , like Victoria , New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory , does not have border restrictions in place , however , those who cross the Tasmanian border will be subject to the restrictions of surrounding states .
If you are entering Tasmania from another state , you will need to self-isolate for 14 days .
Buses and coaches in Tasmania are still operating and are currently free of charge to limit physical contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing is required for those who need to use public transport , which includes staying 1.5 metres away from fellow passengers and washing your hands before and after your journey .
Greencards for the metro have been free of charge since March 26 , and will continue to be so until May 31 , to encourage cashless transactions .
School buses are also still in action while the number of students taking them is low .
What businesses are closed in Tasmania ?
The following businesses and facilities have been instructed to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises • Community facilities , such as halls , clubs and RSLs • Food courts , except for delivery and takeaway • Local government non-essential facilities and services , such as libraries and pools What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
The Tasmanian state emergency service , Australian defence members and fire service volunteers are currently carrying out spot checks across Tasmania .
On-the-spot penalties could be fines of up to $ 16,800 , or six months in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When will the lockdown end ?

Social distancing in Tasmania began to ease on May 18, on commencement of stage one of the recovery plan.
Since May 18, up to 5 people can visit a household and 10 people can meet in public indoor and outdoor settings.
Here is the latest update on:


crikey--2020-05-22--Queensland: Social distancing rules, work, education, fines, and what's open?

Here is the latest on coronavirus social distancing rules in Queensland .
This article will be updated regularly to keep you informed .
Social distancing in Queensland began to ease on May 15 with stage one of the recovery roadmap .
Here is the latest update on : • What businesses are allowed to reopen in Queensland ?
• What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
As of May 15 , the following is allowed : • Up to 5 visitors can visit private homes ; • Up to 10 people can meet in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal training , hiking and other recreational activities ; • Up to 10 people can attend weddings ; and • Up to 20 people can attend indoor funerals and 30 people can attend outdoor funerals ; • Up to 10 people can now attend cafes and restaurants and pubs ; • Up to 10 people can now attend auctions and open houses ; and • Up to 10 people can now visit beauty and nail salons .
Despite changes to what people can do and how many people can do it at one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health rules still need to be maintained .
As of May 11 , Queensland state school students in kindergarten , prep , Year 1 , Year 11 and Year 12 , have been returning to school and community kindergartens .
Students in years two through to 10 will continue learning from home unless their circumstances mean that they can not .
These students will be allowed to return to school on May 25 if transmission rates remain low .
Social distancing will continue as restrictions and school closures begin to be eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations or classrooms within the school • Stagger lunch breaks , start and finish times , and other activities to reduce the volume of movement .
The easing of restrictions in state schools will be closely assessed and changes will be implemented should there be any negative fallout from schools reopening .
While a number of non-essential businesses may begin to start re-opening , there isn ’ t a definitive answer on when most Queenslanders will return to work .
It has been hypothesised that workplaces will not all be open and fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The success of all schools reopening rests on low , or no , coronavirus transmission rates , so getting back to work will depend on how schools fare .
From March 25 , Queensland closed its borders and only Queensland residents , residents of border communities undertaking essential activities , and those considered an ‘ exempt person ’ , are allowed to enter Queensland via air , sea , rail or road from another state or territory .
These restrictions are still in place , however , Queensland residents can now travel 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those living in the outback can travel 500 kilometres from home for recreational purposes .
What businesses are allowed to reopen in Queensland ?
• Spa and massage parlours ( provided by health practitioners registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law ) What will stay the same ?
All businesses that remained open during the coronavirus lockdown , such as those that were deemed as essential services , will continue to do so , however , social distancing rules are still in place .
Weddings may still only be attended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors .
Those in attendance of both will need to adhere to the one-person-per-four-square-metres rule .
What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
Despite restrictions being eased in Queensland , police officers still have the power to issue on-the-spot-fines for a breach of the rules that are still in place .
Fines for individuals are $ 1,334.50 and fines for corporations are $ 6,672.50 .
Courts can issue maximum penalties that are ten times the fines cited .
Read : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of WFH

Social distancing in Queensland began to ease on May 15 with stage one of the recovery roadmap.
Here is the latest update on:
Social distancing in Queensland
Education
Work
Travel
What businesses are allowed to reopen in Queensland?
What are the fines if you don’t follow the rules?
Social distancing in Queensland
As of May 15, the following is allowed: