crikey--2020-04-01--When the biggest economic experiment in world history is over, what will be left?

There 'll be no v-shaped recovery , or even a u-shaped recovery , from the crisis .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ may not have a lot of say in how it pans out .
The world @ @ @ @ @ and unprecedented experiment : what happens when you engage in a coordinated global shutdown of @ @ @ @ @ it has ever been done before .
Anyone who claims to know how the post-virus @ @ @ @ @ simply speculating .
But certain industries and companies have a better idea than others of @ @ @ @ @ time next year when , hopefully , the virus is no longer a major threat @ @ @ @ @ Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran emailed staff to tell them , “ clearly , @ @ @ @ @ some time and we will need fewer staff , ” and that “ we expect @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time we will be at least 30 % smaller than we are today @ @

The world is engaged in a vast and unprecedented experiment: what happens when you engage in a coordinated global shutdown of economic activity? Nothing like it has ever been done before. Anyone who claims to know how the post-virus recovery will play out is simply speculating.
But certain industries and companies have a better idea than others of how things will look this time next year when, hopefully, the virus is no longer a major threat.
Two weeks ago, Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran emailed staff to tell them, “clearly, we will be smaller for some time and we will need fewer staff,” and that “we expect that even in a year’s time we will be at least 30% smaller than we are today”.


crikey--2020-03-12--Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: Has the MAFS wave peaked?

Married At First Sight has suffered several weeks of dipping ratings .
A momentary blip or something more ?
Is MAFS seeing a dip ?
It had 1.39 million last night compared to 1.47 million a week ago , and 1.52 million two Wednesdays ago .
That ’ s a dip of 126,000 or 8 % .
Tolerable in ratings terms , but the publicity has been poor for the program .
So are viewers losing interest or becoming alienated ?
There ’ s been no real growth in audiences that we saw in 2018 and 2019 .
More a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing peak MAFS ?
Doctor Doctor ’ s audience has suffered as well -- the series peak was a fortnight ago with 837,000 nationally .
It fell to 722,000 last week , but edged up to 754,000 last night .
The weakness in MAFS on Wednesdays has damaged Doctor Doctor , which wo n't leave Nine happy .
Nine still won the night easily -- Seven and Ten left behind .
The ABC was fourth and a weakish night .
Today was back over 300,000 nationally ( 309,000 ) and 200,000 in the @ @ @ @ @

Is MAFS seeing a dip? It had 1.39 million last night compared to 1.47 million a week ago, and 1.52 million two Wednesdays ago. That’s a dip of 126,000 or 8%. Tolerable in ratings terms, but the publicity has been poor for the program.
So are viewers losing interest or becoming alienated? There’s been no real growth in audiences that we saw in 2018 and 2019. More a case of marking time? Are we seeing peak MAFS?
Doctor Doctor’s audience has suffered as well — the series peak was a fortnight ago with 837,000 nationally. It fell to 722,000 last week, but edged up to 754,000 last night. The weakness in MAFS on Wednesdays has damaged Doctor Doctor, which won’t leave Nine happy. Nine still won the night easily — Seven and Ten left behind. The ABC was fourth and a weakish night. Today was back over 300,000 nationally (309,000) and 200,000 in the metros (205,000).


crikey--2020-03-11--Worm: $15 billion stimulus, $25,000 handouts

Good morning , early birds .
The Coalition will today announce its economic stimulus package , and the ATO says Australia 's wealthiest robbed the country of $ 770 million across 2016-17 .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
The Coalition will today announce an economic stimulus package expected to hit $ 15 billion/ $ 17 billion/ “ just shy of $ 20 billion ” ( seriously , the number depends on which outlet you prefer ) — at least $ 8.7 billion of which The Conversation reports will be spent on $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeship subsidy and incentives for equipment .
PS : The ASX closed 3.6 % down yesterday , The Guardian reports .
PPS : States and territories are expected to outline their own stimulus plans when the Council of Australian Governments meets tomorrow , The Australian ( $ ) reports .
The Australian Taxation Office has found that “ artificial and non-commercial arrangements ” by the country ’ s wealthiest people — individuals who , together with associated entities , control a net wealth of $ 50 million or more — robbed the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ABC reports .
AND ALSO : In unrelated coronavirus news , some of Australia ’ s poorest workers — that is , people without paid sick leave — would have to wait at least a month and a half before obtaining the Sick Allowance ( less than 40 % of the minimum wage ) if forced to quarantine , according to The Conversation .
• None The Australian Medical Association NSW has complained of over “ who to test , when to test them , how to test them and where to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Victoria has activated its State Control Centre ahead of the severe disruptions — i.e .
school and event closures — expected within weeks ( ABC ) .
• Brisbane locals probably won ’ t be surprised to learn that a University of Queensland student repeatedly checked out local nightclub/grease stain Friday ’ s while unknowingly infected by the virus ( The Courier-Mail ( $ ) ) .
Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the rape of a woman and sexual assault of another , with Buzzfeed reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ remorseful ” but “ totally confused ” over the convictions .
IN RELATED NEWS : Back at home , Christian Brothers will pay a record $ 1.3 million in damages to survivor John Lawrence over historic child sex abuse at its WA orphanage , with the ABC reporting the congregation failed to argue the sum should be downgraded because of , quote-unquote , “ poor economic and educational prospects regardless of the abuse ” .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
[ Journalist Katharine Murphy : “ Who made these changes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority , given that , my understanding is that ministerial advisors can not make decisions in the way ministers can make decisions ?
” ] The ministerial authority for the program was with the minister for sport .
That is the position .
Once again , the prime minister provides an answer about the sports rorts saga entirely separate to the one that was asked .
READ ALL ABOUT IT NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is under fire for not sidelining embattled police minister David Elliott ( $ ) ‘ I ’ d do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responds to fire fund critics Greenberg pushes case for new contract to ARL commissioners Health minister says Australia can not predict how many will die from coronavirus ‘ Mayhem looms just around the corner ’ : diary from the frontline of the coronavirus health crisis — Anonymous ( The Guardian ) : “ I am a doctor in a small , remote hospital with a predominantly Aboriginal patient load .
My colleagues and I know we are facing an unprecedented disaster when Covid-19 takes hold in our area , as it seems it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Australia needs to get its COVID-19 message right — Prue Clarke ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ It is critical that the campaign is clear , engaging , constant and delivered by trusted sources .
News that doctors are receiving confusing advice from the federal government and different state health authorities on who to test , when , where and how , does not encourage confidence that the government will get it right.
” Biden on a roll but he ’ s yet to be strafed by Trump ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : “ Biden is a deeply flawed candidate , yet he will be a formidable challenger to Trump , who is himself a flawed candidate .
The human race , to which so many politicians belong , tends to produce flawed people ( there aren ’ t any others ) .
” • Curtin Law School will host the two-day “ Law , Technology and Labour Governance Symposium ” .
• The Australian Earth Laws Alliance will launch “ Future Dreaming ” , a new not-for-profit created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Public hearings will begin for the select committee inquiry into the effectiveness of the government ’ s Northern Australia agenda .
• Health Minister Greg Hunt and Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos will help launch the National Drug Discovery Centre at the Walter And Eliza Hall Institute Of Medical Research .
• Bendigo Library will launch photographic exhibition , “ 1.6 Billion Ways To Be Muslim ” , inspired by the work of artist Peter Drew .
• The Wheeler Centre will host a Women at the Edge series event titled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders , historians and experts from Goulburn North East .
• The inspector-general for emergency management Tony Pearce will conduct hearings as part of the independent inquiry into the 2019–20 Victorian fire season .

IS TODAY THE DAY?
The Coalition will today announce an economic stimulus package expected to hit $15 billion/$17 billion/“just shy of $20 billion” (seriously, the number depends on which outlet you prefer) — at least $8.7 billion of which The Conversation reports will be spent on $25,000 handouts for small-to-medium businesses, an apprenticeship subsidy and incentives for equipment.
PS: The ASX closed 3.6% down yesterday, The Guardian reports.
PPS: States and territories are expected to outline their own stimulus plans when the Council of Australian Governments meets tomorrow, The Australian ($) reports.
RICH PEOPLE BEHAVED… UNETHICALLY?
The Australian Taxation Office has found that “artificial and non-commercial arrangements” by the country’s wealthiest people — individuals who, together with associated entities, control a net wealth of $50 million or more — robbed the country of $770 million across 2016-17, the ABC reports.
AND ALSO: In unrelated coronavirus news, some of Australia’s poorest workers — that is, people without paid sick leave — would have to wait at least a month and a half before obtaining the Sick Allowance (less than 40% of the minimum wage) if forced to quarantine, according to The Conversation.
VIRUS WATCH
The Australian Medical Association NSW has complained of confusing guidelines over “who to test, when to test them, how to test them and where to test them” (ABC).
Victoria has activated its State Control Centre ahead of the severe disruptions — i.e. school and event closures — expected within weeks (ABC).
Northern Territory has cancelled “non-essential trips” to Indigenous communities (ABC).
Brisbane locals probably won’t be surprised to learn that a University of Queensland student repeatedly checked out local nightclub/grease stain Friday’s while unknowingly infected by the virus (The Courier-Mail ($)).
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WEINSTEIN GETS 23 YEARS IN PRISON
Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the rape of a woman and sexual assault of another, with Buzzfeed reporting the disgraced producer told the court he was “remorseful” but “totally confused” over the convictions.
IN RELATED NEWS: Back at home, Christian Brothers will pay a record $1.3 million in damages to survivor John Lawrence over historic child sex abuse at its WA orphanage, with the ABC reporting the congregation failed to argue the sum should be downgraded because of, quote-unquote, “poor economic and educational prospects regardless of the abuse”.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
[Journalist Katharine Murphy: “Who made these changes after April 4, and on what legal authority, given that, my understanding is that ministerial advisors cannot make decisions in the way ministers can make decisions?”] The ministerial authority for the program was with the minister for sport. That is the position. Scott Morrison
Once again, the prime minister provides an answer about the sports rorts saga entirely separate to the one that was asked.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Manus Island refugees recount violent attacks by armed locals on apartment compound
Industrial umpire lashes universities ‘obsessed’ with rankings and reputation
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is under fire for not sidelining embattled police minister David Elliott ($)
Domestic violence victim rejects ‘sham’ settlement offer in Queensland police case
‘I’d do it all again’: Celeste Barber responds to fire fund critics
Greenberg pushes case for new contract to ARL commissioners
Health minister says Australia cannot predict how many will die from coronavirus
Guardian journalist Russell Jackson ‘unpaid for five weeks’ ($)
Regional NSW town to host large-scale hydrogen energy storage project – state’s first
Matildas defeat Vietnam to qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics
THE COMMENTARIAT
‘Mayhem looms just around the corner’: diary from the frontline of the coronavirus health crisis — Anonymous (The Guardian): “I am a doctor in a small, remote hospital with a predominantly Aboriginal patient load. My colleagues and I know we are facing an unprecedented disaster when Covid-19 takes hold in our area, as it seems it must inevitably do.”
Lessons from Ebola: Australia needs to get its COVID-19 message right — Prue Clarke (The Sydney Morning Herald): “It is critical that the campaign is clear, engaging, constant and delivered by trusted sources. News that doctors are receiving confusing advice from the federal government and different state health authorities on who to test, when, where and how, does not encourage confidence that the government will get it right.”
Biden on a roll but he’s yet to be strafed by Trump ($) — Greg Sheridan (The Australian): “Biden is a deeply flawed candidate, yet he will be a formidable challenger to Trump, who is himself a flawed candidate. The human race, to which so many politicians belong, tends to produce flawed people (there aren’t any others).”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Perth
Curtin Law School will host the two-day “Law, Technology and Labour Governance Symposium”.
Brisbane
The Australian Earth Laws Alliance will launch “Future Dreaming”, a new not-for-profit created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to increase cross-cultural understanding and ecological collaboration.
Mackay, Queensland
Public hearings will begin for the select committee inquiry into the effectiveness of the government’s Northern Australia agenda.
Melbourne
Health Minister Greg Hunt and Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos will help launch the National Drug Discovery Centre at the Walter And Eliza Hall Institute Of Medical Research.
Bendigo Library will launch photographic exhibition, “1.6 Billion Ways To Be Muslim”, inspired by the work of artist Peter Drew.
Beechworth, Victoria
The Wheeler Centre will host a Women at the Edge series event titled “History and Beyond” with local leaders, historians and experts from Goulburn North East.
Corryong, Victoria


crikey--2020-03-12--Work 'aint what it used to be: why avoiding high unemployment will be a tough task

The Morrison government goes into an economic crisis with unemployment in much worse shape than ten years ago , making @ @ @ @ @ down much harder .
While there 'll be a lot of emphasis on GDP growth @ @ @ @ @ in coming months , the real , meaningful indicator of recession is unemployment .
For @ @ @ @ @ recession of the early 1990s , the memory of 11 % unemployment , one million @ @ @ @ @ at least briefly in early 1993 -- and the sight of hundreds of people queueing @ @ @ @ @ being advertised , is unforgettable .
That 's why the Rudd-Swan government 's efforts during @ @ @ @ @ so remarkable -- unemployment peaked at 6 % and 670,000 , below the level of @ @ @ @ @ Abbott government .

While there’ll be a lot of emphasis on GDP growth and “technical recessions” in coming months, the real, meaningful indicator of recession is unemployment.
For anyone who lived through the recession of the early 1990s, the memory of 11% unemployment, one million people out of work — at least briefly in early 1993 — and the sight of hundreds of people queueing for what few jobs were being advertised, is unforgettable.
That’s why the Rudd-Swan government’s efforts during the global financial crisis were so remarkable — unemployment peaked at 6% and 670,000, below the level of unemployment later reached under the Abbott government.


crikey--2020-03-11--New technology brings 6000-year-old Dreamtime story to life

Yabarra : Dreaming in Light at the Adelaide Fringe is an experience 6000 years in the making , and the @ @ @ @ @ together is just as fascinating .
The story is 6000 years old , but without @ @ @ @ @ a new funding model that turns traditional arts sponsors on their head , it simply @ @ @ @ @ .
Yabarra : Dreaming in Light , the immersive cultural experience that has become a @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Adelaide Fringe Festival , is an ancient story told in a very modern @ @ @ @ @ fringe turned an initial $ 150,000 state government grant into a $ 1 million multilayered @ @ @ @ @ destined to have a profound impact on future cultural presentations of Indigenous stories across the @ @ @ @ @ how they are created , but how they are funded .

The story is 6000 years old, but without world-first digital projection technology and a new funding model that turns traditional arts sponsors on their head, it simply couldn’t be told.
Yabarra: Dreaming in Light, the immersive cultural experience that has become a breakout hit at this year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival, is an ancient story told in a very modern way.
And after the fringe turned an initial $150,000 state government grant into a $1 million multilayered Dreamtime story, it is destined to have a profound impact on future cultural presentations of Indigenous stories across the nation — not just in how they are created, but how they are funded.


crikey--2020-03-30--There are quibbles, but Morrison's historic reversal hits a much-needed spot

We 'll be paying for the government 's extraordinary wage subsidy package for decades to come .
But the cost @ @ @ @ @ steeper .
At $ 130 billion , it 's the biggest backflip in Australian political @ @ @ @ @ welcome .
In less than a week , Scott Morrison has gone from calling an @ @ @ @ @ dangerous '' , claiming it would require a whole new payments system and could n't @ @ @ @ @ announcing $ 130 billion over two quarters , to be delivered from the start of @ @ @ @ @ .
And it 's more comprehensive in some areas than the UK wage subsidy scheme @ @ @ @ @ terms of the proportion of wages subsidised .
All the problems of such a scheme @ @ @ @ @ create perverse incentives , there are arbitrary and perhaps unfair thresholds ( especially around casual @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for gaming .

At $130 billion, it’s the biggest backflip in Australian political history, and the most welcome.
In less than a week, Scott Morrison has gone from calling an economy-wide wage subsidy scheme “dangerous”, claiming it would require a whole new payments system and couldn’t be done quickly, to announcing $130 billion over two quarters, to be delivered from the start of May via the tax system. And it’s more comprehensive in some areas than the UK wage subsidy scheme, though less so in terms of the proportion of wages subsidised.
All the problems of such a scheme are present. It will create perverse incentives, there are arbitrary and perhaps unfair thresholds (especially around casual workers), there are opportunities for gaming.


crikey--2020-03-31--Has the COVID-19 crisis killed neoliberalism? Maybe, maybe not

After the Global Financial Crisis , governments retreated from interventionism .
This time around , they 're less likely to @ @ @ @ @ currently wielding .
After the financial crisis , there were plenty of predictions that capitalism @ @ @ @ @ and that the dramatic state interventions to bail out banks and prop up demand heralded @ @ @ @ @ economic orthodoxy of unfettered markets , small government and powerful corporations .
It 's true @ @ @ @ @ were imposed on banks and financial regulation was significantly more stringent to strengthen the global @ @ @ @ @ many ways business-as-usual was quickly restored .
Predictions of a new era proved false .
@ @ @ @ @ tax cuts and deregulation and worked to stymie climate action .

After the financial crisis, there were plenty of predictions that capitalism had changed for good, and that the dramatic state interventions to bail out banks and prop up demand heralded the end of the dominant economic orthodoxy of unfettered markets, small government and powerful corporations.
It’s true that much tougher capital requirements were imposed on banks and financial regulation was significantly more stringent to strengthen the global financial system.


crikey--2020-05-08--Folly of catching falling knives: a tale of two different crashes

Quite a bit has changed since the market crash of 1987 , but you still ca n't legislate against greed , Janine Perrett writes .
The bleeding obvious award of this week has to go to the corporate regulator for its report finding small investors playing the market during the recent crash were likely to have lost money .
No , really ?
There ’ s a turnup for the books .
That inexperienced investors would throw their money into a market that most professional investors were avoiding — what could possibly go wrong ?
Well , “ they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion of the investors ’ bible The Australian Financial Review .
Maybe they were reading the AFR headlines — in February one day they screamed , “ buy the dip ” and two days later , “ don ’ t buy the dip ” .
Admirable as it was for ASIC to move uncharacteristically quickly in putting out the “ retail investors at risk in volatile market ” report , it was characteristically short on explaining or solving the problem .
But then you can ’ t legislate against greed , goes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only do so much like highlighting the folly of trying to catch falling knives .
One thing different about this crash is that unlike 1987 there are fewer business media heavyweights promoting the promoters .
It ’ s hard to describe the heady days of the 1980s when the likes of Christopher Skase , Alan Bond , Robert Holmes a Court and a raft of long-forgotten crooks were hailed as buccaneers and subject to breathless coverage .
There ’ s still a bit of it around but it ’ s far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew “ Twiggy ” Forrest quickly went from being seen as a philanthropist to China stooge .
We ’ ll have to wait a little for the current over-leveraged rich listers to topple , as some will inevitably do when they ’ ve finished giving self-serving interviews .
Thirty years later there are now unlimited news outlets and online sources for financial advice but the results are much the same .
One media-friendly fund manager I spoke with on radio in February told everyone to keep buying when the market hit a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had crashed a few weeks later .
The coronavirus crisis would be over soon , forgotten within three years , he claimed .
His main fund recently announced it was closing .
The lack of trust in institutions like banks and leaders from business to politics has taken its toll .
The biggest change is that since 1987 superannuation has forced everyone into the stockmarket and anyone even close to retirement age is suddenly an expert investor .
Just note the explosion in self-managed super funds .
They ’ re all chasing “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know what it was , much less appreciate how elusive it is in a recession .
Don ’ t worry about the franking credit debate .
Plenty of even blue chip shares won ’ t be paying any dividend at all .
Investors are so used to yield they don ’ t comprehend the idea anyone would put their money in the bank earning no interest just to be safe .
I joked at the outset of this crisis that investment properties would have a rent strike , shares would have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed and at least they weren ’ t raiding the bank accounts as had happened to a friend in Beirut .
Not so funny now thanks to despicable Me Bank .
Back in 1929 old hands worried when the shoe shine boys gave them stock tips .
During this crash a broker worried when his gym instructor told him he was buying shares as they were cheap — and this despite the fact his business was shuttered .
“ You don ’ t think you might need the cash ?
” he suggested @ @ @ @

The bleeding obvious award of this week has to go to the corporate regulator for its report finding small investors playing the market during the recent crash were likely to have lost money.
No, really? There’s a turnup for the books.
That inexperienced investors would throw their money into a market that most professional investors were avoiding — what could possibly go wrong?


crikey--2020-05-07--Ask an ethicist: is it OK to lie to your employer while working from home?

This week : what are the ethics of lying to your employer while under pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic ?
@ @ @ @ @ Centre ’ s executive director Dr Simon Longstaff will be answering your ethics questions .
@ @ @ @ @ sent me a questionnaire designed to test if my home working environment meets basic standards @ @ @ @ @ answered truthfully I would have 'failed ' the test .
But what ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ when I have to work at home in any case ?
Was it wrong to @ @ @ @ @ Although this ethical issue seems to fall on you -- as the person receiving the @ @ @ @ @ with your employer ’ s decision to request this information in the first place .

Each week, The Ethics Centre’s executive director Dr Simon Longstaff will be answering your ethics questions. This week:
My employer sent me a questionnaire designed to test if my home working environment meets basic standards. If I’d answered truthfully I would have ‘failed’ the test. But what’s the point in telling the truth when I have to work at home in any case? Was it wrong to lie on the form?
Although this ethical issue seems to fall on you — as the person receiving the survey — it actually starts with your employer’s decision to request this information in the first place.


crikey--2020-04-26--The tracing app isn't a huge threat to privacy. But from past experience, the government is

The coronavirus tracing app represents a relatively limited threat to privacy .
It 's the government behind it that 's the problem .
Should you download and use the coronavirus tracing app ?
No , but not so much because of the app itself as the people who are behind it .
In privacy terms , the app is relatively innocuous .
It functions as a kind of decision tree in which you have to repeatedly opt in to make your personal data available : opt in to download it , opt in to register , opt in to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opt in to leave your screen unlocked , opt in to share your information and that of other contacts that it has collected on other contacts if you test positive .
You can “ opt out ” at any stage and not risk your data .
The number of people downloading the app — breathlessly reported by the media — isn ’ t a particularly good guide to its success .
How many people leave it running with an open screen while they go about their daily life , which is the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way intended by the government , is anyone ’ s guess .
It is conceivable , though highly unlikely , that the encrypted data on your phone is a privacy risk — though without seeing the full source code , we can ’ t be completely sure .
The real risk is if you test positive — or for any other reason — and agree to upload your data to Amazon ’ s servers for the government ’ s contact tracers to access .
At that point , the question is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government .
What ’ s required for that isn ’ t a privacy impact assessment but a power impact assessment .
A power impact assessment would examine this government and find it badly wanting in relation to the abuse of personal information .
It introduced data retention laws supposedly reserved only for a small number of security agencies , protected against abuse and mission creep , and aimed only at serious crimes .
Instead , the agencies using metadata have ballooned , the most trivial offences are now included and security agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account .
It defied laws designed to prevent the misuse of the personal information of transfer payment recipients to publicly vilify — via leaks to friendly journalists — a citizen who publicly criticised the government over robo-debt .
Its bureaucrats insisted they had done so lawfully because they were correcting her “ mistake ” .
It used laws it introduced aimed at deterring whistleblowing within government to raid journalists ’ homes in search of sources that caused embarrassment for security bureaucrats .
It raided opposition offices and Parliament House itself searching for information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It used surveillance to undermine legal professional privilege and harassed and prosecuted the men who exposed criminal wrongdoing by ASIS , in the K/Collaery case .
It has given itself powers to force software and device manufacturers to secretly plant malware on devices to target citizens .
Its signals intelligence body — which helped write the app — refuses to share information about major security vulnerabilities in widely used IT systems so it can exploit them for commercial espionage .
Given this , no amount of safeguards around government access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be legislated for weeks anyway — would be sufficient to guarantee that this government ’ s instincts to abuse its power would be curbed .
Still , advocates for the app urge that a small loss of , or risk to , privacy is nothing compared with the benefits of the app in helping alert people to the risk of infection and help the government identify cases .
Except , those benefits could be obtained through a more decentralised app that doesn ’ t allow any part of the government to access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone who has tested positive .
And such an argument is only a minor variation of the argument always put forward by governments , that we could all be safer if we gave up more rights , more freedom , more privacy , in the name of fighting crime , defending terrorism , stopping drugs — anything that saves lives and makes the community safer .
Public health bureaucrats and academics are little different from national security bureaucrats and academics in their command-and-control mentality , one that sees freedom and privacy as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater good .
Indeed , one commentator on the weekend compared those who value their privacy to terrorist Carlos the Jackal .
Advocates also invoke another oft-repeated argument , that given IT companies already know so much about us , what does another breach in our privacy really matter — an argument best left on the shelf until the grim day when Apple , Google et al can raid our houses , prosecute journalists and jail whistleblowers .
If you ’ re not planning to embarrass or publicly criticise , or seek to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bureaucrats , you probably don ’ t need to worry too much about how the government will abuse your personal information .
And you can always , at various stages in the process , opt out of providing information .
You can even delete the app if you want .
But the government can ’ t do what it would evidently prefer , which is to delete the facts about its long history of abusing power and personal information .

Should you download and use the coronavirus tracing app?
No, but not so much because of the app itself as the people who are behind it.
In privacy terms, the app is relatively innocuous. It functions as a kind of decision tree in which you have to repeatedly opt in to make your personal data available: opt in to download it, opt in to register, opt in to leave the app running on your phone, opt in to leave your screen unlocked, opt in to share your information and that of other contacts that it has collected on other contacts if you test positive. You can “opt out” at any stage and not risk your data.


crikey--2020-05-03--The $63 billion question: what are the stakes in a trade fight with China?

Australia 's iron ore exports to China are worth billions of dollars , so why is the government pushing for @ @ @ @ @ source ?
Many diplomatic arguments are abstract disputes over symbols , status or lines on @ @ @ @ @ on ordinary Australians .
Not so the stoush over Australia ’ s proposal that there @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
China is upset , and has threatened trade sanctions .
The @ @ @ @ @ becoming reality is a nightmare for Treasury .

Many diplomatic arguments are abstract disputes over symbols, status or lines on a map with little impact on ordinary Australians.
Not so the stoush over Australia’s proposal that there be an independent inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.
China is upset, and has threatened trade sanctions. The prospect of harsh diplomatic words becoming reality is a nightmare for Treasury.


crikey--2020-05-04--It's the message, stupid: stop the spread of 'untelligence' or face dire consequences

People are n't stupid .
It 's more likely they 're victims to this spreading plague of misinformation and confusion .
Issue managers and communication professionals have to deal with them every day : people who seem to genuinely believe ideas about science and technology that are simply wrong .
And social media helps spread this “ untelligence ” at breakneck speed to potentially influence millions .
However , this is not just about a witty neologism .
“ Untelligence ” concerns a much more fundamental problem which inhibits informed discussion and can not be dismissed as simply another manifestation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concepts or nuanced medical issues is hard enough .
But it is made even harder when millions of people are influenced by false information and anti-science .
And it ’ s certainly not helped when , for example , the president of the United States declares that noise from windfarms causes cancer ( it doesn ’ t ) or suggests injecting disinfectant may be a treatment for coronavirus ( it isn ’ t ) .
So how does this “ untelligence ” spread ?
We know from research at MIT that false news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories which are independently verified .
And we know from research at Iowa State that Russian trolls have deliberately planted anti-GMO messages around the world as part of a campaign to inflame divisive issues in the West to promote distrust of government , large corporations and experts .
Indeed , The New York Times says Russia has also been very active in promoting the anti-5G conspiracy .
Yet it ’ s all too easy to blame outsiders .
The news media is also at least partly to blame for the promotion of non-scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they devote space to the efforts by rapper B.o.B .
to prove the Earth is flat .
But it can have real consequences .
Think back to when the Australian media lionised fake wellness blogger Belle Gibson and gave her a national platform to promote the dangerous lie that she used diet to cure her own cancer .
Or when the American media made a business hero of Elizabeth Holmes , CEO of Theranos , which cost investors millions when their claimed revolutionary ’ s new blood-testing technique proved to be a fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that believers in false cures and false information about the virus crisis are risking their own lives and the lives of others around them .
For issue managers and science communicators , combatting false information is a daily responsibility which can not be addressed by finger-pointing , no matter how satisfying that might be .
It needs planned and persistent challenge and rebuttal .
And never forget : the public are generally not stupid .
More likely , they are just wrong-headed or victims of “ untelligence ” .
This story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a newsletter for people who work in issue and crisis management .
Tony Jaques is the director of Issue Outcomes .

Issue managers and communication professionals have to deal with them every day: people who seem to genuinely believe ideas about science and technology that are simply wrong. And social media helps spread this “untelligence” at breakneck speed to potentially influence millions.
However, this is not just about a witty neologism. “Untelligence” concerns a much more fundamental problem which inhibits informed discussion and cannot be dismissed as simply another manifestation of fake news.


crikey--2020-03-13--How Australia's coronavirus plan compares to other countries'

Australia has had the benefit of learning from nations already affected , but we have n't taken any drastic steps @ @ @ @ @ the curve ” is the mantra being recited around the world , urging everyone to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus so healthcare systems can cope .
Australia has had the benefit of learning @ @ @ @ @ We know the virus responds extremely well to public health measures like social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ yet to take drastic steps .
Schools are still open , there 's no ban @ @ @ @ @ forced social distancing .
Crikey takes a look at responses around the world and asks @ @ @ @ @ do ?

“Flatten the curve” is the mantra being recited around the world, urging everyone to help slow the spread of the coronavirus so healthcare systems can cope.
Australia has had the benefit of learning from nations already affected. We know the virus responds extremely well to public health measures like social distancing and quarantining.
But we’ve yet to take drastic steps. Schools are still open, there’s no ban on mass events and no forced social distancing. Crikey takes a look at responses around the world and asks, what more should we do?


crikey--2020-03-13--Virus Watch: anarchy in the USA, all sports are cancelled, and a minister may be infected

The coronavirus leads to more chaos in the US , while former senator Derryn Hinch reckons someone in the government @ @ @ @ @ share market continues to shake itself into rubble .
After a crash of nearly 10 @ @ @ @ @ night and big falls across Europe , the ASX200 dropped more than 7 % in @ @ @ @ @ trading this morning , adding to the $ 551 billion already lost in the past @ @ @ @ @ a bunch of questions ... .
As we were all recovering from the news that @ @ @ @ @ and Rita Wilson the virus , incorrigible gossip and former senator/Crikey contributor Derryn Hinch tweeted @ @ @ @ @ m hearing a federal minister has tested positive .
Cancelled meetings tomorrow . ''
There @ @ @ @ @ man usually so happy to name names ( who can forget his first Senate speech @ @ @ @ @ taciturn .

World markets presenting with flu-like symptoms
The Australian share market continues to shake itself into rubble. After a crash of nearly 10% on Wall Street last night and big falls across Europe, the ASX200 dropped more than 7% in the first 15 minutes of trading this morning, adding to the $551 billion already lost in the past three weeks.
We have a bunch of questions ….
As we were all recovering from the news that Australia had given Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson the virus, incorrigible gossip and former senator/Crikey contributor Derryn Hinch tweeted out: “I’m hearing a federal minister has tested positive. Cancelled meetings tomorrow.”
There’s some irony in a man usually so happy to name names (who can forget his first Senate speech?) suddenly being so taciturn.


crikey--2020-03-15--Our membership renewal process is changing

From March 30 , we 're changing the way we renew your annual Crikey membership First , thanks for being part of Crikey .
We ’ re in our 21st year , and we wouldn ’ t have been able to make it through the first couple if it wasn ’ t for loyal members like you .
What you need to know From March 30 , we will move to auto-renewing all our memberships .
This brings us in line with almost every other news subscription service and most digital subscription products such as Netflix and Spotify .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an annual membership that is not set to auto-renew .
To check your account , log into your member portal here .
What you need to do Nothing now if you want to stay with us .
The payment method you use to subscribe will be charged automatically on the day your annual membership is up .
We ’ ll send you a reminder when the auto-renewal is about to go through .
If you don ’ t want this to happen and you want to stop your membership auto-renewing , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have already sent an email to all affected users with an opt-out link .
If you have not received this , please check your junk mail or get in touch .
We will send reminder emails between now and March 30 as well .
If you would like to speak to us directly , please either call on 03 8623 9900 or email us at [ email protected ] .
If you ’ d like to read our full terms and conditions , click here .

First, thanks for being part of Crikey. We’re in our 21st year, and we wouldn’t have been able to make it through the first couple if it wasn’t for loyal members like you.
What you need to know
From March 30, we will move to auto-renewing all our memberships. This brings us in line with almost every other news subscription service and most digital subscription products such as Netflix and Spotify.
This will only affect users who are currently on an annual membership that is not set to auto-renew. To check your account, log into your member portal here.


crikey--2020-03-16--Federal Reserve fires bazooka at rising financial crisis

The US Federal Reserve has launched its biggest ever monetary intervention as fears grow the coronavirus crisis will inflict major @ @ @ @ @ .
The rapidly gathering impact from the coronavirus pandemic on the US economy has forced @ @ @ @ @ its most dramatic intervention ever .
On late Sunday afternoon US time , the Fed @ @ @ @ @ by 1.25 % to the zero to 0.25 % range ( which is in effect @ @ @ @ @ biggest ever program of quantitative easing of at least US $ 700 billion , and @ @ @ @ @ .
The move is aimed at easing growing pressures in US financial markets from the @ @ @ @ @ on the US and global economies , and comes just days after the Fed promised @ @ @ @ @ $ 1.5 trillion of liquidity to ease conditions , and a March 3 interest rate @ @ @ @ @

The rapidly gathering impact from the coronavirus pandemic on the US economy has forced the US Federal Reserve into its most dramatic intervention ever.
On late Sunday afternoon US time, the Fed slashed its key interest rate by 1.25% to the zero to 0.25% range (which is in effect zero), revealed its biggest ever program of quantitative easing of at least US$700 billion, and promised more action if needed.
The move is aimed at easing growing pressures in US financial markets from the damage inflicted by the virus on the US and global economies, and comes just days after the Fed promised to inject up to US$1.5 trillion of liquidity to ease conditions, and a March 3 interest rate cut of 0.5%.


crikey--2020-03-16--Wayne Swan: the questions we have to keep asking the Morrison government

With the government suddenly changing its tune on economic stimulus amid the growing coronavirus crisis , former federal treasurer Wayne Swan asks if Morrison and co have what it takes to keep the country afloat .
Twelve years ago this week , the merchant banks started to collapse , leading to the global financial crisis and the subsequent Great Recession that wrecked the global economy for nearly a decade .
Completely alone among major advanced economies , Australia sailed through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression .
Not only did we avoid recession , we protected jobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other side stronger , while our peer countries descended into a decade of economic crisis .
The political shocks of the downturn are still reverberating , with the far-right ascendant around the globe and a dangerous ignoramus leading the free world .
How you view Australia ’ s experience relative to the rest of the world in the time since depends entirely on why you think we remained standing in 2008-09 while others succumbed .
A week ago , this was somehow still in dispute .
Until a few weeks ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mates in the media and in business — were still loudly insisting fiscal stimulus was unnecessary .
Always had been , always would be .
And though there will be a Colonel Kurtz faction of Australian conservatism that will howl this message until the end of time , the Morrison government has just quietly dropped it .
To coin a phrase : attempted imitation is nearly the sincerest form of flattery .
If this last week finally ends the argument that governments should never stand in the way of the cleansing fire of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come of whatever lies before us .
As the federal treasurer in 2008 , I had a front-row seat in the national and international crisis response that followed the onset of the GFC .
Just as many doctors knew months ago that the events in Wuhan had frightening potential , the world ’ s finance ministers , me included , knew the potential banking contagion could be the harbinger of something deadly , and began to prepare .
When Lehman Brothers collapsed in September 2008 , our worst fears were made real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge .
Thirty major international banks had to be bailed out .
All G7 economies were recording negative growth .
Global stock markets were down 50 % through the year .
We acted to address it .
If we had one big advantage on today , it ’ s that the people making the decisions were still statesmen and women , not baseball cap-wearing buffoons or scarecrows in suits .
They were serious centrists , not nativist populists ; people who believed in global cooperation and sound economics , and who could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as fake news .
Australia was proudly part of the global effort .
In fact , we were in the vanguard .
Labor ’ s measures earned plaudits from the world ’ s most senior economists and economic organisations .
But what did the then Liberal-National opposition say about our successful stimulus packages ?
Not a single positive comment was ever uttered nor has been uttered since by the then-opposition about the role economic stimulus played in addressing the greatest economic catastrophe since the Great Depression .
They couldn ’ t bring themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before their economic ideology .
History shows they were wrong , completely wrong — something they now can ’ t bring themselves to openly and honestly admit .
On one level , you ’ ll be wondering why it matters that the conservatives are unrepentant about their record of denial and denigration .
Well , it does now .
Their record means that the price of Australia coming through this crisis will be eternal vigilance when it comes to their words and their actions .
They deserve and require unrelenting scrutiny of motives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as : How can we trust this government to run an effective and sustained economic stimulus when they ’ ve been trashing the very idea of economic stimulus for the last 12 years ?
Will they be able to sustain the effort as long as it takes to keep growth going ?
Because even if the Morrison government ’ s rhetoric proves temporary , the downturn mightn ’ t be .
You may recall that the stimulus package in 2008-09 came in two parts .
The first got money back into the pockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Christmas .
We started preparing a second package the moment we finished the first .
The second one was to get investment going again .
Where are those measures ?
Will there be any ?
We shall wait and see .
The next question is one many mainstream economists are also raising : does the stimulus reach everyone it needs to ?
I applaud the idea of putting money into the hands of those who will spend it rather than save it — like the unemployed , pensioners , Commonwealth Health Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like .
But will this on its own prove enough in an economy in which low-to middle-income families comprise the bulk of aggregate demand and whose current lack of spending power has been acting as a brake on the economy for far too long ?
In other words : can consumer confidence be restored when the overwhelming bulk of consumers are being left out ?
On first blush , the broad outlines of the package — especially the tilt towards business ( laudable though the measures themselves are ) — raise the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a desire not to look too much like our 2008 measures .
That would be a petty and dangerous consideration in such extreme times .
And the third question is : is it too late ?
The government can claim all it likes that this stimulus is only possible because they ’ ve restored the economy to strength , but their claim doesn ’ t wash. We all recall them after last year ’ s budget inventing a whole new tense in the English language — the past future — with their claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into surplus next year ” .
Apart from demonstrating the absurdity of their marketing spin , what have they really done ?
The reality is that under their watch the economy has gotten steadily weaker .
The coronavirus is only the latest jolt to a long-weakening economy .
It ’ s never nice to get hit by a big and unexpected left hook , but it ’ s even worse when a series of jabs and and body punches have already left you wobbly at the knees .
Leading economists have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the economy was in a vulnerable condition .
They have been right .
Since the December quarter 2017 , quarterly per capita GDP growth has averaged a minuscule 0.1 % We ’ ve just suffered our worst calendar-year result in 29 years .
Consumer sentiment is gloomy and household spending has been weak .
Almost one in eight people in Australia are either unemployed or can ’ t get the hours of work they want .
When you factor in population growth , we have had zero improvement in living standards over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call it a per capita recession .
It ’ s no wonder therefore that the Reserve Bank Governor has been pleading with the government to be more aggressive on fiscal policy .
Unlike the negative hopes they had for my stimulus package in response to the GFC , I hope the government ’ s package succeeds in avoiding a recession .
But I fear that in order to do so , it ’ s going to have to be a sustained package — as well as one that remedies the big underlying problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of demand being made worse by the growing inequalities of our society .
And I wonder , honestly , if they ’ ve got it in them .
Wayne Swan was the federal treasurer from 2007 to 2013 .
You can read a longer version of this story on The Mandarin .

Twelve years ago this week, the merchant banks started to collapse, leading to the global financial crisis and the subsequent Great Recession that wrecked the global economy for nearly a decade.
Completely alone among major advanced economies, Australia sailed through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Not only did we avoid recession, we protected jobs, businesses, livelihoods, and emerged on the other side stronger, while our peer countries descended into a decade of economic crisis.


crikey--2020-03-16--The fight against recession will be brought to you by two letters — Q and E. The Reserve Bank is rea

The fight against recession will be brought to you by two letters — Q and E. The Reserve Bank is ready to embrace unorthodox monetary measures

The RBA has given a rare heads up to the markets about an upcoming announcement .
But just how unorthodox @ @ @ @ @ Reserve Bank will likely announce it will commence quantitative easing ( QE ) on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ in helping the economy adjust to the impact of the coronavirus crisis .
In a @ @ @ @ @ Monday , RBA governor Philip Lowe gave further details on the bank 's bond buying @ @ @ @ @ ) announced earlier by the Council of Financial Regulators .
They 're intended to support @ @ @ @ @ and to keep the banks and the wider economy well supported with enough money to @ @ @ @ @ `` The Reserve Bank stands ready to purchase Australian government bonds in the secondary market @ @ @ @ @ of that market , which is a key pricing benchmark for the Australian financial system @ @ @ @ @

The Reserve Bank will likely announce it will commence quantitative easing (QE) on Thursday, joining other central banks in helping the economy adjust to the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
In a statement issued around noon on Monday, RBA governor Philip Lowe gave further details on the bank’s bond buying and repos (repurchase deals) announced earlier by the Council of Financial Regulators. They’re intended to support liquidity levels in financial markets and to keep the banks and the wider economy well supported with enough money to carry on normal operations.
“The Reserve Bank stands ready to purchase Australian government bonds in the secondary market to support the smooth functioning of that market, which is a key pricing benchmark for the Australian financial system,” Lowe said.


crikey--2020-03-16--Worm: NSW's $2.3 billion stimulus, WA's household-costs freeze

Good morning , early birds .
Western Australia is the only state so far to include household support in its stimulus package , and the new national-state cabinet will today discuss banning crowds of more than 100 people .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
New South Wales will today announce a $ 2.3 billion response to the coronavirus outbreak , set to include $ 700 million in healthcare support and $ 1.6 billion in stimulus targeted at small businesses , The Sydney Morning Herald reports .
It comes after Western Australia unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which includes a freeze on the emergency services levy , public transport fares and household costs such as electricity , water and motor vehicle charges .
IN RELATED NEWS : With WA the only jurisdiction to have announced household support , Melbourne activists IWW Kulin Nation have launched a now 1,483-strong rent strike pledge to “ withhold all rental payments while the COVID-19 pandemic requires vulnerable people to isolate without security of income and housing ” .
The Coalition is working on its second stimulus package , this time targeted towards at-risk industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services sectors , The Australian ( $ ) reports .
Additionally , the new national-state cabinet will today discuss a potential ban on crowds of over 100 people , The Guardian reports , with new modelling showing quarantine and isolation measures could mean the difference between 40,000 and 80,000 cases a day by August or estimates as high as 300,000 cases a day by July if left “ unmitigated ” .
Yesterday saw the ASX ’ s biggest fall on record , the ABC reports , which the RBA will meet with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a willingness to purchase “ Australian government bonds ” .
Meanwhile , Wall Street stocks dove 6 % following a Federal Reserve rate cut .
Now , for just some overnight crisis highlights , because there ’ s really only so much earth-shattering news you can fit into three-to-five morning updates .
• The EU will ban all non-essential travel into its member countries for 30 days in a bid to slow the outbreak ( Business Insider ) .
• The UK Johnston government has warned against all non-essential contact ( SMH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an earlier , extraordinarily dangerous , “ herd immunity ” policy ( The Guardian ) .
• Melbourne scientists at The Doherty Institute have discovered how the body works to overcome the virus — which could help fast-track treatments , vaccines and even identify those at risk of dying ( Herald-Sun ( $ ) ) .
• Multinational medical supplier Roche has developed new testing kits capable of returning results within three hours , which are set to arrive in Australia by Wednesday ( The Guardian ) .
• A Brisbane man is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins shutting its borders ( ABC ) .
Four Corners has released helmet-camera footage of an Australian soldier shooting and killing an unarmed man at close range in Afghanistan , in what the ABC says could result in war crime charges .
The Sydney Morning Herald has also placed the footage — which is apparently at odds with what soldiers told ADF investigators — within a context of years of reports into alleged war crimes by Australians in the country .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The home affairs minister takes a swipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Debbie Kilroy and Indigenous rights activist Boneta-Marie Mabo… who are guilty of questioning the government ’ s self-quarantine and testing rules and having opinions , I guess ?
READ ALL ABOUT IT Aboriginal people who work for dole told to attend group activities despite coronavirus risk Victoria enters state of emergency as coronavirus pandemic sees Melbourne universities take classes online First participant in US coronavirus vaccine trial to be given dose Coronavirus sees Woolworths , Coles combat panic-buying with special hours for seniors , people with disabilities Australian jobseekers fear having payments cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost if travel restrictions lead to labour shortages on Australian farms Secret list of dangerous buildings shows cladding far from only problem Infection at a level that achieved herd immunity would be catastrophic — Raina MacIntyre ( Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ Allowing transmission to continue in young people will result in the epidemic peaking earlier , with a higher peak , and a larger number of cases for zero gain because herd immunity will not be achieved .
It may be large enough to exceed our health system capacity very rapidly.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority is to keep people employed ( $ ) — Adam Creighton ( The Australian ) : “ Sharp increases in the jobless rate take many years to reverse .
During the last recession in the early 1990s it took 12 months for the jobless rate to jump from 6.6 per cent to 9.5 per cent in June 1991 .
The jobless rate peaked at 11.1 per cent in 1992 and took seven years — until late 1999 — to get back to 6.5 per cent.
” I just lost 90 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 ( $ ) — Joan Westenberg ( Australian Financial Review ) : “ I started the week with clients coming to me and asking to end their contracts .
I finished the week by lining up calls with start-up founders , and openly offering them the chance to end their contracts early to shore up their own capital , reduce their costs and find a way to survive.
” • Both houses of parliament are still scheduled to sit , however , all inquiries have been postponed .
• The Lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference to express its concern about the panic-buying of pet foods across supermarkets .

STATE STIMULUS
New South Wales will today announce a $2.3 billion response to the coronavirus outbreak, set to include $700 million in healthcare support and $1.6 billion in stimulus targeted at small businesses, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
It comes after Western Australia unveiled its $607 million stimulus package, which includes a freeze on the emergency services levy, public transport fares and household costs such as electricity, water and motor vehicle charges.
IN RELATED NEWS: With WA the only jurisdiction to have announced household support, Melbourne activists IWW Kulin Nation have launched a now 1,483-strong rent strike pledge to “withhold all rental payments while the COVID-19 pandemic requires vulnerable people to isolate without security of income and housing”.
CROWD CONTROL
The Coalition is working on its second stimulus package, this time targeted towards at-risk industries, including the tourism, hospitality and services sectors, The Australian ($) reports.
Additionally, the new national-state cabinet will today discuss a potential ban on crowds of over 100 people, The Guardian reports, with new modelling showing quarantine and isolation measures could mean the difference between 40,000 and 80,000 cases a day by August or estimates as high as 300,000 cases a day by July if left “unmitigated”.
ASX’S RECORD FALL
Yesterday saw the ASX’s biggest fall on record, the ABC reports, which the RBA will meet with a rate cut to 0.25% on Thursday and a willingness to purchase “Australian government bonds”. Meanwhile, Wall Street stocks dove 6% following a Federal Reserve rate cut.
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CORONAVIRUS HITLIST
Now, for just some overnight crisis highlights, because there’s really only so much earth-shattering news you can fit into three-to-five morning updates.
The EU will ban all non-essential travel into its member countries for 30 days in a bid to slow the outbreak (Business Insider).
The UK Johnston government has warned against all non-essential contact (SMH Live) in a seeming reversal of an earlier, extraordinarily dangerous, “herd immunity” policy (The Guardian).
Melbourne scientists at The Doherty Institute have discovered how the body works to overcome the virus — which could help fast-track treatments, vaccines and even identify those at risk of dying (Herald-Sun ($)).
Multinational medical supplier Roche has developed new testing kits capable of returning results within three hours, which are set to arrive in Australia by Wednesday (The Guardian).
A Brisbane man is trying to escape Morocco as the country begins shutting its borders (ABC).
WAR CRIME CHARGES?
Four Corners has released helmet-camera footage of an Australian soldier shooting and killing an unarmed man at close range in Afghanistan, in what the ABC says could result in war crime charges.
The Sydney Morning Herald has also placed the footage — which is apparently at odds with what soldiers told ADF investigators — within a context of years of reports into alleged war crimes by Australians in the country.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
The claims are ridiculous. These two people have been long-standing opponents of the government, detest me because of Manus and Nauru and our border protection policies. And yet they’re trying to use this to their advantage, they’re involved in prisoner advocacy and all sorts of left-wing causes… Peter Dutton
The home affairs minister takes a swipe at fellow passengers and patients prison abolitionist Debbie Kilroy and Indigenous rights activist Boneta-Marie Mabo… who are guilty of questioning the government’s self-quarantine and testing rules and having opinions, I guess?
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Aboriginal people who work for dole told to attend group activities despite coronavirus risk
Victoria enters state of emergency as coronavirus pandemic sees Melbourne universities take classes online
Queensland LNP Senator Susan McDonald tests positive for coronavirus
First participant in US coronavirus vaccine trial to be given dose
‘It made a powerful impact’: ABC chair says AIDS campaign worked
Coronavirus sees Woolworths, Coles combat panic-buying with special hours for seniors, people with disabilities
Australian jobseekers fear having payments cut off during coronavirus crisis
NBN urged to intervene as pandemic tests broadband connections
Harvests could be lost if travel restrictions lead to labour shortages on Australian farms
Secret list of dangerous buildings shows cladding far from only problem
Man charged after allegedly planning rightwing terrorism attack on NSW south coast
THE COMMENTARIAT
Infection at a level that achieved herd immunity would be catastrophic — Raina MacIntyre (Sydney Morning Herald): “Allowing transmission to continue in young people will result in the epidemic peaking earlier, with a higher peak, and a larger number of cases for zero gain because herd immunity will not be achieved. It may be large enough to exceed our health system capacity very rapidly.”
Coronavirus: Australia’s next priority is to keep people employed ($) — Adam Creighton (The Australian): “Sharp increases in the jobless rate take many years to reverse. During the last recession in the early 1990s it took 12 months for the jobless rate to jump from 6.6 per cent to 9.5 per cent in June 1991. The jobless rate peaked at 11.1 per cent in 1992 and took seven years — until late 1999 — to get back to 6.5 per cent.”
I just lost 90 per cent of my clients in one week thanks to COVID-19 ($) — Joan Westenberg (Australian Financial Review): “I started the week with clients coming to me and asking to end their contracts. I finished the week by lining up calls with start-up founders, and openly offering them the chance to end their contracts early to shore up their own capital, reduce their costs and find a way to survive.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Both houses of parliament are still scheduled to sit, however, all inquiries have been postponed.
Melbourne


crikey--2020-03-15--Here's the economic challenge: keep our fears under control

If we let the fear of the virus turn into economic fear , our troubles will multiply .
We have @ @ @ @ @ fear itself .
These famous words were spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt upon his inauguration @ @ @ @ @ .
Roosevelt ’ s subject was the Great Depression .
“ Our greatest primary task @ @ @ @ @ work .
This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously , @ @ @ @

We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.
These famous words were spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt upon his inauguration as US president in 1933.
Roosevelt’s subject was the Great Depression. “Our greatest primary task is to put people to work. This is no unsolvable problem if we face it wisely and courageously,” he said.


crikey--2020-07-01--News Corp’s newest climate convert is a career contrarian

The 'energy expert ' ( who has no formal scientific qualifications ) says he wants to blow 'hysteria and alarmism @ @ @ @ @ fans and followers like his , that 's blowin ' in the wind .
There @ @ @ @ @ than a conversion narrative .
And News Corp has found its latest convert in Michael @ @ @ @ @ who is apologising for “ crying wolf ” on climate .
“ On behalf of @ @ @ @ @ like to formally apologise for the climate scare we created over the past 30 years @ @ @ @ @ The Australian today .
Much of the piece involves cherrypicking useful factoids denying the link @ @ @ @ @ summer ’ s bushfires despite years of warnings from scientists .
He also spends a @ @ @ @ @ prove his progressive bona fides .

There’s nothing more powerful than a conversion narrative. And News Corp has found its latest convert in Michael Shellenberger, an American environmentalist who is apologising for “crying wolf” on climate.
“On behalf of environmentalists everywhere, I would like to formally apologise for the climate scare we created over the past 30 years,” Shellenberger writes in The Australian today.
Much of the piece involves cherrypicking useful factoids denying the link between climate change and last summer’s bushfires despite years of warnings from scientists. He also spends a lot of time trying to prove his progressive bona fides.


crikey--2020-07-01--Afghanistan: Australia’s longest war has lost so much and achieved so little

Before joining Crikey in 2018 , Kishor was an editor at Honi Soit , an intern at The Sydney Morning @ @ @ @ @ reporter for Justinian .
He has degrees in arts and law from the University of @ @

Go deeper on the issues that matter.
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crikey--2020-07-01--COVID’s silver lining: flu deaths down and likely to stay down

Australians have taken good hygiene to heart — social distancing , handwashing and getting the flu vaccine have had a @ @ @ @ @ done well to flatten the coronavirus curve .
Even taking into account Victoria ’ s @ @ @ @ @ by global standards : 104 people have died from COVID-19 compared with more than 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ 290,000 and 650,000 die around the world every year from the flu .
The mass @ @ @ @ @ keep our COVID-19 numbers down has had the side effect of limiting the spread of @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 to May 31 ( the latest data available ) there have been just @ @ @ @ @ There were 147 at the same time last year .

Australia has done well to flatten the coronavirus curve. Even taking into account Victoria’s clusters, numbers are low by global standards: 104 people have died from COVID-19 compared with more than 500,000 worldwide.
Meanwhile, between 290,000 and 650,000 die around the world every year from the flu.
The mass change in behaviour that helped keep our COVID-19 numbers down has had the side effect of limiting the spread of influenza. From the start of 2020 to May 31 (the latest data available) there have been just 36 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated deaths. There were 147 at the same time last year.


crikey--2020-07-01--Warrior Morrison unveils… um… no increase in defence spending

The media is excited about Scott Morrison 's planned increase in defence spending — except that it 's nothing more than what we already committed to years ago If you read the papers today , you 'd be forgiven for thinking Scott Morrison was going to announce a massive increase in spending on exotic new weaponry ( `` cutting edge '' , `` hypersonic '' , `` strike capability '' , etc , etc ) to combat the seething menace of China .
`` New missiles for defence in $ 270 billion arms build-up '' claimed the AFR .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10-year , $ 270 billion plan , '' said The Australian .
`` Australia to spend $ 270 billion building larger military to prepare for 'poorer , more dangerous ' world '' the ABC told us .
The usual suspects like Peter Jennings of ASPI were exhumed from their bunkers to endorse the spending .
Fairfax journalists , at least , pointed out toward the end of `` Australia to buy ship-killing missiles and shift focus to Indo-Pacific '' that `` this is not an increase in Australia 's defence spending in real @ @ @ @ @ @ @

If you read the papers today, you’d be forgiven for thinking Scott Morrison was going to announce a massive increase in spending on exotic new weaponry (“cutting edge”, “hypersonic”, “strike capability”, etc, etc) to combat the seething menace of China.
“New missiles for defence in $270 billion arms build-up” claimed the AFR. “Scott Morrison shoulders arms to China in 10-year,$270 billion plan,” said The Australian. “Australia to spend $270 billion building larger military to prepare for ‘poorer, more dangerous’ world” the ABC told us. The usual suspects like Peter Jennings of ASPI were exhumed from their bunkers to endorse the spending.
Fairfax journalists, at least, pointed out toward the end of “Australia to buy ship-killing missiles and shift focus to Indo-Pacific” that “this is not an increase in Australia’s defence spending in real terms beyond the status quo”.


crikey--2020-06-30--Conflict of Interest: Lobbyists slip through cracks as audit reveals department failure

Did the Attorney General 's Department drop the ball on keeping track of the lobbyists running around parliament ?
Australia @ @ @ @ @ making sure the public know who is lobbying whom is broken , and a scathing @ @ @ @ @ at one body : the Attorney-General ’ s Department .
The Lobbyists Register -- maintained @ @ @ @ @ moved from Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2018 -- is supposed to record details of @ @ @ @ @ hallways of Parliament House so that the public is informed of any political interference that @ @ @ @ @ closed doors .
But a report by the Australian National Audit Office ( ANAO ) @ @ @ @ @ after promising to fix it up , the government has failed to ensure the register @ @ @ @ @ job : keeping track of lobbyists and who they represent .

Australia’s key measure in making sure the public know who is lobbying whom is broken, and a scathing report lays the blame squarely at one body: the Attorney-General’s Department.
The Lobbyists Register — maintained by the department after being moved from Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2018 — is supposed to record details of every lobbyist who peruses the hallways of Parliament House so that the public is informed of any political interference that may be going on behind closed doors.
But a report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has found that, even after promising to fix it up, the government has failed to ensure the register is doing its one basic job: keeping track of lobbyists and who they represent.


crikey--2020-06-30--Australians will feel Beijing’s weight if they step out of line in Hong Kong

Sweeping new security laws are designed to catch anyone the Chinese Communist Party does n't like — and it 's @ @ @ @ @ has become officially as unsafe for Australians as mainland China after the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on sweeping security laws designed to catch anyone Beijing does not like .
The laws @ @ @ @ @ , June 30 .
The new laws specifically state that foreigners either in Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ break the laws -- including via online comments .
Rushed through in five weeks and @ @ @ @ @ for China ’ s opaque ruling party , the laws were not given the traditional @ @ @ @ @ ” , so by the time they were swiftly voted in at 9am on June @ @ @ @ @ National People ’ s Congress standing committee ’ s 162 people had seen the legislation @

Hong Kong has become officially as unsafe for Australians as mainland China after the country’s rubber stamp parliament signed off on sweeping security laws designed to catch anyone Beijing does not like. The laws came into effect at 3pm, June 30.
The new laws specifically state that foreigners either in Hong Kong or outside Hong Kong can break the laws — including via online comments.
Rushed through in five weeks and cloaked in secrecy unusual even for China’s opaque ruling party, the laws were not given the traditional moment of “public consultation”, so by the time they were swiftly voted in at 9am on June 30 no one outside the National People’s Congress standing committee’s 162 people had seen the legislation.


crikey--2020-06-30--Twenty years on, GST’s lies hide a more banal truth — and reveal the impact of vested interests

While neoliberals are celebrating 20 years of the GST , there 's no evidence it delivered the kind of benefits @ @ @ @ @ And , as always , it reflects the power of vested interests .
The GST @ @ @ @ @ , and within neoliberal circles there 's plenty of commemoration .
The GST is -- @ @ @ @ @ Peter Costello -- the `` last great reform '' , the last time when politicians @ @ @ @ @ dire contrast to the wishy-washy current generation .
It 's no mere exercise in nostalgia @ @ @ @ @ the basis for a demand that further reform be undertaken , including of the GST @ @ @ @ @ the more urgent by the pandemic .
Rather than being the last great reform , @ @ @ @ @ GST has produced any of the benefits claimed for it at the time by the @ @ @ @ @ cheerleaders .

The GST commenced 20 years ago today, and within neoliberal circles there’s plenty of commemoration. The GST is — to use the lie of Peter Costello — the “last great reform”, the last time when politicians were bold reformers, in dire contrast to the wishy-washy current generation.
It’s no mere exercise in nostalgia, of course, but the basis for a demand that further reform be undertaken, including of the GST — a demand made all the more urgent by the pandemic.
Rather than being the last great reform, there is no evidence the GST has produced any of the benefits claimed for it at the time by the Howard government and its media cheerleaders.


crikey--2020-06-30--Conflict of Interest: Big tobacco still in politics as Hunt caves on vaping rules

Why are the Nationals leading the charge on protecting the interests of the vaping industry ?
It ’ s been @ @ @ @ @ overt political lobbying from the tobacco industry .
But there are signs that things may @ @ @ @ @ Friday Health Minister Greg Hunt caved to pressure from within his own party to delay @ @ @ @ @ nicotine , used for vaping .
It followed a letter from 28 Liberal and National @ @ @ @ @ arguing vaping was a healthier alternative to smoking .

It’s been a while since Australia saw overt political lobbying from the tobacco industry. But there are signs that things may be ramping up.
On Friday Health Minister Greg Hunt caved to pressure from within his own party to delay new restrictions on importing liquid nicotine, used for vaping.
It followed a letter from 28 Liberal and National MPs condemning the restrictions, arguing vaping was a healthier alternative to smoking.


crikey--2020-06-30--The ‘roni and racism shed a whole new light on keeping workers safe at work

In a time of enormous social upheaval , what obligations do employers have to keep their workers safe ?
Occupational @ @ @ @ @ t the sexiest topic .
We all know that it 's important , and that @ @ @ @ @ , but columnists and the Twitterati have rarely stoked the culture wars with hot takes @ @ @ @ @ .
But this once-beige subject is now becoming a thorny battlefield for the biggest movements @ @ @ @ @ .
While COVID-19 and the climate change-fuelled bushfires have reminded us of the importance of @ @ @ @ @ from external threats , the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements are also expanding @ @ @ @ @ '' to protect the minds and bodies of women and people of colour .

Occupational health and safety isn’t the sexiest topic. We all know that it’s important, and that failures can have tragic consequences, but columnists and the Twitterati have rarely stoked the culture wars with hot takes on ergonomics and fire drills.
But this once-beige subject is now becoming a thorny battlefield for the biggest movements and debates of our time.
While COVID-19 and the climate change-fuelled bushfires have reminded us of the importance of protecting workers’ physical health from external threats, the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements are also expanding outdated definitions of “safety” to protect the minds and bodies of women and people of colour.


crikey--2020-07-02--Deaths in June prove the world could end the pandemic, but won’t

COVID-19 has been suppressed in more than 20 developed countries , but that does n't mean it 's under control @ @ @ @ @ deaths for the month of June reveals some intriguing realities about this mysterious pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ It is possible to successfully suppress the coronavirus even without a vaccine .
More than @ @ @ @ @ done so , if we regard fewer deaths than five per million inhabitants per month @ @ @ @ @ not the headline , however .
The glaring reality the June figures confirm is that @ @ @ @ @ under control globally .

Analysis of COVID-19 deaths for the month of June reveals some intriguing realities about this mysterious pandemic. And a few surprises.
It is possible to successfully suppress the coronavirus even without a vaccine. More than 20 major developed countries have done so, if we regard fewer deaths than five per million inhabitants per month as success.
This is not the headline, however. The glaring reality the June figures confirm is that the pandemic is far from under control globally.


crikey--2020-07-01--Food insecurity: could Australia really be set to run out of food?

While debate around Australia 's food security continues to rage , one thing is clear : water policy and food @ @ @ @ @ Chris Brooks -- a farmer , grain speculator and former chief of Australian operations at @ @ @ @ @ adamant Australia ’ s east coast will run out of wheat by September .
As @ @ @ @ @ the eastern states , this would have a severe impact : another shortage of flour @ @ @ @ @ other wheat-based staples in supermarkets .
In 2019 , the second year of drought , @ @ @ @ @ supplied in part by Canadian imports .
But with the world gripped by the COVID @ @ @ @ @ is no guarantee foreign-sourced wheat will be available this time .

Chris Brooks — a farmer, grain speculator and former chief of Australian operations at mining company Glencore — is adamant Australia’s east coast will run out of wheat by September.
As most Australian mills are in the eastern states, this would have a severe impact: another shortage of flour, pasta, bread and other wheat-based staples in supermarkets.
In 2019, the second year of drought, an east coast shortfall was supplied in part by Canadian imports. But with the world gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brooks suggests there is no guarantee foreign-sourced wheat will be available this time.


crikey--2020-07-02--Keep the bastards honest: Australia needs political advertising reform

Australia needs stronger laws to rein in political deceit — all that is missing is the political will to make @ @ @ @ @ real world , if you ’ re a business that publishes or broadcasts an advertisement @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ ll be breaking the law and could be looking at a $ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re a political party or candidate and you do the same thing , @ @ @ @ @ election .
The absence of illegality , let alone consequences , for deceptive practices during @ @ @ @ @ problematic , but the social media age has made it destructive .
The infamous `` @ @ @ @ @ 2016 federal election is often identified as the point where things started to go seriously @ @ @ @

In the real world, if you’re a business that publishes or broadcasts an advertisement that is misleading or deceptive, you’ll be breaking the law and could be looking at a $10 million penalty.
If you’re a political
party or candidate and you do the same thing, you might just win an election.
The absence of illegality, let alone consequences, for deceptive practices during election campaigns has always been problematic, but the social media age has made it destructive. The infamous “Mediscare” campaign in the 2016 federal election is often identified as the point where things started to go seriously off the rails.


crikey--2020-07-03--Victoria’s virus flip-flop reveals the long trajectory of Labor dysfunction

Who would have guessed that running a quarantine via the party 's neoliberal profit motive could go so horribly wrong @ @ @ @ @ thing there 's a plentiful supply of agency photos of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews looking @ @ @ @ @ like we 're going to need them .
Initially it appeared that the Victoria-only outbreak @ @ @ @ @ sort of darker Nick Cave/Peter Temple strain , dressed in black -- was merely a @ @ @ @ @ success in controlling the thing , a low-end bounce .
Now it appears to be @ @ @ @ @ with poor control of a privatised security force , haphazard supervision , etc .
And @ @ @ @ @ rainbow bulldozer all over !

The following communique from the Victorian death zone was picked up on Forces Radio at 06:15 before the line went dead. The current condition of the resistance is unknown.
It’s a good thing there’s a plentiful supply of agency photos of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews looking forlorn, because it looks like we’re going to need them.
Initially it appeared that the Victoria-only outbreak of the plague — a sort of darker Nick Cave/Peter Temple strain, dressed in black — was merely a product of the state’s success in controlling the thing, a low-end bounce.


crikey--2020-07-02--The extremely serious consequences for Australia in Cold War 2.0

Australia 's defence update has found us a nemesis .
But a war between the US and China would be @ @ @ @ @ The long search for a stable object of nemesis has ended .
Thwarting China ’ @ @ @ @ @ organising principle of Australian defence and national security policy .
Defence Update 2020 ( DU20 @ @ @ @ @ 1 , fits into the framework of the Pentagon ’ s Indo-Pacific Strategy Report of @ @ @ @ @ China as a “ revisionist power ” which “ undermines the international system from within @ @ @ @ @ South China Sea , ” “ employs non-military tools coercively ” , and can conduct @ @ @ @ @ domains such as cyberspace , space , and electronic warfare operations .
”


crikey--2020-07-03--Welcoming Hongkongers a no-brainer for a country in desperate need of migrants

There could be no better time than now to open our doors to Hong Kong people eager to flee the @ @ @ @ @ decision the Morrison government must take soon on how it responds to the Chinese regime @ @ @ @ @ is not uncomplicated , but should be fairly clear .
For moral , economic , @ @ @ @ @ , Australia must follow the UK in offering some form of sanctuary to large numbers @ @ @ @ @ The first step should be granting extensions to the temporary visas of all ~17,000 Hong @ @ @ @ @ if they do not wish to return .
As Labor says , no one should @ @ @ @ @ now .
Beyond that , Australia needs to determine how , and how many , @ @ @ @ @ to escape the clutches of Beijing should be permitted to come here .

The decision the Morrison government must take soon on how it responds to the Chinese regime’s crackdown on Hong Kong is not uncomplicated, but should be fairly clear. For moral, economic, foreign policy and political reasons, Australia must follow the UK in offering some form of sanctuary to large numbers of Hong Kong citizens.
The first step should be granting extensions to the temporary visas of all ~17,000 Hong Kong residents currently in Australia if they do not wish to return. As Labor says, no one should be deported to Hong Kong now.
Beyond that, Australia needs to determine how, and how many, Hong Kong residents who wish to escape the clutches of Beijing should be permitted to come here.


crikey--2020-07-03--Memo to Albo: good oppositions don’t lose byelections

When it comes to winning the Eden-Monaro byelection , the stakes are much higher for Labor than the Coalition .
@ @ @ @ @ of a global health and economic crisis , there is remarkably little expectation that tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ voters behaving much differently from how they did in the immeasurably more settled circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ marginal bellwether electorate that it is , this means all concerned are bracing for a @ @ @ @ @ member Mike Kelly 's slender 1685-vote ( 0.8 % ) winning margin at the election @ @ @ @ @ are based largely on polling -- the latest poll , conducted by uComms for the @ @ @ @ @ , is typical in recording a Labor lead inside the margin of error at 52-48 @

Despite unfolding against the backdrop of a global health and economic crisis, there is remarkably little expectation that tomorrow’s Eden-Monaro byelection will find voters behaving much differently from how they did in the immeasurably more settled circumstances of a year ago.
Famously marginal bellwether electorate that it is, this means all concerned are bracing for a result to rival outgoing Labor member Mike Kelly’s slender 1685-vote (0.8%) winning margin at the election.
Admittedly, such expectations are based largely on polling — the latest poll, conducted by uComms for the Australia Institute on Tuesday night, is typical in recording a Labor lead inside the margin of error at 52-48.


crikey--2020-07-03--Last drinks: taking in the final night before lockdown

Though the venues were teeming , here was a distinct nervous energy in Melbourne 's nightspots on the eve of @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There 's too much confusion , I ca n't get no relief ... @ @ @ @ @ end-times take on All Along the Watchtower -- that go-to for news editors who want @ @ @ @ @ 1960s sure were a tumultuous time '' montage -- clatters from the speakers at the @ @ @ @ @ am determined to wait for a less-cliched soundtrack for this piece , but the bar @ @ @ @ @ West Footscray , roughly five hours out from being locked down for the second time @ @ @ @ @ late '60s rock , so none came .

“There’s too much confusion, I can’t get no relief…”
Jimi Hendrix’s roiling end-times take on All Along the Watchtower — that go-to for news editors who want to do a “the 1960s sure were a tumultuous time” montage — clatters from the speakers at the Harley and Rose.
I am determined to wait for a less-cliched soundtrack for this piece, but the bar, on Barkley Street in West Footscray, roughly five hours out from being locked down for the second time, was playing almost exclusively late ’60s rock, so none came.


crikey--2020-07-03--Behind the lines: a communique from the Victorian resistance

Who would have guessed that running a quarantine via the party 's neoliberal profit motive could go so horribly wrong @ @ @ @ @ the Victorian death zone was picked up on Forces Radio at 06:15 before the line @ @ @ @ @ condition of the resistance is unknown .
It 's a good thing there 's a @ @ @ @ @ of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews looking forlorn , because it looks like we 're going @ @ @ @ @ it appeared that the Victoria-only outbreak of the plague -- a sort of darker Nick @ @ @ @ @ in black -- was merely a product of the state 's success in controlling the @ @ @ @ @ .


crikey--2020-07-06--This is a new era of dealing with sexual harassment. Or is it?

Yes , women are speaking up about harassment .
But they still suffer great professional and personal harm when they @ @ @ @ @ era has seen high-profile , powerful men called to account for workplace behaviour -- from @ @ @ @ @ -- that in the past were more likely to go unreported or hushed up through @ @ @ @ @ men are not the ones who bear the brunt of career and reputational harm .
@ @ @ @ @ women who bring the harassment to light who are the major victims .
With the @ @ @ @ @ Court judge Dyson Heydon now accused of serial sexual harassment , it seems as though @ @ @ @ @ era of accountability in which women can finally speak up about unwanted behaviour .
But @ @ @ @ @ of concern that men ’ s careers and reputations are too easily the target of @ @ @ @

The Me Too era has seen high-profile, powerful men called to account for workplace behaviour — from sexual assaults to sleazy texts — that in the past were more likely to go unreported or hushed up through private settlements.
But these men are not the ones who bear the brunt of career and reputational harm. Instead, it’s the women who bring the harassment to light who are the major victims.
With the “untouchable” former High Court judge Dyson Heydon now accused of serial sexual harassment, it seems as though we’re in a new era of accountability in which women can finally speak up about unwanted behaviour. But there’s an ongoing backlash of concern that men’s careers and reputations are too easily the target of sexual harassment allegations.


crikey--2020-07-05--General election soothsayers shouldn’t divine much from Eden-Monaro

In an era of election surprises , the results in Eden-Monaro surprised by not surprising .
Amid an era in @ @ @ @ @ to expect the unexpected , Saturday 's Eden-Monaro byelection surprised by not surprising , delivering @ @ @ @ @ characteristic knife-edge results and broadly confirming the predictions of the polls .
Labor operatives were @ @ @ @ @ little yesterday when they told reporters they were `` 100 % confident '' that their @ @ @ @ @ had won the seat .
But with Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs needing roughly 60 % @ @ @ @ @ votes to overhaul a deficit of 737 votes , it seems her only realistic chance @ @ @ @ @ up as ballots are rechecked ( two of which indeed emerged to her advantage yesterday @ @

Amid an era in which election watchers have learned to expect the unexpected, Saturday’s Eden-Monaro byelection surprised by not surprising, delivering one of the electorate’s characteristic knife-edge results and broadly confirming the predictions of the polls.
Labor operatives were perhaps stretching the elastic a little yesterday when they told reporters they were “100% confident” that their candidate, Kristy McBain, had won the seat.
But with Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs needing roughly 60% of around 3500 outstanding postal votes to overhaul a deficit of 737 votes, it seems her only realistic chance is that errors will show up as ballots are rechecked (two of which indeed emerged to her advantage yesterday).


crikey--2020-07-06--The sad political epitaph of Mathias Cormann: here lies the man who knifed his PM in the back

Mathias Cormann once had an impeccable reputatation .
But as he announces his retirement , he 's instead remembered for @ @ @ @ @ Australia ’ s longest-serving finance minister Mathias Cormann , the last member of the original @ @ @ @ @ post , is resigning from politics .
The Belgian-born , Flemish-speaking Liberal senator once had @ @ @ @ @ circles , described as a “ powerhouse ” , great communicator and respected financier -- @ @ @ @ @ Crikey takes a look at the rise and fall of Cormann .

Australia’s longest-serving finance minister Mathias Cormann, the last member of the original Abbott cabinet still at his post, is resigning from politics.
The Belgian-born, Flemish-speaking Liberal senator once had an incredible reputation in political circles, described as a “powerhouse”, great communicator and respected financier — until he didn’t.
Crikey takes a look at the rise and fall of Cormann.


crikey--2020-07-06--Victoria’s COVID-19 misfortune will repeat elsewhere — again and again

Other states were quick to condemn Victoria for its second COVID-19 spike , but the second wave is coming for them too , and it will be worse than they imagine .
You have to admire the hubris of much of the right in Australia , as the Victorian July COVID-19 crisis unfolds .
With some hard choices having to be made ( with some highly questionable politics ) , the critics have gone from the particular to the general pretty quickly .
As we noted here ( and as pretty much everyone else did ) , the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disaster , and there appears to have been other errors -- from lack of translated materials , to an Anglocentric view of family structures and interactions -- that suggest a state government more interested in projecting an image of toughness , than in actually being rigorously efficient .
But it 's a pretty big leap from that to the suggestion that the reoccurence of COVID-19 in Victoria is going to be a unique occurrence .
That seems to be an expression of magical thinking -- that this crisis will be brief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

You have to admire the hubris of much of the right in Australia, as the Victorian July COVID-19 crisis unfolds. With some hard choices having to be made (with some highly questionable politics), the critics have gone from the particular to the general pretty quickly.
As we noted here (and as pretty much everyone else did), the use of privatised service providers for hotel quarantine was a disaster, and there appears to have been other errors — from lack of translated materials, to an Anglocentric view of family structures and interactions — that suggest a state government more interested in projecting an image of toughness, than in actually being rigorously efficient.


crikey--2020-07-06--China briefing: the training courses designed to ‘tell China’s story well’ in Australia

It 's perfectly legal to undertake foreign government 'training courses ' .
Just do n't keep it a secret .
@ @ @ @ @ outside a small Chinese-language media circle in Australia before his name landed on the front @ @ @ @ @ June 26 .
Reports of the Federal Police raid on NSW parliamentarian Shaoquett Moselmane ’ @ @ @ @ @ , a part-time staffer in that office , participated in a propaganda training course in @ @ @ @ @ Moselmane ’ s speeches into Chinese .

John Zhang was largely unknown outside a small Chinese-language media circle in Australia before his name landed on the front pages of our newspapers on June 26.
Reports of the Federal Police raid on NSW parliamentarian Shaoquett Moselmane’s office noted that Zhang, a part-time staffer in that office, participated in a propaganda training course in China and helped to translate Moselmane’s speeches into Chinese.
What’s the problem?


crikey--2020-07-06--Channel Nine knows exactly who Pauline Hanson is. And it always has.

When producers at Channel Nine invited Senator Hanson to speak about the lockdown of public housing blocks in Melbourne , @ @ @ @ @ were doing .
The key words are “ these people ” .
As soon as @ @ @ @ @ with them , you know she ’ s about to say something racist .
The @ @ @ @ @ something racist is that it will happen shortly after she opens her mouth .
Channel @ @ @ @ @ it chose to “ interview ” Hanson on Today about the radical lockdown of nine @ @ @ @ @ in response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Ostensibly , host Allison Langdon was asking Hanson @ @ @ @ @ nature of the lockdown and whether it was a bit on the inhuman side .
@ @ @ @ @ :

The key words are “these people”. As soon as Pauline Hanson starts a sentence with them, you know she’s about to say something racist.
The other certainty about Hanson saying something racist is that it will happen shortly after she opens her mouth.
Channel Nine knew that, when it chose to “interview” Hanson on Today about the radical lockdown of nine public housing blocks in Melbourne in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ostensibly, host Allison Langdon was asking Hanson to comment on the draconian nature of the lockdown and whether it was a bit on the inhuman side. Hanson did not think so:


crikey--2020-07-07--The new normal of patchwork pandemics is very, very abnormal

Like much of the rest of the world , Australia now has to deal with a patchwork pandemic .
Slipping back into old habits is n't good enough for politicians if they 're to respond effectively to ongoing disruption .
The worst fear of policymakers during the initial outbreak of the pandemic , and the accompanying shutdown of the economy , was that we would end lockdown and begin reviving the economy , only for the re-emergence of COVID-19 to send us back into lockdown again .
That would n't merely extend the economic pain , it would guarantee large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it through the first lockdown would close forever in the second .
It would also start to bring greater pressure on the financial system as the strain of holding off on business loan and mortgage defaults began to tell on banks .
After much self-congratulation and a bout of Aussie exceptionalism , that 's exactly the prospect that Victoria now faces .
The small positive is that so far it is only Victoria .
But that in turn creates a new problem , of how to manage a multi-speed recovery from a deep @ @ @

The worst fear of policymakers during the initial outbreak of the pandemic, and the accompanying shutdown of the economy, was that we would end lockdown and begin reviving the economy, only for the re-emergence of COVID-19 to send us back into lockdown again.
That wouldn’t merely extend the economic pain, it would guarantee large numbers of businesses that had barely made it through the first lockdown would close forever in the second. It would also start to bring greater pressure on the financial system as the strain of holding off on business loan and mortgage defaults began to tell on banks.
After much self-congratulation and a bout of Aussie exceptionalism, that’s exactly the prospect that Victoria now faces. The small positive is that so far it is only Victoria. But that in turn creates a new problem, of how to manage a multi-speed recovery from a deep economic contraction.


crikey--2020-07-06--Channel Nine knows exactly who Pauline Hanson is. And it always has


crikey--2020-07-08--‘Sports rorts on steroids’. Now the NSW government is the rabbit in the headlights

Move over sports rorts , there ’ s a new rort in town .
This one involves the Berejiklian government @ @ @ @ @ grants scheme and a host of Liberal-held seats and communities .
A new rorts scandal @ @ @ @ @ .
Emails , which emerged last week , have ensnared Premier Gladys Berejiklian and deputy @ @ @ @ @ ugly pork-barrelling claim connected to the 2019 state election .
The emails show the premier @ @ @ @ @ least $ 100 million worth of funds in the $ 250 million so-called Stronger Communities @ @

A new rorts scandal has engulfed the NSW government.
Emails, which emerged last week, have ensnared Premier Gladys Berejiklian and deputy premier John Barilaro in an ugly pork-barrelling claim connected to the 2019 state election.
The emails show the premier had direct oversight of at least $100 million worth of funds in the $250 million so-called Stronger Communities Program.