crikey--2020-05-27--Worm: He dreamed a dream of awards gone by

Good morning , early birds .
The Morrison government has flagged three priorities for industrial relations reform , and the European Commission has unveiled their $ 1.2 trillion recovery package .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
OH , TO DREAM OF SIMPLER RATES According to The Australian ( $ ) , the Morrison government has flagged three priorities under their industrial relations reform agenda : simplified hospitality and tourism awards , deals preventing legal industrial action for the life of major projects , and , as an olive branch to unions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent employment .
As he prepares to begin a three-month negotiation process next week , Christian Porter has told The Age that the Coalition will take legislation to Parliament “ one way or the other ” , without the requirement for a high level of agreement from the five new working groups .
CAN THE UNION KEEP US STRONG ?
After Scott Morrison refused to guarantee to AM ’ s Sabra Lane that no worker would be worse off under the proposed reforms , ACTU Secretary Sally McManus told ABC she would never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backwards .
McManus did , however , empathise with employers over enterprise bargaining complexities , and even wrote in today ’ s Oz ( $ ) , so I guess we really are breaking bread .
$ 1.2 TRILLION ?
EU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN The European Commission has unveiled a €750 billion ( A $ 1.2 trillion ) recovery package designed in large part to support pandemic — and before that , austerity — ravaged EU members , Italy and Spain .
CNN reports that the deal , which would require approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds on financial markets through its 2021-27 budget .
Roughly two-thirds of funds would be distributed via grants with the remainder offered as loans .
ITALY & SPAIN V FRUGAL FOUR : While Germany , France , and a number of other nations support the deal , draft plans were slammed by a bloc known as the “ frugal four ” — Denmark , Sweden , Austria and , most infamously , the Netherlands — that exclusively wants to stick to loans .
For more on why they oppose plans for “ coronabonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared balance sheet — and why a ‘ No ’ vote could absolutely mean the end of the EU — check out The Worm ’ s sister newsletter , Coronavirus Government Global Briefing .
In maybe the first example of fact-checking that ’ s ever phased him , Donald Trump has lashed out at Twitter for adding “ get the facts ” links to his demonstrably false allegations that expanding mail-in voting “ would be a free-for-all on cheating , forgery and the theft of ballots ” .
While Trump accused Twitter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vague threats of regulation and even shutting the social media giant , Reuters/AP reports that he can not unilaterally regulate or close companies , which requires action by Congress or the Federal Communications Commission .
FEARS OF A VOTING POOR : Not only is there no evidence that mail-in voting leads to higher levels of fraud than in-person voting — we do it , along with a bunch of other countries — Trump himself voted by mail earlier this year .
He has , however , claimed that expanding the option would hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions in lawsuits this year to combat voting rights .
Finally , within weeks of the suspension of 152 regional newspapers and the closure of BuzzFeed Australia and 10Daily , both The Age and The Guardian report that News Corp is poised to cut hundreds of jobs in a shift towards digital-only publishing for local and regionals and increased copy-sharing amongst metros .
PS : Please note the Harvey Norman ads on almost every front page today .
• The Western Australian government has established a State Recovery Advisory Group , which includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations , UnionsWA , the public sector , local government , Indigenous groups and the community .
• Similarly , the Northern Territory announced membership of ‘ Team Territory ’ , a group tasked with advising the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission — which we found out earlier this week will be co-chaired by Dow Chemical Chairman Andrew Liveris and former Chief Minister Paul Henderson .
• Citing Gekko , a business that pivoted from manufacturing mine plant equipment to ventilators amidst the pandemic , the Victorian government has announced a new online accelerator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services ( METS ) businesses .
• Under South Australia ’ s previously announced $ 1.3 billion education capital works program , the government has released new concept designs for two projects worth nearly $ 75 million .
• Finally , Tasmania announced the approval of $ 147 million worth of three year , no interest loans for 20 local government authorities , as well as the first 61 recipients of the state ’ s arts stimulus package .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Ahead of industrial relations talks with otherwise highly-representative bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ai Group , Sales demands the union of non-union workers finally be heard .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Andrew ‘ Twiggy ’ Forrest ’ s FMG in High Court native title legal battle as Roebourne hit by bitter division Boral hit by shareholder class action despite law change only days ago Hong Kong no longer autonomous from China , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Veteran journalist Tom Krause remembered as ‘ force of nature ’ by industry peers Not too hot or cold : PM seeks Goldilocks formula — Niki Savva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lack of ideology , his policy flexibility , which at its kindest interpretation means he can shift position at will and at its unkindest means he stands for little , is not shared by sections of his party , particularly the capital-C conservatives .
So when he reaches the crunch points , he will come under pressure to throw out red meat to satisfy the bloodlust of the base and those who cater for it.
” When the market for news fails… — Tom Greenwell ( Inside Story ) : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step with the government ’ s strategy , there seems little hope that effective support for journalism will be forthcoming any time soon .
More newspapers will close , more journalists will lose their jobs , and the desertification of Australia ’ s news landscape will continue apace .
But there is an alternative .
Instead of imitating international policy failures , we could instead take inspiration from successful examples of support for the press.
” Can coronavirus help us reshape power ?
— Tim Hollo ( Meanjin ) : “ Governments struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemingly contradictory tangle of authoritarian over-policing , the biggest boost to social security since post-war reconstruction , and favours to fossil fuels , taking expert advice on the pandemic and continuing to ignore it on ecological destruction.
” • The Senate select committee on COVID-19 will hear from RBA Governor Philip Lowe , APRA and ASIC .
Hearings will separately be held for inquiries into regional Australia and the Australian Federal Police Annual Report 2018–19 .

OH, TO DREAM OF SIMPLER RATES
According to The Australian ($), the Morrison government has flagged three priorities under their industrial relations reform agenda: simplified hospitality and tourism awards, deals preventing legal industrial action for the life of major projects, and, as an olive branch to unions, increasing the ability of casuals to request permanent employment.
As he prepares to begin a three-month negotiation process next week, Christian Porter has told The Age that the Coalition will take legislation to Parliament “one way or the other”, without the requirement for a high level of agreement from the five new working groups.
CAN THE UNION KEEP US STRONG? After Scott Morrison refused to guarantee to AM’s Sabra Lane that no worker would be worse off under the proposed reforms, ACTU Secretary Sally McManus told ABC she would never agree to seeing pay or conditions go backwards.
McManus did, however, empathise with employers over enterprise bargaining complexities, and even wrote in today’s Oz ($), so I guess we really are breaking bread.
$1.2 TRILLION? EU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN
The European Commission has unveiled a €750 billion (A$1.2 trillion) recovery package designed in large part to support pandemic — and before that, austerity — ravaged EU members, Italy and Spain.
CNN reports that the deal, which would require approval from all 27 members, would raise funds on financial markets through its 2021-27 budget. Roughly two-thirds of funds would be distributed via grants with the remainder offered as loans.
ITALY & SPAIN V FRUGAL FOUR: While Germany, France, and a number of other nations support the deal, draft plans were slammed by a bloc known as the “frugal four” — Denmark, Sweden, Austria and, most infamously, the Netherlands — that exclusively wants to stick to loans.
For more on why they oppose plans for “coronabonds” that leverage the union’s shared balance sheet — and why a ‘No’ vote could absolutely mean the end of the EU — check out The Worm’s sister newsletter, Coronavirus Government Global Briefing.
TRUMP IS FINALLY FACT CHECKED
In maybe the first example of fact-checking that’s ever phased him, Donald Trump has lashed out at Twitter for adding “get the facts” links to his demonstrably false allegations that expanding mail-in voting “would be a free-for-all on cheating, forgery and the theft of ballots”.
While Trump accused Twitter of interfering in the 2020 election and made vague threats of regulation and even shutting the social media giant, Reuters/AP reports that he can not unilaterally regulate or close companies, which requires action by Congress or the Federal Communications Commission.
FEARS OF A VOTING POOR: Not only is there no evidence that mail-in voting leads to higher levels of fraud than in-person voting — we do it, along with a bunch of other countries — Trump himself voted by mail earlier this year. He has, however, claimed that expanding the option would hurt the Republican party, which is spending millions in lawsuits this year to combat voting rights.
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BAD NEWS DAY
Finally, within weeks of the suspension of 152 regional newspapers and the closure of BuzzFeed Australia and 10Daily, both The Age and The Guardian report that News Corp is poised to cut hundreds of jobs in a shift towards digital-only publishing for local and regionals and increased copy-sharing amongst metros.
PS: Please note the Harvey Norman ads on almost every front page today.
STATE WRAP: WA, NT NAME RECOVERY ADVISORY GROUPS
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
[to Attorney-General Christian Porter]: The vast majority of Australians aren’t members of unions, only 14% of people are. In this process, shouldn’t workers be represented by other voices that more likely speak for them? Leigh Sales
Ahead of industrial relations talks with otherwise highly-representative bodies like the Business Council of Australia and Ai Group, Sales demands the union of non-union workers finally be heard.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Labor flags super pledge for work deal ($)
Ahead on penalties: Victoria leads nation on COVID-19 lockdown fines
Coronavirus: Closed Queensland faces a $2bn tourism hit ($)
Australia avoids ‘risky business’ of coronavirus vaccine sweepstakes
Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s FMG in High Court native title legal battle as Roebourne hit by bitter division
Boral hit by shareholder class action despite law change only days ago
South Korea reports biggest spike in coronavirus cases in 49 days
Hong Kong no longer autonomous from China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says
Boris Johnson urges UK to ‘move on’ from Dominic Cummings scandal
Veteran journalist Tom Krause remembered as ‘force of nature’ by industry peers
THE COMMENTARIAT
Not too hot or cold: PM seeks Goldilocks formula — Niki Savva (The Australian): “Morrison’s lack of ideology, his policy flexibility, which at its kindest interpretation means he can shift position at will and at its unkindest means he stands for little, is not shared by sections of his party, particularly the capital-C conservatives. So when he reaches the crunch points, he will come under pressure to throw out red meat to satisfy the bloodlust of the base and those who cater for it.”
When the market for news fails… — Tom Greenwell (Inside Story): “With Labor and the Greens in lock step with the government’s strategy, there seems little hope that effective support for journalism will be forthcoming any time soon. More newspapers will close, more journalists will lose their jobs, and the desertification of Australia’s news landscape will continue apace. But there is an alternative. Instead of imitating international policy failures, we could instead take inspiration from successful examples of support for the press.”
Can coronavirus help us reshape power? — Tim Hollo (Meanjin): “Governments struggling to retain control are responding with a seemingly contradictory tangle of authoritarian over-policing, the biggest boost to social security since post-war reconstruction, and favours to fossil fuels, taking expert advice on the pandemic and continuing to ignore it on ecological destruction.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra


crikey--2020-03-16--Corona curated: the best commentary from around the world

Crikey brings together the best commentary about COVID-19 from around the world .
The coronavirus is almost the only topic journalists and commentators are writing about at the moment .
Crikey has brought together some of the best commentary from around the world : The ‘ sceptical laughter ’ evoked by popular culture is a way of poking fun at authority , undermining the power of politicians or big corporates .
Laughter in the time of a pandemic : why South Africans are joking about coronavirus .
The Conversation Africa , March 15 .
When a spokesman for China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bandwagon to accuse the US military of unleashing a deadly disease that has infected well over 140,000 people in more than 120 countries , it begs closer scrutiny to understand what exactly is going on .
Why China is amplifying a conspiracy theory to blame America for coronavirus crisis .
South China Morning Post , March 14 .
I know it ’ s masochistic , but I feel a sense of ‘ I told you so ’ satisfaction , painful as it is , to read about reports of harassment , discrimination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese or Asian-looking people around the world ever since the coronavirus outbreak in China .
No Chinese should be surprised by coronavirus-inspired racism .
South China Morning Post , February 20 .
What does , and does not , constitute an overreaction is a question of how severe a threat is to public health , the expected benefits of any proposed counter-measures weighed against the likely costs and displacement risks of such measures .
Coronavirus : the pressures governments face in balancing safety and liberty .
The Conversation UK , March 12 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at an empty shelf in a supermarket and believe you ’ re looking into the vortex of non-existence .
Thanks for signing up We look forward to seeing you bright and early with your need-to-know talking points and tidbits for the day ahead .
Get Crikey FREE to your inbox every weekday morning with the Crikey Worm .
The apocalypse has begun … in aisle 8 at the supermarket .
The Sydney Morning Herald , March 13 .
The political legitimacy of the Chinese system has been actively advocated and promoted by serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to liberal democracy … It is rather surprising that the Chinese authoritarian leadership had not had to rely more on violence and coercion to achieve and maintain legitimacy .
So while the CDC and laboratories around the world race to find cures for the novel coronavirus , researchers are using AI to try to predict where the disease will go next and how much of an impact it might have .
Predicting the coronavirus outbreak : How AI connects the dots to warn about disease threats .
The Conversation US , March 3 @

The coronavirus is almost the only topic journalists and commentators are writing about at the moment. Crikey has brought together some of the best commentary from around the world:
The ‘sceptical laughter’ evoked by popular culture is a way of poking fun at authority, undermining the power of politicians or big corporates.


crikey--2020-03-16--'Time to support each other': the community groups fighting coronavirus panic

Offers of help are flooding social media , as people are eager to give assistance to neighbours in need .
There seems to be another contagion sweeping through communities and social networks , and community worker Rebecca Gelsi has come down with a chronic dose of it .
Even as rampaging coronavirus anxiety was igniting stockpiling raids on supermarket aisles , Gelsi felt moved this weekend to leave a couple of spare rolls of toilet paper on her picket fence for the convenience of any neighbours caught short .
She then settled down at her computer to put the finishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby streets .
She managed to crank out 20 copies before the home printer ran out of ink , and will push out some more when she gets to the office today .
“ Time to support each other , ” reads the headline .
“ Let ’ s go against the fear and share resources and encouragement.
” Gelsi is part of a growing online campaign pushing similarly subversive messages of generosity through her neighbourhood Facebook group .
And , after realising that many of the most vulnerable and isolated members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these virtual support networks , she ’ s also gone the extra mile with an old school letterbox drop .
“ I knew you can reduce fear and uncertainty through community support , ” says Gelsi , who is acting manager of West Footscray Neighbourhood House .
“ Knowing you have your neighbours backing you up makes a huge difference.
” She ’ s no isolated case .
As public concern about COVID-19 deepens , social networks — virtual and real — are pushing the mantra of “ love thy neighbour ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man for himself ” .
Just take a look at the locked-down Italian communities singing from their balconies .
In Australia , neighbourhood social media networks are reporting a surge in membership and activity over the past couple of weeks , and pro-forma versions of Gelsi ’ s flyer are being widely shared to help people identify and support each other offline .
The Good Karma Network , which has dozens of Facebook groups covering suburbs across Melbourne ’ s north and west , has been flooded with thousands of posts from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as people with symptoms have locked down .
The network ’ s founder , Amy Churchouse , said many people are also using the platforms to find safe ways to just connect to each other as infection control strategies of social distancing and isolation ramp up .
“ Some people are in need of material support and some just want to talk , but there ’ s a sense that we ’ re going to be okay because we are looking out for each other , ” says Churchouse .
Coronavirus has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established neighbourhood networks , but appears to be seeding a range of new initiatives .
The Facebook groups Love your neighbour Melbourne – COVID-19 inspired local connections and Northside Melbourne / Naarm CoronaVirus Outreach were both created on Friday and already have thousands of members offering everything from hand sanitiser to free child care .
All the evidence is that this kind of contagion of connectivity is good for us , argues Lisa Gibbs , an expert on disaster management and community resilience at the University of Melbourne .
“ There is complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if people are socially connected , their outcomes are better ” .
While welcoming this surge of neighbourliness , Matiu Bush , founder of support network One Good Street , cautions that it is vital for new groups to connect with and reinforce existing networks to ensure resources get to those who need them most .
“ Good intentions are great , but assistance really needs to hit the formal care system , because it ’ s the nurses who are visiting the most isolated people , ” he says .
Bush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One Good Street in 2017 to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness in older populations .
He works with Melbourne ’ s community nurses program to help locate vulnerable older people and distribute resources like food and mobility equipment .
“ It has been a huge weekend of activity , but the community is responding in a chaotic and uncoordinated way , ” says Bush .
“ People are calling me and posting on the Facebook page wanting to contact people who are isolated , but they have no idea how to approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these groups end up looking after the worried well , which scatters the response and diverts resources from pre-existing networks that can provide a more targeted , effective response.
” Bush says he saw a similar response in the wake of the recent bushfires .
“ Rather than contact Rotary or St Vincents , people set up their own groups and got flooded with donations that end up dumped on those organisations .
They ’ re still trying to sort through those bushfire donations now.
” Bush and Churchouse have also observed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism for bringing people together , they can equally become a loud hailer for negative and damaging messages if people don ’ t engage carefully and responsibly , especially when it comes to sharing information about the virus .
It ’ s a substantial burden ( and tension ) for groups that rely on volunteers to curate content .
“ We don ’ t want people spreading misinformation , so we advise people to always triple check their sources , ” says Churchouse .
An unverified post in a Facebook group with 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Lisa Gibbs argues that regulating such groups isn ’ t necessarily the answer .
“ There are health risks at play , so you want to proceed in a way that ’ s safe and appropriate , but you don ’ t want to get bogged down in red tape , ” she says .
As people battle over toilet paper in supermarket aisles , Bush says the most valuable resource these groups offer is the sense that , even in isolation , we ’ re not alone .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure people know they are being looked out for , ” he says .
Benjamin Silvester is a Master of Journalism student at the University of Melbourne , and a cadet at The Citizen .
This story is co-published with The Citizen , a publication of the Centre for Advancing Journalism .

There seems to be another contagion sweeping through communities and social networks, and community worker Rebecca Gelsi has come down with a chronic dose of it.
A major symptom: heroic acts of kindness.
Even as rampaging coronavirus anxiety was igniting stockpiling raids on supermarket aisles, Gelsi felt moved this weekend to leave a couple of spare rolls of toilet paper on her picket fence for the convenience of any neighbours caught short.


crikey--2020-06-16--Does Australia's migration system prioritise Australian workers? To find out, we need to look beyond

Does Australia's migration system prioritise Australian workers? To find out, we need to look beyond temporary skilled visas

Federal Population Minister Alan Tudge says the government has been `` very , very careful '' to prioritise Australians and @ @ @ @ @ system .
But is that really the full story ?
The flood of migrant workers @ @ @ @ @ long economic boom has all but dried up following the COVID-19-induced closure of Australia 's @ @ @ @ @ expected to drop by 30 % this financial year , and by 85 % in @ @ @ @ @ ) .
With the economy officially in reverse and the ranks of the unemployed and @ @ @ @ @ some who say the migration slump is no bad thing .

The flood of migrant workers that has helped sustain the long economic boom has all but dried up following the COVID-19-induced closure of Australia’s borders.
Migrant numbers are expected to drop by 30% this financial year, and by 85% in 2020-21 (compared with 2018-19).
With the economy officially in reverse and the ranks of the unemployed and underemployed swelling, there are some who say the migration slump is no bad thing.


crikey--2020-06-23--Ten years on, the Gillard government is associated with scandal and soap opera. But its economic suc

Ten years on, the Gillard government is associated with scandal and soap opera. But its economic successes hold lessons for Australia in 2020.

Ten years on , the Gillard government is associated with scandal and soap opera .
But its economic successes hold lessons for Australia in 2020 .
Ten years ago , the government of Kevin Rudd imploded and Julia Gillard secured the numbers to replace him as Labor leader .
The following day , she became prime minister when Rudd declined to contest the leadership .
Instead , Rudd went to the backbench and began plotting to destabilise Gillard , and came within an ace of wrecking Labor 's 2010 election campaign until he forced Gillard to agree to return him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , Rudd 's wrecking was only just beginning .
The Gillard minority government became a byword for indiscipline , dysfunction and infighting , with moments of outright sleaze , courtesy of disgraced Labor MP Craig Thomson , and speaker Peter Slipper -- elevated to that position to secure a precious extra number in the House of Reps and welsh on a deal for gambling reform with independent Andrew Wilkie .
The Gillard government , and the incessant sniping by Rudd and his cronies , transformed Parliament House into the setting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Benny Hill when Tony Abbott fled the chamber to avoid voting on the same side as Thomson .

Ten years ago, the government of Kevin Rudd imploded and Julia Gillard secured the numbers to replace him as Labor leader. The following day, she became prime minister when Rudd declined to contest the leadership. Instead, Rudd went to the backbench and began plotting to destabilise Gillard, and came within an ace of wrecking Labor’s 2010 election campaign until he forced Gillard to agree to return him to cabinet.
As history shows, of course, Rudd’s wrecking was only just beginning. The Gillard minority government became a byword for indiscipline, dysfunction and infighting, with moments of outright sleaze, courtesy of disgraced Labor MP Craig Thomson, and speaker Peter Slipper — elevated to that position to secure a precious extra number in the House of Reps and welsh on a deal for gambling reform with independent Andrew Wilkie.
The Gillard government, and the incessant sniping by Rudd and his cronies, transformed Parliament House into the setting of a soap opera, with occasional touches of Benny Hill when Tony Abbott fled the chamber to avoid voting on the same side as Thomson.


crikey--2020-05-20--Worm: Law and border

Worm: Law and border

Good morning , early birds .
Paul Kelly has declared that he sees no medical reason to maintain border shutdowns , and Angus Taylor has released the government 's 30 year Technology Investment Roadmap .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
As The Australian ( $ ) reports , Australia ’ s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has declared that he sees no medical reason to maintain border shutdowns , and that it will take some time for southern states to meet Queensland ’ s requirement for four weeks with zero cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Queensland and Victoria still staying put , this has meant a number of truly wild follow-up stories : • Pauline Hanson has suggested a High Court challenge against Annastacia Palaszczuk .
Hanson has engaged a pro bono constitutional lawyer and called for any Queensland business impacted by border lockdown to contact her office ( Courier-Mail $ ) • The head of Canberra Airport Stephen Byron has written to both Queensland and South Australia for an exemption for the ACT , which hasn ’ t had a new case in two whole weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ pleading for a date ” for intrastate travel from Premier Dan Andrews , after NSW announced the June 1 launch ( Herald Sun $ ) • The NT News ( $ ) has ascribed Chief Minister Michael Gunner ’ s decision to hold off to “ the threat from coronavirus-riddled ‘ southerners ’ .
” PS : The Daily Telegraph ( $ ) reports that Gladys Berejiklian has proposed an exception to the travel ban for foreign students in a bid to support regional universities .
ON THE ROADMAP TO NOWHERE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting paid by the government to recommend fossil projects , the ABC reports that Angus Taylor has released the government ’ s 30 year Technology Investment Roadmap .
While the discussion paper considers the potential of more than 140 technologies , including hydrogen , renewables , biofuels and ( surprise surprise ) gas and carbon capture , The Age ’ s Nick O ’ Malley notes that it also “ includes no goals , no discussion , no prediction of how much less carbon the nation will emit over the coming years should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FURTHER : The Guardian reports that a leaked draft report by a the COVID-19 Commission ’ s manufacturing taskforce — headed by Dow Chemical executive Andrew Liveris — recommends the Morrison government use taxpayer funds to “ create the market ” for gas and build fossil fuel infrastructure that would operate for decades .
Three for three , baby !
NY Daily News reports that progressive watchdog the Center for Media and Democracy has obtained a leaked recording of Republican political operatives planning to seek out conservative doctors to serve as mouthpieces for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen the economy , even as COVID-19 rages .
• Yesterday , the Victorian government appointed general manager of the Victorian Music Development Office , Bonnie Dalton , in a newly-launched Music Industry Liaison role to help advise on support measures for the state ’ s music economy .
The government also announced that parliament will return to scheduled sittings from the start of June .
• Today , The Age reports that the government is planning to expand powers of protective services officers to patrol shopping strips and commercials centres long after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about right .
• The Western Australian government introduced the Planning and Development Amendment Bill 2020 , which includes 26 planning reforms to “ simplify the planning system , cut red tape and increase support for small business ” throughout the state ’ s economic recovery .
• From Friday June 5 , all cafes and restaurants in South Australia will be permitted to seat up to a total of 20 patrons ( 10 inside and 10 outside ) as well as sell alcohol to diners .
• Tasmania announced that more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now been able to connect with family and friends through virtual visits ; one inmate “ has even had a virtual visit from his family in the US , the first time he has seen them in over two years ” .
Which feels like a two year blind spot .
• Finally , the ACT outlined their three-week , three-stage return to school schedule and launched new playground and park rules focusing on hygiene , physical distancing , the maximum capacity of 10 , and just staying home if you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The most popular premier in Australia ( $ ) is a soft no on reopening borders .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Insult to Hannah : Outrage as Senate ends violence inquiry early , without submissions Labor Treasurer Tim Pallas lashes out at Morrison government as China deal deadline looms ( $ ) Insurers back plan for private health plans to cover kids up to age 30 Findings from Afghanistan war crimes investigation will cause ‘ distress ’ for some elite soldiers , judge warns Russia says many coronavirus patients died of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll in doubt The RBA misread the economic upheaval of the 1970s , and I fear it is again — John Hewson ( The Age ) : “ I have an unnerving feeling of deja vu .
I ’ m thinking of a time when Reserve Bank modelling and resultant forecasts were completely inadequate in the unfolding circumstances , such that it missed the significance of important structural shifts in economic and social relationships .
In short , it resulted in it completely misreading the situation , and thereby misinforming the policy process.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ golden rule about by-elections , but neither party is buying it ( $ ) — Niki Savva ( The Australian ) : “ It is also fair to say that the Opposition Leader has more to lose if he fails than the Prime Minister does , despite Albanese ’ s mates and occasional enemies dismissing suggestions his leadership would be threatened , ostensibly because they all appreciate how difficult it will be to retain the seat .
That sounds logical , except politicians don ’ t always behave rationally after a loss , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they do , blows to morale inevitably feed into disunity.
” House Democrats ’ HEROES Act is a huge giveaway to the rich — Andrew Perez ( Jacobin ) : “ Instead of covering the uninsured through Medicare or Medicaid , Democrats decided it would be better to pay COBRA premiums through January for people who have lost their health insurance .
COBRA is expensive and wouldn ’ t help Americans who were already uninsured — but the move would deliver more revenue to the health care industry that wants the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the insurance plans they just lost.
” • The COVID-19 Senate inquiry will hear from the Attorney-General ’ s Department , Fair Work Commission , Fair Work Ombudsman , and Treasury .
• The National Tertiary Education Union will hold a protest convoy to demand relief funding for universities denied international student income by the coronavirus .
• Casey Donovan will play Drive-In Entertainment ’ s first , free “ drive in concert ” at midday in Tempe .
• Gomeroi poet , essayist and legal academic Alison Whittaker will host a Wheeler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new anthology of First Nations poetry , to feature readings from Tony Birch , Raelee Lancaster , Evelyn Araluen and more .
• Trade Minister Simon Birmingham will deliver a digital address to the Rural Press Club .
• Water Minister Keith Pitt will discuss the future of the Murray Darling Basin at a Rural Press Club of Victoria webinar .

BORDER FARCE
As The Australian ($) reports, Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has declared that he sees no medical reason to maintain border shutdowns, and that it will take some time for southern states to meet Queensland’s requirement for four weeks with zero cases.
With WA, SA, NT, Queensland and Victoria still staying put, this has meant a number of truly wild follow-up stories:
Pauline Hanson has suggested a High Court challenge against Annastacia Palaszczuk. Hanson has engaged a pro bono constitutional lawyer and called for any Queensland business impacted by border lockdown to contact her office (Courier-Mail $)
has suggested a High Court challenge against Hanson has engaged a pro bono constitutional lawyer and called for any Queensland business impacted by border lockdown to contact her office (Courier-Mail $) The head of Canberra Airport Stephen Byron has written to both Queensland and South Australia for an exemption for the ACT, which hasn’t had a new case in two whole weeks (ABC)
has written to both Queensland and South Australia for an exemption for the ACT, which hasn’t had a new case in two whole weeks (ABC) Victorian tourism operators are “pleading for a date” for intrastate travel from Premier Dan Andrews, after NSW announced the June 1 launch (Herald Sun $)
The NT News ($) has ascribed Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s decision to hold off to “the threat from coronavirus-riddled ‘southerners’.”
PS: The Daily Telegraph ($) reports that Gladys Berejiklian has proposed an exception to the travel ban for foreign students in a bid to support regional universities.
ON THE ROADMAP TO NOWHERE
After a double-whammy of fossil fuel leaders getting paid by the government to recommend fossil projects, the ABC reports that Angus Taylor has released the government’s 30 year Technology Investment Roadmap.
While the discussion paper considers the potential of more than 140 technologies, including hydrogen, renewables, biofuels and (surprise surprise) gas and carbon capture, The Age’s Nick O’Malley notes that it also “includes no goals, no discussion, no prediction of how much less carbon the nation will emit over the coming years should Taylor’s roadmap be followed.”
FURTHER: The Guardian reports that a leaked draft report by a the COVID-19 Commission’s manufacturing taskforce — headed by Dow Chemical executive Andrew Liveris — recommends the Morrison government use taxpayer funds to “create the market” for gas and build fossil fuel infrastructure that would operate for decades. Three for three, baby!
AND TODAY’S DANGEROUS TRUMP NEWS IS…
NY Daily News reports that progressive watchdog the Center for Media and Democracy has obtained a leaked recording of Republican political operatives planning to seek out conservative doctors to serve as mouthpieces for President Donald Trump’s push to reopen the economy, even as COVID-19 rages.
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STATE WRAP: MUSIC LIAISON, PLANNING REFORM AND PRISON E-VISITS
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
New South Wales had the Ruby Princess — I mean, seriously? And they are trying to give us advice on our borders? Do you think I should listen to them? I’m not listening to them. Mark McGowan
The most popular premier in Australia ($) is a soft no on reopening borders.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Casual workers win big on annual leave, sick leave in landmark ruling
Insult to Hannah: Outrage as Senate ends violence inquiry early, without submissions
Cyclone Amphan slams into Indian, Bangladesh coast
Labor Treasurer Tim Pallas lashes out at Morrison government as China deal deadline looms ($)
Insurers back plan for private health plans to cover kids up to age 30
Findings from Afghanistan war crimes investigation will cause ‘distress’ for some elite soldiers, judge warns
Virgin Australia: fresh call for government bailout as stricken airline’s cash reserves dwindle
Pathology groups threatened COVID-19 test ban at height of pandemic
Russia says many coronavirus patients died of other causes, putting its official COVID-19 death toll in doubt
THE COMMENTARIAT
The RBA misread the economic upheaval of the 1970s, and I fear it is again — John Hewson (The Age): “I have an unnerving feeling of deja vu. I’m thinking of a time when Reserve Bank modelling and resultant forecasts were completely inadequate in the unfolding circumstances, such that it missed the significance of important structural shifts in economic and social relationships. In short, it resulted in it completely misreading the situation, and thereby misinforming the policy process.”
Eden-Monaro: There’s a golden rule about by-elections, but neither party is buying it ($) — Niki Savva (The Australian): “It is also fair to say that the Opposition Leader has more to lose if he fails than the Prime Minister does, despite Albanese’s mates and occasional enemies dismissing suggestions his leadership would be threatened, ostensibly because they all appreciate how difficult it will be to retain the seat. That sounds logical, except politicians don’t always behave rationally after a loss, despite what they say beforehand. Even if they do, blows to morale inevitably feed into disunity.”
House Democrats’ HEROES Act is a huge giveaway to the rich — Andrew Perez (Jacobin): “Instead of covering the uninsured through Medicare or Medicaid, Democrats decided it would be better to pay COBRA premiums through January for people who have lost their health insurance. COBRA is expensive and wouldn’t help Americans who were already uninsured — but the move would deliver more revenue to the health care industry that wants the government to pay top-dollar to keep people on the insurance plans they just lost.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
The COVID-19 Senate inquiry will hear from the Attorney-General’s Department, Fair Work Commission, Fair Work Ombudsman, and Treasury.
Sydney
The National Tertiary Education Union will hold a protest convoy to demand relief funding for universities denied international student income by the coronavirus.
Casey Donovan will play Drive-In Entertainment’s first, free “drive in concert” at midday in Tempe.
Melbourne
Gomeroi poet, essayist and legal academic Alison Whittaker will host a Wheeler Centre digital showcase for Fire Front, a new anthology of First Nations poetry, to feature readings from Tony Birch, Raelee Lancaster, Evelyn Araluen and more.
Australia


crikey--2020-05-21--Worm: China tightens its fist

Worm: China tightens its fist

Good morning , early birds .
The Chinese government has announced it plans to impose new security laws in Hong Kong , and , in a separate story , has begun warning state-owned utilities against purchasing Australian thermal coal .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Following a year of protests in Hong Kong , the Chinese government will today table a resolution enabling its top legislative body , the Standing Committee of the National People ’ s Congress , to pass national security legislation targeting the city-state .
While the exact details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong paper the South China Morning Post reports the new bill would ban secessionist and subversive activity , foreign interference , and terrorism .
As the ABC reports , Donald Trump has denounced the news , while social media posts are already emerging across Hong Kong urging another round of mass protests .
IS A PANDEMIC REALLY THE TIME : According to SCMP , Hong Kong has , with three exceptions , been free of community transmissions since April 19 .
Watch that space , post-mass protests .
MORE FUEL TO THE AUS-CHINA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia and China , analysts and industry insiders have told The Age that the Chinese government has begun warning state-owned utilities against purchasing Australian thermal coal and to instead focus on domestic orders .
DANDREWS GOES IT ALONE : According to The Australian ( $ ) , FOI documents obtained from the Victorian opposition show Daniel Andrews ’ Department of Premier and Cabinet refused DFAT access to details of national security before signing up to China ’ s Belt and Road Initiative in October 2018 .
Finally , just two days after Crikey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing a spine , class action lawsuits are necessary for major businesses to play fair , The Australian ( $ ) reports that Josh Frydenberg will today announce regulations requiring litigation funders to hold an Australian financial services licence and comply with the managed investment scheme regime .
PS : Sadly , The Guardian reports that the pandemic has forced Christian Porter to delay the draft bill for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission .
Priorities !
• Queensland has moved the state ’ s Ekka Show public holiday from Wednesday August 12 to Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s Long Weekend ’ and provide stimulus for the tourism industry .
• The government also announced that they have made more than 100,000 phone calls to seniors across the state to find out how they are going during the crisis , and ask if the Care Army can help .
• The ABC reports that Victoria ’ s Year 12 students will sit their final exams in November and have results by the end of the year , following weeks of uncertainty .
• Additionally , the government announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted by regional partnerships to understand local impacts of the pandemic , and revealed that 12 new Aboriginal Housing Victoria houses will be built under the new $ 500 million public and community housing fund , while $ 35 million will go to upgrades for existing Aboriginal social housing .
• The Western Australian government has established an urgent review of skills , training and workforce development in response to COVID-19 .
• The ACT government announced that Libraries ACT ’ s 20th ‘ National Simultaneous Storytime ’ will launch online at 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Finally , in just a nice end to the week , the ABC reports that South Australia ’ s last remaining COVID-19 patient has left Royal Adelaide Hospital .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The guy who runs offshore refugee camps , tried to deport Indigenous Australians , and locked up a family of four on Christmas Island is worried Queensland ’ s border restrictions are destroying lives .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Greenacre crash : 10 people injured after car smashes into hijab store in western Sydney NBN speeds and performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosts : ACCC Ex-NSW Minister Don Harwin to appeal his $ 1000 fine for COVID-19 breach UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not face criminal probe over links to US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri Open Skies Treaty : US to withdraw from arms control deal We were prepared to act on COVID-19 , but will we do the same on climate ?
— Waleed Aly ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ What exactly do we think of expert advice ?
It seems an opportune moment to ask because we ’ re at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it feels as though lots more is up for grabs .
Witness , for example , the growing niggle between our various governments as NSW and the Commonwealth pressure Western Australia , South Australia and especially Queensland to open their borders.
” Coronavirus : Daniel Andrews is in a state of half-witted delusion over China ( $ ) — Greg Sheridan ( The Australian ) : “ Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews , in my view , is behaving foolishly , incompetently and in effective , if not intentional , betrayal of Australia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing ’ s Belt and Road Initiative , and in his government ’ s bad-mouthing of his own country in relation to the series of disputes between Beijing and Canberra.
” Journalists on the ramparts — Hamish McDonald ( Inside Story ) : “ Instead of cool rationality , a wave of patriotic flag-waving took hold of senior members of the press gallery , urged on by China hawks in Canberra ’ s military-industrial circles .
The latter notably include Peter Jennings , director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute , financed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lockheed Martin , BAE , Northrop Grumman , Thales and Raytheon , and the governments of Japan and Taiwan.
” • The Victorian Nationals will hold their state conference .

CHINA PLANS TO BYPASS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT
Following a year of protests in Hong Kong, the Chinese government will today table a resolution enabling its top legislative body, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, to pass national security legislation targeting the city-state.
While the exact details are yet to be published, Hong Kong paper the South China Morning Post reports the new bill would ban secessionist and subversive activity, foreign interference, and terrorism. As the ABC reports, Donald Trump has denounced the news, while social media posts are already emerging across Hong Kong urging another round of mass protests.
IS A PANDEMIC REALLY THE TIME: According to SCMP, Hong Kong has, with three exceptions, been free of community transmissions since April 19. Watch that space, post-mass protests.
MORE FUEL TO THE AUS-CHINA FIRE
Amidst an emerging trade war between Australia and China, analysts and industry insiders have told The Age that the Chinese government has begun warning state-owned utilities against purchasing Australian thermal coal and to instead focus on domestic orders.
DANDREWS GOES IT ALONE: According to The Australian ($), FOI documents obtained from the Victorian opposition show Daniel Andrews’ Department of Premier and Cabinet refused DFAT access to details of national security before signing up to China’s Belt and Road Initiative in October 2018.
CLASS ACTION CRACKDOWN
Finally, just two days after Crikey outlined why, in lieu of ASIC growing a spine, class action lawsuits are necessary for major businesses to play fair, The Australian ($) reports that Josh Frydenberg will today announce regulations requiring litigation funders to hold an Australian financial services licence and comply with the managed investment scheme regime.
PS: Sadly, The Guardian reports that the pandemic has forced Christian Porter to delay the draft bill for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission. Priorities!
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STATE WRAP: EKKA LONG WEEKEND, VIRTUAL
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
Lives are being destroyed, and the Premier’s conducting some social experiment here. They could make a call today that the borders could reopen in July, and you would have those tourism operators at least with some light at the end of the tunnel. Peter Dutton
The guy who runs offshore refugee camps, tried to deport Indigenous Australians, and locked up a family of four on Christmas Island is worried Queensland’s border restrictions are destroying lives.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Greenacre crash: 10 people injured after car smashes into hijab store in western Sydney
NBN speeds and performance hit by coronavirus, recover after capacity boosts: ACCC
Ex-NSW Minister Don Harwin to appeal his $1000 fine for COVID-19 breach
Unions make 40 per cent pay rise demand for North East Link ($)
Australia-first study finds low transmission of COVID-19 in children
Employers prepare for return of mentally fragile workforce
Treasury boss Steven Kennedy warns economy is ‘well past recession’
Commercial office property faces 15 per cent hit ($)
Australian scientists ‘drastically improve’ new solar cell technology
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not face criminal probe over links to US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri
Open Skies Treaty: US to withdraw from arms control deal
THE COMMENTARIAT
We were prepared to act on COVID-19, but will we do the same on climate? — Waleed Aly (The Sydney Morning Herald): “What exactly do we think of expert advice? It seems an opportune moment to ask because we’re at a point in our COVID-19 experience where it feels as though lots more is up for grabs. Witness, for example, the growing niggle between our various governments as NSW and the Commonwealth pressure Western Australia, South Australia and especially Queensland to open their borders.”
Coronavirus: Daniel Andrews is in a state of half-witted delusion over China ($) — Greg Sheridan (The Australian): “Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, in my view, is behaving foolishly, incompetently and in effective, if not intentional, betrayal of Australia’s national interests in his embrace of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, and in his government’s bad-mouthing of his own country in relation to the series of disputes between Beijing and Canberra.”
Journalists on the ramparts — Hamish McDonald (Inside Story): “Instead of cool rationality, a wave of patriotic flag-waving took hold of senior members of the press gallery, urged on by China hawks in Canberra’s military-industrial circles. The latter notably include Peter Jennings, director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, financed by the defence department, military suppliers including Lockheed Martin, BAE, Northrop Grumman, Thales and Raytheon, and the governments of Japan and Taiwan.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Inverloch, Victoria


crikey--2020-05-15--Politics as usual is back — and don't you just hate it

We 've had a break from politics as usual , but now they 're back at it , reminding us of what we did n't miss .
As Australia begins to stir from hibernation , there is one thing that could have stayed dormant for much longer .
Now that we ’ re back to politics as usual , it only serves to remind us what we really didn ’ t miss during the lockdown .
During the hiatus , the only visible pollies were a small group which included the prime minister , the treasurer and the health minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Few really missed hearing from the rest of the Morrison government , particularly those weeks when the home affairs minister was felled by coronavirus .
The opposition figured out early on it was best to keep their heads down too .
The opposition leader popped up occasionally for some appropriate contributions on vital issues which was a good reminder that he had not been confined to a bunker like poor Joe Biden in the US .
And virtually nothing from the National Party with their federal leaders ’ invisibility now working in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the duration .
Pauline Hanson ’ s efforts to draw attention included threatening to lay down in her paddock and daring the cops to fine her .
No word on what happened .
Obviously no one cared — even the cops .
Could this be why ratings for the nightly television news almost doubled ?
Suddenly it was safe for viewers to turn on their sets and watch real news for a change instead of the usual banality .
It seemed the only ones that missed it all were the rabid right wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the George Pell High Court decision in early April .
That allowed for some much needed ranting and culture war outpourings that they had obviously been forced to curtail during those damned “ we ’ re all in it together ” weeks .
The pollie void was filled by the state premiers which might be why the first polling showed their approval at stratospheric levels .
There was novelty value to seeing Labor and Liberal state leaders all working together .
Not so much internally .
When NSW arts minister Don Harwin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was breaking lockdown laws .
It did allow Sydney ’ s The Daily Telegraph to ramp up its campaign against the NSW premier under the cover of COVID-19 .
There were still tensions between Canberra and Macquarie Street with the PM reportedly warmer to the Labor premiers of Victoria , WA and Queensland than to his NSW Liberal counterpart during national cabinet meetings .
Perhaps the starkest sign things had changed came the Sunday federal Education Minister Dan Tehan criticised Victorian Premier Dan Andrews ’ lack of leadership on school openings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an embarrassing apology that he had “ overstepped the mark ” .
Given the usual insults hurled from Canberra it was a seminal moment in the new civil politics .
It didn ’ t last long .
Peter Dutton ’ s pent-up bile was sprayed at the “ corrupt and chaotic ” Queensland Government for daring to try and help rescue the collapsed Virgin Airlines , comments even the PM refused to endorse .
It has been unravelling at a great pace .
In the past week the Queensland premier has lost her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NSW premier probably wishes hers had gone too .
After the NSW deputy premier sprayed everyone , Barnaby quickly popped up with a view , and then Matt Canavan was back , along with a strange photo of himself in high vis in front of a Hills Hoist .
The opposition stirred too .
Kristina Keneally was obviously suffering limelight deprivation so penned an anti-immigration piece that infuriated her colleagues and gave Pauline Hanson the chance to claim she was stealing One Nation policies .
And when a press gallery journalist dared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week the old smirky , snarky Scott was back .
Political leaders often talk disingenuously of keeping politics off the front page but when the pandemic meant they didn ’ t have a choice , it actually seemed to work .
Cancelling parliament is a high price to pay but for the first time I appreciate why some oppressed peoples actually welcome a dictatorship after democracy becomes too chaotic .
It ’ s obviously a welcome respite from all those damn pollies , everywhere , all the time .
Have you enjoyed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us know your thoughts by writing to [ email protected ] .
Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey ’ s Your Say column .

As Australia begins to stir from hibernation, there is one thing that could have stayed dormant for much longer.
Numpties. Sorry, politicians.
Now that we’re back to politics as usual, it only serves to remind us what we really didn’t miss during the lockdown.


crikey--2020-05-24--The Proposition: Do we need to cut Australia's immigration, even if that hurts the economy?

The coronavirus crisis has again raised the question of Australia 's reliance on immigration .
We ask our commentators whether @ @ @ @ @ , even if it hurts the economy .
In The Proposition , Crikey puts forward @ @ @ @ @ commentators and readers that bounces off a hot topic .
Today , in part inspired @ @ @ @ @ Keneally , the Opposition 's immigration spokeswoman , the proposition is : The current crisis @ @ @ @ @ substantially cut Australia ’ s immigration levels , even if that hurts the economy .

In The Proposition, Crikey puts forward a provocation to columnists, commentators and readers that bounces off a hot topic.
Today, in part inspired by recent comments by Kristina Keneally, the Opposition’s immigration spokeswoman, the proposition is:
The current crisis has highlighted the need to substantially cut Australia’s immigration levels, even if that hurts the economy.


crikey--2020-06-02--Where is the economy going? Destination known but we're driving in fog to get there

Where we need the economy to get to is clear .
How we get it there is another matter entirely @ @ @ @ @ can be found in unlikely places .
The Second Coming is one of the English-speaking @ @ @ @ @ poems in times of uncertainty and confusion .
W.B .
Yeats wrote it in 1919 @ @ @ @ @ last great pandemic , Spanish flu .
Rather like the apocryphal complaint about Hamlet ( @ @ @ @ @ like the play -- it ’ s just a bunch of famous quotations strung together @ @ @ @ @ in The Second Coming could be applied to the COVID-19 crisis .

Guidance on economic policy can be found in unlikely places.
The Second Coming is one of the English-speaking world’s most quoted poems in times of uncertainty and confusion. W.B. Yeats wrote it in 1919 in the midst of the last great pandemic, Spanish flu.
Rather like the apocryphal complaint about Hamlet (“I didn’t like the play — it’s just a bunch of famous quotations strung together”) virtually every line in The Second Coming could be applied to the COVID-19 crisis.


crikey--2020-06-02--Youth unemployment | How many young Australians are unemployed?

While the younger generations may have a lower risk of health implications from coronavirus , they are set to lose on the employment landscape , or lack thereof , in the coming months , and potentially years .
How many younger people are unemployed due to coronavirus ?
Over 800,000 people in Australia have lost their jobs since the coronavirus pandemic began .
While a breakdown of the number of people unemployed by age is not currently available , the Grattan Institute says younger people , or those aged 15-24 , are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is expected that one million young people will be unemployed in the UK by the end of the year .
In China , one in six young people have found themselves jobless since the pandemic began , while in the US , 27.4 % of those aged 16-24 are now unemployed .
On top of the struggles faced by those who were working in face-to-face environments , there is an even greater burden for workers who find themselves on casual contracts , because not all of them will receive support from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , 500,000 people who were working as casuals for less than 12 months are now unemployed and are not receiving JobKeeper payments .
Younger people are allowed to access their superannuation fund , however , this is being dubbed by some as irresponsible , as it could leave this group with $ 54,000-84,000 less in their retirement savings down the line .
According to the University of Melbourne , the younger demographic have been “ crowded out ” by those aged 25-54 since the global financial crisis .
This means this age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less ; they have had to graft harder for less stable opportunities via unpaid internships and low pay .
The University of Melbourne comments are based on the fact that it took many years for the 25-54 year old age group to re-enter a period of stability , and even longer for the younger demographic to reach a period of growth .
Youth unemployment is likely to be a very real issue in the years of recovery after coronavirus because : • The younger demographic is more likely to work in face-to-face environments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and events • The younger demographic is more likely to be employed on part-time or casual contracts , meaning the nature of their work could be less stable than their full-time peers • The younger demographic is likely to have less experience than their older counterparts , who may also be likely to delay retirement in a bid to add extra security to their superannuation fund .
According to University of Melbourne economics professor , Jeff Borland , soon-to-be graduates are in danger of entering an unemployment cycle following graduation .
Borland is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and access to free TAFE courses to ensure there is something on the other side for students .
Read : How many people are unemployed in Australia ?

How many younger people are unemployed due to coronavirus?
Over 800,000 people in Australia have lost their jobs since the coronavirus pandemic began. While a breakdown of the number of people unemployed by age is not currently available, the Grattan Institute says younger people, or those aged 15-24, are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and will continue to be negatively affected into the future.
It is expected that one million young people will be unemployed in the UK by the end of the year. In China, one in six young people have found themselves jobless since the pandemic began, while in the US, 27.4% of those aged 16-24 are now unemployed.


crikey--2020-05-26--Coronavirus cases Australia: A state by state update

How many coronavirus cases are there in Australia ?
We take a look at the total number of cases , @ @ @ @ @ each state and territory .
Here is a breakdown of coronavirus cases in Australia , @ @ @ @ @ updates , including the number of people tested for COVID-19 and the number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ area across Australia .
There are currently 7,118 reported coronavirus cases across Australia and more @ @ @ @ @ have been carried out .
Keep reading for the latest details on the number of @ @ @ @ @

Here is a breakdown of coronavirus cases in Australia, according to the most recent updates, including the number of people tested for COVID-19 and the number of deaths recorded, per state and area across Australia.
There are currently 7,118 reported coronavirus cases across Australia and more than 1.24 million coronavirus tests have been carried out.
Keep reading for the latest details on the number of COVID-19 cases in Australia.


crikey--2020-05-25--How far can you travel during lockdown? A state-by-state update

How far can you travel from home during the coronavirus lockdown ?
Here is your state-by-state update .
How far can you travel from home during lockdown ?
Here is a state-by-state update on how far you can travel from home during the loosening of coronavirus restrictions across Australia .
There is no limit on the distance that people may travel in New South Wales .
The latest easing of restrictions also means residents of Sydney may now travel to regional areas .
Staying with people you know in regional areas is not prohibited , however , those travelling are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing if they are travelling to regional areas .
At present , residents of NSW are not allowed to holiday in regional areas .
These current restrictions will be loosened starting on June 1 .
From June 1 , residents of NSW will be allowed : • To visit anywhere in regional NSW for recreational or holiday purposes • To visit caravan and camping grounds that are slowly beginning to re-open .
From June 1 , Australians from other states will be allowed to travel to NSW for holiday purposes .
Those travelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set out by their state when returning from interstate travel .
There is no limit on how far Victorians can travel around Victoria , however , the message from the Victorian government remains the same : “ if you can stay at home , you must stay at home ” .
Despite the easing of restrictions , the government is still asking Victorians to maintain a safe distance from others , and to only travel when necessary : “ It is not the time to be travelling long distances to visit family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay overnight .
This is about seeing those you need to – if you need to.
” Those travelling in private modes of transport are being asked to avoid driving with people who live outside of their household .
There are currently no restrictions on state borders , however , the rules of other states will apply to you if you cross them , and you need to have a reasonable reason to travel .
From June 1 , restrictions will begin to ease further to allow Victorians to travel for recreational purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have guests stay overnight and camping grounds will also begin to re-open .
Queenslanders may travel 150 kilometres from their homes for recreational purposes .
Those living in the outback can travel 500 kilometres from home for recreational purposes .
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said Queensland ’ s borders could remain closed until September , following the confirmation of two new coronavirus cases overnight .
Queensland closed its borders on March 25 , and currently , only Queensland residents and residents of border communities undertaking essential activities , and those considered an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter Queensland via air , sea , rail or road from another state or territory .
Western Australians were not allowed to travel outside of their region from March 31 , until the beginning of the restrictions easing on May 18 .
Since May 18 , Western Australians have been allowed to travel between : • the Mid-West , Gascoyne and Pilbara regions ( excluding the biosecurity zone ) • within the Goldfields-Esperance region ( excluding the biosecurity zone ) • within Kimberley Local Government areas ( the Commonwealth ’ s biosecurity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 29 , the Western Australian government will ease restrictions further so that all regional boundaries will be lifted , except for the Kimberely region , regions bound by the Commonwealth ’ s designated biosecurity determination , and 274 remote Indigenous communities .
There are no restrictions on how far you can travel from home in Tasmania .
However , if Tasmanians are travelling to different states , they will be subject to the rules of that state , and if residents of other states travel to Tasmania , they will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no restrictions on how far you can travel from home in South Australia .
The advice to avoid non-essential travel has been relaxed in the last few weeks as the government is now encouraging residents to support regional communities and economies .
The South Australian government has warned non-essential travellers will need to specify where they will be staying on arrival and self-isolate for 14 days .
South Australian police may also conduct police checks on those who have arrived to ensure they are self-isolating .
There are no restrictions on how far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Territory , however , non-essential travel is discouraged .
There are strict border controls in place for all points of entry to the Northern Territory , and people travelling to the NT will be escorted to a designated location where they will be monitored and accommodated for .
People who are exempt from mandatory self-isolation include those who work in : • people with specialist skills that are critical to maintaining key government services , industries or businesses .
There is currently no ETA on when borders will re-open .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Australian Capital Territory can travel from home .
There are also no restrictions on borders , however , other state rules may apply to you if you travel to certain states .
The ACT government says : “ Canberrans should carefully consider the need to travel outside of the Canberra region , as someone bringing the virus into the Territory from interstate remains one of the biggest risks to the re-emergence of COVID-19 in the ACT ” .
Read : Coronavirus travel ban | When will international flights reopen in Australia ?

How far can you travel from home during lockdown? Here is a state-by-state update on how far you can travel from home during the loosening of coronavirus restrictions across Australia.
(This article will be regularly updated to keep you in the know about how far you may travel from your home during the pandemic.)
New South Wales
There is no limit on the distance that people may travel in New South Wales.


crikey--2020-03-17--Australia can afford a $100 billion stimulus — and we may need it

When the Rudd government sent the deficit soaring voters and commentators were shocked .
We all had to adjust to @ @ @ @ @ in deficit spending in order to avoid a recession , and we may have to @ @ @ @ @ announcing a substantial stimulus package , the government is quickly working on another fiscal stimulus @ @ @ @ @ understanding that the virus crisis is going to inflict far more serious economic damage than @ @ @ @ @ Central banks are doing their bit with emergency moves over the last seven days , @ @ @ @ @ near zero , quantitative easing ( pushing money into the economy ) and asset purchasing @ @ @ @ @ It 's now over to governments to deploy fiscal policy to head off what could @ @ @ @ @

Mere days after announcing a substantial stimulus package, the government is quickly working on another fiscal stimulus announcement, reflecting a clearer understanding that the virus crisis is going to inflict far more serious economic damage than we feared last week.
Central banks are doing their bit with emergency moves over the last seven days, but with interest rates already near zero, quantitative easing (pushing money into the economy) and asset purchasing is all they have.
It’s now over to governments to deploy fiscal policy to head off what could be a deep recession.


crikey--2020-03-17--Glenn Dyer's TV Ratings: Audiences reject TV favourites for virus coverage

News and current affairs saw a bump across the board as viewers tuned in to stay on top of the @ @ @ @ @ substantial COVID-19 driven surge in the viewing of news programs across the day and into @ @ @ @ @ wanted more information .
MAFS ( 1.38 million ) was left behind by Seven ’ @ @ @ @ @ 6-7pm which averaged 1.63 million people nationally .
That was 100,000 higher than a week @ @ @ @ @ as well to average 1.38 million , up around 140,000 and the highest audience figures @ @ @ @ @ .
The 7pm ABC News averaged 1.24 million , up nearly 200,000 from a week @ @ @ @ @ million , up more than 200,000 as well .
ACA was all but unwanted by @ @ @ @ @ up just 53,000 .
Nine did an hour news special on the virus which averaged @ @ @ @ @ , but it only averaged 522,000 .

Yesterday saw a substantial COVID-19 driven surge in the viewing of news programs across the day and into last night as Australians as wanted more information.
MAFS (1.38 million) was left behind by Seven’s hour of news from 6-7pm which averaged 1.63 million people nationally. That was 100,000 higher than a week earlier. Nine News rose as well to average 1.38 million, up around 140,000 and the highest audience figures for the hour this year.
The 7pm ABC News averaged 1.24 million, up nearly 200,000 from a week ago, 7.30 averaged 1.24 million, up more than 200,000 as well. ACA was all but unwanted by viewers, its audience was up just 53,000. Nine did an hour news special on the virus which averaged 833,000. Seven did likewise, but it only averaged 522,000.


crikey--2020-03-17--Virus Watch: Obeid trial delayed, airlines falling, and curtains for the arts

Economists are facing down more fears of a recession ( or worse ) and the arts sector struggles .
Here @ @ @ @ @ know .
It ’ s another bad day for global markets .
Wall Street had @ @ @ @ @ Black Monday crash of 1987 , while ASX futures are down 4.1 % .
According @ @ @ @ @ Australian Financial Review , most world airlines could be bankrupt by the end of May @ @ @ @ @ announced it was suspending commercial flights and cutting 90 % of its staff ( 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ Jetstar announced they would cut 90 % of their international capacity and 60 % of @ @ @ @ @ end of May .
It ’ s that deterioration in global markets and sluggish economic @ @ @ @ @ raise fears that we ’ re at the beginning of a recession .

The economy struggles, again
It’s another bad day for global markets. Wall Street had its worst day since the Black Monday crash of 1987, while ASX futures are down 4.1%.
According to a report in The Australian Financial Review, most world airlines could be bankrupt by the end of May. Overnight, Scandinavian Airlines announced it was suspending commercial flights and cutting 90% of its staff (10,000 jobs). Qantas and Jetstar announced they would cut 90% of their international capacity and 60% of their domestic capacity until the end of May.


crikey--2020-03-17--What other countries learned from SARS — and we, apparently, didn't

There are two rules in these kinds of crises : take quick and decisive action , and do what the government says .
The countries best dealing with COVID-19 appear to be those who had first- hand , fatal experience experience with the SARS outbreak 17 years ago .
What Hong Kong ( which lost 299 citizens to SARS ) , Taiwan , South Korea and Singapore learned was simple : take quick and decisive action — and do what the government says .
By contrast , the unfolding disasters in Italy and the US have been case studies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , is burdened with the twin difficulties of one of the world 's most unequal health systems and arguably the world ’ s most incompetent administration .
The key element in preventing the rapid spread of the virus ( other than locking everyone in their homes ) is widespread testing .
In this regard , Australia is an absolute disaster .
Like the US , we have a critical shortage of test kits .
Unless you ’ ve been overseas recently or have knowingly been in contact with a carrier , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .

The countries best dealing with COVID-19 appear to be those who had first- hand, fatal experience experience with the SARS outbreak 17 years ago. What Hong Kong (which lost 299 citizens to SARS), Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore learned was simple: take quick and decisive action — and do what the government says.
By contrast, the unfolding disasters in Italy and the US have been case studies in bad management. The US, in particular, is burdened with the twin difficulties of one of the world’s most unequal health systems and arguably the world’s most incompetent administration.


crikey--2020-06-16--In the race for taxpayer cash, EY is still struggling despite Pyne

Hiring former defence minister Christopher Pyne does n't seem to have helped big four consulting firm EY lift its game @ @ @ @ @ When it was revealed last June that former defence minister Christopher Pyne had been appointed @ @ @ @ @ to big four consulting firm Ernst & Young -- these days calling itself EY -- @ @ @ @ @ Pyne , who ended a long political career at last year 's election , was @ @ @ @ @ its defence contracts .
`` I am looking forward to providing strategic advice to EY @ @ @ @ @ expand its footprint in the defence industry , '' he said at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ was later at pains to assure people , via a glowing Australian profile , that @ @ @ @ @ anyone on behalf of EY , just giving it advice .

When it was revealed last June that former defence minister Christopher Pyne had been appointed a “strategic adviser” to big four consulting firm Ernst & Young — these days calling itself EY — there was widespread outrage.
Pyne, who ended a long political career at last year’s election, was to advise EY on lifting its defence contracts. “I am looking forward to providing strategic advice to EY as the firm looks to expand its footprint in the defence industry,” he said at the time.
The former high-profile Liberal moderate was later at pains to assure people, via a glowing Australian profile, that he wasn’t actually lobbying anyone on behalf of EY, just giving it advice.


crikey--2020-04-13--Worm: Unemployment set to double

Worm: Unemployment set to double

New Treasury figures forecast that the unemployment rate will double from 5.1 % to 10 % and new cases of coronavirus dipped below 50 over the bank holiday weekend .
George Pell is being investigated over new child abuse allegations and NSW will now test anyone with even mild flu-like symptoms in either at-risk areas or sites with unexplained transmissions .
According to the ABC , new Treasury figures forecast that the unemployment rate will double in the June quarter from 5.1 % to 10 % — a number that could have jumped to 15 % without JobKeeper — with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of a job and a recession effectively guaranteed .
On that note , the World Economic Forum has argued that the government can prevent a recession turning into depression by : • Foregrounding public health and suppressing the virus ( rather than hoping for ‘ herd immunity ’ ) until a vaccine is developed and rolled out next year ; • Cooperating with businesses , specifically in the global hunt for a vaccine .
Businesses , meanwhile , will need to eliminate ‘ competition ’ mindsets throughout the pandemic ; and • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in securing business continuity and jobs ’ , with public debt afforded to those ‘ companies and individuals most able to take it on.
’ WHAT AUSTRALIA CAN DO POST-CRISIS : According to The Sydney Morning Herald , the federal government will aim to centre agriculture and consider diversifying supply chains post-crisis , while The Saturday Paper reports that the Greens will push for an injection of renewable investment and a Green New Deal .
Social distancing and quarantine measures have meant that , after daily peaks of almost 500 cases in mid-March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases since last Monday , with weekend figures even dipping below 50 .
However , Health Minister Greg Hunt announced yesterday that any easing of shutdown measures would require the following : • Rapid response capabilities ( specifically around tracing infrastructure , now that confidence is building over ventilator supplies ) ; and • An exit plan balancing business reopening with at least six months of maintained social distancing measures .
SQUASH IT , SQUASH IT FLAT : In an analysis of new modelling , the Grattan Institute explores how Australia could feasibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ eliminate ’ the virus by bringing total new daily cases close to zero by the second week of June and mitigate future outbreaks with contact tracing and border quarantines .
Less than a week after his High Court acquittal , The Herald Sun ( $ ) has revealed that George Pell is being investigated over new child abuse allegations .
The paper has revealed that Victoria Police began investigations prior to the High Court appeal over an alleged incident that , reportedly , dates back to the 1970s .
Both Australian Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain Craig Foster , in an interview with the SBS and debate on last night ’ s Q+A respectively , have called for a release of all immigration detainees who pose no significant security or health risks into the Australian community .
While Home Affairs rejected similar calls on March 26 , Santow and Foster ’ s concerns follow medical recommendations for community releases from the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases last month ; specific concerns from detainees in onshore centres , Christmas Island , Nauru and Manus Island ; and a joint-statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO earlier this month .
According to The Australian ( $ ) , Scott Morrison has expressed support for a call from Western Australia ’ s Labor Premier Mark McGowan to maintain national cabinet meetings between federal and state leaders beyond the pandemic and replace the less-frequent , more politicised Council of Australian Governments system .
Following similar expansions to testing eligibility last week , The Sydney Morning Herald reports that NSW will now test anyone with even mild flu-like symptoms in either at-risk areas or sites with unexplained transmissions , including but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west , Waverley , Woollahra , Randwick , Ryde , Penrith , Liverpool , Blacktown , Cumberland and Westmead .
HOW THE RENT PACKAGE WORK : The ABC reports that a $ 440 million rental package , will be directed towards commercial and residential landlords in NSW and — as NSW Fair Trading ’ s new guide explains — a six-month eviction moratorium and negotiation guarantee for tenants experiencing financial distress .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Who are you going to trust , Victoria ’ s chief health officer or the ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a magic noise and lightbox currently under investigation by the TGA ?
READ ALL ABOUT IT Coronavirus : Champion of the left has plaudits for conservative PM — Ben Oquist ( The Australian ) : “ I did not vote for Scott Morrison .
But like so many Australians I am willing for him to succeed in the fight against COVID-19 .
And he is .
The squashing of the curve to date has been one of the great public policy successes of our time.
” The poor bear the burden of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable in Australia — Andrew Leigh ( The Guardian ) : “ The best cure for discrimination is a low jobless rate .
This means that if the unemployment rate spikes upwards and then takes some time to recover , then it will be marginalised workers who pay the price.
” Life and death in the ‘ hot zone ’ — Nicholas Kristof ( The New York Times ) : “ Terror , pain and loneliness mingle in the air with the coronavirus in the ‘ hot zone ’ of the emergency department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bronx .
The room is jammed with patients whose frightened eyes peer above their oxygen masks as they struggle to breathe , feel that they are drowning , wonder if they will ever again see loved ones .
”

UNEMPLOYMENT TO DOUBLE
According to the ABC, new Treasury figures forecast that the unemployment rate will double in the June quarter from 5.1% to 10% — a number that could have jumped to 15% without JobKeeper — with 1.4 million Australians now expected to be out of a job and a recession effectively guaranteed.
On that note, the World Economic Forum has argued that the government can prevent a recession turning into depression by:
Foregrounding public health and suppressing the virus (rather than hoping for ‘herd immunity’) until a vaccine is developed and rolled out next year;
Cooperating with businesses, specifically in the global hunt for a vaccine. Businesses, meanwhile, will need to eliminate ‘competition’ mindsets throughout the pandemic; and
Taking ‘on large and unprecedented roles in securing business continuity and jobs’, with public debt afforded to those ‘companies and individuals most able to take it on.’
WHAT AUSTRALIA CAN DO POST-CRISIS: According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the federal government will aim to centre agriculture and consider diversifying supply chains post-crisis, while The Saturday Paper reports that the Greens will push for an injection of renewable investment and a Green New Deal.
AUSTRALIA CAN TAKE A SMALL, ISOLATED POST-EASTER BOW
Social distancing and quarantine measures have meant that, after daily peaks of almost 500 cases in mid-March, Australia has averaged around 100 daily cases since last Monday, with weekend figures even dipping below 50.
However, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced yesterday that any easing of shutdown measures would require the following:
A sustained decrease in cases; Rapid response capabilities (specifically around tracing infrastructure, now that confidence is building over ventilator supplies); and An exit plan balancing business reopening with at least six months of maintained social distancing measures.
SQUASH IT, SQUASH IT FLAT: In an analysis of new modelling, the Grattan Institute explores how Australia could feasibly follow New Zealand’s plan to ‘eliminate’ the virus by bringing total new daily cases close to zero by the second week of June and mitigate future outbreaks with contact tracing and border quarantines.
PELL FACES NEW SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIMS
Less than a week after his High Court acquittal, The Herald Sun ($) has revealed that George Pell is being investigated over new child abuse allegations.
The paper has revealed that Victoria Police began investigations prior to the High Court appeal over an alleged incident that, reportedly, dates back to the 1970s.
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AHRC, CRAIG FOSTER CALL FOR IMMIGRATION RELEASE
Both Australian Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow and former Socceroos captain Craig Foster, in an interview with the SBS and debate on last night’s Q+A respectively, have called for a release of all immigration detainees who pose no significant security or health risks into the Australian community.
While Home Affairs rejected similar calls on March 26, Santow and Foster’s concerns follow medical recommendations for community releases from the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases last month; specific concerns from detainees in onshore centres, Christmas Island, Nauru and Manus Island; and a joint-statement for global measures from the UN and WHO earlier this month.
COULD NATIONAL CABINET SURVIVE COVID?
According to The Australian ($), Scott Morrison has expressed support for a call from Western Australia’s Labor Premier Mark McGowan to maintain national cabinet meetings between federal and state leaders beyond the pandemic and replace the less-frequent, more politicised Council of Australian Governments system.
NSW EXPANDS TESTING TO COVID HOTSPOTS
Following similar expansions to testing eligibility last week, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that NSW will now test anyone with even mild flu-like symptoms in either at-risk areas or sites with unexplained transmissions, including but not limited to Sydney’s inner west, Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick, Ryde, Penrith, Liverpool, Blacktown, Cumberland and Westmead.
HOW THE RENT PACKAGE WORK: The ABC reports that a $440 million rental package, will be directed towards commercial and residential landlords in NSW and — as NSW Fair Trading’s new guide explains — a six-month eviction moratorium and negotiation guarantee for tenants experiencing financial distress.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
For only $14,990 less than Pete Evans’ harmonic subtle energy machine, you too can be protected from COVID-19. Just stay home. Professor Brett Sutton
Who are you going to trust, Victoria’s chief health officer or the ‘gaze into the sun’ chef peddling a magic noise and lightbox currently under investigation by the TGA?
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Ruby Princess kitchen ‘feeds a further fiasco’
Unions divided on coronavirus retail closures
Trump retweets call to fire Fauci amid coronavirus criticism
‘Totally disrespectful’: police interrupt funeral while enforcing social distancing rules over Easter weekend
Darwin council could waive rates for struggling homeowners, landlords
Brisbane riverfront house at centre of PNG corruption probe
Australia Post considered once-a-week letter deliveries in confidential review
OPEC deal ‘too late’ to prevent oil glut
Anti-Corbyn Labour officials worked to lose general election to oust leader, leaked dossier finds
THE COMMENTARIAT
Coronavirus: Champion of the left has plaudits for conservative PM — Ben Oquist (The Australian): “I did not vote for Scott Morrison. But like so many Australians I am willing for him to succeed in the fight against COVID-19. And he is. The squashing of the curve to date has been one of the great public policy successes of our time.”
The poor bear the burden of the coronavirus downturn, but inequality is not inevitable in Australia — Andrew Leigh (The Guardian): “The best cure for discrimination is a low jobless rate. This means that if the unemployment rate spikes upwards and then takes some time to recover, then it will be marginalised workers who pay the price.”
Life and death in the ‘hot zone’ — Nicholas Kristof (The New York Times): “Terror, pain and loneliness mingle in the air with the coronavirus in the ‘hot zone’ of the emergency department at Jack D. Weiler Hospital in the Bronx. The room is jammed with patients whose frightened eyes peer above their oxygen masks as they struggle to breathe, feel that they are drowning, wonder if they will ever again see loved ones.”
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