crikey--2020-06-23--Worm: A bundle of energy

Worm: A bundle of energy

Good morning , early birds .
Anthony Albanese has reportedly called on Scott Morrison to support a new bipartisan energy policy , and the Victorian government has amped up plans to slow the spread of COVID-19 , including a return to on-the-spot fines .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
According to both the ABC and The Australian ( $ ) , Labor leader Anthony Albanese has written a letter calling on Scott Morrison to support a new bipartisan energy policy that , even if Labor and the Coalition hold competing emissions targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albanese ’ s letter gave soft praise for the Morrison government ’ s donor-friendly technology investment roadmap but — while acknowledging that neither the National Energy Guarantee nor Clean Energy Target are likely to be revisited — highlighted that the framework does not constitute a national energy policy .
The ABC reports that Albanese is likely to discuss the letter when he addresses the National Press Club today .
A COAL LOT OF ISSUES : The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the NSW government ’ s latest Strategic Statement on Coal Exploration and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will bank on global coal demand defying the Paris climate goals until 2050 .
At a time when the Arctic Circle is experiencing a record heatwave with temperatures up to 38 degrees , it ’ s perhaps a little short-sighted .
As Melbourne prepares for a spike in community transmission — the source of 11 of yesterday ’ s 17 new cases , for example , are listed as “ under investigation ” — The Age reports that the state government has announced a return to on-the-spot fines ; will bring in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with the federal government , has only just abandoned plans to divert Australians returning from overseas away from Melbourne .
Following Premier Dan Andrews ’ announcement that health officials sent to door-knock across multicultural communities today will focus on greater cultural and linguistic capability , the AFR ( $ ) notes that the company engaged to manage crisis communication with Victoria ’ s 1864 confirmed virus cases , Whispir , was only asked to communicate in languages other than English on Monday .
DJOKOVIC POSITIVE : In global cluster news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the fourth top men ’ s tennis player to test positive ; Nick Kyrgios has in turn hit out at them for playing/partying in an exhibition tournament in the Balkan region .
In the latest updates to the Dyson Heydon controversy : • None John Howard has stood by his 2003 decision to appoint Heydon to the High Court , as questions emerge over how widespread the “ open secret ” of alleged sexual harassment was amongst senior legal circles has stood by his 2003 decision to appoint Heydon to the High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widespread the “ open secret ” of alleged sexual harassment was amongst senior legal circles ( Sydney Morning Herald ) • Arthur Moses SC , a high-profile Sydney barrister and former president of the Law Council of Australia , has called for the Morrison government to establish a federal judicial commission to deal with misconduct complaints against judges ( The Australian $ ) • Courts across Australia are reviewing their process for sexual harassment complaints , while chief justice of the NSW supreme court , Tom Bathurst , has informed staff of plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
According to the Lowy Institute Poll 2020 , Australians ’ trust in China ’ s President Xi Jinping “ to do the right thing regarding world affairs ” has dropped to just 22 % , half of what it was in 2018 .
As the ABC unpacks , polling of 2448 Australians in late March suggests about one in three trust Donald Trump , 87 % of people have confidence in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , and their greatest concerns are COVID-19 , drought , and economic downturn .
CLOSING THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morning Herald , a separate study by the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations has found a majority of Indigenous Australians want an elevated role for Indigenous-run organisations and equal partnership with government under new Closing the Gap processes .
• The Tasmanian government announced it will extend certain protections for residential tenants — including moratoriums on rent increases and certain evictions — until September 30 , 2020 , a date roughly in line with most other states and territories .
• None Annastacia Palaszczuk pledged $ 3 million from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program for Premierpledged $ 3 million from the $ 25 million Queensland Tourism Icons Program for outback tourism operators , with allocation to be decided with advice from the Outback Queensland Tourism Association .
• According to The Age , the Victorian government ’ s latest relief scheme will cap kindergarten fees at half-cost for term three .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Despite excuses from White House and campaign officials that it was all a funny joke , the US president insists he really did ask for slower testing rates .
Whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the figures remain horrifying : 2.4 million cases , and 123,000 deaths .
READ ALL ABOUT IT ABC ‘ Life ’ unit in focus as MD Anderson prepares to unveil budget cuts National Gallery of Australia to shed staff and slash acquisitions from 3,000 to 100 a year Surprise election pledge to ban fracking announced by new NT party Territory Alliance WA Police to investigate claims former officer used picture of dead Aboriginal man as computer screen saver ( $ ) People in Brooklyn were setting off fireworks .
Then police showed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet after deadly border clash in disputed region kills at least 20 Lowy Institute Poll : Australians happy to hop away from China bounders ( $ ) — Alex Oliver and Natasha Kassam ( The Australian ) : “ The view from Australia today is sobering .
Having barely emerged from the bushfire crisis , we were struck with a global pandemic and our borders remain closed to the world .
Our great ally , the US , is still deep in the health crisis and preoccupied with domestic social discord .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wielding its economic leverage over us and threatens to do more as we enter our first recession in 29 years.
” The ‘ problem ’ is not ‘ fixed ’ .
Why we need a royal commission into robodebt — Darren O ’ Donovan ( The Conversation ) : “ As an administrative law researcher , myself and my colleauges have watched the robodebt scandal play out for four years now .
In this time , we have seen blocked freedom of information requests and unanswered questions .
I have sat with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inaccurate debts.
” I ’ m the barista fired by a Bondi cafe because I ’ m black .
Here ’ s why I spoke up — Ayokunle ‘ Ayo ’ Oluwalana ( HuffPost ) : “ In the past month , the Black Lives Matter movement has been a focal point of the world ’ s attention .
Continuous global protests have called out not just police brutality but systemic racism leading to a revolution that I ’ m sure a lot of Black people , and non-Black people , recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a collective effort , we are able to influence change.
” • Labor leader Anthony Albanese will present Science and Economic Recovery at the National Press Club .
• The COVID-19 inquiry will hold a public inquiry with business groups including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry , Australian Industry Group , Business Council of Australia , Council of Small Business Organisations Australia , Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman .
• The Australia Institute ’ s chief economist Richard Denniss will present The Reconstruction : Building Back Better or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Economics Of A Pandemic webinar series .

ALBANESE’S EMISSIONS MISSION
According to both the ABC and The Australian ($), Labor leader Anthony Albanese has written a letter calling on Scott Morrison to support a new bipartisan energy policy that, even if Labor and the Coalition hold competing emissions targets, would incorporate scalable emissions levers.
Albanese’s letter gave soft praise for the Morrison government’s donor-friendly technology investment roadmap but — while acknowledging that neither the National Energy Guarantee nor Clean Energy Target are likely to be revisited — highlighted that the framework does not constitute a national energy policy. The ABC reports that Albanese is likely to discuss the letter when he addresses the National Press Club today.
A COAL LOT OF ISSUES: The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the NSW government’s latest Strategic Statement on Coal Exploration and Mining, to be released today, will bank on global coal demand defying the Paris climate goals until 2050.
At a time when the Arctic Circle is experiencing a record heatwave with temperatures up to 38 degrees, it’s perhaps a little short-sighted.
VICTORIA’S SECOND WAVE HITLIST
As Melbourne prepares for a spike in community transmission — the source of 11 of yesterday’s 17 new cases, for example, are listed as “under investigation” — The Age reports that the state government has announced a return to on-the-spot fines; will bring in more health workers for quarantine hotels; and, along with the federal government, has only just abandoned plans to divert Australians returning from overseas away from Melbourne.
Following Premier Dan Andrews’ announcement that health officials sent to door-knock across multicultural communities today will focus on greater cultural and linguistic capability, the AFR ($) notes that the company engaged to manage crisis communication with Victoria’s 1864 confirmed virus cases, Whispir, was only asked to communicate in languages other than English on Monday.
DJOKOVIC POSITIVE: In global cluster news, the ABC reports that Novak Djokovic has become the fourth top men’s tennis player to test positive; Nick Kyrgios has in turn hit out at them for playing/partying in an exhibition tournament in the Balkan region.
HEYDON FALLOUT
In the latest updates to the Dyson Heydon controversy:
John Howard has stood by his 2003 decision to appoint Heydon to the High Court, as questions emerge over how widespread the “open secret” of alleged sexual harassment was amongst senior legal circles (Sydney Morning Herald)
has stood by his 2003 decision to appoint Heydon to the High Court, as questions emerge over how widespread the “open secret” of alleged sexual harassment was amongst senior legal circles (Sydney Morning Herald) Arthur Moses SC, a high-profile Sydney barrister and former president of the Law Council of Australia, has called for the Morrison government to establish a federal judicial commission to deal with misconduct complaints against judges (The Australian $)
SC, a high-profile Sydney barrister and former president of the Law Council of Australia, has called for the Morrison government to establish a federal judicial commission to deal with misconduct complaints against judges (The Australian $) Courts across Australia are reviewing their process for sexual harassment complaints, while chief justice of the NSW supreme court, Tom Bathurst, has informed staff of plans for a new policy (The Guardian).
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TRUST IN CHINA PLUMMETS
According to the Lowy Institute Poll 2020, Australians’ trust in China’s President Xi Jinping “to do the right thing regarding world affairs” has dropped to just 22%, half of what it was in 2018.
As the ABC unpacks, polling of 2448 Australians in late March suggests about one in three trust Donald Trump, 87% of people have confidence in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and their greatest concerns are COVID-19, drought, and economic downturn.
CLOSING THE POWER GAP: According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a separate study by the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations has found a majority of Indigenous Australians want an elevated role for Indigenous-run organisations and equal partnership with government under new Closing the Gap processes.
STATE VIRUS WATCH: TASMANIA EXTENDS RENTAL PROTECTIONS
The Tasmanian government announced it will extend certain protections for residential tenants — including moratoriums on rent increases and certain evictions — until September 30, 2020, a date roughly in line with most other states and territories.
government announced it will extend certain protections for residential tenants — including moratoriums on rent increases and certain evictions — until September 30, 2020, a date roughly in line with most other states and territories. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pledged $3 million from the $25 million Queensland Tourism Icons Program for outback tourism operators, with allocation to be decided with advice from the Outback Queensland Tourism Association.
pledged $3 million from the $25 million Queensland Tourism Icons Program for outback tourism operators, with allocation to be decided with advice from the Outback Queensland Tourism Association. According to The Age, the Victorian government’s latest relief scheme will cap kindergarten fees at half-cost for term three.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
I don’t kid. Donald Trump
Despite excuses from White House and campaign officials that it was all a funny joke, the US president insists he really did ask for slower testing rates. Whatever 12th-dimensional chess he’s playing, the figures remain horrifying: 2.4 million cases, and 123,000 deaths.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
ABC ‘Life’ unit in focus as MD Anderson prepares to unveil budget cuts
ASIC sues Commonwealth Bank over alleged shady super advice
Universities face block in rush to humanities ($)
National Gallery of Australia to shed staff and slash acquisitions from 3,000 to 100 a year
Surprise election pledge to ban fracking announced by new NT party Territory Alliance
NSW first renewable zone attracts stunning 27GW of solar, wind, storage proposals
CFA volunteers’ anger at broken promises as merge looms ($)
WA Police to investigate claims former officer used picture of dead Aboriginal man as computer screen saver ($)
People in Brooklyn were setting off fireworks. Then police showed up in riot gear.
China and India meet after deadly border clash in disputed region kills at least 20
7.4 magnitude earthquake hits southern Mexico
THE COMMENTARIAT
Lowy Institute Poll: Australians happy to hop away from China bounders ($) — Alex Oliver and Natasha Kassam (The Australian): “The view from Australia today is sobering. Having barely emerged from the bushfire crisis, we were struck with a global pandemic and our borders remain closed to the world. Our great ally, the US, is still deep in the health crisis and preoccupied with domestic social discord. Our largest trading partner, China, is wielding its economic leverage over us and threatens to do more as we enter our first recession in 29 years.”
The ‘problem’ is not ‘fixed’. Why we need a royal commission into robodebt — Darren O’Donovan (The Conversation): “As an administrative law researcher, myself and my colleauges have watched the robodebt scandal play out for four years now. In this time, we have seen blocked freedom of information requests and unanswered questions. I have sat with some of my own students devastated by life-changing, inaccurate debts.”
I’m the barista fired by a Bondi cafe because I’m black. Here’s why I spoke up — Ayokunle ‘Ayo’ Oluwalana (HuffPost): “In the past month, the Black Lives Matter movement has been a focal point of the world’s attention. Continuous global protests have called out not just police brutality but systemic racism leading to a revolution that I’m sure a lot of Black people, and non-Black people, recognise as monumental. It has shown that through a collective effort, we are able to influence change.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Labor leader Anthony Albanese will present Science and Economic Recovery at the National Press Club.
The COVID-19 inquiry will hold a public inquiry with business groups including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Industry Group, Business Council of Australia, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
Australia


crikey--2020-04-30--Beware of billionaires bearing gifts: Twiggy's ambush a long time coming

Critics of 'Twiggy ' Forrest 's 'ambush ' of Health Minister Greg Hunt need to realise that this is nothing new for the billionaire .
You can tell this is a war when the public turns on a billionaire for doing business with the “ enemy ” .
Andrew “ Twiggy ” Forrest ’ s notorious self- and China promotion finally went too far yesterday at a disastrous press conference in Melbourne .
His efforts to be seen as a saviour and peacemaker ended with him being reviled on social media as treasonous and a traitor , and accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was meant to be a grovelling PR exercise with Health Minister Greg Hunt thanking Forrest and his Minderoo Foundation for purchasing 10 million coronavirus testing kits from China for the Australian government .
But Forrest decided to invite his mate — Chinese consul-general for Victoria Long Zhou — to the event , and then to the podium for a good bit of propaganda on China ’ s handling of the coronavirus .
“ An ambush ” was how furious government insiders described his actions , given he did not bother to warn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that morning the papers were full of a bitter diplomatic row between Canberra and Beijing .
Pro-Twiggy sources went into damage control , claiming he was only trying to repair relations but that was undermined by the fact he had done exactly the same thing to his own WA government minister three weeks earlier .
On April 1 , Forrest was at press conference with state Health Minister Robin Cook to thank him for securing medical supplies for WA , when he decided to bring along the state consul Dong Zhi Hua @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesson after the backlash then , and this week ’ s repeat performance was even worse given Canberra and Beijing were at the height of a furious feud over Australia ’ s calls for an inquiry into China ’ s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Indeed Forrest was in the AFR that very morning with a bizarre intervention calling for any inquiry to be held off until after the US election .
The man who made $ 6 billion off the back of selling Australian iron ore to China has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has also been increasingly using his charitable funds to make political points .
His Minderoo Foundation has donated some $ 270 million since it was established in 2001 , but has recently been acting more like another arm of government .
The much-hyped 10 million COVID-19 testing kits , and the earlier $ 160 million in medical supplies to WA , are not actually being “ donated ” by the foundation but in fact will eventually be paid for by the taxpayers — at cost , as Forrest has indicated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Forrest given his close ties to China .
There was his intervention in the bushfire crisis in January , where he didn ’ t just donate money to existing causes like his fellow citizens , and his $ 70 million came with some interesting caveats .
Ten million dollars was to be spent on setting up his own volunteer “ army ” of first responders to be deployed around the country .
The bulk of the funds , some $ 50 million , was to be spent on a “ national blueprint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who needs a government white paper on crucial national issues — in fact , who needs a government at all — when Twiggy ’ s self-funded army is coming to the rescue ?
Politicians do love standing by Twiggy as he announces his donations .
In 2017 , then-PM Turnbull was there for the glitzy announcement in Parliament House that the Forrests were donating $ 400 million to charity .
There were real celebrities too including Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson .
Kevin Rudd was there for not one but two of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian Employment Covenant , launched with much fanfare in 2008 with the aim to provide 50,000 jobs for indigenous workers .
A later version saw corporate mates like James Packer “ pledge ” jobs , but there has been criticism over the years of just how few tangible jobs ever eventuated .
An even bigger coup was signing up Pope Francis , the Archbishop of Canterbury and the grand Iman of Egypt to launch his global freedom network to end modern slavery .
That launch in 2014 was at the Vatican , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time apparently .
We all know it is uncharitable to criticise rich donors who have an undue influence on government .
Australia has a long history of turning controversial business figures into “ philanthropists ” .
But then you can end up like Clive Palmer , whose efforts to help out during the coronavirus crisis by purchasing 30 million doses of malaria drugs just gets you ridiculed .
Then again , he ’ s not being accused of being a China stooge .
And let ’ s not forget that Scott Morrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nev Power to oversee the powerful National COVID-19 Coordination Commission to bring the economy back from the crisis .
The PM might want to recall the fate of his predecessor Kevin Rudd , who was brought down by the very mining tax which Forrest so virulently opposed .
But to be fair if Forrest had to pay more tax there would have been less for him to donate back to the taxpayers .

You can tell this is a war when the public turns on a billionaire for doing business with the “enemy”.
Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s notorious self- and China promotion finally went too far yesterday at a disastrous press conference in Melbourne.
His efforts to be seen as a saviour and peacemaker ended with him being reviled on social media as treasonous and a traitor, and accused of trying to hijack government foreign policy.


crikey--2020-02-27--Worm: Are you fooled by Taylor's Trojan horse?

Good morning , early birds .
Energy Minister Angus Taylor will today outline his vision for the Coalition ’ s 'technology roadmap ' , and Scott Morrison is preparing to declare a coronavirus pandemic .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Energy Minister Angus Taylor will today announce that the Coalition ’ s technology roadmap will overlook wind and solar , which are “ coming to an end of value ” , and focus on the “ next challenges ” , such as hydrogen , methane from livestock , and ( Trojan horse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sydney Morning Herald reports .
And rather than policy per se , according to The Conversation , Taylor will call for “ economic goals ” of four to five times existing R & D investment from the private sector .
FUN FACTS : Australia sourced 79 % of our electricity from fossil fuels in 2018 ; renewable investment has tanked post-2020 Renewable Energy Target ; and as Crikey has noted multiple times , and despite the millions of dollars already pissed away at carbon capture and storage , the most effective form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has extended the China travel ban until March 7 and is preparing to declare a coronavirus pandemic , the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald report , with emergency measures aimed at hospitals , schools and aged-care facilities .
According to The Australian ( $ ) , University of Queensland virologist Ian Mackay believes COVID-19 — like the four existing strains of coronavirus — is destined to become an endemic virus , that ’ s just “ with us for life ” , but generally manifests as little more than a cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating the virus will knock $ 6 billion off tourism , mining and education this year , the Coalition is now considering new economic stimulus , The Age reports .
The death toll from anti-Muslim riots in Delhi has hit 37 , Al Jazeera reports .
The violence was sparked when Muslims protesting against discriminatory citizenship law were attacked by Hindu mobs .
Meanwhile , Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Donald Trump , who , speaking at a mega-cricket stadium together , received strong applause praising India and the US ’ fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sydney Morning Herald reports 25 of Australia ’ s 29 foreign aid deals have expired throughout seven years of consistent , billion-dollar cuts to the budget — while remaining deals with Vietnam , Myanmar , Laos and Tuvalu are set to expire in July .
TALKING POINT : While aid has now been cut to a record-low $ 4 billion a year , or 0.2 % of gross national income , it ’ s hardly the only sector feeling some pain ; The Australian ( $ ) reports defence has been forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment program — meant for new equipment , tech and infrastructure — to pay salaries , clean up pollution , maintain IT and compensate sexual assault survivors .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
In a performance that managed to get “ Hinduism ” trending in Australia , the Treasurer mocks a wellbeing budget proposed by Jim Chalmers that , when first introduced in New Zealand last year , was heralded as an innovation in mental illness , crime and poverty prevention .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Two Australians named in Italian court as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM of ‘ cooking the books ’ with timing of sports grants Morrison and Ardern to talk crime , coronavirus and managing their coalition partners Disrupted flights and travel insurance : how the coronavirus is affecting travel for Australians Coronavirus threatens more than just the budget — Waleed Aly ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ ‘ We brought the budget back to surplus next year , ’ declared Scott Morrison on the eve of last year ’ s election in what is among the more absurd political statements in recent memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved something that will not happen for another year.
” Scott Morrison learns from his horror summer mistakes ( $ ) — Dennis Shanahan ( The Australian ) : “ It was Anthony Albanese who said Morrison was politicising the bushfires and on Thursday it was again the Opposition Leader who said Morrison was politicising the coronavirus crisis and acting without decency by not briefing Labor on the pandemic call.
” The real bullies who spread hatred and division aren ’ t on Twitter – they ’ re in plain sight — Nyadol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simply said , for women of colour there is no ‘ bubble ’ , no ‘ echo chamber ’ , online or in the real world , which can protect us .
We can either choose to remain in the fight or be silenced , and we have long heeded the warning that our silence will not protect us either.
” • Parliament will hold hearings for inquiries into Australia ’ s oil and gas reserves ; the NBN ; data retention ; ASIC ; and the sports rorts scandal , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kate Palmer .
• Crime fiction writer Dervla McTiernan will speak in conversation with critic Jeff Popple on her new novel , The Good Turn , at an ANU/Canberra Times event .
• NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to meet with Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian .
• Coronial inquest findings into the death of Indigenous man Eric Whittaker will be released .
• Sociologist Dr Louise St Guillaume will present the findings of her 2019 Whitlam Fellowship “ Newstart , Poverty and Disability ” .
• Seven Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ FOI for journalists ” Walkley Masterclass .
• Business SA and Crime Stoppers SA will release the Understanding the Impact of Crime on South Australian Businesses – a Snapshot report • Opening night of the 2020 Adelaide Festival , to run until Sunday , March 15 .

A ROADMAP TO…
Energy Minister Angus Taylor will today announce that the Coalition’s technology roadmap will overlook wind and solar, which are “coming to an end of value”, and focus on the “next challenges”, such as hydrogen, methane from livestock, and (Trojan horse alert) carbon capture and storage, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
And rather than policy per se, according to The Conversation, Taylor will call for “economic goals” of four to five times existing R&D investment from the private sector.
FUN FACTS: Australia sourced 79% of our electricity from fossil fuels in 2018; renewable investment has tanked post-2020 Renewable Energy Target; and as Crikey has noted multiple times, and despite the millions of dollars already pissed away at carbon capture and storage, the most effective form of sequestration is trees.
MORRISON TO DECLARE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The Morrison government has extended the China travel ban until March 7 and is preparing to declare a coronavirus pandemic, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald report, with emergency measures aimed at hospitals, schools and aged-care facilities.
According to The Australian ($), University of Queensland virologist Ian Mackay believes COVID-19 — like the four existing strains of coronavirus — is destined to become an endemic virus, that’s just “with us for life”, but generally manifests as little more than a cold.
Notably, with new Deloitte modelling indicating the virus will knock $6 billion off tourism, mining and education this year, the Coalition is now considering new economic stimulus, The Age reports.
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ANTI-MUSLIM RIOTS
The death toll from anti-Muslim riots in Delhi has hit 37, Al Jazeera reports. The violence was sparked when Muslims protesting against discriminatory citizenship law were attacked by Hindu mobs.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Donald Trump, who, speaking at a mega-cricket stadium together, received strong applause praising India and the US’ fight against “radical Islamic terrorism”.
FOREIGN AID ALMOST EXTINCT
The Sydney Morning Herald reports 25 of Australia’s 29 foreign aid deals have expired throughout seven years of consistent, billion-dollar cuts to the budget — while remaining deals with Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Tuvalu are set to expire in July.
TALKING POINT: While aid has now been cut to a record-low $4 billion a year, or 0.2% of gross national income, it’s hardly the only sector feeling some pain; The Australian ($) reports defence has been forced to dip into its $200 billion capital investment program — meant for new equipment, tech and infrastructure — to pay salaries, clean up pollution, maintain IT and compensate sexual assault survivors.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
They are inspired by their spiritual leader, the m-m-m-member for Rankin, Mr Speaker. The m-m-m-m-member for Rankin, [hahahaha] Mr Speaker. And I was thinking yesterday, as the member for Rankin was coming into the chamber fresh from his Ashram deep in the mountains of the Himalayas… Josh Frydenberg
In a performance that managed to get “Hinduism” trending in Australia, the Treasurer mocks a wellbeing budget proposed by Jim Chalmers that, when first introduced in New Zealand last year, was heralded as an innovation in mental illness, crime and poverty prevention.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Government under pressure to lift Newstart amid troubling economic times
Two Australians named in Italian court as alleged leaders of the mafia
Great Barrier Reef: coral bleaching to worsen unless weather conditions change
Hand-picked commissioner slams government’s ‘tired, unimaginative’ drug policies ($)
Labor accuses PM of ‘cooking the books’ with timing of sports grants
Morrison and Ardern to talk crime, coronavirus and managing their coalition partners
Labor’s mayoral candidate plans to make Brisbane carbon neutral by 2050
Saudi Arabia blocks foreign pilgrims as Japan plans school closure amid coronavirus outbreak
Disrupted flights and travel insurance: how the coronavirus is affecting travel for Australians
THE COMMENTARIAT
Coronavirus threatens more than just the budget — Waleed Aly (The Sydney Morning Herald): “‘We brought the budget back to surplus next year,’ declared Scott Morrison on the eve of last year’s election in what is among the more absurd political statements in recent memory. Clearly it is impossible to have achieved something that will not happen for another year.”
Scott Morrison learns from his horror summer mistakes ($) — Dennis Shanahan (The Australian): “It was Anthony Albanese who said Morrison was politicising the bushfires and on Thursday it was again the Opposition Leader who said Morrison was politicising the coronavirus crisis and acting without decency by not briefing Labor on the pandemic call.”
The real bullies who spread hatred and division aren’t on Twitter – they’re in plain sight — Nyadol Nyuon (The Guardian): “Simply said, for women of colour there is no ‘bubble’, no ‘echo chamber’, online or in the real world, which can protect us. We can either choose to remain in the fight or be silenced, and we have long heeded the warning that our silence will not protect us either.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Parliament will hold hearings for inquiries into Australia’s oil and gas reserves; the NBN; data retention; ASIC; and the sports rorts scandal, which will hear from former chief of Sport Australia Kate Palmer .
Crime fiction writer Dervla McTiernan will speak in conversation with critic Jeff Popple on her new novel, The Good Turn, at an ANU/Canberra Times event.
Sydney
NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to meet with Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian .
Coronial inquest findings into the death of Indigenous man Eric Whittaker will be released.
Sociologist Dr Louise St Guillaume will present the findings of her 2019 Whitlam Fellowship “Newstart, Poverty and Disability”.
Melbourne
Seven Network FOI editor Alison Sandy will present an “FOI for journalists” Walkley Masterclass.
Adelaide


crikey--2020-03-19--Want to know what 'self isolation' really means? Ask Twitter

Australians are finding out the hard way what self-isolation really means .
So you 've been told to self-isolate for @ @ @ @ @ does that really mean ?
Crikey put out a straw poll on twitter -- response @ @ @ @ @ discovered confusion reigns among even the savvy denizens of the twittersphere .
The question was @ @ @ @ @ 'self-isolate ' mean to you ? ''
Here 's some of the responses we got @

So you’ve been told to self-isolate for 14 days. But what does that really mean?
Crikey put out a straw poll on twitter — response rate entirely unscientific — and discovered confusion reigns among even the savvy denizens of the twittersphere.
The question was “what does the term ‘self-isolate’ mean to you?” Here’s some of the responses we got.


crikey--2020-06-02--Crisis in America: is Trump's endgame to retain power and refashion the republic?

A touch of anarchy at the core of the United States has allowed the country to constantly renew its spirit .
Now , Donald Trump may use that spirit to destroy the republic .
In recent decades , it ’ s been customary to point out that whatever unrest there is in America , though it may look like breakdown , does not compare with that which occurred in the ’ 60s and ’ 70s with successive waves of uprising , or in the ’ 50s with the ending of ( official ) segregation in the south .
After all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1965 and ’ 68 .
In 1954 Eisenhower sent the US Army into the south to stand toe-to-toe against state national guards , who were being used to prevent school desegregation .
In the ’ 70s thousands of protest bombings occurred across the country .
Through the Bush , Iraq and first Black Lives Matter period we were told , rightly enough , that the great American ideology machine was wiping the memory of what had been , and the current bout did not compare .
With the current wave of protesting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that judgement may be coming to an end .
As I write , President Donald Trump is addressing the nation , berating US state governors for being weak and threatening to send the army into states to quell protest .
That is being called a coup , though it isn ’ t .
The US Army has been deployed previously , in the Detroit and LA uprisings of the 1960s .
What ’ s new is Trump ’ s real time dispersal of peaceful protesters outside the White House as he speaks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even LBJ , Nixon and Reagan didn ’ t do that .
With the tear gas comes a whiff of the junta .
Trump aspires to be the sort of strongman the US spent decades setting up South of ze border , and the protests appear to have a different air to the Jeffersonian upsurge of previous uprisings .
As the northern summer heats up , exhausted , masked people pushed beyond all tolerance arise in dilapidated , plundered , ruined cities .
America has taken a selfie using the Guatemala filter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of black man George Floyd in Minneapolis , in the course of a minor matter arrest .
The deeper logic to this sudden explosion was that the killing was the exact copy of other killings — asphyxiation-related death as with the 2014 death of Eric Garner on Staten Island .
It thus enacted the phrase coined during Black Lives Matter protests after Garner ’ s killing : “ I can ’ t breathe ” .
With these protests , one suspects the phrase is taking on a wider meaning , joining to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US ’ manifestly inadequate response to the circumstantial poverty created .
The failure to govern in even the most vestigial interests of the people , the resulting pushback and the state response to that — the promise of dogs and shooting — reminds us that the most prescient US fiction of recent years , was a YA novel .
The Hunger Games are here .
What has been reasserted by these events is that , contrary to claims of the right , the state is still controlled by the right .
After all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings , the takeover of whole neighbourhoods and looting by opportunistic elements , there hasn ’ t been any organised response by the right squads that have become more visible in recent years .
Given that they call themselves “ militias ” and portray themselves as citizen defenders of the republic , that should ostensibly be odd .
But of course it isn ’ t ; police forces , by and large , are the militias .
The rest seem , overwhelmingly , to be cosplay types — taking AR-15s into Dunkin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be emerging as things go into week two ; especially in South Philadelphia — a pretty heavily racist place . )
That many of the most violent incidents appear to be that most apple-pie American of things , the police riot , is far from surprising either .
The police have a distinct role in the US — a sort of floating , fourth separation of power — precisely because the official American story is that restraint of state power is guaranteed by the constitution .
With that sorted , the endless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in plain sight for many ; it must be alright that the Potrezebie , Ohio , police department has a tank , because the Bill of Rights protects us from its misuse .
This assumption of police right falls on black people more than , and as opposed to , white people ( though the white poor don ’ t fare much better ) , but it ’ s shocking how general it is .
There are cops everywhere in the US ; local , state , federal , airport , transit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and on .
They can and do spread-eagle and cuff you at the slightest excuse .
Even the decent ones are so jumpy in the land of 300 million guns that they ’ ll do it .
Over recent years , that sense of division has made white cops the frontline of white resentment in the US .
Hence the easy turn on journalists in the current uprisings , with direct firing at them , causing heavy and near-lethal injuries ( including the partial blinding of sometime-Australian resident journalist-writer Linda Tirado ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stupidity of Today reporters doesn ’ t justify it .
That this is all happening under Trump — or the ruling cabal under that brand — has turned what would otherwise be a periodic uprising into a crisis .
Trump reverses Theodore Roosevelt ’ s “ talk softly , carry a big stick ” approach to power .
He fantasises out loud about violence , then leaves a vacuum of action that others fill .
If he is still under the sway of the occult right as I have described it , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of immediate power over the health of the republic .
America , as Thomas Jefferson understood it and created it , has always had a touch of anarchy at its core .
Jefferson believed it should bust out every half-century or so to renew the country ’ s spirit .
But that presumed that its rulers would act with that spirit , as FDR did , as LBJ did .
What happens if the spirit of America is used as a pretext to end the republic in its current form ?
What will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let 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 .

In recent decades, it’s been customary to point out that whatever unrest there is in America, though it may look like breakdown, does not compare with that which occurred in the ’60s and ’70s with successive waves of uprising, or in the ’50s with the ending of (official) segregation in the south.
After all, urban uprisings consumed the US between 1965 and ’68. In 1954 Eisenhower sent the US Army into the south to stand toe-to-toe against state national guards, who were being used to prevent school desegregation. In the ’70s thousands of protest bombings occurred across the country.
Through the Bush, Iraq and first Black Lives Matter period we were told, rightly enough, that the great American ideology machine was wiping the memory of what had been, and the current bout did not compare.


crikey--2020-04-13--Why the letter R is the most important character in town

How exactly does exponential growth work — and what does it tell us about how long the coronavirus lockdown will @ @ @ @ @ all , the response of Australia ’ s governments to COVID-19 has been well-judged and @ @ @ @ @ ) relatively successful .
Borders were closed before the numbers of incoming cases became unmanageable @ @ @ @ @ lockdown ( or Level 3 ) before community transmission got out of hand .
Messaging @ @ @ @ @ , has been a fiasco .
We ’ ve had statements that restrictions such as @ @ @ @ @ followed only a few days later by the imposition of those very restrictions .
Precautions @ @ @ @ @ facemasks were said to be unnecessary and unhelpful , when the truth was we didn @ @ @ @ @ kits or equipment to follow the most protective policies .
The confusion has been even @ @ @ @ @ objectives .
Terms like `` herd immunity '' , `` flattening the curve '' and @ @ @ @ @ bandied about , with no clear idea of the distinctions between them .

Taken all in all, the response of Australia’s governments to COVID-19 has been well-judged and (at least so far) relatively successful. Borders were closed before the numbers of incoming cases became unmanageable, and we got to lockdown (or Level 3) before community transmission got out of hand.
Messaging, on the other hand, has been a fiasco. We’ve had statements that restrictions such as school closures are counterproductive, followed only a few days later by the imposition of those very restrictions. Precautions such as widespread testing and facemasks were said to be unnecessary and unhelpful, when the truth was we didn’t have enough test kits or equipment to follow the most protective policies.
The confusion has been even greater in relation to policy objectives. Terms like “herd immunity”, “flattening the curve” and “eradication” are being bandied about, with no clear idea of the distinctions between them.


crikey--2020-04-06--The lockdown is accumulating a debt that must be repaid to younger Australians

Young people are paying the highest price for our response to the crisis , and will be doing so for decades to come .
We need to start repaying our debt to them .
Interrupted educations .
Vanished jobs .
Lost social lives .
No sport or travel .
Young people are bearing the brunt of the virus shutdown and its economic impacts , to an extent that most people over 30 are unlikely to understand .
For those of us with established careers and financial resources , the luxury of being able to work from home , who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sport and busy social lives , for whom a lost six months is a tiny fraction of life , the lockdown is an inconvenience ( or , if you 're an introvert and already work from home , business as usual ) .
For younger people , and especially 18-21 year olds , it 's far worse .
It 's a delayed year of uni or an uncertain HSC year or a late graduation .
It 's a missed job opportunity , a lost chance to begin a career , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering from deep contraction .
It 's no income , it 's being forced to rely on parents when independence was beckoning .
It 's no socialising , potential partners never met , travel plans deferred for who knows how long .
It 's a pause in life at a time when you live it the most .

Interrupted educations. Vanished jobs. Lost social lives. No sport or travel. Young people are bearing the brunt of the virus shutdown and its economic impacts, to an extent that most people over 30 are unlikely to understand.
For those of us with established careers and financial resources, the luxury of being able to work from home, who are partnered up, who are too old for sport and busy social lives, for whom a lost six months is a tiny fraction of life, the lockdown is an inconvenience (or, if you’re an introvert and already work from home, business as usual).
For younger people, and especially 18-21 year olds, it’s far worse. It’s a delayed year of uni or an uncertain HSC year or a late graduation. It’s a missed job opportunity, a lost chance to begin a career, which will have to be restarted amid an economy recovering from deep contraction. It’s no income, it’s being forced to rely on parents when independence was beckoning. It’s no socialising, potential partners never met, travel plans deferred for who knows how long. It’s a pause in life at a time when you live it the most.


crikey--2020-04-01--Belgium didn't ban group sex, and other debunked coronavirus misinformation

Fake news is spreading as fast as the coronavirus itself .
RMIT ABC Fact Check examines claims from lions in Russia to a sex ban in Belgium .
As the world grapples with an unprecedented health crisis , it is now more important than ever to ensure that the information we share is accurate and fact-based .
Fake news and misinformation seem to be spreading as fast and as far as the virus itself , infecting our newsfeeds and timelines at this crucial moment .
For this reason , RMIT ABC Fact Check has launched CoronaCheck , an email newsletter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest in fact-checking from around the world in relation to the coronavirus .
Read the latest edition below , and subscribe to have the next newsletter delivered straight to your inbox .
Our colleagues from the International Fact-Checking Network ( IFCN ) have been covering a lot of ground , from lions in Russia to shoppers in Australia .
In this edition of CoronaCheck we ’ ve covered what to do if you ’ re feeling ill ( hint — it ’ s unlikely to involve Facebook advice ) and investigated a viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melbourne Hospital .
We ’ ve also checked in with the US presidential election race , and brought you a light-hearted story from Belgium .
While teams of researchers around the world are working at full throttle to develop a coronavirus vaccine , Australians are heading to their local GP for this year ’ s flu shot .
But one Facebook post , shared more than 2500 times , claims that the flu vaccine increases your chances of getting the coronavirus by 36 % .
The claim has been deemed false by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted Dr David Webber , a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of North Carolina , as saying : The Royal Melbourne Hospital has taken to Twitter to distance itself from a message circulating online attributed to a “ friend who works for the Royal Melbourne Hospital in HR ” .
The message contains a number of claims , including that sipping water will help “ destroy ” the virus ( debunked here ) and that being able to breathe deeply is a sign that a person is not infected ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message “ completely false ” and said : A collective madness seems to have gripped Australia , as evidenced by supermarket shelves left bare in the wake of an onslaught of panic shoppers .
One video shared on social media in recent days appears to show shoppers stockpiling baby formula at a Melbourne supermarket .
The video , posted to YouTube on March 18 , is undated .
Captions and comments on Facebook posts that feature the video suggest some viewers assumed the footage was captured during the coronavirus outbreak .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined that while the video does show shoppers buying tins of formula , it was originally published on December 21 , 2019 — more than a week before the first reported cases of coronavirus .
Struggling with the thought of being locked inside your house for the foreseeable future ?
Tempted to sneak outside for a break ?
What if there were lions outside patrolling the streets ?
Would you want to leave ?
One viral story , complete with photos , claims that President Vladimir Putin released more than 500 lions onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside during the coronavirus pandemic .
Fact checkers at Reuters and Rappler marked the story as false and identified the photo of a lion on city streets as having been taken in South Africa in 2016 , when the animal was allowed to wander through Johannesburg as part of a film production .
Confused about what to do if you think you might have coronavirus ?
Incorrect advice and misinformation being spread on social media may be partly to blame .
Take , for example , a Facebook post claiming that Australians who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ branch ” would be seen at home by a doctor for free .
Sounds too good to be true , right ?
Well , that ’ s because it is , according to AFP Fact Check , which found no evidence of any Australian state offering free GP visits .
If you do feel unwell and have symptoms matching those of coronavirus , the number you should call is the National Coronavirus Helpline : 1800 020 080 “ People who have never died before are now dying from coronavirus.
” That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his likely opponent in this year ’ s US presidential election , Joe Biden .
But which one of them actually said it ?
Neither , according to PolitiFact , which found no evidence of the quote being used in any speech , campaign ad or media interview by either man .
They did discover , however , that Ernest Hemingway was apparently fond of the phrase ( sans the coronavirus reference , of course ) .
No , Belgium ’ s health minister did not ban “ non-essential group sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good idea to put such activities on hold for now .
That particular piece of fake news , contained in an article by World News Daily Report , was taken as gospel and shared widely on social media , including by verified accounts on Twitter .
But , as The Quint discovered , the article was actually satire — the tagline of World News Daily Report is “ where facts don ’ t matter ” .
We ’ ll keep saying it until it sticks : check the source !
• The Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Emergencies ( APPRISE ) • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( US ) Got a fact that needs checking ?
Tweet us @ ABCFactCheck or send us an email at [ email protected ]

As the world grapples with an unprecedented health crisis, it is now more important than ever to ensure that the information we share is accurate and fact-based. Fake news and misinformation seem to be spreading as fast and as far as the virus itself, infecting our newsfeeds and timelines at this crucial moment.
For this reason, RMIT ABC Fact Check has launched CoronaCheck, an email newsletter in which we will bring you the latest in fact-checking from around the world in relation to the coronavirus.
Read the latest edition below, and subscribe to have the next newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.


crikey--2020-06-04--Worm: 'We cannot use bibles as a prop' - Al Sharpton

Good morning , early birds .
Civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton takes aim at Donald Trump in a powerful and scathing eulogy at George Floyd 's memorial , and a bill has been passed in Hong Kong criminalising the act of insulting the Chinese national anthem .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton , has delivered a powerful and biting eulogy at a memorial for George Floyd today , saying “ we can not use bibles as a prop .
And for those of you who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his family will not let you use George as a prop.
” Meanwhile , CNN reports that Attorney General William Barr has tried to defend law enforcement officials for firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters outside the White House .
As Donald Trump butts heads with his current Pentagon chief over whether to invade their own country — as well as fighting with Twitter over what happened to his old Pentagon head — America has seen another truly shocking day of police brutality : • a Vallejo , California officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Monterrosa , who was on his knees at the time ; police allege they mistook a hammer in his sweatshirt for a gun .
• police in Asheville , North Carolina , destroyed a jerry-rigged medical station by stomping and stabbing water bottles , bandages and saline solution .
• members of the New York Police Department have been filmed assaulting groups of peaceful protesters , in one instance apparently chasing a cyclist in order to beat him with batons • the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker has found that , between May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 279+ total press freedom incidents including 180 assaults ( 149 by police ) .
PS : According to The Huffington Post , more than 30 Philadelphia Inquirer employees of colour have called in sick to protest the paper ’ s front-pager on Tuesday , which featured the headline “ Buildings Matter , Too ” .
According to the ABC , Hong Kong ’ s China-backed legislature has passed a bill criminalising the act of insulting the Chinese national anthem .
Anyone found guilty of abusing the anthem — named “ March of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years in prison and fines of up to $ HK50,000 ( $ 9,370 ) .
PROTESTERS STILL KICK ASS : Elsewhere , Hong Kong citizens have defied a coronavirus-induced ban on restrictions to hold multiple memorials of the Tiananmen Square massacre .
According to The Sydney Morning Herald , the Morrison government is planning to create new security tests for all foreign investments that “ threaten the national interest ” such as technology , energy , communications , port infrastructure etc .
The news comes as the government gets a boost to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and training , with the ABC reporting that the Productivity Commission ’ s inquiry has highlighted a lack of transparency around funding and criticised differences in state and territory subsidy rates .
SPEAKING OF TRANSPARENCY : According to The Guardian , Prime Minister and Cabinet officials have refused to release conflict of interest disclosures from the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission because they were , hilariously , provided “ in confidence ” .
• Yesterday , the Tasmanian government announced a two-year , $ 1.8 billion infrastructure package that , shockingly , directs state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , say , home renovations .
• Queensland announced a new support hotline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses during COVID-19 , “ Open for Business ” .
• Following agreement from the federal government to remove Commonwealth Biosecurity restrictions , Western Australia will today lift travel restrictions across the Kimberley , Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara .
• The Victorian government struck agreements with 15 councils to support more than 1000 new public hygiene and land maintenance jobs under the “ Working for Victoria ” fund .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ freshly-relevant interview , the head of Minneapolis ’ police union displays exactly the kind of empathy you ’ d hope for from one of society ’ s most powerful , dangerous jobs .
READ ALL ABOUT IT ‘ Bad day ’ no defence in arrest of Indigenous teen : former judge Government hush on meetings with class action firm ahead of reform bill ‘ Helped us enormously ’ : arts sector received $ 100m from government in April Indigenous people incarcerated at more than 10 times the rate of the general population : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely outcome ’ : top climate scientists Aviation workers out of work as airports desperately seek lifelines Call for ‘ cyber army ’ to fend off attacks ( $ ) German prosecutors say British girl Madeleine McCann is assumed dead , murder suspect currently in prison Grieving husband who couldn ’ t visit wife dying from coronavirus lashes Dominic Cummings for flouting rules Pandemic kills Indigenous referendum , delivers likely mortal blow to religious discrimination legislation — Michelle Grattan ( The Conversation ) : “ When Ken Wyatt , the Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead the prospect of a referendum on Indigenous recognition being put to the people this parliamentary term , the demise of his hoped-for timetable received little attention.
” Floyd protesters face a mountain of public opinion — Waleed Aly ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ Consider this — 58 % of American registered voters support ‘ calling in the US military to supplement city police forces ’ in addressing the George Floyd protests across America .
Only 30 % oppose .
That ’ s according to independent polling this week by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the US this week , the brutal police riot has continued — Meagan Day ( The Intercept ) : “ Major media outlets are not covering the breadth of police violence against protestors .
Often they speak in generalities about tensions and clashes before inevitably lapsing into commentary on the occasional looting and arson that has accompanied the civil unrest .
That means the most reliable resource for information on what has actually transpired between protestors and police is user-generated video that circulates on social media.
” • NT will become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and casinos .

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD
Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, has delivered a powerful and biting eulogy at a memorial for George Floyd today, saying “we cannot use bibles as a prop. And for those of you who have agendas that are not about justice, his family will not let you use George as a prop.”
Meanwhile, CNN reports that Attorney General William Barr has tried to defend law enforcement officials for firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters outside the White House.
As Donald Trump butts heads with his current Pentagon chief over whether to invade their own country — as well as fighting with Twitter over what happened to his old Pentagon head — America has seen another truly shocking day of police brutality:
PS: According to The Huffington Post, more than 30 Philadelphia Inquirer employees of colour have called in sick to protest the paper’s front-pager on Tuesday, which featured the headline “Buildings Matter, Too”.
HONG KONG PASSES CONTROVERSIAL NATIONAL ANTHEM BILL
According to the ABC, Hong Kong’s China-backed legislature has passed a bill criminalising the act of insulting the Chinese national anthem.
Anyone found guilty of abusing the anthem — named “March of the Volunteers” — faces up to three years in prison and fines of up to $HK50,000 ($9,370).
PROTESTERS STILL KICK ASS: Elsewhere, Hong Kong citizens have defied a coronavirus-induced ban on restrictions to hold multiple memorials of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
OVERSEAS THE MEANS OF PRODUCTION
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Morrison government is planning to create new security tests for all foreign investments that “threaten the national interest” such as technology, energy, communications, port infrastructure etc.
The news comes as the government gets a boost to a separate plan to overhaul vocational education and training, with the ABC reporting that the Productivity Commission’s inquiry has highlighted a lack of transparency around funding and criticised differences in state and territory subsidy rates.
SPEAKING OF TRANSPARENCY: According to The Guardian, Prime Minister and Cabinet officials have refused to release conflict of interest disclosures from the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission because they were, hilariously, provided “in confidence”.
Get Crikey FREE to your inbox every weekday morning with the Crikey Worm. Email Sign up By subscribing you are agreeing to our terms and conditions
STATE VIRUS WATCH: TAS’ $1.8 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH
Yesterday, the Tasmanian government announced a two-year, $1.8 billion infrastructure package that, shockingly, directs state support towards social housing projects rather than, say, home renovations.
government announced a two-year, $1.8 billion infrastructure package that, shockingly, directs state support towards social housing projects rather than, say, home renovations. Queensland announced a new support hotline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses during COVID-19, “Open for Business”.
announced a new support hotline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses during COVID-19, “Open for Business”. Following agreement from the federal government to remove Commonwealth Biosecurity restrictions, Western Australia will today lift travel restrictions across the Kimberley, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara.
will today lift travel restrictions across the Kimberley, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara. The Victorian government struck agreements with 15 councils to support more than 1000 new public hygiene and land maintenance jobs under the “Working for Victoria” fund.
government struck agreements with 15 councils to support more than 1000 new public hygiene and land maintenance jobs under the “Working for Victoria” fund. Finally, the ACT government announced plans to significantly reduce stamp duty.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
There’s been a big influx of PTSD. But I’ve been involved in three shootings myself, and not one of them has bothered me. Maybe I’m different. Lt. Bob Kroll, April 29
In a freshly-relevant interview, the head of Minneapolis’ police union displays exactly the kind of empathy you’d hope for from one of society’s most powerful, dangerous jobs.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
‘Bad day’ no defence in arrest of Indigenous teen: former judge
Government hush on meetings with class action firm ahead of reform bill
‘Helped us enormously’: arts sector received $100m from government in April
Indigenous people incarcerated at more than 10 times the rate of the general population: ABS
AFL faces cash crunch as big TV rights deal in limbo ($)
‘Collapse of civilisation is the most likely outcome’: top climate scientists
Aviation workers out of work as airports desperately seek lifelines
Call for ‘cyber army’ to fend off attacks ($)
German prosecutors say British girl Madeleine McCann is assumed dead, murder suspect currently in prison
Grieving husband who couldn’t visit wife dying from coronavirus lashes Dominic Cummings for flouting rules
Ahmaud Arbery attacker used racial slur after shooting jogger, court hears
THE COMMENTARIAT
Pandemic kills Indigenous referendum, delivers likely mortal blow to religious discrimination legislation — Michelle Grattan (The Conversation): “When Ken Wyatt, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, last week effectively pronounced dead the prospect of a referendum on Indigenous recognition being put to the people this parliamentary term, the demise of his hoped-for timetable received little attention.”
Floyd protesters face a mountain of public opinion — Waleed Aly (The Sydney Morning Herald): “Consider this — 58% of American registered voters support ‘calling in the US military to supplement city police forces’ in addressing the George Floyd protests across America. Only 30% oppose. That’s according to independent polling this week by Morning Consult.”
In cities and towns across the US this week, the brutal police riot has continued — Meagan Day (The Intercept): “Major media outlets are not covering the breadth of police violence against protestors. Often they speak in generalities about tensions and clashes before inevitably lapsing into commentary on the occasional looting and arson that has accompanied the civil unrest. That means the most reliable resource for information on what has actually transpired between protestors and police is user-generated video that circulates on social media.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Northern Territory


crikey--2020-03-05--Worm: My world's on fire, how 'bout yours?

Good morning , early birds .
There may be a new Liberal rort for us to write about , and Australia has now recorded more than 50 coronavirus cases and extended its travel ban .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
WELL THE RORTS START COMIN AND THEY DON ’ T STOP COMING , NA NA NA NAH COMING !
In a statement simply labelled “ Senate Estimates ” on her personal website , Bridget McKenzie has rejected Labor ’ s repeated accusation that she backdated a decision on the sports rorts grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caretaker mode for the May election .
TALKING POINT : However , as The Sydney Morning Herald notes , McKenzie does not explain the discrepancy in dates or clarify whether changes to the colour-coded spreadsheet were made by the prime minister ’ s office or her ministerial advisers .
GET THE SHOW ON , GET PAID Bad news if you ’ re sick of sports rorts , because a Sydney Morning Herald investigation has found , as NSW minister for sport , Liberal member for Penrith Stuart Ayres pushed for other departments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Penrith facility — with no relevance to sport — weeks before the 2019 state election .
TALKING POINT : Senior executives noted in correspondence that Ayres did “ not want to have his signature on anything to do with the Panthers project ” and that funding it directly would have created a “ reputational risk for the office of sport and the government ” .
• Australia has now recorded more than 50 coronavirus cases , including a baby in South Australia ( ABC ) , and a year 11 student from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which NSW Health last night ordered to close ( The New Daily ) .
• Doctors will today demand clarity over Australia ’ s long-term plan and raise concerns over capacity and preparedness at a meeting with the chief health officer ( The Guardian ) .
• Tourism Australia has released data showing the crisis has knocked 36 % off international airline bookings since December ( The Australian $ ) , and will now launch a new ad campaign aimed at assuring UK and US tourists that Australia is “ safe ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Relatedly , the International Air Transport Association is at pains to say that passengers still face an extremely low risk on flights ( ABC ) .
• Four Australians are stuck aboard yet another virus-infected ship , this time , the ‘ Grand Princess ’ ( The Australian $ ) .
• Scott Morrison has pledged to share increasing health and aged care costs with states ( The Age ) and is , apparently , focusing on wage subsidies for small and medium businesses as part of its stimulus package ( AFR $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days if they feel sick , amid new travel restrictions also covering South Korea , Iran and China ( The Age ) .
For rolling global updates — most of which , at least overnight , are limited to increasing case numbers and new travel restrictions — see The Guardian ’ s live-blog .
According to The New Daily , Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has defended her decision to write a character reference for a friend and political lobbyist who pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s wife supported her decision .
LESSONS FROM DAY FOUR OF SENATE ESTIMATES • Treasury hasn ’ t modelled the cost of global warming since the 2008 Garnaut review ( SBS ) .
• Celebrity tradesman Scott Cam has , in his $ 347,000 role as Australia ’ s first careers ambassador , attended just one event , delivered three videos and made four social media posts since taking on the gig in October ( ABC ) .
• More than 1200 people died over a three-year period waiting for the NDIS ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to sign a UN pledge for press freedom — already signed by US , UK and Canadian governments — for nine months now because it would require financial support for a journalism fund ( news.com.au ) .
• The Fair Work Ombudsman has accused PwC of sharing “ misleading ” and “ inaccurate ” data on corporate Australia ’ s underpayment crisis ( AFR $ ) .
• Labor has found yet another multimillion-dollar fund to grill the Coalition over , with Kristina Keneally questioning Michaelia Cash over a $ 50 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of training centres aimed at youth underemployment located in Liberal or marginal Labor seats ( Twitter ) .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Ahead of passing a Labor-Coalition-backed bill implementing , among other changes , single-member wards , Victoria ’ s Minister for Local Government says the quiet part loud .
READ ALL ABOUT IT News Corp , Nine accused of closing AAP to damage competitors Australia dodge rain and hold nerve to beat South Africa and reach Women ’ s World T20 final Greece says it will deport asylum seekers who arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degradation falls heaviest on those least responsible — Tommy Remengesau Jr ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ Humanity is waking up to the crisis happening in our oceans .
Warming and rising seas , acidification , plummeting fish stocks , and pollution are finding more space in newspapers and on political agendas.
” The Herald Sun explains its decision to close comments on AFL Women ’ s stories ( $ ) — Lauren Wood ( Herald Sun ) : “ Comments are no longer available on Herald Sun AFLW stories — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have closed them deliberately .
The measure was taken because of the constant trolling , harassment and disgraceful commentary by some members of our community.
” Even as behavioural researchers we couldn ’ t resist the urge to buy toilet paper — Liam Smith and Celine Klemm ( The Guardian ) : “ Neither of us had intended to get caught up in the hype but then asked each other … if there was a packet left or if we happened to be there when they were restocking the shelves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Of course we would.
” • The final day of Senate estimates for this session will include cross-portfolio hearings on Indigenous matters and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan .
• ACT Emergency Services commissioner Georgeina Whelan will speak at Women in Media ’ s International Women ’ s Day event at the National Press Club .
• The Melbourne Press Club will announce the 2019 Quill Award winners .
• Lord Mayor Sally Capp , Richmond president Peggy O ’ Neal , Hawthorn VFLW head coach Bec Goddard and others will speak at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recreation ’ s “ Change Our Game Community Sport Symposium ” at Deakin Edge , Federation Square .
• The Minister ’ s Award for Urban Design 2020 will be presented at Queensland ’ s Parliament House .
• After being launched last night , the Spiegeltent Hobart will run until March 29 .
• WA Minister for Women ’ s Interests Simone McGurk will launch West Australian Music ’ s Fair Play WA report at The Bird .
• The ABS will publish data on retail trade and consumer spending for January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events will be held across the country , ahead of the day itself this Sunday , March 8 .

WELL THE RORTS START COMIN AND THEY DON’T STOP COMING, NA NA NA NAH COMING!
In a statement simply labelled “Senate Estimates” on her personal website, Bridget McKenzie has rejected Labor’s repeated accusation that she backdated a decision on the sports rorts grants last year after the government had entered caretaker mode for the May election.
TALKING POINT: However, as The Sydney Morning Herald notes, McKenzie does not explain the discrepancy in dates or clarify whether changes to the colour-coded spreadsheet were made by the prime minister’s office or her ministerial advisers.
GET THE SHOW ON, GET PAID
Bad news if you’re sick of sports rorts, because a Sydney Morning Herald investigation has found, as NSW minister for sport, Liberal member for Penrith Stuart Ayres pushed for other departments to provide a $12 million grant to a Penrith facility — with no relevance to sport — weeks before the 2019 state election.
TALKING POINT: Senior executives noted in correspondence that Ayres did “not want to have his signature on anything to do with the Panthers project” and that funding it directly would have created a “reputational risk for the office of sport and the government”.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Australia has now recorded more than 50 coronavirus cases, including a baby in South Australia (ABC), and a year 11 student from Sydney’s Epping Boys High School, which NSW Health last night ordered to close (The New Daily).
Doctors will today demand clarity over Australia’s long-term plan and raise concerns over capacity and preparedness at a meeting with the chief health officer (The Guardian).
Tourism Australia has released data showing the crisis has knocked 36% off international airline bookings since December (The Australian $), and will now launch a new ad campaign aimed at assuring UK and US tourists that Australia is “safe” (The Herald-Sun $).
Relatedly, the International Air Transport Association is at pains to say that passengers still face an extremely low risk on flights (ABC).
Four Australians are stuck aboard yet another virus-infected ship, this time, the ‘Grand Princess’ (The Australian $).
Scott Morrison has pledged to share increasing health and aged care costs with states (The Age) and is, apparently, focusing on wage subsidies for small and medium businesses as part of its stimulus package (AFR $).
has pledged to share increasing health and aged care costs with states (The Age) and is, apparently, focusing on wage subsidies for small and medium businesses as part of its stimulus package (AFR $). Australians returning from Italy have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days if they feel sick, amid new travel restrictions also covering South Korea, Iran and China (The Age).
For rolling global updates — most of which, at least overnight, are limited to increasing case numbers and new travel restrictions — see The Guardian’s live-blog.
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HANSON-YOUNG ON THE DEFENSIVE
According to The New Daily, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has defended her decision to write a character reference for a friend and political lobbyist who pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges — in part because the man’s wife supported her decision.
LESSONS FROM DAY FOUR OF SENATE ESTIMATES
Treasury hasn’t modelled the cost of global warming since the 2008 Garnaut review (SBS).
Celebrity tradesman Scott Cam has, in his $347,000 role as Australia’s first careers ambassador, attended just one event, delivered three videos and made four social media posts since taking on the gig in October (ABC).
has, in his $347,000 role as Australia’s first careers ambassador, attended just one event, delivered three videos and made four social media posts since taking on the gig in October (ABC). More than 1200 people died over a three-year period waiting for the NDIS (AAP).
The Coalition has declined to sign a UN pledge for press freedom — already signed by US, UK and Canadian governments — for nine months now because it would require financial support for a journalism fund (news.com.au).
The Fair Work Ombudsman has accused PwC of sharing “misleading” and “inaccurate” data on corporate Australia’s underpayment crisis (AFR $).
Labor has found yet another multimillion-dollar fund to grill the Coalition over, with Kristina Keneally questioning Michaelia Cash over a $50 million industry hubs program that saw 90% of training centres aimed at youth underemployment located in Liberal or marginal Labor seats (Twitter).
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
At the end of the day this is a threat to the Greens business model. I say to the Greens and to the Labor Party and to any other party that routinely endorses on council: get out of council politics. Adem Somyurek
Ahead of passing a Labor-Coalition-backed bill implementing, among other changes, single-member wards, Victoria’s Minister for Local Government says the quiet part loud.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
News Corp, Nine accused of closing AAP to damage competitors
Newsagents’ pre-emptive strike against lotto credit card ban
Qld bosses who underpay staff face 14 years’ jail under proposed laws
Berejiklian government prepares to privatise WestConnex
Liberals demand probe over Greens councillor’s $17,500 childcare bill
NAB banker Mike Baird withdraws $4m in fast exit ($)
$20 million flows for bushfire recovery, but small businesses struggle
Green ‘lawfare’ a $65bn deal hit to projects ($)
Australia dodge rain and hold nerve to beat South Africa and reach Women’s World T20 final
Greece says it will deport asylum seekers who arrived after Turkey opened way to Europe
Elizabeth Warren drops out of 2020 Democratic presidential race
THE COMMENTARIAT
Ocean degradation falls heaviest on those least responsible — Tommy Remengesau Jr (The Sydney Morning Herald): “Humanity is waking up to the crisis happening in our oceans. Warming and rising seas, acidification, plummeting fish stocks, and pollution are finding more space in newspapers and on political agendas.”
The Herald Sun explains its decision to close comments on AFL Women’s stories ($) — Lauren Wood (Herald Sun): “Comments are no longer available on Herald Sun AFLW stories — and haven’t been since pre-season. We have closed them deliberately. The measure was taken because of the constant trolling, harassment and disgraceful commentary by some members of our community.”
Even as behavioural researchers we couldn’t resist the urge to buy toilet paper — Liam Smith and Celine Klemm (The Guardian): “Neither of us had intended to get caught up in the hype but then asked each other … if there was a packet left or if we happened to be there when they were restocking the shelves, would we have bought additional toilet paper? Of course we would.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
The final day of Senate estimates for this session will include cross-portfolio hearings on Indigenous matters and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
ACT Emergency Services commissioner Georgeina Whelan will speak at Women in Media’s International Women’s Day event at the National Press Club.
Melbourne
The Melbourne Press Club will announce the 2019 Quill Award winners.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Richmond president Peggy O’Neal, Hawthorn VFLW head coach Bec Goddard and others will speak at the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation’s “Change Our Game Community Sport Symposium” at Deakin Edge, Federation Square.
Brisbane
The Minister’s Award for Urban Design 2020 will be presented at Queensland’s Parliament House.
Hobart
After being launched last night, the Spiegeltent Hobart will run until March 29.
Perth
WA Minister for Women’s Interests Simone McGurk will launch West Australian Music’s Fair Play WA report at The Bird.
Australia


crikey--2020-01-23--Worm: Tributes flow for deceased US firefighters

Good morning , early birds .
Three American firefighters were killed yesterday when their waterbomber crashed in southern NSW , and Michael McCormack may need Bridget McKenzie ’ s support just as much as she needs his .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
THREE MORE DIE WHILE FIGHTING FIRES Tributes have flown for the three US firefighters killed while water-bombing fires in southern New South Wales , as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau works to understand the cause of the crash .
The ABC and Sydney Morning Herald report that politicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gratitude for the as-yet-unnamed firefighters , while more than 1,500 firefighters have worked through the night , taking advantage of easing conditions to battle NSW and ACT ’ s 80-plus ongoing fires .
The news comes as , among the ceaseless horrors , Nine papers report that a combination of fires , dust and thunderstorms has killed fish across the Murray-Darling Basin and dumped sludge across the Yarra River .
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO Nationals leader Michael McCormack continues to resist pressure to sack his deputy , Bridget McKenzie , even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a PM & C review and Nationals colleagues privately describe her position as untenable .
Of 10 Nationals contacted last night , only McCormack actively endorsed the former sports minister remaining in cabinet , according to The Australian ( $ ) , reporting elsewhere ( $ ) that McCormack ’ s support in the party-room has dwindled and , without his ally McKenzie , he would face the promotion of David Littleproud and Matt Canavan .
As PM & C ’ s ministerial standards inquiry continues , The Age reports that McKenzie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not disclose patronage to the Australian Clay Target Association — a role the club announced she accepted in 2015 and listed as recently as December 2019 .
However , a spokesperson for the agriculture minister says she never “ formally ” accepted .
The International Court of Justice has ordered measures to prevent the genocide of Rohingya people in Myanmar , siding with the predominantly Muslim African nation The Gambia ’ s call for emergency measures against the Buddhist state ’ s military until a fuller investigation can be launched .
The ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no measures of enforcement , the Hague ’ s panel of 17 judges voted unanimously to order Myanmar to take “ all measures within its power ” to prevent genocide and report back in four months on implementation .
The ruling follows Myanmar ’ s leader Aung San Suu Kyi ’ s justification of the 2017 massacre as “ internal armed conflict ” against militant attacks — a defence that , arguably , sheds any remaining pretence of political opposition between her and the military .
It now remains to be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
Turns out pursuing Indigenous historian Bruce Pascoe over what a single critic thinks of his identity is a bridge even the AFP won ’ t cross .
READ ALL ABOUT IT No signs of life in Tasmania mine collapse LNP leader Deb Frecklington accuses Annastacia Palaszczuk of bullying , blames her for MP exit ( $ ) Nic Naitanui calls for WA to lead the way and change the date of Australia Day from January 26 Plea from two south-east Queensland councils for bushfire funding Should we be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Ian M. Mackay and Katherine Ardern ( The Conversation ) : “ China was extraordinarily efficient and open in identifying the virus , a new strain of coronavirus , within just over a week .
Chinese scientists sequenced the virus ’ s genetic code and , within days , shared that information with the world.
” Traditional charities risk being replaced by crowd-funding ( $ ) — Gary Nunn ( The Daily Telegraph ) : “ It pains me to join the current backlash against traditional disaster relief charities .
But join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening because three major charities – the Red Cross , Vinnies and The Salvation Army – are squirrelling away funds donated for the bushfire crisis for future disasters.
” Transforming Australia ’ s Coal Country — Georgina Woods ( Earth Island Journal ) : “ The Hunter Valley ’ s history and its contested future are written in piles of coal buried since the swampy Permian period , when giant conifers fell and were pressed for hundreds of millions of years in layers of hard dark pages .
Coal drew the English to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came , coal was part of the lives and stories of the Awabakal people of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
” • Celebrating the Year of the Rat , the Chinese New Year Melbourne Festival 2020 will hold its opening ceremony in Southbank .
• Pasta maker San Remo will donate $ 500,000 in produce to bushfire victims .
• A former chief executive of Logan City Council will give evidence on the third day of the corruption committal hearing of former mayor Luke Smith .

THREE MORE DIE WHILE FIGHTING FIRES
Tributes have flown for the three US firefighters killed while water-bombing fires in southern New South Wales, as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau works to understand the cause of the crash.
The ABC and Sydney Morning Herald report that politicians, firefighters and community members have expressed their gratitude for the as-yet-unnamed firefighters, while more than 1,500 firefighters have worked through the night, taking advantage of easing conditions to battle NSW and ACT’s 80-plus ongoing fires.
The news comes as, among the ceaseless horrors, Nine papers report that a combination of fires, dust and thunderstorms has killed fish across the Murray-Darling Basin and dumped sludge across the Yarra River.
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO
Nationals leader Michael McCormack continues to resist pressure to sack his deputy, Bridget McKenzie, even as Scott Morrison pledges not to “pre-empt” a PM&C review and Nationals colleagues privately describe her position as untenable.
Of 10 Nationals contacted last night, only McCormack actively endorsed the former sports minister remaining in cabinet, according to The Australian ($), reporting elsewhere ($) that McCormack’s support in the party-room has dwindled and, without his ally McKenzie, he would face the promotion of David Littleproud and Matt Canavan.
As PM&C’s ministerial standards inquiry continues, The Age reports that McKenzie’s current register of interests does not disclose patronage to the Australian Clay Target Association — a role the club announced she accepted in 2015 and listed as recently as December 2019. However, a spokesperson for the agriculture minister says she never “formally” accepted.
ICJ RULES AGAINST MYANMAR GENOCIDE
The International Court of Justice has ordered measures to prevent the genocide of Rohingya people in Myanmar, siding with the predominantly Muslim African nation The Gambia’s call for emergency measures against the Buddhist state’s military until a fuller investigation can be launched.
The ABC reports that, although the world court has no measures of enforcement, the Hague’s panel of 17 judges voted unanimously to order Myanmar to take “all measures within its power” to prevent genocide and report back in four months on implementation.
The ruling follows Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s justification of the 2017 massacre as “internal armed conflict” against militant attacks — a defence that, arguably, sheds any remaining pretence of political opposition between her and the military. It now remains to be seen whether she abides by the ruling.
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THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
Your referral provided details of a number of allegations of fraud by Professor Pascoe. Based on the information provided and inquiries undertaken no Commonwealth offences have been identified. [REDACTED, REDACTED] Australian Federal Police commander
Turns out pursuing Indigenous historian Bruce Pascoe over what a single critic thinks of his identity is a bridge even the AFP won’t cross.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
No signs of life in Tasmania mine collapse
Sydney council refuses to impose Coalition’s ‘dress code’ for Australia Day ceremonies
Victorian public servants fight for bushfire ‘good faith’ payment
LNP leader Deb Frecklington accuses Annastacia Palaszczuk of bullying, blames her for MP exit ($)
Nic Naitanui calls for WA to lead the way and change the date of Australia Day from January 26
NSW Nationals tell members hazard reduction ‘vital’ to quell bushfires
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejects compo request for volunteer NT fireys ($)
Plea from two south-east Queensland councils for bushfire funding
Victorian paramedics prepare to strike over pay deal ($)
Health authorities brace for coronavirus’ spread from China
THE COMMENTARIAT
Should we be worried about the new Wuhan coronavirus? — Ian M. Mackay and Katherine Ardern (The Conversation): “China was extraordinarily efficient and open in identifying the virus, a new strain of coronavirus, within just over a week. Chinese scientists sequenced the virus’s genetic code and, within days, shared that information with the world.”
Traditional charities risk being replaced by crowd-funding ($) — Gary Nunn (The Daily Telegraph): “It pains me to join the current backlash against traditional disaster relief charities. But join it I must. It’s happening because three major charities – the Red Cross, Vinnies and The Salvation Army – are squirrelling away funds donated for the bushfire crisis for future disasters.”
Transforming Australia’s Coal Country — Georgina Woods (Earth Island Journal): “The Hunter Valley’s history and its contested future are written in piles of coal buried since the swampy Permian period, when giant conifers fell and were pressed for hundreds of millions of years in layers of hard dark pages. Coal drew the English to Newcastle, but even before the English came, coal was part of the lives and stories of the Awabakal people of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Melbourne
Celebrating the Year of the Rat, the Chinese New Year Melbourne Festival 2020 will hold its opening ceremony in Southbank.
Adelaide
Pasta maker San Remo will donate $500,000 in produce to bushfire victims.
Brisbane


crikey--2020-01-24--War in Wuhan: inside the world's biggest quarantine centre

For the many millions of people living in Hebei ’ s new quarantine cities , this might be the new @ @ @ @ @ .
The people of Wuhan -- the epicenter of China 's deadly coronavirus outbreak -- @ @ @ @ @ been vaulted into a parallel universe .
Their city has been locked down in what @ @ @ @ @ s biggest ever quarantine attempt .
At least two nearby cities had been quarantined as @ @ @ @ @ with more expected to follow .
Wuhan is the capital of Hubei which , with @ @ @ @ @ is China ’ s seventh most populous province .

The people of Wuhan — the epicenter of China’s deadly coronavirus outbreak — must feel like they have been vaulted into a parallel universe.
Their city has been locked down in what may be the world’s biggest ever quarantine attempt. At least two nearby cities had been quarantined as of midnight last night, with more expected to follow.
Wuhan is the capital of Hubei which, with almost 60 million people, is China’s seventh most populous province.


crikey--2020-04-01--What can Australia learn from New Zealand's coronavirus modelling?

New Zealand has released the modelling it used to decide how to tackle the coronavirus spread — we look at @ @ @ @ @ Australia .
Following some spectacular question-dodging by Prime Minister Scott Morrison , deputy chief medical @ @ @ @ @ on Australian coronavirus cases would be “ unlocked ” later this week .
New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ been released , with one report thanking “ our Australian colleagues for their valuable work @ @ @ @ @ numbers of infected cases for different scenarios ” .
But researchers say while estimated case @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand ’ s modelling is preliminary at best and excludes a number of necessary @ @ @ @ @ Australia .

Following some spectacular question-dodging by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly announced modelling on Australian coronavirus cases would be “unlocked” later this week.
New Zealand’s modelling has already been released, with one report thanking “our Australian colleagues for their valuable work in providing modelling data on numbers of infected cases for different scenarios”.
But researchers say while estimated case rates match other modelling, New Zealand’s modelling is preliminary at best and excludes a number of necessary variables to be applied to Australia.


crikey--2020-05-11--The minister doth protest too much: China threatens to strike back against Australia's own protectio

The minister doth protest too much: China threatens to strike back against Australia's own protectionism

The Chinese regime is threatening to use anti-dumping laws against Australia .
We 've been doing the same thing to @ @ @ @ @ ’ s barley producers are facing significant anti-dumping tariffs by China .
Trade Minister Simon @ @ @ @ @ “ deeply concerned ” at the `` bombshell '' news and is threatening to take @ @ @ @ @ Trade Organisation .
Australia couldn ’ t be responsible for dumping , could we ?
@ @ @ @ @ that China would use dumping as an excuse to protect its own farmers .
Well @ @ @ @ @ , Australia has told itself it is a free trading nation that doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ behind tariff barriers .
The truth is we continued to cling to protectionism , and @ @ @ @ @ to the automobile industry , we ’ ve become more protectionist in recent years .

Australia’s barley producers are facing significant anti-dumping tariffs by China. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says the government is “deeply concerned” at the “bombshell” news and is threatening to take the matter to the World Trade Organisation.
Australia couldn’t be responsible for dumping, could we? It’s an outrage that China would use dumping as an excuse to protect its own farmers. Well, maybe.
For decades, Australia has told itself it is a free trading nation that doesn’t believe in protectionism or hiding behind tariff barriers. The truth is we continued to cling to protectionism, and in fact despite cutting support to the automobile industry, we’ve become more protectionist in recent years.


crikey--2020-05-22--ACT: Social distancing update, work, travel, education, what's open?

Here is the latest on coronavirus social distancing rules in the Australian Capital Territory .
This article will be updated on a regular basis to keep you informed .
As of May 8 , social distancing in the Australian Capital territory is now defined as gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and outdoors .
Here is the latest update on : • What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
Australian Capital Territory residents can now gather in groups of 10 indoors and outdoors while adhering to 1.5m spacing between each person .
Residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons which include : • Leaving the home to shop for essential items such as food and medicine • Leaving the home for medical or healthcare needs • Leaving the home to work or study , if those activities can not be carried out remotely • Leaving the house for recreational activities such as picnics , outdoor gym classes and auctions The ACT government is currently urging the public to : • Stay home whenever possible and only go out when it is essential • Keep a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go ’ payments instead of cash • Minimise visits to vulnerable people , such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals , elderly people , infants , or people with compromised immune systems .
Many facilities , including hospitals and aged care facilities , have specific rules and restrictions in place for visitors , so please check before you visit As it stands , children of essential workers or parents who can not work remotely will be offered supervision from teachers at nine designated public school sites .
A staged return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the aim is for all schools to be re-opened by June .
During this staged return to school , parents and carers of students can decide whether or not to continue with remote learning .
By June 2 , the ACT government expects all students will be able to return to school .
Workers who can continue to work remotely are encouraged to do so .
The ACT government says : “ Canberrans can still go to work , however , the health advice on how to prevent the spread of germs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good hand hygiene , practice social distancing , and if employees are unwell , they should stay home ” .
While it is expected the easing of restrictions , soon to be announced by the ACT government , may allow for groups of up to 10 people to gather , there is no indication on when workers will be able to fully return to their places of work .
The ACT government has not closed the region ’ s borders , however , if you are travelling from another state , you may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen delays and cancellations over the last few weeks but services are still operating .
The following businesses have been ordered to close since March 23 : • Play centres and outside playgrounds ( playgrounds on school grounds may be utilised by students of the school during the normal hours of operation of the school ) Since May 1 , the ACT has allowed for Canberrans to shop for non-essential items , which means a number of retail stores have been invited to reopen , although they are not obliged to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services such as groceries , medical supplies and care are still operating .
What are the fines if you don ’ t follow the rules ?
On the spot fines for those breaching the two-person rule , and not following social distancing protocols , are $ 1,000 for individuals and $ 5,000 for businesses .
Read : Coronavirus statistics | When will the lockdown end ?

As of May 8, social distancing in the Australian Capital territory is now defined as gatherings of up to 10 people indoors and outdoors.
Here is the latest update on:
Social distancing in the Australian Capital Territory
Education
Work
Travel
What’s closed?
What are the fines if you don’t follow the rules?
(This article will be updated as new changes are implemented to keep you informed.)