crikey--2020-06-01--Coronavirus has sped up the decline of cash. But a cashless future isn't on the cards

Vulnerable Australians will always need — and rely on — cold , hard cash .
Australians are using less cash than ever .
We ’ ve stopped taking money out of ATMs .
We ’ ve stopped using it to buy coffee .
And while other societies stubbornly cling to old-fashioned payment methods , we ’ ve taken up contactless tap-and-pay with great enthusiasm .
And now , as COVID-19 has induced a fear of physical contact , that ’ s set to accelerate .
When did so many Australians fall out of love with cash ?
The most recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve Bank of Australia suggests it ’ s been a long time coming .
In 2007 cash accounted for 69 % of transactions , cards 26 % .
The most recent survey , in 2019 , found cash had fallen to 27 % ( down 10 % from the 2016 survey ) , and cards were at 63 % .
Despite the recent growth in things like Apple Pay , internet and phone banking account for just 3 % of all payments .
The Commonwealth Bank said Australia is the sixth least cash-dependent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cashless by 2026 .
Other more ambitious estimates suggest that could happen in just two years .
It ’ s a trend across the Western world .
Even in the United States where things like tap-and-pay are a rarity compared with Australia , three in 10 adults don ’ t use cash each week .
But these changes in spending patterns will probably be locked in even further by the pandemic , with more shops urging customers to use cards or contactless payments , said Swinburne University of Technology Professor Steve Worthington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not using cash and after the pandemic those habits will roll on , ” he says .
“ Contactless , digital and other payments will increase.
” In early March the World Health Organisation was misreported as having recommended contactless payments over cash .
It had , in fact , advised people to wash their hands after using banknotes .
Still , the decline of cash has been swift .
Anecdotally , at least , many cafes and restaurants are accepting only cards .
ATM withdrawals have declined by about a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s been a 60 % drop in ATM withdrawals in the UK .
But there are other ways the pandemic might have rewired our spending habits .
In the early days when we were panic-buying toilet paper and pasta , others were doing the same with cash .
“ When the whole pandemic kicked in there were a lot of large transactions where people took a lot of money out of the bank at a time , ” Worthington says .
“ During a crisis like this , people feel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather have cash to hand.
” The Reserve Bank said some people were withdrawing millions , the kind of behaviour last seen during the height of the global financial crisis .
Less cash , but not quite cashless “ Cash will continue to decline , but it won ’ t be eradicated , ” he says .
“ We might be a less cash society , but we won ’ t be a cashless society.
” That ’ s because for many of society ’ s most vulnerable people , a cash-free society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with disabilities , the elderly , people in rural communities with less access to technology , newly arrived migrants without a bank account , they ’ re all excluded , ” Worthington says .
Sweden , the poster child for a cash-free world , is a case in point .
There are fears it moved away from cash so fast that many who relied on it were left behind , and it ’ s now so tough to even find an ATM in Stockholm that the country recently passed a law forcing banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , there ’ s a growing pushback against cashlessness at a local level : in January New York joined New Jersey , San Francisco and Philadelphia in passing a law stopping businesses from refusing cash .
Worthington said once the pandemic was over Australia should consider doing a similar thing .
We still have our share of unbanked or underbanked people .
And during a tough economic recovery it ’ s they who will suffer most without freedom to pay with cash .
Have you fallen out of love with cash ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ future of cash by writing to [ email protected ] .
Please include your full name to be considered for publication in Crikey ’ s Your Say section .

Australians are using less cash than ever. We’ve stopped taking money out of ATMs. We’ve stopped using it to buy coffee.
And while other societies stubbornly cling to old-fashioned payment methods, we’ve taken up contactless tap-and-pay with great enthusiasm. And now, as COVID-19 has induced a fear of physical contact, that’s set to accelerate.
A long decline
When did so many Australians fall out of love with cash? The most recent survey of consumer payment behaviour from the Reserve Bank of Australia suggests it’s been a long time coming.


crikey--2020-05-31--The shopping mall is facing reinvention. Will it survive?

Could the pandemic spell the end of the shopping centre ?
Shopping malls were once regarded as palaces of modernism @ @ @ @ @ decay .
As COVID-19 triggers widespread store closures across a range of big-name retail brands @ @ @ @ @ many as one in two shops could be shuttered over coming months .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ retail apocalypse for years , ” marketing lecturer Jason Pallant at Swinburne University told Crikey @ @ @ @ @ closest we ’ ve got .
”

Shopping malls were once regarded as palaces of modernism. Now they are facing decay.
As COVID-19 triggers widespread store closures across a range of big-name retail brands, analysts are predicting as many as one in two shops could be shuttered over coming months.
“We’ve been talking about the retail apocalypse for years,” marketing lecturer Jason Pallant at Swinburne University told Crikey. “This is the closest we’ve got.”


crikey--2020-06-01--Flagging expenditure shows government is right to aim at construction

Whatever the GDP result for the March quarter , the economy will need more assistance from the government to prevent major industries like construction from collapsing .
The national accounts for the March quarter , due on Wednesday , would normally excite plenty of interest , but they 're of only historical interest at this point .
There 's a lot of speculation around whether growth will be flat or negative and , if the latter -- which most economists expect -- negative by how much .
But it 's still data from a mostly pre-COVID-19 world .
Of greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Australian Bureau of Statistics ( ABS ) on private investment , which showed a 1.6 % fall in actual expenditure in the March quarter ( to be down a nasty 6.1 % for the year to March ) and an even sharper fall of 8.8 % in the second estimate for expenditure in the coming 2020-21 year .
The expected expenditure shows businesses plan investment of just $ 90.89 billion for the year , with falls across the board -- mining down 6.8 % , manufacturing down 7 % and falls in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and plant and machinery ( 4.5 % ) .

The national accounts for the March quarter, due on Wednesday, would normally excite plenty of interest, but they’re of only historical interest at this point. There’s a lot of speculation around whether growth will be flat or negative and, if the latter — which most economists expect — negative by how much. But it’s still data from a mostly pre-COVID-19 world.
Of greater importance was last week’s data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on private investment, which showed a 1.6% fall in actual expenditure in the March quarter (to be down a nasty 6.1% for the year to March) and an even sharper fall of 8.8% in the second estimate for expenditure in the coming 2020-21 year.
The expected expenditure shows businesses plan investment of just $90.89 billion for the year, with falls across the board — mining down 6.8%, manufacturing down 7% and falls in buildings (11.6%) and structures and plant and machinery (4.5%).


crikey--2020-03-10--Relief and spend — how business, government can beat the downturn

As coronavirus threatens the economy , is reducing the burdens on business enough to prevent a recession ?
As the @ @ @ @ @ to hit home , the prime minister is putting a lot of faith in businesses @ @ @ @ @ , imploring them to keep workers in jobs and suppliers paid .
With the treasurer @ @ @ @ @ package tomorrow , businesses have been doing what they do best : asking for tax @ @ @ @ @ the burdens on business enough to prevent a recession ?
JP Morgan chief economist Sally @ @ @ @ @ knows that protecting the labour market will require not just tax relief for businesses but @ @ @ @ @ to spend .

As the economic shock from coronavirus starts to hit home, the prime minister is putting a lot of faith in businesses to do the right thing, imploring them to keep workers in jobs and suppliers paid.
With the treasurer due to announce a stimulus package tomorrow, businesses have been doing what they do best: asking for tax relief. But is reducing the burdens on business enough to prevent a recession?
JP Morgan chief economist Sally Auld says the Morrison government knows that protecting the labour market will require not just tax relief for businesses but cash for people most likely to spend.


crikey--2020-06-15--Have racial attacks in Australia increased since coronavirus started?

Have racial attacks increased in Australia since coronavirus started ?
The short answer is yes .
Have racial attacks increased in Australia since coronavirus started ?
The short answer is yes .
A survey carried out by the Asian Australian Alliance found the number of racial attacks reported in Australia has been steadily increasing .
In the first two weeks of April , 178 racial incidents were reported .
An ongoing survey by the Asian Australian Alliance reported 12 racial incidents a day during April , with women more likely to be targeted ( 62 % ) .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported racial incidents were carried out by strangers .
The percentage of racist incidents that occurred in public and spaces include : • 35 % occurred in at businesses , including supermarkets , grocery stores , general stores and shopping centres The majority of surveyed incidents occurred in person ( 86 % ) , but reported incidents have also occurred online and in other spaces , such as on Facebook ( 47 % ) , Twitter ( 14 % ) and Instagram ( 16 % ) .
Almost 10 % of incidents that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of an abusive phone call .
Of those surveyed , only 88 % reported the racial attacks to the police .
There has also been reports of racial attacks in Melbourne CBD , Sydney and Geelong .
As it stands , there is no public database that showcases the true extent of such attacks in Australia .
On June 6 , the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a travel warning to its citizens regarding the increased number of racist attacks on “ Chinese and Asian people ” , while on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority issued a warning to Chinese students of rising racial discrimination in Australia .
Data from the Australian Human Rights Commission shows hundreds of Asians complained of racial discrimination in Australia in the first quarter of 2020 .
This accounts for 25 % of complaints , according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry .
Read : How many Indigenous deaths in custody have been recorded ?

Have racial attacks increased in Australia since coronavirus started? The short answer is yes.
A survey carried out by the Asian Australian Alliance found the number of racial attacks reported in Australia has been steadily increasing. In the first two weeks of April, 178 racial incidents were reported.
An ongoing survey by the Asian Australian Alliance reported 12 racial incidents a day during April, with women more likely to be targeted (62%).


crikey--2020-04-19--Worm: Drama, drama everywhere

Worm: Drama, drama everywhere

A staffer for Scott Morrison has publicly apologised for sending an advanced digital copy of Malcolm Turnbull ’ s new book to 59 friends and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been ordered to develop a mandatory code of conduct between tech giants such as Facebook and Google and news media companies .
IS IT TOO LATE TO SAY SORRY ?
Because not even a global pandemic can get in the way of Liberal infighting , a staffer for Scott Morrison has publicly apologised for sending an advanced digital copy of Malcolm Turnbull ’ s new book to 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports , after Turnbull and publisher Hardie Grant sent them a letter of complaint on Saturday .
While the book , A Bigger Picture , officially launches today , roughly every other outlet has run extracts since The Australian ( $ ) leaked Turnbull ’ s version of his deposition last Thursday .
This includes his view of News Corp as a “ political party ” ( The Guardian ( $ ) ) to opinions on everyone from Scott Morrison ( “ control freak ” ) to George Christensen ( “ the hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joyce ( “ How could I confirm the deputy PM lied to the prime minister ?
” ) .
Today , we can add revelations that Tony Abbott dismissed advice from a Defence secretary to admit the government could not meet its deadline over the submarine fleet .
As The Australian ( $ ) reports , this has all led to members of the NSW Liberals circulating an email calling for Turnbull ’ s expulsion from the party .
Call me crazy , but I ’ m not sure how much the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about burning that bridge .
In a move federal ministers say has been accelerated by the pandemic-induced collapse in media advertising , the ABC reports that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been ordered to develop a mandatory code of conduct between tech giants such as Facebook and Google and news media companies .
While the ACCC ’ s negotiations over a voluntary code were meant to run until November , the competition watchdog warned that voluntary measures were unlikely to be agreed to .
Already , the move has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Kelly .
PS : The move follows last week ’ s announcement of a package including $ 50 million for regional journalism , 12-month waiver of spectrum tax and a suspension of content quotas , as well as $ 150 million in support through NBN Co announced last Friday .
PPS : The federal government , however , refused earlier this month to reverse funding cuts to the ABC despite increased bushfire and pandemic coverage .
ECONOMISTS WARN NOT TO BUCKLE UNDER LOOMING RECESSION According to The Age , 35 of Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RBA board member Ian Harper , have called on Scott Morrison not to wind back social distancing laws too early lest the country suffers even greater medical and financial damage .
The news comes after the Grattan Institute yesterday released , “ Shutdown : estimating the COVID-19 employment shock ” , projecting that between 14-26 % of Australian workers could lose their job because of the pandemic .
The paper unpacks which industries will be hit worst , and explains how some of them will be “ disguised ” by JobKeeper keeping Australians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job hunt completely .
According to The Brisbane Times , the Queensland government has announced a framework for “ fair middle ground ” rental measures .
This follows a campaign from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland over complaints that the original plan favoured tenants .
While the original plan meant tenants were able to request rent reductions without proving financial hardship , deny entry to properties and gain automatic six-month lease extensions , new measures include : • Threshold criteria to qualify for the application of the COVID-19 rental response , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or where the rent exceeds 30 % of the tenant ’ s income ; • Tenants can be asked to provide the same proof of finances to property managers “ just as they would when starting a tenancy ” ; • Clear guidance on access for the sale of the property , virtual rental inspections and access for essential repairs and maintenance ; • A 75 % income loss threshold before a tenant can end a tenancy with a 7-day cap on breaking lease fees ; and • Limiting any extension on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 period to September 30 , 2020 unless agreed otherwise by the owner and tenant , or there is an appropriate ground to end the tenancy .
IS HOUSING A RIGHT ?
: As The Conversation ( $ ) unpacked last week , Australia had rent control during the Great Depression and World War II .
• The Victorian government , on Friday , announced both a $ 260.8 million package for the state ’ s TAFE and training sector and $ 3 million over two years for 12 women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; • According to the NT News ( $ ) , the Northern Territory government has waived eight-week waiting requirements on all building approvals as well as March gaming machine taxes for community clubs , pubs , hotels and casinos ; • NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has told The Sydney Morning Herald ( $ ) that the second wave of mega transport projects , and the sale of assets to reinvest in new infrastructure , will form a “ silver bullet ” to reviving the state ’ s economy post-pandemic .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia dipped to just one on Saturday through Sunday , while SA Health has urged young people to get tested after South Australia recorded its second day of zero new cases .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
In the closing minute of Insiders , the foreign editor of a paper that helped run Yassmin Abdel-Magied out of the country wants the ABC to consider the power structures when reporting on child sex abuse allegations against Australia ’ s highest-ever ranking Vatican official .
PS : Sheridan also cited Tim Minchin ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evidence , despite that song premiering on The Project .
READ ALL ABOUT IT ‘ Kick them into action ’ : Fire group takes EPA to court over climate Canberra must save Virgin if no one else can , says Liberal MP Falinski ( $ ) Thousands of council workers stood down or terminated as virus hits Marise Payne calls for global inquiry into China ’ s handling of the coronavirus outbreak China ‘ bars lawyer from going home ’ after prison release Here ’ s news — we ’ ll hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) — Josh Frydenberg ( The Australian ) : “ When the First Fleet landed on our shores in 1788 , stacked on board was a second-hand printing press .
It soon became the centre of a busy operation .
But no one could have imagined that almost 250 years on , the printing press would have given way to the digital age .
We now live in a world of instantaneous communication where everybody with a digital device is connected and empowered.
” Coronavirus sparked a diplomatic spat between Wagga Wagga and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all — Jieh-Yung Lo ( ABC ) : “ When Wagga Wagga City Council announced last week that it would end its sister-city relationship with the Chinese city of Kunming after 30 years — citing concerns over coronavirus and Communism — it didn ’ t take long for the Chinese Government to respond.
” Morrison ’ s cash stimulus worked , but households will likely need more — Andrew Charlton ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ Over the past fortnight , $ 750 stimulus cheques started to arrive in the bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real-time economic data , we can already rate the success of the stimulus in fighting the economic downturn .
The short answer is that the cash handouts did their job at boosting consumer spending quite well , but we may need more support for households before this crisis is over .
”

IS IT TOO LATE TO SAY SORRY?
Because not even a global pandemic can get in the way of Liberal infighting, a staffer for Scott Morrison has publicly apologised for sending an advanced digital copy of Malcolm Turnbull’s new book to 59 friends, The Guardian ($) reports, after Turnbull and publisher Hardie Grant sent them a letter of complaint on Saturday.
While the book, A Bigger Picture, officially launches today, roughly every other outlet has run extracts since The Australian ($) leaked Turnbull’s version of his deposition last Thursday. This includes his view of News Corp as a “political party” (The Guardian ($)) to opinions on everyone from Scott Morrison (“control freak”) to George Christensen (“the hypocrisy made me sick”) to Barnaby Joyce (“How could I confirm the deputy PM lied to the prime minister?”).
Today, we can add revelations that Tony Abbott dismissed advice from a Defence secretary to admit the government could not meet its deadline over the submarine fleet.
As The Australian ($) reports, this has all led to members of the NSW Liberals circulating an email calling for Turnbull’s expulsion from the party. Call me crazy, but I’m not sure how much the former PM would care, at this point, about burning that bridge.
COVID-19 ACCELERATES INTERVENTION IN SOCIAL-TRADITIONAL MEDIA REVENUE WAR
In a move federal ministers say has been accelerated by the pandemic-induced collapse in media advertising, the ABC reports that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has been ordered to develop a mandatory code of conduct between tech giants such as Facebook and Google and news media companies.
While the ACCC’s negotiations over a voluntary code were meant to run until November, the competition watchdog warned that voluntary measures were unlikely to be agreed to. Already, the move has been welcomed by The Australian’s Editor-At-Large Paul Kelly.
PS: The move follows last week’s announcement of a package including $50 million for regional journalism, 12-month waiver of spectrum tax and a suspension of content quotas, as well as $150 million in support through NBN Co announced last Friday.
PPS: The federal government, however, refused earlier this month to reverse funding cuts to the ABC despite increased bushfire and pandemic coverage.
ECONOMISTS WARN NOT TO BUCKLE UNDER LOOMING RECESSION
According to The Age, 35 of Australia’s major economists, including current RBA board member Ian Harper, have called on Scott Morrison not to wind back social distancing laws too early lest the country suffers even greater medical and financial damage.
The news comes after the Grattan Institute yesterday released, “Shutdown: estimating the COVID-19 employment shock”, projecting that between 14-26% of Australian workers could lose their job because of the pandemic. The paper unpacks which industries will be hit worst, and explains how some of them will be “disguised” by JobKeeper keeping Australians technically employed or older Australians abandoning the job hunt completely.
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
QUEENSLAND OUTLINES RENTAL GUIDELINES
According to The Brisbane Times, the Queensland government has announced a framework for “fair middle ground” rental measures. This follows a campaign from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland over complaints that the original plan favoured tenants.
While the original plan meant tenants were able to request rent reductions without proving financial hardship, deny entry to properties and gain automatic six-month lease extensions, new measures include:
Threshold criteria to qualify for the application of the COVID-19 rental response, that includes a 25% reduction in income, or where the rent exceeds 30% of the tenant’s income;
Tenants can be asked to provide the same proof of finances to property managers “just as they would when starting a tenancy”;
Clear guidance on access for the sale of the property, virtual rental inspections and access for essential repairs and maintenance;
A 75% income loss threshold before a tenant can end a tenancy with a 7-day cap on breaking lease fees; and
Limiting any extension on the term of a tenancy agreement during the COVID-19 period to September 30, 2020 unless agreed otherwise by the owner and tenant, or there is an appropriate ground to end the tenancy.
IS HOUSING A RIGHT?: As The Conversation ($) unpacked last week, Australia had rent control during the Great Depression and World War II.
STATE WRAP
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
With great power comes great responsibility, and I think, beyond the culture wars, [the ABC] need to reflect on the disparity in power between this giant corporation and a single individual they attack. Greg Sheridan
In the closing minute of Insiders, the foreign editor of a paper that helped run Yassmin Abdel-Magied out of the country wants the ABC to consider the power structures when reporting on child sex abuse allegations against Australia’s highest-ever ranking Vatican official.
PS: Sheridan also cited Tim Minchin’s “Come Home (Cardinal Pell)” as evidence, despite that song premiering on The Project.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
‘Kick them into action’: Fire group takes EPA to court over climate
Coronavirus: 38 days when Britain sleepwalked into disaster
Unverified antibody tests ‘risk increasing coronavirus infections’
Canberra must save Virgin if no one else can, says Liberal MP Falinski ($)
Thousands of council workers stood down or terminated as virus hits
Councils’ plan for 14,000 new jobs amid COVID-19 downturn ($)
Marise Payne calls for global inquiry into China’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak
China ‘bars lawyer from going home’ after prison release
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warn US navy after ‘provocative’ encounter
THE COMMENTARIAT
Here’s news — we’ll hold Facebook and Google to account ($) — Josh Frydenberg (The Australian): “When the First Fleet landed on our shores in 1788, stacked on board was a second-hand printing press. It soon became the centre of a busy operation. But no one could have imagined that almost 250 years on, the printing press would have given way to the digital age. We now live in a world of instantaneous communication where everybody with a digital device is connected and empowered.”
Coronavirus sparked a diplomatic spat between Wagga Wagga and China that holds a lesson for us all — Jieh-Yung Lo (ABC): “When Wagga Wagga City Council announced last week that it would end its sister-city relationship with the Chinese city of Kunming after 30 years — citing concerns over coronavirus and Communism — it didn’t take long for the Chinese Government to respond.”
Morrison’s cash stimulus worked, but households will likely need more — Andrew Charlton (The Sydney Morning Herald): “Over the past fortnight, $750 stimulus cheques started to arrive in the bank accounts of 6.5 million Australians. Using real-time economic data, we can already rate the success of the stimulus in fighting the economic downturn. The short answer is that the cash handouts did their job at boosting consumer spending quite well, but we may need more support for households before this crisis is over.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE


crikey--2020-03-15--Worm: Dob in ya mates, says Morrison

Worm: Dob in ya mates, says Morrison

Good morning , early birds .
Australia has entered a “ war footing ” phase of the coronavirus outbreak , and as police prepare to enforce quarantine rules , the PM has called for a “ dob in ” your mate system .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Australia has entered a “ war footing ” phase of the coronavirus outbreak , a senior government official told The Australian ( $ ) , as the country mandates 14-day self-isolation for all international arrivals , and cabinet prepares to consider visitor restrictions at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following Australia ’ s fifth confirmed COVID-19-related death , the ABC reports , from today , bans also extend to non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people — including school assemblies and sporting and music events — and prevent international cruise ships from docking over the next 30 days .
Handshakes , and coming in 1.5-metre proximity of another person , has also been discouraged .
PS : In possibly related news , Scott Morrison has come out ahead of Anthony Albanese in his first Newspoll ( $ ) win since the bushfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments and police will take responsibility for enforcing penalties over the new quarantine rules , with Morrison encouraging a “ dob in ” your mate system , and Pedestrian.TV reporting that , under existing rules , fines for breaching public health orders carry wildly different penalties according to state .
The Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC respectively report both NSW and Western Australia police will enforce the existing laws ; ditto Queensland police , who will conduct random check-ins .
South Australia , meanwhile , has officially declared a public health emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disability researchers have called on federal and state governments to enact a targeted response for the disability sector akin to their aged care package .
Noting a horrific report of a Chinese teenager with cerebral palsy dying of starvation after his brother and father were quarantined , the group has issued 20 recommendations directed at people with a disability and the service sector ’ s “ precariously employed and inadequately trained care workforce ” .
IN RELATED NEWS : Croakey has unpacked an urgent need to target resources towards Aboriginal and Torres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wariness of triage precedents — for example , utilitarianism at Italian ICUs .
In sports news , The Sydney Morning Herald reports senior AFL officials have expressed concerns about the season ahead of a full day of teleconferenced briefings , Cameron Smith wants the 2020 NRL season suspended , and the Wellington Phoenix have , effectively , been forced to move to Australia for the remainder of their A-League campaign .
And on the cultural end , The Age reports major hubs across Melbourne , including the State Library , National Gallery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today for at least a month .
Amid mass event cancellations , the live performance industry has called for a rescue package to prevent industry collapse .
Finally , according to The Guardian citing local German newspaper Die Welt , the Trump administration has offered German medical company CureVac large sums of money to gain exclusive access to a potential COVID-19 vaccine ; allegedly , to the chagrin of the German government , “ for the US only ” .
FOR CONTEXT : As NASDAQ reports , CureVac hopes to have an experimental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before seeking permission from regulators for testing on humans .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The IPA ’ s policy director , sharing four haunting photographs of aisles struck by panic-buying , sticks it to that bastion of lefty pinko commie ideology , Woolworths Australia .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Aboriginal girl fights to exclude men from seeing strip search footage Coronavirus : bosses call for wages freeze , or jobs will go ( $ ) WA ’ s Ord irrigators continue their fight against water cuts in State Administrative Tribunal How Hillsong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ ) As the rest of the world shuts down , China is ramping up When will a coronavirus vaccine be ready ?
The measure of success , PM , will be saving as many lives as possible — Sean Kelly ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ When we ’ re told the government has received advice , we must be told the reasons behind that advice .
And not just some reasons – the actual reasons .
For example , we keep hearing that this or that response is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well tell us a decision is “ reasonable ” .
It ’ s gibberish .
Tell us what ’ s actually going on.
” Brace for the financial contagion long after coronavirus crisis has passed ( $ ) — Chris Mitchell ( The Australian ) : “ The national broadcaster always seems to support more government spending but seldom surpluses .
Yet without the budget repair of the past few years , often sneered at by Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers , Australia would not have been as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowdown with the well-targeted package announced last Thursday.
” America is a sham — Dan Kois ( Slate ) : “ Maybe it will be the hand sanitizer that finally exposes the sham .
The Transportation Security Administration announced Friday that due to the coronavirus outbreak , they ’ re waiving the familiar four-ounce limit for liquids and gels—for hand sanitizer only.
” • Public hearings will be held for an inquiry into road transport systems and an inquiry into the sports rorts scandal .
( Note : PM & C ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latter , but has cancelled , amid work relating to the virus outbreak . )
• Public hearings will be held for an inquiry into the 2019 federal election .
• A “ Stop Adani ” rally will be held outside the company ’ s insurance broker Marsh .

OUR WAR FOOTING PHASE
Australia has entered a “war footing” phase of the coronavirus outbreak, a senior government official told The Australian ($), as the country mandates 14-day self-isolation for all international arrivals, and cabinet prepares to consider visitor restrictions at aged-care homes and even school shutdowns.
Following Australia’s fifth confirmed COVID-19-related death, the ABC reports, from today, bans also extend to non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people — including school assemblies and sporting and music events — and prevent international cruise ships from docking over the next 30 days. Handshakes, and coming in 1.5-metre proximity of another person, has also been discouraged.
PS: In possibly related news, Scott Morrison has come out ahead of Anthony Albanese in his first Newspoll ($) win since the bushfire crisis.
EVERYTHING WILL BE FINED
State governments and police will take responsibility for enforcing penalties over the new quarantine rules, with Morrison encouraging a “dob in” your mate system, and Pedestrian.TV reporting that, under existing rules, fines for breaching public health orders carry wildly different penalties according to state.
Victoria: $6,400
$6,400 Tasmania: $8,400
$8,400 Queensland: $13,345
$13,345 South Australia: $25,000
$25,000 NSW: $11,000 and six months’ jail
$11,000 and six months’ jail WA: $50,000 and 12 months’ jail
The Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC respectively report both NSW and Western Australia police will enforce the existing laws; ditto Queensland police, who will conduct random check-ins.
South Australia, meanwhile, has officially declared a public health emergency, the ABC reports.
CALLS FOR A DISABILITY CARE PACKAGE
Leading health and disability researchers have called on federal and state governments to enact a targeted response for the disability sector akin to their aged care package.
Noting a horrific report of a Chinese teenager with cerebral palsy dying of starvation after his brother and father were quarantined, the group has issued 20 recommendations directed at people with a disability and the service sector’s “precariously employed and inadequately trained care workforce”.
IN RELATED NEWS: Croakey has unpacked an urgent need to target resources towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, complete with a wariness of triage precedents — for example, utilitarianism at Italian ICUs.
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
CANCELLED
In sports news, The Sydney Morning Herald reports senior AFL officials have expressed concerns about the season ahead of a full day of teleconferenced briefings, Cameron Smith wants the 2020 NRL season suspended, and the Wellington Phoenix have, effectively, been forced to move to Australia for the remainder of their A-League campaign.
And on the cultural end, The Age reports major hubs across Melbourne, including the State Library, National Gallery and Museum Victoria sites, will close from today for at least a month. Amid mass event cancellations, the live performance industry has called for a rescue package to prevent industry collapse.
For breaking health department updates: Federal, NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
TRUMP REPORTEDLY MAKES GRAB FOR VACCINE
Finally, according to The Guardian citing local German newspaper Die Welt, the Trump administration has offered German medical company CureVac large sums of money to gain exclusive access to a potential COVID-19 vaccine; allegedly, to the chagrin of the German government, “for the US only”.
FOR CONTEXT: As NASDAQ reports, CureVac hopes to have an experimental vaccine ready by June or July, before seeking permission from regulators for testing on humans.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
This is your economy on socialism. Gideon Rozner
The IPA’s policy director, sharing four haunting photographs of aisles struck by panic-buying, sticks it to that bastion of lefty pinko commie ideology, Woolworths Australia.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Aboriginal girl fights to exclude men from seeing strip search footage
Coronavirus: bosses call for wages freeze, or jobs will go ($)
Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins tests positive to COVID-19
Surgeon warns on coronavirus elective surgery blitz ‘vote grab’
WA’s Ord irrigators continue their fight against water cuts in State Administrative Tribunal
How Hillsong makes its money as a global business ($)
Coronavirus: airlines face meltdown as global travel bans multiply
As the rest of the world shuts down, China is ramping up
When will a coronavirus vaccine be ready?
THE COMMENTARIAT
The measure of success, PM, will be saving as many lives as possible — Sean Kelly (The Sydney Morning Herald): “When we’re told the government has received advice, we must be told the reasons behind that advice. And not just some reasons – the actual reasons. For example, we keep hearing that this or that response is “proportionate”. You might as well tell us a decision is “reasonable”. It’s gibberish. Tell us what’s actually going on.”
Brace for the financial contagion long after coronavirus crisis has passed ($) — Chris Mitchell (The Australian): “The national broadcaster always seems to support more government spending but seldom surpluses. Yet without the budget repair of the past few years, often sneered at by Labor leader Anthony Albanese and Treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers, Australia would not have been as well placed to respond to the coronavirus economic slowdown with the well-targeted package announced last Thursday.”
America is a sham — Dan Kois (Slate): “Maybe it will be the hand sanitizer that finally exposes the sham. The Transportation Security Administration announced Friday that due to the coronavirus outbreak, they’re waiving the familiar four-ounce limit for liquids and gels—for hand sanitizer only.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Public hearings will be held for an inquiry into road transport systems and an inquiry into the sports rorts scandal. (Note: PM&C’s Phil Gaetjens was set to appear for the latter, but has cancelled, amid work relating to the virus outbreak.)
Melbourne
Public hearings will be held for an inquiry into the 2019 federal election.
Adelaide


crikey--2020-03-04--Worm: Bushfire cuts, agency spies and scanty figurines

Good morning , early birds .
Day three of Senate estimates did not disappoint , and a second Australian has died after contracting coronavirus .
It 's the news you need to know , with Chris Woods .
Yesterday saw another packed day at Senate estimates .
• Sport Australia admitted to misleading the sports rorts Senate inquiry over a second set of government instructions sent during caretaker mode , The Sydney Morning Herald reports .
• The Australian Signals Directorate admitted to already spying on Australians in “ rare circumstances ” over the past year , The Guardian reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit more redundant .
• Reserve Bank deputy governor Guy Debelle warned the impact of coronavirus on the education sector will wipe up to half a percentage point from GDP growth in the current March quarter , The Australian ( $ ) reports , noting Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy will today reiterate the same warning ( $ ) .
• The Department of Industry confirmed government funding for Australia ’ s only dedicated bushfire research centre will end next year , The New Daily reports .
• ADF chief Angus Campbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the works , The Australian ( $ ) reports , and described talking with Scott Morrison about the “ discomfiting ” use of ADF personnel , without permission , in that bushfire video , The Guardian reports .
• Fair Work Commission deputy president Gerard Boyce admitted he removed about 20 figurines , including “ scantily clad ” anime characters , after complaints from colleagues , ABC reports .
We ’ ve said it before , but it is , really , the most wonderful time of the # auspol calendar .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country to die after contracting the novel coronavirus , according to the ABC .
The woman was a resident at a northern Sydney nursing home where an aged-care worker was also diagnosed .
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that , in response , aged-care facilities found to be at risk of the virus will be audited by the national regulator ahead of an expected increase in cases .
Aged care workers collectively called in sick following the resident ’ s death , forcing the NSW health department to cobble together a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ ) reports .
These extra costs have , in turn , created a rift between the state and federal governments — with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today claiming that federal counterpart Greg Hunt deflected his snap funding request to the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority .
In just slightly less depressing news , ABC journalist Jack Snape has chronicled via Twitter how the Prime Minister ’ s Spelling Bee website — which came courtesy of a tidy $ 340,000 grant to News Corp — had the alt-right “ OK ” hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a response to Snape ’ s discovery , News Corp said the symbol was included in an old template devised by a third-party developer , not by an employee , and was removed as soon as they became aware of it .
After a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday , which left him with only a single victory , Michael Bloomberg has dropped out of the 2020 US presidential race .
In the past few months , the billionaire has spent at least US $ 409,000 million on his own campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
With truly superhuman patience , the head of the CSIRO explains to LNP Senator Gerard Rennick why you can ’ t just apply quantum theories of microscopic particles to things you don ’ t like… such as climate science .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Biden ’ s delegate lead is small , but could be hard to overcome Coronavirus : Italy to close all schools as deaths rise John Holland wants taxpayers to cop the risk of a blowout on North East Link ‘ Paid less for producing more ’ : Mining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNSW to jettison fossil fuel investments by 2025 ‘ at the latest ’ The Pussycat Dolls ’ Nicole Scherzinger went on ‘ The Project ’ only to endure a woeful interview Virus weakens Labor attack on Morrison ’ s integrity ( $ ) — Niki Savva ( The Australian ) : “ The coronavirus may yet deliver a killer blow to the Australian economy , but in its early manifestations , at least , it has definitely provided a lifeline for a prime minister beset by questions about his integrity , his use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his competence.
” Generational rift exposed as Joe Biden stages a comeback for the ages — Matthew Knott ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ It ’ s not yet guaranteed that Joe Biden will become the Democratic Party ’ s presidential nominee .
But , regardless of the eventual result , the former vice-president has staged one of the speediest and most stunning political comebacks in modern American history.
” Australian police are using the Clearview AI facial recognition system with no accountability — Jake Goldenfein ( The Conversation ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a private , unaccountable facial recognition service that combines machine learning and wide-ranging data-gathering practices to identify members of the public from online photographs.
” • Senate estimates will hold hearings into social services ; treasury ; education , skills and employment matters ; and foreign affairs and trade .
• Labor MP Dr Anne Aly will help launch the Institute for Economics and Peace ’ s “ 2019 Global Terrorism Index ” at the Australian National University .
• The 2020 International Women ’ s Day march will be held outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economist Yanis Varoufakis will discuss “ Debt , Disobedience and Democracy Today ” with ABC journalist Nassim Khadem at the Wheeler Centre .
• The Royal Children ’ s Hospital will launch their Good Friday Appeal .
• Writers Hannah McCann and Whitney Monaghan will launch their book Queer Theory Now : From Foundations to Futures at Reading Carlton .
• The French-Australian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry will host forum event “ New Caledonia Energy projects : from Coal to Renewables ” with New Caledonia Minister for the Economy , Foreign Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bem Le Hunte will launch her latest book , Elephants with Headlights , at the University of Technology Sydney .
• WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA tourism brand ambassador Adam Gilchrist will speak at a “ Business Pathways to India ” forum organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and the Australia India Business Council .

SPORTS RORTS, SPIES AND CORONAVIRUS
Yesterday saw another packed day at Senate estimates.
We’ve said it before, but it is, really, the most wonderful time of the #auspol calendar.
SECOND CORONAVIRUS-RELATED DEATH
A 95-year-old woman has become the second person in the country to die after contracting the novel coronavirus, according to the ABC. The woman was a resident at a northern Sydney nursing home where an aged-care worker was also diagnosed.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that, in response, aged-care facilities found to be at risk of the virus will be audited by the national regulator ahead of an expected increase in cases.
But the fallout doesn’t end there…
AGED CARE COSTS SPARK TENSION
Aged care workers collectively called in sick following the resident’s death, forcing the NSW health department to cobble together a new workforce of nurses, The Australian ($) reports.
These extra costs have, in turn, created a rift between the state and federal governments — with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard today claiming that federal counterpart Greg Hunt deflected his snap funding request to the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority.
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PM’S SPELLING BEE AIN’T ALL O-K
In just slightly less depressing news, ABC journalist Jack Snape has chronicled via Twitter how the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee website — which came courtesy of a tidy $340,000 grant to News Corp — had the alt-right “OK” hand symbol hidden in its source code.
In a response to Snape’s discovery, News Corp said the symbol was included in an old template devised by a third-party developer, not by an employee, and was removed as soon as they became aware of it.
A BRIEF BLOOM
After a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday, which left him with only a single victory, Michael Bloomberg has dropped out of the 2020 US presidential race. In the past few months, the billionaire has spent at least US$409,000 million on his own campaign, BBC reports.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
So Senator the uncertainty principle applies at the quantum level, if we move into the classical level, the macro world that we all live in… it’s not really relevant to th—those uncertainties are so tiny they’re irrelevant to the world that we live in. Dr Larry Marshall
With truly superhuman patience, the head of the CSIRO explains to LNP Senator Gerard Rennick why you can’t just apply quantum theories of microscopic particles to things you don’t like… such as climate science.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Biden’s delegate lead is small, but could be hard to overcome
Coronavirus: Italy to close all schools as deaths rise
‘Outrageous’: Funding cuts to leave domestic violence victims vulnerable in court
Medicine shortage fears as India limits exports amid spreading coronavirus outbreak
John Holland wants taxpayers to cop the risk of a blowout on North East Link
‘Paid less for producing more’: Mining, public sector props up struggling economy
Peter Dutton mate singled out in Border Force scandal ($)
Premier League matches to help kick-start Qld tourism
UNSW to jettison fossil fuel investments by 2025 ‘at the latest’
The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger went on ‘The Project’ only to endure a woeful interview
Kyoto carry-over credits ‘baseless’ in international law, experts say
THE COMMENTARIAT
Virus weakens Labor attack on Morrison’s integrity ($) — Niki Savva (The Australian): “The coronavirus may yet deliver a killer blow to the Australian economy, but in its early manifestations, at least, it has definitely provided a lifeline for a prime minister beset by questions about his integrity, his use of the dark arts of politics, and his competence.”
Generational rift exposed as Joe Biden stages a comeback for the ages — Matthew Knott (The Sydney Morning Herald): “It’s not yet guaranteed that Joe Biden will become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee. But, regardless of the eventual result, the former vice-president has staged one of the speediest and most stunning political comebacks in modern American history.”
Australian police are using the Clearview AI facial recognition system with no accountability — Jake Goldenfein (The Conversation): “Australian police agencies are reportedly using a private, unaccountable facial recognition service that combines machine learning and wide-ranging data-gathering practices to identify members of the public from online photographs.”
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
Senate estimates will hold hearings into social services; treasury; education, skills and employment matters; and foreign affairs and trade.
Labor MP Dr Anne Aly will help launch the Institute for Economics and Peace’s “2019 Global Terrorism Index” at the Australian National University.
Melbourne
The 2020 International Women’s Day march will be held outside the State Library of Victoria.
Economist Yanis Varoufakis will discuss “Debt, Disobedience and Democracy Today” with ABC journalist Nassim Khadem at the Wheeler Centre.
The Royal Children’s Hospital will launch their Good Friday Appeal.
Writers Hannah McCann and Whitney Monaghan will launch their book Queer Theory Now: From Foundations to Futures at Reading Carlton.
Brisbane
The French-Australian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry will host forum event “New Caledonia Energy projects: from Coal to Renewables” with New Caledonia Minister for the Economy, Foreign Trade and Energy Christopher Gyges.
Sydney
Writer Bem Le Hunte will launch her latest book, Elephants with Headlights, at the University of Technology Sydney.
Perth


crikey--2020-03-04--"Team Australia"? Can stimulus work when Australians don't trust their government?

When voters do n't trust the government and are n't happy with our democracy , the chances of a successful @ @ @ @ @ are very different to what happened ten years ago .
In one of the more @ @ @ @ @ of the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis , The Australian Financial Review -- usually @ @ @ @ @ interest rate rises and government austerity -- today called for `` Team Australia , a @ @ @ @ @ government , the Reserve Bank and the big four banks in the face of a @ @ @ @ @ After yesterday 's interest rate cut , we 're still waiting to see what the @ @ @ @ @ table in terms of fiscal stimulus , with assurances that the rhetorical switch from last @ @ @ @ @ modest '' to this week 's `` measured '' reflects a bigger package than previously @ @ @ @ @ policymakers face , and that the senior writers at the AFR miss , is that @ @ @ @ @ any `` Team Australia '' approach is in serious question .

In one of the more puerile moments of media coverage of the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis, The Australian Financial Review — usually the stalwart supporter of punitive interest rate rises and government austerity — today called for “Team Australia, a coordinated effort between the federal government, the Reserve Bank and the big four banks in the face of a global COVID-19 pandemic”.
After yesterday’s interest rate cut, we’re still waiting to see what the federal government brings to the table in terms of fiscal stimulus, with assurances that the rhetorical switch from last week’s key word “modest” to this week’s “measured” reflects a bigger package than previously planned.


crikey--2020-04-22--Worm: Morrison calls for WHO to become "weapons inspector"

Scott Morrison is calling for an investigation into China ’ s handling of the initial coronavirus outbreak and certain states are stepping up spending for visa holders and students who have been affected by the pandemic but are not eligible for the JobKeeper or JobSeeker schemes .
According to the ABC , Scott Morrison has spoken to world leaders about empowering the World Health Organisation with “ weapon inspector ” style powers to investigate the pandemic .
While The Australian ( $ ) reports that Labor leader Anthony Albanese — who also hoped Morrison would bring up the whole defunding-the-WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea .
The ABC reports that Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson have emphasised suppression before investigating the source and spread of the pandemic .
IT ’ S NICE TO HAVE DREAMS : To unpack why this is probably a pipe dream , check out The Conversation ’ s guide ( and podcast ) on why China will never welcome an inquiry into the source of the pandemic .
With the bulk of visa holders excluded from the JobKeeper and JobSeeker programs , states and territories this week have stepped up , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million support package for temporary visa holders , that , amongst other initiatives , expands eligibility for one-off Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants of $ 250 per individual or up to $ 1,000 per family ; • Queensland ’ s $ 2.2 million package for international students , which includes both a new online hub , where counsellors will guide students through mental health , visa , crisis accommodation and other essential needs , as well as previously-announced tuition support , laptops , isolation care-packs , and pre-prepared meals ; • South Australia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support Package ‘ , which includes a $ 10 million fund for the University of Adelaide , Flinders University and University of South Australia to distribute to impacted international students — which the Advertiser says translates to between $ 500 and $ 1,000 payments per student — as well as a $ 500 emergency cash grant for other students living in the state .
Additionally , ACT has joined Victoria and Queensland in setting up a new government job portal , the $ 20 million ‘ Jobs for Canberrans ’ fund , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any Australian Government support ” .
DOES FORCED QUARANTINE FOR PRISONERS MEAN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT ?
Barrister Greg Barns has flagged concerns over the Victorian government ’ s “ COVID-19 Omnibus ( Emergency Measures ) Bill 2020 ” which is yet to appear online .
Ahead of introduction tonight , the government announced that the bill will cover everything from housing support to new regulatory powers over justice processes .
Mandated quarantines for new prisoners could amount to solitary confinement .
The news is especially concerning when , as the ABC reported yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable Indigenous man to be held in custody for two weeks , and twice denied bail , despite the warrant being issued contrary to the court direction .
COPS BARRED FROM TRACING APP : In related news , The Age reports that Attorney-General Christian Porter last night guaranteed that police would be barred from accessing the new tracing app ’ s metadata .
For why that ’ s probably a good thing , check out the unofficial COVID-19 Policing database .
Finally , because a pandemic that has infected at least 850,000 Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him occupied , the ABC reports that US President Donald Trump has ordered the US navy to “ destroy ” any Iranian boats that “ harass ” them at sea .
In case anyone has forgotten — and look , you ’ d be forgiven , it ’ s been a year — Trump ordered the assassination of Iran ’ s Major General Qassim Suleimani on January 3 this year , a move The Nation described at the time as a “ colossal strategic blunder ” .
Because it has , understandably , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory government announcements : • Today , The Age reports that Victoria will announce a $ 77.5 million family services package that creates a new model for early intervention child protection ; • The Northern Territory has announced that 135 Home Improvement Scheme vouchers have been rolled out over just two days , with “ thousands more in the pipeline ” amidst a total of 19,584 applications in the first stage of the $ 30 million project which ended April 17 ; and • The ABC reports that South Australia will urge parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
THEY REALLY SAID THAT ?
The prime minister that oversaw the creation of Robodebt , is only now reflecting on creating Dutton ’ s super-department , and , since 2019 , sits as a senior advisor to investment giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co hints at a rosy future in commentary .
READ ALL ABOUT IT Four police officers killed in Eastern Freeway crash hailed by Premier as ‘ heroes ’ Coronavirus restrictions likely to be eased in reverse order , political sources say Business calls for urgent tax reform in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shadow Treasurer rules out support for GST hike after RBA calls for reform Ruby Princess doctor ‘ surprised ’ passengers allowed off cruise ship when crew member had high fever Queensland Parliament passes new rental laws among string of Covid-19 measures ( $ ) Victorian government looking at fast-tracked pipeline and new projects to kickstart economy German post-war miracle a lesson for us — James Patterson ( The Australian ) : “ The emergency measures put in place to control the spread of coronavirus are necessary , but history shows that radical economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be removed as quickly as possible once the crisis passes.
” Australia ’ s coronavirus relief exclusions prove we are not all in this together — Ben Doherty ( The Guardian ) : “ Far from being the great leveller it is asserted to be , Covid-19 has laid bare – as if it needed further exposition – the structural inequalities that exist in contemporary Australia .
Those who are in Australia temporarily – to study , to work , to pick fruit , to be protected from persecution – have had their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19.
” Our creative community ’ s collapse is without precedent : the case for a 40 % funding boost — Kim Williams ( The Sydney Morning Herald ) : “ The government ’ s recent announcement on supporting Australia ’ s free-to-air networks , which included tax relief , support for regional journalism and the suspension of Australian content requirements , is stark confirmation we are facing a genuine emergency in the framework for the production of Australian content.
” • The Senate Committee on COVID-19 will hold its first hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and Department of Health secretaries .

INVESTIGATING THE SOURCE OF COVID-19
According to the ABC, Scott Morrison has spoken to world leaders about empowering the World Health Organisation with “weapon inspector” style powers to investigate the pandemic.
While The Australian ($) reports that Labor leader Anthony Albanese — who also hoped Morrison would bring up the whole defunding-the-WHO thing with Donal Trump — has welcomed the idea. The ABC reports that Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson have emphasised suppression before investigating the source and spread of the pandemic.
IT’S NICE TO HAVE DREAMS: To unpack why this is probably a pipe dream, check out The Conversation’s guide (and podcast) on why China will never welcome an inquiry into the source of the pandemic.
STATES FILL IN VISA GAPS
With the bulk of visa holders excluded from the JobKeeper and JobSeeker programs, states and territories this week have stepped up, including:
Tasmania’s $3 million support package for temporary visa holders, that, amongst other initiatives, expands eligibility for one-off Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants of $250 per individual or up to $1,000 per family;
Queensland’s $2.2 million package for international students, which includes both a new online hub, where counsellors will guide students through mental health, visa, crisis accommodation and other essential needs, as well as previously-announced tuition support, laptops, isolation care-packs, and pre-prepared meals;
South Australia’s $13.8 million ‘International Student Support Package‘, which includes a $10 million fund for the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia to distribute to impacted international students — which the Advertiser says translates to between $500 and $1,000 payments per student — as well as a $500 emergency cash grant for other students living in the state.
Additionally, ACT has joined Victoria and Queensland in setting up a new government job portal, the $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ fund, which specifically prioritises people who are “ineligible for any Australian Government support”.
DOES FORCED QUARANTINE FOR PRISONERS MEAN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT?
Barrister Greg Barns has flagged concerns over the Victorian government’s “COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020” which is yet to appear online. Ahead of introduction tonight, the government announced that the bill will cover everything from housing support to new regulatory powers over justice processes. Mandated quarantines for new prisoners could amount to solitary confinement.
The news is especially concerning when, as the ABC reported yesterday, a string of errors led a vulnerable Indigenous man to be held in custody for two weeks, and twice denied bail, despite the warrant being issued contrary to the court direction.
COPS BARRED FROM TRACING APP: In related news, The Age reports that Attorney-General Christian Porter last night guaranteed that police would be barred from accessing the new tracing app’s metadata.
For why that’s probably a good thing, check out the unofficial COVID-19 Policing database.
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
TRUMP THREATENS IRAN MID-APOCALYPSE
Finally, because a pandemic that has infected at least 850,000 Americans hasn’t been enough to keep him occupied, the ABC reports that US President Donald Trump has ordered the US navy to “destroy” any Iranian boats that “harass” them at sea.
In case anyone has forgotten — and look, you’d be forgiven, it’s been a year — Trump ordered the assassination of Iran’s Major General Qassim Suleimani on January 3 this year, a move The Nation described at the time as a “colossal strategic blunder”.
STATE WRAP
Because it has, understandably, been another packed day for state and territory government announcements:
Today, The Age reports that Victoria will announce a $77.5 million family services package that creates a new model for early intervention child protection;
The Northern Territory has announced that 135 Home Improvement Scheme vouchers have been rolled out over just two days, with “thousands more in the pipeline” amidst a total of 19,584 applications in the first stage of the $30 million project which ended April 17; and
The ABC reports that South Australia will urge parents to send their children to school next week.
THEY REALLY SAID THAT?
I’m an activist. Malcolm Turnbull
The prime minister that oversaw the creation of Robodebt, is only now reflecting on creating Dutton’s super-department, and, since 2019, sits as a senior advisor to investment giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co hints at a rosy future in commentary.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Four police officers killed in Eastern Freeway crash hailed by Premier as ‘heroes’
Retail property giant threatens action against tenants who close doors
Coronavirus restrictions likely to be eased in reverse order, political sources say
Business calls for urgent tax reform in wake of coronavirus crisis ($)
Shadow Treasurer rules out support for GST hike after RBA calls for reform
Commonwealth warns against ‘illegal’ water diversion sought by Barilaro
Ruby Princess doctor ‘surprised’ passengers allowed off cruise ship when crew member had high fever
Queensland Parliament passes new rental laws among string of Covid-19 measures ($)
Victorian government looking at fast-tracked pipeline and new projects to kickstart economy
THE COMMENTARIAT
German post-war miracle a lesson for us — James Patterson (The Australian): “The emergency measures put in place to control the spread of coronavirus are necessary, but history shows that radical economic interventions imposed in times of crisis should be removed as quickly as possible once the crisis passes.”
Australia’s coronavirus relief exclusions prove we are not all in this together — Ben Doherty (The Guardian): “Far from being the great leveller it is asserted to be, Covid-19 has laid bare – as if it needed further exposition – the structural inequalities that exist in contemporary Australia. Those who are in Australia temporarily – to study, to work, to pick fruit, to be protected from persecution – have had their second-class status brutally exposed by the extremis of Covid-19.”
Our creative community’s collapse is without precedent: the case for a 40% funding boost — Kim Williams (The Sydney Morning Herald): “The government’s recent announcement on supporting Australia’s free-to-air networks, which included tax relief, support for regional journalism and the suspension of Australian content requirements, is stark confirmation we are facing a genuine emergency in the framework for the production of Australian content.”
WHAT’S ON TODAY
Canberra
The Senate Committee on COVID-19 will hold its first hearing this morning, with witnesses to include Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and Department of Health secretaries.
HOLD THE FRONT PAGE


crikey--2020-04-22--Why record low oil prices will spook Australian consumers

Do n't celebrate falling oil prices just yet — the implications will be enormous for Australia 's fragile economy .
@ @ @ @ @ of oil briefly turned negative on Tuesday , a historical first that will create economic @ @ @ @ @ price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate ( a kind of crude oil ) @ @ @ @ @ $ 39 a barrel .
Sellers were paying buyers to take oil !
The negative @ @ @ @ @ volumes of oil are flowing in this period of low demand , and America is @ @ @ @ @ put it .

The price of a barrel of oil briefly turned negative on Tuesday, a historical first that will create economic and financial shockwaves.
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (a kind of crude oil) fell as low as negative-$39 a barrel. Sellers were paying buyers to take oil!
The negative price came about because huge volumes of oil are flowing in this period of low demand, and America is running out of places to put it.


crikey--2020-04-16--The great disruption: US economy plummeting into a deep, dark hole

More data from the US reveals that the American economy is facing a truly extraordinary contraction , as major banks @ @ @ @ @ billions of dollars in bad debt .
While success in suppressing new infections here has @ @ @ @ @ crippling lockdown restrictions sooner rather than later , it 's now clear that the US @ @ @ @ @ in a way that will slow the entire global economy for some time to come @ @ @ @ @ levels of unemployment claims has illustrated how the US jobs market has collapsed under the @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of deaths .
Now further data overnight has revealed the cost of the @ @ @ @ @ % slump in retail sales across the US in March ( that 's worth US @ @ @ @ @ a 5.4 % slide in industrial production -- the biggest fall since 1946 , when @ @ @ @ @ wartime production .

While success in suppressing new infections here has prompted talk of lifting economically crippling lockdown restrictions sooner rather than later, it’s now clear that the US economy is being smashed, in a way that will slow the entire global economy for some time to come.
Successive weeks of astonishing levels of unemployment claims has illustrated how the US jobs market has collapsed under the weight of lockdown and tens of thousands of deaths.


crikey--2020-04-09--Too big to sink? Owners of the Ruby Princess face their mortality moment

After the Ruby Princess fiasco , Inq asks whether Carnival , with its political connections and multibillion-dollar industry , is too big to sink ... From its Miami , USA headquarters the giant Carnival Corporation is being forced to contemplate its own mortality .
In cruise industry terms the collapse of Carnival would be the equivalent of the demise of the all-powerful Lehman Brothers during the global financial crisis of 2008 .
Carnival controls over 50 % of the world ’ s cruise market and has steadily acquired a string of famous cruising brands , including P & O Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ruby Princess .
Since the beginning of April the company ’ s filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) depict an ever-worsening position — increasingly urgent distress calls as in the form of stock market updates as Carnival and the rest of the industry try to stay afloat .
Here is what they ’ ve been saying : • “ We have never previously experienced a complete cessation of our cruising operations ” • “ Our ability to be predictive regarding the impact of such a cessation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” • “ The magnitude , duration and speed of the global pandemic is uncertain.
” • “ We now expect a net loss for the fiscal year ending November 30 , 2020.
” It ’ s an extraordinary state of affairs for a company which only four months ago declared a global profit of over $ 3 billion on a record turnover over $ 21 billion for 2019 .
By mid-March this year the company had already drawn down on a $ 3 billion facility .
By the end of the month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global had downgraded Carnival ’ s debt ratings .
A further downgrade , the company warned , would jeopardise its ability to raise further debt .
And then what ?
In SEC filings this week the company detailed the primary threats it faced .
These were “ incidents concerning our ships , guests or the cruise vacation industry ” which “ may lead to reputational damage ” , as well as “ changes in and non-compliance with laws and regulations under which we operate , such as those relating to health ” which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions , fines , penalties , and reputational damage ” .
Carnival has once before seen off an existential threat to its business .
That was back in 2012 when its ship the Costa Concordia slammed into rocks and partially capsized off the Italian island of Giglio .
The captain fled the ship as passengers went racing for the lifeboats .
Thirty-two of the ship ’ s 4,000 passengers and crew died .
In response , the company hired one of corporate America ’ s sharpest PR and communications operatives — industry veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new cleanskin CEO , Arnold Donald , a fresh face who led an aggressive marketing campaign highlighting cruising as fun and affordable .
Together Frizzell and Donald rehabilitated the company ’ s image .
It has since built a wide fan-base of cruise devotees — the “ cruiselings ” who , alarmingly , even now question via social media when the next cruise can get underway .
As a mark of his success , last year Donald was rewarded just over US $ 11 million in salary and stock options .
Frizzell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team too .
Yet the drama which played out seven years ago is nothing compared to the series of crises which have banked up against Carnival around the world since an outbreak of COVID-19 on board the Diamond Princess , which was stranded in quarantine off the coast of Japan in early February — the first known case of the virus on a stricken cruise ship .
Several times its ships have been refused entry to ports because of the presence of COVID-19 .
Despite this , as recently as March 24 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ sibling ” to the Diamond Princess ) docked in Sydney , Donald continued to maintain that Carnival ’ s ships weren ’ t to blame .
“ Cruise ships are not a source for coronavirus , ” Donald told business and politics program Axios on HBO .
“ We have hundreds of cruise ships out there .
Very few had cases on them .
The one that had the most cases was very early on , when no one understood hardly anything , ” said Donald , in response to criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been slow to address infections on board the Diamond Princess and slow to halt its operations in the midst of the pandemic .
Donald also denied that shared swimming pools , compact spaces and shared meals in large dining rooms made a cruise ship a riskier environment for infection — contradicting a point made by a US Centre for Disease Control warning issued March 8 ( the day the Ruby Princess departed Australia , to return on March 19 ) .
Now the lawsuits have begun and Donald and Carnival ’ s arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test .
This week a Miami lawyer filed a class action suit against Costa Cruises , a Carnival-owned cruise line , alleging the operator was negligent for allowing the Costa Luminosa to sail after a passenger on a previous trip tested positive for coronavirus — and for continuing on its next voyage after more passengers showed symptoms .
The Costa Luminosa set sail from Fort Lauderdale on March 5 , three days before the Ruby Princess departed Australia for New Zealand .
On the face of it the circumstances of the ships ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous Ruby Princess trip also tested positive to COVID-19 .
In the case of the Costa Luminosa hundreds of passengers eventually disembarked in France , where , authorities said , 36 people tested positive and 75 either showed symptoms or came into contact with those who were infected , according to Reuters .
In Australia Carnival HQ embarked on a communications strategy which shifts all blame onto government agencies , primarily NSW Health and the Australian Border Force , while maintaining it has followed the rules at every turn .
The cruise industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — has deep financial ties to Australia ’ s commercial media .
In the first three months of last year the collective advertising spend was around $ 130 million , primarily on television , newspapers and digital sites .
If there was a strategy afoot to rely on old media friendships then it worked .
Initially government agencies — and not Carnival — were at the centre of the story .
Leaked emails painting Carnival as the honest brokers , and even victims of government bungling , appeared in Nine and News Corp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ship had put through detailed health information on more than 100 passengers who were ill on board the ship .
The strategy upped the stakes on the government .
Within 24 hours counter leaks appeared , most devastatingly in The Daily Telegraph , which reported on midnight phone calls from Carnival which apparently sought to downplay the possible presence of COVID-19 on board Ruby Princess in order to gain permission to dock in Sydney .
The trail of destruction in the wake of the Ruby Princess is so severe that NSW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 infection aboard the ship .
The move will at least temporarily stem the daily dose of bad news for the government and Carnival , as questionable a tactic that may be .
But there is now a well-publicised NSW police inquiry into the whole affair .
Police raided the Ruby Princess , now anchored at Port Kembla , south of Sydney , to seize evidence and question crew members .
The last official count put the Ruby Princess tally at 14 deaths ( about a quarter of the national toll ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70s and 80s .
Steven Whybrow , a senior barrister who represented victims in the Dreamworld tragedy , told Inq that manslaughter charges were possible if investigators uncovered evidence that someone on board the ship misled authorities about how many suspected cases of COVID-19 there were on board .
“ It seems totally beyond comprehension that somebody , at some stage , has not made a false assumption about the OK-ness of this ship to dock , ” he said .
Whoever is technically or legally responsible for the deaths , the fallout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Carnival , to cite its SEC filings .
Inq can also reveal new developments in the Ruby Princess scandal that cast further doubt on Carnival ’ s bona fides and raise further questions on how thoroughly regulators did their jobs .
It appears that the official pre-arrival health report signed by the captain of the Ruby Princess omitted declaring that there was any “ persistent coughing ” on board the ship .
According to the federal Department of Health , the question relating to coughing is one of two specific questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s presence on a ship .
( The other question relates to fever , a category which the ship ’ s captain addressed . )
Passengers contacted by Inq — and who asked for their names to be withheld — tell a different story .
One told Inq there was “ a tonne of coughing on board ” .
“ But I ’ ve been on several cruises and there always is , ” she added .
“ Especially as the average age of the passengers is often over 60.
” Another recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ not too bad ” , “ except for one woman on a bus who did not sound well at all , but we were a long way from her ” .
The bus trip , the passenger remembered , was in either Wellington or Napier , New Zealand .
New Zealand health authorities now say that in a cluster of 16 Ruby Princess cases one is a man from Napier who drove a busload of Ruby Princess passengers .
The driver also made private visits to a relative in an aged care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern added to the pressure on Carnival , asking for preliminary advice from New Zealand ’ s crown law office on whether or not the Ruby Princess had fulfilled its legal obligations before getting the go-ahead to disembark passengers while docked at New Zealand ports .
Ardern said the ship ’ s obligations included making sure that people who were unwell did not disembark .
“ And we now have COVID-19 transmission that directly links back to that ship — not from passengers but from people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raises significant questions , ” she said .
Of the cluster of 16 people infected , six had been passengers on the ship who returned from Sydney .
The remaining 10 included tour guides , an interpreter and the bus driver .
Meanwhile the revelations in Australia keep on coming .
There are fresh claims of Australian Border Force intervening to order the docking of the ship on March 18 .
NSW police have now raided the Ruby Princess looking for documents .
The question is : will Carnival , with its political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar industry , prove too big to sink ?

From its Miami, USA headquarters the giant Carnival Corporation is being forced to contemplate its own mortality.
In cruise industry terms the collapse of Carnival would be the equivalent of the demise of the all-powerful Lehman Brothers during the global financial crisis of 2008.
Carnival controls over 50% of the world’s cruise market and has steadily acquired a string of famous cruising brands, including P&O Australia and the Princess Line, owner of the Ruby Princess.


crikey--2020-04-01--Stormy seas ahead as cruise lines get locked out of US bailout

Foreign-registered US cruise giants like Carnival wo n't get any help from the US ' mammoth $ 2 trillion stimulus @ @ @ @ @ 's penchant for registering businesses and ships in off-shore tax havens may be coming back @ @ @ @ @ practice has so far seen several major cruise companies left out of the US ' @ @ @ @ @ denied access to any funds such as the US $ 58 billion that will be @ @ @ @ @ of all sizes .
Big lines such as Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have @ @ @ @ @ , while actually registering their ships in well-known shipping havens like Panama .

The cruise industry’s penchant for registering businesses and ships in off-shore tax havens may be coming back to bite it.
The practice has so far seen several major cruise companies left out of the US’ recent bailout package, being denied access to any funds such as the US$58 billion that will be made available to American airlines of all sizes.
Big lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have based themselves in the US, while actually registering their ships in well-known shipping havens like Panama.


crikey--2020-04-05--Not all experts are Australian: the case for listening to other accents

We are facing a global problem .
So why are n't we listening to global experts ?
At a time @ @ @ @ @ all be hoping for the success of our leaders .
Their success is our success @ @ @ @ @ early to know whether Scott Morrison ’ s incremental rather than decisive approach to handling @ @ @ @ @ out to be the right one .
But it is an appropriate time to discuss @ @ @ @ @ ” in advising on the handling of the crisis .
Who are we listening to @ @ @ @ @ , when many other countries are facing precisely the same issues , surely we should @ @ @ @ @ other countries -- not just those in Australia .

At a time of national crisis we should all be hoping for the success of our leaders. Their success is our success. And it is too early to know whether Scott Morrison’s incremental rather than decisive approach to handling the COVID-19 crisis will turn out to be the right one.
But it is an appropriate time to discuss the role of “experts” in advising on the handling of the crisis.
Who are we listening to?
In a global crisis, when many other countries are facing precisely the same issues, surely we should be learning from experts in other countries — not just those in Australia.


crikey--2020-04-26--The big nudge: here's how the government could spread its coronavirus tracing app far, fast and wide

How can the government incentivise people to download its coronavirus contact tracing app ?
The government ’ s tracing app , COVIDSafe , is off to a flying start , with over 1 million downloads within hours of launch .
But what if the rate of uptake slows to the extent that the government ’ s 40 % adoption rate looks unlikely to be achieved .
When then ?
What about giving people incentives to download ?
And can people be “ nudged ” along to adopt ?
Incentivising app adoption can potentially come through traditional tools that economists use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registration .
But behavioural economics can be used to amplify tax incentives .
To make a tax break more powerful , the government could automatically give everyone a tax break irrespective of if they have downloaded the app .
Then , over time , the government could claw back the tax break if an individual doesn ’ t download and register with the app .
Such a strategy would exploit the famous “ endowment effect ” in amplifying a tax break ’ s impact .
Countless studies have demonstrated that people dislike giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving it .
Claw backs have indeed proven effective in amplifying incentive effects .
Alternatively , we might leverage people ’ s loss aversion by instituting a dedicated tax for not registering .
As research suggests , people may be more motivated to avoid the loss of an additional tax , than to seek a refund on the tax they were already assessed .
The government could provide financial incentives using the tax revenue it generates from fining people up to $ 10,000 for breaking social distancing rules .
For instance , signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered into a lottery pool with a chance to be paid $ 1000 out of the social distancing fine income .
This strategy would appeal to households ’ preferences for lotteries and has been successful in other places , such as with Sweden ’ s Speed Camera Lottery .
Rather than using financial incentives , the government could instead consider an “ app passport ” whereby social distancing restrictions are further loosened for individuals who have downloaded and registered on the app .
Recent research from Australia suggests app-usage is an “ experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can lead to rapid “ habit formation ” and permanent adoption .
Leveraging these insights , the government could implement an “ app simulator ” , whereby before handling actual data , households ’ are provided a weekly trial period to experience the app and learn about its safety benefits in dealing with COVID-19 .
To provide a realistic experience , the simulator could provide a hypothetical situation to an individual of the information they would be provided if they were to come into close contact with COVID-19 .
In this way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining privacy concerns and help people make an informed app adoption decision .
People could delete the app after the trial period , or they could keep the app and start using it to protect themselves from COVID-19 once the trial ends .
The government has already been using text messages and marketing campaigns to coordinate public action in dealing with COVID-19 .
This will be an important tool going forward for incentivising contact tracing app adoption through any of these interventions : for instance , texts about gradually clawed-backed tax breaks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging households to try the simulator .
Text-based nudges can make salient the public gains from mass adoption , thereby appealing to social norms and peer pressure in further encouraging app adoption .
Texts could also make people aware of the extent to which others in their community , or neighbouring communities , have downloaded the app ; research suggests that unfavourable social comparisons would motivate app adoption .
David P. Byrne is associate professor of Economics at the University of Melbourne .
Richard Holden is professor of economics at UNSW Business School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Economics at the University of Melbourne .

The government’s tracing app, COVIDSafe, is off to a flying start, with over 1 million downloads within hours of launch. But what if the rate of uptake slows to the extent that the government’s 40% adoption rate looks unlikely to be achieved. When then?
What about giving people incentives to download?
And can people be “nudged” along to adopt?


crikey--2020-04-28--Work from home jobs | Which industries are hiring?

Are jobs that can be performed at home the safest industries right now ?
We share what industries are still hiring , as well as the industries that have been worst affected by COVID-19 .
Are work-from-home jobs , or jobs that can be performed remotely , the only truly safe industries to work in during the coronavirus pandemic ?
Today it is reported there are more Australians looking for work than was the case of the last recession in 1990-91 .
About 3.92 million people ( 27.4 % ) are either unemployed or underemployed , according to market researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the reportedly “ safe ” and “ unsafe ” industries .
Work-from-home jobs may be seen as the safest industries during this time , but demand and a need for workers in other areas have been highlighted in a recent LinkedIn report .
Who is still hiring and what for during the COVID-19 pandemic ?
According to reports , an increased need for direct-to-consumer goods and services has created a much higher demand for factory and warehouse workers .
A significant number of people have started asking farmers for work .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their work from home are in the safest position , for now .
Over the coming months as Australia begins to settle into the shock of a recession , it is likely there will be higher unemployment and a subsequently highly competitive market out there if you are looking for a job .
What businesses have been worst affected ?
The mandated closure of these businesses has had a huge impact on business owners and employees .
The date at which they are allowed to reopen is uncertain , and an ETA on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the activities they provide even more so .
Back to the point , are work-from-home jobs the safest industries to be in ?
For now , it seems so .
Read : When will offices reopen ?
The end of WFH

Are work-from-home jobs, or jobs that can be performed remotely, the only truly safe industries to work in during the coronavirus pandemic?
Today it is reported there are more Australians looking for work than was the case of the last recession in 1990-91.
About 3.92 million people (27.4%) are either unemployed or underemployed, according to market researcher Roy Morgan.


crikey--2020-04-15--New Ruby Princess inquiry needs to examine role of NSW government

As more and more questions emerge each day , the NSW government 's 'powerful and independent ' inquiry into the @ @ @ @ @ at the role of the government itself .
The NSW government has set Bret Walker @ @ @ @ @ victory in the High Court on behalf of George Pell , loose on the case @ @ @ @ @ with Premier Gladys Berejilklian announcing an inquiry with a reporting time of up to four @ @ @ @ @ she wants a `` powerful and independent '' inquiry .
She could n't wait for @ @ @ @ @ investigation , which it estimated would take around 12 months .
The premier 's decision @ @ @ @ @ Walker has a record for sharp and uncompromising legal inquiry .

The NSW government has set Bret Walker SC, fresh from his victory in the High Court on behalf of George Pell, loose on the case of the Ruby Princess, with Premier Gladys Berejilklian announcing an inquiry with a reporting time of up to four months.
Berejiklian has said she wants a “powerful and independent” inquiry. She couldn’t wait for NSW Police to complete its investigation, which it estimated would take around 12 months.
The premier’s decision marks a let-the-cards-fall-where-they-may moment. Walker has a record for sharp and uncompromising legal inquiry.


crikey--2020-04-15--There's an app for that. But is there an aptitude for trust?

Giving the authorities the ability to track our movements to help fight the spread of COVID-19 seems to make a @ @ @ @ @ taking back our privacy when the crisis is over may not be so easy .
@ @ @ @ @ to kill the pandemic , as demonstrated by the relative seamlessness of the Australian people @ @ @ @ @ stay away from each other .
We ’ ve cheerfully enough given up our freedom @ @ @ @ @ not to mention such sacred pursuits as smashed avo and the footy .

Here’s where the trust deficit bites.
We’d all love to kill the pandemic, as demonstrated by the relative seamlessness of the Australian people’s communal agreement to stay away from each other.
We’ve cheerfully enough given up our freedom of movement and association, not to mention such sacred pursuits as smashed avo and the footy.


crikey--2020-04-09--The virus is risen. It will keep rising

The virus is risen. It will keep rising

Our whole way of life has been dependent on a system that fell apart at the first challenge .
Now they 'll try and kill us to keep it going .
This is a chance to change things for the better that we must not squander The Roman emperor Theodosius ( ruled 379-395 AD ) -- wow , watching all this Easter malarkey from the banks of the river Styx -- must be pissed off .
`` They 're venerating Jesus ?
A composite of some Essene mystic named Jeshua and a few other marketplace prophets ?
Paul ?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deified Platonism ?
Constantine ?
He only made this damn spreading cult of Christism legal !
I made it bloody compulsorily !
That 's how it spread !
`` Do n't you understand how things work ?
I mean Jupiter , Zoroaster , Mithras whoever , has just sent you a huuuuuuuge message about how things transmit , and change , and persist , but are you paying attention ?
Oh , no .
No one remembers Theodosius , yet my action literally made most of you who you are !
Dammit @ @ @ @ @

The Roman emperor Theodosius (ruled 379-395 AD) — wow, watching all this Easter malarkey from the banks of the river Styx — must be pissed off.
“They’re venerating Jesus? A composite of some Essene mystic named Jeshua and a few other marketplace prophets? Paul? That travelling salesman of a Judaic-Hellenic philosophical hybrid, deified Platonism? Constantine? He only made this damn spreading cult of Christism legal! I made it bloody compulsorily! That’s how it spread!
“Don’t you understand how things work? I mean Jupiter, Zoroaster, Mithras whoever, has just sent you a huuuuuuuge message about how things transmit, and change, and persist, but are you paying attention? Oh, no. No one remembers Theodosius, yet my action literally made most of you who you are! Dammit! Fake Zeus!”


crikey--2020-04-20--Corporations work to mould the post-pandemic economy in their interests

If progressives really want to see meaningful change in the wake of the coronavirus crisis , they need to recognise @ @ @ @ @ resist it .
A battle to shape the nature of the economic settlement that will @ @ @ @ @ now underway .
There 's a powerful push from business interests and their political and @ @ @ @ @ crisis to renew a push for company tax cuts , a return to WorkChoices and @ @ @ @ @ suggesting a new era of government intervention will inevitably unfold in the wake of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ Morrison warned that the economic crisis engendered by the virus lockdown meant `` the policy @ @ @ @ @ to the election will need to be reconsidered '' , and that meant `` policy @ @ @ @ @ have to be very pro-growth , that are going to enable businesses to employ people @ @ @ @ @ to invest and businesses to move forward '' .
Anonymous senior ministers then fleshed out @ @ @ @ @ cuts and an `` aggressive '' overhaul of industrial relations .

A battle to shape the nature of the economic settlement that will follow the virus crisis is now underway. There’s a powerful push from business interests and their political and media agents to use the crisis to renew a push for company tax cuts, a return to WorkChoices and deregulation, despite many commentators suggesting a new era of government intervention will inevitably unfold in the wake of COVID-19.
Last week, Scott Morrison warned that the economic crisis engendered by the virus lockdown meant “the policy frameworks that we had prior to the election will need to be reconsidered”, and that meant “policy measures that are going to have to be very pro-growth, that are going to enable businesses to employ people, that will enable businesses to invest and businesses to move forward”.
Anonymous senior ministers then fleshed out that agenda: company tax cuts and an “aggressive” overhaul of industrial relations.


crikey--2020-04-13--Here's how the government could (and should) pay for JobKeeper

There are ways the government could easily account for the $ 130 billion JobKeeper package — and create a fairer @ @ @ @ @ .
Two weeks ago , Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg told Australians that they had @ @ @ @ @ the world .
Their JobKeeper policy ( a surprisingly good policy given the circumstances ) @ @ @ @ @ charity .
It is anything but .

Two weeks ago, Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg told Australians that they had formed a committee to save the world.
Their JobKeeper policy (a surprisingly good policy given the circumstances) sounded like an act of charity.
It is anything but.


crikey--2020-04-20--The Australian economic miracle is over: why cutting population will hit hard

Australia has relied on a migrant population to propel the economy , but it 's going to be hard to @ @ @ @ @ In the face of coronavirus , Australia has a great economic weakness .
We depend @ @ @ @ @ our economy ever onward , and our population growth is about to be greatly diminished @ @ @ @ @ It was Ken Henry who explicitly put population growth at the centre of Australia ’ @ @ @ @ @ former Treasury secretary proclaimed his three P ’ s framework -- productivity , participation and @ @ @ @ @ powered Australia ’ s many years without a recession , but one of the P @ @ @ @ @ was doing an outsized share of the work .

In the face of coronavirus, Australia has a great economic weakness. We depend on population growth to drive our economy ever onward, and our population growth is about to be greatly diminished in the COVID-19 era.
It was Ken Henry who explicitly put population growth at the centre of Australia’s economic architecture. The former Treasury secretary proclaimed his three P’s framework — productivity, participation and population.
These three have powered Australia’s many years without a recession, but one of the P’s — population — was doing an outsized share of the work.


crikey--2020-04-07--Albo must speak up for Australia — and those who fought for its democracy

Amid coronavirus panic , Anthony Albanese has an opportunity to defend what we 've made — and Christian Porter 's @ @ @ @ @ target .
What does he have to lose ?
When parliament resumes tomorrow to pass @ @ @ @ @ to see in the Senate whether One Nation supports the establishment of an oversight committee @ @ @ @ @ once again do the Coalition 's bidding -- opposition leader Anthony Albanese faces a crucial @ @ @ @ @ to Parliament 's suspension in the mixed manner he has used -- railing against it @ @ @ @ @ unfortunate '' -- or will he give a full-throated roar in defense of such democracy @ @ @ @ @ , we can agree that the choices are n't great .
It 's a rotten @ @ @ @ @ in a national emergency .

When parliament resumes tomorrow to pass the JobKeeper package — and to see in the Senate whether One Nation supports the establishment of an oversight committee, or whether Pauline will once again do the Coalition’s bidding — opposition leader Anthony Albanese faces a crucial choice.
Will he object to Parliament’s suspension in the mixed manner he has used — railing against it, then calling it “unfortunate” — or will he give a full-throated roar in defense of such democracy as we possess?
Strategically, we can agree that the choices aren’t great. It’s a rotten job being an oppo leader in a national emergency.