Seems like only yesterday you were packing up your slide rule a final time at work. Just learned who you share a birthday with 🙂
Many happy returns BK. Hoping you have a good day and thanks for your efforts every morning.
Happy birthday, BK.
And happy 94th, Brenda.
BK – Happy Birthday!
BK – Happy birthday
I enjoy your news round ups every morning
Have a great day, BK!
Many happy happys, BK. Hope the weather is nice and you sit outside and enjoy.
“Many happy happys, BK!”
Ditto to that BK!
From over here in WA,
It’s too late greet you as a ‘dawn patroller’ –
But as a sunset stroller
I trust it’s been a great birthday!
I think Labor is totally off track with their insistence the government should bail out Virgin Australia.I understand their thinking – thousands of workers will be unemployed if the airline folds, and Australia needs two airlines so we have competition on prices, but these arguments just don’t stack up when you look at a few facts.
For once I agree with the government, or at least its thinking as reported by David Crowe. The government really should allow Virgin to go into administration and restructure.
It’s obvious the owners have been hoping our government would eventually step in with a rescue deal. COVID-19 has brought the funding crisis on earlier than the owners expected.
So why should Australian taxpayers bail out a company that is in financial difficulties, poorly managed, totally overseas owned and which pays no tax here?
Why can’t we leave this for the owners to work out?
The only thing our government needs to do is make sure any staff sacked in a restructure or as a result of the airline collapsing are paid their full entitlements, not swindled out of their money.
Good thread on Branson’s hypocrisy.not so much in Australia but overseas.
It is worth recalling that in 2006, #RichardBranson received a deluge of good press for pledging, with Bill Clinton at his side, to donate $3-billion to fight climate change. He didn't even come close, as I reported in This Changes Everything, and just expanded his airlines https://t.co/i4eYwwCjCs
if the economy is crashing because people can't work, i don't understand why the entrepreneurs don't just create more wealth. i've been told for years that they are the wealth creators.
what is the matter? do they need the workers or something?
Shock horror! Another govt favour for big media follows Nine/Fairfax merger, Nine licence fee cut, Foxtel/NewsCorp cash subsidies, a monopoly Pay-TV licence for Foxtel – and News & Fox paying no tax for years https://t.co/U6Sm3ZI7pq
Man Who Called Ohio’s Lockdown Order ‘Bullshit’ Has Succumbed To COVID-19
John McDaniel railed on social media against Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine’s lockdown order . Weeks later he contracted the virus. A few days ago he died. https://crooksandliars.com/2020/04/man-who-called-ohios-lockdown-order
The first #EarthDay took place fifty years ago, so most people don’t remember how it happened or what it accomplished. It’s time for a look back. https://t.co/iTC5AM4cMp via @JSTOR_Daily
I never knew this lazy government data collection scam existed until today. My niece turned 45 last week, today she received a letter from the federal government inviting her to do “Your free ’45 year’ life check – finance, work, health, staying socially connected”.
If you do the check appropriate for your age group (45-64 years or 65 and over) you can ask to have the results sent to your email address.
No way would I do that! My niece isn’t having a bar of it either.
There is no Job Keeper in the US. Unemployment is through the roof and now people are fighting for the wage subsidy we have won https://t.co/oUcF3BqWQz
The economic impact of the coronavirus has hit Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, leading it to consider laying off some Coalition MPs and perhaps even selling off some of the MPs it owns.
Seems like only yesterday Ghunt and Rupert’s orcs were
Coronavirus: Australia to get virus ‘miracle drug’ soon
Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced he has struck a deal to get a “miracle drug” touted by President Trump into Australia.
And in the non surprise of the year………….
Covid-19 coronavirus: More deaths, no benefit from malaria drug in study
A malaria drug widely touted by United States President Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in US veterans hospitals
Trump has an interest in Sanofi, the company that produces this drug. Admittedly a very small interest, but still enough for a serious conflict of interest.
If hydroxychloroquine becomes an accepted treatment, several pharmaceutical companies stand to profit, including shareholders and senior executives with connections to the president. Mr. Trump himself has a small personal financial interest in Sanofi, the French drugmaker that makes Plaquenil, the brand-name version of hydroxychloroquine
I have noticed references from right wingers to the necessity for industrial relations reform as we transition back to normal. We can guess as to what they want but has any specific changes nominated?
Yes they have passed legislation to change the fair work act so that companies only give 24 hours notice of lowering pay rates, instead of current 7 day notice
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess began today. Did you know? Me neither – as the Premier hid this fact at her 8am press conference.
Already the ship’s doctor has testified she was surprised the NSW Government allowed 2700 passengers to disembark so easily.
And if you book now you get a bonus dose of the coronavirus!
Yay! Freebies!
Seriously, anyone who would cruise on that floating infection carrier is a raving loony. No matter how hard they scrub, spray and steam clean they will never get rid of the “plague ship” label. Better to just take it out to sea and set fire to it.
Stephen Colbert –
Jimmy Kimmel –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
What happens when you don’t jump on the virus quickly ? For those that moan we ‘over reacted’ . Hello Newscorpse orcs.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
New York paramedics ordered not to resuscitate cardiac patients
….paramedics were told earlier this month not to transport cardiac patients to hospital if they couldn’t revived at the scene.
Don’t be sucked in by all the media gushing over Turnbull and his book. Never forget it was Turnbull who created the Department of Home Affairs mega-ministry in an attempt to get Dutton onside. As with all Malcolm’s other cunning plans, it didn’t work out as he expected. That famous lack of judgement in play again.
The fast-tracking of big-dollar construction projects is being considered by the Andrews Government as it plots how to reinvigorate Victoria’s economy. https://t.co/coR6qwZMTX#springst#ausbiz#ausecon
Revealed: Private firm running UK PPE stockpile was sold in middle of pandemic. Movianto was also involved in legal disputes with firm that built warehouse to store equipment. https://t.co/m2Ai3XSHHV by @harryfoxdavies
Tory coronavirus crisis dossier of shame exposed as Keir Starmer ambushes Dominic Raab. Labour listed the UK PPE firms the Government ignored while new leader hit out at the 'slow' response to the coronavirus crisis at his first PMQs https://t.co/fvsRdOq1Xs
The UK government’s climate change adviser is urging ministers to reconsider plans for road-building and switch the investment into broadband, and says Covid-19 has taught many people they can work from home. https://t.co/1DipRiPZi7 by @RHarrabin
Chief Medical Office Professor Brendan Murphy says authorities including NSW Health carried out a training exercise in May last year = for a cruise ship arriving into Sydney – with a pandemic on board. @9newsaus#auspol#RubyPrincess#coronavirus
From Situation Theatre, one of my favourite satire sites.
This is not exactly satire, more a cynical opinion.
PM Who Hid Hawaii Trip, Sports Rorts, Brian Houston Links, Calls For Greater Transparency
By Situation Theatre 23/4/2020
Who better to demand the Chinese be open about wet markets than the man who’s spent years refusing to discuss “on water matters”?
The Prime Minister with an “excessive secrecy” problem according to Leigh Sales, or a pathological lying problem to anyone who doesn’t have Murdoch or the Coalition breathing down their necks, is leading the charge for greater international transparency in responding to future pandemics.
The PM, acting as Australia’s Chief Integrity Ambassador now that Christopher Skase is dead, spoke on the phone yesterday with U.S. integrity czar Donald Trump.
The man ultimately responsible for allowing the largest source of coronavirus cases in Australia to dock in Sydney Harbour talked with the man who cut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention budget well into the coronavirus crisis about “working together to improve the transparency and effectiveness of international responses to pandemics”.
It’s hard to think of two leaders better situated to demand public accountability than those completely ruled by fossil fuel companies and the Murdoch Press.
THE PUB 
Another very good Q&A. Tony Jones who?
The RW conspiracy nut Alex Jones is keen to throw himself under the karma bus.
No social distancing either.
Is it nasty to hope all these “Liberate” idiots catch COVID-19 and die?
.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. I cant believe that I have hit 75 today! Obviously celebrations will be somewhat muted.
Peter Hatcher unloads on Xi and Trump who he describes as insecure ‘strongmen’ who had nothing to offer in a crisis but vanity.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/xi-and-trump-insecure-strongmen-who-had-nothing-to-offer-in-a-crisis-but-vanity-20200420-p54ldc.html
Malcolm Farr dissects the latest Essential poll results.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/21/half-of-australian-voters-think-its-too-soon-to-consider-easing-lockdown-essential-poll-finds
The price of oil has dropped below zero as demand for energy collapses amid the coronavirus pandemic and traders don’t want to get stuck owning crude with nowhere to store it. I think this could be described as a disruption!
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/oil-price-plunges-below-zero-as-demand-collapses-stocks-dip-20200421-p54lm2.html
Anthony Galloway and Eryk Bagshaw say that Australia is positioning to lead the push for a review into the world’s response to the coronavirus outbreak as it looks to be one of the first countries to exit the global pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-to-use-coronavirus-suppression-to-push-diplomatic-weight-20200420-p54lfy.html
Max Koslowski reports that the independent cyber security body tasked with reviewing the government’s coronavirus tracing application has said it has no major concerns about the app. The Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre, which was allowed to review the app after several MPs raised concerns the data collected could be pervasive or mishandled, said it found “nothing particular disturbing” in the app’s architecture.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/nothing-particularly-disturbing-coronavirus-app-safe-review-finds-20200420-p54lea.html
Now that China’s response to COVID-19 has been found wanting at huge cost to national economies, the world needs an explanation says the editorial in the AFR.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/transparency-the-best-disinfectant-for-china-virus-20200420-p54lbc
Scott Morrison and his cabinet ministers are not racing to prevent the company going into voluntary administration. In fact, they see this as a way to save the company and its workers writes David Crowe.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/why-the-government-isn-t-racing-to-stop-virgin-s-voluntary-administration-20200420-p54ljq.html
Labor will seek to overturn the government’s decision to fast-track changes to pay and conditions in response to the coronavirus, warning it is open to employer abuse.
https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/labor-launches-senate-push-to-reverse-ir-changes-20200420-p54lg0
Shane Wright report that the economic lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus has cost almost 400,000 Australians their jobs while 3 million more have lost working hours with warnings it could take years for the nation to fully recover the financial losses.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/millions-have-working-hours-cut-as-long-term-job-threats-grow-20200420-p54lfv.html
The AFR says that Philip Lowe is expected to make an appeal for further policy reform over fresh fears business investment might not rebound after the COVID-19 crisis because of higher debt and a doubling in unemployment.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-warns-business-might-not-recover-without-reforms-20200420-p54lb4
The federal government will have to continue to provide substantial support for employment and economic activity well beyond the six-month lifespan of the JobKeeper program, economists have warned.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6728974/jobkeeper-far-from-the-end-of-the-governments-work/?cs=14225
Noel Towell writes that the state Labor government will push through an unprecedented wave of changes to Victoria’s laws to allow the health system, courts, prisons, local government and the rental market to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/covid-19-becomes-law-government-to-give-itself-sweeping-new-powers-20200420-p54lkf.html
The SMH editorial says that reopening beaches a small step towards an horizon of normality.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/reopening-beaches-a-small-step-towards-horizon-of-normality-20200420-p54lil.html
Jennifer Hewett writes that Australia is not the only country critical of China’s lack of transparency over the COVID-19 crisis, but our trade dependence complicates the political management of the friction.
https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/another-chapter-in-canberra-beijing-trust-breakdown-20200420-p54lia
Rachel Cain tells us that a month into strict social distancing rules, experts are saying the government needs to change its messaging so the country can remain on the downward slope of the coronavirus epidemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/point-of-saturation-distancing-messages-need-update-to-stifle-virus-20200420-p54lhg.html
Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has moved to soothe internal tensions in his party after three MPs, including former opposition leader Matthew Guy, launched an unauthorised attack on Victoria’s Chief Health Officer on the weekend.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/liberal-social-distancing-critics-told-to-put-clubs-away-20200420-p54ljf.html
Only a tiny proportion of people – maybe as few as 2% or 3% – appear to have displayed no symptoms after being infected with Covid-19, according to the World Health Organization, a finding that bodes ill for hopes that herd immunity will ease the exit from lockdown.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/20/studies-suggest-very-few-have-had-covid-19-without-symptoms
Jenna Price is disinclined to trust the government’s contact app.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/it-pains-me-to-say-this-but-when-it-comes-to-the-virus-app-barnaby-joyce-has-a-point-20200420-p54lh0.html
Meanwhile Bob Katter says he won’t be signing up to the Federal Government’s contact tracing app. Full stop. And he says if it becomes compulsory he’d rather be thrown in jail. Go for it for it Bob!
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6728711/katter-would-go-to-jail-before-downloading-tracing-app/?cs=14225
Billionaire Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments may delay the reopening of its stores by as much as two-and-a-half weeks reports Dominic Powell.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/premier-may-delay-opening-stores-as-retailers-prepare-for-permanent-closures-20200420-p54ley.html
Industry Super Australia chairman Greg Combet says there is no prospect of a liquidity crisis within any of the big industry superannuation funds, including $53 billion hospitality workers’ fund Hostplus.
https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/industry-funds-face-liquidity-pressure-but-no-crisis-combet-20200420-p54lev
Liam Mannix reports that confirmed cases of influenza dropped from 7002 in February to just 95 in April so far as the government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 kicked in.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/flu-season-that-looked-like-a-big-one-beaten-by-hygiene-isolation-20200420-p54lh7.html
According to Phill Coorey the mining sector is seeking assurances it will continue to receive billions a year in diesel excise rebates as the government starts exploring options to repay debt. Well they would, wouldn’t they?
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/miners-seek-assurances-on-fuel-excise-rebate-20200420-p54lae
Tech giants responded angrily to news they would be forced to pay publishers for content, while the government says there is “much at stake”.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/new-rules-for-facebook-and-google-to-value-news-quality-accc-20200420-p54lg3.html
Governments and taxpayers asked universities to generate their own funds – and they did – but now the music has stopped writes the deputy vice-chancellor academic at UNSW. Professor Merlin Crossley.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/if-we-want-world-class-universities-we-need-to-find-a-way-to-pay-for-them-20200418-p54kzt.html
Elizabeth Knight says consensus is growing that the three major banks set to announce their half year results over the coming weeks won’t be paying any dividends.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/risk-or-reward-can-banks-justify-paying-dividends-20200420-p54li6.html
The pandemic is being used as an excuse for government intervention to prop up unviable companies and capitalism is being undermined in the process opines Stephen Bartholomeusz.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/capitalism-under-fire-as-weak-firms-bailed-out-in-a-world-without-risk-20200420-p54le7.html
The Washington Post reveals the far-right pro-gun Facebook trio behind anti-quarantine protests in the US. What a f****d up country it is!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/far-right-pro-gun-facebook-trio-behind-anti-quarantine-protests-20200420-p54ldx.html
Virgin Australia has been unable to survive under the weight of enormous debts – but the company may be able to be reborn says Nine Media.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/virgin-australia-set-for-voluntary-administration-20200420-p54lcd.html
Pakistan has bowed to calls from clerics and religious parties to ease restrictions on congregational prayers in mosques, despite fears the gatherings could boost the spread of COVID-19. Words fail me.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/pakistan-eases-restrictions-on-mosques-for-ramadan-20200420-p54lhk.html
Nick Bonyhady reviews last night’s Q and A.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/how-can-you-say-that-economist-s-view-of-coronavirus-lockdown-criticised-20200420-p54llq.html
IN CONTRAST to the last severe worldwide economic recession, Australia is poorly placed to deal with the looming downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is the conclusion of two reviews which assess the Coalition’s economic credentials negatively writes Alan Austin.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/global-agencies-mark-morrison-government-fail-on-economy,13812
The World Health Organisation chief has warned that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread. Will this get through the thick skull of Trump?
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/who-chief-warns-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-is-still-ahead-20200421-p54lm1.html
Euan Black writes that the federal government is being urged to pass new laws requiring small businesses to be paid within 30 days, following reports of larger firms exploiting the virus to delay making payments.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/small-business/2020/04/20/coronanvirus-small-business-payment/
Paula Matthewson tells us of a couple of COVID-19 casualties, namely the slogans the Coalition has used against Labor.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/coronavirus/2020/04/17/coronavirus-national-changes/
And Dr Anthony Fauci has warned that if the US moves too quickly to end stay-at-home orders there could be another surge in Covid-19 cases.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/20/fauci-coronavirus-covid-19-stay-home
Grid constraints that have forced the electricity regulator to deliberately halve the output of five big solar farms in Victoria and NSW could soon be lifted reports Peter Hannam.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/five-big-solar-farms-set-to-increase-energy-output-after-tests-20200420-p54lf0.html
There are 473,000 people in Australia who are unaccounted for and but their identity is important if we are to avert a humanitarian disaster, writes Abul Rizvi.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/who-are-the-missing-473000-temporary-entrants,13814
Isabell Lane reports that researchers from Australia’s national science agency have unveiled a new approach to analysing the genetic codes – or the blueprint – of the coronavirus. CSIRO scientists have discovered a way to pinpoint differences among the thousands of genetic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/science/2020/04/20/coronavirus-csiro-sars-cov-2-covid-19/
Things are getting dizzy in the White House on what, exactly, is being done to “open the economy”. Cranky advocates for the financial argument over the restrictions of public health have been attempting to claw back some ground.
https://theaimn.com/donald-trumps-governor-problem-debates-on-opening-up-the-economy/
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says it could take weeks, if not months, before the country’s most populous city reopens due to a lack of widespread testing. This will fire up the Idiot-in-Chief!
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/04/21/mayor-warns-lack-of-coronavirus-testing-may-delay-reopening-of-new-york-city-for-months/
Polly Toynbee declares that Boris Johnson is the wrong man in the wrong job at the wrong time. This may not end well for some Tories.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/20/boris-johnson-sunday-times-prime-minister-coronavirus
Kate McClymont outlines this lawyer’s path to nomination for “Arsehole of the Week”.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/ridiculously-dodgy-lawyer-michael-croke-found-guilty-20200420-p54ljo.html
Cartoon Corner
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
Peter Broelman
Sean Leahy
Dionne Gain
Andrew Dyson
John Spooner
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/8320da8e3c62d05f82651606192d5e8d?width=1024
From the US
Seems like only yesterday you were packing up your slide rule a final time at work. Just learned who you share a birthday with 🙂
Many happy returns BK. Hoping you have a good day and thanks for your efforts every morning.
Happy birthday, BK.
And happy 94th, Brenda.
BK – Happy Birthday!
BK – Happy birthday
I enjoy your news round ups every morning
Have a great day, BK!
Many happy happys, BK. Hope the weather is nice and you sit outside and enjoy.
“Many happy happys, BK!”
Ditto to that BK!
From over here in WA,
It’s too late greet you as a ‘dawn patroller’ –
But as a sunset stroller
I trust it’s been a great birthday!
I think Labor is totally off track with their insistence the government should bail out Virgin Australia.I understand their thinking – thousands of workers will be unemployed if the airline folds, and Australia needs two airlines so we have competition on prices, but these arguments just don’t stack up when you look at a few facts.
For once I agree with the government, or at least its thinking as reported by David Crowe. The government really should allow Virgin to go into administration and restructure.
Virgin Australia is owned by a conglomeration of Singapore Airlines (20%) the Saudi government through Etihad (21%) two Chinese companies Nanshan, majority owner of Qingdao Airlines (20%) and HNA, part owner of Hainan Airlines,(20%) Richard Branson’s Virgin Group (10%) plus 9% in free float.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/willhorton1/2020/04/14/who-owns-virgin-australia-can-its-shareholders-prevent-a-collapse-during-covid-19/#3021e60b3ffc
Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (incorporating Virgin Australia, Virgin Australia Regional Airlines and Tigerair Australia) pays no tax in Australia.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/virgin-australia-holdings-limited-2019/
Virgin Australia has been in financial difficulties for some time, most of its aircraft are mortgaged to the hilt.
Virgin is in financial trouble in Britain too. Branson has offered his tax-haven Necker Island as collateral for a bailout by the British government.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/20/virgin-australia-set-to-enter-voluntary-administration-with-thousands-of-jobs-at-risk
It’s obvious the owners have been hoping our government would eventually step in with a rescue deal. COVID-19 has brought the funding crisis on earlier than the owners expected.
So why should Australian taxpayers bail out a company that is in financial difficulties, poorly managed, totally overseas owned and which pays no tax here?
Why can’t we leave this for the owners to work out?
The only thing our government needs to do is make sure any staff sacked in a restructure or as a result of the airline collapsing are paid their full entitlements, not swindled out of their money.
Good thread on Branson’s hypocrisy.not so much in Australia but overseas.
Yes, but they want a job not just entitlements. It’s a dilemma, I think.
If the airline can be successfully restructured then employees will still have jobs.
Classy
“I will resist 2020, the hymn recorded by more than 30 artists to beat the coronavirus together.”
F.M –
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/can-you-believe-there-is-someone-who-had-a-worse-response-to-coronavirus-than-boris-johnson
The Karma bus is in for a very busy time.
Man Who Called Ohio’s Lockdown Order ‘Bullshit’ Has Succumbed To COVID-19
John McDaniel railed on social media against Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine’s lockdown order . Weeks later he contracted the virus. A few days ago he died.
https://crooksandliars.com/2020/04/man-who-called-ohios-lockdown-order
Stephen Colbert –
Jimmy Kimmel –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
I never knew this lazy government data collection scam existed until today. My niece turned 45 last week, today she received a letter from the federal government inviting her to do “Your free ’45 year’ life check – finance, work, health, staying socially connected”.
If you do the check appropriate for your age group (45-64 years or 65 and over) you can ask to have the results sent to your email address.
No way would I do that! My niece isn’t having a bar of it either.
https://www.lifechecks.gov.au/
When school is reopened 😆
I am not a bird person, from experience I know if I handle a bird, it dies but this bird is something
https://chaser.com.au/national/crisis-hits-news-corp-murdoch-may-need-to-lay-off-some-coalition-mps/
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. Another monster today!
Former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague says that huge decisions and great controversies that might only have come to a head over the next couple of decades are suddenly upon us. We are about to experience the next 20 years in 12 months, and we need to get ready for it. Very interesting.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/coronavirus-is-accelerating-eight-distributing-mega-trends-20200421-p54lnn.html
John Hewson says that coronavirus is a dress rehearsal for what awaits us if governments continue to ignore science.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/coronavirus-is-a-dress-rehearsal-for-what-awaits-us-if-governments-continue-to-ignore-science
Epidemiologist Bob Douglas gives us plenty to ponder in this alarming contribution.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6729991/learning-to-survive-and-thrive-in-our-mega-threatened-world/?cs=14258
Kate Aubusson reports that every Sydneysider will be tested and retested for coronavirus before the pandemic abates, as rapid and widespread detection emerges as a crucial factor for easing restrictions.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw-health-says-covid-19-testing-for-anyone-is-inevitable-20200421-p54lw9.html
Treasury forecasting indicates Victoria’s jobless rate will double to 11% and house prices will slide as a result of the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/unprecedented-in-our-lifetimes-victoria-issues-grim-economic-warning-20200421-p54lwf.html
The true number of people infected with COVID-19 in Australia is likely to be much higher than the official government tally, experts say, with one estimate putting the figure as high as 30,000 reports Liam Mannix.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/official-covid-19-figures-underestimate-spread-by-order-of-magnitude-20200421-p54lnm.html
Beijing has imposed new restrictions on an upscale diplomats district that is home to 3.5 million people, as it guards against the threat of a second wave of coronavirus cases. Asia is facing a second wave.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/the-greatest-challenge-asia-catches-coronavirus-second-wave-20200421-p54lsk.html
If Australia lifted all restrictions in the pursuit of herd immunity we should expect cycling epidemics of COVID-19, increased absenteeism, and ultimately more deaths, one of Australia’s leading pandemic experts has warned.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/herd-immunity-is-a-myth-infectious-disease-experts-warn-20200415-p54k0c.html
The virus behind the pandemic can stay infectious in the air for possibly more than 16 hours, research has found.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/warning-light-coronavirus-can-last-longer-in-air-than-first-thought-20200420-p54li8.html
Mike Foley tells us that that Angus Taylor wants Australia to capitalise on depressed global oil and gas markets to deliver cheap energy for industry and boost the strategic oil reserve during the coronavirus crisis.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/gas-to-fire-economic-recovery-and-capitalise-on-cheap-oil-prices-20200421-p54lw8.html
David Crowe reports that a new federal stimulus program will fast-track spending on road projects in a bid to save jobs over the next six months, pouring money into proposals from more than 400 local councils.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/spending-boost-will-bring-forward-construction-for-local-councils-20200421-p54lts.html
According to Fergus Hunter Australia Post will reduce letter deliveries to every second day in metropolitan areas under a major overhaul during the COVID-19 crisis as chief executive Christine Holgate warns the postal service is responding to a decade’s worth of transformation in the space of a month. (I had a package posted in suburban Adelaide take more than three weeks to arrive 45 km up the hill recently).
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-post-hit-with-a-decade-s-worth-of-disruption-in-a-month-ceo-says-20200421-p54lsh.html
Shane Wright refers to a study that shows companies that take on extra debt are more likely to cut corners and put their workers’ safety at risk and warns governments will have to lift scrutiny of businesses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/risky-business-sharp-debt-increases-can-hit-worker-safety-study-finds-20200421-p54lqc.html
All available evidence suggests COVID-19 originated in animals in China and was not manipulated or produced in a laboratory, the World Health Organisation says.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/coronavirus-likely-of-animal-origin-not-made-in-a-lab-who-20200422-p54lzb.html
Paul Bongiorno reckons Turnbull’s book provides some clues on Scott Morrison’s recovery strategy.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/04/20/book-scott-morrison-coronavirus-recovery-strategy/
According to Shane Wright data is showing 800,000 jobs disappeared in three weeks as shutdowns aimed at stopping coronavirus hit the economy.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/job-disaster-800-000-jobs-go-in-three-weeks-amid-depression-warning-20200421-p54ltd.html
A discussion paper on how to most efficiently get Australia working again points to Scott Morrison’s suggested formula of corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and industrial relations reform to be precisely the wrong way to go about the next phase of pandemic recovery. Michael Pascoe says of The Australia Institute’s comprehensive paper that the government now has a more useful framework than anything on offer from the Business Council of Australia or the Institute of Public Affairs.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/04/21/coronavirus-employment-michael-pascoe/
The holders of Virgin Australia’s $1.8 billion of bonds are preparing for a major fight with the company amid concerns that they will not be treated fairly in a restructure to resuscitate the failed airline.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/virgin-s-bond-holders-could-be-a-1-8-billion-thorn-in-restructure-20200421-p54luf.html
Meanwhile airline specialist Neil Hansford says that no reasonable person could argue for a taxpayer bailout of Virgin.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/no-reasonable-person-could-argue-for-a-taxpayer-bailout-of-virgin-20200421-p54lqm.html
And the SMH editorial declares that the nation needs two airlines but not at any price.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/the-nation-needs-two-airlines-but-not-at-any-price-20200421-p54lx6.html
But here is a view to the contrary.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/the-government-should-bail-out-virgin-or-consumers-will-suffer-20200421-p54lnk.html
Phil Coorey says the Morrison government will provide the regulatory environment necessary to ensure Virgin survives, including preventing rival Qantas from abusing its market power to “crush” the restructured airline as it tries to re-establish itself.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/accc-to-watch-qantas-as-virgin-fights-to-survive-20200421-p54lne
For a country with supposedly some of the most profitable domestic air routes in the world, Australia has a surprisingly poor record in sustaining a competitive airline industry writes Adrian Rollins who says Virgin is putting the government’s faith in markets to the test.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6730006/virgin-puts-the-governments-faith-in-markets-to-the-test/?cs=17318
The argument that we should lift the coronavirus restrictions for the sake of the younger generation is nonsense and offensive writes Caitlin Fitzsimons.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/don-t-sacrifice-the-old-but-we-must-repay-our-debt-to-the-young-20200420-p54llk.html
Unsurprisingly, Tony Abbott has launched an impassioned defence of his former chief of staff, Peta Credlin, after Malcolm Turnbull accused the pair of sharing a bizarre dynamic.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/entertainment/books/2020/04/21/malcolm-turnbull-book-tony-abbott/
Isabelle Lane examines the significant changes in spending patterns being observed during the shut down.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/consumer/2020/04/21/coronavirus-online-shopping-consumer/
Already stretched domestic violence services around the nation need government money to flow faster as coronavirus lockdowns take an increasing toll on vulnerable families implores Andrew Tate.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/04/21/coronavirus-lockdown-domestic-violence-help/
The Reserve Bank says major reforms to tax and industrial relations need to be delivered by governments in a cooperative effort to help the economy recover.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/biggest-economic-contraction-since-1930s-rba-20200421-p54lqf
To build an economy with a strong advanced manufacturing sector, we need to turn around the decline in the nation’s investment in research and development says Kim Carr. This is an excellent contribution.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/time-to-revitalise-our-manufacturing-sector-20200421-p54lr6.html
ACCC chairman Rod Sims says it is important for the ABC to be part of a new code governing how Google and Facebook share revenue with news organisations.
https://www.afr.com/technology/abc-could-see-payday-from-big-tech-giants-20200421-p54ltp
It’s more than just a virus: there are culture wounds and abscesses of leadership says John Lord.
https://theaimn.com/its-more-than-just-a-virus-there-are-culture-wounds-and-abscesses-of-leadership/
A potential coronavirus vaccine will be trialled on humans this week by researchers at the University of Oxford, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2020/04/22/uk-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-humans/
COVID-19 has forced some of the largest changes inside the federal public service in at least 30 years, accelerating reforms that might have otherwise been slowed in bureaucracy, a leading public servant has said.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6729565/coronavirus-changes-are-some-of-public-services-largest-in-30-years/?cs=17318
Plans to welcome larger ships and more frequent visits to Australia are now in limbo amid uncertainty about when – or if – the business will recover writes Ben Smee.
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/apr/22/bad-neighbour-will-the-cruise-industry-ever-be-the-same-again-after-coronavirus
Turnbull has given an exclusive interview to Malcolm Farr who concludes that the former PM is in no mood to retreat from public life, or return to politics.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/22/im-an-activist-malcolm-turnbull-plots-his-post-politics-path
Richard Ackland looks at the effects of the shut down on the justice system and sees some potential trouble ahead.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/lines-dropped-out-witnesses-didnt-know-where-to-go-justice-in-times-of-coronavirus
The final act in the landmark “Palace letters” case seeking access to the Queen’s secret correspondence with the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, relating to Kerr’s dismissal of the Whitlam government will play out in the High Court later this month.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/secret-palace-letters-could-illuminate-whitlam-dismissal-if-finally-released,13811
Offers to reduce mortgage payments or defer them for six months are a ploy by lenders to collect interest on interest. If you have been paying more than the minimum amount, keep it up to save tens of thousands of dollars advises Noel Whittaker.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/borrowing/why-lenders-don-t-mind-if-you-cut-your-mortgage-payments-20200420-p54le8.html
John Collett writes that economists and analysts don’t know what the likely future holds, but a quick economic recovery is probably the least likely.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/alphabet-of-economic-recovery-plots-emerge-from-the-great-lockdown-20200417-p54kqj.html
The cost of neoliberalism – which prioritises the dollar over human worth and has enshrined inequality – is seldom calculated in lives lost or plundered, writes Lyn Bender.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/grieving-in-the-time-of-covid-19,13815
Stephen Bartholomeusz says that the oil price plunge shows Trump’s deal with OPEC and Russia was hopelessly naïve.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/oil-price-plunge-shows-trump-s-deal-with-opec-and-russia-was-hopelessly-na-ve-20200421-p54lqk.html
The death toll from the deadliest shooting spree in Canada’s modern history has risen to 22, forcing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to move quickly to ban the sale of military-style assault weapons.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2020/04/22/gun-laws-nova-scotia-massacre/
Congressional leaders have agreed to provide another $500m to help small businesses, after an initial $US350 billion fund ran out of cash almost instantly.
https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/congress-and-white-house-agree-nearly-us500b-extra-bailout-20200422-p54lzf
The ‘anti-lockdown’ protests are about more than just quarantines. It’s about Trump and his push for re-election.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/anti-lockdown-protests-trump-right-wing
The governors of several US states – including close allies of President Donald Trump – are moving to rapidly reopen businesses and churches as protests against government-mandated lockdowns spread throughout the country. What a bunch of bloody idiots!
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/trump-allied-states-ready-to-reopen-for-business-from-this-week-20200421-p54lpw.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
Alan Moir
Peter Broelman
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Simon Letch
Andrew Dyson
John Spooner
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/d8ae12a08898ba8f8c7390ba48348a20?width=1024
From the US
Oh the irony!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/apr/22/australia-coronavirus-live-updates-nsw-victoria-qld-testing-schools-morrison-economy-latest-news-update
Seems like only yesterday Ghunt and Rupert’s orcs were
And in the non surprise of the year………….
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12326550
Trump has an interest in Sanofi, the company that produces this drug. Admittedly a very small interest, but still enough for a serious conflict of interest.
I have noticed references from right wingers to the necessity for industrial relations reform as we transition back to normal. We can guess as to what they want but has any specific changes nominated?
Yes they have passed legislation to change the fair work act so that companies only give 24 hours notice of lowering pay rates, instead of current 7 day notice
There’s this one, designed to make it impossible for unions to inform workers of proposed changes –
Government fast-tracks changes to pay and conditions
https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/government-fast-tracks-changes-to-pay-and-conditions-20200416-p54kil
The CrimeMinister and Trump spoke by phone this morning. It;s hard to decide which side of the conversation would have been the dumbest.
Easy to tell who did the most grovelling though.
Social distancing advice Russian style
Canuck style
and more here
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-social-distancing-guidance-two-metres-siberia-montana-hugh-pym-a9476761.html
That is brilliant!
We need an Australian version.
Did you say Ruby Princess ? Step right up for some bargain priced tickets.
.
1.02pm
Ruby Princess will be back at sea by early July, cruise operator says
https://www.smh.com.au/national/coronavirus-updates-live-donald-trump-suspends-immigration-to-us-australian-death-toll-stands-at-72-as-covid-19-cases-near-2-5-million-worldwide-20200421-p54lvm.html
And if you book now you get a bonus dose of the coronavirus!
Yay! Freebies!
Seriously, anyone who would cruise on that floating infection carrier is a raving loony. No matter how hard they scrub, spray and steam clean they will never get rid of the “plague ship” label. Better to just take it out to sea and set fire to it.
Stephen Colbert –
Jimmy Kimmel –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
What happens when you don’t jump on the virus quickly ? For those that moan we ‘over reacted’ . Hello Newscorpse orcs.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
New York paramedics ordered not to resuscitate cardiac patients
….paramedics were told earlier this month not to transport cardiac patients to hospital if they couldn’t revived at the scene.
The new rules mean that paramedics are being urged to not even try to revive patients.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12326732
This is the BEST anti-trump ad I have seen.
The spread of Corona Virus is based on two factors.
1. How dense the population is.
2. How dense the population is.
1. Not very
2.Very
After all, Christopher Plummer did call this fillum “The Sound of Mucus”:
At seventeen
nice!
Don’t be sucked in by all the media gushing over Turnbull and his book. Never forget it was Turnbull who created the Department of Home Affairs mega-ministry in an attempt to get Dutton onside. As with all Malcolm’s other cunning plans, it didn’t work out as he expected. That famous lack of judgement in play again.
I will never forgive him ditching FTTH.
F.M –
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/whats-the-deal-with-the-coronavirus-tracing-app-cassandra-the-information-technology-wobbegong-explains
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. Yet another monster.
Jess Irvine explains how our roadmap out of this economic crisis was delivered 12 years ago.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/our-roadmap-out-of-this-economic-crisis-was-delivered-12-years-ago-20200422-p54m2y.html
According to Nine Media cutting company taxes and increasing the GST are not in the Morrison government’s plans to recover from the coronavirus, with the man appointed to guide the recovery instead pushing for fresh incentives for businesses to invest in Australia.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/government-looks-for-new-tax-ideas-as-business-press-for-corporate-cut-20200422-p54m83.html
An economic statement during the trial sitting of parliament would make the handling of the financial impact of the pandemic as transparent as the health response urges Greg Smith.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/morrison-government-should-update-budget-in-may-20200422-p54m24
Agreeing on the best exit route from the economic crisis is going to be even more difficult than the road out of the health crisis writes Jennifer Hewett. She says everyone is in furious agreement. Australia can’t afford a return to business as usual when it’s finally time to try to resuscitate the economy.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/avoiding-dead-ends-on-the-economic-road-out-20200422-p54m9t
The ACTU has warned the government to stop pursuing “yesterday’s fights” after ministers re-committed to controversial union-busting laws as part of IR reform.
https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/unions-slam-pursuit-of-anti-union-law-in-pandemic-recovery-20200422-p54m2s
One of Australia’s biggest shopping centre landlords has threatened to take action against shop owners who close their doors to protect employees from the coronavirus in an apparent breach of new rules protecting struggling retail tenants. The stoush between owners and tenants in the big shopping centres has been brewing for years.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/retail-giant-threatens-action-against-tenants-who-close-doors-20200422-p54mc5.html
According to Simon Benson Scott Morrison will push business and unions to join forces to drive a wave of reform that has not been seen for 30 years, when Australia was last in recession before the economy rebounded to an unprecedented era of growth.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/business-calls-for-urgent-tax-reform-in-wake-of-coronavirus-crisis/news-story/084e0b247fbc64d109fdf1c0c0ceac37
The senior doctor on the Ruby Princess said it would be wrong to say nobody on board was showing signs of coronavirus before passengers disembarked. As a special commission of inquiry into the cruise ship began on Wednesday, the hearing was told the senior doctor on board did not finalise the illness log until the day after passengers disembarked. Nice!
https://www.smh.com.au/national/ruby-princess-health-log-updated-after-passengers-disembarked-20200422-p54m7h.html
NSW Minister for Energy and Environment, Matt Kean, tells party colleagues demanding Turnbull’s expulsion that they do not own the party.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/to-my-liberal-colleagues-seeking-malcolm-turnbull-s-expulsion-you-do-not-own-our-party-20200422-p54mb2.html
This is simply horrible! And there is an arsehole Porsche driver on the loose.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/several-people-feared-dead-after-crash-on-eastern-freeway-20200422-p54mbs.html
Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner for Australia, warns us that Zoombombing’s only the tip of the COVID-19 scam iceberg.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/zoombombing-s-only-the-tip-of-the-covid-19-scam-iceberg-20200422-p54m2q.html
The nation has pulled together to face the myriad challenges posed by coronavirus which is why it was so important this week for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call out those targeting Chinese-Australians says the editorial in the SMH.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/chinese-australians-played-a-crucial-role-in-fight-against-covid-19-20200422-p54m9i.html
We do not have to worry about paying off the coronavirus debt for generations opines Emma Dawson.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/we-do-not-have-to-worry-about-paying-off-the-coronavirus-debt-for-generations
What Australia can already see of the economic damage of coronavirus is scary indeed points out Greg Jericho.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2020/apr/23/what-australia-can-already-see-of-the-economic-damage-of-coronavirus-is-scary-indeed
Max Koslowski reports that police will be barred from accessing metadata from the proposed coronavirus contact tracing app, after Christian Porter vowed regulatory action to stop access under controversial telecommunications laws.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/attorney-general-to-ban-police-from-accessing-coronavirus-app-metadata-20200422-p54m6e.html
Adam Morton reports that Energy companies will face rising pressure to reduce consumer costs after the average wholesale electricity price fell nearly 50% in the year to March due to increasing solar and wind generation, falling demand and lower gas prices.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/23/energy-companies-will-face-pressure-to-lower-prices-as-wholesale-costs-tumble
David Crowe and Rob Harris report that Malcolm Turnbull’s publisher has called on Scott Morrison to issue a clear statement of support for copyright law after a top government adviser admitted to distributing a pirated version of the former leader’s new memoir. The publisher is going after the “spreaders and super-spreaders”.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/turnbull-s-publisher-settles-with-morrison-adviser-as-it-continues-copyright-pursuit-20200422-p54m5t.html
Neville Power, the chairman of the National COVID-19 Co-ordination Commission, is talking a lot of sense. Chip Le Grand’s article explains some of this.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/recovery-tsar-eyes-gas-tax-and-skills-to-get-economy-up-and-running-20200422-p54m4x.html
Ken Henry has backed a plea from the RBA for a tax shake-up, saying governments must replace fragile and damaging revenue sources.
https://www.afr.com/policy/tax-and-super/why-the-tax-system-won-t-support-economic-recovery-20200422-p54m55
Mark Kenny reckons that despite huge coronavirus stimulus package, the government might still need to pay more.
https://theconversation.com/despite-huge-coronavirus-stimulus-package-the-government-might-still-need-to-pay-more-136503
Michael Pascoe outlines the policies government must consider to rebuild employment.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/04/21/coronavirus-employment-michael-pascoe/
The Labor Party has ruled out supporting a potential hike in GST after the Reserve Bank governor implicitly recommended the move. Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Labor would not support an increase in GST as the government could not be trusted to offset the negative impacts on lower-income earners reports Euan Black.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/04/22/jim-chalmers-frydenberg-gst/
The administrator for Virgin Australia has acknowledged it has provided ongoing advisory and restructuring work for the collapsed airline in disclosures that may open the door to challenges from a rival insolvency firm. Leeches at war?
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/deloitte-s-virgin-work-raises-eyebrows-as-challenge-looms-20200422-p54ma0.html
Virgin will emerge from administration with a better balance sheet and lower cost base but some brand baggage opines Elizabeth Knight.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/virgin-2-0-a-threat-to-qantas-or-a-dream-come-true-20200422-p54m85.html
With Virgin Airlines pleading for a government lifeline, questions are raised as to which companies are most deserving of financial aid, writes Tom McCarthy.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/virgin-bailout-risk-to-australias-economic-mandate,13821
We have the time now to pause and reflect on how we’ve been living, but more importantly to decide what we’ll prioritise once all this is over ponders Riley Wilson.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/together-separately-how-will-we-grow-from-this-period-of-solitude-20200417-p54krs.html
Emma Koehn tells us that Nib managing director Mark Fitzgibbon has signalled rebates for private health insurance members will be prioritised if the shutdown of elective surgery due to the coronavirus leads to a temporary profit boost.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/nib-chief-flags-rebates-amid-abnormal-profit-boost-20200422-p54m6i.html
Sue Arnold accuses the government of putting business ahead of the environment.
https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/the-government-puts-business-ahead-of-the-environment,13819
Sensationalism has focused on fistfights over toilet rolls, but the real story is the withdrawal of democratic oversight, and how little public resistance there is to the declaration of martial law. Power granted is power conceded; and power relinquished is power reclaimed with difficulty writes John Keane.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/democracy-and-the-corona-virus-understanding-the-mess-were-in-after-relinquishing-power/
With reports that safe deposit boxes at the major banks are regularly booked out, the resurgence in physical cash savings would explain one of the biggest mysteries in the money market: where are all the $100 notes asks James Kirby.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wealth/why-cash-hoarding-is-on-the-rise-in-the-face-of-covid19/news-story/38e1194ee7715d23f205d2d39e37ace1
Australia avoided using herd immunity as a strategy to defeat COVID-19 but now Sweden is about to show it is achievable through exercising moderate restraints. The success appears to have come at a high cost.
https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/the-high-cost-of-sweden-s-herd-immunity-strategy-20200422-p54mbd
Kathryn Lewis writes that more freedom in domestic travel could be a “first move” in coming out of coronavirus distancing measures and could be expected as soon as May.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6731855/relaxation-of-domestic-travel-could-be-first-move-if-cases-decline/?cs=14225
Enrolment applications for the government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme have now opened, with hundreds of thousands of businesses anticipated to sign up, but what next asks Matt Johnson.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/work/2020/04/21/jobkeeper-applications-coronavirus/
Victorian authorities are still weighing up whether to support the release of redacted child sex abuse royal commission commentary about Cardinal George Pell. Christian Porter has written to the Andrews government to determine whether it is now possible to release dozens of pages of the final abuse report, which includes commentary on Pell.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/new-pell-probe-puts-release-of-sex-abuse-royal-commission-redactions-on-hold/news-story/6cb083c44da7d46d1ebc204733f1fbc0
Taking care of temporary residents and asylum seekers during lockdown is morally right. But it’s also in our national interest writes Ben Doherty.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/23/australias-coronavirus-relief-exclusions-prove-we-are-not-all-in-this-together
Private schools who fear they will lose students in droves as the country enters recession have asked Dan Tehan for a taxpayer bailout to prevent mass job cuts. Hmm.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/private-schools-seek-taxpayer-bailout-to-stave-off-job-cuts-20200419-p54l9f.html
World Health Organisation investigators would be given the same powers as weapons inspectors to forcibly enter a country under an Australian government plan to avoid a repeat of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/morrison-calls-for-ban-on-wildlife-markets-and-weapons-inspector-powers-for-who-20200422-p54m9f.html
The transformation of “black gold” into a liability heralds a new round of deflation and financial destruction as the COVID-19 pandemic wrecks the world economy, some market participants believe.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/oil-price-collapse-spells-doom-for-all-other-assets-bears-warn-20200422-p54lzh.html
The Greens’ 15,000 members have begun voting on whether they will be given a direct voice in the election of future leaders. Rog Harris tells us how old wounds are being reopened.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/old-greens-wounds-reopen-as-members-vote-on-directly-electing-leader-20200422-p54m5r.html
Holden dealers have hired a private investigation firm to find out if US car giant General Motors knew it was going to axe the iconic Australian brand more than a year before the shutdown announcement. This is going to get uglier than it already is!
https://www.drive.com.au/news/holden-dealers-hire-investigator-to-find-out-when-gm-decided-to-axe-the-brand-123537.html
Mike Foley and Peter Hannam write that large totals of water available for irrigation contradict claims from NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro that farmers had been sacrificed for the environmental objectives of the “failed” Murray Darling Basin Plan.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/commonwealth-warns-against-illegal-water-diversion-sought-by-barilaro-20200422-p54m9n.html
Most of us won’t cooperate with coronavirus contact-tracing apps unless everyone does explains The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-contact-tracing-apps-most-of-us-wont-cooperate-unless-everyone-does-135959
On this subject Michelle Grattan says that the government needs a credible pitch and strong guarantees to get sufficient app take-up.
https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-government-needs-credible-pitch-and-strong-guarantees-to-get-app-take-up-136979
Former News Corp chief executive Kim Williams says Malcolm Turnbull overstates the ability of the Murdoch press to influence elections because News Corp is “old media” with dwindling power. Yeah, sure Kim!
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/apr/22/former-news-corp-says-turnbull-overstates-role-of-murdoch-media-in-political-downfall
Dana McCauley tells us that doctors are saying the lack of recognition of GPs as frontline health providers meant they were “held up by red tape” during the summer’s catastrophic bushfires.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/held-up-by-red-tape-gps-demand-changes-to-ensure-they-can-help-in-disasters-20200422-p54m87.html
Graham Smith explains why China will never welcome a global inquiry into the source of COVID-19.
https://theconversation.com/murky-origins-why-china-will-never-welcome-a-global-inquiry-into-the-source-of-covid-19-136713
Crude prices could go negative once again with no signs of improvement to the market fundamentals that sparked the wild sell-off this week.
https://www.afr.com/markets/commodities/oil-market-in-complete-turmoil-negative-prices-could-return-20200422-p54m2i
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Trudy Rubin says that Trump has joins=ed the ‘Ostrich Alliance’ of loser leaders. She’s not wrong!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-joins-ostrich-alliance-of-loser-leaders-20200422-p54ma8.html
We can’t let Trump roll back 50 years of environmental progress implores Elizabeth Sutherland.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/earth-day-50-years-anniversary-environment-trump
In The Australian, Cameron Stewart says that Trump has his re-election in mind with every decision he makes during the battle against COVID-19.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/donald-trumps-coronavirus-endgame-is-the-presidential-election-in-november/news-story/18e48ad63b15dbb9df65f454c073571d
Trump has pulled another unicorn as he instructs the Navy to shoot at Iranian gunboats if they harass US ships at sea.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-instructs-us-navy-shoot-at-iranian-gunboats-if-they-harass-our-ships-at-sea-20200422-p54mdf.html
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
David Rowe
Cathy Wilcox
Dionne Gain
Andrew Dyson
Matt Golding
Mark David
Fiona Katauskas
John Spooner
https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/2c65db86793fb3ad1713868843c5a385?width=1024
From the US
No paywall on this Herald Sun article
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/apr/23/australia-coronavirus-live-updates-senate-inquiry-government-scott-morrison-nsw-victoria-queensland-ruby-princess-murphy-latest-news#comment-140018414
Am listening to the Surprise symphony
From Situation Theatre, one of my favourite satire sites.
This is not exactly satire, more a cynical opinion.
http://situationtheatre.com/news-fuse/secrecy-champ-demands-transparency