Is this the worst year the world has experienced since the Spanish Flu epidemic? Or since the combined years of WW1? Or since the combined years of WW2? Korea? Vietnam? Eritrea? Sudan? Zimbabwe? The 1990s Balkan wars? ISIS? And I could go on and on reciting devastating appalling “local” conflicts for hours.
Is this the worst year since HIV-AIDS manifested itself? Or SARS? Or Ebola?
Singly each of those wars/epidemics, has been appalling.
However (taking a deep breath), 2020 is, possibly in the modern era, the worst single year since all those catastrophes.
Not to mention mere asides like political corruption …
Can we reflect on what’s happened? Can we learn lessons? Can we move forward? Can we still have hope?
My answer:
YES WE CAN!
We are grandparents, parents, children, spouses, siblings. We care for our friends. We have non-human animals for whom we care deeply. We care for our fauna, our flora, our environment, for everything that allows to exist on this extremely thin skin of the ecosphere.
We care for truth, for honesty, for trust, and for mutual respect – not just for our cultures, or our own species – but for everything that lives on and enables life on Earth.
Yesterday afternoon I listened to the first global broadcast of Max Richter’s decade-in-the-making composition Voices – essentially a musical representation of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights. I found it incredibly moving.
If you don’t have time for/want to listen to it, may I recommend its precursor: Mercy.
Because I think that’s what we all need now.
Unto us a child is born.
Please let that be a child of, and with, hope.
THE PUB 
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Genetic sequencing has revealed that two people in hotel quarantine in NSW have the new, potentially highly transmissible strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, who was appointed to the role on Monday, said there was no need to introduce tougher measures on returned travellers.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/no-need-for-tougher-rules-for-returned-travellers-after-australia-records-two-cases-of-new-covid-19-strain-20201221-p56p9a.html
This group of medical experts examines the rings of defence around returned travellers and makes some sound suggestions.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/time-to-plug-the-gaps-in-our-covid-19-testing-20201221-p56pb2.html
Returning travellers have been the source of Australia’s major outbreaks. We have to accept that quarantine just does not really work, says Andrew Mohl for the AFR.
https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/fully-close-the-international-borders-with-no-exceptions-20201220-p56p3j
Scott Morrison has conceded that restrictions including border closures will be necessary to control further coronavirus outbreaks until a vaccine is widely available after NSW became the pariah state, reports Andrew Tillett.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/border-restrictions-needed-until-a-vaccine-arrives-pm-20201221-p56p6a
The findings of the COVID-19 hotel quarantine inquiry should prompt all Australian governments to reassess contracting out services, argues law professor, Kristen Rundle.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/hotel-quarantine-inquiry-final-report-has-far-reaching-implications-20201221-p56p8v.html
Former health minister Jenny Mikakos called on the inquiry to release Daniel Andrews’ phone records from March 27, the day the system was set up.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/security-companies-vindicated-as-andrews-apologises-for-hotel-quarantine-debacle-20201221-p56pc4.html
The hotel quarantine report blasted government failures, but political fallout is likely to be minimal opines law professor, Mirko Bagaric.
https://theconversation.com/hotel-quarantine-report-blasts-government-failures-but-political-fallout-is-likely-to-be-minimal-152175
Cases of a Covid-19 strain that has plunged the UK into chaos have been detected in small numbers in Australia, but Greg Hun, has said there are no plans to follow other countries in halting flights from the UK.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/21/australian-health-officials-cast-doubt-on-claim-new-uk-covid-strain-more-infectious
Melissa Davies tells us why Australia isn’t budging on its Covid vaccination plans.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/dec/22/why-australia-isnt-budging-on-its-covid-vaccination-plans
Daniel Andrews has expressed frustration at the Australian Defence Force’s refusal to help man the NSW border as it was revealed it took police until Monday afternoon to set up a checkpoint on the busy Hume Freeway.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hundreds-of-police-drafted-into-protecting-victoria-s-border-with-nsw-20201221-p56p7h.html
Professor David Haywood warns that if the biggest state, New South Wales, goes into hibernation, the Victorian economy will most surely take a hit.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-will-the-nsw-cluster-affect-victoria-s-economy-20201221-p56p91.html
Lisa Visentin reports that the Morrison government has refused to release the findings of its inquiry into the expenses culture at Australia Post which was triggered by revelations the former chief executive spent $20,000 of company money on Cartier watches for senior employees. This government hiding something. Surely not!
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-post-report-into-cartier-watches-to-remain-secret-20201221-p56pd9.html
Adam Briggs lashes the government’s decision to launch an inquiry into the big banks moving away from financing coal investment. He predicts that a clear-eyed inquiry into banks and coal will reveal free markets functioning effectively, along with an uncomfortable truth: that the private sector is pricing carbon even if the government refuses to do so
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7064549/too-many-politicians-are-fighting-an-irreversible-global-economic-tide/?cs=14350&utm_source=website&utm_medium=home&utm_campaign=latestnews
Zac Hope reports that Victoria’s most vulnerable people continue to face wretched conditions in privately run group homes, in some cases rife with sexual assault and abuse, despite repeated warnings to the state government and calls for reform. Horrible stuff!
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/abuse-neglect-and-violence-report-lays-bare-misery-in-some-victorian-group-homes-20201213-p56n0g.html
Former military and professional firefighters with experience to match the serious dangers that a massive project like Chevron’s Gorgon LNG facility could pose if something goes wrong are concerned at changes made this year. Hamish Hastie outlines their concerns.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/former-firefighters-blow-whistle-on-disaster-waiting-to-happen-at-chevron-s-gorgon-project-20201124-p56hhv.html
Matt O’Sullivan reports that a lack of progress in fully closing a registration loophole has sparked warnings NSW will remain a “safe haven” for unqualified engineers.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/engineers-to-escape-licensing-rules-due-to-very-dangerous-loophole-20201203-p56k6h.html
NBN Co’s fragile supply chain reflects rising political and trade tensions between the US and China. It could also point to a tectonic shift in global tech leadership, explains the AFR.
https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/nbn-caught-in-the-middle-of-a-geopolitical-storm-20201221-p56pak
Charlotte Grieve writes that a federal committee tasked with probing litigation funders has recommended tough new regulations for class actions, including a crackdown on fees and new laws to stamp out competing claims.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tougher-regulation-to-target-smorgasbord-class-action-industry-20201221-p56pbb.html
According to Jennifer Duke, Australia’s biggest superannuation lobby group has asked the federal government to impose tougher penalties on super funds failing to deliver strong investment returns and consider immediately shutting down underperformers.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/government-should-shut-down-underperforming-funds-immediately-superannuation-lobby-20201218-p56orf.html
Andrew Leigh calls for the government to find common ground in its relationship with China.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7062559/finding-common-ground-on-china/?cs=14258
Patrick Hatch explains how Australian private health insurers and hospitals will need to cut more costs to protect profit margins after the federal government on Monday approved the lowest increases to insurance premiums in 20 years.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/industry-under-pressure-private-health-premium-rise-hits-20-yr-low-20201221-p56pbk.html
Youth has borne the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting recession, yet their representation in the media is minuscule and dropping, according to a research report. News Corp’s widespread use of damaging stereotypes about young people was also notable, writes Elizabeth Minter.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/voice-of-youth-silenced-by-mainstream-media/
Alcohol and fuel excise rules will be simplified by the federal government, in a bid to reduce red tape costs for manufacturers, importers and distributors.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/booze-and-fuel-excise-to-get-red-tape-chop-20201221-p56pbj
The New York Times has an idea of what Trump’s post-presidency could look like.
https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/here-s-what-trump-s-post-presidency-looks-like-20201221-p56p6f
In Trump election fraud cases, federal judges upheld the rule of law – but that’s not enough to fix US politics, explains Charles Gardner Geyh.
https://theconversation.com/in-trump-election-fraud-cases-federal-judges-upheld-the-rule-of-law-but-thats-not-enough-to-fix-us-politics-152060
U.S. President Donald Trump used his abilities as a conman to win over the public and key political figures during his time in office, writes Paul Begley.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/donald-trump-a-great-man-of-history-or-a-wizard-of-oz,14641
Florida has come up with a way to control its ballooning wild python population: Put them on the dinner menu.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/good-news/2020/12/21/florida-pythons-eat/
Lorna Jane has earned today’s nomination for “Arsehole of the Week” for releasing its ‘Anti-virus Activewear’ range in July, saying it was sprayed with a substance called ‘LJ Shield’ which provided protection against viruses and pathogens, such as COVID-19. Appropriately, it has landed itself in court courtesy of the ACCC.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/lorna-jane-to-face-court-over-claims-leggings-could-stop-covid-spread-20201221-p56p97.html
Cartoon Corner
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
John Spooner
Peter Broelman
Andrew Dyson
From the US
Andrew Mohl, not a medical person but a former chief executive of AMP and former director of the Commonwealth Bank, writing for the AFR absolutely nails the problems with Australia’s quarantine system during the pandemic. If a man whose career has been in finance can see those problems, as can the real medical experts who have written for the papers over the last few days, then why are the acting chief medical officer and the NSW chief health officer doing little beyond repeating Liberal spin and lies? Why are Gladys, Hazzard and Chant fudging figures, refusing to make masks mandatory and failing to inform us about active cases in places like Forster, Raymond Terrace and Sydney’s inner west and outer suburbs? To withhold this information is criminal.
The infections from overseas travellers are the result of having a PM who absolutely refuses to accept any responsibility for quarantine, despite it being a commonwealth responsibility. The blame rests with him, although his media fan club will never, ever say that.
We no longer have purpose-built quarantine facilities. Isn’t it time we built some, complete with airstrips and top-level medical clinics, or rebuilt former isolated detention centres for this new use? There will be more pandemics, the current one will be with us for a long time, vaccination will help but it won’t eliminate the threat.
We used to have quarantine facilities but state and federal governments on both sides of politics have closed them and rezoned the land for other use. I was amused to read yesterday that the former quarantine station at North Head on Sydney Harbour, now a hotel/events centre, had been forced to close because Christmas bookings were cancelled because of the Sydney outbreaks.
“acting chief medical officer”
Paul Kelly now confirmed 🙄
i have heard that Howard Springs is quite good, with plenty of opportunity to exercise in fresh air.
People housed in seperated compounds by arrival date
I think at more temperate times of the year, summer & autumn in Victoria quarantining people could be housed in tents for better ventilation
Re today’s roundup of the news
The findings of the COVID-19 hotel quarantine inquiry should prompt all Australian governments to reassess contracting out services, argues law professor, Kristen Rundle.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/hotel-quarantine-inquiry-final-report-has-far-reaching-implications-20201221-p56p8v.html
and
The hotel quarantine report blasted government failures, but political fallout is likely to be minimal opines law professor, Mirko Bagaric.
https://theconversation.com/hotel-quarantine-report-blasts-government-failures-but-political-fallout-is-likely-to-be-minimal-152175
the first was written by a Melbourne Uni academic highlighted the reliance of contractors to fulfill government service missions.
the second was written by a Swinburne academic
Insert :BARF: emoticon…………..an endless one.
NSC
(@WHNSC)
“President @realDonaldTrump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security. Ambassador @A_Sinodinos accepted the medal on behalf of PM Morrison.” – NSA Robert C. O’Brien pic.twitter.com/bTJVLra0Wb
December 21, 2020
yaarrrg splat
Paul Bongiorno tells it like it is and says the CrimeMinister “is counting on nobody noticing what he is not doing”.
Thank goodness for Paul and The New Daily cutting through the spin.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/22/paul-bongiorno-scott-morrison-quarantine/
What an absolute joke!
I wish I could construct the appropriate German phrase that says “sick laughter”, because schadenfreude sounds to be much happier while this is just plain sick.
Spot on!
An award from a dud president who has not achieved anything positive in his four years in office. No Australian PM should have accepted it. It’s tainted by Trump’s corruption.
leone2,
Sickening, I say.
I just put on Kings Carols 2006.
Boys Choirs are exquisite.
King’s Singers for me, Puff. Exquisite voices either way (although, Pentatonic have the occasional ‘tune’ that fits this time of year well too)
I hope the “mutant” claim wasn’t a ‘cunning plan’ from BoJo. It would be a bigly own goal if so. Come on down the English Virus 😆
Very good thread on the Coates report and one particular media reaction –
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2018/10/11/the-last-castrato-singers/?fbclid=IwAR3ojXNs1FtsQhSCasnSQAJQI2SBczouMrp24QisVsaB4mj8FepuCj7RRRU
Alessandro Moreschi, called the Angel of Rome, was a castrato singer and the only one whose voice was recorded.
Well! The Prime Bastard certainly doesn’t govern for all Australians – just those unlucky enough to be living in NSW under the rotten rule of the corrupt and self-proclaimed amnesiac Gladys. .
Strong contender for “Tweet of the Week” –
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Gladys Berejiklian has denounced other states for what she calls their overreactions to Sydney’s coronavirus outbreak, adamant her government’s public health response is proportionate, compassionate and effective. For our sakes, I hope she’s not setting herself up.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/holding-your-nerve-berejiklian-lashes-out-at-border-closures-20201222-p56plh.html
Craig Butt reflects that The NSW outbreak has similar numbers to the early days of Melbourne’s second wave, and he ponders if the same thing happening again.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-nsw-outbreak-has-similar-numbers-to-the-early-days-of-melbourne-s-second-wave-is-the-same-thing-happening-20201222-p56plj.html
Paul Bongiorno accuses the PM of shirking duty in the gold-standard quarantine blame game.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/22/paul-bongiorno-scott-morrison-quarantine/
Shaun Carney wonders if Dan Andrews might have come up to his moment of reckoning.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/nothing-is-forever-in-politics-is-this-andrews-moment-of-reckoning-20201222-p56pjs.html
The debate about COVID-19 crisis resetting capitalism has little traction here so far, but the PM is already making the case against a more socialist approach, says Phil Coorey.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/why-morrison-rejects-the-stakeholder-economy-20201218-p56olq
And Rashad Seedeen says that the Coalition Government has engaged in blatant class warfare that has punished and disenfranchised workers and the most vulnerable, whilst protecting corporate interests and its political donors.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/the-morrison-governments-program-of-class-warfare,14644
While Australia continues to float aimlessly without a clear recovery plan, no economic winds will be favourable, writes Tarric Brooker.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/no-favourable-economic-winds-for-morrisons-australia,14646
John Lord heads up this contribution covering the new Morrison ministry with, “Pathetic leadership = pathetic policy = pathetic cabinet = pathetic governance”.
https://theaimn.com/pathetic-leadership-pathetic-policy-pathetic-cabinet-pathetic-governance/
Michael McGowan reveals that Australians returning from overseas have described weaknesses in Sydney’s hotel quarantine system which they fear could contribute to the spread of coronavirus.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/23/complacency-in-sydney-hotel-quarantine-system-could-contribute-to-covid-outbreaks-guests
One of Victoria’s most senior police officers says he has not been told why the Australian Defence Force cannot provide personnel to support the NSW border closure, as homicide and counter-terrorism officers are revealed as being among those called in to staff checkpoints.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/senior-police-in-the-dark-over-adf-s-refusal-to-support-border-closure-20201222-p56pj2.html
Private businesses wanting to mandate that customers and patrons are vaccinated with COVID-19 before entering their premises are likely to have legal grounds to do so, writes the AFR’s Hannah Wootton.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/no-jab-no-party-rule-is-likely-to-be-legal-20201222-p56pgr
A Covid vaccine will soon arrive in Australia. Tony Blakely suggests how we should deploy it.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/22/a-covid-vaccine-will-soon-arrive-in-australia-heres-how-we-should-deploy-it
Anthony Galloway reports that Labor wants the Morrison government to guarantee a proposed Chinese fish facility on Australia’s doorstep will not threaten national security.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/labor-says-morrison-government-dropped-the-ball-on-chinese-fishing-facility-in-png-20201222-p56phl.html
Ben Butler tells us that investor groups and class action lawyers have denounced a Liberal-dominated parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation to permanently water down laws requiring listed companies to keep the market fully informed.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/23/christmas-present-for-corporate-criminals-inquirys-support-for-weakening-corporate-disclosure-laws-condemned
Josh Butler explains how cyber bullies could face $110,000 fines, and adults bullying children online could be legally obliged to apologise to their victims, under a sweeping online safety act being hailed as a world first.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/23/cyber-bullies-online-safety-laws/
Governments across the country will inject an extra $46 billion into the economy through roads, school upgrades and social housing to help drag the economy out of the coronavirus pandemic over the next four years, outlines Shane Wright.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/infrastructure-binge-to-dig-country-out-of-recession-20201221-p56pa4.html
Pontificating Paul Kelly poo poos royal commissions.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/the-royal-commission-cult-won-false-hopes-in-2020/news-story/a7fbd1575b1b1ac2a097c98dc10ef217
Dennis Shanahan reveals that the Vatican and its associated entities have transferred $2.3bn to Australia since 2014 without the knowledge of senior Australian Catholic Church leaders.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/exclusives/vaticans-secret-2bn-flummoxes-australian-church-leaders/news-story/a23f538721b8d15cb06380f57d4972cf
Lisa Cox reports that farmers in north-west NSW have launched a legal challenge against a decision by state authorities to approve the controversial $3.6bn Narrabri gas project.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/23/farmers-launch-legal-challenge-against-approval-of-36bn-narrabri-gas-project
The SMH editorial declares that it is in a court of law that questions of responsibility and challenges to the account set forth in the Brereton report should now be tested. Debates that distract from or delay that process sell us all short.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/findings-of-brereton-s-sas-inquiry-should-be-tested-in-court-20201222-p56pmv.html
ASIC has launched a scathing assessment of Australia’s audit firms, saying they did not “obtain reasonable assurance that the financial reports were free from material misstatement”.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/financial-services/asic-launches-scathing-assessment-of-australian-audit-firms/news-story/36be6b91994a40b8bb8aef7df63bdb79
Melissa Davey writes that more than a third of Covid-19 patients treated by a Sydney hospital during Australia’s first virus wave were still suffering symptoms including fatigue, chest pain and breathlessness months after their infection.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/covid-patients-plagued-by-symptoms-months-after-infection-australian-study-shows
According to Paul Karp, Labor will try to compel the government to release a review into Australia Post’s expenses culture under former chief executive Christine Holgate after the communications minister backtracked on a suggestion it would be made public.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/22/government-burying-report-on-cartier-watches-for-australia-post-staff-labor-says
Private operator Keolis Downer will not have enough staff members to maintain current service levels when it takes over Adelaide’s train network next month, an internal memo says. The wonders of privatisation!
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/transport-department-proposes-transition-arrangement-when-keolis-downer-takes-over-adelaide-rail-network/news-story/44d3c1580c09d1c86d850f1596db729c
And here is this morning’s purgative!
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/donald-trump-awards-scott-morrison-with-one-of-the-highest-military-honours-20201222-p56pmb.html
Ross Gittins has come to realise that Christmas is a minefield of impossible dreams, dashed expectations, overspending, overindulgence and waste, all of it threatened by the risk of a family fight.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/killjoy-to-the-world-how-christmas-season-of-giving-takes-its-toll-20201222-p56pgz.html
Jennifer Westacott bleats that lockdown uncertainty is crippling business confidence.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/lockdown-uncertainty-is-crippling-business-confidence-20201222-p56pfr.html
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt ploughed ahead with a “beach nourishment” project in his electorate even though the Victorian government had decided that such short-term fixes were a case of throwing away good money. Dr Sarah Russell reports.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/beach-shacks-boondoggle-greg-hunts-climate-change-plan-sinks-public-money-in-port-philip-bay/
Four unions representing Qantas workers will go to the High Court in an attempt to overturn a ruling that employees are not entitled to sick leave while stood down during the pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/qantas-unions-to-take-covid-19-sick-pay-fight-to-high-court-20201222-p56plm.html
The Catholic Church’s private insurer spent more than $58 million paying out the victims of sexual abuse last year and the company is being forced to raise fresh capital and liquidate investments to cover a future compensation bill worth at least another $238 million.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/catholic-church-s-insurance-company-in-financial-trouble-over-abuse-payouts-20201222-p56pg0.html
The federal government has declared the National Broadband Network “built and fully operational” despite 35,000 homes still waiting to be connected to the network.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/government-declares-nbn-mission-accomplished-while-thousands-wait-to-be-connected-20201222-p56plv.html
Anthony Costello explains how a string of failures by the British government helped Covid-19 to mutate.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/22/uk-government-blamed-covid-19-mutation-occur
Attorney-General William Barr used his final public appearance to undercut US President Donald Trump on multiple fronts, saying he saw no reason to appoint a special counsel to look into the president’s claims about the 2020 election or to name one for the tax investigation of President-elect Joe Biden’s son.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/attorney-general-william-barr-undercuts-trump-on-election-claims-20201222-p56pfa.html
The US Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America. This is an interesting development.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/retail-giant-walmart-sued-by-us-government-for-role-in-opioid-crisis-20201223-p56pou.html
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
Mark David
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
John Spooner
From the US
Health experts say the NSW government eased restrictions in regional NSW too soon.
I agree.
My big worry is infections being brought from Sydney by summer holiday visitors, which also gets a mention in this article from three days ago -.
NSW doctors groups warn coronavirus restrictions may have eased too soon, posing a risk to regional and rural areas
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-20/doctors-warn-covid-19-restrictions-eased-too-soon-in-nsw/13001156
The local paper says there has been a rush of cancellations here. All I can say is “Good!”.
Well, Gladys has just made sure the virus is spread across Sydney. She is allowing groups to gather over the Christmas weekend and in a real piece of fruitloopery has split the Northern Beaches into two zones, allowing those who live in the less infected zone to have people arrive from – well, anywhere, really -but if you live there you can’t leave. So you can invite people from anywhere in for a party, infect them, and then wave them off as they leave to infect other parts of the city and just maybe regional NSW.
Sheer brilliance, Auntie Gladys. It took real genius to decide the virus would not be infecting anyone over the weekend. How on earth did you know?
More insanity from Gladys
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/dec/23/australia-coronavirus-northern-beaches-christmas-covid-hotspots-nsw-victoria#comments
Please come to a hot spot and take some plague away with you!”
Chris Hayes –
Rachel Maddow –
Will Gladys take any notice? Of course not.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/dec/23/australia-coronavirus-northern-beaches-christmas-covid-hotspots-nsw-victoria
I’d like to see all fireworks displays banned, they achieve nothing except massive pollution and tonnes of rubbish left behind by the filthy crowds who attend. It’s not the 15th century, we are no longer supposed to be fascinated by flashing lights and explosions.
Maybe La Nina will step in and drown them this year if Gladys is too cowardly to cancel.
If I were Dr Chant I’d have resigned two weeks ago. It has been very obvious she does not agree with Gladys and Hazzard and she seems to resent being forced to make rubbish announcements.
Rachel Maddow sub –
My Lord! How can she say this with a straight face?
Good morning Dawn Patrollers and a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to you all.
Is Gladys playing with fire?
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/appetite-for-risk-how-christmas-muddied-the-decision-to-ease-restrictions-20201223-p56ptq.html
Clinical epidemiologist Fiona Stanaway thinks so.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/lifting-northern-beaches-lockdown-too-risky-for-now-20201223-p56psw.html
Of course the editorial in The Australian says that Berejiklian gives a lesson in leadership on Covid-19.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/editorials/berejiklian-gives-a-lesson-in-leadership-on-covid19/news-story/af8cdfe5fc1a4081b4c321f4d8cadb5f
Health expert Julie Leask explains the delicate balancing act underlying the various covid edicts.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/balancing-act-the-problem-with-covid-mandates-20201222-p56pnl.html
The Age’s Emily day tells us that the hotel quarantine exemptions lay bare how we treat rich and poor.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/hotel-quarantine-exemptions-lay-bare-how-we-treat-rich-and-poor-20201223-p56pte.html
Meanwhile, Euan Black reveals that three Garuda Indonesia pilots took an Uber from Melbourne Airport to a local hotel immediately after arriving on a flight from Jakarta, potentially risking the health of Victorians as they travelled outside official channels to hotel quarantine.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/coronavirus/2020/12/23/international-pilots-uber-hotel-quarantine/
Another COVID variant has been detected which appears to be more contagious than a mutated version of the virus that forced the cancellation of Christmas in the UK.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/coronavirus/2020/12/24/coronavirus-mutation-south-africa/
John Warhurst outlines the biggest issues for next year. He says that they are undoubtedly headed by jurisdictional issues within our federation and widespread neglect of political accountability. Well worth reading.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7066261/the-biggest-issues-for-next-year/?cs=14258
The ADF has said that its priority list, worked out with the federal government in September, put high-risk weather events, returned Australians in hotel quarantine, counter-terrorism and support to Pacific nations above enforcing state border closures.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/this-is-about-priorities-adf-chief-says-no-state-will-get-troops-for-border-patrol-20201223-p56pub.html
Politicians are poorly positioned to encourage us to get the COVID-19 vaccine, writes Dr Binoy Kampmark.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/the-covid-19-vaccine-and-the-perils-of-political-advertising,14648
IBAC has heard the Liberal Party’s fundraising entity, Enterprise Victoria, diverted cash into a federal campaign fund in the apparent attempt to sidestep strict Victorian disclosure rules.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/liberal-party-s-fundraising-arm-might-have-breached-law-over-political-donations-20201223-p56psq.html
Michael Pascoe is concerned that the federal government’s showering of grants can seem a little random and iniquitous at times.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2020/12/24/government-playing-santa-pascoe/
Katherine Murphy reports that Kevin Rudd has said he will add himself to Australia’s register of foreign influence after being informed by the Attorney General’s Department that live interviews with state-owned broadcasters, like the BBC, could trigger obligations.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/24/kevin-rudd-to-register-under-foreign-influence-scheme-but-labels-government-guidance-absurd
Two Sydney local councillors under investigation by the corruption watchdog have helped overturn a resolution calling on them to stand aside. Yes, developers were involved.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/two-councillors-vote-to-overturn-icac-resolution-calling-for-them-to-stand-down-20201223-p56puf.html
Pru Goward writes that the Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry revealed a deep and shocking truth.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/hotel-quarantine-inquiry-revealed-a-deep-and-shocking-truth-20201222-p56pjg.html
Richard Denniss urges us to stop believing in fairy tales. He says Australia’s coal industry doesn’t employ many people or pay its fair share of tax.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/23/stop-believing-in-fairy-tales-australias-coal-industry-doesnt-employ-many-people-or-pay-its-fair-share-of-tax
The federal government’s plans for a gas-led recovery were boosted by news from the NSW government that it would smooth the planning process for a new power plant.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/nsw-backs-scott-morrison-s-gas-plant-as-critical-for-state-s-renewable-ambitions-20201223-p56ptn.html
Charging exorbitant prices for travellers stranded overseas while raking in record government subsidies. Qantas and Virgin are the quintessential cases of “privatise the profits, socialise the losses”. Tasha May looks at the airlines’ fine balancing act in corporate socialism during the pandemic.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/balancing-act-qantas-reaps-1bn-from-taxpayers-but-jobs-flights-fares-all-up-in-the-air/
Josh Butler tells us that the latest disclosures to the federal Parliament’s Register of Interests reveal some politicians have been peeking at their Christmas presents early, already aware of what they’ve been gifted.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/24/scott-morrison-christmas-gifts/
A maverick Liberal MP crossed the floor of a state parliament this year to help the push for a Job Guarantee. Callum Foote and Michael West report on the radical political outcome in Tasmania to tackle rising systemic unemployment, and the economic case behind it, MMT.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/a-guaranteed-job-radical-idea-to-combat-automation-alienation-gathers-momentum/
A Supreme Court judge has questioned whether Fred Nile’s Christian Democratic Party should be wound up as a legal dispute within the party continued. Have a nice Christmas, Fred!
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/fred-nile-locked-out-of-party-headquarters-as-internal-fight-heats-up-20201222-p56pjw.html
Zoe Williams describes life on Plague Island UK as being one of panic, paucity and pessimism.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/23/people-seem-more-afraid-life-on-plague-island-uk
America is braced for final month of madness as the Trump show nears its end, writes David Smith.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/23/america-trump-presidency-final-months
The US has suffered a massive cyberbreach, and it’s hard to overstate how bad it is, explains Bruce Schneier.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/23/cyber-attack-us-security-protocols
Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate against suspected Russian hackers responsible for a massive cyber attack on the US government.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/joe-biden-vow-hackers-will-pay/news-story/47cf42225e63cd63142fa44606b0b7bc
Troy Branston thinks the damage Donald Trump is doing may never be undone.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/the-damage-donald-trump-is-doing-may-never-be-undone/news-story/6efc1f8e7adbcbdc453e841bf335a726
This connected lawyer has earned nomination for “Arsehole of the Week” – and a date with the court.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/prominent-canberra-lawyer-to-face-money-laundering-charges-20201223-p56pw2.html
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
Andrew Dyson
Alan Moir
Dionne Gain
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
Johannes Leak
From the US
BK –
A Christmas elf! Wonderful!
Kevin Rudd has a very long thread explaining why the government’s handling of the Foreign Influence Transparency Register is ridiculous.
Merry Christmas all
the dustless home with its various collections, mixmasters, owls, plates, candles is a wonder
and . . . .
I love the drones – who needs fireworks?
The Christmas trees though – not my thing at all. One is bad enough.
People wealthy enough to charter superyachts must believe they are immune – until now.
Woman on superyacht that arrived in Cairns one of two people in Queensland with COVID-19, yacht crew ‘not cooperating’
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-24/coronavirus-queensland-super-yacht-woman-northern-beaches-man/13010536
This is the boat – available for charter in Australia from the end of January. Good luck getting anyone to take it, it’s now a plague ship.
https://www.burgessyachts.com/en/charter-a-yacht/yachts-for-charter/lady-e-00005953
Not the best quality but the best I can find
Chris Hayes –
Rachel Maddow –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
F.M
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/24/do-you-even-remember-2020-do-our-quiz-of-the-year-quiz
Scorpio & Mrs Scorpio hope that all contributors and readers of this wonderful “The Pub blog” have a great day tomorrow with their loved ones and if, due to Corvid circumstances they have to celebrate on their own, that they still enjoy the festive occasion tomorrow.
Kind Regards to all from Scorpio, Mrs Scorpio and all all the rest of the Scorpio clan!.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. This is all I can manage to dig up today.
The Morrison government spent a total of $128m on advertising in the past financial year, including $5.2m on market research for the ad campaigns, new figures reveal.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/25/morrison-government-spent-128m-on-advertising-in-2019-20-figures-reveal
Britain and Europe have struck a Brexit trading deal a week out from the transition deadline, ending four years of bitter break-up talks since the UK voted to leave the single market in the 2016 referendum.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/britain-and-eu-strike-christmas-eve-trading-deal-a-week-from-brexit-deadline-20201224-p56px7.html
But Martin Kettle says Boris Johnson has ‘got Brexit done’ – with a deal that will please no one.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/24/boris-johnson-brexit-deal-britain-eu-sovereignty-economy
A deal is better than no deal, but the prime minister will be personally held to account for every negative impact on the UK declares David Gauke.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/24/brexit-blame-game-no-10-deal-prime-minister
SA has recorded two new COVID cases – one an overseas traveller and the other a possible infection in a man who was at Sydney Airport.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/coronavirus/watch-live-prof-spurrier-updates-sa-on-covid19/news-story/9e77769e47b718a7a3e6c7fb4a80ac9e
The staff of federal politicians have rejected the government’s pay offer for the first time in 13 years.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/political-staffers-reject-lowball-pay-offer-on-christmas-eve-20201224-p56pz8.html
Now China has suspended Australian timber imports from New South Wales and Western Australia.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2020/12/24/china-suspends-timber-nsw-wa/
House Republicans have shot down a Democratic bid to pass Donald Trump’s longshot, end-of-session demand for $US2000 ($2630) direct payments to most Americans as he ponders whether to sign a long-overdue COVID-19 relief bill. What a clusterf**k!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/republicans-block-us2000-virus-payments-despite-trump-demand-20201225-p56q40.html
Political experts disagree on whether Joe Biden can heal the US.
https://theconversation.com/can-joe-biden-heal-the-united-states-political-experts-disagree-150519
David Smith writes that Donald Trump is expected to grant further waves of audacious pardons for allies and supporters – possibly even for himself – in a frenzied final month as US president.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/24/donald-trump-pardons-president-whats-next
QAnon and the ‘Trump coup’ have more in common than you might think, explains Dan Brooks.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/24/trump-america-democratically-political-fantasies-frustrated
Cartoon Corner
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
From the US
What a ‘surprise’.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-16/fifty-years-of-tax-cuts-for-rich-didn-t-trickle-down-study-says
Merry and Safe Christmas to allPubsters, Lurkers, and everyone
Christmas greetings and good wishes for 2021 to those that keep this outpost of sanity ticking away and those who imbibe at this hostelry. I’m sitting over in the darkened,quiet corner, listening and attending to the words of hope and,yes,courage that float around this place.
Merry and Safe Christmas to all Pubsters, Lurkers, and everyone.
☆
Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas and best wishes to you all.
Isn’t BK amazing. He doesn’t even take a day off with his fabulous daily contribution for X-mas let alone when he is feeling crook with the flu.
You’re a true champion of the highest order of the Golden Echidna BK.
I agree with scorps, thanks BK.
Also add my wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and new year to all here at the pub.
Worth a read
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/dec/24/borisjohnsons-vows-to-pit-uk-against-eu-in-race-for-success
Compare and contrast Boris and Ursula. I know who I would want on my side.
Roll on 2021 and………………….
Chris Hayes –
Rachel Maddow –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Warning: contains photo of Potato Blight
https://chaser.com.au/national/goverment-forced-to-cancel-christmas-after-learning-it-celebrates-refugee-family/
Nauseous
Apart from ‘nauseous’, words fail.
This time last year, Razz and I were keeping an eye on the bushfire smoke in the distance. Today, we have lit the heater. Tomorrow, we apparently will need to find our bikini’s. Our prawn lunch was excellent. Luckily planned cold meat and salad for family tomorrow.
Merry Xmas to one and all.
Merry Christmas to everyone and their nearest and dearest.
A huge and heartfelt thank-you to BK and every other contributor for conversations and links to other online journalism.
The links by ckwatt and others to American commentary on their extraordinary president have filled in a lot (or all) of the detail we do not see here.
It’s been a difficult year for so many, in so many ways. I hope that everyone who is able to be with their loved ones will be creating happy memories to draw on through whatever difficult times may lie ahead of us.
Helen