IMPORTANT UPDATE: ALP WINS! The Honourable Anthony Albanese is sworn in as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister.
Get your Democracy Sausage!
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The most important day of 2022 for Australia is almost here.
Tomorrow, Saturday 21st May 2022 is the day Australians decide how they are going to live in the next three years, and the decades influenced by that time.
We vote in the 2022 Federal Election.
It is a stark and clear choice. We either continue to live the same or worse lives under a nefarious, disingenuous Right Wing government driven by religious and political zealotry, partisanship and questionable ethics or we can choose the only other major party who can change the course of the nation towards a better future.
We can choose the incumbent Liberal Party Prime Minister who mixes his politics with his religion and who claims a divine message from an eagle in a painting inspired his ascent to the top job of leading this nation. Otherwise, we can choose Labor, the party whose leader will become the Prime Minister and whose solid experience includes living and working amongst some of the most disadvantaged in Australia, with the residents and workers in working-class suburbs.
The Labor Party has an extensive team of talented experienced and enthusiastic candidates. The Liberal Party and National Party have a team that appears to be dead-scared of a FICAC, going by the Prime Minister’s refusal to keep his election promise to set up a Federal Independent Commission Against Corruption.
I am hoping that Labor and good Independents win their seats tomorrow so we can escape this nightmare of a government at last and see off our inhumane, international embarrassment of a Prime Minister.
It is the people’s turn to have their say.
For all volunteers from all parties and independents who have and will be helping in this and every election, thank you for your commitment to our democracy.
A big thank you from a grateful nation goes to some of the most under-rated, hardworking, and dedicated people whom Australia has the privilege of employing; the staff of the Australian Electoral Commission. If anyone wants to dispute that Australia’s democracy stands on their shoulders and that the AEC should be the envy of the democratic world, just look over the street at elections in the USA.
There is even an AEC site where you can practise voting.
https://www.aec.gov.au/Voting/How_to_vote/practice/
Hopefully, AEC staff hand-counting every vote will see more thankyou messages scribbled in the margins of ballot papers than the usual drawings of penises and testicles, or the universal message to our politicians to Eff Off. I like to leave a kind message, in the margins away from the candidate’s boxes on my completed ballot. I feel very proud after I vote. It is both a right and a privilege in our uncertain world.
Please enjoy your Democracy Sausage!
A contrast between the two major parties:
Here is an interesting article that uses a different style of map that shows the distribution of federal electorates held by the major parties.
The Australian election map has been lying to you
By Colin Gourlay, Georgina Piper, Tim Leslie, Cristen Tilley and Matt Lidd
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-20/federal-election-map-lying/101076016
THE PUB 
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
David Crowe tells us that cabinet ministers have started work on spending cuts in the federal budget after identifying programs they want to scrap, sparking a warning to Australians to prepare for curbs on outlays to bring the nation’s finances under control. Has to be done.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/brakes-on-spending-albanese-warns-of-budget-cuts-20220623-p5aw7s.html
Katina Curtis reports that the Greens are threatening to amend budget unless the government dumps the top-end tax cuts. (They could be doing Albanese a favour here).
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/greens-threaten-to-amend-budget-unless-government-dumps-top-end-tax-cuts-20220623-p5aw2f.html
Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce, at the time the Coalition lost the May election, were the most unpopular party leaders since the Australian Election Study began in 1987. Paul Karp outlines the findings of the study.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/24/scott-morrison-and-barnaby-joyce-were-most-unpopular-leaders-at-election-since-1987-study-shows
ACTU secretary Sally McManus says low-paid workers should keep pushing for wage rises that match inflation, claiming that the rising cost of living is being driven by profits, not pay increases, and that warnings of a 1970s-style wage price spiral are “total Boomer fantasy”, write Phil Coorey and John Kehoe.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/actu-concedes-on-5pc-wages-20220622-p5avnk
The SMH’s editorial says that the Barilaro’s US post is a bad look for the NSW Coalition.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/barilaro-s-us-post-is-a-bad-look-for-nsw-coalition-20220623-p5aw54.html
Josh Butler reports that Anthony Albanese has confirmed he will visit France to meet President Emmanuel Macron, and is considering travelling to Ukraine, during next week’s trip to Europe for the NATO summit.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/23/albanese-to-meet-macron-in-paris-for-important-reset-of-australias-relationship-with-france
Michelle Grattan tells us how Anthony Albanese has a lot on the go in the ‘back office’ of government.
https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-anthony-albanese-has-a-lot-on-the-go-in-the-back-office-of-government-185695
The appointments announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday 22 June seem mostly sensible, offering the APS a more professional leadership which can both provide strong support for the Government and demonstrate its impartiality in its policy advising and management of programs, explains Andrew Podger.
https://johnmenadue.com/new-heads-of-departments-in-canberra/
The deputy opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has backed Peter Dutton’s decision to oppose government legislation to cut emissions by 43% by 2030, but signalled the Coalition’s climate policy could shift before the next federal election. Useless!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/24/sussan-ley-backs-peter-duttons-decision-to-oppose-emissions-legislation-but-signals-future-room-for-change
Coalition MPs are in the middle of a post-defeat debate over climate targets, but there appears to be a large Paris-shaped blind spot in their current commentary, writes Graham Readfearn.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/23/while-coalition-reheats-its-climate-mess-albanese-government-locks-in-australias-43-emissions-cut
The new Albanese Labor Government is facing a host of difficult problems that will thoroughly test its capacity to govern, but politically it is in an enviable position enjoyed by none of its predecessors in the past half a century and more, writes David Solomon who says that Albanese will benefit from the Opposition’s divisions.
https://johnmenadue.com/david-solomon-government-benefits-from-oppositions-divisions/
Australians are about to discover whether Anthony Albanese can deliver on one of the most persuasive messages in his pitch to become prime minister: the idea that he can lead a country that makes things again, writes David Crowe who says it could be costly and risky, but so could neglecting the challenge.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/make-or-brake-the-critical-test-for-albanese-s-manufacturing-vision-20220623-p5avxk.html
John Menadue reckons the Teals will force the Greens to get smart at last.
https://johnmenadue.com/geoff-ebbs-greens-get-smart/
Network 10 has hit out at “inaccurate and unfair” reporting on Lisa Wilkinson’s role in the trial of Brittany Higgins’ alleged rapist after the media personality was asked to give prosecutors a written undertaking not to comment further about the case.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/new-trial-date-set-for-bruce-lehrmann-20220623-p5avxn.html
The risk of crazy-high wholesale power prices has not gone away despite the restart of coal power units that mean the market suspension may end today, explains Angela Macdonald-Smith.
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/prices-highly-volatile-as-nem-resumption-nears-20220623-p5aw0j
Professors Jenny Gore and Nicole Mockler say that teachers have become the fall guys for a failing education system.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/teachers-the-fall-guys-for-a-failing-system-20220623-p5avxb.html
The central purpose of government in a democracy is to be the role model for, and protector of, equality and freedom and our associated human rights. They should set an ethical standard for the people to emulate, writes Kaye Lee.
https://theaimn.com/governments-are-the-cause-of-many-of-our-problems-they-could-also-easily-solve-them/
At least 31 Aboriginal families are struggling to pay for funerals for loved ones who have died since the collapse of the funeral business ACBF-Youpla, amid claims that people are collecting aluminium cans to raise money for burials.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/24/youpla-funeral-fund-collapse-leaves-31-aboriginal-families-struggling-to-pay-for-burials
Bullying and harassment remain persistent problems in Victoria’s Country Fire Authority, a new report shows, prompting the service’s management to apologise to anyone treated poorly, reports Benjamin Priess.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/cfa-review-highlights-ongoing-bullying-harassment-20220623-p5avy1.html
While Russia’s economy has been crippled by sanctions, fears are growing that the next phase of the financial battle will be more painful for Europe, explains Tom Rees.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/europe-and-russia-are-both-losing-this-financial-war-20220621-p5av9h.html
The RBA and the US Federal Reserve Board are reading from the same playbook. They will do whatever it takes to bring inflation under control, even if it means recessions, writes Stephen Bartholomeusz.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/recession-alarm-bells-are-ringing-as-the-war-on-inflation-escalates-20220623-p5avxj.html
Parents at St Catherine’s School are joining forces with families from other Anglican schools to fight a requirement for incoming principals to sign a statement that they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Jordan Baker reports that the current St Catherine’s principal leaves at the end of the year, and the relatively new rule for diocese-run schools will require her replacement – who is appointed by a council dominated by representatives of the conservative Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney, which rejects gay marriage – to sign the document.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/st-catherine-s-parents-enlist-more-schools-to-fight-same-sex-marriage-statement-20220622-p5avv6.html
A Maserati-driving entrepreneur and his exciting new property play have reeled in Stockland and Mirvac, and a posse of media and investment bankers, but is all as it seems? Michael West checks out the proposal to float Bricklet on the share market.
https://michaelwest.com.au/ocean-view-property-with-carpark-views-exciting-asx-float-a-tough-sell-then-theres-title/
Urban, educated young people in China are increasingly disillusioned about the country’s future. Harsh lockdowns have exposed a burgeoning mood of disquiet, writes Yun Jiang.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/lockdowns-spark-signs-of-defiance-among-china-s-restless-youth-20220609-p5asei.html
Kevin Rudd has written an op-ed in which he says the war in Ukraine won’t change Xi’s plans for Taiwan.
https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/rudd-the-war-in-ukraine-won-t-change-xi-s-plans-for-taiwan-20220621-p5avbk
The January 6 committee can help separate the former US president from elites, donors, and those who support him because they don’t like the alternative, writes Juliette Kayyem.
https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/the-message-from-the-capitol-riot-hearing-trump-has-peaked-20220621-p5avei
In a major expansion of gun rights, the Supreme Court said Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defence, a ruling likely to lead to more people legally armed in cities and beyond. The ruling yesterday came with recent mass shootings fresh in the nation’s mind and gun control being debated in Congress and states. The country is f****d!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/gun-rights-expanded-in-us-after-supreme-court-overturns-ny-handgun-law-20220624-p5aw8h.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
Peter Broelman
Fiona Katauskas
Mark David
Matt Golding
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
https://johnmenadue.com/geoff-ebbs-greens-get-smart/
I doubt it.
Good work, that lady!
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jun/23/dramatic-rescue-at-world-championships-after-swimmer-faints-and-sinks-to-bottom-of-pool
The PM says he will not abandon legislated tax cuts for the wealthy because that would be “breaking an election promise”.
Pffft!
Albo has already broken an election promise by deciding to keep proceedings at National Cabinet a secret, despite promising to end government secrecy and despite his attacks last year on the then PM for his alleged obsession with secrecy.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/17/anthony-albanese-backflips-on-national-cabinet-secrecy-and-refuses-to-say-why
The tax cuts will cost the budget $37bn – maybe more, as the cost keeps rising – a year by the early 2030s.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/recipe-for-austerity-cost-of-stage-three-tax-cuts-blows-out-by-22-billion-in-a-year-20220513-p5akzw.html
How much public housing could that money build? How many teachers could be trained? How many hospitals could be built? How much new infrastructure could be built?
But none of that will happen because Albo wants to hand those already wealthy a tax cut while warning workers on low to average incomes they may need to take a pay cut.
Lots of lipstick on the neoliberal pig here we come under Labor ? ‘Progressive’ + ‘inclusive’ social policies for pats on the back and feel good but on the economic front the same old neoliberal shite we’ve been served up since the days of Maggie and Ronnie. Albo may be from ‘the Left’ but the feckers in the Labor Right likely call the shots. We shall see but hearing Labor pollies sounding quite relaxed and comfortable about telling us how it looks like we peasants ‘need’ to become poorer does not fill me with hope.
A most interesting thread on the Barilaro appointment. It’s a bit late because I was otherwise engaged yesterday and offline after about 10 am.
So, Labor don’t break their word for doing something they said they wouldn’t do, and they are wrong, and should’ve done what some people are saying.
Okay, I understand that the tax cuts are horrendous, and go to people that don’t need them, and the money could be spent of much better and needed stuff.
I hope none of these people voted or preferenced Labor hoping that Labor would go back on their word. I prefer politicians be truthful, and stick to what they say they would or would not do.
As for releasing documents that they complained about, I didn’t hear them say anything about, if they got elected, they would release those documents.
Labor supported those tax cuts when the legislation was being dealt with in both houses and promised tax relief to those earning over $40,000 as an election promise, but considering they did not know how dire the financial system was at the time they would be justified in changing their minds.
https://www.alp.org.au/policies/lower-taxes
Australian needs a new tax system where the rich pay their share instead of parking their money in family trusts or sending it off-shore. Australians, especially the “top end of town” need to get used to the idea that services can only be provided if we pay more tax.
As for not promising anything on secrecy – Labor, especially Albo and Dreyfus – certainly made a lot of comments on abolishing secrecy last year and were very critical of Morrison’s addiction to keeping secrets, especially where National Cabinet was concerned. Rex Patrick has plans for another court action on transparency. If that goes ahead the recent backflip could be very damaging for Labor.
2gravel @ 9:50 AM Edit
Labor were locked into the tax cut. I don’t think they should have gone “Me Too” on it but they did and so have to deliver on that. No marks off for doing that from me. However I will remain extremely skeptical and wary of Labor’s Right after seeing what the pricks were prepared to do during the Rudd – Gillard years. Plenty of them seem to reckon ‘Hayek Rulz OK” and or were ‘Climate’ knuckle draggers.
The Greens could be useful in the Senate by ‘forcing’ Albo to cancel the tax cuts.
I am off to an Aboriginal Community in the Fitzroy Crossing WA for a month. I am packing Summer clothes while I am rugged up in Adelaide.
Lucky you heading for some warmth. What’s happening up in Fitzroy Crossing ?
Google Earth need to update their pictures.Inspired by Puffy I had a look on Google Earth’s Street View at the service station where I bought fuel the last time I went through Fitzroy Crossing. The ‘expensive’ fuel on the sign was $1.76. !!!!
Lying to us since ‘forever’
The forgotten oil ads that told us climate change was nothing
The truth behind the ad: Three years earlier, in 1959, America’s oil bosses had been warned that burning fossil fuels could lead to global heating “sufficient to melt the icecap and submerge New York”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/18/the-forgotten-oil-ads-that-told-us-climate-change-was-nothing
All over, including the shouting
friendlyjordies –
Michael West –
Rachel Maddow –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Stephen Colbert –
F.M
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/24/its-winter-at-our-tasmanian-insta-farmlet-where-we-have-just-four-minutes-of-direct-sunlight-a-week
That interview with Friendlyjordies and PRGuy was brilliant. I just hope he stays safe. I’m worried that Mini Yemini might get his goons to intimidate him at home though.
A busy day of Happy Birthdays to olde rockers……………
Jeff Beck, guitarist, the Yardbirds and the Jeff Beck Group, 78
Colin Blunstone, singer, the Zombies, She’s Not There (1964), 77
Mick Fleetwood, drummer and co-founder, Fleetwood Mac, 75
Arthur Brown, singer, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Fire (1968), 80
With the overturning of Rowe v Wade USA women should go on a sex strike and only have sex with men who have had the snip.
I am on my way to Adelaide airport.
I am going to an Aboriginal community where my so works, for a visit. He is very well accepted there. Even being shown places whiteys don’t usually get an invite to.
Very naughty police
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/25/blockade-australia-how-a-sharp-eyed-hippy-set-off-events-that-cast-a-harsh-light-on-anti-protest-laws
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
The federal government will unveil the first elements of its plan to cut “waste and rorts” in its October budget and continue them into next year, but new figures show the budget is rapidly repairing thanks to surging company and personal tax revenues, explains Shane Wright.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/first-cuts-in-october-budget-even-as-companies-shower-money-on-bottom-line-20220624-p5awes.html
As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministers settle in to their portfolios, efforts are already under way by the Murdoch media to undermine the government, says Kevin Rudd.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/06/25/what-murdoch-does-new-governments
Ross Gittins reckons that nobbling Afterpay would stifle competition and protect bank profits.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/nobbling-afterpay-would-stifle-competition-and-protect-bank-profits-20220623-p5aw68.html
Shaun Carney examines yesterday’s exodus of ministers from the Andrews government.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-parallels-between-dan-and-jeff-cannot-be-ignored-20220624-p5awdq.html
And the Age’s editorial declares that Andrews has a big job ahead of him ensuring that his new ministers get to grips as quickly as possible with the many challenges facing the state.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/premier-s-new-team-will-need-to-deliver-20220623-p5aw1q.html
John Hewson examines the opposition and says, “There was an awkwardness about the Coalition’s leadership changes, with a lot of revenge and disloyalty. They struggled to pick an effective shadow ministry from a gene pool depleted in terms of both talent and relevant experience.” Hewson also levels much criticism on sections of the media who “should be hanging their heads in shame, not only for delivering the most biased coverage in the campaign but also for their performance since the election. Several appointed themselves kingmakers in support of Morrison and were hell-bent on influencing the outcome, such as the Sky News monsters and some Nine Entertainment journalists who warned of a takeover by the extreme left wing.”
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/2022/06/25/the-peter-dutton-principle
Federal public servants have been too frequently having to draw on courage to stand firm in their advice against “unlawful or unethical” demands of ministers, a Canberra forum of top bureaucrats has heard. Harley Dennett writes about the effect that Morrison’s sackings had on the provision of frank advice.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7793365/morrisons-sackings-sent-a-clear-message-about-frank-advice-former-secretary/?cs=14329
In one of his last acts as prime minister, Scott Morrison amended the ministerial standards to finally deal with sexual assault and harassment, writes Karen Middleton in a wide-ranging contribution.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/06/25/exclusive-morrisons-late-change-ministerial-standards
John Lord expounds upon Dutton, Speers, and that pathetic Insiders interview.
https://theaimn.com/dutton-speers-and-that-pathetic-interview/
Labor created a perception about higher pay to win the election. But that all changed in the last seven days, and now it must deal with the fallout, writes Phil Coorey.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-week-wage-rises-crashed-into-reality-20220623-p5aw30
Katrina Grace Kelly ridicules the apparent push to get Frydenberg back into parliament and save the day for the Liberals.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/josh-frydenberg-political-myopia-why-the-liberals-stilldont-get-it/news-story/58fa78ea48c6a8d7960689feccd254fc
Stratospheric housing prices are perhaps the most critical domestic issue in Australia. Not only are a collapse of the housing bubble and a recession now threatening, but homelessness and rent stress, unaddressed and exploited, can quickly fester into ugly politics, writes Geoff Davies who says that it is critical that the housing bubble is safely deflated.
https://johnmenadue.com/it-is-critical-that-the-housing-bubble-is-safely-deflated/
Paul Bongiorno has a good look at how parliament might pan out, given the high numbers of crossbenchers in both houses.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/06/25/heavy-crossbench-bear
The near collapse of the east coast energy market has its roots in decades of political appeasement directed at fossil fuel interests, explains Mike Seccombe who tells us the truth behind the price surge.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/06/25/energy-crisis-the-truth-behind-the-price-surge
Anthony Albanese has angered much of the 16-member crossbench, including the newly elected teal independents, by slashing staff allocations to just one adviser each, writes Phil Coorey.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/albanese-faces-teal-revolt-over-staff-cuts-20220624-p5awfn
Days before the federal election, the Morrison government sent an unexpected letter to the Nadesalingam family, threatening to bar any further bridging visas, reveals Karen Middleton.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/06/25/the-last-ditch-attempt-deport-the-biloela-family
Jenna Price joyously writes that Andrew Leigh’s appointment to his job is good news. The removal of the gag clause on charities is good news. Sarah Henderson’s powerlessness is good news. And the best news of all might be that Gary Johns quit his post one hot minute after the election.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7792408/why-is-this-assistant-minister-smiling/?cs=14258
The election of a new federal Labor government has opened an opportunity for China and Australia to improve their troubled bilateral relationship and put it back “on track”, China’s ambassador to Australia has said in a rare public address.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-envoy-offers-hope-for-better-relations-with-australia-20220624-p5awc3.html
New Labor minister Amanda Rishworth is under pressure to fix a flawed draft plan to end gendered violence, with the existing framework to expire this week. Experts say real progress is possible but could take years and cost billions, writes Kristine Ziwica. Rishworth’s key challenge is this: she inherited a draft developed by her predecessor, Anne Ruston, that was widely criticised when the Morrison government released it for consultation in January of this year.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/06/25/labors-urgent-work-tackle-domestic-violence
Australia should be warm, but wary, as relations with China thaw, says Greg Sheridan.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/world/australia-should-be-warm-but-wary-as-relations-with-china-thaw/news-story/73263250aede3bfbb4a97b4193ac9b52
Christopher Joye complains that NSW is degenerating into one of the worst run states in Australia.
https://www.afr.com/wealth/personal-finance/perrottet-lumbers-nsw-taxpayers-with-106-billion-in-extra-debt-20220623-p5aw6i
Anne Hyland writes that the Qantas board, led by chairman Richard Goyder, appears unperturbed at the senior talent that has departed the airline and the deep knowledge of the company that they take with them when they leave. Nor does the board seem concerned about the corporate governance issues surrounding such a long-serving CEO.
https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/no-apology-as-qantas-promises-to-fix-customer-service-20220624-p5awea.html
Qantas chief Alan Joyce says travellers should expect jacked-up ticket prices and more crowded planes to help the airline cope with a fuel bill set to surge by $1.7 billion.
https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/qantas-boss-warns-of-higher-prices-more-crowded-planes-20220624-p5awe0
Mike Foley writes that extra price pain is coming to households and businesses after weeks of chaos in the electricity grid, with special payments made by the market operator to prop up power companies set to flow through to electricity bills.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/electricity-grid-chaos-to-charge-up-power-bills-20220624-p5awbb.html
Albanese should send Putin a message by visiting Kyiv, urges the SMH editorial.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/albanese-should-send-putin-a-message-by-visiting-kyiv-20220624-p5awfu.html
Anthony Albanese will tell NATO leaders next week that his government wants to be part of “global solutions” to global problems rather than “an impediment” like its predecessor and will emphasise Australia’s decisive shift in climate change policy, says Troy Bramston.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/were-part-of-global-solutions-anthony-albanese/news-story/d351cccc338aee03eb6b0afe8459eb65
Adele Ferguson tells us that Australia’s biggest cosmetic procedures operator is facing two class action investigations after dozens of unhappy patients came forward with disturbing stories.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/cosmos-clinics-faces-two-class-action-investigations-20220624-p5awf7.html
Lucy Cormack and Georgia Mitchell report that a former political staffer to Gladys Berejiklian has pleaded guilty to multiple historical child sex offences, including aggravated indecent assault. The accused will face the NSW District Court in July where judgment will be handed down over the offences.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/ex-staffer-to-gladys-berejiklian-pleads-guilty-to-child-sex-offences-20220624-p5awgt.html
Here’s Amanda Meade’s weekly column on media events. Chris Kenny gets some attention.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/jun/24/ita-buttrose-puts-chris-kenny-in-his-place-as-sky-newss-abc-doco-draws-blanks
New South Wales’ anti-corruption watchdog has been asked to examine corruption allegations – made by a state Liberal MP under parliamentary privilege – against members of the party’s executive over last year’s shock gutting of a Sydney council.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/24/nsw-liberal-mp-uses-parliamentary-privilege-to-accuse-party-members-of-corruption
This time it is different – the crypto crash is real, argues Ben Marlow.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/this-time-it-is-different-the-crypto-crash-is-real-20220624-p5aw8u.html
Donald Trump and Joe Biden should both be finished as prospective presidential candidates for 2024. Yet Biden swears he’ll run again, while Trump constantly hints he will. The two halves of surely the worst presidential choice ever presented to American voters have both suffered what should be career-ending political damage over the past month, opines Greg Sheridan.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/sullied-brands-of-both-republicans-and-democrats-muddy-the-battle-for-america/news-story/7727fefdb0de58a315c7344e82e52530
Women’s reproductive rights will be severely curtailed in the US after the Supreme Court overturned a landmark law giving women the constitutional right to an abortion. The downward spiral of social collapse continues.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/us-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade-wiping-out-constitutional-right-to-abortion-20220624-p5awi8.html
The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade – but for abortion opponents, this is just the beginning, warns Prudence Flowers.
https://theconversation.com/us-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade-but-for-abortion-opponents-this-is-just-the-beginning-185768
Here are the guts of the searing dissenting opinion from Justices Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/24/supreme-court-roe-v-wade-breyer-sotomayor-kegan
Millions of women are now less free than men, in the functioning of their own bodies and in the paths of their own lives, explains Mora Donegan who outlines what the decision will mean.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/24/overturning-roe-story-is-women-unfreedom
The US is bracing for mass riots after the Supreme Court reversed its historic 1973 Roe V Wade judgement, abolishing the constitutional right to abortion and returning the decision to the fifty states, at least 13 of which appear poised to drastically curtail abortion rights, writes Adam Creighton.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/world/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-constitutional-right-to-abortion/news-story/e97a4a9dd9dbf9bd7854d468d987abf3
And with its recent ruling, the US supreme court just made America a more dangerous, violent place, writes Jill Filipovic who says this nihilistic decision will propel the US further toward mass gun violence and a culture of death.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/24/the-us-supreme-court-just-made-america-a-more-dangerous-violent-place
But the House has sent US President Joe Biden the most wide-ranging gun violence bill Congress has passed in decades, a measured compromise that at once illustrates progress on the long-intractable issue and the deep-seated partisan divide that persists.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/congress-sends-landmark-gun-violence-compromise-to-biden-to-sign-into-law-20220625-p5awid.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
Peter Broelman
Matt Golding
John Shakespeare
Cathy Wilcox
Alan Moir
Jon Kudelka
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
Here’s a late entry for the Dawn Patrol from Katherine Murphy who writes that Australian voters have sent Peter Dutton a clear message, and he would be silly to miss the cue. She says Dutton’s choice to continue a policy of wrecking in energy highlights the challenge Albanese has in seeking to end the destructive decade.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/25/australian-voters-have-sent-peter-dutton-a-clear-message-he-would-be-silly-to-miss-the-cue
It’s a beauty!
Open for comment.
Rachel Maddow –
Chris Hayes –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Bill Maher – (new rules 45:30)
Overtime –
A very interesting take on the death of Roe v Wade, by Lizzie O’Shea, writing for Tim Dunlop.
If the opponents of abortion in the US think they have won then they need to think again.
Friday is take out the rubbish day. Is that what the Supreme (!) Court thinks of Roe v Wade?
Gosh, wasn’t Bruz lucky. What fortuitous timing for him.
.
Search for NY trade job candidates cancelled the day before Barilaro’s resignation
https://www.watoday.com.au/politics/nsw/search-for-ny-trade-job-candidates-cancelled-the-day-before-barilaro-s-resignation-20220624-p5awbj.html
Lawrence O’Donnell – (must see)
Shades of two recent leaders of the Australian Liberals?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/jun/25/boris-johnson-conservatives-byelections-uk-politics-strikes-live
Of course!
The audience at Gerard’s sad little ‘institute’ would have gone wild with applause. All five of them.
This characture has used a niche vocabulary to vilify the most populous profession in NSW
Out of touch!
Bastards! The day before the election Scovid was still insisting this family could not stay.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers. A rather skimpy collection today, I’m afraid.
James Massola reports that two key Senate crossbenchers are threatening to vote against government legislation after the Anthony Albanese slashed the number of advisers they will have in the new parliament.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/furious-crossbench-senators-threaten-to-vote-against-labor-legislation-after-staff-cuts-20220625-p5awjb.html
Jacqui Maley seems to side with Sally McManus’s “OK Boomer” jibe at the RBA’s Philip Rowe.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/sally-mcmanus-has-pulled-the-ok-boomer-card-on-phil-lowe-is-it-fair-20220624-p5awf1.html
Michael Pascoe begins this thoughtful contribution with, “For most of us, it’s in our nature not to do much more than we need to do to be comfortable. Inertia is a powerful force. Which is why it sometimes takes difficulties and challenges to force us to change, to do more than we have been comfortable doing, to drive innovation. And that is why the “problem” of a shortage of desirable workers or the need to pay employees more, is not necessarily as bad as the usual self-serving lobbyists make out. In the big picture, it can result in greater investment and improved productivity, along with the Darwinian aspect of the least healthy failing.”
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2022/06/25/moussaka-productivity-challenges-pascoe/
The government has admitted almost all rooftop solar energy in Australia may be double-counted – a massive emission reduction free ride for Australia’s largest corporations. Callum Foote reports.
https://michaelwest.com.au/revealed-australias-true-emissions-concealed-corporates-double-count-household-rooftop-solar/
There is one area in which the Greens are out in a class of their own – hubris, writes Noel Turnbull.
https://johnmenadue.com/noel-turnbull-hubristic-greens/
Caitlin Fitzsimmons writes that the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States could reignite the debate about abortion access in Australia and increase the stigma for people who terminate unwanted pregnancies.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/what-overturning-roe-v-wade-means-for-australia-20220625-p5awk9.html
A memo from the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis warned federal and state government officials, including judges, were probably “most at risk for violence in response to the decision”. It noted that potential violence was expected “for weeks” following Friday’s decision, and that domestic violent extremists “may be mobilised to respond to changes in state laws and ballot measures” related to abortion.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/2022/06/26/america-abortion-ruling-protest/?breaking_live_scroll=1
“United States, no more. It is a failed state”, declares Philip Adams. He makes a strong case.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/united-states-no-more-it-is-a-failed-state/news-story/f6053c96f6ac8dca3cd0a1412cca4297
Katherine Stewart explains How the Christian right took over the judiciary and changed America. Frightening.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/25/roe-v-wade-abortion-christian-right-america
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
Matt Golding
Mark Knight
From the US
Written by Margaret Atwood in May.
I INVENTED GILEAD. THE SUPREME COURT IS MAKING IT REAL.
I thought I was writing fiction in The Handmaid’s Tale.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/05/supreme-court-roe-handmaids-tale-abortion-margaret-atwood/629833/
Atwood has said this –
https://lithub.com/margaret-atwood-on-how-she-came-to-write-the-handmaids-tale/
Who would have thought back in 1984/85 when the book was written that the US would revert to this sort of false “Christianity”?
Amy Remeikis running Insiders today. Getting lots of applause on twitter.
The changing face of homelessness in regional NSW: ‘I’m working, but everything is unaffordable’
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/26/the-changing-face-of-homelessness-in-regional-nsw-im-working-but-everything-is-unaffordable
Wondering why so much NSW public housing has disappeared? Sadly, when the NSW government was looking after most public housing they allowed many free-standing homes to be flogged off to investors, not to tenants. One doctor owns almost a whole street on this estate.
City people moved up here during the pandemic and inflated both house prices and rents. They are still here, totally oblivious to the damage they have done to locals. The same applies across regional NSW and especially in the highly desirable coastal towns.
Doug Cameron is not at all impressed with Greg Sheridan on Insiders.
And more from Michael West –
An American woman on the abortion ruling
What the frack is offensive about this? It merely tells the truth!
I am in Broome. Temp 30c.
I have a 6 hour bus trip to Fitzroy Crossing tomorrow morning.
Leone2
The truth can be offensive to some, but I thought that was the point of Twitter.
It us an accurate description of the man.
That worm Dutton wants to send pensioners back to work! Just as well he isn’t in government and his brain farts (if he has a functioning brain which is doubtful) go nowhere.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2022/jun/26/australia-news-live-updates-daniel-andrews-defends-new-ministers-federal-crossbenchers-livid-live#maincontent
Well, I would work more at my job of caring for people with disabilities if I didn’t lose 50c off my pension for every dollar earned over the threshold. ($300pf). But, his proposal should only apply to wages, not investment income.
Particularly as I pay for my fuel to, from and between clients. So I turn down work too far from my home and restrict my hours to stay under the infome test thresh-hold.
To restate, this should ONLY apply to wages or sole traders (like Uber drivers and pizza deliverers or baby/pet sitting for example) , not income from investments or rental properties etc where no work is done.
But first the dole should be raised and the Disability pension raised too.
I still check news on Ukraine every day . I believe if the West supply enough weapons and ammo to Ukraine (not much has arrived so far, the big stuff is just starting to get there.) Ukraine will drive Russia out and then they will try to take back Crimea.
Putin has made tge biggest blunder in Russian history by invading Ukraine. This conflict, along with the USA Jan 6th insurrection, will be churning out PhFs for the 100 years, in every academic discipline except cosmology!
This guy is great for up-to-date news with maps of the Ukraine -Russia war.
https://youtu.be/iN-DZ8QoX94 along with Operator Starsky on YouTube. He is a member of the Ukraine forces.
An Aussie guy , who has some a degree in history and economics of war or some such and worked for our defence force has excellent analysis of aspects of this conflict. His assessment of the possibility of Putin using nukes was very interesting (very low chance). He goes by the handle PERUN if you want to check it out.
Thanks for the links.
insect
Someone whose entire world consists of Twitter
Hmmmmmmm –
If life begins at conception, why don’t the issue birth certificates to include the time the fetus spends in utero?
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Ross Gittins explains why fears of 1970s-style stagflation are indeed misplaced.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/boomer-fantasy-why-fears-of-1970s-style-stagflation-are-indeed-misplaced-20220626-p5awm8.html.
This is a good article from Sean Kelly in which he compares the attitudes of big to the current wages issue and when the emissions trading scheme was being developed ten years ago
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/has-business-learnt-its-lesson-from-climate-wars-20220626-p5awmy.html
Profits push up prices too, so why is the RBA governor only talking about wages, asks Jim Stanford.
https://theconversation.com/profits-push-up-prices-too-so-why-is-the-rba-governor-only-talking-about-wages-185688
Members of the former government and their right-wing media cheer squad trying to make political capital out of the rate at which the new Prime Minster is clocking up frequent flyer points are ignoring the national interest, declares the editorial in the Canberra Times that points out the PM’s European trip is vital to Australia’s security. (For example have a look at Leak’s effort below).
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7795498/albaneses-european-trip-vital-to-our-security/?cs=27763
Peter Dutton has warned the New South Wales Liberal party it is “completely unacceptable” to preselect candidates on the eve of an election, reports Paul Karp.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/26/peter-dutton-says-nsw-liberal-party-preselection-delays-were-completely-unacceptable
Foreign policy experts say Anthony Albanese’s visit to Paris this week is as much about repairing one of Australia’s oldest partnerships as reviving one of its newest, a powerful asset for competition with China, writes James Robertson.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/2022/06/26/france-macron-security-albanese-morrison/
As the Australian prime minister heads for the Nato summit in Madrid on 29-30 June, there is churn in the global strategic situation. The Albanese government has thus far taken strongly supportive positions towards US policy in both Asia and Ukraine. We are supporting flawed postures, argues Dennis Argall.
https://johnmenadue.com/dennis-argall-points-for-an-australian-strategic-policy/
According to Troy Bramston, Anthony Albanese is set to go ahead with the Voice referendum even if the Coalition refuses to back the indigenous body.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/nation/anthony-albanese-to-go-ahead-with-voice-referendum-even-if-coalition-refuses-to-back-indigenous-body/news-story/ca9864bb1b97bd5ab9cfe36579d163e6
The Liberal Party’s disastrous financial and political decline in Western Australia is just the most extreme example of its state-by-state fall from political grace, writes Jennifer Hewett.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/liberals-look-for-love-in-all-the-wrong-places-20220625-p5awkp
The new Parliament should take responsibility for dealing with pork barrelling – not pass the buck to an integrity commission, writes John Austen.
https://johnmenadue.com/restoring-integrity-to-commonwealth-infrastructure-spending/
A crackdown by the Australian Taxation Office on rorts involving family trusts has drawn alarm from some advisers as some of the practices under the microscope have become common practice, writes Ben Butler.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/26/australian-taxation-office-crackdown-on-family-trust-rorts-causes-alarm-among-tax-advisers
Nobody could be more enthusiastic about the release of the latest census data than newly minted Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh, writes Rachel Clun.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/stats-nerd-leigh-in-dream-job-on-the-eve-of-census-20220620-p5av1v.html
The national conversation we need to have is of the grimmest reality — suicide is the leading cause of death in Australia’s teenagers and bullying plays a large part, writes Gerry Georgatos.
https://independentaustralia.net/life/life-display/too-often-stigma-based-bullying-ends-in-suicide,16492
Law professor, Rosiland Dixon, tells us that the US abortion case shows we cannot take reproductive rights for granted.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/us-abortion-case-shows-we-cannot-take-reproductive-rights-for-granted-20220626-p5awo2.html
Decriminalising abortion was one of the most important decisions in the history of NSW, and it must be safeguarded forever, writes Andrew Constance.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/abortion-should-never-again-be-criminalised-in-nsw-20220626-p5awnz.html
Meanwhile, experts say that accessing abortion is still a postcode lottery for women across regional Australia, despite all jurisdictions decriminalising the procedure in recent years.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/abortion-access-in-parts-of-australia-remains-very-dire-experts-say-20220626-p5awp3.html
The SMH editorial says that the American abortion decision deepens cultural divide between US and Australia. It also refers to the recent hearings on the insurrection in Congress point to a country so riven by partisan hatred that it cannot even agree on the most fundamental processes of democracy.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/abortion-decision-deepens-cultural-divide-between-us-and-australia-20220626-p5awpe.html
Leading Democrats on Sunday continued calling the supreme court’s legitimacy into question after it took away the nationwide right to abortion last week, and some again called for appointing additional justices to the panel so as to blunt the conservative super-majority which made the controversial ruling possible.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/26/elizabeth-warren-democrats-question-supreme-court-legitimacy
With the end of Roe, the US edges closer and closer to civil war, writes a concerned Stephen Marche who says. “The cracks in the foundations of the United States are widening, rapidly and on several fronts. The overturning of Roe v Wade has provoked a legitimacy crisis no matter what your politics.”
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/26/second-civil-war-us-abortion
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
Cathy Wilcox
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
Josh needs to be sent a copy, see if he tales the hint.
