Thank you to Billie for excellent advice to our new Federal government:
Next thread starter . . . .
With the start of a new Parliament under a Labor government, here is a Wishlist
- Change foreign policy to treat China as a major trading partner, not a potential enemy to invade at USA behest
- Stop buying USA defence materiel that is unsuitable for Australian conditions and non-operable without US approval
- Tax coal miners and gas producers
- Implement gas reservation policy on east coast
- Stop subsidising miners and gas producers
- Abolish stage 3 tax cuts for incomes over $150,000
- Abolish tax concessions for self funded retirees
- Increase income support payments, abolish INDUE card, abolish Mutual Obligation, Workforce Australia
- ⬆️Access to fee-free TAFE for in-demand courses like aged-care, childcare
- Reverse drift to casualised workforce
- Federal ICAC
and thanks to Tony Burke, for his always insightful 5&5:
| Tony Burke tony@tonyburke.com.au via email.actionnetwork.org | 12:49 (5 hours ago) |  | |
| to me |
 Well, I’ve decided I like this job better. We’re back in Parliament and, as you know, the Prime Minister is Anthony Albanese. I always used to give you an update as Manager of Opposition Business. But I’m a lot happier now giving you an update at the end of the Parliamentary week as Leader of the House. So once again, here’s the 5&5:BESTGovernment benchesThe Prime Minister’s first answerUluru Statement from the heartWelcome to countryFirst SpeechesWORST Having to clean up a decade of messPeter Dutton’s scare campaignPaul Fletcher hit with neuralyzerPauline Hanson walk-outMorrison no-show  1. We didn’t waste a minute. We introduced legislation to take real action on climate change; reform the broken aged care system; abolish the cashless debit card; and set up Jobs and Skills Australia to tackle our skills shortages. I also had the incredible privilege of introducing legislation to give 11 million Australians access to paid family and domestic violence leave. These are all things that should have been done years ago – but it’s taken a Labor Government to start getting it done.  2. “I thank very much the Leader of the Opposition for the question, and I congratulate him on his election as Leader of the Liberal Party. I wish him well as Leader of the Opposition and I hope he stays there for a very, very long time!” That’s how Anthony Albanese began his first answer as Prime Minister to Peter Dutton’s first question as Liberal leader. Generous. Or at least generous-ish. 3. “Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Indigenous Australians: How is the Australian Government delivering the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and in particular, progressing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution?” With that question Marion Scrymgour became the first ever First Nations backbencher to ask a question of a First Nations minister.  4. “Respect is taking responsibility for the now, the past, the present and the future”. The Welcome to Country before the opening of parliament, introduced by Dr Aunty Matilda House-Williams and delivered by her son Paul Girrawah House, was incredibly moving. His words outlining the struggle of First Nations people for rights and respect was a reminder of how far we’ve come but how far we still have to go. He ended with a passionate call to implement the Uluru Statement of the Heart and begin the process for a referendum to enshrine a First Peoples Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. We intend to do both! 5. One of the best parts of any new Parliament – particularly when you win government – is hearing from new colleagues for the first time. And what an incredible series of first speeches from Labor members this week! Sally Sitou … Zaneta Mascarenhas … Louise-Miller Frost … Marion Scrymgour … Tracey Roberts … and Tania Lawrence in the House, as well as Jana Stewart in the Senate. I’m so happy to be a part of a government that looks and sounds more like Australia.  1. The Government has been left with a huge mess to clean up after the wilful neglect of the previous decade. The economic challenges are particularly acute – and that was reinforced this week with the inflation figures and an economic statement to Parliament by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. It was a powerful speech that was brutally honest with the Australian people: things are going to get worse before they get better. We didn’t make this mess – but we are taking responsibility for cleaning it up. 2. So surely the economy was Peter Dutton’s focus in his first Question Time as Opposition Leader right? Nope. Instead he fell back on a weak, tired old anti-union scare campaign. Seriously? He’s had two months to prepare for this and that’s all he’s got? This does not bode well for the next three years. 3. I think over the years you’ve worked out that I really like the Parliament. You may also have a sneaking suspicion that the Libs and the Nats wish it wasn’t there. Who needs democracy when you think you’re born to rule? So it was pretty funny watching the antics of the new Manager of Opposition Business Paul Fletcher this week. First he tried to blame us for the fact Parliament isn’t sitting very much this year – conveniently forgetting that’s because his government only scheduled 10 sitting days in the first half of the year. Then when I made changes to Standing Orders to allow more debate on urgent bills he attacked us for shutting down debate. Ummm. I think Agent J from Men in Black has hit Mr Fletcher with his neuralyzer – because he seems to have forgotten the last decade ever happened. 4. Pauline Hanson has sat through dozens of Acknowledgements of Country during her time in the Senate because it’s a routine thing that’s been happening for more than a decade. This week she decided to storm out and make a scene as if it was a new thing. Pointless, divisive culture wars are still a thing then.  5. I bet you wish you’d heard the last of this guy  But I can’t let this through to the keeper without comment. Scott Morrison was a no-show in Parliament this week because he was in Japan getting paid to make a speech. If he’s off being paid to do another job – why does he expect taxpayers to keep paying him to do this one?But let me finish with the first thing that happened after we were sworn in. My friend Milton Dick was dragged to the Speaker’s chair. It was a real highlight in an incredible week. I know that he’ll bring fairness and decency to the role.Parliament’s back again next week and I’ll write to you straight after that.‘til then,Tony.PS. After 20 years Joni Mitchell finally performed again this week and I’ve been wanting to find an excuse to have ‘Both Sides Now’ as song of the week. When there’s a change of government the song means something slightly different to every one of us. But I’m pretty happy with the side of the room where we’ve landed. Here is Dave Le’aupepe – yes I know, lead singer of Gang of Youths – singing Joni’s ‘Both Sides Now’.Authorised by T. Burke MP, Australian Labor Party, Shop 29, 1 Broadway Punchbowl, NSW 2196Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Tony Burke, please click here. |
THE PUB 
How did Jonathan Pie know who would be PM yesterday?
57.4%. She won’t last long.
friendlyjordies –
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Most voters think Scott Morrison should resign from parliament over his decision to secretly appoint himself to five additional portfolios while prime minister, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll, which also finds trust in government in steady decline, writes Sarah Martin who also points out the strong support for a decent ICAC.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/06/guardian-essential-poll-majority-thinks-scott-morrison-should-resign-over-secret-ministries-decision
Paul Karp took one for the team and reports that on Sky After Dark, Scott Morrison has said he didn’t immediately apologise for having himself secretly sworn in to multiple ministries because he didn’t want to be caught up in the “political circus” of criticism.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/05/scott-morrison-tells-sky-news-he-didnt-want-to-be-drawn-into-political-circus-over-secret-ministries
She idolised Thatcher and now Liz Truss is Britain’s next PM. Rob Harris reports on her ascension.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/she-idolised-thatcher-now-liz-truss-is-on-the-cusp-of-becoming-britain-s-next-pm-20220903-p5bf34.html
Harris says that Truss has inherited a poisoned chalice.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/the-new-british-prime-minister-inherits-a-poisoned-chalice-20220905-p5bffv.html
Liz Truss is the new UK Prime Minister, and Ben Wellings tells us what it means for Australia.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/uk-news/2022/09/05/liz-truss-uk-pm/?breaking_live_scroll=1
James Massola tells us that taxpayers will foot a $650,000 bill to cover former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller’s claims of damage and loss suffered while she worked for former cabinet ministers Alan Tudge and Michaelia Cash.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-government-settles-tudge-affair-case-for-650k-20220905-.html
Skills training can no longer be viewed as a second-class option, urges the SMH editorial.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/skills-training-can-no-longer-be-viewed-as-a-second-class-option-20220902-p5beyy.html
Economist Sherelle Murphy reckons it’s time to give the RBA permission to be unpopular.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/it-s-time-to-give-the-rba-permission-to-be-unpopular-20220905-p5bfda.html
Phil Coorey and Michael Read report that restoring the full excise on fuel at the end of this month will inflict hardship beyond the petrol pump, with Treasury forecasting it will increase the annual headline inflation rate by 0.25 of a percentage point.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/fuel-tax-restoration-will-add-0-25pc-to-cpi-treasury-20220905-p5bfd7
This campaign to scrap the stage three tax cuts is really about forcing Australians to pay more tax to fund an expansion of Labor’s social programs, declares the AFR’s editorial.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/tax-incentives-need-sharpening-not-blunting-20220904-p5bfbf
Jack Waterford reckons Albanese can afford to seem firm about tax cuts.
https://johnmenadue.com/albanese-can-afford-to-seem-firm-about-tax-cuts/
Jacqui Lambie has said the government is “bloody dreaming” if it plans to push through multi-employer bargaining before the end of the year, increasing the prospect of a drawn-out battle over the ambitious industrial relations changes in the Senate, writes Angus Thompson.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/bloody-dreaming-lambie-flags-senate-fight-on-industrial-relations-changes-20220905-p5bfel.html
The Jobs Summit highlighted the Albanese Government’s need to improve on its disability employment strategy, writes Melissa Marsden.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/jobs-summit-skims-over-solutions-to-disability-employment,16733
According to Harley Dennett, the federal government’s legislation for an anti-corruption and integrity commission will be introduced to the Parliament early next week.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7890102/labors-icac-to-be-revealed-next-week/?cs=14329
In the first of two articles, John Dwyer argues that our primary care system needs a philosophical and structural revolution.
https://johnmenadue.com/our-primary-care-system-needs-a-philosophical-and-structural-revolution-to-be-fit-for-purpose-part-one/
Lifting migration was easy – now Australia faces two tougher choices on migrant income and residency
https://theconversation.com/lifting-migration-was-easy-now-australia-faces-two-tougher-choices-on-migrant-income-and-residency-189952
The Labor Government seems focused on the mantra of jobs and growth, failing to observe the detrimental effects on biodiversity, writes Sue Arnold.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/albanese-government-favours-jobs-and-growth-over-biodiversity,16734
Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher has said the upheaval in energy policies and the switch to a new government is “a big change”, and that longer federal parliamentary terms would bring more stability for an industry undergoing disruptive change.
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/energy-bosses-optimistic-after-decade-of-energy-policy-failure-20220902-p5bext
The AFR tells us that Australia’s $3.3 trillion super system will mature into 10 mega funds each with $500 billion or so in assets that will dominate Australia’s financial system and seek a greater say in the governance of corporations.
https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/how-10-mega-super-funds-will-dominate-financial-system-20220904-p5bfav
Michael Koziol reports that thousands of eastern Sydney home owners fear higher insurance premiums and lower property values after they were blindsided by a formal notification that their properties are at increased risk of flooding.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-home-owners-fear-premium-hikes-hit-to-property-values-after-shock-flood-rating-20220826-p5bd1m.html
Tom Rabe and Matt O’Sullivan report that the NSW government has flagged the introduction of road user charges to reduce Sydney’s congestion and remove inequities in the tolling system. A cabinet-endorsed blueprint – released on Monday – outlines major long-term reforms for the state’s transport system including the need for the government to consider new ways to fund the network due to the rise of electric and automated vehicles.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-drivers-may-be-hit-with-charges-for-road-use-20220905-p5bfls.html
The Age says that Victoria’s triple-zero agency has repeatedly lobbied the state government since 2015 to provide consistent funding to recruit staff and cater for heightened demand.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/triple-zero-crisis-government-failed-to-address-esta-funding-problems-20220905-p5bfjl.html
Our main trading partner is involved in systematic torture, writes Peter Hartcher who ponders over what should be done about it.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/our-main-trading-partner-is-involved-in-systematic-torture-what-now-20220905-p5bfd8.html
If one were to measure the performance of Alan Joyce based on social media, he would rank high on the list of “Australia’s Least Wanted” chief executives. But this CEO has two highly effective secret weapons, says Elizabeth Knight.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/titanium-man-how-alan-joyce-has-survived-the-union-and-passenger-attacks-20220905-p5bfgt.html
Meanwhile, Qantas is facing renewed pressure over its approach to industrial relations with the pilots’ union accusing the airline of “strong-arm” tactics in their latest negotiations.
https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/pilots-accuse-qantas-of-management-failures-and-strong-arm-industrial-relations-approach-20220905-p5bfl4.html
Begging is tough enough at the best of times, but brutal now that the nation is on the brink of a cashless economy. Card machines may be an alternative for Australians who rely on spare change from strangers to stay afloat, writes James Fitzgerald Sice, but is this the best way to get ahead?
https://michaelwest.com.au/tapped-out-underclass-left-behind-in-australias-cashless-future/
Joe Kelly in The Australian writes that Catholic schools have been strongly advised not to assist in efforts to affirm gender transitions in students through the use of drugs or surgical interventions and that “a human being’s sex is a physical, biological reality”.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/nation/catholics-gender-warning-for-schools/news-story/a2cce209f2dbf79c8a32d4f6b6ab4b74
The world’s largest maker of artificial intelligence chips has found itself in the front line of a fresh push by the US to frustrate China’s ambition of overtaking the US to become the world’s technology superpower, explains Stephen Bartholomeusz.
https://www.theage.com.au/technology/chip-warfare-us-china-tensions-are-ramping-up-in-the-battle-to-be-no-1-20220905-p5bfdh.html
Farrah Tomalin writes that the investigation into Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents could be significantly delayed after a judge temporarily blocked the US Justice Department’s ability to probe the material seized by the FBI until an independent review was conducted.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/trump-wins-bid-for-review-of-seized-fbi-documents-as-election-campaign-heats-up-20220906-p5bfnl.html
Cartoon Corner
Cathy Wilcox
David Pope
David Rowe
John Shakespeare
Andrew Dyson
Fiona Katauskas
Glen Le Lievre
Matt Golding
Alan Moir
Mark Knight
Spooner!
LOL Peter, the same as every time our major ally goes about doing some ‘systematic torture’ . SFA.
“Farrah Tomalin writes that the investigation into Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents could be significantly delayed after a judge temporarily blocked the US Justice Department’s ability to probe the material seized by the FBI until an independent review was conducted.”
Time for Judge Cannon to pay for her appointment by Trump?
I couldn’t possibly comment . . .
Withering commentary from James O’Brien about how right wing media takes umbrage from criticism of their side, yet it’s supposed to be the “left” that are meant to be precious snowflakes wanting to cancel everyone.
Also his reaction when Liz Truss was announced as leader.
Jonathan Pie’s farewell to Boris.
Dog help the poor buggers
It gets worse – climate denier and all-round idiot Jacob Rees-Mogg is now Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, who decried ‘climate alarmism’, to take on UK energy brief
Minister adds climate change to role after Liz Truss fails to hire dedicated energy minister
Record of climate denialism indicates how Rees-Mogg will handle energy brief
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/06/jacob-rees-mogg-climate-alarmism-uk-energy-brief
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Shane Wright and Rachel Clun say that Anthony Albanese is facing growing calls to deliver substantial cost-of-living relief in his first budget next month as inflation pressures intensify and the Reserve Bank drives up interest rates to their highest level in seven years.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/cost-of-living-pressure-mounts-on-albanese-ahead-of-first-budget-20220906-p5bfwz.html
Paul Kelly writes, “Anthony Albanese has embarked on a grand experiment – attempting to find a new method of Labor governance based on common ground, inclusion and fiscal responsibility in a quest where his ALP predecessors Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard were conspicuous failures.”
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/pms-quest-to-reverse-past-labor-failures/news-story/cbf75a46516039fa5e8b5568e5652731
RBA governor Philip Lowe may appear non-venomous, but the bespectacled anaconda is not going to let go until he’s sure inflation is constricted and back near the central bank’s 2 to 3 per cent range, writes The Australian’s Tom Dusevic.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/nation/reserve-bank-governor-philip-lowe-has-us-ina-deep-squeeze/news-story/7ea35d6af0c36294d04b3dd611bdbf47
The RBA’s latest rate rise is just a down payment on the pain coming for households and businesses and will be made worse by the fallout from Europe’s energy crisis, says Jennifer Hewett.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rates-hit-households-hard-with-worse-to-come-20220906-p5bft1
Australia has recorded its 13th consecutive current account surplus after booming coal prices drove a record $43 billion trade surplus. Strong growth in export volumes means Australia’s improved trade balance will contribute 1 percentage point to June quarter GDP growth, to be released today, explains Michael Read.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/record-43-1b-trade-surplus-as-coal-exports-boom-20220906-p5bfrp
Ross Gittins wonders if businesses are delaying improving pay and conditions while they increase pressure on the government to solve their problem the easier and cheaper way, by hastening the post-pandemic inflow of skilled workers on temporary visas, plus backpackers and overseas students.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/why-labour-shortages-can-be-good-for-you-and-the-economy-20220906-p5bfod.html
Shane Wright says that ever since central banks slashed interest rates to deal with the global financial crisis, what is considered a normal interest rate has been trashed. The COVID-19 pandemic made it worse as some central banks used negative interest rates while most, including the RBA, engaged in quantitative easing. Wright reckons the days of ultra-low interest rates are gone.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-concept-of-normal-has-been-lost-in-the-post-pandemic-world-20220906-p5bfpc.html
Josh Butler reports that pensioners will be given more support and financial incentive to downsize their homes in a bid to boost housing stock for families, as the Labor government moves to legislate an election commitment first proposed by the Coalition.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/07/labor-to-give-pensioners-greater-financial-incentives-to-downsize-homes
Dana Daniel tells us that Australians will save $12.50 on some common medicines from January as the federal government moves to address cost-of-living concerns amid rising inflation and interest rates. Today Mark Butler will introduce legislation to reduce the maximum general co-payment for medicines on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme from $42.50 to $30.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/cheaper-medicines-on-the-way-as-albanese-seeks-to-address-cost-of-living-20220906-p5bfwh.html
Repealing the Stage 3 tax cuts won’t be an easy task, presenting Anthony Albanese with a unique set of challenges, writes Professor John Quiggin.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/scrapping-stage-3-tax-cuts-is-essential-but-wont-be-an-easy-ride,16739
The only explanation that the Prime Minister seems to be able to come up with to justify going ahead with the Stage Three Tax Cuts is that Labor had committed itself, writes John Lord who looks at their justification or otherwise.
https://theaimn.com/stage-three-tax-cuts-are-they-justified/
Those on variable-rate mortgages with substantial equity in their homes are in a strong position to negotiate a lower rate with their lender, explains John Collett about the cost of mortgage loyalty.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/cost-of-mortgage-loyalty-hits-record-high-20220905-p5bfkl.html
Australians on unemployment benefits are set for two record paydays – but it’s a sign of a broken system, long overdue for a fix, argues Peter Martin.
https://theconversation.com/australians-on-unemployment-benefits-are-set-for-two-record-paydays-but-its-a-sign-of-a-broken-system-long-overdue-for-a-fix-189954
Labor has signalled it may axe an $18m grant to a leadership foundation for which the governor general, David Hurley, personally lobbied the Morrison government. Paul Karp tells us that the government’s leader in the Senate, Penny Wong, revealed yesterday that the grant to establish the Australian Future Leaders Program “is under review” as part of the October budget, along with other unspecified Coalition initiatives.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/06/labor-may-axe-18m-grant-to-foundation-for-which-governor-general-lobbied-scott-morrison
It’s time to review Commonwealth Rent Assistance and the rate at which it is indexed to ensure pensioners are not being forced to choose between meeting their cost of living and having somewhere to live, writes Rachel Lane.
https://www.smh.com.au/money/planning-and-budgeting/mind-the-gap-pensioners-struggle-with-higher-rents-20220906-p5bfv0.html
Changing the childcare subsidy system involves working with three government departments, 23 software providers and 13,685 childcare services. And that’s after the legislation passes parliament, explains Katina Curtis.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/why-the-childcare-changes-can-t-be-fast-tracked-20220906-p5bfqv.html
Doug Dingwall reports that, in his first public address since taking the most senior role in the Australian Public Service, Glyn Davis urged department and agency leaders to avoid restricting staff within “organisational straitjackets”, and to instead draw on their diversity of opinions and experiences.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7891084/new-pmc-boss-has-blunt-message-for-senior-public-servants/?cs=14329
At least 1,000 childcare centres across the country will close their doors on Wednesday to protest low wages and conditions in what unions say is the biggest industrial action early educators have taken.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/06/more-than-1000-australian-early-childhood-education-centres-to-strike-for-better-pay-and-conditions
Paul Sakkal reveals that the former chairman of Victoria’s triple-zero service was pressured to resign after asking the state government for a solution to a funding method that he said was fundamentally flawed.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/andrews-government-pushed-out-triple-zero-chief-after-funding-plea-20220906-p5bfp8.html
Now Knox Grammar has uncovered the involvement of boys and girls from other schools in an online private chat room set up by its students that posted violent and racist messages.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/boys-and-girls-at-other-schools-involved-in-knox-grammar-scandal-20220906-p5bfxo.html
With just 100 electric buses, the NSW state government has a long way to go before it reaches the target of converting the 8000-strong fleet.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-s-bold-target-to-electrify-bus-fleet-running-five-years-late-20220906-p5bfts.html
David Crowe tells us that the Coalition opposition is threatening a government plan to give buyers an exemption from fringe benefits tax if the electric vehicle costs less than $72,000.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/just-not-good-policy-senate-stand-off-looms-over-electric-vehicle-tax-cut-20220906-p5bftj.html
Paul Bongiorno declares that union bashing is a return to a political Jurassic Park.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2022/09/06/paul-bongiorno-union-bashing-wages/
According to Lisa Visentin, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has told colleagues to prepare for a “slow build” campaign on an Indigenous Voice to parliament, as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused the government of being unable to answer basic questions on the process.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/labor-prepares-for-slow-build-on-voice-referendum-as-coalition-demands-more-detail-20220906-p5bfsb.html
Here’s part 2 of John Dwyer’s argument on why our primary health care system needs a philosophical and structural revolution.
https://johnmenadue.com/our-primary-care-system-is-no-longer-fit-for-purpose-but-to-make-it-so-will-require-a-philosophical-and-structural-revolution-part-two/
Clive Hamilton writes that he has had a long battle with climate despair, but now he’s leaving the ‘denial machine’ to their demons. He says, “As those most responsible for the crisis recede into history, our energy is better spent responding to the world we have created”.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/07/ive-had-a-long-battle-with-climate-despair-now-im-leaving-the-denial-machine-to-their-demons
Laura Chung and Miki Perkins write that a report by conservation group WWF released on Wednesday gives Australia an “F” in biodiversity, finding that the Western Australian electorates of O’Connor and Durack contain more than 270 threatened species – the highest in the country.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/tragic-legacy-of-extinction-australia-gets-an-f-in-biodiversity-20220906-p5bfob.html
In a very interesting evaluation, Mick Ryan writes that Ukraine’s southern offensive signals a new stage of brutal combat.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/ukraine-s-southern-offensive-signals-new-stage-of-brutal-combat-20220906-p5bfrj.html
Meanwhile, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has called for the creation of a security zone around the Zaporizhzhia plant on the frontline of Russia’s war in Ukraine, in a long-awaited report that detailed extensive damage there.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/06/iaea-gravely-concerned-about-damaged-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant
Australians must not ignore the Religious Right’s global warnings, urges Lucy Hamilton in an interesting contribution.
https://theaimn.com/australians-must-not-ignore-the-religious-rights-global-warnings/
The military exercise “Pitch Black” is currently underway in Northern Australia and Vince Scappatura tells us how it has evolved over the years. He explains what it is setting out to achieve in the light of current events in our region.
https://johnmenadue.com/pitch-black-not-a-benign-military-training-exercise/
Matthew Knott reports that Manasseh Sogavare has savaged the Albanese government’s offer to help fund Solomon Islands’ election as “direct interference by a foreign government”.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/assault-on-democracy-solomons-pm-blasts-australia-over-election-offer-20220906-p5bfwq.html
Jetstar has been operating with half its long-haul fleet out of service because of maintenance and engineering issues, contributing to widespread cancellations that have affected thousands of customers’ international travel plans. I have no desire to fly internationally ever again.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/jetstar-has-half-of-long-haul-fleet-grounded-as-thousands-stuck-abroad-20220906-p5bfpf.html
Northern Territory Supreme Court Justice Judith Kelly’s widely publicised speech on August 26th delivered to a Women’s Lawyers function in Darwin and which covered racism and family violence in Indigenous communities, delivered to a Women Lawyers, needs a response, writes Greg Barns who then gives one.
https://johnmenadue.com/rebuttal-of-justice-kelly-speech-image/
Put simply, David Jones and Myer have too much space and too many stores, and both have been working hard to deal with this problem, writes Elizabeth Knight who reckons we are in for a big retailer overhaul.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/on-sale-now-david-jones-looks-for-new-parent-raising-prospect-of-industry-overhaul-20220906-p5bfu4.html
The Convict departs in a haze of self-delusion, playing the victim card to the last, writes John Crace after Truss finally replaces Boris Johnson. Another sparkling contribution from Crace!
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/06/the-convict-departs-in-a-haze-of-self-delusion-playing-the-victim-card-to-the-last
Stephen Bartholomeusz outlines the potential trouble Trump’s media company which runs his “Truth Social” network is facing. There is a financial D-day looming.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/it-s-another-d-day-for-trump-and-his-social-media-ambitions-20220906-p5bfov.html
More here on the story that Donald Trump’s beleaguered social media company is facing further financial turmoil after a long-awaited $1.3bn cash injection looks set to be derailed due to lacklustre investor backing.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/sep/06/trump-truth-social-shareholders-investors
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
David Pope
Cathy Wilcox
Peter Broelman
Matt Golding
Andrew Dyson
John Shakespeare
Fiona Katauskas
Some gifs from Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
Spooner
From the US
Cracking good article from John Crace. It is a must read!
I (don’t) wonder if Radon Liz has a sense of humour …
Test
From Thee Dawn Patrol. Pope nailed the Dismal Science bullshit we are being sold.
Yesterday’s 0.5% rate rise is the 4th at this amount and the 5th overall. (ie. 0.25% in May and 0.5% in subsequent months). The effects of the first rise are only being really felt now in rising rents and mortgage repayments.
Because of the lag effect of 3-4 months the full effect of the four x 0.5% rises won’t be felt until the end of the year. The RBA has unleashed a tsunami of misery to renters and mortgage holders in order to play catch up in containing inflation. They should have started increasing rates more slowly 18 months ago.
Lowe made a huge blunder last year stating that rates would be staying low until at least 2024. New borrowers jumped into the property market. And why not? Savings Accounts were paying SFA interest. Borrowers mortgaged themselves to the hilt. The average mortgage, I think, is about $750k and the 5 rate rises will add about $900+ to the monthly repayment.
Australians are facing rising cost of living pressures. The fuel excise suspension of 22c ends at the end of this month. This will add about 0.25% to the inflation rate in the following quarter. And now increased mortgage payments with wage rises below the rate of inflation.
The RBA under Lowe have trashed the economy because of their blundering. We are heading into a recession and a world of great pain. (I haven’t even mentioned the effects of the Morrison govt’s disastrous policies such as Home Builder and wage rise suppression).
The Labor Government’s review of the RBA will be welcomed by many. I hope they have cajones not to reappoint idiot Lowe to the governorship of the RBA.
Meanwhile standby for the Opposition Chorus and their media spruikers, IT’S ALL LABOR’S FAULT.
I was a little intrigued that the new British PM “kissed hands” on being confirmed by Her Maj. I hope neither had COVID-19.
I wonder if Morrison kissed the GG when he gave him all those secret ministries?
It’s just an expression.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissing_hands
Australian politicians do a similar thing only it’s a different part and it’s Rupert Murdoch.
For those interested
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/sep/06/new-cabinet-who-is-in-who-is-out-liz-truss-reshuffle
Jonathan Pie –
Seth Meyers –
Stephen Colbert –
Jimmy Kimmel –
Chris Hayes –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Lawrence O’Donnell –
I’m posting this because there was a lot of talk a week ago about retailers asking to employ 13 year olds. I see this as the thin edge of the wedge. If they get their wish it won’t be long before they start demanding younger kids. Greedy retailers making these demands have their eye on increased profits – they can pay kids a lot less than they pay adults.
Two of these little girls are aged just six, one is ten. They were working as oyster shuckers at a seafood canning company in Port Royal, South Carolina, in 1911.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/gabrielsanchez/disturbing-pictures-from-when-child-labor-was-legal-in
It wasn’t happening just in the South – it was all across the US.
Do we really want to go back to the early years of the 20th century when greedy employers used child labour because it was cheaper than paying adults?
Gina might be interested.
.
Aussies must compete with $2 a day workers: Rinehart
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-05/rinehart-says-aussie-workers-overpaid-unproductive/4243866
If you listen to/watch one thing today make it sure it is this.
James O’Brien –
F.M –
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/07/early-childhood-educators-should-be-millionaires-instead-they-are-freaking-out-because-they-cant-pay-their-bills-or-feed-their-own-kids
F.M
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/07/early-childhood-educators-should-be-millionaires-instead-they-are-freaking-out-because-they-cant-pay-their-bills-or-feed-their-own-kids
Friendlyjordies’ latest, targeting the hypocrisy of Crikey and its backers.
friendlyjordies –
Stereo!!!
Heh, whoops.
On another subject, I’ve been thinking more about Joe Lycett’s perfect demonstration of sarcastic satire in Britain earlier this week and I’m wondering if that might be a way forward to fight against the ascendant far right elsewhere in the world.
His delivery was amazing, how he pretty much broke the host in her determination to trot out the pro-Tory talking points.
I’m wondering if a similar style could be brought into Australian politics, namely with the upcoming Victorian and New South Wales state elections.
“Oh yes, I feel completely reassured by Matthew, sorry, Matt Guy’s plan to scrap apparently useless infrastructure projects, firing all those useless tradies and construction workers to pay to build so many hospitals in about a decade with invisible qualified workers to staff them… in fact why not let the construction workers staff them? I’m sure a welder would be perfectly able to do something like a hip reconstruction.”
I’d come up with an NSW example but I’m not sure exactly what Premier Stick Insect is bringing to the election next March.
Truss’s first PMQs at 2100 AEST.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2022/sep/07/liz-truss-cabinet-news-pm-therese-coffey-uk-politics-live#comments
The Truss government off to a flying Tory start. Come on down Jacob Walking-Stereotype
.
“Jacob Rees-Mogg: UK energy policy chief has dismissed climate change
Jacob Rees-Mogg, who now oversees the UK government department responsible for energy and climate change, has called to extract “every last drop” of oil and gas from the North Sea”
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2336860-jacob-rees-mogg-uk-energy-policy-chief-has-dismissed-climate-change/
PMQs is on. Could be QI.
Not for Truss, it isn’t.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
The first independent review of the Reserve Bank in four decades is already focusing on governor Philip Lowe, his executive and the institution’s board amid criticism of its handling of interest rate policy before and during the COVID pandemic, reports Shane Wright.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-governor-phil-lowe-and-bank-s-board-in-review-s-sights-over-covid-era-policies-20220907-p5bg0v.html
Dana Daniel writes that Anthony Albanese’s election promise to put a nurse in every aged care home around the clock is on shaky ground as senior bureaucrats reveal that there are no penalties for providers who fail to comply and the nurses’ union warns the promise is meaningless without enforcement. The opposition supports the Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 but sought an amendment to ensure the process of granting exemptions to providers unable to find staff was clear before the legislation could be passed and on this, they have got it right.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/no-penalties-for-aged-care-providers-who-breach-24-7-nurse-mandate-20220905-p5bfft.html
The jobs summit last week marked an extraordinary reversal of policy directions set by Peter Dutton when he was immigration minister. Abul Rizvi says that the new directions aim to repair much of the damage done to Australia’s visa system and set Australia on the path to a migration system that is internationally competitive.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/migration-changes-an-extraordinary-reversal-of-dutton-s-policies-20220907-p5bfzx.html
Greg Jericho says that we are in a fragile situation but are spending wildly as real wages are falling. Meanwhile company profits are soaring.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2022/sep/08/australians-are-spending-hard-despite-real-wages-falling-its-a-fragile-situation
John Menadue writes about the Defence Strategic Review and the loss of our strategic autonomy to the US. Over the next two weeks he will be running a series of articles to focus on the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) which is headed by Sir Angus Houston and the Hon. Stephen Smith.
https://johnmenadue.com/the-defence-strategic-review-and-the-loss-of-australias-strategic-autonomy-to-the-us/
The Albanese government has axed a controversial $18m grant to a leadership foundation that the governor general, David Hurley, personally lobbied the Morrison government to back. Paul Karp writes that the decision late yesterday follows senior government officials suggesting the Australian Future Leaders Program was under review as part of the October budget process.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/07/labor-cancels-18m-grant-to-controversial-foundation-backed-by-governor-general
It’s time for Governor-General David Hurley and Scott Morrison to go. Public perceptions of mates-deals have tarnished the two highest offices in the land. Michael West reports on the unfolding scandal of the Australian Future Leaders Foundation.
https://michaelwest.com.au/royal-favours-pipe-and-slippers-time-for-david-hurley-and-scott-morrison/
Dominic Perrottet has raised serious concerns about donations to Australian political parties, saying he feels deeply uncomfortable with the process and warned it creates corruption risks.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/deeply-uncomfortable-perrottet-flags-political-donation-concerns-20220907-p5bg3l.html
The Coalition’s retirement count hit eight this week and more are expected to announce their departures as pre-selections continue for the Liberal Party. This leaves Premier Dominic Perrottet caught in a grey area between renewal and rats fleeing a sinking ship, writes Alexandra Smith.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/perrottet-caught-between-renewal-and-rats-fleeing-a-sinking-ship-20220907-p5bfzh.html
Carrie Fellner and Mary Ward report that NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has defended the government’s choice not to establish a watchdog for the state’s troubled regional hospitals — a decision that has sparked fury among the state’s doctors and families of patients who have died unnecessarily.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/gobsmacked-fury-as-government-torpedoes-watchdog-for-hospitals-20220907-p5bg8s.html
Domestic airfares have soared to the highest in almost two years as airlines struggled with staffing shortages and the soaring cost of jet fuel, a report by the consumer watchdog shows.
https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/domestic-airfares-soar-by-more-than-50-per-cent-as-airlines-cut-flights-20220907-p5bg1q.html
Rachel Dexter says that Melbourne’s office occupancy rate remains stubbornly low, prompting grim predictions for downmarket towers that few want to work in. The Property Council of Australia’s national monthly report reveals a 1 percentage point lift in office occupancy in August, bringing Melbourne’s average for the month to 39 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fast-forward-obsolescence-fate-of-melbourne-s-old-cbd-office-towers-in-the-balance-20220907-p5bg11.html
Jim Chalmers has signalled that federal, state and local governments are poised to defer parts of their multibillion-dollar infrastructure spending as the construction sector battles labour shortages and sharp increases in material costs.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/inflation-to-slow-infrastructure-rollout-chalmers-20220907-p5bg4x
According to Lucy Cormack, NSW’s building commissioner has said he felt no choice but to resign before then-fair trading minister Eleni Petinos was sacked. He has laid out his reasons.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/concerns-about-minister-s-office-raised-three-months-before-sacking-over-bullying-allegations-20220907-p5bg3g.html
Lorena Allam reports that the Albanese government has appointed a working group of First Nations leaders to “guide the big questions” about a referendum to enshrine a voice to parliament in the constitution, including the timing of the vote, the form of words and a public education campaign.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/08/government-appoints-first-nations-leaders-to-guide-questions-about-referendum-on-indigenous-voice
As the Greens flirt with a serious loss of electoral support over its policy on the Voice to Parliament, the puzzling question is why they are doing it, remarks Noel Turnbull.
https://johnmenadue.com/why-are-the-greens-opposing-the-voice/
Decades of industry super profits rebut the spurious claims by vested interests, says Wayne Swan.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/superannuation/2022/09/06/wayne-swan-industry-super/
Anthony Albanese has called on the Coalition frontbenchers Alan Tudge and Michaelia Cash to explain the circumstances leading to their former staffer, Rachelle Miller, receiving a $650,000 payment from the commonwealth.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/07/pm-calls-on-alan-tudge-and-michaelia-cash-to-explain-circumstances-leading-to-rachelle-miller-settlement
Ignacio Galan, who has spent the last 22 years transforming a sleepy Spanish coal-burning utility into a global renewables superpower, has his eyes firmly set on Australia’s post-carbon transition.
https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/why-this-green-energy-giant-loves-australia-20220906-p5bfqr
Australia has the perfect answer for the twin perils of rising electricity prices in the short term and the danger from climate change in the long term, posits Adair Turner who says we are sitting on a clean energy bonanza.
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/australia-is-sitting-on-a-potential-clean-energy-bonanza-20220907-p5bg2y
Peter Dutton has doubled down on Liberal support for nuclear power, pre-empting a review of its energy policy by arguing nuclear will be needed to support renewables. Dutton told the Minerals Council on Wednesday that Australia needs a “frank debate” about nuclear energy, suggesting that it has a “wonderful opportunity to add value” to its uranium resources.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/07/pm-grills-peter-dutton-on-location-of-power-plants-amid-coalitions-nuclear-push
Labor’s climate change bill is set to become law – but 3 important measures are omitted, argues Professor Frank Jotzo.
https://theconversation.com/labors-climate-change-bill-is-set-to-become-law-but-3-important-measures-are-omitted-190102
One of the two major contractors for the $5 billion-plus Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project says it has no working capital facility. It describes the situation as “ludicrous” – but denies an ongoing dispute with the project owner, Snowy Hydro.
https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/snowy-20-contractor-has-no-working-capital-facility-but-denies-dispute,16736
Chevron is bracing for a 25-fold increase in its Australian tax bill this year to about $3.7 billion after finally exhausting all its tax deductions, although its huge and highly lucrative LNG ventures in Western Australia are “years away” from paying Petroleum Resource Rent Tax, explains Angela Macdonald-Smith.
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/chevron-s-tax-bill-to-rocket-to-3-7b-20220906-p5bfw2
Former NSW Labor mining minister Ian Macdonald cost the state up to $100 million by giving a coal exploration licence to a company linked to former union boss John Maitland without a competitive public tender, a Sydney court has heard. Michaela Whitbourn gives us the details.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/former-nsw-mining-minister-cost-state-up-to-100-million-trial-told-20220906-p5bfrb.html
Jennifer Hewett writes that a former Bank of Japan governor says central banks took the wrong lessons from Japan’s long-term experiment with ultra-loose monetary policy – causing them to underestimate inflation.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/why-central-banks-got-inflation-so-wrong-20220907-p5bg4w
The federal communications minister and the opposition have both criticised Australia’s broadcast rights laws as outdated, a day after the AFL announced a record $4.5 billion, seven-year TV rights deal from 2025.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/communications-minister-opposition-lash-anti-siphoning-laws-after-afl-rights-deal-signed-20220907-p5bg81.html
Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Stokes have set a new high watermark for inflation. Forget surging food, fuel or insurance costs, the two billionaire media mogul’s respective companies, Foxtel and Seven West Media, have pushed sports broadcast rights inflation into the stratosphere, says Elizabeth Knight.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/forget-higher-food-and-fuel-prices-sport-broadcast-rights-inflation-outstrips-them-all-20220907-p5bg6e.html
Michael Pascoe writes that the above $4.5 billion says we should stop political mates funding Big Sport.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2022/09/07/michael-pascoe-afl-broadcast-rights/
The editorial in the SMH says that Australia must respect Timor’s sovereignty in dispute over a gas field.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/australia-must-respect-timor-s-sovereignty-in-dispute-over-gas-field-20220907-p5bg8g.html
The consumer watchdog is investigating Qantas after customer complaints about late or cancelled flights, and is predicting more air travel chaos over the Christmas holidays. Late flights and cancellations were at their worst levels outside of the pandemic period and domestic travel would not return to normal until well into next year as airlines struggle to beef up staffing levels, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a report released yesterday.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/07/qantas-complaints-under-investigation-as-accc-says-airline-not-realistic-about-flights-it-could-serve
The environment watchdog reports a rise in sales of zero-emissions vehicles, but warns adoption is too slow and that Toyota is last on the leader board for decarbonisation.
https://www.theage.com.au/environment/sustainability/d-oh-what-a-feeling-greenpeace-pans-toyota-in-global-ranking-20220907-p5bg0d.html
For years, Apple has been a loud critic of online advertising that relies on hogging as much information about us as possible. Now, the company wants to become a bigger seller of online ads and says it can do so in a less creepy way. Apple not creepy? Sure!
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/apple-the-vocal-ad-critic-now-wants-to-sell-more-ads-20220907-p5bg09.html
With no vision, no charisma, no real plan, Labour has nothing to fear from Liz Truss, says Polly Toynbee.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/07/labour-liz-truss-prime-minister-speech
The head of the EU executive, has set out plans for windfall taxes, mandatory electricity savings and a cap on the price of Russian gas to limit Kremlin revenues used to finance the “atrocious” war in Ukraine.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/07/eu-sets-out-plans-for-windfall-taxes-and-power-savings-amid-energy-crisis
And in response, Putin has aggressively asserted that he is prepared to completely shut off gas and grain supplies to the West.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/we-will-not-supply-anything-putin-in-defiant-speech-threatens-western-gas-and-grain-supplies-20220908-p5bgaf.html
The Democrats’ best message for the midterms is that democracy is in grave peril, writes Osita Nwanevu.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/07/democrats-midterms-democracy-republicans
Cartoon Corner
David Pope
Cathy Wilcox
Alan Moir
David Rowe
Matt Golding
Andrew Dyson
John Shakespeare
Fiona Katauskas
Peter Broelman
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
So when is David Hurley going to resign?
Not only is he deeply involved in Scollum’s machinations but he should never have been made GG in the first place – he was Vice Chief of the Defence Force from 2008 to 2011, then Chief of the Defence Force on 4 July 2011 until he left the Army in 2014. Is it a mere coincidence that the war crimes alleged to have been committed by Ben Roberts-Smith and other members of the SAS occurred during those years?
Hurley has proven again and again that he is not above acting dishonestly, to say the least. How typical of Scollum to chose a GG who now seems almost as corrupt as he himself has been.
Albo needs to ask for his resignation.
“Hurley has proven again and again that he is b=not above acting dishonestly, to say the least. “
A perfect choice if you are looking for someone to trust to do your bidding. Soooo much to hold over them.
Stephen Colbert –
Chris Hayes –
Lawrence O’Donnell –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Jimmy Kimmel –
Scollum is now a non-person
This is encouraging. Is Madeleine King paying any attention? That woman has really sold out to oil and gas companies, she has made a string of woeful decisions.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-08/nt-labor-conference-passes-anti-fracking-motions-beetaloo/101413516
It seems we learn of new acts of bastardry by the former government every day – here is today’s example.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2022/sep/08/australian-politics-live-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-economy-climate-bill-adam-bandt-cost-of-living-jobs-skills-industry-weather-covid-nsw-victoria-queensland
Climate Bill done and dusted. Going for Royal Assent.
James O’Brien –
And, on 7.5, no mention of the Climate Change bill or the L/NP debacle this arvo
The full Tony Burke
A typical comment
‘She was fine when I left her’ the incoming new PM was heard too say.
New Thread