Last night, Federal Labor has upended the electoral standard that governments do not win by-elections from the opposition. Of course, there has been state by-elections in that time that have gone against that, such as Burwood, the seat of former Victorian Liberal Premier, Jeff Kennett, and Benalla, the seat of former Victorian National Deputy Premier, Pat McNamara, but these are exceptions to the norm.
The key result is that Victorian voters in the seat of Aston are liking what they see in the Albanese government enough for them to vote for a candidate from the Government party over the candidate from the Opposition party, in which they had previously voted for in the Federal election only 10 months ago.
The ramifications of this is that the Coalition is in shambles. The swing against the Liberals in this by-election is currently around 6%, leaving the result for Aston at about 53-47 to Labor. Not bad for a seat not won by them since 1987.
So then, who is responsible for that? The hard right factions would pin it on the moderate liberals. The moderate liberal factions would pin it on the hard right. The chances of these factions coming to a mutual agreement on this, I think, is zero.
This by-election has simply broadened the gap between the hard right and moderate right of the Liberal parties of Australia. And the next few years will be very “interesting” indeed for them.
Let’s take a look at the electoral history chart for Aston and see just how reliable it was for the Liberals until yesterday.
A hearty congratulations for Mary Doyle, the new Labor MP for Aston, and of course the vast team that supported her. A victory for a great suburban Melbourne mum who put her hand up to bring betterment to her constituents. The Light on the Hill shines brightly over Australia.
THE PUB 
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
To consolidate as a centrist reformer, Anthony Albanese needs to consolidate as a responsible manager of the treasury. The budget is his opportunity to do so, says Peter Hartcher who sets the scene for his contribution with, “The Morrison government ran Australia on a de facto policy of managed decline. Just about every major national asset was allowed to run down.” This is well worth reding.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-cooks-up-tasty-recipe-for-revival-20230427-p5d3s8.html
Anthony Albanese has promised $2.2 billion in the federal budget to launch the biggest overhaul of Medicare in its 40-year history while pledging to clamp down on spiralling costs in the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Natassia Chrysanthos tells us what was announced,
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-pledges-2-2-billion-for-medicare-overhaul-20230428-p5d40w.html
The federal government is within reach of posting its first budget surplus in 15 years, as surging tax revenue from iron ore, coal and gas, and record numbers of people in work deliver Treasurer Jim Chalmers a financial windfall, writes John Kehoe.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/budget-closes-in-on-first-surplus-in-15-years-as-taxes-soar-20230428-p5d423
Danielle Wood lays out Albanese’s three biggest budget challenges.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2023/04/29/albaneses-three-biggest-budget-challenges
In areas such as migration and jobseeker the government’s rhetoric is timid, when it could boldly go bigger on both, opines Paul Karp.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/29/labors-instinct-is-to-indulge-what-it-thinks-middle-australia-wants-it-could-try-simply-doing-what-works
From working visas and migration to inflation, defence and housing: it’s been a week of budget night tasters, writes Laura Tingle in a long exposition in which she points out that the new $70,000 pay threshold for temporary visas will change a whole ecosytem of low-paid work in Australia.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-29/budget-policy-migration-defence-cost-of-living-housing/102280752
The SMH editorial describes what Clare O’Neill announced about immigration policy to the NPC this week as a welcome attempt to meet current and future economic challenges.
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/a-welcome-attempt-to-meet-current-and-future-economic-challenges-20230428-p5d402.html
The shrinking of the working-age population across the rich world means companies will have to work harder to attract prime-age workers, explains Adrian Wooldridge who says that management has failed frontline workers.
https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/management/management-has-failed-frontline-workers-and-how-to-fix-it-20230426-p5d3cf
David Crowe writes that Australia’s migrant intake will soar to its highest level on record as 400,000 people enter the country this year in net terms, sparking a debate among federal and state political leaders over new housing measures and tougher visa rules to deal with the influx.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/record-migration-revealed-400-000-to-arrive-this-year-20230428-p5d437.html
As the new Labor government settles in, its plans to steadily reshape Australia will begin to unfold. The Voice is Anthony Albanese’s focus this year. The Prime Minister hopes a majority of Australians in a majority of states will help him enshrine a say for Indigenous Australians within our constitutional framework. Peter van Onselen says that if the voice is achieved, that will just about do it for Albo’s first term, aside from minor nips and tucks to the budget. He’ll also campaign at the next election on having steered Australia through the turbulent economic times ahead – assuming that’s what he does.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/patience-a-virtue-in-anthony-albaneses-plan-for-the-nation/news-story/7a0b99208466f62fe8c89982bfdf1de8?amp
Strategy without dollars is just noise. We should bear this undeniable reality in mind as we try to work out just what the Albanese government’s Defence Strategic Review means for Australia. In many ways the DSR is a very good document. And yet there is an element of national tragedy underlying it, says Greg Sheridan.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/delays-defects-why-we-are-sleepwalking-towards-a-defence-tragedy/news-story/9ea061bdce138122134be6a73c360ca3?amp
The Defence Strategic Review is an urgent call for the biggest shift in Australia’s military stance in 80 years, but the government is being criticised for lack of clarity on spending, writes Karen Middleton.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2023/04/29/inside-labors-defence-strategy
Paul Sakkal writs that Voice architect Noel Pearson has delivered a stinging condemnation of contemporary Coalition leaders, accusing them of being too weak to embrace the task of changing the Constitution to acknowledge Indigenous Australians.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/pearson-slams-weak-dutton-former-liberal-pms-on-indigenous-recognition-20230428-p5d3yp.html
The headline crawled across the front of The Australian like a Warren Zevon song: “‘Lawyers backing Yes for money’, may it please the court”. This is the latest argument in what is now a concerted campaign in the paper against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, says the editorial in The Saturday Paper.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/editorial/2023/04/29/the-heart-the-nation
In any other context, the Albanese government could have expected to be wedged between national security and social security this week – with a debate on spending priorities and its willingness to do so much in one area and so little in another. That context, though, would depend on a competent and effective opposition leader. Peter Dutton is neither, declares Chris Wallace who reckons he’s not that smart.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2023/04/29/maybe-peter-duttons-just-not-that-smart
Behind the ‘Yes’ campaign is a carefully calculated mix of ruthless political expertise, business experience and grassroots involvement, explains Martin McKenzie-Murray.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2023/04/29/unfinished-business-the-people-behind-the-yes-case
A tough new spending target will save billions of dollars on the National Disability Insurance Scheme by increasing the scrutiny of service providers and preventing the annual cost rising to $97 billion within a decade. David Crowe reports that the new measures will cost $720 million over the next four years and will beef up the peak agency that oversees the providers and is charged with making the scheme more efficient.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/ndis-changes-tipped-to-save-57-billion-over-a-decade-20230428-p5d435.html
Despite tears and panic from the pharmacy lobby, Labor’s medicine reforms won’t cause the world to end, explains Elizabeth Deveny who addresses each of the alarm bells set off by the Pharmacy Guild.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/28/despite-tears-and-panic-from-the-pharmacy-lobby-labors-medicine-reforms-wont-cause-the-world-to-end
John Hewson critiques the report into the RBA.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2023/04/29/the-rbas-51-steps
Michael Pascoe tells us how the RBA is making inflation worse.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2023/04/29/michael-pascoe-rba-inflation/
Clancy Yeates reports that National Australia Bank chief executive Ross McEwan has highlighted the hit from surging rents and high inflation on stressed households, as a new survey shows more people are missing bills and hardship levels have risen to a six-year high.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/nab-boss-highlights-household-stress-as-inflation-soaring-rents-bite-20230428-p5d44t.html
As Albanese backs an AFL stadium for Hobart, Tasmanians are living in tents, complains Richard Flanagan.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/as-albanese-backs-an-afl-stadium-for-hobart-tasmanians-are-living-in-tents-20230428-p5d3yo.html
“Too many of Victoria’s apartments are Dickensian: small, dark, poorly insulated and badly built. But we’re going to ask millions more people to live in them. So what can be done to fix this blight?”, asks Michael Bachelard.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/duct-tape-two-ministers-and-a-tiny-bedroom-the-moment-that-altered-melbourne-s-too-small-apartments-20230411-p5cznt.html
According to NineFax, a cartel of organised criminals including several prominent bikie gangs has ordered cocaine dealers around the nation to freeze supply in a bid to reverse a recent slump in the price of the popular party drug. An underground OPEC?
https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/dear-brothers-of-the-underworld-cartel-plots-to-stem-cocaine-supply-and-raise-prices-20230427-p5d3to.html
In a manner befitting Monty Python, the new King and Queen of Australia will soon be anointed, invested, oiled, crowned, and then throned. But we won’t get to see the silliest bit, writes Geoffrey Robertson who explains a superstitious rite whereby God is supposed to anoint the King to run the Church of England, a church to which, according to our last census, only 9.8 per cent of Australians adhere. It is Pythonesque infeed!
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/in-a-land-far-far-away-a-silly-ritual-will-hand-us-our-new-king-and-queen-20230426-p5d3c9.html
Long Covid remains a mystery and a challenging daily reality for hundreds of thousands of people. A seven-month inquiry has found few answers, but vaccination remains one of them, says Mike Seccombe.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/health/2023/04/29/the-governments-take-long-covid
Pray tell me, will there ever be a time in the immediate future when Australia reaches Peak Hugh White? It would seem that the likes of the ABC, The Monthly and The Saturday Paper would hope that the answer is in the negative – since the emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre appears to be the go-to expert for them when it comes to discussing Australia’s defence and foreign affairs, whines dear old Gerard.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/anu-professor-hugh-white-well-wide-of-the-mark-on-china/news-story/2f279ef888bf4fa57219f1fc0518a21f?amp
Lucy Cormack tells us that the state’s global trade network attracted more than $1 billion to NSW in the past year, but the new government has been unable to quantify what impact, if any, a clutch of highly paid overseas trade commissioners had on the windfall, galvanising Labor’s decision to retire the lucrative posts in the aftermath of last year’s damaging trade job scandal.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-government-unable-to-find-value-in-high-profile-trade-commissioner-roles-20230428-p5d42m.html
Penny Wong has inherited huge challenges in her role as Foreign Minister. She is surrounded by alpha males controlling the defence and security debate, convinced that only deadly military weapons can secure a safe future for Australia. She heads a department historically seen as weak and irrelevant by too many men in power. They dismiss diplomacy and negotiation as a soft option preferring military dependence on old allies like the United Kingdom and United States, writes Margo Reynolds.
https://johnmenadue.com/penny-wong-has-inherited-huge-challenges-as-foreign-minister/
The daughter of a former Tax Office deputy commissioner is facing several years behind bars for her role in a $105 million tax fraud conspiracy, a judge has said, as her lawyer argued she was led astray by trusting her brother and his friends and will pay a “terrible price”.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/facing-years-in-jail-lauren-cranston-s-tragedy-was-to-trust-brother-court-told-20230424-p5d2t1.html
Michaela Whitbourn tells us that a Federal Court judge has raised the prospect that Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation cases against Network Ten and News Corp will be heard by a jury, after he extended an expired one-year time limit to allow the former federal Liberal staffer to sue the media outlets.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/lehrmann-given-green-light-to-sue-ten-news-corp-over-higgins-interview-20230327-p5cvmo.html
The Governor General presided over a charity whose sole purpose appears to have been producing a trophy and medals for the King’s Cup rowing regatta, made from the melted down artefacts gifted by eight different nations. But where is the King’s Cup now? Jommy Tee and Ronni Salt with the investigation.
https://michaelwest.com.au/the-kings-cup-is-dead-long-live-the-kings-cup-er-but-where-is-it-chaps/
Bruce Lehrmann’s criminal trial is over, but a string of related cases and inquiries remain. Christopher Knaus tells us what they are.
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/apr/28/bruce-lehrmanns-criminal-trial-is-over-but-a-string-of-related-cases-and-inquiries-remain-what-are-they
In her weekly media round-up, Amanda Meade tells us how Sky News Australia turned watchdog’s rebuke over climate denial into an ‘exclusive’ story.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/28/how-sky-news-australia-turned-watchdogs-rebuke-over-climate-denial-into-an-exclusive-story
Fox News settlement seen as ‘moment of weakness’ that puts focus on Rupert Murdoch’s heirs and their future, says Mark Sweeney.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/apr/28/murdoch-empire-succession-fox-news-settlement
Mark Buckley wonders if our alliance with a Trumpian America is worth it.
https://theaimn.com/is-our-alliance-with-a-trumpian-america-worth-it/
As long as Australia clings to the ANZAC tradition of romanticising war, politicians will find excuses to involve our country in foreign conflicts, writes Binoy Kampmark.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/anzac-legend-still-inspiring-politicians-to-send-australians-to-the-slaughter,17463
First, there was oil in Saudi Arabia, then there was nuclear power in Bangladesh and, finally, there were railways in Pakistan. China is taking multibillion-dollar transactions away from the international currency that has underpinned them for generations, the US dollar, and pushing them into the yuan, explains Eryk Bagshaw.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-s-push-to-challenge-the-us-dollar-gathers-steam-20230427-p5d3o5.html
In Western Australia, the pursuit of anti-Woodside climate protesters by the government and police echoes crackdowns in other states, where democratic rights are being trampled, says Jesse Noakes.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/environment/2023/04/29/the-cost-the-protest-crackdown
In Japan’s oldest communities the kids are gone, with the elderly left to keep their towns alive. It’s a glimpse of the challenges facing Australia and the world, writes Michael Smith.
https://www.afr.com/world/asia/world-s-oldest-cheerleaders-the-faces-of-japan-s-demographic-timebomb-20230426-p5d3fd
BBC chairman Richard Sharp resigned on Friday after an independent report found he breached rules for public appointments in relation to a loan for former prime minister Boris Johnson. The country’s public appointments watchdog has been investigating the way in which Sharp was selected by the government to chair the broadcaster in 2021. It followed concerns over whether he properly disclosed his ties to the UK’s Conservative Party leadership at the time of his appointment.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/bbc-chairman-sharp-resigns-after-report-into-johnson-loan-released-20230428-p5d46d.html
In a defiant show of force, masses of right-wing demonstrators have converged on Jerusalem to support an Israeli government plan to overhaul the judiciary that has deeply divided the country. The crowd was largely made up of people from the religious Zionist camp. Many said they wanted a more Jewish Israel that put their brand of traditional values ahead of the liberalism championed by the country’s old, secular elites. This heading for a gig showdown.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/right-wing-israelis-come-out-in-force-to-support-plan-to-overhaul-courts-20230428-p5d44n.html
Today’s “Arsehole of the Week” nomination goes to the former high-ranking Comanchero bikie has been charged with sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl, supplying her with prohibited drugs and sexually assaulting another woman.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/crime-news/2023/04/28/bikie-boss-child-sex-abuse/?breaking_live_scroll=1
Cartoon Corner
David Pope
David Rowe
Jim Pavlidis
Jon Kudelka
Matt Golding
Andrew Dyson
Alan Moir
Glen Le Lievre
Matt Davidson
John Shakespeare
Mark Knight
Simon Letch
Les Hewitt
Dionne Gain
Richard Giliberto
Leak
From the US
Re all the ‘oh noes !’ over “skills shortages’ and the need to import lots of workers . Isn’t it amazing how keen all those ‘neoliberal’ economists that seem to run the joint are on things like the market setting the price, supply and demand and all that,………………….. EXCEPT for when it comes to we peasants’ wages. Shortage of people willing to do job x or y ? Obviously the “market price” for those jobs is too low ,which is why they are failing to compete in the market for peoples’ labour. However it is all hands on deck to prevent that happening.
Bill Maher – (new rules 47:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-yj6HVvqY
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Any chess players around?
https://lichess.org/broadcast/fide-world-chess-championship-2023/round-14/qiMCJOhv/7qDGum8C
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/apr/29/world-chess-championship-live-ian-nepomniachtchi-ding-liren#maincontent
Ducky,
At the age of 6 or 7, I was taught chess by several Middle Europeans who were also denizens of various research bodies associated with ANU – i.e., SERIOUSLY clever guys.
My most humiliating defeat (probably when I was aged 6) was someone who challenged me with a King and eight pawns.
One thing I learned VERY early was how to defend – and several decades ago I managed to humiliate my OH, because of my unorthodox gambits.
Thank you TLBD. I remember the song well BUT until your post I never knew who actually sang it 🙂
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has revealed the government’s spending audit has clawed back billions of dollars in next week’s budget, warning the hunt will continue for savings on an ongoing basis to repair the nation’s finances. The government has been forced to find more than $5 billion to fund programs it says were not properly funded under the previous government, on top of the $4.1 billion identified in last October’s budget.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/spending-audit-has-clawed-back-billions-from-budget-gallagher-20230428-p5d40l.html
Over the past 25 years, Australia has declined from an exemplary nation of immigrants, where workers from abroad were treated equally to Australian citizens, to a guest worker state where migrant workers are at significant risk of mistreatment and marginalisation. Chris F Wright and Stephen Clibborn say that the recommendations outlined in the Review of the Migration System, chaired by Martin Parkinson and released by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, promise to return Australia to its once world-leading model of equality and inclusion for migrants.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/bold-plan-for-immigration-overhaul-will-address-australia-s-future-needs-20230428-p5d473.html
Anthony Galloway reports that the first dedicated state-by-state poll on the Indigenous Voice to parliament shows the Yes vote has enough support to clear both hurdles at the referendum.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/yes-vote-for-the-voice-is-leading-in-every-state-and-territory-poll-20230429-p5d482.html
According to Annika Smethurst, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto is tipped to grant a free vote, Liberal sources say, putting them at odds with their federal counterparts.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victorian-coalition-frontbenchers-speak-out-in-push-for-free-vote-on-voice-20230429-p5d484.html
Mark Kenny writes that this budget – Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ second already – is being shaped against the most uncomplimentary mix of political and economic constraints encountered by either side since the early 1990s – roughly 30 years, and says the second thing is that Anthony Albanese’s government is being squeezed between reasonable expectations and unpalatable realities.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8176560/labors-budget-a-bit-like-wrestling-in-a-phone-booth/?cs=14264
Australia is in the grip of an “insolvency Armageddon”, with the number of failing businesses almost doubling in a year due to tough economic conditions and the withdrawal of government pandemic support. There were 828 insolvencies in March, surging from 359 in January and 692 in February, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission reported. In March last year, there were 464, write Stephen Brook and Bianca Hall.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/insolvency-armageddon-the-number-of-collapsing-companies-is-surging-20230427-p5d3ud.html
NSW is pushing forward with plans for the state’s pharmacies to prescribe medications, amid ongoing tensions between the nation’s doctors and pharmacists. Mary Award reports that more than 1000 pharmacies have signed up to the NSW trial, which is being led by the University of Newcastle and NSW Health and will see patients able to get prescriptions for certain medications from a pharmacist.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/more-than-1000-pharmacies-sign-up-to-prescription-trial-20230428-p5d42h.html
Two cheers for Mark Butler for proposing the 60-day dispensing change, but don’t hold your breath – the Pharmacy Guild is the country’s most powerful lobby group, writes James Campbell.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/butler-dispensing-good-policy-but-dont-bet-against-pharmacy-guild/news-story/15e72199f9c53741d636b85fffc8f7f3
While we’ve been busily distracted on the big issues like cost of living, AUKUS, the Voice, access to doctors and a broken gas market, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been quietly wrapping a highly controversial topic in a Cabinet secrecy blanket. Rex Patrick looks at politicised government advertising and raises concerns about the new Government Communications Sub-Committee of Cabinet.
https://michaelwest.com.au/the-best-democracy-money-can-buy-rex-on-albos-secret-advertising-sub-committee/
The United States of America is not well, a fact that even as an acolyte the Australian government does not seem to be aware or care about, on account of our unconditional love for the Americans writes Teow Loon Ti.
https://johnmenadue.com/the-american-way-exporting-us-dysfunction-to-the-world/
Evan Jones tells us about the corporate criminals killing off democracy.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/the-corporate-criminals-killing-off-democracy,17453
Kindness should be at the heart of Christian teaching – including towards LGBTQ+ students, says Victoria’s shadow minister for education and child protection. Matthew Bach.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/29/kindness-should-be-at-the-heart-of-christian-teaching-including-towards-lgbtq-students
South Korea may look perfect, but behind the facade lies a devastating suicide crisis, explains Raphael Rashid.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/29/south-korea-suicide-crisis-k-pop-young-people
With Joe Biden confirming that he is seeking a second term as US president and Donald Trump’s main Republican competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, struggling to build support at a national level, it appears a repeat of the 2020 US presidential contest is the most likely scenario, says the SMH editorial which declares that the presidential aspirants illustrate a dearth of emerging US leadership talent.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/presidential-aspirants-illustrate-dearth-of-emerging-us-leadership-talent-20230428-p5d42x.html
A Texas man went next door with a rifle and began shooting his neighbours after the family asked him to stop firing rounds in his yard because their baby was sleeping, police said on Saturday. Five people including an eight-year-old girl were killed in the shooting in the town of Cleveland, about 72 kilometres from Houston. Asked for a comment, the NRA has said, “It’s OK. The gun was made and sold in the USA”.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/texas-man-kills-five-neighbours-after-they-complained-about-noise-20230430-p5d4ar.html
Cartoon Corner
Matt Golding
Mark David
Peter Broelman
From the US
I’m watching the tiebreaker chess championship games live on youtube. This channel is pretty good, providing live commentary.
The score is currently tied with 3 games left to play.
It’s now all over. There was 3 draws, but Ding Liren of China won the final match and is the new world chess champion.
Honestly felt incredible watching it play out in real time. Especially since it was Rapid Chess rules (each player has to start with 25 minutes and gain 10 seconds per move).
So by some mad mental gasket leak today I decided to watch Outsiders, just to see what it was about and why it was so infamous.
I had to just turn off the TV after 2 minutes. Those people are just insane. They barely even speak English in trying to weave their narratives about how ‘woke leftists’ are the devil.
Kirsdarke, I haven’t seen Outsiders, or Insiders, but I’ve recently seen videos by Brian Tyler Cohen featuring American Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene. I have to agree with him that she doesn’t seem to be particularly bright. A few days ago she was interrogating a man about laws to do with public urination, and I think it ended up that she was demanding something that had already been done.
I was particularly flabbergasted by one posted yesterday by ckwatt. Ms Greene was interrogating a woman about Covid 19 and school closures. Instead of switching it off I watched, with the same anticipation I might have watching a slow-motion video of a multi-storey building being demolished.
Among other things she demanded to know if the woman had children, and if the woman was a doctor. Ironic that she believed not-a-doctor Trump’s claims about Covid being a hoax.
I think she was saying that closing schools meant children were missing out on classes and that wasn’t fair. Coincidentally they were missing out on potentially dying.
Closing schools also meant students had a lot of time at home so they were on the internet all day looking at bad things, and learning bad things – including being encouraged to change gender – she produced graphs. I didn’t watch the video a second time, so I might have something wrong.
Interesting times!
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Sean Kelly argues that we can’t call ourselves a fair country until we fix JobSeeker.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-can-t-call-ourselves-a-fair-country-until-we-fix-jobseeker-20230428-p5d41n.html
The Liberals are the fifth iteration of Australia’s main centre-right party. Could the Voice campaign hasten a sixth, wonders Chris Wallace.
https://theconversation.com/the-liberals-are-the-fifth-iteration-of-australias-main-centre-right-party-could-the-voice-campaign-hasten-a-sixth-203654
Hundreds of infrastructure projects announced by former Coalition governments are under the gun in a snap review of the Commonwealth building pipeline that could save billions and halt popular works. Paul Sakkal writes that the Albanese government has launched a 90-day probe into the $120 billion federal infrastructure pipeline to find savings and scrap unnecessary projects announced to win votes rather than address community needs, clearing the path to cut or delay road and rail ventures.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/hundreds-of-coalition-press-release-infrastructure-projects-in-the-gun-20230430-p5d4ds.html
Inflation appears to be under control. Now it’s time for the hard part, writes Tim Hext.
https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/inflation-appears-to-be-coming-under-control-now-for-the-hard-part-20230428-p5d45g
Tom Burton writes that forty per cent of Australia’s historically high economic inequality can be linked to the key factors of age, education, employment status, gender, disability, geographic location and place of birth, according to an Actuaries Institute research paper. He says that Australia’s wealth gap is on the rise with inequality being at its worst since 1950.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/australia-s-wealth-gap-on-the-rise-with-inequality-worst-since-1950-20230428-p5d41b
“The federal government’s budget is due to be released on 9 May. Since assuming power in May 2022, the government released a budget in October that removed a lot of the excess and pandering to special interest groups that was inherent in the aptly abbreviated ATM (Abbott, Turnbull, Morrison) Coalition Government’s budgets of the previous decade. However, as they say in the murder mysteries, ‘investigations are continuing’ as other rorts and ideological funding decisions are being uncovered”, says the AIMN.
https://theaimn.com/category/politics/
Alexandra Smith report that Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has launched an extraordinary three-pronged legal attack on One Nation’s Mark Latham after the political firebrand refused to apologise for a series of homophobic and sexualised slurs.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/alex-greenwich-launches-legal-attack-on-mark-latham-over-homophobic-slurs-20230430-p5d4bv.html
Australia wants more temporary migrants with the skills to match labour shortages, but the numbers create a political headache in the midst of a housing crisis, writes Jennifer Hewett about the the great mismatch between immigration and housing.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-great-mismatch-between-immigration-and-housing-20230430-p5d4bg
Former prime minister Tony Abbott has accused Labor MPs of gagging figures who are sceptical of this year’s referendum, after he was blocked from appearing at a key parliamentary inquiry into the proposed Indigenous Voice to parliament.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tony-abbott-gagged-by-voice-committee-inquiry-20230430-p5d4bq.html
According to Frank Brennan, Labor may need to compromise on Voice to win key Liberals’ support.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/labor-may-need-to-compromise-on-voice-to-win-key-liberals-support-20230428-p5d43u.html
The Indigenous voice to parliament campaign is already so littered with misinformation makes the recent opinion by Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue KC all the more welcome, writes George Williams.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/law-gives-free-pass-to-false-statements-on-voice/news-story/81f4114ccb69a4707c69ddcb4c141226?amp
The Minister of Home Affairs, Clare O’Neil, unveiled the latest review into Australia’s migration system. Dr Abul Rizvi examines the recommendations made in the landmark review which he says slams years of Coalition mismanagement.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/landmark-migration-review-slams-years-of-coalition-mismanagement-,17464
The AFR’s Chanticleer says it’s Telstra and TPG versus Optus and the ACCC in a showdown with all the trimmings. At stake is who’s likely to be No.1, No.2 and No.3 in mobile communications.
https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/telco-stoush-about-much-more-than-who-wins-in-the-bush-20230430-p5d4bu
Our new King may love Australia more than Australians love him, writes George Brandis who says the idea of Charles III as King of Australia takes a bit of getting used to, but we should never underestimate his emotional connection to this country.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/our-new-king-may-love-australia-more-than-australians-love-him-20230428-p5d41l.html
A cabinet minister has said he “hopes people do” swear the proposed oath to the king on the day of his coronation, as republicans described it as “an offensive and tone-deaf gesture that holds the people in contempt”. The transport secretary, Mark Harper, said he would be swearing the oath, to be known as a “homage of the people” and pointed out that MPs already “pledge allegiance to his majesty” on taking their seats.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/30/minister-defends-offensive-coronation-day-oath-to-king-charles
Matthew Knott tells us that Andrew Hastie has said “with immigration about to increase, we should consider opening service in the ADF as an accelerated pathway to citizenship”.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-radical-proposal-to-recruit-foreigners-to-fight-for-australia-20230427-p5d3p7.html
Alexandra Smith explains the huge problems faced by the NSW bus transport system left as a time bomb by the previous government and what a review will be asked to determine.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/bus-privatisation-under-the-spotlight-as-delays-and-driver-shortages-worsen-20230430-p5d4cw.html
Financial and crisis counsellors are reporting the highest rates of mental distress they have seen as a growing number of Australians cancel appointments with their psychologists to cut costs. According to suicide prevention organisation Lifeline, up to 80 per cent of its calls now relate to cost-of-living pressures, with a new group of middle-class people feeling the pinch of rising inflation, mortgage repayments, food and fuel costs, and electricity bills.
https://www.theage.com.au/healthcare/cost-of-living-pressures-deepen-mental-health-crisis-20230428-p5d3y4.html
Paul Sakkal reports that the former chief of staff to a Morrison government minister responsible for gambling regulation is now the head of the industry body representing firms such as Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, prompting calls for tighter lobbying regulation.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/top-sports-wagering-lobbyist-was-morrison-government-gambling-minister-s-chief-20230421-p5d2am.html
Angus Thompson reports that aged-care providers are urging the federal government to delay slashing work rights for international students, warning it will worsen critical workforce shortages in the flatlining sector without an urgent replacement. There is a call for a six-month extension to existing conditions for those on student visas to gauge whether worker availability was improving.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/aged-care-providers-fear-student-visa-changes-will-devastate-their-workforce-20230428-p5d40j.html
An artificial-intelligence breakthrough developed in Adelaide is set to break hospital bed gridlocks – and put the city’s name in hospitals around the world. The “Adelaide Score” accurately predicts when surgery patients should be ready for discharge, freeing up scarce beds rather than having patients medically fit for discharge waiting long periods until being signed out. Patients would still need to be physically assessed as ready for discharge, but the Adelaide Score would radically streamline the process by calculating exactly who is ready to go home and when.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelaide-score-artificial-intelligence-to-predict-when-patients-can-be-discharged-and-break-hospital-bed-gridlocks/news-story/f0603329e7c82bc251517214d0b861ed
Peter Milne explains why the oil and gas tax is a dud and a gift to the industry.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/why-the-oil-and-gas-tax-is-a-dud-and-a-gift-to-the-industry-20230427-p5d3rs.html
Origin Energy has partnered with RESS to propose developing two offshore wind projects in Gippsland as it moves to strengthen its bid to be a central player in the nascent zero emission energy market. The Australian Financial Review earlier this year reported that Origin, the country’s largest energy retailer, was considering proposing its own offshore wind project in Victoria, joining some of the world’s largest developers after the state made it a key pillar of its plans to transition away from fossil fuels.
https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/origin-joins-with-global-giant-ress-to-seek-offshore-wind-licences-20230430-p5d4co
Nearly two years ago relief was expressed that the USA had emerged under President Biden to offer world leadership on climate change. Sadly this leadership has been a disappointment and today both the US and other high emitters such as Australia are not on track to meet the challenge, laments David Shearman.
https://johnmenadue.com/the-usa-and-australia-fail-to-offer-leadership-on-climate-change/
The Age tells us that the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is being sued over the alleged sexual abuse of two school students in the 1970s and ’80s by a priest who was found by the church to be a paedophile in 2005 and continued to perform clerical duties for more than a decade.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/jesus-won-t-forget-this-catholic-church-sued-over-alleged-abuse-by-late-father-joe-doyle-20230418-p5d180.html
The New York Times says that US federal regulators were racing on Saturday to seize and sell the troubled First Republic Bank before financial markets open today, according to four people with knowledge of the matter, in a bid to put an end to a banking crisis that began last month with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/another-us-bank-collapses-as-first-republic-hits-the-wall-20230430-p5d4ci.html
“On Brexit, will no one in the major parties admit that Britain has blundered?”, asks Willian Keegan.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/30/on-brexit-will-no-one-in-the-major-parties-admit-that-britain-has-blundered
The Republican attacks on trans people smack of fascism, says Robert Reich.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/30/republican-attacks-trans-people-fascism
An entire soccer team has been withdrawn from a suburban Sydney competition after a Greenacre Eagles player who attended as a spectator allegedly punched a linesman after Friday night’s match, leaving his jaw broken in three places. Definitely a contender for “Arsehole of the Week”!
https://www.smh.com.au/national/i-ll-be-back-says-linesman-with-broken-jaw-as-man-arrested-over-soccer-attack-20230430-p5d4eb.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
Jim Pavlidis
Megan Herbert
Peter Broelman
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
Re the US Debt ceiling kerfuffle. The growth in debt looks a wee bit exponential. I wonder how long before the SHTF ?
The readers of The Age must be really rusted on to the Libs going by the comments under the article by Paul Sakkal
All those “announcements” that deservedly will now never see the light of day. Good!
F.M –
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/how-do-people-afford-to-eat-sometimes-they-dont-you-cant-eat-excuses-and-empty-promises
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Paul Karp reports on the findings of the latest Essential poll. It looks like Dutton is even more on the nose.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/02/guardian-essential-poll-australians-back-jobseeker-increase-and-look-to-budget-for-cost-of-living-relief
Millions of workers will be thousands of dollars better off in retirement under federal government plans to require all businesses to pay their employees’ superannuation on payday. Rachel Clun reports that the proposed update to laws that allow businesses to pay super quarterly will also make it tougher for employees not to pay the super guarantee at all – an issue that costs workers billions in unpaid super each year.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/millions-to-be-better-off-in-retirement-under-compulsory-payday-super-plan-20230501-p5d4l2.html
Top-secret war-gaming exercises conducted for the Albanese government have found the Australian Defence Force would struggle to respond to alarming but plausible scenarios such as China establishing a military base in a nearby Pacific nation. Matthew Knott tells us that sources familiar with the classified version of the government’s defence strategic review said former defence chief Angus Houston and former defence minister Stephen Smith commissioned detailed analysis from experts within the Defence Department about specific scenarios that could draw Australia into armed conflict and shatter stability in the Indo-Pacific.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/secret-china-war-gaming-exercises-expose-australia-s-defence-weaknesses-20230501-p5d4ms.html
Beijing is playing nice with Australia lately. So, we might dare to hope that it has given up its ambition of dominating the region through coercion and intimidation. But you don’t have to look far offshore to see a very different picture, even in just the past week. On Friday, two regional governments spoke of new intimidation by Beijing in their territorial waters, sats Peter Hartcher.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/troubled-waters-as-china-pushes-the-boat-out-on-intimidation-20230430-p5d4h5.html
Former politicians and advisers are moving quickly into lucrative jobs that seek to lobby the federal government on policies ranging from mining to gambling and defence, sparking a new call to increase disclosure and toughen sanctions on those who flout the rules. David Crowe writes that the Centre for Public Integrity is calling for a stronger regime to stop the “revolving door” of influence in Canberra as people with political experience take up lobbying jobs that build on their personal connections or policy knowledge. Former Coalition cabinet ministers including Julie Bishop, Christopher Pyne and Andrew Robb are named in the report as examples of those who have moved from government to lobbying, while the role of advisers who sign up with the private sector to seek influence over federal policy is also highlighted.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/corporations-exploiting-weak-integrity-laws-to-influence-government-report-20230501-p5d4o3.html
Associates of Scott Morrison have been sounded out by a major UK company in the defence sector about a senior role for the former prime minister, who could quit federal politics as soon as July, reports James Massola. Let’s shout him a one-way ticket!
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/morrison-heading-towards-the-exit-eyes-uk-defence-job-20230501-p5d4oz.html
Tony Abbott has told a parliamentary inquiry the Voice referendum will leave Australia embittered and divided and should be abandoned, while a key Indigenous leader has urged the government to consider changes to the amendment to shore up support among hesitant voters. Lisa Visentin writes that, in a backdown by the parliamentary committee, Abbott received a last-minute invitation on Monday morning to give evidence at the final day of public hearings on the referendum inquiry after initially being blocked from appearing by Labor MPs.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/abbott-attacks-voice-as-indigenous-leader-pushes-for-compromise-20230501-p5d4j1.html
Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto will allow all his MPs a free vote on the Indigenous Voice to federal parliament, saying his members value the freedom to make their own choices on significant national issues. This puts the state Coalition at odds with federal leader Peter Dutton, who has forced his frontbench to campaign against constitutional change, writes Sumeyya Ilanbey.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victorian-liberals-granted-free-vote-on-voice-at-odds-with-federal-counterparts-20230501-p5d4i8.html
“The biggest choice facing this country is between poor public services and inadequate government income support or more taxes. Unfortunately, I fear that next week’s Budget will seek to avoid this choice”, writes Michael Keating.
https://johnmenadue.com/budget-priorities/
The overhaul of the RBA would allow it to serve interests of corporations over the welfare of Australians, argues Nick McKim.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/the-overhaul-of-rba-would-allow-it-to-serve-interests-of-corporations-over-the-welfare-of-australians
The Albanese government’s delay of wide-ranging reforms intended to make financial advice more accessible is leaving families facing tough economic conditions without professional help, warns the independent expert who led the review. After spending nine months investigating the $2.7 billion financial and investment advice sector, Allens partner Michelle Levy made 13 recommendations for reform in December, writes Hannah Wootton.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/fix-the-financial-advice-mess-now-levy-20230501-p5d4js
In quite an informative contribution, Professor Henry Cutler tells us why pharmacists are angry at script changes – and why the government is making them anyway.
https://theconversation.com/heres-why-pharmacists-are-angry-at-script-changes-and-why-the-government-is-making-them-anyway-204028
Mayors have warned the NSW government’s plan to stop picking up the tab for a yearly hike to the state’s emergency services levy will swallow extra funds councils hoped to glean from lifting their rates, forcing them to consider cuts to staff and services. Megan Gorrey reports that the government’s decision to stop subsidising the controversial levy means the state’s 128 councils face having to collectively chip in an extra $76 million to fund the increase in the next financial year.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/councils-sound-alarm-on-catastrophic-76-million-hike-to-emergency-services-levy-20230501-p5d4li.html
Treasury is estimating a historical surge in net migration, but several factors including changes to COVID policy settings make the prediction seem far-fetched. Dr Abul Rizvi reports.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/treasurys-net-migration-forecast-likely-overestimated,17469
Add Chevron’s carbon capture disaster to Woodside’s Browse Basin climate bomb and now the Perdaman fertiliser plant in the Pilbara and Western Australia is going to burn a giant hole in the Labor government’s Safeguard Mechanism. Callum Foote reports.
https://michaelwest.com.au/wa-carbon-fiasco-pilbara-plant-to-blow-more-co2-than-safeguard-mechanism-will-save/
Victoria’s ambulance response times remained stubbornly long over the first three months of this year despite the billions of dollars the state government is pouring into the health system. The latest data, to be released today, will show it took more than 15 minutes for paramedics to treat one in three high-priority, code-one incidents between January and March.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/a-third-of-victoria-s-urgent-code-one-ambulance-callouts-taking-more-than-15-minutes-20230501-p5d4ox.html
Disposable vapes used by more than a million Australians will be totally banned under a major crackdown on vaping that aims to rid convenience store shelves of thousands of products, but the federal government will make it easier for people to vape with a doctor’s prescription, reports Natassia Chrysanthos.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/this-must-end-butler-to-ban-disposable-vapes-as-part-of-black-market-crackdown-20230501-p5d4o6.html
“If backpedalling was an Olympic sport, the Australian economists team would be a contender for the gold medal. About that 15 per cent to 20 per cent peak-to-trough house price slump they were predicting – prices are now on their way up”, writes Elizabeth Knight who explains why the house price recovery broke the rule book/.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/why-the-house-price-recovery-broke-the-rule-book-20230501-p5d4ne.html
The daughter of a former tax office deputy commissioner and a “trusted participant” in one of Australia’s biggest fraud conspiracies still seems to think she has done nothing wrong. Lauren Cranston, 30, received an eight-year sentence in the NSW Supreme Court for her role in the Plutus Payroll conspiracy after being found guilty of conspiring to cause a loss to the Commonwealth and dealing with the proceeds of crime alongside four others, including her older brother Adam Cranston.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8178131/cranston-jailed-for-her-role-in-corrosive-conspiracy/?cs=14329
The pledge of allegiance to the king is nonsense – and seems designed to incense everyone, says Zoe Williams.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/the-pledge-of-allegiance-to-the-king-is-nonsense-and-seems-designed-to-incense-everyone
The collapse of another US bank has made the job of the world’s leading central bank even harder. But it has no one to blame but itself, says Stephen Bartholomeusz who says the US Fed’s interest rate dilemma just got more complicated.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/pick-your-poison-the-fed-s-interest-rates-dilemma-just-got-trickier-20230501-p5d4hh.html
“Why are Americans shooting strangers and neighbours?”, wonders The Washington Post.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/why-are-americans-shooting-strangers-and-neighbours-20230501-p5d4gb.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
David Pope
Glen Le Lievre – also with a gif
Matt Golding
John Shakespeare
Cathy Wilcox
Andrew Dyson
Dionne Gain
Fiona Katauskas
Mark Knight
Where does bloody Spooner get off?
From the US
Ah Hartcher, ol’ pencil neck has really latched on to the ‘security’ gig this year. The ol’ ‘ADIZ intrusion’ getting a run is always good for an ogga booga and lols.
Check out the map, the Taiwanese ADIZ extends over parts of Mainland China and . Aircraft can be flying over Fujian, Zhejiang, or Jiangxi and be ‘intruding’ into Taiwan’s ADIZ .
If China takes any territory, it will not be Taiwan. Firstly, Taiwan makes computer chips under 5 micro somethings in size and is the only place that has the tech to do it. China needs those chips for its electronics output. Taiwan will blow the facilities rather than let them fall into China’s hands.
Secondly, there s a much more tempting morsel left on the table. That big bit of China that Russia took from China is sitting unguarded, with Putin’s armed forces at their lowest level of numbers and resources focused on a war on the other side of Russia. China can use the same excuse as Putin used to invade Ukraine: It was ours, it is still ours and it will be ours forever.
That is my take anyway.
Seth Meyers –
Stephen Colbert –
Rachel Maddow –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D49BApEm6_w
Ayman Mohyeldin – (in for Chris Hayes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm7FQO0CVvo
Lawrence O’Donnell –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nzRnbqhGJc
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Here’s an idea – why not cut politicians’ pay to around the average income and instead give the money saved to ALL those on Jobseeker? Even better – cut politicians’ pay to about the equivalent of the Age Pension?
This would have the dual advantage of making these freeloaders actually earn what they are worth while making them only too aware of how difficult it is to exist on social security of any kind. It is hard enough surviving on the Age Pension let alone on the pittance allowed for Jobseeker.
As for the cruel move to increase Jobseeker only for those over 55 words fail me! How is that supposed to help anyone? What is the point of increasing payments only for some?
This is a country that is supposed to fritter away at least $368 billion on a few 2nd-hand submarines yet we cannot give the most needy a roof over their heads while paying them enough to also eat healthy meals.
I think the last round of Covid has affected Albo’s brain. He now seems addicted to “celebrity” weddings and hob-nobbing with royals than to be bothered with those who voted for him.
It was truly a FMD!!! to see Albo going to a pig of shock jock ‘celebrity’s wedding.
Yes, I agree.
There are so many interesting things happening politically and in the Ukraine war and I have not time to post comments or even keep up with The Pub.
I am enjoying various rightwing nutters getting thie come-uppance though, long may it continue.
I see during the crowning of King Chuckie 3rd, the public will be invited, for the first time to say a pledge of allegiance to the new monarch.
Even if I was a monarchist, I could never accept the Holy Vows of a man who made vows at his wedding and did not stick to them. It is not his behaviour I am criticising (who he cavorted with is none of my business) but the fact that a person who could not keep marriage vows which he freely swore to keep, is asking my trust that he will keep his coronation vows to a nation and a Commonwealth. My trust does not stretch that far.
I also came to the conclusion that bringing children up in that royal process with expectations decided by birth order is tantamount to child abuse.
I think Wiliam will become King and his dad’s age almost guarantees it will not be that far off, and I fully expect his job will be to end the monarchy and transition smoothly to a modern system.
And a plea from me:
Please can someone write a new post, as I do not have the time nor energy while being away in the St. Georges Ranges of WA i.e. 2 & 1/2-hours driving time from Fitzroy Crossing.
Yesterday a smallish wild female pig come up to the outside tap that was dripping and flopped in the mud for a nap. She ignored barking dogs and curious humans. Later she got up and wandered off. It was a particularly hot day.
Thanks and cheers
Puffy of the Never Never.
If there’s no other ideas by next week, I’d be happy to make a new post around this time next week, since that will be Budget night, and there’d probably be plenty to talk about there.
Kirsdarke, Please do a Budget post. Your thoughts and words are very valuable.
Kirsdarke is ready and waiting with ….
I agree!
Kirsdarke, what Puffy said.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Shane Wright reckons the RBA is playing ‘recession roulette’ as it steps up the inflation fight.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-plays-recession-roulette-as-it-steps-up-inflation-fight-20230502-p5d4sx.html
Karen Maley explains why the RBA now sees inflation as a more formidable foe.
https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/why-rba-now-sees-inflation-as-a-more-formidable-foe-20230502-p5d4w7
Struggling households are being promised a substantial cost-of-living relief package in next week’s federal budget after a shock decision by the Reserve Bank to drive official interest rates to an 11-year high with a threat to go even further. Jim Chalmers, warning against assumptions about the government’s spending plans, admitted on Tuesday the RBA’s decision to take the official cash rate to 3.85 per cent had cast a pall over the May 9 budget.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/pretty-brutal-chalmers-promises-relief-in-budget-after-shock-rate-rise-20230502-p5d4sv.html
The RBA’s surprise interest rate hike caught out seasoned pundits and borrowers alike, writes Peter Hannam.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/02/rba-surprise-interest-rate-hike-catches-out-seasoned-pundits-and-borrowers-alike
Starving the unemployed shames us all – and Ross Gittins has had a gutful. He says he wouldn’t want to be Treasurer Jim Chalmers, as he puts the finish touches to next week’s budget. Everywhere he looks he sees problems – problems that need solving by spending more taxpayers’ money.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/starving-the-unemployed-shames-us-all-and-i-ve-had-a-gutful-20230502-p5d4t2.html
Peter Martin discussing the calls for increases to Jobseeker says, “Chalmers set up a committee he couldn’t ignore. So why is he now so keen to talk about everything but its number one recommendation?”
https://theconversation.com/presented-with-a-jobseeker-finding-too-clear-to-ignore-he-changed-the-subject-how-jim-chalmers-is-shaping-the-budget-204754
Labor MPs who have advocated for an increase in the jobseeker base rate were mostly unimpressed by the prospect of their government limiting the raise to those aged over 55 in the upcoming federal budget. Paul Karp and Amy Remeikis write that concerns are also growing that any changes to commonwealth rental assistance will also fall along generational divides and be lower than what is needed to meet the rising cost of housing, with a 25% increase firming as the likely figure, when advocates had called for 50%.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/02/labor-mps-condemn-discriminatory-plan-to-increase-jobseeker-only-for-those-over-55-in-budget
Jim who? Chalmers may not have Keating’s cut-through but this budget is his chance to serenade Australia, opines Peter Lewis.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2023/may/02/jim-who-chalmers-may-not-have-keatings-cut-through-but-this-budget-is-his-chance-to-serenade-australia
Mustafa Ruchwani reports that renters in Australian capital cities have suffered the highest increase for a 12-month period since records began in 2007 as the nation’s housing crisis shows no sign of slowing down. The combined capitals’ rental rate increased 11.7% over the past year, far above the average increase of 3.5%.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/03/rent-in-australian-capital-cities-climbs-record-117-in-12-months
Some crossbenchers are so frustrated with visits from lobbyists with orange all-access passes that they lock their doors. David Pocock wants to know who is signing them up, writes David Crowe. What Crowe describes is a system that is as loose as a goose.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/orange-is-the-new-hack-891-more-lobbyists-gain-inside-access-to-parliament-house-20230502-p5d4so.html
Integrity experts are saying Scott Morrison’s reported links to an AUKAS-related job in the UK defence industry show the pressing need for reforms to guard against the revolving door between government and industry, reports Christopher Knaus.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/02/scott-morrisons-reported-links-to-uk-defence-job-shows-lobbying-reforms-needed-integrity-experts-say
The global revolution in economics, trade and technology being advanced by the Biden administration to combat the rise of China has been given deeper expression by senior administration officials in the most definitive outline of their path-breaking US strategy. The liberal globalised world of the past 40 years in which Australia grew, prospered and, with a touch of modesty, even mastered to our enduring benefit, will exist no more. It is dying on the funeral pyre of intensifying US-China rivalry, writes Paul Kelly.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/historic-pivot-in-us-strategy-signals-new-danger-era/news-story/23285c38421558ce5ba61c803244fe38?amp
Labor MPs have called for their own government to review billions of dollars in grants aimed at areas worst hit by COVID lockdowns, amid concern about funding disparities that meant some local councils received almost 15 times more than their neighbours on a per capita basis. The $5 billion WestInvest fund was set up by the former Coalition government to help pay for “transformational” infrastructure projects in 15 local government areas across western Sydney, part of a suite of pandemic recovery spending measures funded from the sale of the WestConnex motorway.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/labor-mps-call-for-review-of-inequitable-western-sydney-grants-program-20230502-p5d4zf.html
New Medicare reforms won’t fix everything, but they start to tackle the system’s biggest problems, say Peter Breadon and Lachlan Fox.
https://theconversation.com/new-medicare-reforms-wont-fix-everything-but-they-start-to-tackle-the-systems-biggest-problems-204800
Paul Bongiorno reckons King Charles’ coronation is a last hurrah for Australian monarchy.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/2023/05/02/coronation-king-charles-australian-monarchy/
The AFR reveals that previously secret emails show PwC charged $2.5 million in fees to advise 14 clients how to sidestep new tax avoidance laws in 2016, relying on confidential information.
https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/for-your-eyes-only-how-pwc-leaks-helped-global-clients-dodge-tax-20230501-p5d4rf
Pressure is growing on the NSW government to halt plans for the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo, effectively sending the proposal back to the drawing board.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/second-report-casts-doubt-on-powerhouse-demolition-plans-20230420-p5d23v.html
A judge has ordered lawyers involved in two of Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation cases to provide any submissions on the possibility of a jury trial by the end of the week. Justice Michael Lee made the order in the Federal Court yesterday, when he listed the former Liberal Party staffer’s lawsuits against Network Ten and the publisher of news.com.au for a trial starting in November.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8180507/judge-sets-date-for-lehrmann-defamation-trial-as-jury-considered/?cs=14329
The vaping industry preyed on young Australians with a flood of dangerous products. Change was much needed, explains Becky Freeman.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/02/the-vaping-industry-preyed-on-young-australians-with-a-flood-of-dangerous-products-change-was-much-needed
Abul Rizvi writes that one of the many appalling consequences of establishing the Department of Home Affairs and transfer of immigration compliance functions to Australian Border Force was an extraordinary cut back in immigration compliance activity. He warns that the Albanese Government will need to increase immigration compliance activity significantly if its migration strategy is to be effective.
https://johnmenadue.com/will-labor-restore-immigration-compliance-activity/
It’s crucial for press freedom that whistleblowers are protected, not punished, write Kieran Pender, Peter Greste and Bill Browne who say that the Albanese government has talked the talk on press freedom but its failure to intervene in two ongoing cases undermines its commitment to reform.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/it-s-crucial-for-press-freedom-that-whistleblowers-are-protected-not-punished-20230502-p5d4yw.html
The SMH editorial says that as Joyce takes flight, it’s time for Qantas to put on a new, softer face.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/as-joyce-takes-flight-time-for-qantas-to-put-on-a-new-softer-face-20230502-p5d4uo.html
And Elizabeth Knight simply says that the new Qantas CEO must fix the rift with Qantas’s customers.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/new-qantas-ceo-must-fix-the-rift-with-the-customers-20230502-p5d4ux.html
Retiring Qantas chief Alan Joyce ran down the airline during his 15 year tenure; his depletion of the fleet and brutal cost cutting sapped customer service and staff morale. Michael Sainsbury reports on the changing of the guard and whether the inevitable corporate makeover may consign low-cost carrier Jetstar to aviation history.
https://michaelwest.com.au/alan-joyce-to-depart-is-it-time-for-qantas-to-retire-jetstar-too/
According to Josh Gordon, the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has accused the Liberal party of flirting with “the far-right fringe” of the referendum debate after the shadow minister, Michaelia Cash, appeared on a Sky News program where the host drew comparisons between the Indigenous voice and apartheid.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/02/liberals-accused-of-flirting-with-far-right-fringe-after-sky-news-show-where-indigenous-voice-compared-to-apartheid
On this subject, the AIMN’s Grumpy Geezer writes, “A waft of V05 and humbug hung in the air when the tinnitus in a trouser suit that is Michaelia Cash was handed the drivel shtick for the Tories’ latest FUD campaign – their vilification du jour being the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.”
https://theaimn.com/submarines-and-parking-tickets-and-high-farce-in-the-no-campaign/
The AFR tells us that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission will be streamlined under a major shake-up, amid an exodus of executives and search by the Albanese government for new commissioners. The restructure, which is partly a response to a report by the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority, was announced by the ASIC chairman Joe Longo at a town hall meeting with staff held in Sydney but broadcast to ASIC’s other offices yesterday.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/asic-muscles-up-its-enforcement-division-as-part-of-a-major-shake-up-20230502-p5d4v0
David Estcourt reports that Victoria’s police watchdog has found that some officers continue to engage in predatory behaviour towards vulnerable members of the public despite internal efforts to detect and subdue the problem, and that the conduct remains under-reported.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/watchdog-finds-predatory-behaviour-persists-among-victoria-police-officers-20230502-p5d4xx.html
At a recent Shanghai auto expo, the world’s largest battery maker unveiled a battery it claimed could power electric aircraft or propel electric vehicles beyond 1,000 kilometres on a single charge. Chinese Amperex Technology Limited (CATL), which makes one third of the world’s EV batteries, shared few details about the technology, but said it would start mass production later this year.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2023-05-03/catl-announces-battery-to-make-electric-aviation-possible/102289310
Ukraine is set to strike back, writes Mick Ryan who looks at what success might look like.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/ukraine-set-to-strike-back-but-what-would-success-look-like-20230502-p5d4ub.html
Most of us don’t care about the coronation and attempts to whip up our support have already backfired, writes Gaby Hinsliff who says it was the call to swear an oath of allegiance to the king that did it for her.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/02/king-charles-apathy-coronation
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
David Pope
Matt Golding
Andrew Dyson
Cathy Wilcox
Simon Letch
Spooner
From the US
Greg doing his thing with facts, figures and charts
https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2023/may/03/this-latest-interest-rates-rise-suggests-the-rba-board-is-completely-lost-to-logic
Christopher Knaus’s article in The Guardian says this –
Who knew Morrison had any “insights” about anything apart from lying constantly and making “announcements” that never went anywhere?
Of course the Nine papers would say that. There is about much truth behind it as the previous breathless announcement Morrison being about to announce his imminent retirement from parliament.
After seeing Strayan rubes sign up for the subs deal they’ll naturally reckon we’re easy marks. So flimflam man would be a natural go to man for future wealth extraction from the local yokels.
It looks like the writers stricke has nobbled the late night hosts
Michael West –
Brian Tyler Cohen –
Lawrence O’Donnell –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj7-CKpRWNA
“Most of us don’t care about the coronation and attempts to whip up our support have already backfired, writes Gaby Hinsliff who says it was the call to swear an oath of allegiance to the king that did it for her.”
For me it was learning that we had a “Bearer of the Golden Spurs” that did it, made me shout FFS! Enough of this outdated nonsense! (Apparently this position has been performed at every coronation since 1189.)
Republic Now!
There is a difference between an oath of allegiance and an acclamation. By their very nature oaths have to be taken in person. It’s one of those ancient spiritual things that are important if you follow a religious path. Or just have a sense of history?
I’m quite happy to acclaim Chuckles as king, but my “oath of loyalty” was given long since to Australia when I became a citizen. To swear another oath would be dishonourable!
And just a passing additional thought.
Charles may be king of the United Kingdom, and I’m fairly sure that belonging to the British Commonwealth is not necessarily a bad idea. But Australia is definitely becoming a republic, I’m just unclear what sort of republic we would have given some of the influences our politicians seem prey to at the moment.
I don’t trust the present lot with a presidential system after seeing what happened in the USA with Number 45.
I do not want a presendential election. I want a ceremonial head of state appointed hy 3/4s of all federal mos, or something similar. And former politicians banned from the role!
Screw having the presidential election circus of the USA. No thank you!
A republic without a president, thank you very much!
Did someone mention Spam ? On this day…………….apparently………….
https://www.9news.com.au/national/today-in-history-news-headlines-on-this-day-in-pictures-famous-historical-images-crime-sport-celebrity-world-news-global-events/08ca7615-2af7-41d6-964f-6fd0c9c8f357#5
If you want a good read about the early days of the internet and hacking have a read of The Cuckoo’s Egg.
It includes a recipe for chocolate brownies.
These comments are very interesting, well done everyone!
I am listening to the soundtrack of the musical Chess.
My favourites are:
I Know Him So Well. Elaine Paige
One Night in Bangkok.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Shane Wright and Rachel Clun tell us that a plan to overhaul the nation’s migration program is expected to reduce the number of low-paid immigrants entering the country by up to 31,000 a year, with the federal budget to reveal a much smaller Australia.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-smaller-australia-budget-to-reveal-migrant-reforms-will-hit-population-20230503-p5d5a6.html
Meanwhile, Paul Sakkal writes that Sussan Ley has accused Labor of overlooking the economic prospects of migrant Australians as the government presides over a record migration intake the Coalition dubbed “big Australia by stealth”. Starting today, she will launch a series of roundtables with culturally diverse groups in Australia’s capital cities to learn their social and economic concerns, a move the Coalition is pitching as more practical than what they describe as Labor’s cynical attempt over groups such as Chinese Australians through diplomacy.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/liberals-warning-on-big-migration-seek-to-win-back-multicultural-australians-20230503-p5d5bb.html
Angus Thompson reports that a long-awaited pay rise for aged care workers will cost the federal budget more than $11 billion as Labor hopes to entice more registered nurses to the haemorrhaging sector with $10,000 pay boosts. The government has revealed the bill for its election promise to fund a wage rise for 250,000 beleaguered aged care staff comes to $11.3 billion over four years to cover the 15 per cent increase decided by the Fair Work Commission last year.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/aged-care-workers-historic-wage-boost-to-cost-11-3-billion-20230503-p5d5bh.html
Since 2021, the aged care safety and quality commission has been paying KPMG staff to undertake audits of residential aged care facilities. Government contracts show KPMG was paid $104,166 to complete this work between September and March. But the Community and Public Sector Union believes this arrangement exposes taxpayers and residents to potential conflicts of interest, as consultants could be asked to audit clients that are not disclosed to or detected by government.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/04/firm-performing-australian-aged-care-audit-also-charging-providers-for-expertise
David Crowe and Natassia Chrysanthos report that Bill Shorten has said a crackdown on prices and junk therapies will be part of a new federal effort to save billions of dollars on disability services and achieve a controversial target of 8 per cent spending growth without cuts to eligibility for Australians who need support.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/crackdown-on-prices-and-junk-therapies-to-slow-ndis-spending-shorten-20230501-p5d4kk.html
For The Australian, Cameron Milner writes that next week Jim Chalmers will deliver the economic equivalent of an Olympic gold medal if he announces the first surplus Labor budget achieved in more than 24 years. It will be an economic achievement built on the back of a resources sector that once again has over-delivered. He opines that not since Labor’s economic titan, Paul Keating, has the party had such a bright and capable treasurer.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/chalmers-saving-grace-will-deliver-abudget-in-black/news-story/f59ac59a794c3ad49038437b40d4a5ff?amp
Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones has hit back at accusations he is dragging his feet on implementing financial advice reforms, saying some of the proposed laws are “very controversial” and he will not be “rushed into ill-conceived reforms”. Hannah Wootton writes that the Assistant Treasurer said that the recommended changes put forward by independent expert Michelle Levy after a nine-month review were “one input” of his plans to revamp the $2.7 billion sector, but “not the only input”.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/jones-won-t-be-rushed-on-very-controversial-financial-advice-reforms-20230503-p5d5b2
Economists have been wrong-footed again – this time on rates, declares Elizabeth Knight.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/economists-wrong-footed-again-this-time-on-rates-20230503-p5d5ah.html
Alan Kohler explains why this week’s RBA meeting was different.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2023/05/04/rba-meeting-treasurer-alan-kohler/
Michael Pascoe begins this contribution with, “So you think the Reserve Bank board lacks ticker, Jim? You think the focus on getting inflation down quickly needs to be sharpened? You want more independence? Well cop this.” He goes on to say the Reserve Bank board didn’t actually say that to Treasurer Jim Chalmers while increasing interest rates again on Tuesday afternoon, but it may have been between the lines.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/2023/05/03/michael-pascoe-rba-interest-rates/
An analysis of the Reserve Bank’s performance has failed to recommend solutions to key problem areas such as employment, wage growth and inflation. Lachlan Newland reports.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/rba-review-dashes-hopes-for-reform,17476
Australians have never borrowed more, and interest rates haven’t risen this fast in many decades. So the decisions of the RBA have never mattered as much to Australian families and businesses as they do today, and surprises are most unwelcome, writes Chris Richardson. He says the RBA hiked partly because inflation keeps spreading into new corners of the economy. That worries the bank that its fight against inflation may linger for longer.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/surprise-we-ve-borrowed-too-much-for-unexpected-rate-hikes-20230503-p5d579.html
The horror stories revealed by the Robodebt Royal Commission have prompted commentaries that have criticised Robodebt as an ethical or moral failure, a legal failure, a failure of common sense, a failure to apply the laws of mathematics, a failure of the hollowed-out public service and a failure of leadership. However, there is an aspect of Robodebt that was a staggering success: its vivid portrayal of the worldview of the people responsible, writes Peter Sainsbury in a worthwhile read.
https://johnmenadue.com/robodebt-a-failure-depends-how-you-look-at-it/
If only the media would cover the persecution of Julian Assange with the same the same zeal as the wedding of shock-jock Kyle Sandilands; and the controversial attendance of Albo. At this time, when Jackie-O turned up late to the wedding, Michael West reports on World Press Freedom Day.
https://michaelwest.com.au/world-press-freedom-day-but-for-julian-assange-david-mcbride-and-fossil-media-where-is-the-freedom/
When it comes to the biggest threat to the nation, that of climate-related risks to human and regional security, there is a big black hole in the government’s discourse, complains David Spratt.
https://johnmenadue.com/are-australias-climate-security-risks-too-hot-to-handle/
As cities grow more advanced technologically, we must adapt to new security measures in order to keep up with digital threats, writes Paul Budde.
https://independentaustralia.net/business/business-display/smart-cities-vulnerable-to-cyberattacks,17473
It is difficult to imagine a scenario for next year’s Presidential elections which does not increase the already bitter polarisation of American society. The level of irrationality and violence in the United States means that in the coming decades it may well veer between bellicosity and isolationism. In the face of an uncertain American polity, tying ourselves yet closer to the American alliance seems a foolhardy enterprise, opines Dennis Altman.
https://johnmenadue.com/bitter-polarisation-of-american-society-undermines-case-for-us-alliance/
The Australian tells us that former governor-general Peter Hollingworth professed clear knowledge of the harms caused by paedophiles nearly 30 years ago, contradicting a finding of the church board that allowed him to retain his ministry, an internal Anglican document reveals.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/peter-hollingworth-knew-of-sex-abuse-harm-in-1995/news-story/9a742be0b0836c3ffd5aa192406974aa?amp
It’s bizarre Australia is being frogmarched into an Indigenous voice to parliament without any practical details on how it will work, whine Peta Credlin in what is now a weekly culture warrior chant.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/trust-this-mob-on-the-voice-not-achance/news-story/5dea91ae4b6ca2925b037e1226b33fa9?amp
Andrews is in the third-term death zone, and the cracks are showing, writes Shaun Carney.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/andrews-is-in-the-third-term-death-zone-and-the-cracks-are-showing-20230502-p5d504.html
Job creation isn’t always a good thing. Hobart’s new stadium can only make Tasmania’s housing crisis worse, posits John Quiggin.
https://theconversation.com/job-creation-isnt-always-a-good-thing-hobarts-new-stadium-can-only-make-tasmanias-housing-crisis-worse-204806
Household knives are routinely being wielded with brutal and fatal consequences in schoolyard disputes, street crimes, and public brawls across the state. The situation has been described as “madness” by one top trauma specialist and sparked Victoria Police operations targeting at-risk youths, gang crime and weapon possession.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-s-deadliest-weapon-is-at-the-centre-of-a-youth-madness-wave-20230422-p5d2gr.html
Alexandra Smith reckons a scrap with the unions may suit Chris Minns, as long as it’s not too bloody.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/a-scrap-with-the-unions-may-suit-minns-as-long-as-it-s-not-too-bloody-20230503-p5d57g.html
Angus Thompson reports that Uber has said that giving Australia’s industrial umpire the power to set standards for gig workers could see them forced to work rostered shifts and banned from taking jobs for multiple delivery and ride-share platforms. It argues the federal government’s proposed changes reflect an “employment” style of regulation that will reduce availability of services and increase costs for companies, which would be passed on to consumers.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/uber-warns-gig-economy-changes-could-backfire-on-workers-and-customers-20230501-p5d4mt.html
In a national first, a McDonald’s franchisee has admitted leading an “unlawful” anti-union bullying campaign and has agreed to a landmark settlement. As part of the settlement, a public statement was agreed upon in which the former franchisee of the store admitted creating a template form for employees to resign from the union and telling workers that they could not be promoted to manager if they were still members. The statement is in the article.
https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/former-mcdonalds-franchisee-settles-claim-over-antiunion-bullying-campaign-for-275000/news-story/cf522f1af9208708009fe64d2e5e415c
Lobbying is sometimes called a dirty little secret shared by both sides of politics but the increasing push for political influence is creating an unsavoury alliance between MPs and lobbyists, former politicians and apparatchiks, with clients prepared to pay millions of dollars for access, says the SMH editorial which declares that Canberra’s anonymous revolving door of lobbyists demeans parliament.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/canberra-s-anonymous-revolving-door-of-lobbyists-demeans-parliament-20230503-p5d58q.html
Mehreen Faruqi will launch federal court action against Pauline Hanson under the Racial Discrimination Act, after the One Nation founder told the Greens senator to “piss off back to Pakistan” in an ugly social media clash following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/03/mehreen-faruqi-to-sue-pauline-hanson-over-offensive-tweet
The US Federal Reserve reinforced its fight against high inflation by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point to the highest level in 16 years. But the Fed also signalled that it may now pause the streak of 10 rate hikes that have made borrowing for consumers and businesses steadily more expensive, but markets slumped after chair Jerome Powell’s press conference.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/fed-raises-key-rate-but-hints-it-may-pause-amid-bank-turmoil-20230504-p5d5fp.html
Donald Trump was accused of sexual assault by a second woman in writer E Jean Carroll’s civil rape case, with the alleged victim telling the court he was all over her “like he had a zillion hands”. Jessica Leeds, 81, told jurors in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday that the former US president grabbed her chest and ran his hand up her skirt as they sat side-by-side on a New York City-bound jet in the 1970s.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/he-had-50-zillion-hands-woman-testifies-she-too-is-a-trump-victim-20230503-p5d582.html
Cartoon Corner
David Pope
David Rowe
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
Dionne Gain
Andrew Dyson
Mark David
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
Spooner needs professional help with his obsession!
From the US
This photo did my head in for a while. It screams ‘Photoshopped’ or ‘AI’ but it is not and I could not figure out ‘how’ it was done.
I will give you a few minutes to try work it out then post another picture that will ‘explain’ how it looks so unreal.
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Kenichi Ohno bird illusion
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Kaffee,
very clever. You are too smart to join the MAGA mob.
Chris Hayes –
Lawrence O’Donnell –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqztOjNCCDE
Brian Tyler Cohen –
That went down quick eh!
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/terrorists-victorian-liberals-slam-mps-leaking-against-john-pesutto-20230504-p5d5iu.html
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/liberal-mps-are-tiring-of-deeming-and-her-merry-band-of-rebels-20230504-p5d5o1.html
It seems to me that the Victorian Liberal Party is heading toward an irreconcilable split in the style that Labor did in the 1950’s in Victoria and Queensland. And they’re doing it in opposition no less, unlike Labor when they had their ugly split when in state government.
It’ll be interesting to see how it turns out if it goes that way. Lots of variables. Such as how such a split would play out in upper house voting, or who directs preferences where. Depending on who becomes the more dominant party, would the Reactionary Conservatives put the Moderate Liberals last? Or vice-versa?
To compare, during the 1950’s-70’s when the DLP was a force in Victorian politics, the DLP directed their preferences 85-90% to the Liberals, and 75-80% to the Country Party and they ran in every seat they could, winning roughly between 10-20% of the vote in each one. Will the SAD’s (Sky After Dark) and OLP’s (Old Liberal Party) hate each other to that degree?
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Despite a surplus in sight, Chalmers must focus on the bigger picture, writes David Crowe who says the inflation dragon still roams the country today. A balanced budget, and perhaps a small surplus, will assure voters that Labor knows how to defeat the beast.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/despite-a-surplus-in-sight-chalmers-must-focus-on-the-bigger-picture-20230503-p5d5cm.html
Mike Foley and Nick Toscano say that Jim Chalmers is preparing to raise billions of dollars more in taxes from offshore oil and gas companies to spend on the cost-of-living crisis, as the energy industry makes windfall profits from record fossil fuel prices fanned by Russia’s war on Ukraine.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/government-poised-to-tap-3b-more-from-fossil-fuel-super-profits-20230502-p5d50r.html
Next Thursday’s budget reply is a rare chance to repeat the Coalition’s messages about small government and low taxes, even if only among his own ranks, writes Phil Coorey.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/budget-week-will-be-an-opportunity-for-peter-dutton-too-20230503-p5d56w
The Albanese government will scrap the controversial ParentsNext program from next year and stop compulsory obligations for participants immediately in a significant win for campaigners. Luke Henriques-Gomes tells us that the decision comes after years of protest from advocates about the pre-employment program, which saw about 100,000 people on parenting payments drawn into the mutual obligations system.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/05/labor-to-scrap-coalitions-punitive-parentsnext-scheme-from-next-year
More and more Australians are facing crippling poverty while many corporations continue to rake in the money but still claim government handouts like JobKeeper, writes Michelle Pini who says corporate greed is set to continue.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/profits-before-people-corporate-greed-set-to-continue,17479
Australians are increasingly using credit cards to survive, and overdue bills have soared in 2023. There was a 20 per cent annual surge in credit demand over the March quarter, and a 10 per cent increase in debts that are more than 90 days past due, stated credit agency Equifax. Overdue mortgage bills are also rising sharply amid rapidly rising interest rates, Equifax said.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/finance-news/2023/05/04/credit-cards-overdue-cost-of-living/
According to the SMH, the NSW Nationals are threatening to refer one of their own members to the corruption watchdog for considering a lucrative promotion in the new parliament despite senior party figures proposing another of their own MPs for the same job.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nationals-threaten-to-refer-their-own-mp-to-icac-over-job-nomination-20230504-p5d5po.html
State Liberal MP Moira Deeming will sue party leader John Pesutto for defamation and launch legal action challenging her nine-month suspension from the parliamentary team, inflaming tensions within the party, report Sumeyya Ilanbey and Broede Carmody who suggest that the Victorian Liberal party is in crisis.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/terrorists-victorian-liberals-slam-mps-leaking-against-john-pesutto-20230504-p5d5iu.html
Annika Smethurst says that Liberal MPs are tiring of Deeming and her merry band of rebels.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/liberal-mps-are-tiring-of-deeming-and-her-merry-band-of-rebels-20230504-p5d5o1.html
Aged care providers that don’t pass on the full 15 per cent wage rise to their staff will be exposed by the government in a move to increase pay transparency as unions and employers face off over how the money is shared.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/government-to-name-and-shame-aged-care-providers-not-passing-on-pay-rise-20230504-p5d5lj.html
Angus Dalton reports that Professor Michael Kassiou spent more than a decade hunting for molecules small enough to enter the brain and activate our oxytocin receptors, which scientists have long suspected could be a potent method for treating dementia, depression and schizophrenia. This could be big.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/think-of-it-like-lego-the-sydney-chemist-who-found-a-273m-molecule-20230504-p5d5lb.html
Colin Kruger writes that Jim Chalmers has said the federal government is prepared to take further action against PwC if necessary over a leak of confidential government tax plans, but has declined to clarify whether criminal charges are being considered.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/treasury-seeks-legal-advice-on-pwc-tax-leaker-20230504-p5d5i9.html’
The future of PwC Australia chief executive Tom Seymour is under a cloud over a tax leak scandal that emanated from the division he ran inside the nation’s largest consulting firm, amid sharp criticism by the Treasurer over PwC’s conduct. Internal firm emails published by a Senate committee on Tuesday reveal dozens of PwC partners and staff were involved in a plan to exploit, for profit, information former partner Peter Collins had gleaned while advising the government on developing the multinational tax avoidance laws.
https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/pwc-boss-under-fire-over-tax-leaks-scandal-20230504-p5d5oc
Better-off customers of NAB can drive a hard bargain but 40 per cent who took out loans between August 2019 and July 2022 are “mortgage prisoners”, writes Karen Maley.
https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/nab-s-well-heeled-customers-are-driving-a-hard-bargain-others-less-so-20230504-p5d5j2
PwC’s scandalous monetising of tax secrets raises big questions, says the AFR’s editorial.
https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/pwc-s-scandalous-monetising-of-tax-secrets-20230502-p5d52a
‘It’s spooky’: Half of America’s banks are already insolvent, writes Ambrose Evans-Pritchard who tells us that almost half of America’s 4800 banks have already burnt through their capital buffers and are running on negative equity. They may not have to mark all losses to market under US accounting rules, but that does not make them solvent. Somebody will take those losses. This is a very interesting and worrying contribution.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/it-s-spooky-half-of-america-s-banks-are-already-insolvent-20230503-p5d54a.html
“Let this be the last time our leader kowtows to a foreign king”, declare Craig Foster and Nova Peris.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/let-this-be-the-last-time-our-leader-kowtows-to-a-foreign-king-20230503-p5d57w.html
The proposed “chorus of millions of voices” is historically troubling, potentially divisive, and – at the very least – likely to be unachievable, writes Helen Irving.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/is-it-undemocratic-to-swear-allegiance-to-king-charles-bloody-oath-20230503-p5d56q.html
Christopher Knaus reports that now the Anglican church’s professional standards body is rechecking its decision on Peter Hollingworth for errors almost two weeks after circulating a version that mistakenly gave a survivor her abuser’s surname.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/05/anglican-church-rechecking-ruling-on-hollingworth-after-mistakenly-giving-survivor-her-abusers-surname
Kevin Rudd has been very active since commencing his role as Australian ambassador to the US.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/note-from-washington-forget-mr-ambassador-call-him-kevin-everywhere-20230504-p5d5nh.html
Farrah Tomazin tells us that Malcolm Turnbull has described Rupert Murdoch as Australia’s deadliest export, saying no one has done more to damage American democracy than the US-based media mogul. And as Donald Trump’s campaign to return to the White House builds momentum, Turnbull also gave his frank assessment of the former president, branding him a “shameless showman” and a “bully” whose lies about the 2020 election being stolen constituted “gaslighting on an epic scale”.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/rupert-s-our-deadliest-export-trump-s-an-egomaniac-bully-says-turnbull-20230504-p5d5mh.html
A jury on Thursday convicted four members of the far-right Proud Boys militia group, including its former leader Enrique Tarrio, of seditious conspiracy, finding they plotted to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in a failed bid to block Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory. The offences carry a penalty of up to 20 years.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/jury-convicts-trump-loyalists-over-january-6-capitol-attack-20230505-p5d5sc.html
Israel’s top representative in Australia is urging the Albanese government not to recognise Palestine as a state as Labor seeks to avoid a flare-up over the divisive issue at its upcoming national conference. Matthew Knott and James Massola say that Labor’s official policy platform supports Palestinian statehood, but the government is wary of taking such a dramatic step after infuriating Israel last year by announcing Australia would no longer recognise West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/israel-urges-labor-not-to-recognise-palestine-as-party-closes-ranks-20230503-p5d5au.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
David Pope
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
Jim Pavlidis
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
https://mediacloud.theweek.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_single-media-image-desktop@1/v1683115669/20230502edptc-a.jpg’
The rout (hopefully) has started
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2023/may/04/local-elections-2023-latest-results-reactions-polls-close-england-conservatives-labour-rishi-sunak-keir-starmer-lib-dems-greens-live-updates#maincontent
Joke of the Day -take your pick whether it should be Dutton himself, the agreement that Assange’s imprisonment has gone on for too long, or both.
Peter Dutton after having failed to do anything to free Julian Assange in his various ministries for almost 10 years now has this to say.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2023/may/05/australia-news-live-federal-budget-cost-of-living-interest-debt-tax-rates-mpox-archibald-prize-father-bob-maguire#top-of-blog
I am sick of Liberals whining about things when they had 10 years to “do something” yet instead chose to maintain the status quo for their entire term in government.
“The proposed “chorus of millions of voices” is historically troubling, potentially divisive, and – at the very least – likely to be unachievable, writes Helen Irving.”
I’ll be among those who could not give a rat’s rear end about when King Charles the Adulterer is crowned (I only found out this morning when that is to be) and I have no intention of standing in my loungeroom to utter useless, meaningless words because the said adulterer says we should. What an ego the man (?) must have!
I’m reading that there has been a move to “modernize” the coronation ceremony, which is probably why someone not particularly au-fait with social media, (or media, or modern society, in general) but trying to include “modern” things in an ancient rite, has come up with this idea.
In many ways I have always felt a bit sad for Charles, bred and bound for one task in his life for which his mother had to die.
More likely after a life-time of sycophancy the dolt is out of touch with reality
Chris Hayes –
Lawrence O’Donnell –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6P8qOJEDD8&t=25s
Brian Tyler Cohen –
It’s somewhat satisfying to watch Jordies go after trash journalists. He doesn’t hold back in this video, and from what I’ve seen in it, Rick Morton deserves it.
Did I post some vids earlier?
If I did they have disappeared, if not then I forgot to click ‘Post Comment’ button.
Cue ‘Twighlight Zone’ Theme music –
They were in purgatory. Now rescued.
Ta muchly
Fiona,
You may wish to look at pending (and perhaps not approve).
Ducky,
Thank you for the heads-up – definitely NOT approved!
F.M –
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/05/atteeeention-let-us-take-the-royal-gewgaws-coronation-homage-of-allegiance