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Australia coronavirus update live: Australian government to buy $100m of fuel for stockpile – latest news Australia coronavirus update live: government to buy $100m of fuel for stockpile – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Energy minister Angus Taylor says ‘now is the time to buy fuel’ as Senate committee into government’s response to Covid-19 crisis prepares for first hearing. Follow liveEnergy minister Angus Taylor says ‘now is the time to buy fuel’ as Senate committee into government’s response to Covid-19 crisis prepares for first hearing. Follow live
The NRL has confirmed it will resume its 2020 season on 28 May.
Australian Rugby League commissioner Wayne Pearce said the league had the green light from government (presumably the NSW government) to restart its season on 28 May, with training to begin from 4 May. That’s Monday week — one week before the four week deadline, set by the national cabinet as the date at which social distancing laws will be reviewed.
Pearce said:
He says that “everyone is supportive of what we’re doing. Everyone is unified into getting back on the field.”
It’s still not exactly clear how this would work. The New Zealand Warriors, for example, might not be able to participate, and teams based outside of NSW “would have to come into camp in NSW,” Pearce said.
Pearce said governments were “very supportive”.
The Greens have put their support behind the RBA’s call for tax reform.
In a statement, Richard Di Natale says major tax reform should be geared at creating a carbon-free economy. So: no tax breaks for polluters, tax incentives for research and development. This ties back to the party’s rhetoric around the Green New Deal, which I continue to dislike as a slogan because it feels very American.
Anyway. Di Natale says:
Di Natale says the recession following the coronavirus will disproportionately affect young people, and that needs to be kept in mind when designing the reforms.
On the matter of Scott Morrison speaking to Donald Trump, Albanese says it is “not a bad thing that people talk” but that he hopes Morrison did not take the advice given to and by Trump about how to manage the coronavirus.
Albanese:
I think Morrison would probably agree with that.
What about Morrison’s push that the World Health Organisation be allowed to enter a country without invitation, to trace the origin of an outbreak?
We understand the WHO would have been discussed in that phone call.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has been on ABC24 speaking to Patricia Karvelas. Firstly, he says that having an additional fuel supply stored in the United States, as Angus Taylor set out earlier, is not useful because “the United States isn’t New Zealand”.
“I mean, it’s not next-door,” Albanese says. Fair enough, no dispute there.
Next topic: what about the suggestion from RBA governor Philip Lowe that Australia would need tax and industrial relations reform to get the economy moving again, is that something Labor would support?
Albanese says this is “hypothetical”.
Could that include corporate tax cuts?
Albanese says a lot of companies “aren’t going to be paying a whole lot of corporate tax cut in the coming year,” presumably because they won’t be making a profit.
What about franking credits?
What if the government introduces that policy?
Hello, it’s Calla Wahlquist taking over from Josh Taylor.Hello, it’s Calla Wahlquist taking over from Josh Taylor.
In case you were ticking these events off on your apocalyptic bingo card, there is a locust plague in western New South Wales.In case you were ticking these events off on your apocalyptic bingo card, there is a locust plague in western New South Wales.
It’s only a low-density plague at the moment but Robynne Wells-Budde, a senior biosecurity officer at the NSW department of primary industries, told the ABC: “Even a low-density swarm has the potential to grow into something much bigger”. It’s only a low-density plague at the moment but Robynne Wells-Budde, a senior biosecurity officer at the NSW Department of Primary Industries, told the ABC: “Even a low-density swarm has the potential to grow into something much bigger”.
So that’s drought, fire, flood, a pandemic, and a plague of locusts, all in the past 12 months.So that’s drought, fire, flood, a pandemic, and a plague of locusts, all in the past 12 months.
SA premier Steven Marshall says there have been 10,000 tests for coronavirus in the state in the past two weeks.SA premier Steven Marshall says there have been 10,000 tests for coronavirus in the state in the past two weeks.
People who test negative are now being informed via text message.People who test negative are now being informed via text message.
But still, no restrictions being eased, Marshall says.But still, no restrictions being eased, Marshall says.
“There will be no lifting of restrictions today in South Australia. We will still be sticking to the time frame put in place by the prime minister. There is another national cabinet meeting, which will meet on Friday, but I don’t envisage there will be any further changes to the restrictions in South Australia.”“There will be no lifting of restrictions today in South Australia. We will still be sticking to the time frame put in place by the prime minister. There is another national cabinet meeting, which will meet on Friday, but I don’t envisage there will be any further changes to the restrictions in South Australia.”
New South Wales has also told me that opt-in for the app is their preference.New South Wales has also told me that opt-in for the app is their preference.
“The NSW government is supportive of a national approach to contract tracing technology that is opt-in and subject to rigorous security and privacy settings,” minister for customer service Victor Dominello said.“The NSW government is supportive of a national approach to contract tracing technology that is opt-in and subject to rigorous security and privacy settings,” minister for customer service Victor Dominello said.
“The development and rollout of the app is the federal government’s responsibility. Decisions around easing of restrictions will be made based on advice and evidence from experts.”“The development and rollout of the app is the federal government’s responsibility. Decisions around easing of restrictions will be made based on advice and evidence from experts.”
The NSW inquiry into the Ruby Princess fiasco has just adjourned for the day.The NSW inquiry into the Ruby Princess fiasco has just adjourned for the day.
Just before it finished, we heard from Sebastiano Azzarelli, the ship’s staff captain, who was effectively second in command.Just before it finished, we heard from Sebastiano Azzarelli, the ship’s staff captain, who was effectively second in command.
Azzarelli came aboard the Ruby Princess on February 18 in Auckland.Azzarelli came aboard the Ruby Princess on February 18 in Auckland.
He confirmed he was present for a phone call from the ship’s bridge to the Sydney vessel traffic services (VTS) in the early moments of 19 March, as the ship pulled into Sydney harbour.He confirmed he was present for a phone call from the ship’s bridge to the Sydney vessel traffic services (VTS) in the early moments of 19 March, as the ship pulled into Sydney harbour.
The call was used to explain the medical disembarkations that had been ordered.The call was used to explain the medical disembarkations that had been ordered.
“I remember VTS called the bridge looking for [the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System] declaration, which we do not have that information,” Azzarelli said.“I remember VTS called the bridge looking for [the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System] declaration, which we do not have that information,” Azzarelli said.
The ship’s doctor, Dr Ilse Von Watzdorf, was also present for the call. Earlier in the inquiry, von Watzdorf said the disembarkations were for two patients with a heart condition and nerve damage.The ship’s doctor, Dr Ilse Von Watzdorf, was also present for the call. Earlier in the inquiry, von Watzdorf said the disembarkations were for two patients with a heart condition and nerve damage.
They had no clear and obvious signs of Covid-19, she said. Azzarelli told the inquiry he could not remember what reasons were given to VTS for the medical disembarkation.They had no clear and obvious signs of Covid-19, she said. Azzarelli told the inquiry he could not remember what reasons were given to VTS for the medical disembarkation.
On arrival, other passengers were allowed to disembark before their Covid-19 tests were returned.On arrival, other passengers were allowed to disembark before their Covid-19 tests were returned.
The inquiry will resume tomorrow morning.The inquiry will resume tomorrow morning.
Kelly reveals the government has undertaken research via surveys and focus groups that show “quite a lot of support” for the contact tracing app.Kelly reveals the government has undertaken research via surveys and focus groups that show “quite a lot of support” for the contact tracing app.
“As I said, there’s essentially three groups. There are people quite reasonably concerned about privacy concerns and other matters. For some people that, is a complete gamebreaker and they are not going to consider downloading it. Others when explained what the limitations of the app are and the privacy and data security and so forth, element which is are absolutely crucial to it, are persuaded towards the other group who are happy to do their part.“As I said, there’s essentially three groups. There are people quite reasonably concerned about privacy concerns and other matters. For some people that, is a complete gamebreaker and they are not going to consider downloading it. Others when explained what the limitations of the app are and the privacy and data security and so forth, element which is are absolutely crucial to it, are persuaded towards the other group who are happy to do their part.
He wouldn’t say whether their research showed 40% of people will use the app.He wouldn’t say whether their research showed 40% of people will use the app.
“Anything more than zero is going to be useful. Obviously, the higher the number, the better. Whether we get to 40% or higher or lower, that remains to be seen. I think this is completely voluntary. It will depend on how many people take up the app.“Anything more than zero is going to be useful. Obviously, the higher the number, the better. Whether we get to 40% or higher or lower, that remains to be seen. I think this is completely voluntary. It will depend on how many people take up the app.
He again reiterates it will be key to contact tracing and easing restrictions even though Victoria has said it won’t be.He again reiterates it will be key to contact tracing and easing restrictions even though Victoria has said it won’t be.
“It’s important because if we can really get on top of that, it will allow us much more leeway to change the social distancing measures, which I’m sure we all want to see happen.”“It’s important because if we can really get on top of that, it will allow us much more leeway to change the social distancing measures, which I’m sure we all want to see happen.”
He said more information about the app would be released later this week.He said more information about the app would be released later this week.
Was the advice to stop cruise ships too slow? Kelly says it’s easy to judge in hindsight, and there are so many ships and thousands of people on them.Was the advice to stop cruise ships too slow? Kelly says it’s easy to judge in hindsight, and there are so many ships and thousands of people on them.
“We made a decision very early in the epidemic in Australia about limiting cruise ship arrivals into Australia. We have allowed cruise ships to come for two main reasons. One, to allow Australians to come home, but also for ships that have demonstrated that they are in distress from Covid-19 or other reasons have docked. And we’ve seen what that has led to. So, in terms of cruise ships, we said very early on – and there was very specific advice given to Australians about cruise ships as early as mid-March – that people should reconsider whether they should go on cruise ships as part of the advice that came from the prime minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as I recall. So, we’ve been clear in our advice. Most people have taken that on board. There are only two cruise ships still in Australian waters, and none of those have passengers on them.”“We made a decision very early in the epidemic in Australia about limiting cruise ship arrivals into Australia. We have allowed cruise ships to come for two main reasons. One, to allow Australians to come home, but also for ships that have demonstrated that they are in distress from Covid-19 or other reasons have docked. And we’ve seen what that has led to. So, in terms of cruise ships, we said very early on – and there was very specific advice given to Australians about cruise ships as early as mid-March – that people should reconsider whether they should go on cruise ships as part of the advice that came from the prime minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, as I recall. So, we’ve been clear in our advice. Most people have taken that on board. There are only two cruise ships still in Australian waters, and none of those have passengers on them.”
Given there are fewer cases there, could regional and remote areas open up sooner and act as test cases for the rest of the country? Best to wait and see, Kelly says.
“We do know that remote areas, regional areas, and rural areas of Australia have less capability to cope with a large outbreak in terms of health facilities, for example, or even public health facilities to investigate such outbreaks. So, I think it’s reasonable for us to wait a bit longer to really protect those healthcare assets in those places and to protect the communities in our rural, remote and regional areas.”
Aged care minister Richard Colbeck has put out this information on what the federal government is doing for the Newmarch aged care centre in Sydney, given the large number of cases of coronavirus at the facility:
Deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly is holding a press conference.
Since 3pm yesterday afternoon, there are only four new confirmed cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 6,649 across Australia.
“We’re doing well in terms of flattening the curve.”He says that is key to easing restrictions.
I just got back from a press conference held by Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos.
I’ve been trying to establish whether state and territory governments will require people to be downloading and using the federal government’s contact tracing app in order for restrictions to be eased.
Mikakos told me that no, Victoria will not make it a requirement for easing restrictions, nor will Victoria need a proportion of the population using the app before it will consider easing restrictions.
“We won’t be compelling people to use that app,” she said.
“This is a proposal that the federal government has taken to the national cabinet to encourage Australians to utilise the contact tracing app. I think it has some merit, personally I will download the app. I have no qualms about using the app but I do think it is important that reassurances are given to the community about how their privacy will be protected and how the app will be working.”
Importantly, she said Victoria “won’t be setting any preconditions” on uptake of the app, but preconditions would be set up around other factors, such as more testing, more tracing, and response activity if there is an outbreak in a particular area.
“But that work will be done regardless of the success or otherwise of this new application,” she said.
That is in contrast to prime minister Scott Morrison who indicated 40% of the population would need to be using the app as we begin to ease restrictions.
Deputy chief medical officer professor Paul Kelly is about to give the national update, but from the numbers we have heard so far today, it is looking good.
Josh Taylor will take you through that. Thank you so much for joining us once again, and for welcoming me back. Winter lurgies will find a way to get you, if they can, so keep washing your hands and stay safe. I’ll be back tomorrow. In the meantime, as always, take care of you.
Reinforcing just how non-existent retail trade outside supermarkets is going to be for the next month or so, department store Myer has just extended the closure of its outlets to at least 11 May.
They were closed on 29 March.
Myer said the vast majority of its staff remained stood down but it has applied for the jobkeeper scheme.
AAP has some NRL news:
The NSW Rugby League plans to resume its grassroots competition seasons in July, but the NRL’s reserve grade competition will remain cancelled due to the coronavirus.
NSWRL boss Dave Trodden confirmed on Wednesday it was working towards resuming the Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield and women’s premiership on July 18.
Players will be able to return to training from the start of July, with the comeback to be rubber stamped on June 1, depending on state government approval.
The development will also include all park football, ranging from under-6s to open age with 100,000 participants involved.
But the top-tier competitions, including NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg, Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup will not come back.
It’s thought the cost of running what effectively would have been a 10-week season was far too great.
The decision will also take a strain off NRL clubs, who had already accounted for the reserve grade competitions not returning in 2020.
Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos has addressed media this afternoon to discuss plans to open the water at Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beach.
She has emphasised that people will not be allowed to exercise on the sand. There will be fences erected on the beach, tunnelling swimmers and surfers into and out of the water.
“If people are not going to be respecting the current rules, and they’re not going to be taking instruction ... they will be asked to leave,” she said.
“I really wanted to ensure that we don’t have to close this down. I’m asking people, please abide by the social distancing requirements. If you do come and see that the corridors are really busy or there is a line, please, leave and come back another time.”
Bondi and Bronte beaches will be opened to surfers and ocean swimmers, while Tamarama will only be open to surfers due to dangerous conditions.
The water will be opened next Tuesday after the NSW school holidays have ended.
You’ll be hearing these words a lot more often:
A new hotline has been set up for older Australians, who might need some extra advice, or just have some questions, about Covid-19 and their care:
Council on the Ageing (Cota) Australia, National Seniors Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network (Opan) and Dementia Australia have banded together, supported by the commonwealth government, to create the National Covid Older Persons Information Line. Older people and carers are encouraged to call 1800 171 866 to speak to friendly, specially trained staff from a senior’s advocacy organisation.
Opan CEO Craig Gear said the hotline will provide particular support to those accessing aged care services who are disproportionately impacted by health precautions and restrictions.