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Australia coronavirus update live: NRL announces it will restart play on 28 May – latest news Australia coronavirus update live: NRL announces it will restart play on 28 May – 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
Another interesting discussion arising from Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos’ press conference is the split between public and private health for elective surgery.
They’ve agreed to allow around 25% of elective surgeries to now take place from next week. That includes private hospitals, but the state government paid private hospitals to provide capacity to the public system in the event that is needed as a result of coronavirus.
In any case, it sounds now like people on the public wait list for elective surgeries could get preferential treatment over people waiting for surgery in the private hospital system because the state government bought capacity in the private system.
It will depend on the surgery, however. Mikakos noted that some of the procedures that will now be allowed, eg IVF or dental work, could still largely be happening in the private system.
When she was asked what the point was, then, of having private health insurance at a time like this when you’re not getting any benefit out of it, she said part of the government funding for the private sector was to keep the private hospitals running at this time.
Good evening. Graham Readfearn here taking you through the final hours of our live coronavirus coverage.
A quick check around the updates from states and territories today shows very low numbers of new cases of Covid-19 being reported.
There were no new cases reported by Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory or the ACT. New South Wales had five and South Australia and Tasmania both reported one new case each.
Victoria did record two new cases, but took two cases off as they were reclassified to other states. So that’s no net gain for Victoria.
Coronavirus has also affected the live cattle export trade out of northern Australia, with the two biggest markets, Indonesia and Vietnam, reporting the biggest price crash since 2011.Coronavirus has also affected the live cattle export trade out of northern Australia, with the two biggest markets, Indonesia and Vietnam, reporting the biggest price crash since 2011.
That crash was caused by the Four Corners exposé.That crash was caused by the Four Corners exposé.
This is from ABC Rural:This is from ABC Rural:
And with that, I’ll hand over to my colleague Graham Readfearn.And with that, I’ll hand over to my colleague Graham Readfearn.
Stay well, and if you buy a new bike remember to only accelerate going out of a corner and not into one.Stay well, and if you buy a new bike remember to only accelerate going out of a corner and not into one.
More than 40 Aboriginal people in Western Australia have tested positive to Covid-19, according to Prof Fiona Stanley from the Telethon Kids Institute.More than 40 Aboriginal people in Western Australia have tested positive to Covid-19, according to Prof Fiona Stanley from the Telethon Kids Institute.
Speaking to the Australian Academy of science, Stanley said:Speaking to the Australian Academy of science, Stanley said:
Stanley said Aboriginal people who test positive in remote communities have a lower chance of survival, because “there aren’t any respirators out there, no intensive care.”Stanley said Aboriginal people who test positive in remote communities have a lower chance of survival, because “there aren’t any respirators out there, no intensive care.”
Stanley said the lack of available health services for Aboriginal people would be “almost a joke if it wasn’t so very serious.” There are about 850,0000 Aboriginal people in Australia, of whom about 90,000 live in WA.Stanley said the lack of available health services for Aboriginal people would be “almost a joke if it wasn’t so very serious.” There are about 850,0000 Aboriginal people in Australia, of whom about 90,000 live in WA.
Stanley said the pandemic had “exposed our appalling inability to actually improve Aboriginal health outcomes” but she hoped it would lead to more Aboriginal people being trained as health professionals.Stanley said the pandemic had “exposed our appalling inability to actually improve Aboriginal health outcomes” but she hoped it would lead to more Aboriginal people being trained as health professionals.
Delighted, and slightly worried, that the Greens have agreed with my driving advice.Delighted, and slightly worried, that the Greens have agreed with my driving advice.
A mural of Ai Fen, one of the first doctors to raise the alarm about a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, has been painted in Melbourne by artist Amanda Newman.A mural of Ai Fen, one of the first doctors to raise the alarm about a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, has been painted in Melbourne by artist Amanda Newman.
You may have noticed I misattributed an earlier press release from the office of Greens leader Adam Bandt to former Greens leader Richard Di Natale. Apologies, Adam.You may have noticed I misattributed an earlier press release from the office of Greens leader Adam Bandt to former Greens leader Richard Di Natale. Apologies, Adam.
Have you bought a bicycle since lockdown began?Have you bought a bicycle since lockdown began?
You would not be alone. Bikes are, according to one bike retailer, “the new toilet paper”.You would not be alone. Bikes are, according to one bike retailer, “the new toilet paper”.
Grant Kaplan, manager of Giant Sydney, a bike store in Sydney, told Guardian Australia’s Justine Landis-Hanley:Grant Kaplan, manager of Giant Sydney, a bike store in Sydney, told Guardian Australia’s Justine Landis-Hanley:
I have not panic bought a bike but I am monitoring an online horse auction so probably can’t talk.I have not panic bought a bike but I am monitoring an online horse auction so probably can’t talk.
The manager of a south Melbourne bike store told Justine:The manager of a south Melbourne bike store told Justine:
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
ACCC allows retailers to collectively negotiate rentsACCC allows retailers to collectively negotiate rents
The competition regulator has given retailers permission to collectively negotiate with landlords about rent during the coronavirus crisis.The competition regulator has given retailers permission to collectively negotiate with landlords about rent during the coronavirus crisis.
With many shops closed, and those that do remain open hit by a dramatic fall in revenue as shoppers stay home, how much rent should — or can — be paid has become a major battleground between retailers and landlords.Some retailers, including Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments group, have unilaterally stopped paying rent while their shops are closed.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it has authorised the Australian Retail Association and its members to negotiate rents collectively and to:With many shops closed, and those that do remain open hit by a dramatic fall in revenue as shoppers stay home, how much rent should — or can — be paid has become a major battleground between retailers and landlords.Some retailers, including Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments group, have unilaterally stopped paying rent while their shops are closed.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it has authorised the Australian Retail Association and its members to negotiate rents collectively and to:
Said ACCC chairman Rod Sims:Said ACCC chairman Rod Sims:
It’s the latest in a series of authorisations issued by the ACCC allowing conduct that would normally be against the law because it was anti-competitive.It’s the latest in a series of authorisations issued by the ACCC allowing conduct that would normally be against the law because it was anti-competitive.
The NRL has confirmed it will resume its 2020 season on 28 May.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.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:Pearce said:
He says that “everyone is supportive of what we’re doing. Everyone is unified into getting back on the field.”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.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”.Pearce said governments were “very supportive”.
The Greens have put their support behind the RBA’s call for tax reform.The Greens have put their support behind the RBA’s call for tax reform.
In a statement, Adam Bandt 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.In a statement, Adam Bandt 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. Bandt says:Anyway. Bandt says:
Bandt says the recession following the coronavirus will disproportionately affect young people, and that needs to be kept in mind when designing the reforms.Bandt 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.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:Albanese:
I think Morrison would probably agree with that.I think Morrison would probably agree with that.
What about Morrison’s push that the World Health Organization be allowed to enter a country without invitation, to trace the origin of an outbreak?What about Morrison’s push that the World Health Organization 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.We understand the WHO would have been discussed in that phone call.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has been on ABC News 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”.Labor leader Anthony Albanese has been on ABC News 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.“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?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”.Albanese says this is “hypothetical”.
Could that include corporate tax cuts?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.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 about franking credits?
What if the government introduces that policy?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.”