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Coronavirus news Australia: states begin easing restrictions from tonight after national cabinet meeting today – as it happened States begin easing restrictions from tonight after national cabinet meeting on Friday – as it happened
(about 1 hour later)
ACT to allow gatherings of 10 people from midnight, with other states to roll back restrictions from Monday. This blog is now closedACT to allow gatherings of 10 people from midnight, with other states to roll back restrictions from Monday. This blog is now closed
We’ll leave it there for tonight. Have a fantastic Friday night. See you soon.We’ll leave it there for tonight. Have a fantastic Friday night. See you soon.
Let’s whip around the main developments of the day.Let’s whip around the main developments of the day.
The PM announced the national cabinet’s three-stage ‘roadmap’ to ease Covid-19 restrictions.The PM announced the national cabinet’s three-stage ‘roadmap’ to ease Covid-19 restrictions.
Some states – Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania – then indicated their own initial changes to restrictions, which they will enact in the coming days.Some states – Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania – then indicated their own initial changes to restrictions, which they will enact in the coming days.
Victorians were told the government will outline an easing of restrictions on Monday, while New South Wales said only that it will be making no changes this week.Victorians were told the government will outline an easing of restrictions on Monday, while New South Wales said only that it will be making no changes this week.
The Reserve Bank of Australia forecast the unemployment rate will hit 10% in June, and won’t climb down to 6.5% until June 2022.The Reserve Bank of Australia forecast the unemployment rate will hit 10% in June, and won’t climb down to 6.5% until June 2022.
The worrying Cedar Meats cluster in Melbourne’s west reached 71 cases.The worrying Cedar Meats cluster in Melbourne’s west reached 71 cases.
Three NRL players were stood down for not getting the flu shot.Three NRL players were stood down for not getting the flu shot.
And, moments after Scott Morrison concluded his press conference today, the government delayed the implementation of recommendations from the banking royal commission.And, moments after Scott Morrison concluded his press conference today, the government delayed the implementation of recommendations from the banking royal commission.
The Australian Hotels Association, essentially the nation’s pubs lobby, has claimed the national cabinet’s “roadmap” out of the Covid-19 pandemic will hurt its members.The Australian Hotels Association, essentially the nation’s pubs lobby, has claimed the national cabinet’s “roadmap” out of the Covid-19 pandemic will hurt its members.
“Hotels have been left blindsided,” the AHA chief executive, Stephen Ferguson, said on Friday, according to AAP.“Hotels have been left blindsided,” the AHA chief executive, Stephen Ferguson, said on Friday, according to AAP.
“They basically will not be able to reopen their businesses until stage three of the recovery process.”“They basically will not be able to reopen their businesses until stage three of the recovery process.”
Ferguson said the plan failed to account for venues with large floor space and most would be forced to remain closed.Ferguson said the plan failed to account for venues with large floor space and most would be forced to remain closed.
“We are told only 10 people can sit and have a meal in a pub restaurant area even if that area could safely socially distance 50 or 100,” he said“We are told only 10 people can sit and have a meal in a pub restaurant area even if that area could safely socially distance 50 or 100,” he said
“Why can only 10 people be allowed in a dining area of a huge venue that could safely socially distance 120?”“Why can only 10 people be allowed in a dining area of a huge venue that could safely socially distance 120?”
People are cramming into supermarkets and work side-by-side on building sites, he said.People are cramming into supermarkets and work side-by-side on building sites, he said.
“Where is the consistency?”“Where is the consistency?”
He warned that many operators were already struggling with mounting debts after being closed for more than a month and the recovery plan could force some to close their doors permanently.He warned that many operators were already struggling with mounting debts after being closed for more than a month and the recovery plan could force some to close their doors permanently.
“Hotels have done the right thing, put the health of staff and patrons first the moment this pandemic hit – and we will continue to do so – but common sense needs to prevail here too,” he said.“Hotels have done the right thing, put the health of staff and patrons first the moment this pandemic hit – and we will continue to do so – but common sense needs to prevail here too,” he said.
This is not strictly a Covid-19 story, but a very interesting piece from Paul Karp on the so-called ‘sports rorts’ scandal.This is not strictly a Covid-19 story, but a very interesting piece from Paul Karp on the so-called ‘sports rorts’ scandal.
The Digital Transformation Agency has finally released the source code for the Android and iOS apps for Covidsafe.The Digital Transformation Agency has finally released the source code for the Android and iOS apps for Covidsafe.
It’s being hosted on Github and there’s a lot of interesting T&Cs there, including agreeing to stop accessing the code if DTA ask.It’s being hosted on Github and there’s a lot of interesting T&Cs there, including agreeing to stop accessing the code if DTA ask.
It’s unclear why it took so long to release the code, given the UK released the code for its NHS app overnight (which, incidentally, had fixed the iPhone bluetooth issue that has dogged the Singapore and Australian apps).It’s unclear why it took so long to release the code, given the UK released the code for its NHS app overnight (which, incidentally, had fixed the iPhone bluetooth issue that has dogged the Singapore and Australian apps).
We will get a better idea of how it all works once developers have had a chance to go through it in the coming days.We will get a better idea of how it all works once developers have had a chance to go through it in the coming days.
There are now calls for the server side code (that is the code on the government’s server for storing your registration data and data should you test positive) to be released. That will probably be less likely.There are now calls for the server side code (that is the code on the government’s server for storing your registration data and data should you test positive) to be released. That will probably be less likely.
Daniel Hurst and Paul Karp filed this report on Scott Morrison’s press conference today, where he announced the “roadmap” to ease Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks.Daniel Hurst and Paul Karp filed this report on Scott Morrison’s press conference today, where he announced the “roadmap” to ease Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks.
From AAP:From AAP:
Australia’s tourism industry has cautiously welcomed the national cabinet’s roadmap for easing coronavirus restrictions, pointing to the possibility of domestic travel from next month.Australia’s tourism industry has cautiously welcomed the national cabinet’s roadmap for easing coronavirus restrictions, pointing to the possibility of domestic travel from next month.
“All the signs are pointing to green shoots of domestic travel from June,” Australian Tourism Industry Council executive director Simon Westaway said, according to AAP.“All the signs are pointing to green shoots of domestic travel from June,” Australian Tourism Industry Council executive director Simon Westaway said, according to AAP.
Westaway said while there was a long way to go before tourism returned to normal, members had already expressed their excitement about the plan for the way out.Westaway said while there was a long way to go before tourism returned to normal, members had already expressed their excitement about the plan for the way out.
“What’s really important about today is that there has been a level of certainty put out there,” he said“What’s really important about today is that there has been a level of certainty put out there,” he said
“The level of uncertainty has been a big part of the angst for our industry.”“The level of uncertainty has been a big part of the angst for our industry.”
But he said the biggest challenge facing tourism operators was the ongoing closure of state borders.But he said the biggest challenge facing tourism operators was the ongoing closure of state borders.
He said if businesses in the sector could be given confidence about when they would reopen, that would help stimulate its recovery.He said if businesses in the sector could be given confidence about when they would reopen, that would help stimulate its recovery.
Despite the easing of restrictions in some states from next week, Westaway said he didn’t expect every 4WD would be on the road straightaway.Despite the easing of restrictions in some states from next week, Westaway said he didn’t expect every 4WD would be on the road straightaway.
“I think people are going to be a bit circumspect to a degree,” he said.“I think people are going to be a bit circumspect to a degree,” he said.
“I think you’ll see it progressively start to occur.”“I think you’ll see it progressively start to occur.”
My colleague Justine Landis-Hanley has compiled this explainer looking at the national cabinet’s three-step plan for reopening Australia announced by Scott Morrison today.My colleague Justine Landis-Hanley has compiled this explainer looking at the national cabinet’s three-step plan for reopening Australia announced by Scott Morrison today.
Labor has criticised the six-month delay of the banking royal commission recommendations, saying it is a “failing” the government did not implement them before the Covid-19 pandemic.Labor has criticised the six-month delay of the banking royal commission recommendations, saying it is a “failing” the government did not implement them before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Stephen Jones said in a statement:Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Stephen Jones said in a statement:
The Nationals deputy leader, David Littleproud, said earlier today the Coalition deserves an “uppercut” for self-indulgent infighting ahead of the Eden-Monaro byelection.The Nationals deputy leader, David Littleproud, said earlier today the Coalition deserves an “uppercut” for self-indulgent infighting ahead of the Eden-Monaro byelection.
“Self-indulgence on any level is not accepted by the Australian people nor should it be. We deserve an uppercut,” he told ABC television on Friday.“Self-indulgence on any level is not accepted by the Australian people nor should it be. We deserve an uppercut,” he told ABC television on Friday.
“You have a look at yourself, you dust yourself off and get back to basics. We can’t sugarcoat it, that’s the truth.”“You have a look at yourself, you dust yourself off and get back to basics. We can’t sugarcoat it, that’s the truth.”
Littleproud’s comments follow a feud between NSW Liberal transport minister Andrew Constance and Nationals NSW deputy leader John Barilaro.Littleproud’s comments follow a feud between NSW Liberal transport minister Andrew Constance and Nationals NSW deputy leader John Barilaro.
Both were touted for the byelection but failed to run, with Constance pulling out of the race 24 hours after throwing his hat in the ring.Both were touted for the byelection but failed to run, with Constance pulling out of the race 24 hours after throwing his hat in the ring.
Constance quit the race after News Corp published text messages in which Barilaro purportedly called him a “cunt”.Constance quit the race after News Corp published text messages in which Barilaro purportedly called him a “cunt”.
A few observers have noted we haven’t heard from the NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian after today’s national cabinet meeting.A few observers have noted we haven’t heard from the NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian after today’s national cabinet meeting.
The premier has just issued a statement, which confirms no changes to restrictions this week.The premier has just issued a statement, which confirms no changes to restrictions this week.
She says:She says:
The Business Council is pleased with the roadmap laid out by the prime minister Scott Morrison today.The Business Council is pleased with the roadmap laid out by the prime minister Scott Morrison today.
“The national cabinet has laid out a clear roadmap to give the community and business confidence while also respecting the important advice from our health professionals,” said chief executive Jennifer Westacott.“The national cabinet has laid out a clear roadmap to give the community and business confidence while also respecting the important advice from our health professionals,” said chief executive Jennifer Westacott.
“Business will continue to work closely with governments on plans and protocols to ensure the economy opens up safely so that the health of our staff, customers and suppliers is protected.“Business will continue to work closely with governments on plans and protocols to ensure the economy opens up safely so that the health of our staff, customers and suppliers is protected.
“People can have confidence that businesses across Australia are putting in place detailed plans across their industries, so they can operate safely, but get people back to their work and their lives as quickly as possible.“People can have confidence that businesses across Australia are putting in place detailed plans across their industries, so they can operate safely, but get people back to their work and their lives as quickly as possible.
“We thank the entire Australian community for pulling together so effectively to get us to this milestone and congratulate the national cabinet on its continued willingness to respond and adapt to this evolving situation.“We thank the entire Australian community for pulling together so effectively to get us to this milestone and congratulate the national cabinet on its continued willingness to respond and adapt to this evolving situation.
“Australians have pulled together to contain Covid-19 and we’ll need the same focus, cooperation and determination to set ourselves up for a strong recovery as we ease restrictions.”“Australians have pulled together to contain Covid-19 and we’ll need the same focus, cooperation and determination to set ourselves up for a strong recovery as we ease restrictions.”
Our Watch, which campaigns to prevent violence against women, says it is concerned about the number of women killed by a partner or ex-partner in the past week.Our Watch, which campaigns to prevent violence against women, says it is concerned about the number of women killed by a partner or ex-partner in the past week.
Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly said: “Since March, Google searches on domestic violence have increased by 75% and the family court has reported an increase up to 40% in urgent applications.”Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly said: “Since March, Google searches on domestic violence have increased by 75% and the family court has reported an increase up to 40% in urgent applications.”
“These recent tragic murders are one horrifying part of a huge spectrum of violence against women in our society.“These recent tragic murders are one horrifying part of a huge spectrum of violence against women in our society.
“We know that while this violence takes many forms, the underlying driver is gender inequality.“We know that while this violence takes many forms, the underlying driver is gender inequality.
“We also know that crises tend to disproportionately affect women, often lead to increases in violence against them, and exacerbate existing gender inequalities across society.”“We also know that crises tend to disproportionately affect women, often lead to increases in violence against them, and exacerbate existing gender inequalities across society.”
“If we are not considered, our response to Covid-19 could unintentionally reverse decades of progress towards gender equality.“If we are not considered, our response to Covid-19 could unintentionally reverse decades of progress towards gender equality.
“Now more than ever, governments, workplaces, and communities must remain committed to this goal.”“Now more than ever, governments, workplaces, and communities must remain committed to this goal.”
1800 Respect – call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au1800 Respect – call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au
Lifeline – call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.auLifeline – call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
AAP reports that the NT is keeping to its own plans for easing restrictions.AAP reports that the NT is keeping to its own plans for easing restrictions.
Further describing stage two, Gutwein says it would allow people to move around the state, including camping, overnight boats and holiday shacks.Further describing stage two, Gutwein says it would allow people to move around the state, including camping, overnight boats and holiday shacks.
Gyms and bootcamps would be open to 20 people, while beauty services including tattoo parlours would also be allowed.Gyms and bootcamps would be open to 20 people, while beauty services including tattoo parlours would also be allowed.
Indoor sport would also be allowed.Indoor sport would also be allowed.
Note: This is Gutwein describing the possibility rules from after 15 June, if the advice allows it.Note: This is Gutwein describing the possibility rules from after 15 June, if the advice allows it.
Gutwein is laying out the state’s roadmap.Gutwein is laying out the state’s roadmap.
He says from 25 May, primary school students will return to school, as well as year 11 and 12 students.He says from 25 May, primary school students will return to school, as well as year 11 and 12 students.
From 9 June, high school students from year 7 to 10 will also return to school.From 9 June, high school students from year 7 to 10 will also return to school.
From 15 June, the state will move to stage 2, subject to health advice.From 15 June, the state will move to stage 2, subject to health advice.
“On June 15, gatherings will increase to 20 people at a time, both indoor and outdoor areas including restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums, galleries, historic sites, religious gatherings and weddings,” he says.“On June 15, gatherings will increase to 20 people at a time, both indoor and outdoor areas including restaurants, cafes, cinemas, museums, galleries, historic sites, religious gatherings and weddings,” he says.
From that point, it is expected up to 50 people would be allowed to attend a funeral.From that point, it is expected up to 50 people would be allowed to attend a funeral.
Gutwein says Tasmania will move to Stage 1 on 18 May, subject to public health advice.Gutwein says Tasmania will move to Stage 1 on 18 May, subject to public health advice.
That would mean:That would mean:
Indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.Indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.
Up to five visitors to a home.Up to five visitors to a home.
Restaurants, cafes and other venues can open for up to 10 people at a time.Restaurants, cafes and other venues can open for up to 10 people at a time.
Border controls will remain in place.Border controls will remain in place.