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Coronavirus Australia live news: national cabinet set to ease restrictions in stages – latest updates Coronavirus Australia live news: restrictions set to ease in stages after national cabinet meeting – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Scott Morrison expected to emerge from today’s meeting with a plan to gradually open up the economy. Follow all the news, liveScott Morrison expected to emerge from today’s meeting with a plan to gradually open up the economy. Follow all the news, live
The Parliamentary Budget Office has released an update on the state of the federal budget in March, showing that increased welfare expenses due to Covid-19 stimulus packages are blowing out the deficit.
The key stats are:
In March 2020, expenses were $8.7 billion higher than March last year, driven by social security and welfare expenses being $6.5 billion higher
The fiscal balance for the financial year up to the end of March was -$22.0 billion, compared to the -$13.8 billion expected in December’s mid-year economic update
The year-to-date underlying cash balance was -$22.4 billion compared to an expected -$12.5 billion.
Australia’s net debt at the end of March 2020 was around $430 billion, about $37 billion higher than the most recent forecast for the end of this financial year.
Revenue for March 2020 was similar to March 2019, although since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced in mid-March and many businesses waited several weeks before laying off or standing down workers, the April results will likely show the decline in revenue as household income fell.
Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks has described the club’s potential breach of South Australian laws banning public gatherings “an honest mistake”.
SA Police are investigating whether a group of players and an assistant coach from the club broke Public Health Orders by training together while in isolation in the Barossa Valley. It is also a breach of the AFL’s training rules.
On Friday, Nicks told radio station Triple M the club had “let ourselves down”.
The club said it had been given approval by the AFL and SA Police to train at the resort providing it adhered to strict social distancing and training protocols. Nicks said the breach was “an honest mistake” and that the clubs would “cop” whatever punishment was handed out.
One of the four new confirmed Covid-19 cases in New South Wales is a staff member at Anglicare’s Newmarch House, bringing the total number of cases linked to the aged care home to 69. That includes 32 staff and 37 residents.
Another is a close contact of a confirmed case and the remaining two are still under investigation.
We expect that after the National Cabinet today the prime minister will outline a staged plan to begin easing some restrictions on things like sport, retail and social gatherings.We expect that after the National Cabinet today the prime minister will outline a staged plan to begin easing some restrictions on things like sport, retail and social gatherings.
But the states won’t necessarily act on those immediately, or at the same time. New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian has said there will be no changes before at least Monday, while Western Australian premier Mark McGowan said any changes there will be announced on Sunday.But the states won’t necessarily act on those immediately, or at the same time. New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian has said there will be no changes before at least Monday, while Western Australian premier Mark McGowan said any changes there will be announced on Sunday.
We do expect to see some changes in Tasmania today though. Premier Peter Gutwein is due to outline a timeline for how restrictions will gradually ease, following national cabinet.We do expect to see some changes in Tasmania today though. Premier Peter Gutwein is due to outline a timeline for how restrictions will gradually ease, following national cabinet.
Broad limitations will remain until at least 15 May, but Gutwein is hopeful of making a move on national parks and reserves before then. He has also signalled increasing the number of people allowed at funerals, with the cap currently at 10.Broad limitations will remain until at least 15 May, but Gutwein is hopeful of making a move on national parks and reserves before then. He has also signalled increasing the number of people allowed at funerals, with the cap currently at 10.
Tasmania confirmed one new COVID-19 case on Thursday, a man in his 60s from the south, taking the overall tally to 225. Tasmania confirmed one new Covid-19 case on Thursday, a man in his 60s from the south, taking the overall tally to 225.
The NRL has been doing the heavy lifting entertaining us throughout the Covid-19 hiatus, but AFL club the Adelaide Crows has decided to pitch in.The NRL has been doing the heavy lifting entertaining us throughout the Covid-19 hiatus, but AFL club the Adelaide Crows has decided to pitch in.
South Australian Police are investigating whether the Crows broke state rules banning gatherings of more than 10 people by training together while self-isolating in the state’s Barossa Valley.South Australian Police are investigating whether the Crows broke state rules banning gatherings of more than 10 people by training together while self-isolating in the state’s Barossa Valley.
A survey by the Transport Workers Union of over 850 Qantas workers has drawn heated denials from Qantas management, highlighting the gulf between staff and management over the airline’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis.A survey by the Transport Workers Union of over 850 Qantas workers has drawn heated denials from Qantas management, highlighting the gulf between staff and management over the airline’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis.
The survey showed 81% said Qantas did not put appropriate safety measures in place to deal with the risk of infection and 93% were concerned about their own and others safety at work.The survey showed 81% said Qantas did not put appropriate safety measures in place to deal with the risk of infection and 93% were concerned about their own and others safety at work.
The union says Qantas has had one of the worst workplace clusters during the pandemic with at least 60 people infected nationally across the Qantas Group, including 34 in South Australia centring on the Qantas baggage room at Adelaide airport. 750 Qantas staff went into quarantine as a result of the outbreak.The union says Qantas has had one of the worst workplace clusters during the pandemic with at least 60 people infected nationally across the Qantas Group, including 34 in South Australia centring on the Qantas baggage room at Adelaide airport. 750 Qantas staff went into quarantine as a result of the outbreak.
The survey also revealed that 47% of workers said they don’t feel they can raise safety issues at work, with the vast majority saying this was because they didn’t believe it would make a difference.The survey also revealed that 47% of workers said they don’t feel they can raise safety issues at work, with the vast majority saying this was because they didn’t believe it would make a difference.
National secretary Michael Kaine said it raised questions about how Qantas could be contemplating returning to the skies.National secretary Michael Kaine said it raised questions about how Qantas could be contemplating returning to the skies.
“It is unthinkable that an airline like Qantas has been operating a business-as-usual approach in the midst of a global pandemic which is being transmitted across international borders primarily by individuals via air travel,” he said.“It is unthinkable that an airline like Qantas has been operating a business-as-usual approach in the midst of a global pandemic which is being transmitted across international borders primarily by individuals via air travel,” he said.
But Qantas has responded angrily, saying the union has wilfully misrepresented the situation at Adelaide airport, and dismissed the findings.But Qantas has responded angrily, saying the union has wilfully misrepresented the situation at Adelaide airport, and dismissed the findings.
“We completely reject the findings of the union’ survey and question its validity. Qantas has a strong safety culture and acting on reports from employees is a key part of our safety management system,” a spokesman said.“We completely reject the findings of the union’ survey and question its validity. Qantas has a strong safety culture and acting on reports from employees is a key part of our safety management system,” a spokesman said.
The TWU and the Flight Attendants Association have been particularly concerned about the potential exposure of staff who are operating international repatriation flights, and exposure on flights which carried passengers from the Ruby Princess.The TWU and the Flight Attendants Association have been particularly concerned about the potential exposure of staff who are operating international repatriation flights, and exposure on flights which carried passengers from the Ruby Princess.
A NSW harbourmaster has told an inquiry he “did not understand” an email that told him to treat the Ruby Princess “as if it has a positive Covid-19 result” when it came into Sydney harbour.A NSW harbourmaster has told an inquiry he “did not understand” an email that told him to treat the Ruby Princess “as if it has a positive Covid-19 result” when it came into Sydney harbour.
Cameron Butchart, who was the duty harbourmaster on 18 March, said NSW Health’s assessment that it was “low risk” introduced “an unfortunate element” into his decision making.Cameron Butchart, who was the duty harbourmaster on 18 March, said NSW Health’s assessment that it was “low risk” introduced “an unfortunate element” into his decision making.
The inquiry heard that Butchart received an email that it was NSW Port Authority policy that if there were Covid-19 tests on board a cruise ship, with results to come, it should be “treated as if it has a positive result”.The inquiry heard that Butchart received an email that it was NSW Port Authority policy that if there were Covid-19 tests on board a cruise ship, with results to come, it should be “treated as if it has a positive result”.
However, the email also said that NSW Health had assessed it as “low risk”, meaning health teams would not board and assess it.However, the email also said that NSW Health had assessed it as “low risk”, meaning health teams would not board and assess it.
The commissioner, Bret Walker SC, asked Butchart whether “the label low-risk has introduced an unfortunate element in your decision making?”, and Butchart said it had.The commissioner, Bret Walker SC, asked Butchart whether “the label low-risk has introduced an unfortunate element in your decision making?”, and Butchart said it had.
He said: “I just picked up [from the email that] the ship is low risk, and NSW health will not be attending. ‘Great’.”He said: “I just picked up [from the email that] the ship is low risk, and NSW health will not be attending. ‘Great’.”
Counsel assisting, Richard Beasley SC, adds that it should be mentioned that Butchart did have enough concern over the health of the ship that he did “cancel the booking” of the Ruby Princess to dock. That decision was later reversed.Counsel assisting, Richard Beasley SC, adds that it should be mentioned that Butchart did have enough concern over the health of the ship that he did “cancel the booking” of the Ruby Princess to dock. That decision was later reversed.
In contrast to the Victoria Police, here’s an example of how New South Wales brief the media on Public Health Order breaches. In the past 24 hours they’ve charged two people and fined three others.In contrast to the Victoria Police, here’s an example of how New South Wales brief the media on Public Health Order breaches. In the past 24 hours they’ve charged two people and fined three others.
For each charge and fine, the NSW police provide a breakdown that looks like this:For each charge and fine, the NSW police provide a breakdown that looks like this:
At about 10pm, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command were called to home on De Witt Place, Willmot in relation to a noise complaint. On arrival, police observed a group of at least 15 people inside the home celebrating a birthday. All non-residents were given warnings in relation to breaching Ministerial Directions and told to leave the home. Police were called back to the property about 11.35pm as the noise was continuing and a 27-year-old woman, who was not a resident and previously given a warning, was still at the property. She was subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN.At about 10pm, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command were called to home on De Witt Place, Willmot in relation to a noise complaint. On arrival, police observed a group of at least 15 people inside the home celebrating a birthday. All non-residents were given warnings in relation to breaching Ministerial Directions and told to leave the home. Police were called back to the property about 11.35pm as the noise was continuing and a 27-year-old woman, who was not a resident and previously given a warning, was still at the property. She was subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN.
The point is not that NSW have been perfect in their enforcement, but that unlike Victoria the public are able to provide some scrutiny over the way these emergency powers are being enforced.The point is not that NSW have been perfect in their enforcement, but that unlike Victoria the public are able to provide some scrutiny over the way these emergency powers are being enforced.
Ruby Princess commissioner Bret Walker SC has also remarked on prime minister Scott Morrison, saying that the PM did not have “knowledge or a view based on evidence” when he criticised Walker’s questioning.Ruby Princess commissioner Bret Walker SC has also remarked on prime minister Scott Morrison, saying that the PM did not have “knowledge or a view based on evidence” when he criticised Walker’s questioning.
Morrison told radio host Ray Hadley that Walker’s questioning was “aggressive” and “a bit out of line”, after NSW Health employee Kelly-Anne Ressler cried in the witness box on Tuesday.Morrison told radio host Ray Hadley that Walker’s questioning was “aggressive” and “a bit out of line”, after NSW Health employee Kelly-Anne Ressler cried in the witness box on Tuesday.
Walker says that the media coverage of this “may have created a common misunderstanding that the PM made suggestions to me about the conduct of this independent inquiry.”Walker says that the media coverage of this “may have created a common misunderstanding that the PM made suggestions to me about the conduct of this independent inquiry.”
Walker stresses this is not the case, and that Morrison did not say he had seen the entire context of the interview.Walker stresses this is not the case, and that Morrison did not say he had seen the entire context of the interview.
“He made clear that he had not seen the proceedings that lead up to the unfortunate upset of the witness,” Walker says. “It is clear from the PM’s reported comments that to no extent at all was he suggesting that he had knowledge of or a view based on evidence.”“He made clear that he had not seen the proceedings that lead up to the unfortunate upset of the witness,” Walker says. “It is clear from the PM’s reported comments that to no extent at all was he suggesting that he had knowledge of or a view based on evidence.”
Victoria Police have issued 13 fines for breaches of Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.Victoria Police have issued 13 fines for breaches of Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
It’s an issue that has mostly gone unmentioned through the crisis, but Victoria has issued more fines for breaches of the PHOs than any other state during Covid-19, yet unlike in New South Wales police refuse to say where the fines were handed out or what they are for.It’s an issue that has mostly gone unmentioned through the crisis, but Victoria has issued more fines for breaches of the PHOs than any other state during Covid-19, yet unlike in New South Wales police refuse to say where the fines were handed out or what they are for.
Today, for example, the only explanation given by Victoria Police is that some fines were for “several people holding gatherings at private houses”.Today, for example, the only explanation given by Victoria Police is that some fines were for “several people holding gatherings at private houses”.
Good morning. Plenty around this morning so I’ll get straight to it. The former Queensland premier and chief executive of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh is holding a press conference.Good morning. Plenty around this morning so I’ll get straight to it. The former Queensland premier and chief executive of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh is holding a press conference.
She says that according to the ABA’s data there have been 100,000 loan deferrals in the past week. More than half of those are mortgages. There have now been 643,000 loan repayment deferrals on mortgage and businesses since the Covid-19 crisis. We Almost 400,000 of those are mortgage deferrals.She says that according to the ABA’s data there have been 100,000 loan deferrals in the past week. More than half of those are mortgages. There have now been 643,000 loan repayment deferrals on mortgage and businesses since the Covid-19 crisis. We Almost 400,000 of those are mortgage deferrals.
Bligh said the deferrals date to September:Bligh said the deferrals date to September:
That’s my spell concluded. Replacing me, my colleague Michael McGowan from the members’ end.That’s my spell concluded. Replacing me, my colleague Michael McGowan from the members’ end.
The fifth day of the special inquiry into the Ruby Princess has started with a bang.The fifth day of the special inquiry into the Ruby Princess has started with a bang.
The inquiry has written to the editor-in-chief of the Australian newspaper, over what could be a contempt of the inquiry.The inquiry has written to the editor-in-chief of the Australian newspaper, over what could be a contempt of the inquiry.
Counsel assisting, Richard Beasley SC, says he has to address an opinion article published yesterday in the Australian, written by former Daily Telegraph editor David Penberthy.Counsel assisting, Richard Beasley SC, says he has to address an opinion article published yesterday in the Australian, written by former Daily Telegraph editor David Penberthy.
That article said that the inquiry was “a sham”, after a NSW Health epidemiologist, Kelly Anne-Ressler, cried in the witness box under extensive questioning from commissioner Bret Walker. Scott Morrison later told a radio station that he thought Walker had been “a bit out of line” and too aggressive.That article said that the inquiry was “a sham”, after a NSW Health epidemiologist, Kelly Anne-Ressler, cried in the witness box under extensive questioning from commissioner Bret Walker. Scott Morrison later told a radio station that he thought Walker had been “a bit out of line” and too aggressive.
Penberthy’s article said Ressler should not have been asked to even give evidence, and that she was not on the four-person panel who made the decision over the ship.Penberthy’s article said Ressler should not have been asked to even give evidence, and that she was not on the four-person panel who made the decision over the ship.
Beasley lists 10 reasons why Ressler should have appeared, including that she boarded the ship on the 8th, when NSW assessed it, and was in contact with the ship’s doctor.Beasley lists 10 reasons why Ressler should have appeared, including that she boarded the ship on the 8th, when NSW assessed it, and was in contact with the ship’s doctor.
He strongly denies that any member of the NSW government or cabinet has attempted to interfere in the inquiry.He strongly denies that any member of the NSW government or cabinet has attempted to interfere in the inquiry.
He then says he “has no comments” on whether the article constitutes “a contempt” of the commission, but that the senior solicitor for the inquiry has written to the editor of the Australian “as to whether the comments in Penberthy’s article might constitute a contempt”.He then says he “has no comments” on whether the article constitutes “a contempt” of the commission, but that the senior solicitor for the inquiry has written to the editor of the Australian “as to whether the comments in Penberthy’s article might constitute a contempt”.
The newspaper has been requested to respond by noon today.The newspaper has been requested to respond by noon today.
Noice. Different. Unusual.Noice. Different. Unusual.
Kel Knight is a man for our times.Kel Knight is a man for our times.
More of McGowan emphasising the point that some states - such as Western Australia, with low rates of infection and community transmission - will be able to ease restrictions earlier. Already, Western Australia has 75% school attendance rates:More of McGowan emphasising the point that some states - such as Western Australia, with low rates of infection and community transmission - will be able to ease restrictions earlier. Already, Western Australia has 75% school attendance rates:
Things are different “over east” McGowan says.Things are different “over east” McGowan says.
Western Australian premier Mark McGowan is updating his state’s situation. The West has one new case overnight, a 29-year-old man who returned from overseas and has been in hotel quarantine since.Western Australian premier Mark McGowan is updating his state’s situation. The West has one new case overnight, a 29-year-old man who returned from overseas and has been in hotel quarantine since.
The Victorian health department has confirmed that a student from Marcellin College has tested positive for Covid-19 after coming in close contact with another person in the cluster.The Victorian health department has confirmed that a student from Marcellin College has tested positive for Covid-19 after coming in close contact with another person in the cluster.
“One Marcellin College student has tested positive for coronavirus. The student is a household contact of a confirmed case with the Cedar Meats outbreak,” a spokesperson for the department said in a statement.“One Marcellin College student has tested positive for coronavirus. The student is a household contact of a confirmed case with the Cedar Meats outbreak,” a spokesperson for the department said in a statement.
“As the student did not attend school while infectious the department has advised no further action is necessary by Marcellin College.”“As the student did not attend school while infectious the department has advised no further action is necessary by Marcellin College.”
A WorkSafe Inspector has also gone into isolation and is being tested after attending the factory on 23 April following a workplace accident.A WorkSafe Inspector has also gone into isolation and is being tested after attending the factory on 23 April following a workplace accident.
A worker severed his thumb at the factory and was rushed to Sunshine hospital. He was asymptomatic at the time but later developed symptoms and tested positive for Covid-19 on 26 April.A worker severed his thumb at the factory and was rushed to Sunshine hospital. He was asymptomatic at the time but later developed symptoms and tested positive for Covid-19 on 26 April.
“The WorkSafe Inspector was not onsite at the same time as the employee that later tested positive to coronavirus - and as such, was not a close contact,” a spokesperson for the department said.“The WorkSafe Inspector was not onsite at the same time as the employee that later tested positive to coronavirus - and as such, was not a close contact,” a spokesperson for the department said.
“The WorkSafe inspector was contacted by DHHS as part of the wider investigation into the cluster and is being tested for coronavirus as a precaution.“The WorkSafe inspector was contacted by DHHS as part of the wider investigation into the cluster and is being tested for coronavirus as a precaution.
“The Inspector has not reported any symptoms and is self-isolating while awaiting results.”“The Inspector has not reported any symptoms and is self-isolating while awaiting results.”
A reminder, national cabinet will meet today to debate (and hopefully finalise) the roadmap out of Covid-19 lockdowns.A reminder, national cabinet will meet today to debate (and hopefully finalise) the roadmap out of Covid-19 lockdowns.
Australians should expect a phased lifting of restrictions over months – with different parts of the country easing restrictions at different times. Relaxations are likely to be staged in four-week blocks.Australians should expect a phased lifting of restrictions over months – with different parts of the country easing restrictions at different times. Relaxations are likely to be staged in four-week blocks.
That meeting starts in about an hour. Expect to hear from state and federal leaders this afternoon.That meeting starts in about an hour. Expect to hear from state and federal leaders this afternoon.
Australia is part of the global “early movers” group of countries, but don’t expect anything dramatic anytime soon. Think months, not weeks.Australia is part of the global “early movers” group of countries, but don’t expect anything dramatic anytime soon. Think months, not weeks.