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Coronavirus Australia update: Daniel Andrews sacks Adem Somyurek for 'deplorable' conduct and comments – politics live Daniel Andrews sacks Adem Somyurek for 'deplorable' conduct and comments – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Victoria’s premier says minister accused of branch stacking was not given an opportunity to resign. Follow the latest updates liveVictoria’s premier says minister accused of branch stacking was not given an opportunity to resign. Follow the latest updates live
On Friday the commonwealth attorney general, Christian Porter, lodged notices to intervene in three high court cases challenging the Queensland and Western Australian governments’ bans on interstate travel.
The cases are brought by Clive Palmer, his company Mineralogy, and a group of Queensland tourism operators backed by One Nation.
Porter said:
The notices of intervention are very short and sharp documents that don’t explain much about which points the commonwealth will argue, but it sounds as though it’s the section 92 point (“trade, commerce and intercourse among the states ... shall be absolutely free”) that’s the focus.
And on what has suddenly become the biggest issue in this country, despite it just starting as a talking point, and not included in any Black Lives Matters advocates calls (that I can see), Daniel Andrews says:
Meanwhile, AAP has an update on Victoria’s coronavirus position:
A Victorian school has been shut after two students tested positive for coronavirus.
Pakenham Springs primary school will be closed from Monday after two students from the same family were diagnosed.
The shutdown will last at least one day while cleaning and contact tracing are carried out.
Investigations are under way to identify whether any staff or students must self-isolate, the education department said.
“We wish the students a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to school once they’ve recovered,” a department spokeswoman said in a statement.
Meanwhile, restrictions in Victoria will wind back again in a week with cinemas and theatres to reopen among the changes.
Cafes, restaurants and pubs will be able to increase their capacity from 20 to 50 patrons from 11.59pm on Sunday.
Patrons will be able to order a drink without buying a meal, but they will need to be served at a table, rather than the bar.
Non-contact sport will return for all age groups from next Monday, as will skiing, with the season to start from that date.
The announcement to ease restrictions came as the state recorded nine new coronavirus cases on Sunday.
Daniel Andrews says the member for Essendon, Danny Pearson, will be the new minister for local government and small business.
Daniel Andrews:
On Adem Somyurek’s statement, which said he resigned, Andrews says:
Q: How concerned were you that it is happening and you had no idea?
Daniel Andrews:
In terms of the investigation, Daniel Andrews says:
On whether he thinks it was a mistake to bring Adem Somyurek back into the cabinet after the first time he was sacked as a minister, Daniel Andrews says:
In terms of the involvement of others in the allegations raised against Adem Somyurek, Daniel Andrews says he has been assured no one acted inappropriately.
He says he expects everyone to cooperate with the police and Ibac investigations.
Asked if he has ever branched stacked himself, Daniel Andrews says:Asked if he has ever branched stacked himself, Daniel Andrews says:
Here is the official statement from Daniel Andrews:Here is the official statement from Daniel Andrews:
In terms of the allegations of branch stacking in the Labor party, Daniel Andrews says:In terms of the allegations of branch stacking in the Labor party, Daniel Andrews says:
Daniel Andrews says it is up to Adem Somyurek to decide his future as an MP, but that he will not be sitting with the Labor caucus.
The Victorian premier says he did not enter into debate with Adem Somyurek when he sacked him this morning:
He said he first learnt of the allegations when he watched the 60 Minutes investigation (which was done with the Age newspaper).
Daniel Andrews:
Daniel Andrews:
Daniel Andrews:
Daniel Andrews:
The Victorian leader is joined by the entire Victorian leadership team.
He says he met with Adem Somyurek to say he was sacking him as a minister of the crown just after 9am. The Victorian governor has accepted the letter.
Daniel Andrews says he is also calling on the Labor executive to expel Somyurek from the Labor party.
Andrews:
Looks like there is some movement in the room where Daniel Andrews will hold his press conference, so it should start soon.
The federal Labor leader says the focus on wage growth needs to continue - because it helps the economy as a whole
Anthony Albanese on why Labor is calling for more public housing as part of any future stimulus package: