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| Coronavirus Australia update: NT blocks people from Covid hotspots and Virgin Australia bidder Cyrus Capital pulls out – live news | Coronavirus Australia update: NT blocks people from Covid hotspots and Virgin Australia bidder Cyrus Capital pulls out – live news |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| State’s chief minister says people from areas with spikes in cases will be quarantined at their own cost; Bain Capital remains only bidder for embattled airline. Follow live | State’s chief minister says people from areas with spikes in cases will be quarantined at their own cost; Bain Capital remains only bidder for embattled airline. Follow live |
| “It happens at every level...It’s not just the judiciary, it’s through the industry.” | |
| Those are the comments of just one of the many lawyers Naaman Zhou spoke with about the alleged culture of sexual harassment that exists within the Australian legal profession. | |
| A senior lawyer at a top-tier firm has such a history of harassment that a supervisor must sit next to him at every social event, and he is banned from one-on-one meetings, just one of the allegations from young lawyers in the industry. | |
| Another former legal partner, who has now been appointed a senior counsel, allegedly harassed and kissed a junior clerk when she was 24. | |
| You can read his full story here: | |
| Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane will be suspended from the party by NSW leader Jodi McKay. | |
| Earlier this morning the Sydney Morning Herald reported his Sydney home was raided by ASIO as part of an alleged wide-scale investigation into Chinese political influence. | |
| McKay spoke to media a short time ago: | |
| The SMH is also reporting there is a police officer station outside the MP’s office. | |
| ABC is reporting NSW was recorded six new cases overnight. Five are from hotel quarantine. | |
| The message from New South Wales towards Victorians living in 10 hotspot suburbs affected by small outbreaks of Covid-19 has been clear: don’t visit. | |
| “Normally we welcome our Victorian cousins into NSW, but right now I am asking Victorians, particularly those from the hotspots in Melbourne, to not come,” the NSW health minister, Brad Hazzard, said on Thursday. People from his state have also been urged not to travel to Victorian hotspots which include Keilor Downs, Broadmeadows, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham. | |
| Melissa Davey has all the details below: | |
| In some more cheerful news, poor old outgoing chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has revealed he has taken to wearing a disguise while in public to avoid his newfound fame: | |
| He sat down for an interview with the ABC to mark his last days in office. His new role will be secretary of the health department. | |
| Today is also the first of a 10 day testing blitz in Melbourne. The focus today will be on the suburbs of Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, with an effort to eventually test 50% of residents over the next three days. Attention will then turn to eight other hotspot suburbs. | |
| In many cases, this will involve ambulances sitting at the end of suburban streets with health officials going door to door asking locals to get tested whether they are symptomatic or not. | In many cases, this will involve ambulances sitting at the end of suburban streets with health officials going door to door asking locals to get tested whether they are symptomatic or not. |
| “So, they will be invited to come and get a test, and they’ll only have to travel 50 metres or 100 metres in order to complete that test,” premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday. | |
| This huge testing operation is an effort to curbs the problematic rates of community transmission in Victoria. | This huge testing operation is an effort to curbs the problematic rates of community transmission in Victoria. |
| There is some breaking local news underway in Australia as well. The Sydney Morning Herald has just reported that New South Wales Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane’s Sydney home has been raided by Asio operatives allegedly as part of a sweeping investigation into Chinese influence in Australian politics. | There is some breaking local news underway in Australia as well. The Sydney Morning Herald has just reported that New South Wales Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane’s Sydney home has been raided by Asio operatives allegedly as part of a sweeping investigation into Chinese influence in Australian politics. |
| The newspaper is reporting that there have been allegations Chinese government agents have infiltrated the MP’s office. | The newspaper is reporting that there have been allegations Chinese government agents have infiltrated the MP’s office. |
| They say the raid began around 6.30am today and lasted several hours. | They say the raid began around 6.30am today and lasted several hours. |
| The publication also notes, “the Age/SMH is not suggesting the allegations involving Mr Moselmane and his office are proven, only that they are the subject of an Asio and federal police inquiry”. | The publication also notes, “the Age/SMH is not suggesting the allegations involving Mr Moselmane and his office are proven, only that they are the subject of an Asio and federal police inquiry”. |
| I will try to bring you more details as they come to light but for now, you can have a read of the SMH’s story here. | I will try to bring you more details as they come to light but for now, you can have a read of the SMH’s story here. |
| With that, I’ll be handing the blog over to the wonderful Matilda Boseley. Thanks for reading. | With that, I’ll be handing the blog over to the wonderful Matilda Boseley. Thanks for reading. |
| In some breaking international news, Iranian authorities are investigating reports of a large explosion just east of Tehran. One to keep an eye on. | In some breaking international news, Iranian authorities are investigating reports of a large explosion just east of Tehran. One to keep an eye on. |
| Scott Morrison has spoken to 2GB Radio about continuing economic support for the aviation sector after 6,000 job losses at Qantas and the growing backbench revolt against Greg Hunt’s ban on importing liquid nicotine products. | Scott Morrison has spoken to 2GB Radio about continuing economic support for the aviation sector after 6,000 job losses at Qantas and the growing backbench revolt against Greg Hunt’s ban on importing liquid nicotine products. |
| Morrison said: | Morrison said: |
| Asked about the cliff of supports ending in September, Morrison sang a very different tune to his repeated warnings that government payments are “temporary medication”, now urging Australians not to “rush to conclusions” about what the government will do. “We understand what is going on out there – we’ll keep ensuring we have policies to support people,” he said. | Asked about the cliff of supports ending in September, Morrison sang a very different tune to his repeated warnings that government payments are “temporary medication”, now urging Australians not to “rush to conclusions” about what the government will do. “We understand what is going on out there – we’ll keep ensuring we have policies to support people,” he said. |
| Asked about the backlash to the vaping ban, Morrison tried to deflect by saying he was focused on the coronavirus recession and Hunt will “take into account various feedback that’s coming back”. | Asked about the backlash to the vaping ban, Morrison tried to deflect by saying he was focused on the coronavirus recession and Hunt will “take into account various feedback that’s coming back”. |
| But when pushed, he did defend the ban by arguing: “Individuals who get the vaporiser nicotine ... can get that via permission from the department of health and their doctor and get it from a medical supplier. Vaping products that don’t contain nicotine are not affected by these changes.” | But when pushed, he did defend the ban by arguing: “Individuals who get the vaporiser nicotine ... can get that via permission from the department of health and their doctor and get it from a medical supplier. Vaping products that don’t contain nicotine are not affected by these changes.” |
| NT chief minister Michael Gunner is speaking now. | NT chief minister Michael Gunner is speaking now. |
| He says that despite the situation in Victoria, “the hard truth is, we cannot stay shut forever”. The NT border is set to open on 17 July, and that is not changing. | He says that despite the situation in Victoria, “the hard truth is, we cannot stay shut forever”. The NT border is set to open on 17 July, and that is not changing. |
| But he is announcing strict new measures for people who have come from “hotspots” from other states – even as small as a suburb: | But he is announcing strict new measures for people who have come from “hotspots” from other states – even as small as a suburb: |
| Gunner also says that police will monitor the border for two weeks after it opens and “for as long as they are needed”. | Gunner also says that police will monitor the border for two weeks after it opens and “for as long as they are needed”. |
| The entry card will need people to declare if they have been in a hotspot in the past 28 days. And you can be fined for making a false declaration: | The entry card will need people to declare if they have been in a hotspot in the past 28 days. And you can be fined for making a false declaration: |
| From this morning, a huge exclusive from Christopher Knaus on the secretive Bernard Collaery and Witness K case. | From this morning, a huge exclusive from Christopher Knaus on the secretive Bernard Collaery and Witness K case. |
| The government has spent $2m prosecuting the pair for their role in blowing the whistle on Australia’s bugging of Timor-Leste, our ally. The case has not even reached trial. | The government has spent $2m prosecuting the pair for their role in blowing the whistle on Australia’s bugging of Timor-Leste, our ally. The case has not even reached trial. |
| If you haven’t watched it yet, here is the moment the Matildas found out we were hosting the World Cup: | If you haven’t watched it yet, here is the moment the Matildas found out we were hosting the World Cup: |
| The Sydney Morning Herald has dispatched reporters today to report that there is “higher than usual demand” for toilet paper in some parts of Sydney. | The Sydney Morning Herald has dispatched reporters today to report that there is “higher than usual demand” for toilet paper in some parts of Sydney. |
| Some shelves were empty in Roselands, Merrylands, Leichhardt and Toronto in Lake Macquarie. This comes after widespread media reporting on toilet paper shortages in Victoria, as the state’s number of Covid-19 cases rose. | Some shelves were empty in Roselands, Merrylands, Leichhardt and Toronto in Lake Macquarie. This comes after widespread media reporting on toilet paper shortages in Victoria, as the state’s number of Covid-19 cases rose. |
| In June, researchers said that Australia were world leaders in panic buying – and more panicked than even the UK and Italy, who had far more Covid-19 cases. | In June, researchers said that Australia were world leaders in panic buying – and more panicked than even the UK and Italy, who had far more Covid-19 cases. |
| Researchers said that the Australian media’s overreporting on the shortages and hoarding could have played a part. The spikes in panic were uncorrelated to either government announcements or rising cases. | Researchers said that the Australian media’s overreporting on the shortages and hoarding could have played a part. The spikes in panic were uncorrelated to either government announcements or rising cases. |
| Levels of panic in Australia were so high the researchers had to create a new chart just for us. | Levels of panic in Australia were so high the researchers had to create a new chart just for us. |
| Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein is expected to announce a date when the state’s borders will reopen to domestic travellers. | Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein is expected to announce a date when the state’s borders will reopen to domestic travellers. |
| AAP report that Gutwein will make the announcement today, more than three months after the borders were first closed. | AAP report that Gutwein will make the announcement today, more than three months after the borders were first closed. |
| Gutwein said he has held “positive” talks with South Australia, which has opened to Tasmanians and select states, in a sign visitors from some jurisdictions may be more welcome than others. | Gutwein said he has held “positive” talks with South Australia, which has opened to Tasmanians and select states, in a sign visitors from some jurisdictions may be more welcome than others. |
| The state government has previously said late July is the likely date for when border restrictions will be eased. | The state government has previously said late July is the likely date for when border restrictions will be eased. |
| Just in case anyone is unclear at how much Cyrus is upset with the administrators at Deloitte (who have been contacted for comment), the Cyrus statement continues: | Just in case anyone is unclear at how much Cyrus is upset with the administrators at Deloitte (who have been contacted for comment), the Cyrus statement continues: |
| Freidheim said in the statement that he would be “willing to re-instate our offer if the Administrators agree to re-engage in good faith”. | Freidheim said in the statement that he would be “willing to re-instate our offer if the Administrators agree to re-engage in good faith”. |
| Peachey said: “It has been a pleasure to get to know Virgin Australia, its talented and enthusiastic management and its dedicated employee union representatives. | Peachey said: “It has been a pleasure to get to know Virgin Australia, its talented and enthusiastic management and its dedicated employee union representatives. |
| “Cyrus would have brought to Virgin Australia all its experience of launching and supporting the growth of Virgin America in the United States to reinstate Virgin Australia to its rightful position as the best airline in the region.” | “Cyrus would have brought to Virgin Australia all its experience of launching and supporting the growth of Virgin America in the United States to reinstate Virgin Australia to its rightful position as the best airline in the region.” |
| Cyrus Capital Partners launched a blistering parting spray at administrators of Virgin Australia as it pulled out of the race to buy the airline. | Cyrus Capital Partners launched a blistering parting spray at administrators of Virgin Australia as it pulled out of the race to buy the airline. |
| The move leaves Bain Capital as the only bidder, but it is by no means clear it will buy the airline. Bain’s bid has to be approved by creditors and there is also a late move by bondholders, owed $2bn, to re-float the airline that complicates matters. | The move leaves Bain Capital as the only bidder, but it is by no means clear it will buy the airline. Bain’s bid has to be approved by creditors and there is also a late move by bondholders, owed $2bn, to re-float the airline that complicates matters. |
| Cyrus pulling out is a blow to unions, who had favoured the group over well-known union-busters Bain. | Cyrus pulling out is a blow to unions, who had favoured the group over well-known union-busters Bain. |
| In a statement, Cyrus said: | In a statement, Cyrus said: |
| There is only one potential buyer for Virgin Australia left, as the lengthy process for the airline continues. | There is only one potential buyer for Virgin Australia left, as the lengthy process for the airline continues. |
| The American private equity firm Bain Capital is the only remaining bidder, after the only other rival, Cyrus Capital Partners, withdrew. | The American private equity firm Bain Capital is the only remaining bidder, after the only other rival, Cyrus Capital Partners, withdrew. |
| Cyrus said in a statement this morning that it would withdraw due to “lack of engagement” from the company administrating Virgin’s sale, Deloitte, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald. | Cyrus said in a statement this morning that it would withdraw due to “lack of engagement” from the company administrating Virgin’s sale, Deloitte, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald. |
| Good morning everyone, it’s Naaman Zhou here, and welcome to our coronavirus liveblog for today. | Good morning everyone, it’s Naaman Zhou here, and welcome to our coronavirus liveblog for today. |
| In extremely good news, Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, as announced in the early hours at about 1am today. | In extremely good news, Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, as announced in the early hours at about 1am today. |
| National cabinet is also scheduled to meet later, where it is expected that Scott Morrison and the premiers will discuss reopening arts venues and live entertainment. | National cabinet is also scheduled to meet later, where it is expected that Scott Morrison and the premiers will discuss reopening arts venues and live entertainment. |
| A Sydney school has been closed this morning after a year 7 student tested positive for Covid-19. Camden High School in Sydney’s south-west is being cleaned today, after the student attended school all week. | A Sydney school has been closed this morning after a year 7 student tested positive for Covid-19. Camden High School in Sydney’s south-west is being cleaned today, after the student attended school all week. |
| Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein is also expected to make an announcement today about a future date for reopening Tasmania’s borders to domestic travel. | Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein is also expected to make an announcement today about a future date for reopening Tasmania’s borders to domestic travel. |
| We’ll bring you all the news as it happens. Stay tuned. | We’ll bring you all the news as it happens. Stay tuned. |