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| Coronavirus live update Australia: Victoria records 116 new cases and 15 deaths as NSW reports three new cases | Coronavirus live update Australia: Victoria records 116 new cases and 15 deaths as NSW reports three new cases |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Brisbane watches hotspots after youth detention centre outbreak, Victoria’s hotel inquiry continues and politicians gather in Canberra for the first time in 10 weeks. Follow today’s latest updates | Brisbane watches hotspots after youth detention centre outbreak, Victoria’s hotel inquiry continues and politicians gather in Canberra for the first time in 10 weeks. Follow today’s latest updates |
| AAP has an update on tracing back Covid conspiracies: | |
| An Australian Facebook page became a powerful tool in a pro-Russia disinformation campaign about a non-existent COVID-19 vaccine trial, a think tank has discovered. | |
| The anti-vaccination page, boasting 21,000 followers, attracted the most interactions of any English-language post about the debunked conspiracy theory that US researchers had run a trial in Ukraine. | |
| The discredited theory claiming up to a third of 15 Ukrainian volunteers recruited for the American-led trial had died was posted to the propaganda sites of a pro-Russian separatist proto-state in eastern Ukraine, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said in a report published on Monday. | |
| ASPI researchers tracked the false narrative through Russian language media and then into more than a dozen languages including English and Spanish. | |
| “The success of this completely fictional narrative reflects a broader shift across the disinformation space,” the ASPI report said. | |
| The theory, contained in press releases on Luhansk People’s Republic websites on July 17, came a day after Russia announced plans to mass-produce its own vaccine within weeks. | |
| By August 3, an administrator of Australian Vaccination-risks Network Inc identified as “Meryl” posted a link to the conspiracy theory saying “there is evidence” a COVID-19 vaccine may be the most dangerous of all and “this story takes the cake”. | |
| “The fact that it is not front-page news worldwide shows how bought the mainstream media is (sic),” she said. | |
| The post had been shared 112 times, received 56 comments and attracted 164 reactions as of Monday morning | |
| Since the link was posted, Facebook has placed a misinformation warning on it and displayed a fact-check article showing news agency Agence France-Presse had debunked the claim. | |
| AVN on Sunday promoted a public rally in Brisbane for “freedom-loving people” concerned about “5G safety (and) vaccine mandates” and “in opposition to government tyranny”. | |
| Co-author of the ASPI report Elise Thomas said she was not surprised to see AVN ranking prominently in the spread of the debunked COVID theory. | |
| “It has come up repeatedly in other COVID-19 disinfo research we’ve done,” she told AAP. | |
| She says it’s very likely more disinformation linked to the race to find a COVID-19 vaccine will be published in coming weeks. | |
| “The stakes are very high, and in some ways chipping away at public trust may be the weakest link for actors seeking to undermine their competition,” she said. | |
| COVID-19 has been fertile ground for misinformation, leading to repeated efforts by fact-check agencies to correct the record. | |
| AAP FactCheck on August 14 showed there was no evidence backing a claim that flu vaccinations would increase a person’s susceptibility to COVID-19. | |
| In July, AAP FactCheck showed Australians were spreading a false claim that the inventor of the PCR test - one of the main methods used to detect COVID-19 - had said the tests do not work to properly diagnose COVID-19 infections. | |
| The inventor, Nobel Prize-winning American biochemist Dr Kary B. Mullis, died in August 2019. | |
| Virtual parliament has so far gone off without a hitch. | |
| Malcolm Roberts has been spotted on a screen – which means that no, he is not in Canberra. No sighting of Pauline Hanson either. | |
| The ACT has reported no new cases of Covid in the last 24 hours. | |
| Labor’s Julie Collins has responded to the Newmarch House report released by Richard Colbeck (which Dan has updated you on just below): | |
| Deputy chief medical officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth, will give a national Covid update at 3.30pm. | |
| There have been seven new cases of Covid recorded in the NDIS – all participants and all in Victoria. | There have been seven new cases of Covid recorded in the NDIS – all participants and all in Victoria. |
| A review has found a lack of clarity about the roles and hierarchy of government agencies in responding to the coronavirus outbreak at Sydney’s Newmarch House “added confusion to the burden of an already stressed situation”. | A review has found a lack of clarity about the roles and hierarchy of government agencies in responding to the coronavirus outbreak at Sydney’s Newmarch House “added confusion to the burden of an already stressed situation”. |
| The report, released by the federal government today, also noted that the first stages of the response to Covid-19 infections were “characterised by turmoil and upheaval”. | The report, released by the federal government today, also noted that the first stages of the response to Covid-19 infections were “characterised by turmoil and upheaval”. |
| As the opposition prepares to use parliamentary question time today to challenge the federal government over its handling of the Covid-19 risk in aged care facilities, the report shines a light of the challenging situation experienced in Newmarch House, where 37 residents and 34 staff members tested positive. Nineteen residents passed away, 17 of them directly attributed to Covid-19, the report said. | As the opposition prepares to use parliamentary question time today to challenge the federal government over its handling of the Covid-19 risk in aged care facilities, the report shines a light of the challenging situation experienced in Newmarch House, where 37 residents and 34 staff members tested positive. Nineteen residents passed away, 17 of them directly attributed to Covid-19, the report said. |
| Given political pressure has been building on the federal government over aged care outbreaks, there will be intense focus on what the report has to say about governance arrangements. | Given political pressure has been building on the federal government over aged care outbreaks, there will be intense focus on what the report has to say about governance arrangements. |
| The report says daily teleconferences that began on 15 April to share information and monitor the course of the outbreak at Newmarch House included representatives of the national Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the federal department of health, Nepean Blue Mountains public health unit, NSW State Health Operations Centre, Nepean Hospital specialists and Anglicare. | The report says daily teleconferences that began on 15 April to share information and monitor the course of the outbreak at Newmarch House included representatives of the national Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the federal department of health, Nepean Blue Mountains public health unit, NSW State Health Operations Centre, Nepean Hospital specialists and Anglicare. |
| The very first teleconference began with disagreements about relocating Covid-19 infected residents to another facility, and on occasions “there were open and frank disagreements with varying opinions on how to proceed” which “added to rising tensions”. | The very first teleconference began with disagreements about relocating Covid-19 infected residents to another facility, and on occasions “there were open and frank disagreements with varying opinions on how to proceed” which “added to rising tensions”. |
| Anglicare managers reported “frustration about conflicting advice from different agencies and the lack of clarity about the hierarchy of authority”, says the report, written by Professor Lyn Gilbert and Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly. | Anglicare managers reported “frustration about conflicting advice from different agencies and the lack of clarity about the hierarchy of authority”, says the report, written by Professor Lyn Gilbert and Adjunct Professor Alan Lilly. |
| Indi independent MP Helen Haines wants to know where all the bushfire relief that was promised for her electorate is. | Indi independent MP Helen Haines wants to know where all the bushfire relief that was promised for her electorate is. |
| She has signed this letter, which has been sent to the government. | She has signed this letter, which has been sent to the government. |
| The promised relief was mentioned again in the lead up to the Eden-Monaro byelection, but has dropped off the agenda again. Which is a travesty for communities who have been doubly hit by the cluster that is 2020. | The promised relief was mentioned again in the lead up to the Eden-Monaro byelection, but has dropped off the agenda again. Which is a travesty for communities who have been doubly hit by the cluster that is 2020. |
| A second Sydney security guard who tested positive to Covid-19 has now been fined by NSW police for breaching self-isolation restrictions. | A second Sydney security guard who tested positive to Covid-19 has now been fined by NSW police for breaching self-isolation restrictions. |
| The guard, who worked at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, was tested for Covid-19 last Thursday and told to go directly home and self-isolate for 14 days. | The guard, who worked at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, was tested for Covid-19 last Thursday and told to go directly home and self-isolate for 14 days. |
| However, police allege he instead visited a shopping centre on Burwood Road and also went to a government services building on Friday on Elsie Street, Burwood. | However, police allege he instead visited a shopping centre on Burwood Road and also went to a government services building on Friday on Elsie Street, Burwood. |
| The man was told on Saturday that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and has been transferred to a NSW Health quarantine facility. | The man was told on Saturday that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and has been transferred to a NSW Health quarantine facility. |
| The 22-year old has now been issued with two fines. | The 22-year old has now been issued with two fines. |
| This comes after another security guard who worked at the same hotel tested positive for Covid-19 last week. | This comes after another security guard who worked at the same hotel tested positive for Covid-19 last week. |
| Daniel Andrews is asked about the north Richmond injecting room remaining open during the stage 4 restrictions (it is a health facility, so it should be, but anyways) | Daniel Andrews is asked about the north Richmond injecting room remaining open during the stage 4 restrictions (it is a health facility, so it should be, but anyways) |
| Andrews: | Andrews: |
| Q: What would hurt less, Perth or Brisbane? | Q: What would hurt less, Perth or Brisbane? |
| There is a long pause. | There is a long pause. |
| Daniel Andrews: | Daniel Andrews: |
| I’m focused on what is happening in Melbourne and every community in Victoria. I’m not focused on what is happening in Brisbane or Perth. | I’m focused on what is happening in Melbourne and every community in Victoria. I’m not focused on what is happening in Brisbane or Perth. |
| Q: I meant in terms of the grand final | Q: I meant in terms of the grand final |
| Andrews: | Andrews: |
| This really shouldn’t come as any surprise to anyone. | This really shouldn’t come as any surprise to anyone. |
| But there is no chance the AFL will be able to hold its grand final in Melbourne. | But there is no chance the AFL will be able to hold its grand final in Melbourne. |
| Daniel Andrews: | Daniel Andrews: |
| NSW police have released their update on social distancing fines – including the two issued to a security guard who has tested positive for Covid but was caught outside his home – twice: | NSW police have released their update on social distancing fines – including the two issued to a security guard who has tested positive for Covid but was caught outside his home – twice: |
| Seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last Covid update, including two to a security guard performing duties at quarantine hotels in Sydney who allegedly breached the Public Health Act by failing to adhere to self-isolation restrictions. | Seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last Covid update, including two to a security guard performing duties at quarantine hotels in Sydney who allegedly breached the Public Health Act by failing to adhere to self-isolation restrictions. |
| About 5pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, the guard, a man aged 22, underwent a COVID-19 test and was informed to go directly home and commence a 14-day self-isolation in accordance with current Ministerial Directions. | About 5pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, the guard, a man aged 22, underwent a COVID-19 test and was informed to go directly home and commence a 14-day self-isolation in accordance with current Ministerial Directions. |
| It is believed the man instead travelled to a shopping centre on Burwood Road, where he allegedly attended a number of stores in a two-hour visit.On Friday 21 August 2020, the man allegedly left home and attended a government services building on Elsie Street, Burwood.The man underwent a secondary test at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on the Friday and about 8am on Saturday 22 August, was informed he had returned a positive test result for COVID-19. He was transferred to a NSW Health COVID-19 quarantine facility where he will stay for the remainder of his quarantine period.About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2020), police issued the 22-year-old Campsie man with two PINs for not complying with Noticed Direction re: section 7/8/9 COVID-19. | It is believed the man instead travelled to a shopping centre on Burwood Road, where he allegedly attended a number of stores in a two-hour visit.On Friday 21 August 2020, the man allegedly left home and attended a government services building on Elsie Street, Burwood.The man underwent a secondary test at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on the Friday and about 8am on Saturday 22 August, was informed he had returned a positive test result for COVID-19. He was transferred to a NSW Health COVID-19 quarantine facility where he will stay for the remainder of his quarantine period.About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2020), police issued the 22-year-old Campsie man with two PINs for not complying with Noticed Direction re: section 7/8/9 COVID-19. |
| Other examples include: | Other examples include: |
| – About 1pm on Saturday (22 September 2020), police attended an Eden home and spoke to the resident, a 46-year-old man. Officers established the man had travelled to Victoria on a permit that he did not meet the requirements for. He was issued a $1000 PIN. | – About 1pm on Saturday (22 September 2020), police attended an Eden home and spoke to the resident, a 46-year-old man. Officers established the man had travelled to Victoria on a permit that he did not meet the requirements for. He was issued a $1000 PIN. |
| – About 10.30pm on (Saturday 22 August 2020), officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a licensed premise on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Officers observed multiple breaches of the Public Health Order, including an incorrect COVID-19 safety plan, no marshal, and mingling patrons with no physical distancing. The business was issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction under the Public Health Act 2010. | – About 10.30pm on (Saturday 22 August 2020), officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a licensed premise on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Officers observed multiple breaches of the Public Health Order, including an incorrect COVID-19 safety plan, no marshal, and mingling patrons with no physical distancing. The business was issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction under the Public Health Act 2010. |
| The independent MP Zali Steggall is urging the government not to rush through a plan to devolve environmental approval powers to state and territory governments. | The independent MP Zali Steggall is urging the government not to rush through a plan to devolve environmental approval powers to state and territory governments. |
| In July the government announced it would introduce environmental reforms that set up a “single touch” system for approvals under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act | In July the government announced it would introduce environmental reforms that set up a “single touch” system for approvals under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act |
| This would be done by establishing bilateral approval agreements with the states and territories – if they agree to sign up. The environment minister, Sussan Ley, said at the time legislation would be introduced to parliament in late August. | This would be done by establishing bilateral approval agreements with the states and territories – if they agree to sign up. The environment minister, Sussan Ley, said at the time legislation would be introduced to parliament in late August. |
| In a letter to Ley, Steggall says the rushed proposal is “of great concern”. She says while it might be possible to make the system more efficient by removing duplication of processes at state and federal level, “it must be acknowledged that a large proportion of the current delays come as (a) result of staffing cuts to the Department for Agriculture, Water and the Environment”. | In a letter to Ley, Steggall says the rushed proposal is “of great concern”. She says while it might be possible to make the system more efficient by removing duplication of processes at state and federal level, “it must be acknowledged that a large proportion of the current delays come as (a) result of staffing cuts to the Department for Agriculture, Water and the Environment”. |
| “The state governments have approved controversial projects resulting in environmental and heritage destruction. A recent example is the destruction of aboriginal heritage sites by mining companies under Western Australian law,” the letter says. | “The state governments have approved controversial projects resulting in environmental and heritage destruction. A recent example is the destruction of aboriginal heritage sites by mining companies under Western Australian law,” the letter says. |
| “Speeding up approvals must be sensitive to the acceleration in recent decades of environmental and heritage destruction. Strong safeguards are needed to prevent further destruction.” | “Speeding up approvals must be sensitive to the acceleration in recent decades of environmental and heritage destruction. Strong safeguards are needed to prevent further destruction.” |
| Steggall notes Graeme Samuel’s interim report from the statutory review of the EPBC Act found Australian governments had failed to protect the country’s environment and heritage. | Steggall notes Graeme Samuel’s interim report from the statutory review of the EPBC Act found Australian governments had failed to protect the country’s environment and heritage. |
| “The Report also made clear that restoring trust in the environmental law is essential and that stakeholders’ trust could be restored with an independent regulator. Why is it that the Government has ruled this out so quickly given the states themselves are supportive of this recommendation?” Steggall writes. You can read the full letter here. | “The Report also made clear that restoring trust in the environmental law is essential and that stakeholders’ trust could be restored with an independent regulator. Why is it that the Government has ruled this out so quickly given the states themselves are supportive of this recommendation?” Steggall writes. You can read the full letter here. |
| Ley announced the proposed reforms on the same day Samuel released the report in July. The report found governments had failed to protect Australia’s environment and important habitats and species were in an unsustainable state of decline. | Ley announced the proposed reforms on the same day Samuel released the report in July. The report found governments had failed to protect Australia’s environment and important habitats and species were in an unsustainable state of decline. |
| Samuel recommended handover of approval powers occur under a yet to be created, legally enforceable set of national environmental standards. | Samuel recommended handover of approval powers occur under a yet to be created, legally enforceable set of national environmental standards. |
| The review also called for an independent regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with national environmental law. | The review also called for an independent regulator responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with national environmental law. |
| Daniel Andrews is asked about reports police are patrolling cemeteries to make sure that mourners are obeying restrictions: | Daniel Andrews is asked about reports police are patrolling cemeteries to make sure that mourners are obeying restrictions: |
| Daniel Andrews has “no comment” to make on the Victorian Liberal branch-stacking allegations. | Daniel Andrews has “no comment” to make on the Victorian Liberal branch-stacking allegations. |
| “That is entirely a mater for the Victorian Liberals,” he says. | “That is entirely a mater for the Victorian Liberals,” he says. |
| Daniel Andrews on asking the parliament to extend the state of emergency provisions beyond six months: | Daniel Andrews on asking the parliament to extend the state of emergency provisions beyond six months: |