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Coronavirus Australia live update: Victoria reports 35 new cases and NSW four as Paul Keating appears at aged care royal commission Coronavirus Australia live update: Victoria reports 35 new cases and NSW four as Paul Keating appears at aged care royal commission
(32 minutes later)
Victoria to turn roads and footpaths into dining spaces to help hospitality industry as Queensland border row deepens. Follow all today’s newsVictoria to turn roads and footpaths into dining spaces to help hospitality industry as Queensland border row deepens. Follow all today’s news
South Australia, which also has its borders closed to New South Wales and the ACT (not that you hear that much about it), will have its transition committee look at whether it should open its borders to those jurisdictions later this week.
As AAP reports:
Speculation is growing that SA’s transition committee will drop the 14-day quarantine requirements as early as Tuesday.
But Steven Marshall says he will not do anything that is contrary to health advice.
The premier said on Monday:
In other changes to coronavirus rules, the premier said he was hopeful crowds of up to 25,000, or about 50% capacity, would be possible at Adelaide Oval for any AFL finals matches.
He said significant crowds were at games over the weekend and SA Health officials were reviewing how those games were managed to consider any next steps in increasing numbers.
SA reported no new virus cases on Sunday, leaving the state’s total since the start of the pandemic at 466.
The state has no active infections.
The Labor senator also reiterated the opposition’s call for the jobseeker and jobkeeper rate to remain the same, given the extension of Victoria’s lockdown. Gallagher said:
The shadow finance minister, Katy Gallagher, had a few things to say about the administration of the jobkeeper program a little earlier today:
But Annastacia Palaszczuk says she won’t be bowing to pressure to change the border restrictions:But Annastacia Palaszczuk says she won’t be bowing to pressure to change the border restrictions:
Even if it means political attacks up until the election?Even if it means political attacks up until the election?
Annastacia Palaszczuk is speaking to the media in Queensland.Annastacia Palaszczuk is speaking to the media in Queensland.
She addresses the border controversy from last week, after a woman was denied permission to attend her father’s funeral:She addresses the border controversy from last week, after a woman was denied permission to attend her father’s funeral:
New Zealand is having its own version of border wars, but as always, seem to just be doing it better.New Zealand is having its own version of border wars, but as always, seem to just be doing it better.
Via AAP:Via AAP:
Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet has split over a decision to extend Covid-19 restrictions across New Zealand for an additional week.Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet has split over a decision to extend Covid-19 restrictions across New Zealand for an additional week.
On Monday, the prime minister announced New Zealanders would retain the current social distancing practices and caps on gathering until next week at the earliest.On Monday, the prime minister announced New Zealanders would retain the current social distancing practices and caps on gathering until next week at the earliest.
New Zealand enjoyed 102 days without community transmission of the virus over winter but Auckland returned to lockdown last month when new cases emerged.New Zealand enjoyed 102 days without community transmission of the virus over winter but Auckland returned to lockdown last month when new cases emerged.
With a tail of cases from that cluster still being identified by health authorities, including one new case on Monday, Ardern’s cabinet made a majority decision not to relax restrictions this week.With a tail of cases from that cluster still being identified by health authorities, including one new case on Monday, Ardern’s cabinet made a majority decision not to relax restrictions this week.
Cabinet has agreed to check in on the country’s settings at its next meeting, on Monday 21 September.Cabinet has agreed to check in on the country’s settings at its next meeting, on Monday 21 September.
It made an in-principle decision to remove restrictions for everywhere except Auckland on that date unless there is an upswing in cases.It made an in-principle decision to remove restrictions for everywhere except Auckland on that date unless there is an upswing in cases.
The party of deputy prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s cabinet has split over a decision to extend Covid-19 restrictions across New Zealand for an additional week. The party of deputy prime minister Winston Peters and Labour’s coalition partner, New Zealand First, invoked “agree to disagree” provisions, saying the rest of the country should move now.
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced New Zealanders would retain the current social distancing practices and caps on gathering until next week at the earliest. Peters also said the restrictions were costly, “running in excess of $200m for every week the rest of the country remains in alert level two, as opposed to alert level one”.
New Zealand enjoyed 102 days without community transmission of the virus over winter but Auckland returned to lockdown last month when new cases emerged.
With a tail of cases from that cluster still being identified by health authorities, including one new case on Monday, Ardern’s cabinet made a majority decision not to relax restrictions this week.
Cabinet has agreed to check in on the country’s settings at its next meeting, on Monday 21 September.
It made an in-principle decision to remove restrictions for everywhere except Auckland on that date unless there is an upswing in cases.
The party of deputy prime minister Winston Peters, and Labour’s coalition partner, New Zealand First, invoked “agree to disagree” provisions, saying the rest of the country should move now.
Peters also said the restrictions were costly, “running in excess of $200 million for every week the rest of the country remains in alert level two, as opposed to alert level one”.
Opposition leader Judith Collins agreed, saying South Islanders had “had enough”.Opposition leader Judith Collins agreed, saying South Islanders had “had enough”.
With an eye to the 17 October poll, Ardern suggested campaign politics might be to blame for the dissent, saying:With an eye to the 17 October poll, Ardern suggested campaign politics might be to blame for the dissent, saying:
AAP has an update on the how the Senate committee hearing into issues surrounding the use of the Aboriginal flag is going:AAP has an update on the how the Senate committee hearing into issues surrounding the use of the Aboriginal flag is going:
The company with exclusive commercial licensing rights of the Aboriginal flag is in discussions with a federal government agency over use of the design.The company with exclusive commercial licensing rights of the Aboriginal flag is in discussions with a federal government agency over use of the design.
WAM Clothing director Semele Moore confirmed the move to a Senate inquiry on Monday but remains tight-lipped about the details.WAM Clothing director Semele Moore confirmed the move to a Senate inquiry on Monday but remains tight-lipped about the details.
Indigenous artist and copyright holder Harold Thomas designed the flag in 1971 and non-Indigenous company WAM Clothing owns the commercial licensing rights.Indigenous artist and copyright holder Harold Thomas designed the flag in 1971 and non-Indigenous company WAM Clothing owns the commercial licensing rights.
Moore said:Moore said:
Moore was unable to tell the inquiry how many companies have paid to use the flag design, or have been told to stop using it.Moore was unable to tell the inquiry how many companies have paid to use the flag design, or have been told to stop using it.
Moore also would not say how long the licensing rights were in place for.Moore also would not say how long the licensing rights were in place for.
The inquiry is looking at copyright and licensing arrangements for the Aboriginal flag.The inquiry is looking at copyright and licensing arrangements for the Aboriginal flag.
Australians can freely fly the flag but there are limitations to its use in other ways.Australians can freely fly the flag but there are limitations to its use in other ways.
The inquiry has also been told the copyright could be split so it can be used more widely.The inquiry has also been told the copyright could be split so it can be used more widely.
Copyright law expert Michael Green SC said the government could negotiate with Thomas about splitting the copyright while keeping the current commercial rights in mind. Green said:Copyright law expert Michael Green SC said the government could negotiate with Thomas about splitting the copyright while keeping the current commercial rights in mind. Green said:
Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt had offered to buy the rights to the flag, but this was rejected.Indigenous Australians minister Ken Wyatt had offered to buy the rights to the flag, but this was rejected.
The long-running issue has reignited after the AFL was unable to use the flag during its Indigenous round.The long-running issue has reignited after the AFL was unable to use the flag during its Indigenous round.
The league did not strike an agreement with WAM Clothing, which has exclusive rights to reproduce it on garments.The league did not strike an agreement with WAM Clothing, which has exclusive rights to reproduce it on garments.
Green said slicing up the rights could happen without creating a new category of copyright.Green said slicing up the rights could happen without creating a new category of copyright.
Labor is also pursuing legislation that would compel the minister to negotiate with Thomas.Labor is also pursuing legislation that would compel the minister to negotiate with Thomas.
I have been contacted a few times and seen a little on social media about conspiracy theories surrounding when the international borders may open, and why.I have been contacted a few times and seen a little on social media about conspiracy theories surrounding when the international borders may open, and why.
Just to let everyone know, I have heard of no changes to Australia’s international border closure. When asked about it, the government has indicated June next year as the most likely open date – but even that has not been set in stone.Just to let everyone know, I have heard of no changes to Australia’s international border closure. When asked about it, the government has indicated June next year as the most likely open date – but even that has not been set in stone.
With parts of Europe seeing spikes in infections and the US still watching it spread, there is nothing to suggest the border will open, more widely, any earlier.With parts of Europe seeing spikes in infections and the US still watching it spread, there is nothing to suggest the border will open, more widely, any earlier.
There is talk of accepting travellers from New Zealand sometime sooner, but that agreement is still to be reached.There is talk of accepting travellers from New Zealand sometime sooner, but that agreement is still to be reached.
Former prime minister Paul Keating has told the aged care royal commission that while he used to believe a “longevity levy” was needed in addition to superannuation to fund aged care, his thinking had recently changed.Former prime minister Paul Keating has told the aged care royal commission that while he used to believe a “longevity levy” was needed in addition to superannuation to fund aged care, his thinking had recently changed.
He said there were issues with people’s ability to contribute to the scheme, around whether employers should contribute, how it would be levied and what proportion might be returned to the commonwealth. He added it would not be supported politically, with “moans” from small business organisations “and the violin-playing by members of the Liberal party backbench”.He said there were issues with people’s ability to contribute to the scheme, around whether employers should contribute, how it would be levied and what proportion might be returned to the commonwealth. He added it would not be supported politically, with “moans” from small business organisations “and the violin-playing by members of the Liberal party backbench”.
Keating said he now supported a “post-paid” funding model where the commonwealth would provide people with aged care loans similar to university student loans, which are paid back once students are employed, and compulsorily repaid as a proportion of their income.Keating said he now supported a “post-paid” funding model where the commonwealth would provide people with aged care loans similar to university student loans, which are paid back once students are employed, and compulsorily repaid as a proportion of their income.
If students don’t gain employment, they don’t repay the loan, and those in lower-paid work repay less. These commonwealth aged care loans would be paid back in a similar way through people’s assets after their deaths, including through the sale of property and shares and through any unused superannuation, Keating said.If students don’t gain employment, they don’t repay the loan, and those in lower-paid work repay less. These commonwealth aged care loans would be paid back in a similar way through people’s assets after their deaths, including through the sale of property and shares and through any unused superannuation, Keating said.
Asked if this would only encourage people to divest themselves of their assets, Keating said policy measures would need to be introduced to protect against it.Asked if this would only encourage people to divest themselves of their assets, Keating said policy measures would need to be introduced to protect against it.
“It’s called policy dexterity,” Keating said, adding that “there’s none around” in current thinking towards aged care.“It’s called policy dexterity,” Keating said, adding that “there’s none around” in current thinking towards aged care.
He told the commission that it was not fair to expect younger Australians to fund aged care through their taxes, given the rapidly increasing aged population.He told the commission that it was not fair to expect younger Australians to fund aged care through their taxes, given the rapidly increasing aged population.
Keating added that while this system meant some people might miss out on a large inheritance, it was not fair to expect hard-working men and women to support other people, including the wealthy, through their taxes.Keating added that while this system meant some people might miss out on a large inheritance, it was not fair to expect hard-working men and women to support other people, including the wealthy, through their taxes.
Making people pay for their care after their deaths through their assets would “demonstrate to working people that they are part of it”, Keating said.Making people pay for their care after their deaths through their assets would “demonstrate to working people that they are part of it”, Keating said.
The federal government has indicated it will not delay plans to reduce jobseeker and jobkeeper payments, the Victorian premier says. Asked on Monday whether he expected further support from the commonwealth, Daniel Andrews said the federal government had “made a decision there won’t be a change to the jobseeker or jobkeeper arrangements”.The federal government has indicated it will not delay plans to reduce jobseeker and jobkeeper payments, the Victorian premier says. Asked on Monday whether he expected further support from the commonwealth, Daniel Andrews said the federal government had “made a decision there won’t be a change to the jobseeker or jobkeeper arrangements”.
In recent days, Andrews had declined to publicly call for the cuts to income support to be delayed, though he consistently hinted he was lobbying the prime minister directly.In recent days, Andrews had declined to publicly call for the cuts to income support to be delayed, though he consistently hinted he was lobbying the prime minister directly.
On 25 September, the $550-a-fortnight coronavirus supplement – paid to jobseekers, students and people on parenting payments – will be reduced by $300. It means a jobseeker’s base rate of income support will fall to $815 a fortnight.On 25 September, the $550-a-fortnight coronavirus supplement – paid to jobseekers, students and people on parenting payments – will be reduced by $300. It means a jobseeker’s base rate of income support will fall to $815 a fortnight.
Guardian Australia has estimated there are more than 420,000 people living in locked-down areas of Melbourne who receive the supplement.Guardian Australia has estimated there are more than 420,000 people living in locked-down areas of Melbourne who receive the supplement.
The jobkeeper wage subsidy will also be reduced in late September. It will fall from $1,500 to $1,200 for full-time workers and $750 for part-time workers. Those receiving the lower rate will also be eligible for a reduced jobseeker payment.The jobkeeper wage subsidy will also be reduced in late September. It will fall from $1,500 to $1,200 for full-time workers and $750 for part-time workers. Those receiving the lower rate will also be eligible for a reduced jobseeker payment.
Under the state government’s Covid roadmap, many industries will remain shut until at the end of October.Under the state government’s Covid roadmap, many industries will remain shut until at the end of October.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has an update on how the communities it represents have handled the second wave of the pandemic:The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has an update on how the communities it represents have handled the second wave of the pandemic:
NSW Health has put out its update:NSW Health has put out its update:
There were 9,316 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 14,426 in the previous 24 hours.There were 9,316 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 14,426 in the previous 24 hours.
Testing numbers have dropped over the past two weeks, which is a concern, particularly in areas such as south-western, western and south-eastern Sydney.Testing numbers have dropped over the past two weeks, which is a concern, particularly in areas such as south-western, western and south-eastern Sydney.
Of the four new cases to 8pm last night:Of the four new cases to 8pm last night:
Three are overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.Three are overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.
One is locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster.One is locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster.
The new case is a close contact of a previous case who attended the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club. This person had been in self-isolation while infectious.The new case is a close contact of a previous case who attended the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club. This person had been in self-isolation while infectious.
While there has only been one new locally acquired case recorded in the past 24 hours, the virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms. As such, the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains.While there has only been one new locally acquired case recorded in the past 24 hours, the virus is likely circulating among people in the community with mild symptoms. As such, the risk of outbreaks and a resurgence of cases remains.
It’s vital that everyone who does have the virus is tested and diagnosed, in order to stop further spread to others.It’s vital that everyone who does have the virus is tested and diagnosed, in order to stop further spread to others.
NSW Health is again urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – to come forward and get tested, so cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.NSW Health is again urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms, such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – to come forward and get tested, so cases in the community are identified as quickly as possible.
This is even more important with the coming school holidays, when people will travel across the state.This is even more important with the coming school holidays, when people will travel across the state.
Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.
NSW Health is treating 81 Covid-19 cases, including six in intensive care, three of whom are being ventilated. Eighty-eight per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.NSW Health is treating 81 Covid-19 cases, including six in intensive care, three of whom are being ventilated. Eighty-eight per cent of cases being treated by NSW Health are in non-acute, out-of-hospital care.
Former prime minister Paul Keating has been asked by counsel assisting the aged care royal commission Peter Gray QC about the thinking around aged care when he first entered government.Former prime minister Paul Keating has been asked by counsel assisting the aged care royal commission Peter Gray QC about the thinking around aged care when he first entered government.
Keating said that when he served as treasurer in the Hawke government from 1983, it was brought to his attention that many people were in aged care simply because they had nowhere else to go.Keating said that when he served as treasurer in the Hawke government from 1983, it was brought to his attention that many people were in aged care simply because they had nowhere else to go.
There was no system of geriatric assessment at the time, Keating said.There was no system of geriatric assessment at the time, Keating said.
Keating, an architect of Australia’s compulsory superannuation system, said he also realised back when he introduced the scheme some 30 years ago that his generation “had a social standard of living that would not be replicated at $24,000 a year” and he knew there would be pressure from many of them for “a much bigger pension”.Keating, an architect of Australia’s compulsory superannuation system, said he also realised back when he introduced the scheme some 30 years ago that his generation “had a social standard of living that would not be replicated at $24,000 a year” and he knew there would be pressure from many of them for “a much bigger pension”.
The aged pension alone just wouldn’t allow people to live a quality life at home in their old age, Keating told the commission.The aged pension alone just wouldn’t allow people to live a quality life at home in their old age, Keating told the commission.
How will Victoria pay for all its stimulus measures?How will Victoria pay for all its stimulus measures?
Daniel Andrews:Daniel Andrews:
When will regional Victoria learn more about its restrictions being eased?When will regional Victoria learn more about its restrictions being eased?
Daniel Andrews:Daniel Andrews: