This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/sep/17/coronavirus-australia-latest-regional-victoria-melbourne-news-live-updates-morrison-jobkeeper-qld-nsw

The article has changed 24 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Coronavirus Australia live update: unemployment rate falls as Victoria records 28 new Covid cases and NSW five Coronavirus Australia live update: unemployment rate falls as Victoria records 28 new Covid cases and NSW five
(32 minutes later)
Queensland registers one new case of Covid as Scott Morrison announces new energy plan that diverts funding away from renewables. Follow all today’s newsQueensland registers one new case of Covid as Scott Morrison announces new energy plan that diverts funding away from renewables. Follow all today’s news
The state emergency controllers overseeing the government’s response to Covid-19 have told the hotel quarantine inquiry that use of police and ADF instead of security guards could have created other problems, and may not have avoided the second wave.
The two controllers, Andrea Spiteri and Jason Helps, said amid all the talk about the use of the ADF and police instead of security guards in hotel quarantine, it didn’t take into account that fundamentally the program was one of health and welfare, not detention.
Helps said returned travellers were Australians who had not committed any crime.
Helps said that he couldn’t be sure having police or ADF in the hotels in their uniforms would not have had a negative impact on returned travellers.
Spiteri said her own view was that given there were issues with language and compliance among some security guards, it would have been useful for a small contingent of Victoria Police to be at every hotel to set an example, but not to replace security entirely.
“I believe the department’s staff would have felt safer in the hotels if this had been in place, and in turn, returned travellers would not feel intimidated or alarmed by a full Victoria Police presence on every floor,” she said in her submission.
“A small constant police presence would take into consideration any fears or concerns that cohorts of returned travellers (including children) might have to a heavy police or uniformed presence, particularly as a result of any previous experience of trauma or war, and yet provide an added perception of safety for staff.”The inquiry also heard the Rydges on Swanston was set up as a hotel for Covid-positive people in early April after a homeless person who had tested positive for Covid-19 needed a place to stay.
Initially the request from the Department of Health and Human Services was declined by the hotels, with no hotel set up, but a couple of days later Rydges was established as the place Covid-positive people were transferred to in the hotel quarantine program.
Independent MP Zali Steggall has responded to the government’s announcement on Arenaand CEFC funding:
“Stakeholders are calling for policy certainty,” Ms Steggall said.
“We are seeing a piecemeal approach that lacks any substance in the PM’s energy policyannouncement.
“We need to lock in Net Zero by 2050, not in the second half of the century, andimplement a National Energy Policy like the National Energy Guarantee,” she said.
“The government wants to look like it’s doing something to fund new technologieswhilst providing less funding per year for ARENA than under Tony Abbott andMalcolm Turnbull. And yet now the need for new technologies is even greater, sincethe government is changing the definition of clean and low emissions to include coaland gas.
“The shift allows money previously destined to fund renewable energy sources to bespent on carbon capture and storage and prolong the life of the fossil fuelindustry. The government has already spent $1.36 billion in carbon capture storagewithout any effective outcome. Without a carbon pricing mechanism, it is just moneywasted.”
The Australian Taxation Office is up before the Covid-19 committee – and Labor is probing the early superannuation release program.
They’ve discovered from the ATO’s Jeremy Hirschhorn that 1,200 people withdrew money (up to $10,000 at a time) from their superannuation and immediately deposited it back – presumably to then claim the amount they re-deposited to get a tax deduction.Hirschhorn said the ATO had wrote to those people warning them to “consider their position” – that is, that it might not be appropriate to claim that deduction.
It didn’t look like an organised rort concocted by particular tax planners, but Hirschhorn said an academic had appeared on an ABC program and suggested that as a strategy, which was “a little bit unhelpful”.In earlier evidence, ATO officials said:
They have received about 9,000 tipoffs about the misuse of jobkeeper
55,000 applications have been stopped in the system before an application was made
75,000 compliance actions have been undertaken
2,200 employees have been identified as having multiple applications for payments
15,000 were found to be ineligible and removed from the scheme by the ATO
2,500 were partially ineligible
The ATO hasn’t issued any fines but is still looking at enforcement of breaches.
Migrant worker exploitation on farms is all too familiar for Australia’s workplace watchdog, AAP reports:Migrant worker exploitation on farms is all too familiar for Australia’s workplace watchdog, AAP reports:
An ABC investigation this week detailed shocking underpayment and sexual harassment of backpackers employed through recruitment companies to pick fruit.An ABC investigation this week detailed shocking underpayment and sexual harassment of backpackers employed through recruitment companies to pick fruit.
Fair Work Ombudsman compliance executive director Steve Ronson said an investigation was tracking three people of interest linked to the allegations. The fair work ombudsman’s compliance executive director, Steve Ronson, said an investigation was tracking three people of interest linked to the allegations.
“That ABC story is one unfortunately very, very familiar to the Fair Work Ombudsman,” he told a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday. He told a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday:
“It’s one we have encountered in the field for well over a decade. It’s one of the reasons why horticulture is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman.” Ronson said he was confident at least one person had been identified through the investigation.
Mr Ronson said he was confident at least one person had been identified through the investigation.
According to the ABC, one backpacker was paid as little as $2.50 an hour picking strawberries on a piece rate in Queensland.According to the ABC, one backpacker was paid as little as $2.50 an hour picking strawberries on a piece rate in Queensland.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud on Wednesday claimed strawberry pickers could earn up to $3800 a week. Agriculture minister David Littleproud on Wednesday claimed strawberry pickers could earn up to $3,800 a week.
That was based on an employer telling News Corp they paid that amount to one employee who worked six 10-hour shifts.That was based on an employer telling News Corp they paid that amount to one employee who worked six 10-hour shifts.
Deputy Ombudsman Kristen Hannah said reports of exploitation were concerning but didn’t give a full picture of the ombudsman’s work across the horticulture sector. Deputy ombudsman Kristen Hannah said reports of exploitation were concerning but didn’t give a full picture of the ombudsman’s work across the horticulture sector.
She said compliance activity and education for migrant workers had increased over the past 18 months.She said compliance activity and education for migrant workers had increased over the past 18 months.
The federal government’s agriculture researcher on Thursday laid bare the sector’s reliance on overseas workers, highlighting looming labour shortages.The federal government’s agriculture researcher on Thursday laid bare the sector’s reliance on overseas workers, highlighting looming labour shortages.
During peak harvesting in February 2019, almost one in five agriculture workers was casual or on a contract.During peak harvesting in February 2019, almost one in five agriculture workers was casual or on a contract.
Of those, 45 per cent were overseas workers on a visa including the working holiday maker and seasonal worker programs. Of those, 45% were overseas workers on a visa including the working holiday maker and seasonal worker programs.
That amounts to 69,000 workers, with the figure falling to 47,000 in June when labour demand reached its low point for the year. That amounts to 69,000 workers, with the figure falling to 47,000 in June, when labour demand reached its low point for the year.
The Morrison government is considering giving incentives to Australians to fill farm jobs with international borders closed.The Morrison government is considering giving incentives to Australians to fill farm jobs with international borders closed.
A parliamentary inquiry has recommended a limited exemption for migrant worker schemes to bring in staff from the Pacific.A parliamentary inquiry has recommended a limited exemption for migrant worker schemes to bring in staff from the Pacific.
Josh Frydenberg is talking about the budget and the need to grow the economy.Josh Frydenberg is talking about the budget and the need to grow the economy.
He repeats the “this will be a long, hard, bumpy road” line he first started using when the recession became official.He repeats the “this will be a long, hard, bumpy road” line he first started using when the recession became official.
The Queensland premier is still working from home though, given her illness.The Queensland premier is still working from home though, given her illness.
Josh Frydenberg is addressing today’s unemployment figures:Josh Frydenberg is addressing today’s unemployment figures:
Homicides are also down. Sexual assaults, however, have increased:Homicides are also down. Sexual assaults, however, have increased:
The ABS has also released a series of statistics related to law and order today: The number of victims of homicide recorded by police has decreased by 40% since 1993, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which brings together 27 years of recorded crime data.
William Milne said:
There were also decreases in some property offences. The number of break-ins fell 55% to 173,344 in 2019, along with motor vehicle theft, which decreased 48% to 58,021 in 2019.
However, there was a 16% increase in other theft, including stealing from another person or from retail premises, to 569,404 in 2019.
The bureau of statistics has also released a series of stats related to law and order today.
The number of prisoners entering the prison system is down:The number of prisoners entering the prison system is down:
The local government association Queensland president, Mark Jamieson, has come out in support of the state’s CHO, Dr Jeannette Young. Jamieson’s statement comes following the AMAQ’s statement of support earlier this week. Nationally, the total number of prisoners entering the prison system (prisoner receptions) decreased by 17% (down 2,987) for the June quarter 2020 according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This was the lowest quarterly total receptions (14,624) since the beginning of the time series in the June quarter 2016.The ABS director of the National Centre of Crime and Justice Statistics, William Milne, said that the national daily average number of prisoners also decreased by 5% over this period to 41,784, the lowest prisoner population since 2017.
“I would like to thank the Chief Health Officer on behalf of Queensland councils for the pragmatic and fearless leadership she has shown throughout the pandemic,” he said. These decreases for the quarter may be due to various restrictions implemented across states and territories as a result of Covid-19 which may have had an impact on criminal activity.
“Across the board, councils have been incredibly grateful and supportive of the evidence-based advice and strong, professional approach she has taken to protect the health, safety and well-being of Queenslanders. Milne said:
“It is because of Dr Young’s approach that Queensland is the envy of the nation, recording fewer cases and avoiding the protracted periods of public health restrictions experienced in other states and, indeed, other countries. The local government association Queensland president, Mark Jamieson, has come out in support of the state’s chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young.
“This has meant that despite the challenging economic conditions, many businesses across the state have been able to continue to operate and service Queenslanders, as opposed to being forced into lockdown as has occurred elsewhere. Jamieson’s statement comes following the AMAQ’s statement of support earlier this week. Jamieson said:
“It is due to Dr Young that Queenslanders were able to safely participate in the March 28 council elections to ensure stability for local communities at a critical time.
“Dr Young has been carrying a heavy burden in what has been arguably the most challenging time in our state’s and our nation’s history - and she deserves nothing but praise for her lifesaving work.
“Queenslanders are truly fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Jeannette Young as our Chief Health Officer at this time - and it is incumbent on all of us to support her in doing her job”.
The 43-year-old Gold Coast man charged with making death threats against the premier and chief health officer in Queensland, will face a magistrates court on 7 October.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced changes to how many people can be in a stadium in NSW:
Queensland police have charged a Queensland man with making death threats against premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young.
Police searched the man’s Nerang home today (in the Gold Coast west) and made the arrest.
For those in Melbourne who haven’t seen it as yet, this is a very handy tool.
Anthony Albanese had a bit to say in response to Scott Morrison’s comments on needing the states to raise their caps before more stranded Australians could return home:
NSW has recorded five new cases of Covid in the last 24 hours.
From NSW Health:
There were 20,411 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 19,566 in the previous 24 hours.
Of the five new cases to 8pm last night:
Two are returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine
Two are locally acquired and linked to a known case or cluster
One is locally acquired with their source still under investigation
One new case is a healthcare worker from the Concord Emergency Department. They were in isolation while infectious. There are now 21 cases associated with the Liverpool/Concord ED Cluster, including eight staff.
Another new case attended the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club. They were in isolation while infectious. There are now nine cases in this cluster.
The locally acquired case under investigation is from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. While a subsequent test on the person has produced a negative result, NSW Health is taking a cautious approach and asking the individual and close contacts to remain in isolation, while further testing is undertaken.
Anyone who attended the Five Stars Thaitanic, Casula on Saturday 12 September from 4.20pm to 5.20pm is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received.
Queensland has recorded one new case of Covid – but it is linked to a known cluster and the person was already in self-isolation
Alan Joyce was on ABC radio this morning, AAP reports, where he was asked about the possibility of re-starting international flights, even if it was to help rescue the more than 27,000 Australians who have registered to come home - but have been unable to get flights (or keep getting bumped off flights)
He wants the states to re-open its borders to kickstart domestic flights.
The spirit of Australia.
Just before the jobs figures were announced, Scott Morrison was speaking to the media at BlueScope Steel at Port Kembla.
The prime minister was sticking with his position that the jobkeeper wage subsidy needed to be tapered because “keeping the Australian economy on life support” was not sustainable. But he added that the government would use next month’s budget to announce “a lot of new plans, a lot of new initiatives, that will see us grow out of this Covid recession”.
Asked if we would see a truer representation of joblessness in Australia once the government ended jobkeeper, Morrison said he had always said the unemployment figure the country should be watching was not the measured rate of unemployment.
“The measured rate of unemployment is one thing but we know it’s much higher than that. We know the effective rate of unemployment is well over 10% and can peak a lot higher than that … Treasury advises it’s going to stay up around that 14% mark, and we know that, and we want to see that come down, and it was falling before the Victorian wave hit us, and with Victoria opening up again we would expect to see that fall again. But you can’t keep the Australian economy on jobkeeper forever, that is not the way to do things. Currently it is costing about $11bn a month, there are a lot of other things we need to invest in for Australia’s growth.”
Morrison mounted a broader defence of the government’s approach to Covid-19. He said Australia’s GDP was down, regrettably, by 7% in the June quarter, whereas New Zealand’s economy had shrunk by 12% in the same quarter.
“New Zealand shut their industry down. We did not. I think we’ve made difficult but balanced decisions which means on health and on jobs and the economy we’re doing better than almost every other developed economy in the world.”
Some 111,000 more people are in work, a 0.9% increase in the seasonally adjusted employment rate, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force stats just released. Between July and August hours worked also rose 0.1%.Bjorn Jarvis, head of labour statistics at the ABS, said: “Employment rose almost 1 per cent but hours worked rose by a more modest 0.1 per cent. Hours fell by 4.8 per cent in Victoria, compared to a 1.8 per cent increase across the rest of Australia.”“The weaker increase in hours worked has also been reflected in the strength of the increase in part-time employment between May and August, which has been almost eight times greater than the increase in full-time employment.”Employment growth was stronger for females (67,000 people or 1.1%) than males (44,000 or 0.7%). Hours worked also increased for females (0.2%), with no change for males, and remained around 4.7% and 5.9 per cent below March respectively.Other stats:
Unemployment decreased by 87,000 people including 55,000 women
Participation increased by just 0.1%
The unemployment rate went down by 0.7% to 6.8%
The underemployment rate remained at 11.2%, 2.4% above March.
The underutilisation rate, which combines the unemployment and underemployment rates, fell 0.7% to 18.0%, but remained 4.7% higher than March.