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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
Still in Victoria, and the state’s assistant police commissioner Luke Cornelius has said they’re expecting more anti-lockdown protests this weekend.
Cornelius delivered a graphically-memorable quote last week when describing how he felt about the “selfish antics” of protestors.
“I feel a bit like a dog returning to eat his own vomit,” Cornelius said.
AAP reports comments from Cornelius on radio station 3AW earlier today.
Over the last two weekends protesters have clashed with police at the Shrine Of Remembrance, The Tan track and Queen Victoria Market.
Police arrested 74 people and issued at least 176 infringement notices during last Sunday’s protest at the market.
Mr Cornelius confirmed riot police would be on standby again.
Folk in regional Victoria haven’t wasted any time getting out and about under eased coronavirus restrictions that came in overnight.Folk in regional Victoria haven’t wasted any time getting out and about under eased coronavirus restrictions that came in overnight.
And why would they? Here’s some pics from Geelong. And why would they? Here are some pics from Geelong.
Queenslanders are used to the big, brash yellow-and-black political adverts on roadsides and in newspapers from Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party.Queenslanders are used to the big, brash yellow-and-black political adverts on roadsides and in newspapers from Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party.
It looks like there’s going to be a lot more of them.It looks like there’s going to be a lot more of them.
The ABC is reporting that one of the mining magnate’s companies, Mineralogy, transferred $2m into the bank account of the party.The ABC is reporting that one of the mining magnate’s companies, Mineralogy, transferred $2m into the bank account of the party.
Donations in Queensland are declared daily, and the entry in the public register shows the transfer was declared yesterday.Donations in Queensland are declared daily, and the entry in the public register shows the transfer was declared yesterday.
Yesterday’s Courier-Mail newspaper in Brisbane had two full-page ads from Palmer attacking the Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and the state’s chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young.Yesterday’s Courier-Mail newspaper in Brisbane had two full-page ads from Palmer attacking the Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, and the state’s chief health officer, Dr Jeannette Young.
Our Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, has the latest data showing the extent of infections of coronavirus among healthcare workers in the state.Our Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, has the latest data showing the extent of infections of coronavirus among healthcare workers in the state.
As at 15 September, one in four of the 1,041 active cases in the state were healthcare workers.As at 15 September, one in four of the 1,041 active cases in the state were healthcare workers.
Of the 3429 total cases of the disease among healthcare workers, 1,640 worked in aged care (48%) and 1,061 (31%) worked in hospitals.Of the 3429 total cases of the disease among healthcare workers, 1,640 worked in aged care (48%) and 1,061 (31%) worked in hospitals.
Thanks Amy Remeikis for all of that. Graham Readfearn here, taking you through the next few hours.Thanks Amy Remeikis for all of that. Graham Readfearn here, taking you through the next few hours.
Here’s a recap of the day so far.Here’s a recap of the day so far.
Victoria recorded another eight deaths and 28 new cases of Covid-19 – the first time daily cases have dropped below 30 since 24 June.Victoria recorded another eight deaths and 28 new cases of Covid-19 – the first time daily cases have dropped below 30 since 24 June.
Regional Victorians are enjoying relaxed conditions, but police have again stressed they’ll fine people from Melbourne who try to sneak out of the “ring of steel”.Regional Victorians are enjoying relaxed conditions, but police have again stressed they’ll fine people from Melbourne who try to sneak out of the “ring of steel”.
Queensland recorded one new positive test – a contact of a previously known case who had been in isolation.Queensland recorded one new positive test – a contact of a previously known case who had been in isolation.
NSW reported five new cases. Two were returned travellers in quarantine, two were linked to a known cluster and one was still under investigation (although the health authority said it could have been a false positive and this was being checked).NSW reported five new cases. Two were returned travellers in quarantine, two were linked to a known cluster and one was still under investigation (although the health authority said it could have been a false positive and this was being checked).
Unemployment figures delivered a surprise, with a 0.9% rise. But there’s still more than 900,000 people out of work.Unemployment figures delivered a surprise, with a 0.9% rise. But there’s still more than 900,000 people out of work.
Queensland police charged a Queensland man with making death threats against premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young.Queensland police charged a Queensland man with making death threats against premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young.
NSW has announced it will let more people into sports stadiums, allowing 50% capacity – up from 25%.NSW has announced it will let more people into sports stadiums, allowing 50% capacity – up from 25%.
On we go.On we go.
That is me done for the day – thank you so much for joining me for the rush of the morning and the dead of the afternoon.That is me done for the day – thank you so much for joining me for the rush of the morning and the dead of the afternoon.
I’ll be back on Monday bright and early for another week of Covid and politics. You can expect more budget announcements then, as we inch closer to the very weird 6 October budget.I’ll be back on Monday bright and early for another week of Covid and politics. You can expect more budget announcements then, as we inch closer to the very weird 6 October budget.
If you need to reach me in the meantime, or I haven’t answered your questions, you can get me here and here.If you need to reach me in the meantime, or I haven’t answered your questions, you can get me here and here.
Graham Readfearn will lead you through the afternoon.Graham Readfearn will lead you through the afternoon.
Thanks so much for coming along for the ride. I’ll see you next week – and please, take care of you. AxThanks so much for coming along for the ride. I’ll see you next week – and please, take care of you. Ax
Paul Karp and Daniel Hurst have looked at the unemployment figures:Paul Karp and Daniel Hurst have looked at the unemployment figures:
Brendan O’Connor, Labor’s shadow minister for employment and industry, has responded to the job figures today:Brendan O’Connor, Labor’s shadow minister for employment and industry, has responded to the job figures today:
Things have gone very quiet this afternoon.Things have gone very quiet this afternoon.
There is a very Friday feel to this not-Friday.There is a very Friday feel to this not-Friday.
The state’s official data continues:The state’s official data continues:
In Victoria at the current time:In Victoria at the current time:
4,272 cases may indicate community transmission – a decrease of six since yesterday4,272 cases may indicate community transmission – a decrease of six since yesterday
947 cases are currently active in Victoria947 cases are currently active in Victoria
97 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, including 12 in intensive care97 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, including 12 in intensive care
18,217 people have recovered from the virus18,217 people have recovered from the virus
A total of 2,535,134 test results have been received, which is an increase of 14,247 since yesterday.A total of 2,535,134 test results have been received, which is an increase of 14,247 since yesterday.
Of the 947 active cases in Victoria:Of the 947 active cases in Victoria:
907 are in metropolitan Melbourne under the first step of our roadmap907 are in metropolitan Melbourne under the first step of our roadmap
33 are in regional local government areas under the third step of our roadmap. There are no new cases in regional Victoria.33 are in regional local government areas under the third step of our roadmap. There are no new cases in regional Victoria.
5 are interstate residents5 are interstate residents
2 are either unknown or subject to further investigation2 are either unknown or subject to further investigation
Colac Otway has 16 active cases, greater Geelong has three active cases, greater Bendigo has one active case and Ballarat has no active cases.Colac Otway has 16 active cases, greater Geelong has three active cases, greater Bendigo has one active case and Ballarat has no active cases.
Of the total cases:Of the total cases:
18,591 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1201 are from regional Victoria18,591 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1201 are from regional Victoria
Total cases include 9523 men and 10,433 womenTotal cases include 9523 men and 10,433 women
Total number of healthcare workers: 3,461; active cases: 143Total number of healthcare workers: 3,461; active cases: 143
There are 464 active cases relating to aged care facilitiesThere are 464 active cases relating to aged care facilities
Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:
252 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee252 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee
218 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping218 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping
215 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner215 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner
166 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care facility in Ardeer166 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care facility in Ardeer
140 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth140 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth
130 cases have been linked to BlueCross Ruckers Hill Aged Care facility in Northcote130 cases have been linked to BlueCross Ruckers Hill Aged Care facility in Northcote
128 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir128 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir
124 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care facility in Sunshine North124 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care facility in Sunshine North
120 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra Aged Care facility in Sunbury120 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra Aged Care facility in Sunbury
119 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care facility in Heidelberg119 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care facility in Heidelberg
In Victoria there are currently two active cases in residential disability accommodation:In Victoria there are currently two active cases in residential disability accommodation:
Total resident cases: 0; total ttaff cases: 2Total resident cases: 0; total ttaff cases: 2
Active cases in NDIS homes: 2 (0 residents)Active cases in NDIS homes: 2 (0 residents)
Active cases in “transfer” homes (state regulated/funded): 0Active cases in “transfer” homes (state regulated/funded): 0
Active cases in state government delivered and funded homes: 0Active cases in state government delivered and funded homes: 0
Non-aged care outbreaks with the highest number of active cases include:Non-aged care outbreaks with the highest number of active cases include:
33 active cases are currently linked to the Casey community outbreak (total cases: 34)33 active cases are currently linked to the Casey community outbreak (total cases: 34)
13 active cases are currently linked to Footscray hospital (total cases: 15)13 active cases are currently linked to Footscray hospital (total cases: 15)
8 active cases are currently linked to Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac (total cases: 20)8 active cases are currently linked to Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac (total cases: 20)
9 active cases are currently linked to Vawdrey Australia truck manufacturer (total cases: 64)9 active cases are currently linked to Vawdrey Australia truck manufacturer (total cases: 64)
6 active cases are currently linked to Wydinia Kindergarten in Colac (total cases: 16)6 active cases are currently linked to Wydinia Kindergarten in Colac (total cases: 16)
5 active cases are currently linked to Dandenong police station (total cases: 16)5 active cases are currently linked to Dandenong police station (total cases: 16)
Victoria’s official data is out:Victoria’s official data is out:
Victoria has recorded 28 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 19,970.Victoria has recorded 28 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 19,970.
The overall total has increased by 27 due to one case being reclassified.The overall total has increased by 27 due to one case being reclassified.
This is the first time Victoria has recorded under 30 cases in a day since 24 June, when we reported 20 cases in the past 24-hour period.This is the first time Victoria has recorded under 30 cases in a day since 24 June, when we reported 20 cases in the past 24-hour period.
Within Victoria, 14 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 14 are under investigation.Within Victoria, 14 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 14 are under investigation.
There have been eight new deaths from Covid-19 reported since yesterday. One woman aged in her 60s, two men aged in their 80s and three women and two men aged in their 90s. Four of the deaths occurred prior to yesterday.There have been eight new deaths from Covid-19 reported since yesterday. One woman aged in her 60s, two men aged in their 80s and three women and two men aged in their 90s. Four of the deaths occurred prior to yesterday.
Six of today’s eight deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities. To date, 745 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.Six of today’s eight deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities. To date, 745 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
The average number of cases diagnosed in the last 14 days for metropolitan Melbourne is 44.4 and regional Victoria is 2.9. The rolling daily average case number is calculated by averaging out the number of new cases over the past 14 days.The average number of cases diagnosed in the last 14 days for metropolitan Melbourne is 44.4 and regional Victoria is 2.9. The rolling daily average case number is calculated by averaging out the number of new cases over the past 14 days.
The total number of cases from an unknown source in the last 14 days is 83 for metropolitan Melbourne and one for regional Victoria. The 14-day period for the source of acquisition data ends 48 hours earlier than the 14-day period used to calculate the new case average, due to the time required to fully investigate a case and assign its mode of acquisition.The total number of cases from an unknown source in the last 14 days is 83 for metropolitan Melbourne and one for regional Victoria. The 14-day period for the source of acquisition data ends 48 hours earlier than the 14-day period used to calculate the new case average, due to the time required to fully investigate a case and assign its mode of acquisition.
Murph has a piece on Paul Keating and his views on super:Murph has a piece on Paul Keating and his views on super:
Paul Keating has accused the Reserve Bank of Australia governor, Philip Lowe, of failing to comprehend “the key income facts of the last eight years” when he argued that lifting the super guarantee would create lower wages growth.Paul Keating has accused the Reserve Bank of Australia governor, Philip Lowe, of failing to comprehend “the key income facts of the last eight years” when he argued that lifting the super guarantee would create lower wages growth.
Keating was responding to comments Lowe made to a parliamentary committee in the middle of August. The governor said if the Morrison government proceeded with lifting the guarantee from 9.5% to 12%, “I would expect wage growth to be even lower than it otherwise would be”.Keating was responding to comments Lowe made to a parliamentary committee in the middle of August. The governor said if the Morrison government proceeded with lifting the guarantee from 9.5% to 12%, “I would expect wage growth to be even lower than it otherwise would be”.
Lowe said the planned increase would result in “less current income, and if there is less income there may be less spending, and if there is less spending there may be less jobs”.Lowe said the planned increase would result in “less current income, and if there is less income there may be less spending, and if there is less spending there may be less jobs”.
The state emergency controllers overseeing the government’s response to Covid-19 have told the hotel quarantine inquiry that use of police and the Australian Defence Force instead of security guards could have created other problems, and may not have avoided the second wave.The state emergency controllers overseeing the government’s response to Covid-19 have told the hotel quarantine inquiry that use of police and the Australian Defence Force 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 that 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.The two controllers, Andrea Spiteri and Jason Helps, said that 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. He said 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.Helps said returned travellers were Australians who had not committed any crime. He said 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.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.
She said in her submission:She said in her submission:
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 the virus needed a place to stay.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 the virus 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.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.