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Coronavirus Australia live updates: Victoria records five new Covid cases and three deaths as Melbourne curfew lifts Coronavirus Australia live updates: Victoria records five new Covid cases and three deaths as Melbourne curfew lifts
(32 minutes later)
Melbourne’s stage four restrictions ease, with more people returning to workplaces. Meanwhile, analysts urge government to spend more to support recovery as jobseeker wage subsidy cut. Follow liveMelbourne’s stage four restrictions ease, with more people returning to workplaces. Meanwhile, analysts urge government to spend more to support recovery as jobseeker wage subsidy cut. Follow live
Daniel Andrews will hold his press conference at 10am.
You can follow along with all the international news, with Helen Sullivan, here.
With the parliamentary break, our MPs have taken to debating on Twitter.
We are starting to see more of these messages:We are starting to see more of these messages:
In terms of the rolling average, today’s case number of five brings the 14-day average to 20.3 for metro Melbourne. Regional Victoria is at 0.6.In terms of the rolling average, today’s case number of five brings the 14-day average to 20.3 for metro Melbourne. Regional Victoria is at 0.6.
The so-called ‘mystery’ cases - which usually means community transmission - are also down The so-called “mystery” cases which usually means community transmission are also down.
A reminder that we don’t know what testing rates were like at the weekend, when these Covid cases were diagnosed – but still, five is a very, very good number.A reminder that we don’t know what testing rates were like at the weekend, when these Covid cases were diagnosed – but still, five is a very, very good number.
The amount of people who have lost their lives though is an undeniable tragedy.The amount of people who have lost their lives though is an undeniable tragedy.
This is the lowest number we have seen in months.This is the lowest number we have seen in months.
Michael McCormack was also on Sydney’s radio 2GB this morning, where he said taxpayers purchasing a plot of land for 10 times its valued price “will eventually be hailed as a good decision” and “a bargain”.Michael McCormack was also on Sydney’s radio 2GB this morning, where he said taxpayers purchasing a plot of land for 10 times its valued price “will eventually be hailed as a good decision” and “a bargain”.
That would be this land, that the auditor general has released a WTAF report over:That would be this land, that the auditor general has released a WTAF report over:
The land, which was owned by Liberal party donors, and which wasn’t even needed for the airport expansion until AFTER 2050.The land, which was owned by Liberal party donors, and which wasn’t even needed for the airport expansion until AFTER 2050.
McCormack thinks paying $30m for a $3m parcel of land 30 years in advance will one day be seen as a bargain.McCormack thinks paying $30m for a $3m parcel of land 30 years in advance will one day be seen as a bargain.
As AAP reports:As AAP reports:
McCormack also seems to think it is time for everyone to just move on:McCormack also seems to think it is time for everyone to just move on:
The Australian National Audit Office handed down a scathing report into the land purchase last week, finding Department of Infrastructure officials had engaged in unethical conduct.The Australian National Audit Office handed down a scathing report into the land purchase last week, finding Department of Infrastructure officials had engaged in unethical conduct.
Oh look! Fraser Anning has popped up again – as part of Steve Bannon’s new “think” tank.Oh look! Fraser Anning has popped up again – as part of Steve Bannon’s new “think” tank.
I guess that takes the bankrupt former senator from “understood to be living in the US” to “living in the US” where he disappeared to after losing his Senate seat and having bankruptcy proceedings against him.I guess that takes the bankrupt former senator from “understood to be living in the US” to “living in the US” where he disappeared to after losing his Senate seat and having bankruptcy proceedings against him.
Going back to the “rollback” post, the unions have no problem with calling a cut a cut:Going back to the “rollback” post, the unions have no problem with calling a cut a cut:
Reuters says Jacinda Ardern is into the idea of an Australian-New Zealand travel bubble:Reuters says Jacinda Ardern is into the idea of an Australian-New Zealand travel bubble:
When asked by state broadcaster TVNZ whether New Zealanders would be able to travel to at least some Australian regions before Christmas, Jacinda Ardern said: “It is possible.”When asked by state broadcaster TVNZ whether New Zealanders would be able to travel to at least some Australian regions before Christmas, Jacinda Ardern said: “It is possible.”
“What we would need to be assured of is that when Australia is saying, ‘OK, we’ve got a hotspot over here,’ that the border around that hotspot means that people aren’t able to travel into the states where we are engaging with in trans-Tasman travel,” she said.“What we would need to be assured of is that when Australia is saying, ‘OK, we’ve got a hotspot over here,’ that the border around that hotspot means that people aren’t able to travel into the states where we are engaging with in trans-Tasman travel,” she said.
Ardern said Australia was pretty satisfied with both how New Zealand was tracking now and how they are tracking generally.Ardern said Australia was pretty satisfied with both how New Zealand was tracking now and how they are tracking generally.
New Zealand has only 59 active cases and 1,477 confirmed cases of Covid-19 so far, one of the lowest tally in the world.New Zealand has only 59 active cases and 1,477 confirmed cases of Covid-19 so far, one of the lowest tally in the world.
Some media reports on Monday also said the travel may initially be just one way with New Zealanders heading to Australia, and may be restricted to just travellers from New Zealand’s South Island, which has had no coronavirus cases for months.Some media reports on Monday also said the travel may initially be just one way with New Zealanders heading to Australia, and may be restricted to just travellers from New Zealand’s South Island, which has had no coronavirus cases for months.
Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state and the centre of the country’s Covid-19 outbreak, said on Sunday that it would ease social distancing restrictions as infections slow to fewer than 20 cases a day.Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state and the centre of the country’s Covid-19 outbreak, said on Sunday that it would ease social distancing restrictions as infections slow to fewer than 20 cases a day.
Australia has reported just over 27,000 cases and 872 deaths, well below the numbers seen in many other developed nations.Australia has reported just over 27,000 cases and 872 deaths, well below the numbers seen in many other developed nations.
The jobkeeper payment has gone from $1,500 a fortnight to $1,200 a fortnight.The jobkeeper payment has gone from $1,500 a fortnight to $1,200 a fortnight.
The rate of pay has been cut.The rate of pay has been cut.
Seems strange the opposition would call this a “rollback” – a term the government is more likely to use (while also insisting it’s all cool because the program has been extended).Seems strange the opposition would call this a “rollback” – a term the government is more likely to use (while also insisting it’s all cool because the program has been extended).
And while we are on “rollback” which are actually cuts – there is still no word on what the rate of jobseeker will be once the December deadline hits. Merry Christmas and happy new year.And while we are on “rollback” which are actually cuts – there is still no word on what the rate of jobseeker will be once the December deadline hits. Merry Christmas and happy new year.
Speaking of Michael McCormack, he has been in charge of the aviation response.Speaking of Michael McCormack, he has been in charge of the aviation response.
Via AAP:Via AAP:
The federal budget will include more financial support for airlines to keep key domestic and regional routes running, after an industry slump due to the coronavirus, the deputy prime minister says.The federal budget will include more financial support for airlines to keep key domestic and regional routes running, after an industry slump due to the coronavirus, the deputy prime minister says.
Michael McCormack on Monday said the government will extend two programs set up to cover essential costs the airlines can’t recover due to a drop in passenger numbers.Michael McCormack on Monday said the government will extend two programs set up to cover essential costs the airlines can’t recover due to a drop in passenger numbers.
The Domestic Aviation Network Support and the Regional Airline Network Support programs were due to end but will now be extended to January 31 and March 28 next year, respectively.The Domestic Aviation Network Support and the Regional Airline Network Support programs were due to end but will now be extended to January 31 and March 28 next year, respectively.
This will allow major domestic routes to be maintained and regional and remote communities to continue to receive essential air travel services.This will allow major domestic routes to be maintained and regional and remote communities to continue to receive essential air travel services.
McCormack said the extensions to be announced when the 2020/21 budget to be handed down on October 6 “could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars”.McCormack said the extensions to be announced when the 2020/21 budget to be handed down on October 6 “could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars”.
So far, more than $150m has been spent under the programs.So far, more than $150m has been spent under the programs.
“Planes in the air mean jobs on the ground and as part of our economic plan for a more secure and resilient Australia, we will continue to back our aviation sector,” said McCormack who is also the transport minister and Nationals leader.“Planes in the air mean jobs on the ground and as part of our economic plan for a more secure and resilient Australia, we will continue to back our aviation sector,” said McCormack who is also the transport minister and Nationals leader.
“In regional Australia, flights are so central to local economies, underpinning many small businesses including tourism operators, whilst ensuring continued access to key medical supplies and personnel.”“In regional Australia, flights are so central to local economies, underpinning many small businesses including tourism operators, whilst ensuring continued access to key medical supplies and personnel.”
The main airline beneficiaries of the programs are Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex as well as other smaller carriers.The main airline beneficiaries of the programs are Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex as well as other smaller carriers.
Just on that, Deloitte aren’t saying the stimulus measures haven’t been a good idea – they are saying that now they are cut the government needs to spend more.Just on that, Deloitte aren’t saying the stimulus measures haven’t been a good idea – they are saying that now they are cut the government needs to spend more.
But Michael McCormack is never one to let facts get in the way of a good (country) line.But Michael McCormack is never one to let facts get in the way of a good (country) line.
Also, there are close to a million Australians out of work, and Treasury’s own figures predict that number will increase by the year’s end. So sure. Australians can get back to work with all of those jobs just floating around.Also, there are close to a million Australians out of work, and Treasury’s own figures predict that number will increase by the year’s end. So sure. Australians can get back to work with all of those jobs just floating around.
And when it comes to “fruit picking” and the other jobs McCormack points to, it’s not exactly cheap to pack up and move to a whole other region. But then again, that would be some of those pesky facts.And when it comes to “fruit picking” and the other jobs McCormack points to, it’s not exactly cheap to pack up and move to a whole other region. But then again, that would be some of those pesky facts.
Q: When it comes to jobkeeper, though, deputy prime minister, so many economists, Deloitte modelling, shows that you’re going against what is best for the economy, and by making these cuts to jobkeeper. Are you saying that Deloitte modelling are getting it wrong?Q: When it comes to jobkeeper, though, deputy prime minister, so many economists, Deloitte modelling, shows that you’re going against what is best for the economy, and by making these cuts to jobkeeper. Are you saying that Deloitte modelling are getting it wrong?
Michael McCormack:Michael McCormack:
Michael McCormack has been allowed on air again.Michael McCormack has been allowed on air again.
Asked by ABC News Breakfast about the cuts to jobkeeper (and jobseeker) in recent days, the deputy prime minister says:Asked by ABC News Breakfast about the cuts to jobkeeper (and jobseeker) in recent days, the deputy prime minister says:
The federal government will make a domestic violence funding announcement today:The federal government will make a domestic violence funding announcement today:
In case you missed it, yesterday Simon Birmingham said he was hopeful a travel bubble with New Zealand could be put in place by the end of the year.In case you missed it, yesterday Simon Birmingham said he was hopeful a travel bubble with New Zealand could be put in place by the end of the year.
While it is up to New Zealand if it takes in Australians, Australia is looking to welcome New Zealand travellers, if all goes well with the states opening up to each other, as planned (by Christmas). Birmingham said:While it is up to New Zealand if it takes in Australians, Australia is looking to welcome New Zealand travellers, if all goes well with the states opening up to each other, as planned (by Christmas). Birmingham said:
A very big good morning to Melbourne which, as of a couple of hours ago, has waved goodbye to its curfew.A very big good morning to Melbourne which, as of a couple of hours ago, has waved goodbye to its curfew.
Which is excellent news. Having a curfew has been a very strange part of all this. Being fined just for leaving your house is not something any of us should be comfortable with, even if you are in support of the lockdown measures.Which is excellent news. Having a curfew has been a very strange part of all this. Being fined just for leaving your house is not something any of us should be comfortable with, even if you are in support of the lockdown measures.
But a very big thank you to Melbourne residents who have been through the worst of it to make sure the rest of Australia remains as open as possible. I’m so happy that light at the end of the tunnel seems pretty close now.But a very big thank you to Melbourne residents who have been through the worst of it to make sure the rest of Australia remains as open as possible. I’m so happy that light at the end of the tunnel seems pretty close now.
Under the changes Daniel Andrews announced yesterday:Under the changes Daniel Andrews announced yesterday:
127,000 workers can return to various industries, including supermarket, food distribution, food processing, manufacturing and some solo outdoor employees, will return to work – about 30,000 more than initially planned.127,000 workers can return to various industries, including supermarket, food distribution, food processing, manufacturing and some solo outdoor employees, will return to work – about 30,000 more than initially planned.
Primary school students return to schools in the week beginning 12 October.Primary school students return to schools in the week beginning 12 October.
Childcare centres can open for all children, and visitors will be allowed in healthcare facilities and hospitals – one visitor per patient per day for a maximum of two hours for most patients. For those under 18, two parents or carers can visit with no time limit.Childcare centres can open for all children, and visitors will be allowed in healthcare facilities and hospitals – one visitor per patient per day for a maximum of two hours for most patients. For those under 18, two parents or carers can visit with no time limit.
Public gatherings of people from one household, or a limit of five people from no more than two households, will be allowed. This also applies to faith-based activities and weddings held outdoors.Public gatherings of people from one household, or a limit of five people from no more than two households, will be allowed. This also applies to faith-based activities and weddings held outdoors.
Hiking, fishing and other exercises that don’t involve visiting a facility will be allowed for a maximum of two hours, within 5km of home.Hiking, fishing and other exercises that don’t involve visiting a facility will be allowed for a maximum of two hours, within 5km of home.
The roadmap has switched from dates to case numbers.The roadmap has switched from dates to case numbers.
Greg Hunt and Josh Frydenberg welcomed the changes with a statement, which included this little titbit:Greg Hunt and Josh Frydenberg welcomed the changes with a statement, which included this little titbit:
Speaking of the federal government, economic analysts want the government to spend more, especially since individual stimulus is being cut. The jobseeker Covid supplement was cut on Friday, on what social service advocates referred to as “poverty Friday”. As of today, the jobkeeper rate is being cut (although, some people on jobkeeper can access social services payments to top up their income).Speaking of the federal government, economic analysts want the government to spend more, especially since individual stimulus is being cut. The jobseeker Covid supplement was cut on Friday, on what social service advocates referred to as “poverty Friday”. As of today, the jobkeeper rate is being cut (although, some people on jobkeeper can access social services payments to top up their income).
The budget is being handed down next Tuesday but, as Daniel Hurst reports, economists think it needs to have some big spending included if it is to get anywhere near pulling Australia’s economy out of recession.The budget is being handed down next Tuesday but, as Daniel Hurst reports, economists think it needs to have some big spending included if it is to get anywhere near pulling Australia’s economy out of recession.
We’ll bring you all the day’s events as they happen. You have Amy Remeikis with you for most of the day.We’ll bring you all the day’s events as they happen. You have Amy Remeikis with you for most of the day.
Ready?Ready?