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Coronavirus Australia live update: Gladys Berejiklian faces no-confidence motion as Victoria reports 12 new cases and NSW 13 Victoria reports 12 new cases and NSW 13 as Andrews faces no-confidence motion – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Daniel Andrews says 10 ‘could be the new five’ as NSW announces seven new locally transmitted cases. Follow liveDaniel Andrews says 10 ‘could be the new five’ as NSW announces seven new locally transmitted cases. Follow live
That’s where we will leave the live blog for Tuesday.That’s where we will leave the live blog for Tuesday.
My colleague Calla Wahlquist will be back in the morning to bring you more of the latest in Covid-19 news, but here’s what we learned today:My colleague Calla Wahlquist will be back in the morning to bring you more of the latest in Covid-19 news, but here’s what we learned today:
Victoria recorded 12 new cases of Covid-19 overnight, and one more death. Almost all of the new cases are connected to known outbreaks. The Victorian opposition has moved a motion of no confidence in the Victorian parliament’s lower house over premier Daniel Andrews’ handling of the pandemic, however the motion is all but certain to fail given Labor has an 11-seat majority.Victoria recorded 12 new cases of Covid-19 overnight, and one more death. Almost all of the new cases are connected to known outbreaks. The Victorian opposition has moved a motion of no confidence in the Victorian parliament’s lower house over premier Daniel Andrews’ handling of the pandemic, however the motion is all but certain to fail given Labor has an 11-seat majority.
New South Wales reported 13 new cases, including seven new local cases. The figures include two GPs from the A to Z clinic in Lakemba, and five new locally acquired cases in members of the same household in south-western Sydney. NSW Health has issued new warnings for venues where people infected with Covid-19 have previously been.New South Wales reported 13 new cases, including seven new local cases. The figures include two GPs from the A to Z clinic in Lakemba, and five new locally acquired cases in members of the same household in south-western Sydney. NSW Health has issued new warnings for venues where people infected with Covid-19 have previously been.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has heard former New South Wales state MP Daryl Maguire told a former business associate that his phone and iPad had been involved in an “unfortunate” tractor accident after he became aware the state’s anti-corruption watchdog was paying attention to him.The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) has heard former New South Wales state MP Daryl Maguire told a former business associate that his phone and iPad had been involved in an “unfortunate” tractor accident after he became aware the state’s anti-corruption watchdog was paying attention to him.
The NSW opposition leader, Jodi Mckay is moving a motion of no confidence against premier Gladys Berejiklian because she says Berejiklian “failed to report her knowledge of Maguire’s business dealings for six-and-a-half years” and failed to report “a number of discussions she had over a number of years about his business dealings, including congratulating him on the amount of commission he was earning from his business deals.”The NSW opposition leader, Jodi Mckay is moving a motion of no confidence against premier Gladys Berejiklian because she says Berejiklian “failed to report her knowledge of Maguire’s business dealings for six-and-a-half years” and failed to report “a number of discussions she had over a number of years about his business dealings, including congratulating him on the amount of commission he was earning from his business deals.”
The Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry has requested phone records directly from Telstra, after Guardian Australia revealed on Friday that Victoria police had never formally requested the records for former commissioner Graham Ashton. It is unclear yet whether it was Ashton’s records being sought, but is one of a number of requests made for records in the past few days to shed light on who made the decision to use security guards for the botched program.The Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry has requested phone records directly from Telstra, after Guardian Australia revealed on Friday that Victoria police had never formally requested the records for former commissioner Graham Ashton. It is unclear yet whether it was Ashton’s records being sought, but is one of a number of requests made for records in the past few days to shed light on who made the decision to use security guards for the botched program.
Tasmania will wait another week to decide whether it will open its borders to NSW. It is due to open borders to every part of Australia bar Victoria on 26 October, but premier Peter Gutwein said the state will wait and see another week before making a decision on NSW.Tasmania will wait another week to decide whether it will open its borders to NSW. It is due to open borders to every part of Australia bar Victoria on 26 October, but premier Peter Gutwein said the state will wait and see another week before making a decision on NSW.
Until tomorrow, stay safe.Until tomorrow, stay safe.
George Christensen and Craig Kelly’s foray into the Queensland election is of course not the first time the backbenchers have marketed hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for Covid-19.George Christensen and Craig Kelly’s foray into the Queensland election is of course not the first time the backbenchers have marketed hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for Covid-19.
Kelly has used the issue to attack the Andrews government in Victoria, despite the most authoritative trials concluding it is not an effective treatment for Covid-19. That prompted ire from Labor and not a word of condemnation from Scott Morrison.Kelly has used the issue to attack the Andrews government in Victoria, despite the most authoritative trials concluding it is not an effective treatment for Covid-19. That prompted ire from Labor and not a word of condemnation from Scott Morrison.
In September, the Australian Communications Media Authority chief executive, Creina Chapman, agreed that Kelly’s misleading claims about the drug on social media should be removed under new proposed codes of conduct. Kelly posted Guardian Australia’s article to social media, accusing ACMA of trying to censor him.In September, the Australian Communications Media Authority chief executive, Creina Chapman, agreed that Kelly’s misleading claims about the drug on social media should be removed under new proposed codes of conduct. Kelly posted Guardian Australia’s article to social media, accusing ACMA of trying to censor him.
I suppose what is new here is that the backbenchers are prepared to use the issue to sway voters in the state election, in the context of the Queensland government’s handling of Covid-19 being the most important issue.I suppose what is new here is that the backbenchers are prepared to use the issue to sway voters in the state election, in the context of the Queensland government’s handling of Covid-19 being the most important issue.
Without truth in political advertising laws, there is nothing to stop backbenchers printing misleading claims like “many doctors worldwide believe [it] is highly effective to substantially reduce the risk of death in Covid-19 patients”.Without truth in political advertising laws, there is nothing to stop backbenchers printing misleading claims like “many doctors worldwide believe [it] is highly effective to substantially reduce the risk of death in Covid-19 patients”.
Here’s the latest from the daily Victorian chief health officer release.Here’s the latest from the daily Victorian chief health officer release.
Two of today’s 12 new cases are confirmed as linked to known outbreaks and cases – one is linked to the Chadstone outbreak (household contact of a case), one is linked to Estia Keilor aged care facility. Nine cases are provisionally linked to known outbreaks and cases – seven are being investigated for links to a case from the Box Hill hospital outbreak, including four cases from the same household, one is being investigated for links to a case from the Chadstone Shopping Centre outbreak and one is being investigated for links to Uniting Age Well Preston. One case remains under investigation.Two of today’s 12 new cases are confirmed as linked to known outbreaks and cases – one is linked to the Chadstone outbreak (household contact of a case), one is linked to Estia Keilor aged care facility. Nine cases are provisionally linked to known outbreaks and cases – seven are being investigated for links to a case from the Box Hill hospital outbreak, including four cases from the same household, one is being investigated for links to a case from the Chadstone Shopping Centre outbreak and one is being investigated for links to Uniting Age Well Preston. One case remains under investigation.
Of today’s 12 new cases, four are in Banyule, two are in Hume and there are single cases in Casey, Darebin, Greater Dandenong, Manningham, Melbourne and Greater Geelong.Of today’s 12 new cases, four are in Banyule, two are in Hume and there are single cases in Casey, Darebin, Greater Dandenong, Manningham, Melbourne and Greater Geelong.
There has been one new case linked to the outbreak at the Chadstone Shopping Centre, taking the total to 35, and no new cases linked to the Oddfellows Cafe in Kilmore. The additional case at Chadstone attended the shopping centre during their acquisition period.There has been one new case linked to the outbreak at the Chadstone Shopping Centre, taking the total to 35, and no new cases linked to the Oddfellows Cafe in Kilmore. The additional case at Chadstone attended the shopping centre during their acquisition period.
The 13 mystery cases in the last 14 days (27 Sep 2020 – 10 Oct 2020) are located in the following postcodes, 3025 (2 cases), 3024, 3184, 3015, 3037, 3175, 3130, 3027, 3147, 3046 and 3019.The 13 mystery cases in the last 14 days (27 Sep 2020 – 10 Oct 2020) are located in the following postcodes, 3025 (2 cases), 3024, 3184, 3015, 3037, 3175, 3130, 3027, 3147, 3046 and 3019.
There are 186 cases currently active in Victoria, including 23 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, there are no cases in intensive care.There are 186 cases currently active in Victoria, including 23 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, there are no cases in intensive care.
There are 16 active cases among healthcare workers, and 30 active cases relating to aged care facilities.There are 16 active cases among healthcare workers, and 30 active cases relating to aged care facilities.
The former New South Wales state MP Daryl Maguire told a former business associate that his phone and iPad had been involved in an “unfortunate” tractor accident after he became aware the state’s anti-corruption watchdog was paying attention to him.The former New South Wales state MP Daryl Maguire told a former business associate that his phone and iPad had been involved in an “unfortunate” tractor accident after he became aware the state’s anti-corruption watchdog was paying attention to him.
On Tuesday, Maguire’s former business associate, Maggie Wang, told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) the former MP had told her about an “unfortunate accident where my phones and iPad have been run over by a tractor” after Icac began an earlier investigation that led to Maguire’s resignation in 2018.On Tuesday, Maguire’s former business associate, Maggie Wang, told the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) the former MP had told her about an “unfortunate accident where my phones and iPad have been run over by a tractor” after Icac began an earlier investigation that led to Maguire’s resignation in 2018.
Read more from my colleague, Michael McGowan’s report on today’s Icac hearing below:Read more from my colleague, Michael McGowan’s report on today’s Icac hearing below:
In a heated session of question time on Tuesday, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian was questioned over revelations she was in a relationship with the disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire. This video shows just how raucous it got.In a heated session of question time on Tuesday, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian was questioned over revelations she was in a relationship with the disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire. This video shows just how raucous it got.
Here’s my colleague Melissa Davey’s report on the roof collapse at Curtin University in Western Australia.Here’s my colleague Melissa Davey’s report on the roof collapse at Curtin University in Western Australia.
Liberal MP Craig Kelly and Liberal National MP George Christensen are extolling the virtues of hydroxychloroquine to Queensland voters, it seems.Liberal MP Craig Kelly and Liberal National MP George Christensen are extolling the virtues of hydroxychloroquine to Queensland voters, it seems.
Not sure why they might have left out the fact that among the cocktail of often experimental drugs US president Donald Trump was on to treat Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine was not one of them.Not sure why they might have left out the fact that among the cocktail of often experimental drugs US president Donald Trump was on to treat Covid-19, hydroxychloroquine was not one of them.
Remember that “secret government modelling” published in the Australian that apparently showed Victoria getting to 1,000 cases a day, but looked very similar to a graph produced by some bloke on Twitter?Remember that “secret government modelling” published in the Australian that apparently showed Victoria getting to 1,000 cases a day, but looked very similar to a graph produced by some bloke on Twitter?
The Australian Press Council has dismissed a complaint about the report (despite the modelling being wildly inaccurate).The Australian Press Council has dismissed a complaint about the report (despite the modelling being wildly inaccurate).
There’s also a no-confidence motion being debated in the Victoria parliament against premier Daniel Andrews by the Liberal opposition over the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.There’s also a no-confidence motion being debated in the Victoria parliament against premier Daniel Andrews by the Liberal opposition over the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Via AAP:Via AAP:
Opposition leader Michael O’Brien said the premier bungled the hotel quarantine program, ignored offers of Australian defence force support and imposed tough coronavirus restrictions that “make no sense”.Opposition leader Michael O’Brien said the premier bungled the hotel quarantine program, ignored offers of Australian defence force support and imposed tough coronavirus restrictions that “make no sense”.
“This government is hostage to a premier who is pursuing an elimination strategy that is only going to eliminate jobs, that is only going to eliminate hope, that is only going to eliminate the bright future this state deserve,” he told the Legislative Assembly.“This government is hostage to a premier who is pursuing an elimination strategy that is only going to eliminate jobs, that is only going to eliminate hope, that is only going to eliminate the bright future this state deserve,” he told the Legislative Assembly.
The motion is doomed to fail given Labor’s commanding 11-seat majority.The motion is doomed to fail given Labor’s commanding 11-seat majority.
“Find your voice. Find your conscience. Find your heart for Victoria,” O’Brien told Labor MPs, urging them to cross the floor and support the motion.“Find your voice. Find your conscience. Find your heart for Victoria,” O’Brien told Labor MPs, urging them to cross the floor and support the motion.
Andrews, who usually refrains from attacking the opposition and never refers to their leader by name, hit back at his daily press conference.Andrews, who usually refrains from attacking the opposition and never refers to their leader by name, hit back at his daily press conference.
“He and the cheap politics he trades in is of no consequence when it comes to fighting this virus. His cheap politics is not a vaccine against this virus,” Andrews said of O’Brien.“He and the cheap politics he trades in is of no consequence when it comes to fighting this virus. His cheap politics is not a vaccine against this virus,” Andrews said of O’Brien.
The debate is expected to continue into the evening, with all lower house MPs given at least 15 minutes to speak on the motion.The debate is expected to continue into the evening, with all lower house MPs given at least 15 minutes to speak on the motion.
The Victorian Greens earlier indicated they will not support the motion.The Victorian Greens earlier indicated they will not support the motion.
“The Liberals are using this no-confidence motion as a stunt to play political games with the pandemic, they want Andrews’ scalp,” Greens MP Ellen Sandell said.“The Liberals are using this no-confidence motion as a stunt to play political games with the pandemic, they want Andrews’ scalp,” Greens MP Ellen Sandell said.
“And right now, we think Victorians want politicians more to focus on how we actually get through this pandemic and out of restrictions.”“And right now, we think Victorians want politicians more to focus on how we actually get through this pandemic and out of restrictions.”
The Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry has sought records directly from Telstra, a spokesman for Telstra has confirmed. This is in addition to records sought from former Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Chris Eccles, the premier Daniel Andrews and his staff.On Friday, we reported Telstra had not received a formal request for former police commissioner Graham Ashton’s call records from Victoria police.It is understood police believe they do not have the legal authority, even under data retention legislation, to obtain the records. It seems likely that the records being sought directly by the inquiry could be Ashton’s, but the inquiry is not commenting at this stage.The Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry has sought records directly from Telstra, a spokesman for Telstra has confirmed. This is in addition to records sought from former Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Chris Eccles, the premier Daniel Andrews and his staff.On Friday, we reported Telstra had not received a formal request for former police commissioner Graham Ashton’s call records from Victoria police.It is understood police believe they do not have the legal authority, even under data retention legislation, to obtain the records. It seems likely that the records being sought directly by the inquiry could be Ashton’s, but the inquiry is not commenting at this stage.
NSW attorney general Mark Speakman was on ABC earlier, where he was asked about the ongoing Icac scandal surrounding the premier, Gladys Berejiklian.NSW attorney general Mark Speakman was on ABC earlier, where he was asked about the ongoing Icac scandal surrounding the premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
He said he thinks all of the parliament was surprised to learn the premier was in relationship with Daryl Maguire. But he thinks she will still be premier by the end of the week:He said he thinks all of the parliament was surprised to learn the premier was in relationship with Daryl Maguire. But he thinks she will still be premier by the end of the week:
I’ve been tuning in and out of the NSW parliament, but there are some emotional scenes right now with jobs minister Stuart Ayres giving his condolence speech for John Fahey. Ayres and his partner, foreign affairs minister Marise Payne, were close to Fahey. Ayres said he never met Payne’s father, and losing Fahey felt like losing a father in law.He says both he and Payne would not have been able to achieve what they have without his mentorship.I’ve been tuning in and out of the NSW parliament, but there are some emotional scenes right now with jobs minister Stuart Ayres giving his condolence speech for John Fahey. Ayres and his partner, foreign affairs minister Marise Payne, were close to Fahey. Ayres said he never met Payne’s father, and losing Fahey felt like losing a father in law.He says both he and Payne would not have been able to achieve what they have without his mentorship.
NSW Health has just provided this list of venues in its latest alert for Covid-19 cases:NSW Health has just provided this list of venues in its latest alert for Covid-19 cases:
Woolworths Oran Park, 351 Oran Park Dr, Oran Park on the following dates:Woolworths Oran Park, 351 Oran Park Dr, Oran Park on the following dates:
Wednesday 30 September from 5:30pm to 6:30pmWednesday 30 September from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Thursday 8 October from 5:15pm to 6pmThursday 8 October from 5:15pm to 6pm
Friday 9 October 6pm to 6:30pmFriday 9 October 6pm to 6:30pm
Wednesday 30 September from 5:30pm to 6:30pmWednesday 30 September from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Thursday 8 October from 5:15pm to 6pmThursday 8 October from 5:15pm to 6pm
Friday 9 October 6pm to 6:30pmFriday 9 October 6pm to 6:30pm
Prasadi Nepali Emerald Hills, 2 Hurricane Drive, Raby on Friday 2 October from 3:30pm to 4pmPrasadi Nepali Emerald Hills, 2 Hurricane Drive, Raby on Friday 2 October from 3:30pm to 4pm
Emerald Hills McDonalds 101 Raby Rd, Leppington on Friday 2 October from 5pm to 5:15pmEmerald Hills McDonalds 101 Raby Rd, Leppington on Friday 2 October from 5pm to 5:15pm
Aldi Emerald Hills, Shop 2/03, 5 Emerald Hills Blvd, Leppington, on Friday 2 October from 5:30pm to 6:15pmAldi Emerald Hills, Shop 2/03, 5 Emerald Hills Blvd, Leppington, on Friday 2 October from 5:30pm to 6:15pm
Fantastic Furniture Campbelltown, 4 Blaxland Rd, Campbelltown, on Friday 9 October from 3:30pm to 5:20pmFantastic Furniture Campbelltown, 4 Blaxland Rd, Campbelltown, on Friday 9 October from 3:30pm to 5:20pm
Bunnings Gregory Hills, 2 Rodeo Rd, Gregory Hills, on Tuesday 6 October from 7pm to 8:00pmBunnings Gregory Hills, 2 Rodeo Rd, Gregory Hills, on Tuesday 6 October from 7pm to 8:00pm
Ikea Tempe, 634-726 Princes Hwy, Tempe, on Wednesday 7 October from 1:30pm – 5:30pmIkea Tempe, 634-726 Princes Hwy, Tempe, on Wednesday 7 October from 1:30pm – 5:30pm
Here’s the information on the no confidence motion Labor is moving against NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian.Here’s the information on the no confidence motion Labor is moving against NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Turned a blind eye to corruption in her government by failing to report her knowledge of Daryl Maguire’s business dealings for six and a half years, even after his resignation from Parliament in July 2018Turned a blind eye to corruption in her government by failing to report her knowledge of Daryl Maguire’s business dealings for six and a half years, even after his resignation from Parliament in July 2018
Failed to report a number of discussions she had with Daryl Maguire, over a number of years, about his business dealings – including congratulating him on the amount of commission he was earning from such dealsFailed to report a number of discussions she had with Daryl Maguire, over a number of years, about his business dealings – including congratulating him on the amount of commission he was earning from such deals
Failed to fulfil her legal obligations under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act to report corrupt conduct, and her obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct to manage conflicts of interest in her GovernmentFailed to fulfil her legal obligations under the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act to report corrupt conduct, and her obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct to manage conflicts of interest in her Government
Has failed to uphold any standards of propriety across all levels of her GovernmentHas failed to uphold any standards of propriety across all levels of her Government
One new case of Covid-19 has been reported in South Australia. A woman in her 20s who recently returned from overseas and was already in quarantine.One new case of Covid-19 has been reported in South Australia. A woman in her 20s who recently returned from overseas and was already in quarantine.
NSW parliament is still hearing condolence speeches for former premier John Fahey. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is giving a speech now.NSW parliament is still hearing condolence speeches for former premier John Fahey. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is giving a speech now.
The Health Department has provided this information to me today on how useful the CovidSafe contact-tracing app has been:The Health Department has provided this information to me today on how useful the CovidSafe contact-tracing app has been:
NSW has successfully accessed the App to identify 68 close contacts, including 14 contacts that were not identified by manual contact tracing.NSW has successfully accessed the App to identify 68 close contacts, including 14 contacts that were not identified by manual contact tracing.
In one instance their access to Covid app data revealed a previously unrecognised exposure date from a known venue, Mounties. This resulted in the identification of an additional 544 contacts. Two people in this group presented for testing and were subsequently confirmed to have Covid-19.In one instance their access to Covid app data revealed a previously unrecognised exposure date from a known venue, Mounties. This resulted in the identification of an additional 544 contacts. Two people in this group presented for testing and were subsequently confirmed to have Covid-19.
Victoria has now fully integrated app usage into their contact-tracing processes, and more than 1,842 people with Covid-19 have agreed to transmit their app data to public health authorities. Due to the strict lockdown in Melbourne, there are limited close contacts of positive cases to be identified but the data is being used to validate other information.Victoria has now fully integrated app usage into their contact-tracing processes, and more than 1,842 people with Covid-19 have agreed to transmit their app data to public health authorities. Due to the strict lockdown in Melbourne, there are limited close contacts of positive cases to be identified but the data is being used to validate other information.
No reportable information is available to share with the other states due to low case numbers.No reportable information is available to share with the other states due to low case numbers.
So essentially, NSW has had limited success in downloading data from the app, but has been able to find two people with Covid-19 it would not have otherwise found via checking with those 544 contacts at Mounties.So essentially, NSW has had limited success in downloading data from the app, but has been able to find two people with Covid-19 it would not have otherwise found via checking with those 544 contacts at Mounties.
In Victoria there have been 1,842 downloads but still no close contacts identified who were not already found through manual contact tracing.In Victoria there have been 1,842 downloads but still no close contacts identified who were not already found through manual contact tracing.
Health has been able to collate this data now it has signed agreements with the states and territories to hand over this data.I again asked the department how many of the 7 million downloads are still actively using the app but a department spokeswoman said she had “nothing more to add”.Health has been able to collate this data now it has signed agreements with the states and territories to hand over this data.I again asked the department how many of the 7 million downloads are still actively using the app but a department spokeswoman said she had “nothing more to add”.
The government has previously refused to disclose this data under freedom of information laws, on the grounds it would risk public safety. Active users numbers would give us an idea of how many people are still using it, and thus an indication of how effective the app might be in finding close contacts.The government has previously refused to disclose this data under freedom of information laws, on the grounds it would risk public safety. Active users numbers would give us an idea of how many people are still using it, and thus an indication of how effective the app might be in finding close contacts.