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NSW eases Covid restrictions on churches and gyms as state reports 10 new cases and Victoria three – politics live NSW eases Covid restrictions on churches and gyms as state reports 10 new cases and Victoria three – question time live
(32 minutes later)
New South Wales coronavirus testing rates increase as Daniel Andrews says Victoria may have recorded its first case of re-infection. Follow the latestNew South Wales coronavirus testing rates increase as Daniel Andrews says Victoria may have recorded its first case of re-infection. Follow the latest
Over in the finance committee, the estimates hearing has begun for the afternoon session - the number one topic - the Leppington triangle sale Josh Frydenberg has once again forgotten how microphones work - in that they amplify your voice, so you do not have to scream into them to be heard.
We live in hope
Catherine King asks Michael McCormack a non-dixer question – always a dangerous proposition, because it involves him having to think on his feet and we just don’t have that sort of time.
Q: I refer to his answers yesterday. Has the deputy prime minister had any discussions with disgraced former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire regarding any land acquisitions or road projects?
Tip Top:
Because there is not enough comedy in this place, someone asks Michael McCormack to talk about the budget.
Given the deputy prime minister seems to think buying something for $30m when it has been valued at $3m will be considered “a bargain” at some point in the future, in the imaginary land where land appreciates by $1m a year every year for 30 years, perhaps he is not the best person to speak on budgets.
Or anything, really. The pot plant that sits wilting on my window sill has more presence.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
I refer to evidence given today before the Senate by the attorney general’s department. That the government has had an exposure draft of legislation to create a national integrity commission since last December 2019. I ask the prime minister, don’t Australians have a right to see this draft, and will the government table it?
Morrison:
Albanese:
Relevance, Mr Speaker. The question contained a very specific ask, will the government table the legislation, they can do that, they can do that today, they could have done that on any day since December 2019.
Smith says the prime minister addressed the question.
Morrison
There is no ‘your’, but still - this is an amusing example of Orwellian language.
Much like the parentheses in legislation, these things tend to be dressed up in the most innocuous language possible. The devil, though, as always, is in the detail
Christian Porter says “one” of the issues that requires consultation is the retrospectivity of the commission. He again says the government will take its time doing that consultation.
But, as I reported in January (and before that) plans to do that consultation had already been delayed - well before the pandemic.
Anthony Albanese to Scott Morrison:
Tony Smith said the question was “poorly phrased”.
Christian Porter gets the nod to answer:
Tony Burke asks him about relevance.
Smith:
Porter:
Lols – as if the LNP don’t also have donate buttons. Anyways.
The Australia Institute has put together a timeline of the federal government’s federal integrity commission “journey” so far.
You can find that here.
Labor’s Michelle Rowland really wants you to hear this:
Over in the finance committee, the estimates hearing has begun for the afternoon session. The No 1 topic? The Leppington triangle sale.
We are on the downhill slide to question time.We are on the downhill slide to question time.
Huzzah Huzzah.
With just another two locally acquired cases, NSW has eased some more restrictions. With just another two locally acquired cases, New South Wales has eased some more restrictions.
From October 23 From 23 October:
Religious gatherings/places of worship (EXCLUDING weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people - as long as they have a covid safe plan Religious gatherings and places of worship (EXCLUDING weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people – as long as they have a Covid-safe plan
Gyms will only need a covid safety marshal if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time Gyms will need a Covid safety marshal only if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time
Brad Hazzard, the health minister, was also annoyed that Hillsong founder Brian Houston went to the media to complain about restrictions on church functions, saying discussions were going on with religious leaders - but nothing from Houston came into his office.Brad Hazzard, the health minister, was also annoyed that Hillsong founder Brian Houston went to the media to complain about restrictions on church functions, saying discussions were going on with religious leaders - but nothing from Houston came into his office.
“I have heard in the media, on 2GB, that some churches felt that they weren’t being listened to. I assure you, you were and I’m sorry if you didn’t think you were,” he told a press conference. He told a press conference:
“But unfortunately I heard those messages through the media, I didn’t hear them to my office.
“Where we have had messages come to us, we have tried to to respond through exemption processes.
“For example, we have already granted exemptions to St Mary’s Cathedral, St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, the Central Synagogue.”
Hazzard said it would be up to the health officers to determine if Hillsong could hold more people at its church.Hazzard said it would be up to the health officers to determine if Hillsong could hold more people at its church.
Rod Sims says he has no concerns about having business leaders, such as Nev Power, involved in the Covid commission.Rod Sims says he has no concerns about having business leaders, such as Nev Power, involved in the Covid commission.
This is the Coalition’s safest seat (against Labor) in the countryThis is the Coalition’s safest seat (against Labor) in the country
On the Google and Facebook media battle, Rod Sims says:On the Google and Facebook media battle, Rod Sims says:
Rod Sims tells the press club that since the privatisation of Australia’s ports, there has been “little to no regulation” of monopolies in that sector.Rod Sims tells the press club that since the privatisation of Australia’s ports, there has been “little to no regulation” of monopolies in that sector.
Same goes for airports.Same goes for airports.
He then moves on to the next battle – the media space:He then moves on to the next battle – the media space:
Meanwhile, in estimates ...Meanwhile, in estimates ...
I just learnt something: Rod Sims was one of Bob Hawke’s economic advisers when he was prime minister.I just learnt something: Rod Sims was one of Bob Hawke’s economic advisers when he was prime minister.
Helen Haines will introduce a bill on Monday for a national integrity commission.Helen Haines will introduce a bill on Monday for a national integrity commission.