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Victoria reports three new Covid cases and no deaths as federal parliament resumes – politics live Victoria reports three new Covid cases and no deaths as federal parliament resumes – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Emails tendered during extraordinary hearing appear to contradict the Victorian chief health officer’s earlier testimony. Follow liveEmails tendered during extraordinary hearing appear to contradict the Victorian chief health officer’s earlier testimony. Follow live
Kristina Keneally covered off a lot of topics in her radio interview with Fran Kelly on ABC radio RN this morning.
Most will be discussed throughout the day - the Leppington triangle sale was the main one - no doubt Michael McCormack will be asked many questions he will not answer during question time.
But Keneally was also asked about Tony Abbott being given permission, a second time, to leave the country, this time to attend a mass given by George Pell in Rome - given how many people are struggling to get on flights to return home
The competition watchdog is eyeing off the contract terms between big and small businesses.
As AAP reports:
Big corporations crushing small businesses with legal impunity have been put on notice.
Australia’s competition watchdog is setting its sights on making unfair contracts illegal.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said there was nothing to protect small businesses against blatantly unfair behaviour.
Sims wants greater powers to stop companies gobbling up smaller fish and gaining too much power.
He said it was not illegal to have unfair contract terms between big and small businesses.
“You can go to court and get them voided but there is no penalty and it is not against the law to have those terms,” he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
“This is a rotten deterrence model.”
Sims said even when companies were dragged through the courts, there were no broader repercussions.
“Even if we win the court case there is no wider deterrence message,” he said.
“So if we want unfair contract terms to stop in Australia, they need to be made illegal and they need to be subject to large penalties.”
The competition tsar is confident of winning over the Morrison government, pitching the proposed legislation as aggressively pro-small business.
At the moment, large companies can demand small businesses who supply goods hand over all their contracts.
Big corporations can then duplicate the products and drive small businesses into the dirt.
“There is no law stopping that at the moment - we need laws to do that,” Sims said.
He has also warned of a looming battle over consumer data rights.
Sims said plans to legislate this right would have far-reaching consequences.
“That, I think, will rival tariff reform and the floating of the dollar because it will run throughout the entire economy,” he said.
“And it will allow people who have got their data with one company to have it transferred to another.”
Sims said the legislative fix would benefit banking, energy and communications customers.
“Once you roll that out over the entire economy you’ve got a very powerful force for consumer empowerment and for competition,” he said.
“We’re making sure also there are a lot of privacy safeguards to make sure that the consumer’s data is safe.”
Stuart Wiley of submarine builder ASC has revealed that the first he knew of the government setting 2026 as the earliest date for a move of the full-cycle docking submarine sustainment program was when Scott Morrison said it at a press conference.Stuart Wiley of submarine builder ASC has revealed that the first he knew of the government setting 2026 as the earliest date for a move of the full-cycle docking submarine sustainment program was when Scott Morrison said it at a press conference.
When asked at a press conference in February why a decision was yet to be made on the location of submarine maintenance work (at issue is whether it is done in Adelaide or Perth), the prime minister said: “I’m not one to rush these important decisions. I mean, the decision relates to what we’re doing with full-cycle docking in 2026.”When asked at a press conference in February why a decision was yet to be made on the location of submarine maintenance work (at issue is whether it is done in Adelaide or Perth), the prime minister said: “I’m not one to rush these important decisions. I mean, the decision relates to what we’re doing with full-cycle docking in 2026.”
At estimates today, Wiley said: At estimates today, Wiley said: “That really is probably the first time I’d heard indications against a particular one of the options by government.”
“That really is probably the first time I’d heard indications against a particular one of the options by government.” Labor’s Penny Wong asked Mathias Cormann – in his final round of outings at estimates hearings before he leaves the Senate – whether that was an optimal way to run submarine capability.
Labor’s Penny Wong asked Mathias Cormann - in his final round of outings at estimates hearings before he leaves the Senate - whether that was an optimal way to run submarine capability.
The finance minister replied:The finance minister replied:
“So you’re now criticising the prime minister because he answered a question from a journalist in South Australia - really? If the prime minister walked on water, you would ask why he can’t swim. I mean, either it’s too much information or not enough information ... I think it was entirely appropriate for the prime minister to answer a question that was put to him by a journalist in South Australia about the issue you’re pursuing with me.” “So you’re now criticising the prime minister because he answered a question from a journalist in South Australia – really? If the prime minister walked on water, you would ask why he can’t swim. I mean, either it’s too much information or not enough information ... I think it was entirely appropriate for the prime minister to answer a question that was put to him by a journalist in South Australia about the issue you’re pursuing with me.”
Cormann sought to clarify the evidence, saying:Cormann sought to clarify the evidence, saying:
“I think you’ll find some of the options and scenarios ASC would be well aware of earliest practical opportunity to make a move if such a decision ... I don’t think it was a complete surprise.”“I think you’ll find some of the options and scenarios ASC would be well aware of earliest practical opportunity to make a move if such a decision ... I don’t think it was a complete surprise.”
That comment from the minister prompted Wiley to say ASC had indeed provided advice to the government about options:That comment from the minister prompted Wiley to say ASC had indeed provided advice to the government about options:
“The advice we provided was that 2026 was, in our opinion, the earliest. But what I was trying to say is that was the first time I’d heard government say those dates. I hadn’t heard it other than from my own advice. So the minister is correct.”“The advice we provided was that 2026 was, in our opinion, the earliest. But what I was trying to say is that was the first time I’d heard government say those dates. I hadn’t heard it other than from my own advice. So the minister is correct.”
It’s 11am for Daniel Andrews 111th consecutive press conference.It’s 11am for Daniel Andrews 111th consecutive press conference.
He’ll be joined by the planning minister, Richard Wynne.He’ll be joined by the planning minister, Richard Wynne.
Just pointing out that it had been reported that the attorney-general Christian Porter had the integrity commission draft bill at the beginning of the year - but delayed the public consultation.Just pointing out that it had been reported that the attorney-general Christian Porter had the integrity commission draft bill at the beginning of the year - but delayed the public consultation.
Moonee Valley racing club CEO Michael Browell said he accepts the “tribe has spoken” over the initial Cox Plate decision.Moonee Valley racing club CEO Michael Browell said he accepts the “tribe has spoken” over the initial Cox Plate decision.
He says he thinks there is a lot of frustration in the community – and it is “not quite ready yet, for a sporting event to welcome back crowds in any capacity”.He says he thinks there is a lot of frustration in the community – and it is “not quite ready yet, for a sporting event to welcome back crowds in any capacity”.
He said it was going to be a “very sterile environment” and “certainly wasn’t going to be a party or celebration” but he accepts everything needs to be virtual.He said it was going to be a “very sterile environment” and “certainly wasn’t going to be a party or celebration” but he accepts everything needs to be virtual.
Labor is pursuing the government in Senate estimates over the still outstanding decision on a major submarine upgrade project known as full-cycle docking.Labor is pursuing the government in Senate estimates over the still outstanding decision on a major submarine upgrade project known as full-cycle docking.
A full-cycle docking involves the maintenance and upgrade of the existing Collins class submarine before the future submarines are ready. A key issue is whether the work will be done in Adelaide or will be moved to Perth – something that carries not just operational considerations but also state-based political implications.A full-cycle docking involves the maintenance and upgrade of the existing Collins class submarine before the future submarines are ready. A key issue is whether the work will be done in Adelaide or will be moved to Perth – something that carries not just operational considerations but also state-based political implications.
Labor’s Penny Wong wants to know why a decision is not yet made, given that the defence minister, Linda Reynolds, signalled at last year’s estimates that a decision would be made by the end of 2019.Labor’s Penny Wong wants to know why a decision is not yet made, given that the defence minister, Linda Reynolds, signalled at last year’s estimates that a decision would be made by the end of 2019.
The finance minister, Mathias Corman, told Wong the government’s position was that a decision would be made “as soon as possible”. He said the government was gathering information to make the best possible decision.The finance minister, Mathias Corman, told Wong the government’s position was that a decision would be made “as soon as possible”. He said the government was gathering information to make the best possible decision.
He said the decision hadn’t been made yet.He said the decision hadn’t been made yet.
Ahhhh, it never stops. If you can repay it, great. But given all the changes that keep being made to the university sector, and student loans – including now more than doubling the cost of an arts degree – sigh. We inch closer to America every day.Ahhhh, it never stops. If you can repay it, great. But given all the changes that keep being made to the university sector, and student loans – including now more than doubling the cost of an arts degree – sigh. We inch closer to America every day.
From Dan Tehan’s office:From Dan Tehan’s office:
And the house is offAnd the house is off
Meanwhile, over in legal affairs estimates, the committee has heard that Christian Porter was given the draft legislation for the national integrity commission in December 2019 (which we kinda knew)Meanwhile, over in legal affairs estimates, the committee has heard that Christian Porter was given the draft legislation for the national integrity commission in December 2019 (which we kinda knew)
Just a reminder though – this isn’t anything like Icac. The entire thing would be done in secret. You wouldn’t know who was under investigation, when, what the allegations were or if any charges were laid until after a successful prosecution in the court. It would be an offence to make public a charge or that someone was under investigation or in front of the commission.Just a reminder though – this isn’t anything like Icac. The entire thing would be done in secret. You wouldn’t know who was under investigation, when, what the allegations were or if any charges were laid until after a successful prosecution in the court. It would be an offence to make public a charge or that someone was under investigation or in front of the commission.
So yup.So yup.
Criminal jury trials are back in Melbourne.Criminal jury trials are back in Melbourne.
Amanda Rishworth stopped by doors this morning, because she had something to say on childcare:
The Hillsong founder, Brian Houston (yup, him) went on Sydney radio 2GB this morning to complain about the discrimination he said Christians were facing under the NSW restrictions.
As AAP reports:
Christians are being discriminated against with numbers at church services strictly limited while other coronavirus restrictions are being relaxed, Hillsong founder Brian Houston says.
The number of people allowed to worship in churches is capped at 100, regardless of the size of the building, Houston says.
The pastor told 2GB radio on Wednesday all his congregation wanted was consistency as the government announced this week 300 guests would be allowed at weddings from December.
“[At] the grand final this week, 40,000 to 45,000 people (will be) hugging, shouting, spitting, high-fiving – it’s just the inconsistency of it,” he said.
“Churches seem to be left behind.”
Houston said he was not asking for permission to “pack out” churches again but churches could abide by Covid-safe plans just like other venues.
“Community and connection is so much of what churches provide, and I think there’s a lot of people out there desperate for that sense of community and connection again after a long time of isolation,” he said.
NSW deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty told Nine that relaxing restrictions was a decision for the government.
It comes just 7401 people were tested for the virus on Monday, far below the average of 20,000 health authorities want to see.
The two new locally acquired infections reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday were linked to known cases and clusters.
McAnulty said testing rates needed to triple in order to contain the spread of the virus.
“NSW is at a critical point and the only way to find undiagnosed cases and prevent further transmission is to increase testing,” he said on Tuesday.
“Get tested on the day you get those symptoms – don’t wait until they go away.”
Just what the beleaguered NSW premier needs!
Gladys Berejiklian’s mercurial deputy, John Barilaro, is back from three weeks’ mental health leave.
The loyal deputy just did a press conference at Parliament House in Macquarie Street to report on his condition.
“You think you can’t get out of it,” Barilaro said before announcing that he felt much better. “If you had asked me three weeks ago, I felt like I was never coming back.”
Hard to say what the koalas will think.
The Berejiklian government made changes to koala protection laws while Barilaro was on leave in an attempt to smooth over the rift the issue had caused in the Coalition.
Lawyers acting for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services have defended the omission of emails about the use of private security from the hotel quarantine inquiry, stating that the emails did not shed light on who made the decision for the hotel quarantine program.
The inquiry on Tuesday has sought an affidavit from the chief health officer, Prof Brett Sutton, after DHHS discovered an email chain from the day the hotel quarantine program was announced in which a senior DHHS officer outlined to a commonwealth official at the behest of Sutton how the program would operate.
Sutton replied to the email with “thanks so much”. Sutton has maintained that he was not aware private security was being used in the program until the outbreak in late May and did not remember seeing this detail in the email.
A letter from DHHS’s lawyers made public by the inquiry late on Tuesday evening said the email had not been provided to the inquiry earlier because, among the 500,000 documents reviewed, it was deemed not relevant because the decision had already been made at the time it was sent.
“The email does not add in any way to the range of other evidence on the issue of who determined that security guards should be used in the program, but refers to a decision already made to use private security by 6.43pm,” the letter said.
“The email only records that ‘private security [was] being contracted to provide security at the hotels with escalation arrangements to VicPol as needed’.”
The law firm also said that even if Sutton was aware of the private security, it wouldn’t have given him enough information about the suitability of private security in such an environment, and Sutton did not believe the emails needed to be provided to the inquiry.
“In short, the effect of Professor Sutton’s evidence was that even if he had been aware of the use of private security in the hotel quarantine program at that time, based on what he knew at the time, he would not have been in a position to foreshadow issues with the workforce,” the firm said.
“Professor Sutton further instructed us that he did not consider he needed to clarify his evidence and therefore the email did not need to be provided to the Board for that reason.”
Sutton is likely to face questions again on this matter at the daily Victorian government press conference this morning.
Martin Pakula has admitted he was at fault for the Cox Plate racing crowd decision which lasted all of four hours last night.
He told ABC radio he had made the decision, and then had made the decision to reverse it, using language we last heard from Stuart Robert after he blamed hacking for the Centrelink system crashing – and later had to admit it was just overwhelmed.
About half of the 52 people on board the livestock vessel Al Messilah docked at Fremantle port have tested positive for Covid-19.
Two Australians who were onboard the ship had been granted permission to disembark before the outbreak – one drove alone to her property in regional western Australian to self-isolate but has since been placed in hotel quarantine.
The other boarded a flight to Sydney and is isolating – both have tested negative for the virus.
Christian Porter’s department is in estimates this morning.
The Attorney General’s Department can expect a lot of “where is the federal integrity commission”-type questions, given it has been two years since it was promised.
Porter has blamed Covid. But it was delayed even before the pandemic.
Alan Jones broadcast his radio show from his southern highlands home when the pandemic was at its peak in Australia. But sure, go off.
All three of those cases have had contact with a previously known case.
That is excellent news – it shows that the number of unknown/ mystery transmissions is also dropping.
The 14-day average for metro Melbourne is now 6.2.
We have the tweet.