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Australian politics live: Victoria reports five new Covid cases as Melbourne's northern suburbs go on high alert Australian politics live: Victoria reports five new Covid cases as Melbourne's northern suburbs go on high alert
(32 minutes later)
A school student in Melbourne’s north tested positive to coronavirus, putting the suburbs of Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston and West Heidelberg on high alert. Follow liveA school student in Melbourne’s north tested positive to coronavirus, putting the suburbs of Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston and West Heidelberg on high alert. Follow live
There is another week to go.
Labor senator Kim Carr is leading the questioning of Australia Post. He says it’s an essential public service.
In a clear sign the questioning may become robust this morning, Carr said ongoing parliamentary committee scrutiny was needed to deliver better oversight of Australia Post.
“It’s not about personal animus to any individual, it’s about our responsibilities to ensure Australia Post operates in terms of its accountability to the Australian people through the parliament.”
He points to a recent Senate committee report on concerns about the way in which Australia Post was responding to questions put to it. Christine Holgate, the Australia Post chief executive officer, said she respected the comments, noted the organisation had engaged with Australian Government Solicitor, and said it had made a commitment to engage.
She said an external consultant had also been engaged.
It would smooth the blow somewhat, yes
Peter Dutton has delivered a virtual speech to the SMH and the Age National Security Summit, which is being held today.Peter Dutton has delivered a virtual speech to the SMH and the Age National Security Summit, which is being held today.
He says it would be a mistake to think that the international border closure has cut down on the risk of terrorism.He says it would be a mistake to think that the international border closure has cut down on the risk of terrorism.
But in his speech, he makes just one reference to right-wing terrorism, which our security agencies keep telling us is a growing threat:But in his speech, he makes just one reference to right-wing terrorism, which our security agencies keep telling us is a growing threat:
Michelle Rowland has released a statement highlighting a disallowance motion a Liberal senator has put forward.Michelle Rowland has released a statement highlighting a disallowance motion a Liberal senator has put forward.
None of this is strange in 2020.None of this is strange in 2020.
Rowland:Rowland:
The prime minister’s statement will be acknowledging the second anniversary of the national apology to victims of institutional child abuse.The prime minister’s statement will be acknowledging the second anniversary of the national apology to victims of institutional child abuse.
Australia Post is up now at Senate estimates.Australia Post is up now at Senate estimates.
Christine Holgate, the Australia Post chief executive officer, used the opening statement to report “very strong” performance in parcel products during the pandemic (300m parcels have been delivered since Covid began, and 61% of group revenues now comprise parcels). But she noted a big fall in letter volumes.Christine Holgate, the Australia Post chief executive officer, used the opening statement to report “very strong” performance in parcel products during the pandemic (300m parcels have been delivered since Covid began, and 61% of group revenues now comprise parcels). But she noted a big fall in letter volumes.
She said Australia Post had reported a profit last financial year, unlike some of its international counterparts.She said Australia Post had reported a profit last financial year, unlike some of its international counterparts.
Holgate said Australia Post was preparing for “a Christmas like no other”, given there would be more reliance on deliveries. She said there were plans to employ an additional 5,000 employees to cope with demand.Holgate said Australia Post was preparing for “a Christmas like no other”, given there would be more reliance on deliveries. She said there were plans to employ an additional 5,000 employees to cope with demand.
Scott Morrison has alerted that he will make a statement to the House of Representatives at 9.30am.Scott Morrison has alerted that he will make a statement to the House of Representatives at 9.30am.
We’ll get you more detail on that as soon as we can.We’ll get you more detail on that as soon as we can.
There we go – the official, official word.There we go – the official, official word.
Victoria’s official case stats have not been tweeted yet (the DHHS website lists five cases linked to known clusters).Victoria’s official case stats have not been tweeted yet (the DHHS website lists five cases linked to known clusters).
But the alert we told you about this morning is getting a boost:But the alert we told you about this morning is getting a boost:
And for the “but Sweden” brigade:And for the “but Sweden” brigade:
(And in the June quarter, Sweden recorded an 8.3 % economic contraction – Australia recorded 7%.)(And in the June quarter, Sweden recorded an 8.3 % economic contraction – Australia recorded 7%.)
The last time Greg Hunt said something like this (it was on his Twitter account this week) …The last time Greg Hunt said something like this (it was on his Twitter account this week) …
Daniel Andrews responded with this:Daniel Andrews responded with this:
Australia Post is up at the communications estimates committee hearing – that starts at 9am.Australia Post is up at the communications estimates committee hearing – that starts at 9am.