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Victoria records no coronavirus cases as federal parliament returns – politics live Victoria records no coronavirus cases as federal parliament returns – politics live
(32 minutes later)
Lockdown in Melbourne extended as authorities monitor outbreak in city’s north, and federal parliament resumes with the head of Treasury to face questions at Senate estimates. Follow all the latest updates Lockdown in Melbourne extended as authorities monitor outbreak in city’s north, and head of Treasury faces questions at Senate estimates. Follow all the latest updates
Stepping away from the daily political grind for a moment: anti-nuclear weapons campaigners are celebrating the news that a new UN treaty banning nuclear weapons will come into force.
It’s prompted fresh calls for Australia to consider signing up, with Gem Romuld, the director of ICAN Australia, saying:
“It’s high time the Australian government followed New Zealand and most other countries in our region in signing and ratifying this treaty which will soon become international law.”
At the weekend Honduras became the 50th country to ratify the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons – the test for triggering its entry into force in 90 days. Other supporters of the treaty – which includes undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons –- include New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico and the Vatican.
But it has not been signed by the declared nuclear-armed states including the US, Britain, France, China and Russia (for more background see our global report from the weekend).
Francesco Rocca, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, called on “all the other world leaders to act with courage and join the right side of history”.
The Greens senator Jordon Steele-John issued a statement today describing the milestone as “an historic day in the ongoing campaign for peace” and said: “There is no excuse for Australia’s continued abstinence.”
The Labor leader, Anthony Albanese – who has a history of campaigning against nuclear weapons – issued a cautious statement with Penny Wong yesterday saying the party welcomed the “significant milestone” and shared “the ambition of a world free of nuclear weapons”.
Outlining the Labor party position – which includes some high hurdles that are unlikely, in practice, to be met – Albanese and Wong said:
The Australian government has said it does not support the “ban treaty” because it believes it would “would not eliminate a single nuclear weapon” and “ignores the realities of the global security environment” and “would be inconsistent with our US alliance obligations”.
Labor’s Murray Watt has asked the federal government’s legal bill for intervening in a few high-profile industrial relations cases. He discovered:
Intervening in the Rossato case in the federal and high courts cost $420,000. In that case, the attorney general, Christian Porter, joined on the side of employers to argue that an employee paid a casual loading should not be eligible to “double dip” on entitlements by claiming annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, compassionate leave and public holidays. The federal court found that misclassified casuals who were in fact permanent workers are eligible for both sets of entitlements.
Intervening in the Mondelez case cost $310,000. In that case, Porter and Mondelez won in the high court, arguing the rate to compensate employees for 10 days of paid annual leave should be calculated based on a worker’s ordinary hours, not their usual shift pattern (which can be much higher in terms of the number of hours).
For those wondering when Daniel Andrews will be holding his daily press conference, don’t worry too much about the delay.
We have seen them later in the day when they have been crunching data. Given the decision yesterday to delay announcing when restrictions would be eased (which were to begin days after the announcement) I’d say there is a bit of number reviewing going on.
NSW records one new locally acquired case.NSW records one new locally acquired case.
It’s the first covid case of the day - but it has been linked to a known cluster and have been in isolation. It’s the first Covid case of the day – but it has been linked to a known cluster and the patient has been in isolation.
From NSW Health:From NSW Health:
There were 7,447 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,465 in the previous 24 hours.There were 7,447 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 12,465 in the previous 24 hours.
While it is not unusual for weekend testing numbers to be lower, if we are to ensure NSW continues to detect cases as soon as possible and prevent onward transmission, it is vital that members of the community continue to come forward for testing.While it is not unusual for weekend testing numbers to be lower, if we are to ensure NSW continues to detect cases as soon as possible and prevent onward transmission, it is vital that members of the community continue to come forward for testing.
NSW Health continues to appeal to the community to be tested right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could signal COVID-19.NSW Health continues to appeal to the community to be tested right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could signal COVID-19.
Of the four new cases to 8pm last night:Of the four new cases to 8pm last night:
Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine.Three were acquired overseas and are now in hotel quarantine.
One was locally acquired and linked to a known case One was locally acquired and linked to a known case.
The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Oran Park community cluster. They have been in isolation. There are now 23 cases linked to this cluster.The one new locally acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case linked to the Oran Park community cluster. They have been in isolation. There are now 23 cases linked to this cluster.
A text message from ‘Mineralogy’ - Clive Palmer’s company - has been sent around, asking people to ‘Stop Labor’s 20% death tax’. A text message from Mineralogy – Clive Palmer’s company – has been sent around, asking people to “Stop Labor’s 20% death tax”.
Labor has not proposed a death tax. In fact the only commentary around a death tax has been refuting that one exists in response to this sort of campaigning.Labor has not proposed a death tax. In fact the only commentary around a death tax has been refuting that one exists in response to this sort of campaigning.
It was one of the issues identified in the last federal campaign - a rumour took hold that Labor was in support of a death tax, was pushed on social media and taken up by opponents who vowed to fight the non-existent tax policy. And here we are again. It was one of the issues identified in the last federal campaign – a rumour took hold that Labor was in support of a death tax, was pushed on social media and taken up by opponents who vowed to fight the non-existent tax policy. And here we are again.
Neither Labor, or the LNP have proposed a death tax in the Queensland election. Neither Labor nor the LNP have proposed a death tax in the Queensland election.
Labor moves on to the controversy about the Leppington triangle. Steve Kennedy was the secretary of the Department of Infrastructure at the time the controversial land purchase took place. (This is the Sydney airport issue, officials paid $30m for land valued at $3m). Labor moves on to the controversy about the Leppington triangle. Steve Kennedy was the secretary of the Department of Infrastructure at the time the controversial land purchase took place. (This is the Western Sydney airport issue – officials paid $30m for land valued at $3m.)
Kennedy says he was “surprised and concerned” by the findings in the ANAO report including the criticisms of the department’s processes. Kennedy says he was “surprised and concerned” by the findings in the ANAO report, including the criticisms of the department’s processes.
The ANAO said officials conducting the land purchase kept senior decision makers in the department and the ministers office out of the loop.The ANAO said officials conducting the land purchase kept senior decision makers in the department and the ministers office out of the loop.
Kennedy says it is hard to provide information to the ANAO that hasn’t been provided to you.Kennedy says it is hard to provide information to the ANAO that hasn’t been provided to you.
So there was no way for you to have known the information in the financial statements was inaccurate, Katy Gallagher asks?So there was no way for you to have known the information in the financial statements was inaccurate, Katy Gallagher asks?
Kennedy says he is waiting for the independent inquiries before forming a view.Kennedy says he is waiting for the independent inquiries before forming a view.
Kennedy says there are concerning comments about the quality of the department’s systems. “They concern me,” Kennedy says. He says there are concerning comments about the quality of the department’s systems. “They concern me,” he says.
“I was the secretary”. “I was the secretary.”
Kennedy says officials worked hard on those transactions and “it’s now reflecting poorly on all, of us ... the ANAO has done its job and it’s now up to us to respond”. Kennedy says officials worked hard on those transactions and “it’s now reflecting poorly on all, of us ... the ANAO has done its job and it’s now up to us to respond.”
Gallagher asks did he know the Leppington land purchase was underway? Gallagher asks did he know the Leppington land purchase was under way?
“I was aware in broad terms. I wasn’t across it in detail,” he says. “I was aware in broad terms,” he says. “I wasn’t across it in detail.”
Kennedy then asks himself a question (bit rare in a Senate estimates hearing, witnesses grilling themselves): why did I sign off on financial statements that proved to be inaccurate?Kennedy then asks himself a question (bit rare in a Senate estimates hearing, witnesses grilling themselves): why did I sign off on financial statements that proved to be inaccurate?
Gallagher is glad the secretary gets to the nub of the issue.Gallagher is glad the secretary gets to the nub of the issue.
Kennedy says he signed the statements because he was at that point heading to Treasury and he didn’t want to leave his successor with unsigned financial statements.Kennedy says he signed the statements because he was at that point heading to Treasury and he didn’t want to leave his successor with unsigned financial statements.
“I didn’t appreciate the significance of this matter,” Kennedy said. Kennedy said he knew there were some issues and he would have been advised to that effect by the department’s chief operating officer. “I didn’t appreciate the significance of this matter,” he says. He knew there were some issues and he would have been advised to that effect by the department’s chief operating officer.
“I did sign off but that will be one of my other reflections – whether I should have chosen to wait until that exercise had been complete, but I felt I was starting a new job in Treasury and I had to be responsible for the year that I had just seen and a huge amount of activity goes on in that department and it was my responsibility to sign it off, so I chose to sign it off”. “I did sign off but that will be one of my other reflections – whether I should have chosen to wait until that exercise had been complete, but I felt I was starting a new job in Treasury and I had to be responsible for the year that I had just seen and a huge amount of activity goes on in that department and it was my responsibility to sign it off, so I chose to sign it off.”
Labor has moved on in Treasury estimates to recent developments at the corporate regulator, Asic.Labor has moved on in Treasury estimates to recent developments at the corporate regulator, Asic.
The chairman, James Shipton, stood aside on Friday while the Treasury investigates payments of more than $118,000 made to KPMG for tax advice he received.The chairman, James Shipton, stood aside on Friday while the Treasury investigates payments of more than $118,000 made to KPMG for tax advice he received.
Amy has let you know that the deputy chair, Daniel Crennan, has resigned this morning.Amy has let you know that the deputy chair, Daniel Crennan, has resigned this morning.
Did the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, seek advice from Treasury when the Australian National Audit Office flagged this issue? Not at that point, is the answer from a Treasury official, Meghan Quinn. Steven Kennedy says he spoke to Frydenberg’s chief of staff on 28 September about the issue flagged by the ANAO.Did the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, seek advice from Treasury when the Australian National Audit Office flagged this issue? Not at that point, is the answer from a Treasury official, Meghan Quinn. Steven Kennedy says he spoke to Frydenberg’s chief of staff on 28 September about the issue flagged by the ANAO.
Some correspondence has been tabled at the committee this morning about the interactions between the players.Some correspondence has been tabled at the committee this morning about the interactions between the players.
The Labor senator Jenny McAllister is trying to unpick who did what when. “There was a series of conversations ... flowing from the September 28 discussion,” Quinn says.The Labor senator Jenny McAllister is trying to unpick who did what when. “There was a series of conversations ... flowing from the September 28 discussion,” Quinn says.
Quinn says the initial advice to the treasurer was to wait for the final advice from the ANAO. Was there thought given to an independent inquiry, McAllister asks?Quinn says the initial advice to the treasurer was to wait for the final advice from the ANAO. Was there thought given to an independent inquiry, McAllister asks?
Quinn says they were waiting for a final arbitration from the ANAO. After that, further advice was provided on 22nd October.Quinn says they were waiting for a final arbitration from the ANAO. After that, further advice was provided on 22nd October.
Treasury said an “independent review” would be advisable in the circumstances.Treasury said an “independent review” would be advisable in the circumstances.
She says Frydenberg learned Shipton would step aside on 23 October, just before the Asic chair announced his intentions publicly.She says Frydenberg learned Shipton would step aside on 23 October, just before the Asic chair announced his intentions publicly.
McAllister notes that Crennan said last week he wouldn’t resign. What has changed between Friday and Monday, she asks?McAllister notes that Crennan said last week he wouldn’t resign. What has changed between Friday and Monday, she asks?
Mathias Cormann refers McAllister to Crennan’s statement. Was Crennan asked to resign?Mathias Cormann refers McAllister to Crennan’s statement. Was Crennan asked to resign?
“Not to my knowledge,” Cormann says.“Not to my knowledge,” Cormann says.
After a couple of minutes, Cormann says he can confirm Shipton wasn’t asked to resign.After a couple of minutes, Cormann says he can confirm Shipton wasn’t asked to resign.
In other news, Marise Payne says the Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been visited recently by the Australian ambassador.In other news, Marise Payne says the Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been visited recently by the Australian ambassador.
Dr Moore-Gilbert has been moved out of an Iranian prison.Dr Moore-Gilbert has been moved out of an Iranian prison.
The matter has been reported to the AFP – it is unclear what jurisdiction they have to investigate it, though.The matter has been reported to the AFP – it is unclear what jurisdiction they have to investigate it, though.
Marise Payne says she has “never in her life” heard a story like the one female passengers on the Qatar airlines flight went through.Marise Payne says she has “never in her life” heard a story like the one female passengers on the Qatar airlines flight went through.
Marise Payne is speaking on Jen Bechwati’s story:Marise Payne is speaking on Jen Bechwati’s story:
Marise Payne is about to hold a press conference.Marise Payne is about to hold a press conference.
The foreign minister is notoriously media shy, so this is a rare event.The foreign minister is notoriously media shy, so this is a rare event.
Labor’s Murray Watt is asking Attorney General’s Department officials about this press release from Matt Canavan and George Christensen confirming that the government will provide a clear and certain statutory definition and universal and strengthened access to casual conversion.Labor’s Murray Watt is asking Attorney General’s Department officials about this press release from Matt Canavan and George Christensen confirming that the government will provide a clear and certain statutory definition and universal and strengthened access to casual conversion.
In the release, the attorney general, Christian Porter, is quoted as saying:In the release, the attorney general, Christian Porter, is quoted as saying:
The officials confirm that they have provided a draft bill to Porter for industrial relations changes, intend to conduct consultation, adding that the timeframe to bring legislation this year is “tight” but doable.The officials confirm that they have provided a draft bill to Porter for industrial relations changes, intend to conduct consultation, adding that the timeframe to bring legislation this year is “tight” but doable.
Watt expresses scepticism that a definition of casual – which has plagued the common law for decades – will be so easily achieved.Watt expresses scepticism that a definition of casual – which has plagued the common law for decades – will be so easily achieved.
It’s curious that before this spell of questioning, Malcolm Roberts asked if during the pandemic is “the right time to be making sweeping changes to IR” – suggesting scepticism also from One Nation.It’s curious that before this spell of questioning, Malcolm Roberts asked if during the pandemic is “the right time to be making sweeping changes to IR” – suggesting scepticism also from One Nation.
Mike Bowers was in the chamber as Helen Haines introduced her bill on behalf of the crossbench.Mike Bowers was in the chamber as Helen Haines introduced her bill on behalf of the crossbench.
And here is what the chamber looked like as she did it.And here is what the chamber looked like as she did it.
Back in Treasury estimates the Green senator Nick McKim is asking about the gender dimensions of the downturn and the budget. Steven Kennedy says the recession has hit women harder than men.Back in Treasury estimates the Green senator Nick McKim is asking about the gender dimensions of the downturn and the budget. Steven Kennedy says the recession has hit women harder than men.
The impacts have been “uneven in gender terms, but that’s changing”, Kennedy says.The impacts have been “uneven in gender terms, but that’s changing”, Kennedy says.
“The gender impact appears to us to have lessened quite a bit.”“The gender impact appears to us to have lessened quite a bit.”
The Treasury secretary says the department remains concerned about the impact of the recession on young people because they have lost work and employment opportunities but these haven’t rebounded as yet.The Treasury secretary says the department remains concerned about the impact of the recession on young people because they have lost work and employment opportunities but these haven’t rebounded as yet.
Attorney General’s Department officials have confirmed that a definition of casual employee and preventing backpay of conditions for misclassified workers are likely to feature in the industrial relations reform package.Attorney General’s Department officials have confirmed that a definition of casual employee and preventing backpay of conditions for misclassified workers are likely to feature in the industrial relations reform package.
Under questioning from the One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts, the deputy secretary, Martin Hehir, said we “need to get a definition of casual employees right” and ensure the “current uncertainty is dealt with effectively”.Under questioning from the One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts, the deputy secretary, Martin Hehir, said we “need to get a definition of casual employees right” and ensure the “current uncertainty is dealt with effectively”.
He said roundtables were confidential but both Scott Morrison and Christian Porter had said they were “looking to find ways to capture workers who are genuinely casual” and ensure that for “those who aren’t casuals to allow them a process to convert or identify them upfront”.He said roundtables were confidential but both Scott Morrison and Christian Porter had said they were “looking to find ways to capture workers who are genuinely casual” and ensure that for “those who aren’t casuals to allow them a process to convert or identify them upfront”.
Roberts asked about backpay of entitlements if a worker was misclassified as a casual and then was later found to be permanent.Roberts asked about backpay of entitlements if a worker was misclassified as a casual and then was later found to be permanent.
Hehir noted the federal court case of Rosatto – who was found to be entitled to backpay – but said the case was under appeal to the high court.Hehir noted the federal court case of Rosatto – who was found to be entitled to backpay – but said the case was under appeal to the high court.
The government has “sought to appeal to ensure that where someone received loading intended to compensate for the [national employment standards], intended to compensate for leave and redundancy [entitlements], that they shouldn’t be able to be claimed”.The government has “sought to appeal to ensure that where someone received loading intended to compensate for the [national employment standards], intended to compensate for leave and redundancy [entitlements], that they shouldn’t be able to be claimed”.
The Labor senator Katy Gallagher is asking about the business incentives in the budget (which have a revenue forgone cost north of $29bn) – including the full expensing measure.The Labor senator Katy Gallagher is asking about the business incentives in the budget (which have a revenue forgone cost north of $29bn) – including the full expensing measure.
Steven Kennedy says these investment allowances, which have deployed in Australia since the GFC, work. In revenue terms, investment allowances net out over time. There’s a big initial cost to the budget but then revenue returns.Steven Kennedy says these investment allowances, which have deployed in Australia since the GFC, work. In revenue terms, investment allowances net out over time. There’s a big initial cost to the budget but then revenue returns.
The finance minister Mathias Cormann, says: “You recoup all of it eventually.”The finance minister Mathias Cormann, says: “You recoup all of it eventually.”
Kennedy says this recession hasn’t disrupted the flow of credit. This isn’t a banking crisis. This is an economic shock caused by the government shutting down the economy to safeguard public health.Kennedy says this recession hasn’t disrupted the flow of credit. This isn’t a banking crisis. This is an economic shock caused by the government shutting down the economy to safeguard public health.
He says it’s hard to predict how the economy will recover because this is a new kind of recession to manage, but he says he suspects there is a “demand impulse” out there (I think he means pent-up demand – people waiting to spend and invest and hire once the restrictions end).He says it’s hard to predict how the economy will recover because this is a new kind of recession to manage, but he says he suspects there is a “demand impulse” out there (I think he means pent-up demand – people waiting to spend and invest and hire once the restrictions end).
Kennedy says it is possible because of that suppressed impulse that the economy could roar back more rapidly than normal – but it all depends on the health side. If the pandemic isn’t contained then nothing roars back.Kennedy says it is possible because of that suppressed impulse that the economy could roar back more rapidly than normal – but it all depends on the health side. If the pandemic isn’t contained then nothing roars back.
Gallagher asks what new information the government is waiting on before it decides whether to reduce the jobseeker payment again after Christmas.Gallagher asks what new information the government is waiting on before it decides whether to reduce the jobseeker payment again after Christmas.
Kennedy’s answer is quite interesting. He says the government needs to consider the adequacy of the payment (which has been an ongoing debate about Newstart). He characterises this as “the structural position”.Kennedy’s answer is quite interesting. He says the government needs to consider the adequacy of the payment (which has been an ongoing debate about Newstart). He characterises this as “the structural position”.
He says the Treasury needs more information about the labour market before providing its final advice to the government.He says the Treasury needs more information about the labour market before providing its final advice to the government.
Kennedy notes that it has been a useful contribution to supporting demand in the economy to have people on low incomes given money to spend.Kennedy notes that it has been a useful contribution to supporting demand in the economy to have people on low incomes given money to spend.
(Sounds as though the Treasury secretary doesn’t think it would be a brilliant idea for the Newstart payment to return to where it was pre-crisis.)(Sounds as though the Treasury secretary doesn’t think it would be a brilliant idea for the Newstart payment to return to where it was pre-crisis.)