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Victoria posts record $23.3bn deficit; Queensland to open border on 1 December - follow live | Victoria posts record $23.3bn deficit; Queensland to open border on 1 December - follow live |
(30 minutes later) | |
Victoria records zero active cases for the first time since outbreak as SA plans to drop restrictions on 1 December – follow latest updates | Victoria records zero active cases for the first time since outbreak as SA plans to drop restrictions on 1 December – follow latest updates |
Scott Morrison and the Indonesian president, Joko Widodo, swapped notes on Covid-19 situations in their two countries during a phone call this afternoon. | |
A readout issued by Morrison’s office says the pair also discussed progress on vaccine trials and they “were encouraged by the more positive trajectory of their economies in the third quarter”. | |
Widodo – who is due to host Morrison at an annual leaders’ meeting next year – described the Indonesia-Australia relationship as important for regional stability and prosperity. The two countries would look to increase cooperation including in the south-west Pacific, according to Morrison’s readout. | |
The phone call follows a range of multilateral events over the past couple of weeks, including the East Asia Summit and Apec. | |
Morrison’s office said the pair “agreed that these multilateral meetings had made useful contributions to regional security and prosperity” and they backed the newly finalised Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – which includes China – as important for the region’s economic recovery. | |
They also reportedly said they looked forward to more countries joining the rebadged Trans-Pacific Partnership in future. | |
The Victorian Liberal opposition has responded to the state budget. | |
The opposition leader, Michael O’Brien, said: | |
The former special air service troop commander and federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie is calling for greater parliamentary and media oversight of the Australian military. | |
Hastie has voiced personal grief and shame over alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers he served with in Afghanistan. | Hastie has voiced personal grief and shame over alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers he served with in Afghanistan. |
The member for Canning in Western Australia wants greater media access to military operations overseas, reports AAP. | The member for Canning in Western Australia wants greater media access to military operations overseas, reports AAP. |
Hastie, who chairs a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security, wants to create a committee with powers to compel defence chiefs and bureaucrats. | Hastie, who chairs a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security, wants to create a committee with powers to compel defence chiefs and bureaucrats. |
The NSW opposition leader, Jodi McKay, says the premier’s explanation for failing to self-isolate after getting a Covid-19 test is unacceptable. | The NSW opposition leader, Jodi McKay, says the premier’s explanation for failing to self-isolate after getting a Covid-19 test is unacceptable. |
She said Gladys Berejiklian must publicly clarify when she had the test and when she received her results. | She said Gladys Berejiklian must publicly clarify when she had the test and when she received her results. |
Berejiklian was present for the treasurer’s budget speech at noon last Tuesday as well as question time from 2.15pm, and again when a division was called at 5.40pm, reports AAP. | Berejiklian was present for the treasurer’s budget speech at noon last Tuesday as well as question time from 2.15pm, and again when a division was called at 5.40pm, reports AAP. |
McKay says: | McKay says: |
The opposition’s health spokesman, Ryan Park, said earlier that it was clear the premier “had a scratchy throat, which we all know is a symptom of Covid-19”. | The opposition’s health spokesman, Ryan Park, said earlier that it was clear the premier “had a scratchy throat, which we all know is a symptom of Covid-19”. |
McKay added: | McKay added: |
While the Victorian government has received widespread praise for its pledge to build 12,000 social and affordable homes, there have been still some criticism from public housing advocates. | While the Victorian government has received widespread praise for its pledge to build 12,000 social and affordable homes, there have been still some criticism from public housing advocates. |
A key concern is that the homes will be managed by community housing providers, rather than public housing. | A key concern is that the homes will be managed by community housing providers, rather than public housing. |
In response to the budget, the Victorian Public Tenants Association says: | In response to the budget, the Victorian Public Tenants Association says: |
The association noted that a regulatory review of community housing had been announced. | The association noted that a regulatory review of community housing had been announced. |
The renowned political correspondent and columnist Alan Ramsey has died, aged 82. | The renowned political correspondent and columnist Alan Ramsey has died, aged 82. |
Ramsey is most remembered for his insightful and acerbic weekly columns in the Sydney Morning Herald, reports AAP. | Ramsey is most remembered for his insightful and acerbic weekly columns in the Sydney Morning Herald, reports AAP. |
His journalistic career started in 1953 and spanned more than half a century. He served as a foreign correspondent for Australian Associated Press in Port Moresby and London before accompanying Australian troops to Vietnam in 1965. | His journalistic career started in 1953 and spanned more than half a century. He served as a foreign correspondent for Australian Associated Press in Port Moresby and London before accompanying Australian troops to Vietnam in 1965. |
His fearless reporting on the war was widely respected and rankled military leaders. | His fearless reporting on the war was widely respected and rankled military leaders. |
Ramsey joined the Canberra press gallery the following year and famously shouted “You liar!” at prime minister John Gorton during a parliamentary debate in 1971. | Ramsey joined the Canberra press gallery the following year and famously shouted “You liar!” at prime minister John Gorton during a parliamentary debate in 1971. |
He was deputy editor of the Australian for several years before joining the Sydney Morning Herald, where he spent his final 22 years in journalism before retiring in 2008. | He was deputy editor of the Australian for several years before joining the Sydney Morning Herald, where he spent his final 22 years in journalism before retiring in 2008. |
Ramsey was admitted to Australian media’s hall of fame in 2017. | Ramsey was admitted to Australian media’s hall of fame in 2017. |
Tributes have poured in from people in politics and the media. | Tributes have poured in from people in politics and the media. |
“Vale Alan Ramsey. Uncompromising, formidable, informed, insightful. Always a match for the politicians – and they knew it,” Canberra political correspondent Michelle Grattan said. | “Vale Alan Ramsey. Uncompromising, formidable, informed, insightful. Always a match for the politicians – and they knew it,” Canberra political correspondent Michelle Grattan said. |
Broadcaster Phillip Adams described Ramsey as “journalism’s grumpiest old bugger”. | Broadcaster Phillip Adams described Ramsey as “journalism’s grumpiest old bugger”. |
The WA Liberals’ new leader, Zak Kirkup, is addressing the media – and making his opening pitch to voters ahead of the March election. | The WA Liberals’ new leader, Zak Kirkup, is addressing the media – and making his opening pitch to voters ahead of the March election. |
And here’s that business card I mentioned earlier. | And here’s that business card I mentioned earlier. |
Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten has backed Qantas’s move to require international travellers to provide proof they have received a Covid-19 vaccine. | Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten has backed Qantas’s move to require international travellers to provide proof they have received a Covid-19 vaccine. |
Shorten told reporters: | Shorten told reporters: |
Shorten chimed in a bit later asked Labor’s health spokesman Chris Bowen, whose position on the matter was more muted. | Shorten chimed in a bit later asked Labor’s health spokesman Chris Bowen, whose position on the matter was more muted. |
Bowen said: | Bowen said: |
The former Labor leader and former shadow treasurer were together in Melbourne today. | The former Labor leader and former shadow treasurer were together in Melbourne today. |
Campaigners have welcomed the Victorian government’s “nation-leading” pledge to offer extended care arrangements to every young person in the state on an ongoing basis. | Campaigners have welcomed the Victorian government’s “nation-leading” pledge to offer extended care arrangements to every young person in the state on an ongoing basis. |
The $64.7m initiative, announced in the state budget, will provide an accommodation allowance to every young Victorian in out-of-home care until the age of 21. | The $64.7m initiative, announced in the state budget, will provide an accommodation allowance to every young Victorian in out-of-home care until the age of 21. |
The Home Stretch campaign said it meant a young person could remain living with their kinship or foster carer if they wished, or moved to supported independent living arrangements. | The Home Stretch campaign said it meant a young person could remain living with their kinship or foster carer if they wished, or moved to supported independent living arrangements. |
Support currently ends for most young people once they turn 18. | Support currently ends for most young people once they turn 18. |
The Home Stretch chairman, Paul McDonald, said: | The Home Stretch chairman, Paul McDonald, said: |
This is a significant development. | This is a significant development. |
Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, says once a Covid-19 vaccine is a readily available, proof international travellers have received the jab will be a non-negotiable condition of flight. | Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, says once a Covid-19 vaccine is a readily available, proof international travellers have received the jab will be a non-negotiable condition of flight. |
Matilda Boseley has the details. | Matilda Boseley has the details. |
My colleague Calla Wahlquist has filed this report from the Victorian budget lock up. | My colleague Calla Wahlquist has filed this report from the Victorian budget lock up. |
AAP has this market update. | AAP has this market update. |
Investors have been pushing prices higher on the Australian stock market after more enthusiasm about possible coronavirus vaccines and Queensland officials relaxing border restrictions. | Investors have been pushing prices higher on the Australian stock market after more enthusiasm about possible coronavirus vaccines and Queensland officials relaxing border restrictions. |
The S&P/ASX200 benchmark index was up 77.5 points, or 1.18%, to 6639.1 at 1200 AEDT on Tuesday. | The S&P/ASX200 benchmark index was up 77.5 points, or 1.18%, to 6639.1 at 1200 AEDT on Tuesday. |
The All Ordinaries gained 78.7 points, or 1.16%, to 6850.7. | The All Ordinaries gained 78.7 points, or 1.16%, to 6850.7. |
All sectors were higher, although energy was the only one with gains of more than 2%. It rose 2.77%. | All sectors were higher, although energy was the only one with gains of more than 2%. It rose 2.77%. |
The WA Liberal party looks certain to have a new leader: first time MP Zak Kirkup. | The WA Liberal party looks certain to have a new leader: first time MP Zak Kirkup. |
Kirkup, 33, is in the box seat to replace Liza Harvey as opposition leader. Harvey quit two days ago, four months ahead of the March election, amid poor polling. | Kirkup, 33, is in the box seat to replace Liza Harvey as opposition leader. Harvey quit two days ago, four months ahead of the March election, amid poor polling. |
Kirkup’s likely ascent comes after his main rival, Dean Nalder, withdrew his candidacy, reports AAP. | Kirkup’s likely ascent comes after his main rival, Dean Nalder, withdrew his candidacy, reports AAP. |
Kirkup is the Liberals’ health spokesman and will take the reins barring a last-minute challenge. | Kirkup is the Liberals’ health spokesman and will take the reins barring a last-minute challenge. |
He said on Monday: | He said on Monday: |
The Liberals have only 13 of the 59 seats in the parliament, and face an uphill battle at the March poll, given premier Mark McGowan’s record approval ratings. | The Liberals have only 13 of the 59 seats in the parliament, and face an uphill battle at the March poll, given premier Mark McGowan’s record approval ratings. |
Kirkup holds his own seat, south of Perth, by a margin of just 0.7%, making it the tightest contest in the state. | Kirkup holds his own seat, south of Perth, by a margin of just 0.7%, making it the tightest contest in the state. |
He joined the Liberal party as a teenager and has long been considered a future leader. | He joined the Liberal party as a teenager and has long been considered a future leader. |
As a child, he is said to have handed a business card to the then-prime minister, John Howard, in which he called himself a “future PM”. | As a child, he is said to have handed a business card to the then-prime minister, John Howard, in which he called himself a “future PM”. |
Some reaction to the Victorian budget. | Some reaction to the Victorian budget. |
The Greens welcomed the massive boost to social housing and the investment in renewable energy through the plan for a big battery. Both were initially floated by the Greens, they said. | The Greens welcomed the massive boost to social housing and the investment in renewable energy through the plan for a big battery. Both were initially floated by the Greens, they said. |
They were disappointed with the lack of “broader tax reform”, such as changes to stamp duty. | They were disappointed with the lack of “broader tax reform”, such as changes to stamp duty. |
Emma King, chief executive of the Victorian Council of Social Service, said the budget would make “real inroads into poverty and disadvantage”. | Emma King, chief executive of the Victorian Council of Social Service, said the budget would make “real inroads into poverty and disadvantage”. |
She welcomed massive spending on social housing and mental health, among other initiatives. | She welcomed massive spending on social housing and mental health, among other initiatives. |
The Victorian government has also announced a plan to build a contemporary art gallery in Melbourne. | The Victorian government has also announced a plan to build a contemporary art gallery in Melbourne. |
Called NGV Contemporary, it would be “the country’s largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design”, treasurer Tim Pallas said. | Called NGV Contemporary, it would be “the country’s largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design”, treasurer Tim Pallas said. |
Work on the $1.4bn project is expected to begin in 2022. Pallas said it was expected to create 5,000 jobs while being built, and attract 3m visitors a year. | Work on the $1.4bn project is expected to begin in 2022. Pallas said it was expected to create 5,000 jobs while being built, and attract 3m visitors a year. |
A key measure in the Victorian budget is a jobs tax credit to encourage businesses to hire new staff. | A key measure in the Victorian budget is a jobs tax credit to encourage businesses to hire new staff. |
The $880m scheme will provide businesses with a payroll of $10m or less with a non-refundable credit of 10 cents on every dollar spent on wages above the previous year’s wage bill. Effectively businesses will get 10% back on new wages, which Tim Pallas said would effectively reduce, or in some cases completely remove, their payroll tax bill. | The $880m scheme will provide businesses with a payroll of $10m or less with a non-refundable credit of 10 cents on every dollar spent on wages above the previous year’s wage bill. Effectively businesses will get 10% back on new wages, which Tim Pallas said would effectively reduce, or in some cases completely remove, their payroll tax bill. |
The government will also reduce the land transfer duty – stamp duty– on houses worth $1m or less and purchased between now and 30 June 2021. New builds will get a 50% reduction; existing homes a 25% reduction. | The government will also reduce the land transfer duty – stamp duty– on houses worth $1m or less and purchased between now and 30 June 2021. New builds will get a 50% reduction; existing homes a 25% reduction. |
There’s also a 50% land tax discount for new housing developments intended for renters and a $500m Victorian homebuyer fund, which will see the government contribute to the purchase price of a new home in exchange for a slice of the equity. | There’s also a 50% land tax discount for new housing developments intended for renters and a $500m Victorian homebuyer fund, which will see the government contribute to the purchase price of a new home in exchange for a slice of the equity. |