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Australia live news: NSW government in minority after MP moves to crossbench; Labor bets big on housing Australia live news: NSW government further in minority after MP moves to crossbench; Labor bets big on housing
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Labor is seeking to wrest the federal seat of Brisbane from the Liberals with the preselection of businesswoman Madonna Jarrett.
AAP reports Jarrett, Deloitte Australia’s director of global risk and public policy, is a former policy advisor in the Goss state government.
Voters in the seat of Brisbane went against trend to register a swing away from the Liberals’ sitting member Trevor Evans at the 2019 election.
Evans - the assistant minister for waste reduction - holds the seat by a margin just less than five per cent.
The 2019 contest in Brisbane was made tighter by the fact Andrew Bartlett, a former Queensland senator, ran for the Greens and scored more than 22 per cent of the primary vote.
Prior to 2010, Labor had held the seat for 30 years.
The ABC has cut away from the PM’s speech so I will try to find a stream, or just return when we get the broadcast again.
Scott Morrison says if Australia had the same Covid fatality rate as other parts of the world, we would have had 30,000 more deaths than we have currently recorded.
Scott Morrison is telling Liberal members why his government has been decidedly un-Liberal in its policies in response to Covid, but why he sees that as being Liberal.
He said:
The PM is speaking at a post-budget lunch in Sydney now, so I’ll bring you some of what he says.
Funny that.
Scammers are pretending to be the Australian Cyber Security Centre, offering to resolve malware issues, and then trying to get sensitive personal information, or bank account login details.Scammers are pretending to be the Australian Cyber Security Centre, offering to resolve malware issues, and then trying to get sensitive personal information, or bank account login details.
They might also request people to buy cryptocurrencies or gift cards for them.They might also request people to buy cryptocurrencies or gift cards for them.
Anglicare Australia has welcomed Labor’s social housing commitment in last night’s budget reply speech.Anglicare Australia has welcomed Labor’s social housing commitment in last night’s budget reply speech.
Anglicare Australia’s executive director Kasy Chambers said:Anglicare Australia’s executive director Kasy Chambers said:
An attempt to block Christian Porter’s high-profile Sydney barrister from acting in the former attorney general’s defamation case turned an otherwise procedural hearing in the federal court on Friday into a fiery encounter which saw justice Jayne Jagot effectively put the case on hold for a fortnight.An attempt to block Christian Porter’s high-profile Sydney barrister from acting in the former attorney general’s defamation case turned an otherwise procedural hearing in the federal court on Friday into a fiery encounter which saw justice Jayne Jagot effectively put the case on hold for a fortnight.
Though Porter’s high-stakes case against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan is months from trial, an intervention from Jo Dyer, a friend of the woman who accused Porter of rape, to stop Sue Chrysanthou SC acting for Porter led Jagot to make an order on Friday effectively pausing the case.Though Porter’s high-stakes case against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan is months from trial, an intervention from Jo Dyer, a friend of the woman who accused Porter of rape, to stop Sue Chrysanthou SC acting for Porter led Jagot to make an order on Friday effectively pausing the case.
Dyer, a debater with the complainant in the late 1980s, appeared in a Four Corners episode in November in which she accused Porter of displaying “an assuredness that’s perhaps born of privilege”.Dyer, a debater with the complainant in the late 1980s, appeared in a Four Corners episode in November in which she accused Porter of displaying “an assuredness that’s perhaps born of privilege”.
She has claimed she sought advice from Chrysanthou after an article in the Australian newspaper described the program as “a poorly executed political hatchet job”, and that the Sydney defamation specialist had reviewed a legal letter sent on her behalf.She has claimed she sought advice from Chrysanthou after an article in the Australian newspaper described the program as “a poorly executed political hatchet job”, and that the Sydney defamation specialist had reviewed a legal letter sent on her behalf.
Dyer’s lawyers are seeking an order restraining her from acting in the case on the basis it is “necessary to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice, and to preserve confidentiality and legal professional privilege”.Dyer’s lawyers are seeking an order restraining her from acting in the case on the basis it is “necessary to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice, and to preserve confidentiality and legal professional privilege”.
Lawyers for both Porter and Chrysanthou have argued the barrister has no substantive memory of her dealings with Dyer.Lawyers for both Porter and Chrysanthou have argued the barrister has no substantive memory of her dealings with Dyer.
Jagot had earlier said Chrysanthou may need to be “quarantined” and “isolated” from the case until the matter was decided, but after fiery submissions from Porter’s other silk, Bret Walker SC, in which he said isolating her would cause “irreparable harm” to the former attorney general’s case, decided to instead delay the hearings until 26 May.Jagot had earlier said Chrysanthou may need to be “quarantined” and “isolated” from the case until the matter was decided, but after fiery submissions from Porter’s other silk, Bret Walker SC, in which he said isolating her would cause “irreparable harm” to the former attorney general’s case, decided to instead delay the hearings until 26 May.
Employment minister Stuart Robert wants wage theft outlawed despite abandoning the commitment two months ago, AAP reports.Employment minister Stuart Robert wants wage theft outlawed despite abandoning the commitment two months ago, AAP reports.
Labor has committed to criminalising wage theft if it wins power at the next election.Labor has committed to criminalising wage theft if it wins power at the next election.
Robert claims the Coalition also remains committed to the idea despite dumping the provisions from its industrial relations package earlier this year.Robert claims the Coalition also remains committed to the idea despite dumping the provisions from its industrial relations package earlier this year.
“Wage theft, unfortunately, was not able to be gotten through the Senate,” he told the ABC on Friday.“Wage theft, unfortunately, was not able to be gotten through the Senate,” he told the ABC on Friday.
“We all agree that it should be illegal for wages not to be paid legitimately and lawfully to Australians. We’re on a unity ticket on that.”“We all agree that it should be illegal for wages not to be paid legitimately and lawfully to Australians. We’re on a unity ticket on that.”
Robert declined the invitation to introduce legislation specifically aimed at criminalising wage theft, despite the guarantee it would sail through parliament.Robert declined the invitation to introduce legislation specifically aimed at criminalising wage theft, despite the guarantee it would sail through parliament.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has accused the Coalition of behaving like an eight-year-old child who threw a tantrum when it spiked the wage theft provisions.Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has accused the Coalition of behaving like an eight-year-old child who threw a tantrum when it spiked the wage theft provisions.
The deputy prime minister looking at things, cutting ribbons.The deputy prime minister looking at things, cutting ribbons.
The Greens are seeking to oust a prominent Labor MP at the next federal election and put the first Indigenous Victorian in the lower house, AAP reports.The Greens are seeking to oust a prominent Labor MP at the next federal election and put the first Indigenous Victorian in the lower house, AAP reports.
Arrente woman, unionist and writer Celeste Liddle has been preselected as the Greens candidate for the Melbourne seat of Cooper.Arrente woman, unionist and writer Celeste Liddle has been preselected as the Greens candidate for the Melbourne seat of Cooper.
Labor’s Ged Kearney – a former president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions – won the seat in 2019, defeating Greens candidate David Risstrom 64.65% to 35.35% on a two-candidate basis.Labor’s Ged Kearney – a former president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions – won the seat in 2019, defeating Greens candidate David Risstrom 64.65% to 35.35% on a two-candidate basis.
The Greens outpolled the Liberals on primary votes.The Greens outpolled the Liberals on primary votes.
If elected, Liddle would be the first Victorian Indigenous member of the House of Representatives.If elected, Liddle would be the first Victorian Indigenous member of the House of Representatives.
“Celeste is a fierce advocate for working people and I’m thrilled that she’s chosen to take her years of community activism and campaigning to the heart of Australia’s democracy,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said on Friday.“Celeste is a fierce advocate for working people and I’m thrilled that she’s chosen to take her years of community activism and campaigning to the heart of Australia’s democracy,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said on Friday.
“With Celeste Liddle and the Greens in the balance of power after the next election, the people of Cooper would have one of the most powerful MPs in the country.”“With Celeste Liddle and the Greens in the balance of power after the next election, the people of Cooper would have one of the most powerful MPs in the country.”
Cooper is a progressive, multicultural seat with a sizeable population of Indigenous people.Cooper is a progressive, multicultural seat with a sizeable population of Indigenous people.
Liddle said if elected she would continue a long tradition of activism.Liddle said if elected she would continue a long tradition of activism.
“Cooper [is] a seat named after Yorta Yorta man William Cooper who is celebrated internationally for his private citizen protest against the atrocities of Kristallnacht, and was one of the key organisers of the 1938 day of mourning protest,” she said.“Cooper [is] a seat named after Yorta Yorta man William Cooper who is celebrated internationally for his private citizen protest against the atrocities of Kristallnacht, and was one of the key organisers of the 1938 day of mourning protest,” she said.
“Should I be successful, I would hope to continue his legacy of activism and compassion.”“Should I be successful, I would hope to continue his legacy of activism and compassion.”
More cold days ahead for south-eastern Australia.More cold days ahead for south-eastern Australia.
The Australian Signals Directorate refuses to say who was behind an attack on parliament’s IT systems in March, despite confirming it knows who it was.The Australian Signals Directorate refuses to say who was behind an attack on parliament’s IT systems in March, despite confirming it knows who it was.
The parliamentary services department confirmed an outage of the system that manages mobile devices was caused by the department shutting the system to prevent an attempted intrusion into the parliamentary computer network.The parliamentary services department confirmed an outage of the system that manages mobile devices was caused by the department shutting the system to prevent an attempted intrusion into the parliamentary computer network.
It meant parliamentary staffers were unable to access their emails on the weekend the attack occurred.It meant parliamentary staffers were unable to access their emails on the weekend the attack occurred.
Although no data was lost, the system is still only being used in a limited capacity, with most people on the network now connected to a new mobile device management system that was fast-tracked when the attack occurred.Although no data was lost, the system is still only being used in a limited capacity, with most people on the network now connected to a new mobile device management system that was fast-tracked when the attack occurred.
In response to a question on notice from Labor in Senate estimates, Australian Signals Directorate said it had identified who was responsible but said “attribution is a matter for government, and only made when in the national interest”.In response to a question on notice from Labor in Senate estimates, Australian Signals Directorate said it had identified who was responsible but said “attribution is a matter for government, and only made when in the national interest”.
Community leader Prof Eleanor Bourke will chair Victoria’s Australia-first inquiry into injustices committed against Indigenous people, AAP reports.Community leader Prof Eleanor Bourke will chair Victoria’s Australia-first inquiry into injustices committed against Indigenous people, AAP reports.
The Wergaia/Wamba Wamba elder will head the five people who will run the Yoo-rrook justice commission.The Wergaia/Wamba Wamba elder will head the five people who will run the Yoo-rrook justice commission.
Dr Wayne Atkinson, Sue-Anne Hunter, Distinguished Prof Maggie Walter and Prof Kevin Bell QC were also announced as commissioners.Dr Wayne Atkinson, Sue-Anne Hunter, Distinguished Prof Maggie Walter and Prof Kevin Bell QC were also announced as commissioners.
The inquiry will look at historic and ongoing injustices and is named after the Wemba Wemba-Wamba Wamba word for truth.The inquiry will look at historic and ongoing injustices and is named after the Wemba Wemba-Wamba Wamba word for truth.
It will be independent of government and have the powers of a royal commission and will recommend reforms and help guide the state’s treaty negotiations with communities.It will be independent of government and have the powers of a royal commission and will recommend reforms and help guide the state’s treaty negotiations with communities.
“I feel, for this century, this was a logical step for us,” Bourke said at Friday’s announcement.“I feel, for this century, this was a logical step for us,” Bourke said at Friday’s announcement.
“People are watching us ... [I start] with some trepidation. I didn’t sleep very well last night, but we just need to get on with that.”“People are watching us ... [I start] with some trepidation. I didn’t sleep very well last night, but we just need to get on with that.”
The announcement was made at Melbourne’s Yarra Bend park, the site of the Merri Creek Protectorate State and Merri Creek Aboriginal School, where many Aboriginal communities were separated from their lands.The announcement was made at Melbourne’s Yarra Bend park, the site of the Merri Creek Protectorate State and Merri Creek Aboriginal School, where many Aboriginal communities were separated from their lands.
Next week’s state budget will set aside $58m for the commission.Next week’s state budget will set aside $58m for the commission.
First People’s Assembly of Victoria co-chair Marcus Stewart said 64 people had applied for the five commission places.First People’s Assembly of Victoria co-chair Marcus Stewart said 64 people had applied for the five commission places.
“What we have in front of us is an amazing opportunity for all Victorians, but most importantly it marks a day for our community, our mob in Victoria.”“What we have in front of us is an amazing opportunity for all Victorians, but most importantly it marks a day for our community, our mob in Victoria.”
The commission will deliver an interim report by 30 June next year and a final report by 30 June 2024.The commission will deliver an interim report by 30 June next year and a final report by 30 June 2024.
The Queensland government says it’s taking smaller Covid-19 vaccine deliveries because more supplies are going directly to GPs, AAP reports.The Queensland government says it’s taking smaller Covid-19 vaccine deliveries because more supplies are going directly to GPs, AAP reports.
The state received 41,160 doses in the week ending 25 April and 24,570 doses the following week.The state received 41,160 doses in the week ending 25 April and 24,570 doses the following week.
Health minister Yvette D’Ath said the drop occurred because AstraZeneca doses, unsuitable for younger health workers, were returned to the federal government.Health minister Yvette D’Ath said the drop occurred because AstraZeneca doses, unsuitable for younger health workers, were returned to the federal government.
Official health advice is that Australians under 50 should get the Pfizer vaccine.Official health advice is that Australians under 50 should get the Pfizer vaccine.
“You will see a total reduction in our vaccines going forward because we are not getting AstraZeneca supplied to us over the next two weeks,” D’Ath said.“You will see a total reduction in our vaccines going forward because we are not getting AstraZeneca supplied to us over the next two weeks,” D’Ath said.
A deal has been struck with the commonwealth for AstraZeneca doses to be sent directly to Queensland GPs for the wider rollout.A deal has been struck with the commonwealth for AstraZeneca doses to be sent directly to Queensland GPs for the wider rollout.
“There is no less AstraZeneca coming into Queensland for Queenslanders,” she said.“There is no less AstraZeneca coming into Queensland for Queenslanders,” she said.
“It is coming in; it’s now going directly to GPs, instead of coming to the state government.”“It is coming in; it’s now going directly to GPs, instead of coming to the state government.”
The vaccine rollout will restart in the Torres Strait on Monday, more than a month after it was paused on 16 April.The vaccine rollout will restart in the Torres Strait on Monday, more than a month after it was paused on 16 April.
The state government halted the vaccine drive there amid concerns about giving the region’s younger population the AZ vaccine.The state government halted the vaccine drive there amid concerns about giving the region’s younger population the AZ vaccine.
However, supplies of the Pfizer vaccine have arrived and the rollout will continue.However, supplies of the Pfizer vaccine have arrived and the rollout will continue.
Hello, Josh Taylor here for the next few hours on the live blog. We are expecting the PM to give a post budget address in Sydney at 1.30pm. So I’m sure we will have more on that in the next couple of hours.Hello, Josh Taylor here for the next few hours on the live blog. We are expecting the PM to give a post budget address in Sydney at 1.30pm. So I’m sure we will have more on that in the next couple of hours.
A leading UK climate official says Australia is alone among major countries in that neither its national government nor opposition have a significant climate plan, frustrating local business leaders.A leading UK climate official says Australia is alone among major countries in that neither its national government nor opposition have a significant climate plan, frustrating local business leaders.
Nigel Topping, the UN’s “high-level champion” whose role involves global outreach to drive global ambition ahead of the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow in November, said he had not seen another country in which no major political party had a plan to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Nigel Topping, the UN’s “high-level champion” whose role involves global outreach to drive global ambition ahead of the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow in November, said he had not seen another country in which no major political party had a plan to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Morrison government would face “a certain amount of pressure” to lift its ambition on climate at the G7 meeting in England next month, where Australia is one of four invited guest nations. All G7 members have targets to cut emissions by at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero emissions no later than 2050.The Morrison government would face “a certain amount of pressure” to lift its ambition on climate at the G7 meeting in England next month, where Australia is one of four invited guest nations. All G7 members have targets to cut emissions by at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero emissions no later than 2050.
You can read the full report below:You can read the full report below:
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne, has urged an end to the violence in the Gaza strip as the death toll rises amid fears of war, AAP reports.Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne, has urged an end to the violence in the Gaza strip as the death toll rises amid fears of war, AAP reports.
More than 100 people, most of them Palestinians, have been killed in the most violent flare-up in several years.More than 100 people, most of them Palestinians, have been killed in the most violent flare-up in several years.
Speaking in Washington on Friday, Payne said the Australian government was deeply concerned about the escalating violence.Speaking in Washington on Friday, Payne said the Australian government was deeply concerned about the escalating violence.
Payne said Australia would play an active role if discussions were held by the United Nations, which fears the situation could explode into full-scale war.Payne said Australia would play an active role if discussions were held by the United Nations, which fears the situation could explode into full-scale war.
On Thursday prime minister Scott Morrison restated the government’s policy of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, describing Australia as an agent for peace.On Thursday prime minister Scott Morrison restated the government’s policy of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, describing Australia as an agent for peace.
He urged Australians with ties to the conflict to act with tolerance and respect.He urged Australians with ties to the conflict to act with tolerance and respect.