This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2021/may/14/australia-live-news-nsw-government-minister-labor-housing-budget-reply-anthony-albanese-victoria-covid-hotel-quarantine

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Australia live news: NSW government in minority after MP moves to crossbench; Labor bets big on housing Australia live news: NSW government in minority after MP moves to crossbench; Labor bets big on housing
(32 minutes later)
Follow the latest updatesFollow the latest updates
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.
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.
The Greens outpolled the Liberals on primary votes.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
There is some big breaking news coming out of Tasmania today. Liberal MP Adam Brooks, will resign after being charged with alleged firearms offences by Queensland police, premier Peter Gutwein said.There is some big breaking news coming out of Tasmania today. Liberal MP Adam Brooks, will resign after being charged with alleged firearms offences by Queensland police, premier Peter Gutwein said.
Gutwein has confirmed Brooks was interstate and would not be taking up his in parliament.Gutwein has confirmed Brooks was interstate and would not be taking up his in parliament.
Hello all, Matilda Boseley here to take you through the next little bit of the day on the blog. Thanks so much to Ben Doherty for his amazing coverage this morning!Hello all, Matilda Boseley here to take you through the next little bit of the day on the blog. Thanks so much to Ben Doherty for his amazing coverage this morning!
More on Christian Porter:More on Christian Porter:
We’re months away from the trial, but Porter’s defamation case against the ABC is already getting complicated.We’re months away from the trial, but Porter’s defamation case against the ABC is already getting complicated.
An interlocutory hearing down for this morning was complicated by a separate application made by Jo Dyer, a friend of the woman who accused Porter of rape, to stop high-profile Sydney barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC from acting for the former attorney general on the basis she had previously advised Dyer in a separate matter.An interlocutory hearing down for this morning was complicated by a separate application made by Jo Dyer, a friend of the woman who accused Porter of rape, to stop high-profile Sydney barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC from acting for the former attorney general on the basis she had previously advised Dyer in a separate matter.
Justice Jayne Jagot said this morning that the application meant she would either be forced to stay the proceedings until the Chrysanthou matter was resolved – likely to be later in May – or the barrister would have to be “effectively isolated” from the case until that happened.Justice Jayne Jagot said this morning that the application meant she would either be forced to stay the proceedings until the Chrysanthou matter was resolved – likely to be later in May – or the barrister would have to be “effectively isolated” from the case until that happened.
The hearing has been delayed until 10.30 while Porter’s other lawyer, Bret Walker SC, is fetched to appear on whether Chrysanthou can be heard in the matter.The hearing has been delayed until 10.30 while Porter’s other lawyer, Bret Walker SC, is fetched to appear on whether Chrysanthou can be heard in the matter.
The Dyer application is also down for later today but that’s expected to just be a confirmation of the timeline of that matter.The Dyer application is also down for later today but that’s expected to just be a confirmation of the timeline of that matter.
Porter was back in parliament this week.Porter was back in parliament this week.
* So it wasn’t Romy after all ...* So it wasn’t Romy after all ...
** Contractually mandated, sole pop-culture reference.** Contractually mandated, sole pop-culture reference.
To Australian politics, and the parliamentary sitting week just concluded:To Australian politics, and the parliamentary sitting week just concluded:
The Greens want federal parliament to set up an independent commission of inquiry into Christian Porter’s fitness to be a minister and an allegation of sexual assault against him.The Greens want federal parliament to set up an independent commission of inquiry into Christian Porter’s fitness to be a minister and an allegation of sexual assault against him.
In February the ABC reported a cabinet minister had been accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old in 1988 when he was 17. Porter subsequently denied the allegation and has since sued the ABC for defamation.In February the ABC reported a cabinet minister had been accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old in 1988 when he was 17. Porter subsequently denied the allegation and has since sued the ABC for defamation.
The Greens senator Larissa Waters hopes to introduce a bill that would set up an inquiry given the allegation will not be directly tested in Porter’s defamation case against the ABC.The Greens senator Larissa Waters hopes to introduce a bill that would set up an inquiry given the allegation will not be directly tested in Porter’s defamation case against the ABC.
Also overseas, from Julian Borger: there have been more than 130 incidents of unexplained brain injury known as Havana syndrome among US diplomats, spies and defence officials, some of them within the past few weeks, it has been reported.Also overseas, from Julian Borger: there have been more than 130 incidents of unexplained brain injury known as Havana syndrome among US diplomats, spies and defence officials, some of them within the past few weeks, it has been reported.
And to the Middle East:And to the Middle East:
AFP reports that the Israeli army now says it has not entered the Gaza strip:AFP reports that the Israeli army now says it has not entered the Gaza strip:
Journalist Anshel Pfeffer, who reports for Haaretz and the Economist, has tweeted: “The Israeli army’s line now, after a series of contradicting briefings over the last couple of hours, is that there are no Israeli troops actually inside the Gaza strip right now. Make of it what you will.”Journalist Anshel Pfeffer, who reports for Haaretz and the Economist, has tweeted: “The Israeli army’s line now, after a series of contradicting briefings over the last couple of hours, is that there are no Israeli troops actually inside the Gaza strip right now. Make of it what you will.”
Here is our report on what we know so far:Here is our report on what we know so far:
To our region. Samoa, one of the most stable democracies in the Pacific – the prime minister there is the third-longest serving in the world – is in the midst of a bloodless coup.To our region. Samoa, one of the most stable democracies in the Pacific – the prime minister there is the third-longest serving in the world – is in the midst of a bloodless coup.
It’s an extraordinary situation, and this is a vital explainer from Fiona Ey.It’s an extraordinary situation, and this is a vital explainer from Fiona Ey.
From our hard-working friends at AAP:From our hard-working friends at AAP:
Defence minister Peter Dutton insists the quarantine system will be able to cope when the travel ban lifts and flights from India resume.Defence minister Peter Dutton insists the quarantine system will be able to cope when the travel ban lifts and flights from India resume.
The first plane load of Australians from India will land on Saturday morning after flights were suspended for several weeks to allow the Howard Springs quarantine facility in Darwin to deal with positive Covid-19 cases before more potentially infectious people arrived.The first plane load of Australians from India will land on Saturday morning after flights were suspended for several weeks to allow the Howard Springs quarantine facility in Darwin to deal with positive Covid-19 cases before more potentially infectious people arrived.
Dutton said the commonwealth had been working closely with the Northern Territory government since the India travel ban was imposed.Dutton said the commonwealth had been working closely with the Northern Territory government since the India travel ban was imposed.
“We will continue to work particularly with vulnerable groups to help them back into our country as quickly as possible,” he told Nine on Friday.“We will continue to work particularly with vulnerable groups to help them back into our country as quickly as possible,” he told Nine on Friday.
“We have put in other measures around pre-flight testing and making sure if we’re bringing people out of a zone like India at the moment we can do it safely so we don’t undo what is a magnificent story here in Australia.”“We have put in other measures around pre-flight testing and making sure if we’re bringing people out of a zone like India at the moment we can do it safely so we don’t undo what is a magnificent story here in Australia.”
Complicating that story is mixed messages about the timetable for the vaccine rollout.Complicating that story is mixed messages about the timetable for the vaccine rollout.
Dutton insists everyone willing to be vaccinated will receive two shots by the end of this year.Dutton insists everyone willing to be vaccinated will receive two shots by the end of this year.
“Now some people will make a decision that they don’t want the vaccine, and the government is not going to force them to have the vaccine, so let’s be realistic in terms of some parts of society,” he said.“Now some people will make a decision that they don’t want the vaccine, and the government is not going to force them to have the vaccine, so let’s be realistic in terms of some parts of society,” he said.
This end of year deadline puts Dutton directly at odds with the prime minister, who has spent the week walking back an end date for the rollout’s completion.This end of year deadline puts Dutton directly at odds with the prime minister, who has spent the week walking back an end date for the rollout’s completion.
The treasurer and health minister have also clashed on the rollout timeline.The treasurer and health minister have also clashed on the rollout timeline.
Deputy opposition leader Richard Marles leapt on the mixed messaging.Deputy opposition leader Richard Marles leapt on the mixed messaging.
“You’ve got complete confusion, even with Peter today, as to whether or not there’s going to be two jabs by the end of the year,” Marles said.“You’ve got complete confusion, even with Peter today, as to whether or not there’s going to be two jabs by the end of the year,” Marles said.
“They can’t give you a straight answer in relation to that question and we all know properly vaccinating the country is how we actually more forward and past this in an economic sense.”“They can’t give you a straight answer in relation to that question and we all know properly vaccinating the country is how we actually more forward and past this in an economic sense.”
The government has ordered 25m doses of Moderna vaccines, giving its rollout a shot in the arm.The government has ordered 25m doses of Moderna vaccines, giving its rollout a shot in the arm.
Marles said the vaccine deal should have been secured last year.Marles said the vaccine deal should have been secured last year.
“The reason why we are now back on the queue is because the work they’re doing now they didn’t do last year when it mattered,” he said.“The reason why we are now back on the queue is because the work they’re doing now they didn’t do last year when it mattered,” he said.
“This time last year we knew vaccines were in the pipeline. It was then the government should have been actually spreading the country’s risk.“This time last year we knew vaccines were in the pipeline. It was then the government should have been actually spreading the country’s risk.
“Instead they bet the house on the idea AstraZeneca being manufactured in Australia would be able to do the whole job.”“Instead they bet the house on the idea AstraZeneca being manufactured in Australia would be able to do the whole job.”
The first 10m doses of Moderna are due to arrive this year while the rest – booster jabs for different variants – are slated to be delivered next year.The first 10m doses of Moderna are due to arrive this year while the rest – booster jabs for different variants – are slated to be delivered next year.
The Moderna jab has not yet been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration but the company is expected to apply for that soon.The Moderna jab has not yet been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration but the company is expected to apply for that soon.
People under 50 are set to receive the Moderna vaccine.People under 50 are set to receive the Moderna vaccine.
CSL is already making the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne; the Pfizer vaccine is fully imported.CSL is already making the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne; the Pfizer vaccine is fully imported.
A clear flow of supply will be needed as GPs begin the rollout to all Australians aged over 50 next week.A clear flow of supply will be needed as GPs begin the rollout to all Australians aged over 50 next week.
The ANU’s centre for social research and methods has released longitudinal survey data showing that confidence in the federal government has dipped below 50% for the first time during the Covid-19 pandemic.The ANU’s centre for social research and methods has released longitudinal survey data showing that confidence in the federal government has dipped below 50% for the first time during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The survey of 3,200 adults found a very large decline in confidence from 54.3% in January to 45.4% in April. Confidence peaked at 60.6% in May 2020, but the current score is still higher than the lows of 27.3% the federal government hit in January 2020 after the summer bushfires.The survey of 3,200 adults found a very large decline in confidence from 54.3% in January to 45.4% in April. Confidence peaked at 60.6% in May 2020, but the current score is still higher than the lows of 27.3% the federal government hit in January 2020 after the summer bushfires.
Study co-author Nicholas Biddle said:Study co-author Nicholas Biddle said:
There were also some interesting findings about sexual harassment:There were also some interesting findings about sexual harassment:
More than three-quarters of Australians (76.8%) think “men getting away with committing sexual harassment or assault” was a major problemMore than three-quarters of Australians (76.8%) think “men getting away with committing sexual harassment or assault” was a major problem
Almost three-quarters of Australians (71.6%) said “women not being believed when they claim that they have experienced sexual harassment or assault” was also a major problemAlmost three-quarters of Australians (71.6%) said “women not being believed when they claim that they have experienced sexual harassment or assault” was also a major problem
A minority of Australians (40.9%) say “employers firing men who have been accused of sexual harassment or assault before finding out all the facts” was a major problemA minority of Australians (40.9%) say “employers firing men who have been accused of sexual harassment or assault before finding out all the facts” was a major problem
A slightly larger number (41.9%) think “women claiming they have experienced sexual harassment or assault when it hasn’t actually occurred” was a major problem.A slightly larger number (41.9%) think “women claiming they have experienced sexual harassment or assault when it hasn’t actually occurred” was a major problem.
To me, that suggests allegations of sexual harassment or assault are incredibly divisive. And the issue is a lot more nuanced than believing men or believing women as a good chunk of the sample must have said both that men get away with harassment but women claim it happened when it didn’t.To me, that suggests allegations of sexual harassment or assault are incredibly divisive. And the issue is a lot more nuanced than believing men or believing women as a good chunk of the sample must have said both that men get away with harassment but women claim it happened when it didn’t.