Scott Morrison defends $4,000 per hour plane for Mathias Cormann's OECD pitch, says 'he would have got COVID' flying commercial - ABC News. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended allowing a former government minister to fly around the world on a taxpayer-funded Royal Australian Air Force jet.
Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is campaigning to be the head of the OECDThe Prime Minister supported Mr Cormann's use of a taxpayer-funded jet, saying otherwise he "would have got COVID"In 2018, Mr Cormann booked a $37,000 solo flight to spruik the Government's plan for business tax cuts Former WA senator Mathias Cormann has clocked up more than 20,000 kilometres campaigning to become the next head of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Air Force planes cost taxpayers more than $4,000 per hour of flying, but Mr Morrison said using commercial flights would have been risky. "There really wasn't the practical option to use commercial flights in the time we had available, because of COVID," he told radio station 2GB. Disability, domestic violence a 'catch-22' as Indigenous children removed from mothers, royal commission hears - ABC News.
Babies are being removed at birth from First Nations mothers living with disabilities, the disability royal commission has heard.
Key points: Disability royal commission hears testimony from First Nations people in Queensland One legal advocate says she has witnessed the removal of children from mothers living with disability She has called it a "heinous practice" and believes the child protection system is in crisis Thelma Schwartz, the principal legal officer at the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service, has told the Commonwealth inquiry the child protection system is "bleak" and in "crisis". Giving evidence in Brisbane, Ms Schwartz said she had witnessed the removal of Indigenous babies first hand. "I would call it a heinous practice," she said. The Torres Strait Islander woman, who has worked for the service since 2005, said the system was stacked against First Nations women with disabilities.
"She's already on the back foot because of her disability," Ms Schwartz said. Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt describes speed of NT remote housing upgrade as a 'disgrace' - ABC News. Strong criticism from the federal Indigenous Australians Minister about the Northern Territory Government's "slow" and "unacceptable" pace in improving remote housing has forced the Chief Minister to defend his Government's commitment to reducing overcrowding.
Key points: The Minister for Indigenous Australians says remote housing delivery needs to speed upKen Wyatt says he is open to a partnership with Aboriginal land councils to improve deliveryThe Chief Minister says the next budget will include increased remote housing spending The comments from Ken Wyatt are contained in a keynote address to be delivered at a function in Darwin hosted by the Northern Land Council on Tuesday night. In 2019, the Commonwealth agreed to provide the NT with more than half a billion dollars over five years to construct almost 2,000 new bedrooms in remote communities.
Mr Wyatt will lament what he views as an inadequate level of progress in remote housing, according to a draft copy of the speech sent to media. Bagot Aboriginal community still opposes Dan Murphy's bid for Darwin megastore despite location change - ABC News. Helen Fejo-Frith says the Bagot Aboriginal community does not want a Dan Murphy's store in Darwin — at any location — and that her feelings about it could not be any stronger.
Key points: The Australian Government is surrounded by leaders taking climate action. Will it step up? - ABC News. The Morrison Government is surrounded by state governments, foreign trading partners, local businesses and big investors who are moving ahead to transition the world to net zero emissions by 2050.
The past few weeks have shown that Australia has only two choices when it comes to our climate-heating greenhouse gas emissions: sink good money after bad in polluting industries, or invest in the clean industries of the future. As much as it might look like Australia is seeking one, there is no viable third option. As the world strides ahead to try to stop global warming at 1.5C, Australia could risk being isolated and missing out on the opportunities the transition poses.
Five years after Australia signed up to the Paris Agreement, the Australian Government is now surrounded by leaders making progress towards its aims — a task most would say Scott Morrison is not enthusiastically embracing. NT Government shaves $120 million off McArthur River Mine environmental security bond - ABC News. The NT Government has quietly reduced the environmental rehabilitation bond for a major Top End mine by more than $100 million after controversially approving a significant expansion of the site.
Key points: The McArthur River Mine's environmental security bond was reduced by $120 millionThe Environment Centre NT says taxpayers could become liable for environmental damageA proposal to double the size of the zinc and lead mine was approved on Thursday. The 'dog's breakfast' that is 2020 showcased in annual Behind the Lines cartoon exhibition - ABC News.
Each year, the Behind the Lines political cartoon exhibition offers up a neat satirical summary of events.
But 2020 has been like no other year. For cartoonists, it has presented a challenge: how to reflect the turmoil of politics amid some of the most extraordinary events in modern history? Traumatic bushfires, a devastating global pandemic, and the country's leaders at loggerheads over how to handle these unprecedented circumstances. And given the number of occasions on which it was hard to know whether to cry or laugh, perhaps the cartoon is a suitable medium by which to understand it all better.
Afghanistan war crimes inquiry includes 'possibly the most disgraceful episode in Australia's military history', but it's completely redacted - ABC News. The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) calls it "possibly the most disgraceful episode in Australia's military history".
We know that it happened in 2012. But that's about all we do know. You can find it on page 103 of the 465-page IGADF report, which has been sending shockwaves through the Defence community and Government more broadly since its release on Thursday. Brereton report on Australian war crimes throws light on a culture of secrecy and cover-up - ABC News. In the early days of the Abbott Government, the then minister for immigration and border protection, Scott Morrison, would appear in what is known as the Blue Room at Parliament House to give updates on the new government's Operation Sovereign Borders.
Except there wasn't ever much of an update. As has proved his style ever since, Morrison was not a big believer in actually informing the public. Questions about how many boats — or asylum seekers — may have been on their way to Australia (the target of the operation being to deter them and turn them back), the minister would describe them as "on-water matters" which he wouldn't discuss. Amid lots of flags and bunting carrying the logos of the operation and the Australian Federal Police, standing beside Morrison was Lieutenant General Angus Campbell — the first commander of Operation Sovereign Borders.
Campbell always looked rather uncomfortable at those early briefings, a uniformed prop to what was a very heavily politicised message. Scott Morrison flags backdown on Kyoto climate change carry-over credits - ABC News. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has signalled he may reverse one of the most controversial aspects of the Federal Government's climate change policy: using Kyoto "carry-over" credits to help meet Paris agreement emissions reduction targets.
Key points: Australia's target is to cut emissions by 26 to 28 per cent based on 2005 levelsThe use of carry-over credits is not banned but few other countries are using themThe Greens want Australia to commit to not using the credit "loophole" In an address to a private dinner hosted the Business Council of Australia, Mr Morrison said it was his ambition to "not need them" and this was a "goal" for the Federal Government. NT Government approves McArthur River Mine expansion against advice of sacred sites authority - ABC News.
The Northern Territory Government has approved a major expansion of Glencore's McArthur River zinc mine against the advice of its own sacred site authority, which says it has not cleared the work to go ahead. Key points: Glencore has been given permission to expand its lead and zinc mine near BorroloolaTraditional owners are angered and upset approval has been given despite their oppositionThe NT Government says approval must still be sought for some work that could damage sacred sites The Government's approval of the company's mining management plan allows Glencore to double the size of its mining pit and waste rock dump at the lead and zinc mine near Borroloola in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Announcing the approval on Thursday, NT Resources Minister Nicole Manison said the management plan would ensure the mine continued to operate "in an environmentally safe and responsible manner", while supporting more than a thousand jobs. Do humanities graduates have the same job prospects as science graduates? - ABC News. The claim The Federal Government's "job-ready graduates" package has come under fire for building unfairness into university student fees.
From 2021, new science students will benefit from cuts while fees for many humanities and social science courses will double. Education Minister Dan Tehan said the legislated changes would "incentivise students to make more job-relevant choices". However, Margaret Gardner, chair of the Group of Eight research universities, told ABC listeners the policy ignored the evidence on which degrees actually lead to employment.
"People who do humanities degrees and social science degrees get jobs at about exactly the same rate as science graduates," she said. Is she correct? The verdict. ASIC acting chair says former chairman refused to implement governance changes - ABC News. The head of the Australian Securities and Investment's Commission (ASIC) says the regulator could have avoided being embroiled in an overpayments scandal had its former chairman agreed to change ASIC's governance. Key points: ASIC's acting chair Karen Chester said former chair James Shipton had refused her recommendation to change ASIC's governance structureMs Chester said Mr Shipton was in charge of informing the commission of his own overpayments that were flagged by the ANAOThe auditor-general and former government commissioners say problems with ASIC's governance and culture are what led to the overpayments not being addressed for two years ASIC acting chair Karen Chester appeared before a Parliamentary Joint Committee on corporations and financial services on Wednesday, primarily to answer questions about why overpayments made to two former executive were not addressed by the watchdog.
Robodebt victims welcome the Federal Government's $1.2 billion settlement - ABC News. Victims of the Federal Government's controversial Robodebt system are welcoming a settlement that includes $112 million in compensation. The Federal Government made a late settlement before the trial beganThe class action's lead plaintiff, Katherine Prygodicz, said the settlement was a "relief"The deal now needs the approval of the Federal Court A class action trial was due to begin on Monday, but the Commonwealth settled at the last minute. The total value of the deal is $1.2 billion — $721 million was announced in May when the Federal Government agreed to repay debts it illegally clawed back from 327,000 Australians.
Federal Government settles $1.2b Robodebt class action over unlawful debt scheme - ABC News. The Commonwealth has agreed to a settlement worth $1.2 billion over its unlawful Robodebt recovery program, which raised automated debts against welfare recipients. Key points: The Commonwealth had already agreed to repay $721 million in wrongfully collected debtsHundreds of millions of dollars in debts the Government was still pursuing will be dropped as part of the settlementLabor says it will continue to pursue a royal commission into the debt recovery program The Robodebt scheme has been widely criticised for using computer algorithms to raise debts against hundreds of thousands of welfare recipients, with little to no human oversight. In May, the Federal Government agreed to pay back $721 million to more than 370,000 people who were wrongly pursued. Today's settlement includes that amount, plus $112 million in compensation and a decision to drop a further $398 million in debts wrongly raised.
The matter was meant to go to trial today. NT Government's urgent liquor laws could overturn rejections of two Palmerston bottle shops - ABC News. Decisions about two liquor licence applications for bottle shops in Palmerston, opposed by Northern Territory Police, will be fast tracked under new laws rushed through Parliament this week. The Canberra bubble investigation points to an underlying problem we seem to see over and over again - ABC News.
Scott Morrison made global news this week for all the wrong reasons. The Prime Minister was holding a press conference with his Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston, on Tuesday. Foxtel given $10 million federal grant without plan for spending it, FOI documents reveal - ABC News. Foxtel has been given a blank sheet for choosing how to spend a $10 million Federal Government grant and does not need to submit anything about it until next year, documents reveal. Dr Charles Perkins Memorial Oration keynote speech sees Pat Turner say government partnerships key to Indigenous advancement - ABC News. 'Urgent' NT bill drops requirement to consider 'community impact' of proposed Darwin liquor store - ABC News. The long-running bid to open a large Dan Murphy's outlet in Darwin could be decided without public interest and community impact requirements, under new laws being rushed through NT Parliament.
The bill was announced yesterday and is set to pass "on urgency" tomorrowIt could allow a Dan Murphy's store to be greenlit without consideration of its community impactIt would also void an earlier decision by the Liquor Commission to reject the proposal The NT Government yesterday outlined its plan to fast track a decision on the Endeavour Drinks Group's (EDG) application to build the outlet on land near the Darwin airport, which was rejected by the independent Liquor Commission on public health grounds.
NT Government to sidestep independent Liquor Commission in long-running Dan Murphy's decision process - ABC News. A decision on a fiercely fought bid for a liquor megastore in Darwin will rest with a government bureaucrat after NT Labor vowed to rush through legislation that sidelines the independent Liquor Commission the Government itself established. Christian Porter was warned over public behaviour with young female staffer by then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull - ABC News. Cabinet minister Christian Porter was warned by then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull about his public behaviour with a young female Liberal staffer, because of Mr Turnbull's concerns he could be at risk of compromise or blackmail. Key points: Impoverished Australians are choosing to take their chances over 'punitive' JobSeeker - ABC News.
Being poor is not something Catriona McMillan feels she should be ashamed of, but it is still an "embarrassing" admission. Dan Murphy's Darwin store still unclear but NT Government could step in again to help out - ABC News. Chief Minister Michael Gunner has flagged further potential intervention in the long-running bid to open a large-scale Dan Murphy's outlet in Darwin, as the liquor giant looks set to stretch its licence battle into a fifth year.
Key points: A Labor spokesman says the Government wants the controversial application "resolved" as quickly as possibleWoolworths' Endeavour Drinks Group has lobbied for an overriding ministerial power to approve licencesChief Minister Michael Gunner is refusing to say what action the Government is considering. Federal Government handed almost $1m in contracts to controversial aged care executive Gary Barnier - ABC News. The Federal Government handed almost $1 million in contracts to a controversial aged care executive without contacting any other potential suppliers. 'Second-class citizens': Call for action over the Australian visa the UN says is a problem - ABC News. Companies are telling older people not to bother applying in JobMaker job ads. Is that legal? - ABC News. This letter reveals everything you need to know about the Liberal Party's problem with women - ABC News. Former AFP officer says any 'federal ICAC' must have the power to tap politicians' phones - ABC News.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells Scott Morrison it's time for 'bold action' on climate change - ABC News. Q+A tackles ethical breaches including Leppington Triangle, Australia Post and Scott Morrison's delay of national integrity commission - ABC News. Union says Australia Post problems extend past luxury watches - ABC News. LNP's Queensland election pitch to enforce Townsville and Cairns youth curfew slammed by community leaders as 'archaic' - ABC News. Illegal worker amnesty ruled out by Government infuriating farmers calling for an industry clean out - ABC News.
Government ban on NT Independent news outlet sets dangerous precedent, experts say - ABC News. Rescinding of responsible lending legislation means it's open slather for the big banks - ABC News. Job ready university degrees may not be the tertiary education solution we are hoping for - ABC News. Renewable energy agencies to be allowed to invest in low emissions technology - ABC News. Mike Cannon-Brookes ready to take on PM's energy challenge — without a gas-fired plant - ABC News. 'We are relying on a pinky promise': The problem with the Government moving its environmental powers to states - ABC News. Federal Government spending $5 billion per year on consultants as gig economy grows inside public service - ABC News.
British judge rejects Julian Assange's bid to delay US extradition hearing - ABC News. AMA president Omar Khorshid on leading doctors out of the coronavirus pandemic - ABC News. NT business groups warn Gunner Government against chasing 'fanciful' economic recovery projects - ABC News. How to engineer a gas-led coronavirus economic recovery and save $6 billion - ABC News. What the ATO's tax returns won't tell you this year, and it's not about your refund - ABC News. Australia's economy was weak before coronavirus. Could a 'job guarantee' help repair the economy? - ABC News. NSW Government concerned by Sydney councils failing to comply with transparency rules - ABC News. Universities and contemporary music appear to have been left out of plans for a coronavirus economic recovery - ABC News. Mothers want maternity services restored at Mossman as babies born on highways, loungeroom floors. Paul Fletcher says ABC funding is rising each year. Is he correct? - ABC News.
Amid the coronavirus economic crisis, cutting taxes for the wealthy is the worst possible response - ABC News. New public housing shelved to cover blow-out in NT coronavirus home reno scheme - ABC News. An arts degree has long been the butt of predictable joke but there's another side - ABC News. China seems intent on using its economic heft to intimidate Australia — but the Government is eyeing off a new plan - ABC News. How Australia's 'panic and neglect' funding cycle has left us vulnerable to pandemics like coronavirus - ABC News.
Ranger Mine locked in stoush over funding for Kakadu uranium rehabilitation monitoring - ABC News. Morrison Government opens door to paying for cleaner coal and gas with climate funds - ABC News. The dog fight over school funding that went all the way to the High Court - ABC News. Labor raises questions over emails from Prime Minister's office to Bridget McKenzie's over sports grants - ABC News. Coronavirus crisis has driven a wedge between Australia and China. Difficult times lie ahead for Morrison - ABC News. Science denial among the greatest risks to humanity, new 'call to arms' report finds. One-to-one solar feed-in tariff scrapped, battery subsidies announced in NT renewables changes. Australia's coronavirus spending to protect economy dwarfs the GFC stimulus package. Crunching global coronavirus ICU data will save lives in 'swamped' Australian hospitals, says expert.
Scott Morrison's 'f-word' misread the public mood on the coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus has forced politicians out of their ideological comfort zones. In the Northern Territory, survivors of sexual assault are banned from speaking to the media. Australia's economy was not in perfect health before the bushfires and coronavirus.
NT Government hands loan contract for its $89 million Local Jobs Fund to Queensland firm. Government added projects to 'sports rorts' funding list just hours after Scott Morrison called election. Alinta Energy to be investigated over handling of customer information. Scott Morrison is facing two important challenges, but coronavirus may offer the easiest political solution. Health boss destroyed notes relating to sports rorts spreadsheet meeting - Politics. Scott Morrison, Jacinda Ardern clash over policy to deport convicted New Zealand nationals. Scott Morrison, Jacinda Ardern clash over policy to deport convicted New Zealand nationals. Plan to ban cash purchases over $10,000 set to become law as Senate inquiry gives thumbs up.
Energy policy shake-up flagged as Government looks to dump solar, wind investment - ABC Rural - ABC News. The Government is facing an existential threat, but unlike coronavirus, it's completely in its control. How old newspaper clippings in ABC archives played a key part in The Eleventh podcast about Gough Whitlam's dismissal - Radio - ABC News. Farmers wait for Government's $100 million water to flow months after drought deal announced - Politics.
Generation Z employees pose dilemma for some employers, and technology is key for retaining younger staff. Coronavirus and climate are problems in need of a political message and Scott Morrison is hard at work. Sports grants scheme gave money to club in Scott Morrison's electorate that had already built facility - Politics. Bob Brown Foundation forest protesters no longer face big fines after regulator withdraws ban. Gas giants misled governments and it is costing Australian jobs, ACCC boss says. Why Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg should rethink the surplus. Why Germans all agree on shutting down the coal industry. Proposed coal-fired power station for Collinsville could become white elephant, economist warns.
CWA infuriated by Federal Government's 'disrespectful' drought grants program - Politics. In politics, the question you're asked is just as important as the context in which you answer. Jacqui Lambie calls for Australians to 'trust' her on Q+A after calling out Morrison Government over sports grants scandal. Centrelink sent Tracey a $45,500 parenting allowance bill, but she doesn't have any children. The sports grants saga isn't going away, and it means Scott Morrison will need to change tack. Mogo pop-up town centre built to help bushfire recovery for local business and community. Power bills to fall in next two years as political stoush over coal continues. Things are looking desperate for the Government, and any distraction is a good one. Volunteer groups unhappy after local MPs get power to vet requests for federal grants. Vietnam War veterans urge Darren Chester to deliver equal funeral benefits.
Closing the Gap report shows only two targets on track as PM pushes for Indigenous-led refresh.