PoliticsNow: Attorney-General Christian Porter denies raping girl, takes leave for mental health
Christian Porter will not step down as Attorney-General but will take a ‘short period of leave’ to improve his mental health after denying allegations he raped of a young woman in 1988.
- Porter names himself as accused minister
- Abuse ‘not unique to parliament’: Grace Tame
- Sidoti resigns ahead of ICAC probe
- ADF chief warning to cadets
- ‘Wise to be China’s friend’: diplomat
Welcome to live coverage of the latest political headlines from Canberra and beyond.
Attorney-General Christian Porter says he won’t stand down but will take leave for his mental health after declaring his innocence over an alleged historic rape. Australian of the Year Grace Tame has told the National Press Club sexual abuse and cover up culture is not unique to parliament: it is rife in Australian society. ADF chief warns first year cadets being alone, attractive, drunk and out late made them vulnerable to sexual predators.
Joseph Lam 9.15pm: Porter’s office hits back at queries
Christian Porter’s office has hit back at questions over his press conference on Wednesday, saying the Attorney-General has yet to receive “substantive” contact from anyone on the rape allegations against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, a spokesman for the Attorney-General said:
“There’s not much point putting the allegations to the Attorney-General after they’ve been printed.”
He added: “Some media outlets are disputing the statement from the Attorney-General today that he had never been contacted by anyone in any substantive form about the allegations against him.
“Clearly, in considering the Attorney-General’s media conference in full, he was referring to never having received in any substantive form the allegations against him before they were aired on ABC last Friday and not to enquiries driven by the ABC’s airing of the allegations.”
Mr Porter had not received documents from the complainant that were the basis of recent reports, the spokesman said.
“Further, the Attorney-General has never seen or had put to him the statement or pack of documents from the complainant that media has used as the basis for their reporting.
“To have received them when he was the subject of them and they were matters for law enforcement agencies, it would have been inappropriate for him to access them.”
Joseph Lam8.45pm: Frydenberg backs Porter
Josh Frydenberg says Christian Porter has his support, along with that of the Prime Minister.
Hours after the Attorney-General held a press conference to deny a historical rape allegation on Wednesday, The Treasurer told Alan Jones on Sky News that Mr Porter had been held to a different standard then other politicians facing similar allegations.
“Well, there’s been no doubt in mind that some have sought to politicise this,” he said.
“When matters were raised about other members of parliament, different standards were applied.
“In Christian’s case, people have sought to hold him to a different standard.”
Mr Frydenbger said Mr Porter is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
“You could see from his press conference today the enormous impact it has had on his mental health,” he said.
“You could just see that anguish on his face and you could hear it in his voice.
Mr Frydenberg said the only authority capable of dealing with “such serious” allegations against Mr Porter is the police.
Joseph Lam8pm:Vaccine inequality a ‘catastrophic moral failure’
The world is on the brink of a “catastrophic moral failure”, the WHO says in its latest push for vaccine equity.
In a series of tweets on Wednesday, the World Health Organisation called upon all countries to ensure health workers would be vaccinated first. The call to action is part of its worldwide COVAX campaign. which calls for all frontline workers to be vaccinated within the first 100 days of 2021.
The 🌎ðŸŒðŸŒ is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure. It’s unacceptable that younger, healthier populations in rich countries may get the #COVID19 vaccine before health workers around the world.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 3, 2021
Sign the #VaccinEquity declaration:
👉 https://t.co/A5OzBgY9oipic.twitter.com/5cd1yq5vQz
“It’s unacceptable that younger, healthier populations in rich countries may get the #COVID19 vaccine before health workers around the world,” read one tweet.
“The (world) is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure — and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries,” read another.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged governments to not let politics get in the way of vaccine rollouts and to stop vaccine nationalism — the practice of signing exclusive agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“If governments compete for vaccines, most countries could miss out. Vaccine nationalism hurts us all and is self defeating,” Dr Ghebreyesus said.
A statement from WHO said while vaccine distribution was underway in more than 70 countries, less developed nations were being left out.
“In the majority of low- and middle-income countries, vaccination has not even started which is a catastrophe as hospitals fill up.”
Adam Creighton7.15pm: Signs of boom indicate wild ride is not over
It’s easy to be a genius in hindsight, but it’s looking increasingly clear the government and the Reserve Bank did too much to actively stimulate the economy rather than try to tide over households and businesses specifically affected by pandemic restrictions.
Agencies6.30pm:NZ eyes Australia-style media deals with tech firms
New Zealand has called on Google and Facebook to strike deals with Kiwi media similar to those reached in Australia, which require the tech giants to pay for using news.
Broadcast Minister Kris Faafoi said he was considering rules implementing the same type of arrangements for New Zealand’s struggling media sector but hoped the deals could be reached through negotiation.
“Last week I met with both Google and Facebook,” he told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.
“I’m confident that commercial discussions taking place between traditional media and digital platforms will also begin here in New Zealand and I encourage that.”
Australia last week passed legislation requiring Big Tech to pay for news generated by local media companies, which have long complained that digital giants are sucking up their advertising revenue while also using their content.
Facebook and Google did succeed in having some provisions of the new law watered down, meaning the deals are more likely to arise from negotiations than being imposed by regulators.
It followed a bitter row that included Facebook attempting to flex its muscles by briefly blacking out Australian news from the platform.
Mr Faafoi said the progress of talks in New Zealand would determine how the government framed its regulations on the issue.
“They will be heavily influenced by the nature of the actions and discussions between the platforms and media companies,” he said.
He said New Zealand media were facing a financial crisis at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic meant their work was increasingly important.
“The media’s role through the pandemic was key to New Zealand’s successful response,” he said.
“As minister, I’m committed to supporting the sector... and to deliver the change required to make it stronger and sustainable in the future.”
Richard Gerguson5.55pm:Coroner yet to decide on inquest
South Australian state coroner David Whittle has yet to determine whether he hold an inquest into the the death of the woman who accused Attorney-General Christian Porter of raping her in 1988.
The woman died by suicide in June last year. Hours before her death, she told NSW Police she did not want to pursue an investigation against Mr Porter.
Mr Whittle said in a statement on Thursday that SA Police is still investigating the circumstances of her death and whether a coronial inquest is needed.
“Whilst SAPOL has provided information to me, I determined that the investigation is incomplete. This was particularly evident having regard to information contained in recent media reports,” he said.
“Counsel Assisting the State Coroner was allocated to assist SAPOL in the direction of the further investigations which I have requested.
“The investigation is continuing and once that investigation has been completed to my satisfaction, I shall determine whether to hold an inquest.”
Mr Porter has vigoriously denied the rape accusation.
Max Maddison5.05pm:Sidoti quits Liberal Party
John Sidoti has quit the Liberal Party, just hours after he resigned from the NSW ministry, saying he was concerned his presence may be “used as a distraction”.
After the Independent Court Against Corruption announced a four-week inquiry into allegations the Drummoyne MP “improperly influenced” the advancements of multiple development sites in Five Dock, the Drummoyne MP said he “absolutely rejected” the accusations.
However, the former minister for sport, multiculturalism, seniors and veterans said the decision to move to the cross bench stemmed from concerns that the month-long corruption inquiry would be used against the Berejiklian government.
“For that reason I have decided to voluntarily remove myself from the Liberal Party
Room, and sit on the cross-bench, for the duration of the ICAC investigation and I look
forward to returning to it after my name has been cleared,” Mr Sidoti said on Wednesday afternoon.
The public ICAC inquiry begins on March 29.
Adeshola Ore4.45pm:Hanson-Young calls for inquiry
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has refuted Attorney-General Christian Porter’s claim that an independent inquiry into a historic rape allegation against him would set a precedent that any person could lose their job based on an accusation.
In an emotiioanl press conference, Mr Porter vehemently denied raping a 16-year-old girl when he was a teenager in 1988, as he identified himself as the cabinet minister accused of an alleged historical rape.
Mr Porter has ruled out standing down from cabinet but said he would take a period of leave to seek professional help for his mental health.
“How do we resolve it? How do we ensure that the integrity of our government, the integrity of the ministers who hold office?” Senator Hanson-Young told the ABC.
“Of course there’s no precedent because we haven’t been there before.”
“Without some process put in place the question will never be resolved.”
Adeshola Ore3.55pm:Porter to look at defamation options
Christian Porter says he is looking at defamation options against media outlets that published reports of a historic rape allegation against him, as he lashed a “public trial by media.”
Mr Porter said he had not received a detailed account of the allegation from any media outlet or journalist.
“Over the last week so much has been said of every imaginable type. Some other stuff online is just, just incredible,” he said.
“I will look at it all.”
Mr Porter sought legal advice following days of claims and after former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said everybody knew who he was.
Anne Barrowclough3.50pm: Claimant ‘showed us how to iron shirts’
Mr Porter said he could recall the young woman showing himself and three other boys in their debating group how to iron their shirts. But asked if he told her: “You’d make a good wife,” he said he couldn’t recall saying such a thing.
Mr Porter said when he read a story about his alleged remark, “It sparked a memory.
“There were four of us, three boys and this person, whose name I can’t even say because of the situation we’re in,” he said.
“I don’t think any of us had ever ironed a shirt before and I recall she showed us how to do that.”
He didn’t remember telling the girl she would make a ‘good wife’.
However, he added: “It’s not impossible that was said in a joking way.”
Adeshola Ore3.35pm:Porter: I understand what Shorten went through
Attorney-General Christian Porter says he now understands what former Labor leader Bill Shorten went through when Victoria Police closed an investigation into historical rape allegations against him.
Mr Shorten made a similar public statement in August 2014 after the police closed the investigation.
Government sources said Mr Shorten did not have to stand down as leader when the investigation was underway and there was no independent probe into the allegation after police inquiries concluded.
“I followed the rules and did precisely the same thing the former opposition leader did,” Mr Porter said.
“I make no criticism of the former opposition leader. I now understand what he went through. He also followed the rules and he did the difficult thing asked of all of us by law enforcement authorities.”
But Mr Porter said Mr Shorten had not faced a “public trial by media.”
Adeshola Ore3.30pm: Complainant ‘bright, happy person’
Mr Porter said he remembered the complainant as an “ intelligent, bright, happy person”.
He said he had not had contact with her since 1988 when they met during high school debating competitions when he was 17 and had never heard the claims against him.
Adeshola Ore3.25pm: Porter: I’ll take leave for my mental health
Attorney-General Christian Porter has confirmed he will not step down from his cabinet role in the wake of a historic rape allegation, but says he will take a “short period of leave” to improve his mental leave.
An emotional Mr Porter said if he stepped down from his position as Attorney-General it would set a precedent that an allegation can force someone to quit their job.
“If I stand down from my position as Attorney-General, because of an allegation about something that simply did not happen then any person in Australia can lose their career, their job, their life’s work based on nothing more than an accusation that appears in print,” he said.
“Anyone in public life is able to be removed simply by the printing of an allegation.”
Adeshola Ore3.20pm:Porter ‘never contacted’ by journalists reporting claims
Mr Porter also apologised to his cabinet colleagues who he said had been the target of “allegations and speculation”.
“My colleagues have become the target of allegations and speculation themselves. My colleagues, my friends, and I’m deeply sorry to each of them for that.”
An emotional Mr Porter said before last Friday, he had heard a rumour by a “small number of people” that he had “somehow offended against someone decades ago.”
Mr Porter said he had not received any chance to respond to the allegations by journalists who had reported the story.
“I have never been contacted in any substantial form by anyone,” he said.
Adeshola Ore3.10pm:Porter: ‘What is alleged didn’t happen’
Attorney-General Christian Porter has said the allegation that he raped a woman when he was a teenager is false.
Mr Porter has identified himself as the cabinet minister accused of a historic 1988 rape and spoken publicly for the first time since the story broke on Friday,
Mr Porter said the allegation “simply did not happen” and added he could only speak “the truth”
“Nothing in the allegations that have been printed ever happened,” he said.
“Even now the only information I have about the allegations is what has been circulating online and in certain media outlets.”
“Because what is being alleged did not happen, I must say so publicly,” he said as he began his statement..
Mr Porter said he only knew the woman for the “briefest periods” when they participated in debating competitions at high school.
Scott Morrison has faced unrelenting pressure to take action against Mr Porter after NSW Police confirmed the investigation into the allegation had been closed due to ‘ insufficient admissible evidence.”
The alleged rape took place in Sydney. NSW police began investigating the allegations after the woman came forward in 2019 but suspended inquiries — known as Strike Force Wyndarra — at her request. She died shortly after.
The Australian Federal Police also said it would not pursue the claims because they do not fall in its jurisdiction.
Staff writers3.00pm:A-G Porter identifies himself as rape accused minister
Attorney-General Christian Porter has come forward to identify himself as the Morrison government minister accused of raping a woman when he was a teenager.
With Scott Morrison under unrelenting pressure to take action against him, the Attorney-General is now making a public statement.
He has sought legal advice following days of claims and after former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said everybody knew who he was.
READ MORE:Case closure means clear precedent on behaviour
Anne Barrowclough2.20pm:Accused minister to give press conference at 3pm
The Morrison government minister accused of raping a woman when he was a teenager will give a press conference at 3pm today.
The minister will publicly declare his innocence for the first time after police investigating the matter said it was “now closed”.
READ MORE:Accused minister to identify himself
Ellie Dudley1.55pm:Russian variant extends Qld quarantine
Two out of three of the cases detected in hotel quarantine in Queensland today have been confirmed to be the Russian B1.1.317 variant.
The identification of the new variant in Australia has forced travellers on the same flight as those infected to extend their hotel quarantine by five days.
The returned travellers infected with the virus arrived in Queensland on February 17 on Qatar Airways flight QR898 from Doha.
“At this time, the Russian variant is not considered a variant of concern, but as the variant is very new, we are remaining cautious while we learn more about its incubation period and transmissibility,” a spokesperson from Queensland Health said.
The state health authority said the decision to keep the travellers on the same flight in quarantine is “necessary to protect Queenslanders.”
“This new variant has meant we’ve had to extend the mandatory 14 day quarantine period for another five days and organise additional testing for 74 travellers who may have been exposed to this new variant,” a spokesperson said.
“We want to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the extended quarantine period, but these measures are necessary to protect Queenslanders.”
Genomic testing is also underway for the third traveller who tested positive to COVID-19 and was linked to this flight.
Queensland Health has confirmed “there is no risk to the community.”
Flight QR898 continued onto New Zealand, and the health authority is also liaising with New Zealand health authorities regarding a fourth person linked to this flight that has since tested positive.
READ MORE:Qld, Victoria trail nation on vaccine rollout
Richard Ferguson1.40pm:Chalmers: GDP figures disguise pandemic pain
Opposition treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers says national account figures showing a GDP recovery of more than three per cent in the last year disguise the pain the pandemic has caused.
Dr Chalmers on Wednesday accused the Morrison government of preparing a budget “full of rorts” for May and said government COVID-19 economic support should continue.
“The answer here to all challenges in our economy isn’t cuts to wages, cuts to super or cuts to government support. It isn’t taxpayer funded executive bonuses in a budget which is riddled with rorts,” he said in Sydney.
“The answer here is investment in secure and well-paid jobs, investment and cheaper and cleaner energy, investment and aged care and childcare, investment in training and apprenticeships. That is the right kind of recovery for this country.
“The Government is taking us on a different path. The Government is in a crisis which is incapable of managing the economy in the interests of ordinary working people.”
READ MORE:Economy’s 3.1pc growth smashes expectations
Richard Ferguson1.22pm: JobKeeper plan by end of March: Frydenberg
Josh Frydenberg has foreshadowed the unveiling of post-JobKeeper support by the end of the month as businesses prepare to lose access to government wage subsidies.
The government has already revealed JobMaker hiring credits after JobKeeper to support new jobs for younger Australians.
The Treasurer said on Wednesday that regions and industries still in economic shock from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have his support, and more will be revealed before April.
“We are still working through those options. We’ll have more to say about that before the end of March,” he said in Canberra.
“There are regions and sectors … but our support will be ongoing.”
READ MORE:Time’s up for JobKeeper, says COVID tsar
Ellie Dudley1.20pm:‘It shouldn’t take having children to have a conscience’
Rape survivor and Australian of the Year Grace Tame has responded to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comment that it wasn’t until his wife asked him to imagine his children were assaulted that he realised the breadth of the issue of rape in Parliament House.
“It shouldn’t take having children to have a conscience,” Ms Tame said as she fielded questions after addressing the National Press Club today..”
“And, actually, on top of that, having children doesn’t guarantee a conscience.”
When asked about comments made from ADF chief Angus Campbell that first-year cadets should not make themselves “prey” to sexual predators, Ms Tame said: “That’s not helpful rhetoric at all.”
“That feeds the idea that this is something that a victim has to foresee and stop themselves, as if they’re to blame.”
Ellie Dudley1.07pm:Abuse is ‘not unique to parliament’: Grace Tame
Australian of the Year Grace Tame has said both cover up culture and abuse of power is “not unique to parliament” but rife in Australian society.
Ms Tame said it was not individual, parliamentary cases that encourage her to do the work she is doing for rape survivors, but “the issue itself”.
“I was doing this work before it dominated the national stage,” she said. as she addressed the National Press Club.
“It is heightened right now, because it’s happening in the centre of our country, in parliament, but like I said it’s not unique to parliament. It happens everywhere.”
When speaking to a proposed inquiry into alleged sexual abuse in Parliament House, Ms Tame said more resources should be put into prevention, rather than responses.
“We’re seeing a lot of resources put into responses to child sexual abuse,” she said.
“I want to see more resources put into prevention of it from happening in the first place, so that we don’t have to be scrambling when these things happen.”
READ MORE: Accused minister prepares to identify himself
Richard Ferguson12.30pm:‘World leading’: Frydenberg hails GDP recovery
Josh Frydenberg has hailed Australia’s rapid GDP recovery from the coronavirus pandemic as “world leading” and proof the economy can survive the reduction in government COVID support.
National accounts figures on Wednesday showed the economy expanded by 3.1 per cent in the December quarter. Last year’s September quarter growth figure was also revised higher, to 3.4 per cent from 3.3 per cent.
The Treasurer said on Wednesday that Australia’s economic recovery was outpacing many similar countries and it was the first time in 60 years there had been two consecutive quarters of growth over 3 per cent.
“Today’s national accounts shows that the Australian economy is strengthening, and the Morrison government’s economic recovery plan is working,” he said in Canberra.
“Our economy outperformed all other advanced economies in 2020. While the United Kingdom contracted by 9.9%, Italy, 8.9%, France, 8.2%, Canada, 5%, Japan, 4.8%, the United
States, 3.3%, Australia was only down by 2.5%.
“What is particularly pleasing in today’s numbers is that as our emergency support is tapering off, the private sector is stepping up. In the December quarter, direct economic support from the Federal Government halved, yet at the same time, the economy grew by 3/1 per cent.”
READ MORE: Economy’s 3.1pc growth smashes expectations
Ellie Dudley11.30am:Berejiklian repeats vaccine rollout plea
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has again pleaded for the federal government to provide information to the states regarding the vaccine roll out.
“[We are] keen to get information from the Commonwealth on the number of doses we’re going to get,” she said. “We have yet to receive it in writing.”
Ms Berejiklian said the state health authorities were “also keen” to know which of the country’s aged care facilities have received the vaccine so “we can be ready in case our health system has to deal with any matters relating to that.”
Today, NSW recorded no new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19, along with six in overseas travellers.
A total of 17,047 tests reported in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 7,576.
Ms Berejiklian confirmed around 14,600 people have now been vaccinated in NSW.
Hubs administering the Pfizer vaccine will be separated from those giving the AstraZeneca vaccine, however Ms Berejiklian said: “There is no doubt that a point in time in the next few weeks, the volume and supply the AstraZeneca vaccine completely rollover the top of the Pfizer.”
She added: “We’re one team as far as I’m concerned, but to be one team we need to be making sure we’re sharing information with each other,” referring to the relationship between the federal and state governments.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government had been “very active” in obtaining the vaccines in “very trying times.”
However, as the NSW government was “trying to work with them”, Mr Hazzard also asked for “full transparency.”
READ MORE: Qld, Victoria way behind on vaccine rollout
Richard Ferguson11.15am:PM speaks with Harris on climate, China
Scott Morrison has spoken with US Vice President Kamala Harris about the challenges of tackling climate change, a rising China, and the Myanmar military coup.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, the White House said the Prime Minister and Ms Harris reaffirmed their support for the US-Australia alliance, and pledged to work together on post-pandemic economic recovery and issues affecting the Indo-Pacific.
“The Vice President and Prime Minister discussed opportunities for further co-operation on global and regional challenges, including those posed by climate change, China, Burma, and other regional issues,” a White House spokesman said.
“They also agreed on the importance of working together, alongside other allies and partners, on promoting economic recovery from the pandemic and advancing democratic values globally.
“The Vice President and Prime Minister pledged to further US-Australia co-operation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
Ms Harris became the highest ranking woman in the history of the US government in January when she was sworn in as President Joe Biden’s No 2.
She is considered the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination should the 78-year-old president choose not to run in 2024, putting her in pole position to be America’s first female leader.
READ MORE:Rio chair to exit after cave destruction
Max Maddison11.10am:Sidoti resigns ahead of month long ICAC probe
NSW Minister John Sidoti has resigned from Gladys Berejiklian’s ministry after the ICAC announced it will launch an investigation into the Liberal MP.
Mr Sidoti will face the Independent Commission Against Corruption in a month-long public inquiry into allegations he “improperly influenced” the advancements of multiple Five Dock development sites.
The corruption watchdog will also explore allegations that Mr Sidoti failed to disclose “a number of” his financial interests.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, ICAC confirmed the public hearing into the Drummoyne MP would begin on March 29.
“The Commission is investigating allegations that, between 26 March 2011 and 6 February 2018, Mr Sidoti improperly influenced another person, or persons, to dishonestly or partially exercise any of their official functions,” the ICAC statement said.
The investigation will focus on allegations Mr Sidoti attempted to advance “amendments to development controls affecting land” and “any rezoning of the land and/or any proposals to develop the land.”
READ the full story
Adeshola Ore11.05am:Albanese calls on PM to show leadership over minister
Anthony Albanese says Scott Morrison must show leadership in dealing with his cabinet minister at the centre of a historic rape allegation, despite police closing the investigation.
The Morrison government minister accused of raping a woman when he was a teenager in 1988 will today publicly declare his innocence for the first time after police investigating the matter said it was “now closed”.
On Tuesday, NSW Police said there was “insufficient admissible evidence” to proceed with their investigation.
“It is clear that, in my mind, that this will require further leadership and action … I think people will be looking for further responses beyond any statement that might be made today by the minister,” the Opposition Leader said.
“I think people are looking for leadership on this issue. Scott Morrison is in a position to provide that leadership.”
READ MORE: Normal people would be insane to enter politics
Ellie Dudley10.55am:Albanese lashes ‘politicising’ of vaccine rollout
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has said “there is nothing this government wouldn’t politicise” when addressing suspicions that the vaccination rollout began in the Liberal held seat of Robertson for political gain.
“The government, if it continues to politicise these issues, it will be called out and it will be held to account for it,” Mr Albanese said.
“They politicise the community safety program, they politicise bushfire funding so that if you’re in the Blue Mountains, you’ve missed out on bushfire recovery funding.
“Now, the idea that the vaccine would be rolled out on a political basis … I find it mind boggling.”
Mr Albanese also addressed reports of comments made by ADF Chief Angus Campbell to first-year cadets in regards to behaviour that could make them “prey” to sexual predators.
“Women aren’t the problem here and their behaviour and going out at night, need to change the behaviour of men in all facets of society,” Mr Albanese said.
In regards to historical rape allegations in Parliament House – for which the accused minister will make a statement today – Mr Albanese said “the presumption innocence is a critical part of our legal system.”
However, he added that “now that the existing legal processes have been unable to proceed” – referencing the decision by NSW Police to close the investigation – “people will be looking for further responses beyond any statement that might be made today by the minister.”
READ MORE:Jabs blow hole in case for restrictions
Angelica Snowden10.45am:Andrews vows legislation to replace emergency powers
Daniel Andrews has vowed to design “pandemic specific” legislation to replace emergency powers later this year, after extending the powers until December.
“The legal framework is very important given that (the COVID-19 pandemic) is not over so this gives us some certainty,” Mr Andrews said.
“We will look to pandemic specific sections, so laws and rules and a legal framework that are not necessarily COVID specific,” he said.
“Some more specific pandemic … provisions, that is certainly something we are certainly working on.”
The Labor Party won support for an extension of the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (State of Emergency Extension) after they struck a deal with the Greens.
Leader Samantha Ratnam backed the extension after the government agreed to reduce COVID fines for young people and committed to review fines for disadvantaged communities.
READ MORE:RAAF drone cleared for takeoff
Lane Sainty10.35am:Leyonhjelm loses appeal against Hanson-Young costs
Former Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm has failed in a bid to overturn his court loss in a defamation case brought by Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
Mr Leyonhjelm was ordered to pay Ms Hanson-Young $120,000 and interest in the Federal Court of Australia in 2019.
The court found he had defamed her in media interviews following a heated dispute in the Senate in which he told Ms Hanson-Young to “stop shagging men”.
The ruling was upheld in a majority Full Federal Court decision on Wednesday.
Justices Michael Wigney and Wendy Abraham dismissed the appeal and ordered Mr Leyonhjelm pay Ms Hanson-Young’s costs.
But Justice Steven Rares said he disagreed and would have ruled in Mr Leyonhjelm’s favour.
READ MORE: Morrison runs Libs with shrewdness of Howard
Ellie Dudley10.30am: ICAC to probe NSW Liberal Sidoti
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is to hold a public inquiry into the property interests of Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti.
The Commission is investigating allegations that, between 26 March 2011 and 6 February 2018, Mr Sidoti improperly influenced another person or group of people to dishonestly or partially exercise any of their official functions in respect to property, a statement from ICAC today reads.
More specifically, the investigation will hear evidence regarding whether Mr Sidoti used his parliamentary position to advance amendments to development controls affecting land between Second Ave and Barnstaple Road on Waterview Street, Five Dock, any rezoning of the land or any proposals to develop the land situated at 120, 122 and 124 Great North Road, Five Dock, and 2 Second Ave, Five Dock.
The Commission will also examine whether, between 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2019, Mr Sidoti engaged in a breach of public trust by failing to make a number of financial interest disclosures contrary to his obligations to do so.
The inquiry will begin from March 29.
READ MORE:ICAC flags further hearings on Maguire
Ellie Dudley10.05am: No new cases in Queensland
Queensland has reported no new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19, marking a 51 day streak for the sunshine state.
Wednesday 3 March – coronavirus cases in Queensland:
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) March 2, 2021
• 0 new cases
• 13 active cases
• 1,335 total cases
• 1,970,686 tests conducted
Sadly, six Queenslanders with COVID-19 have died. 1,314 patients have recovered.#covid19pic.twitter.com/LaRtVSb06I
The state also recorded no new cases in overseas travellers after a total of 7808 tests were conducted.
The state now has 13 active cases.
Ellie Dudley 9.45am: NSW Libs adopt code of conduct
The NSW Liberal party has unanimously adopted a new code of conduct that will provide a “robust framework” to monitor and govern the behaviour of MPs in the wake of multiple scandals.
The code has been in development from 2019 and was passed yesterday evening.
President of the Liberal Party Philip Ruddock said the new code will ensure “behaviour that falls short of the standards set out in the code is dealt with appropriately.
“There is no doubt that harassment and assault are completely unacceptable in any circumstances,” he said. “Everyone is entitled to feel safe and no-one should have to be subjected to inappropriate behaviour of any kind.”
The new code defines what “unacceptable conduct” is for the party.
“Discrimination, vilification, bullying, threatening behaviour, harassment, including sexual harassment, physical violence and other forms of inappropriate behaviour are unlawful under Commonwealth, and NSW legislation,” it reads.
“Such behaviour is prohibited by the division and will not be tolerated.”
The NSW Liberals are also expected to instate an autonomous conduct review committee to deal with any complaints brought forth under the new code.
READ MORE:Emergency rules ring alarm bells for Libs
Ellie Dudley9.35am:Andrews defends extending state of emergency
Premier Daniel Andrews has defended his decision to extend the Victorian state of emergency, as the threat caused by the coronavirus pandemic is still “very real.”
The Victorian state of emergency was due to conclude in February, but a proposal for a nine-month extension was accepted in parliament last night, once the government received support from critical crossbenchers in the upper house.
The classification of a state of emergency allows the Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton to enforce mandates such as wearing masks.
Mr Andrews said the extension of the powers will help the government keep Victoria safe.
“The rules are not there for any reason other than to keep us safe and keep the place open,” he said.
“If we could have no rules at all then that would be fine, and if this was over by simply giving a speech in parliament or passing a law, then we would’ve done that a while ago.”
Meanwhile, the Opposition said the extension allows for “no serious checks on powers” for the current leaders.
Health Minister Martin Foley is expected to speak in greater detail about the state of emergency later today.
READ MORE: Millions on dole as jobs go begging
Ellie Dudley9.05am:US to have doses for all adults by May
President Joe Biden has said the United States will have enough doses for every adult American by the end of May.
The timeline has been pushed forward by two months from the government’s previous goal of July, after the administration approved the single-shot Johnson & Johnson jab on Saturday.
“We’re now on track to have enough vaccine supply for every adult in America by the end of May,” Mr Biden said.
“That’s progress. Important progress. But it is not enough to have the vaccine supply.”
“We need vaccinators, people who put the shots in people’s arms, millions of Americans’ arms.”
Mr Biden also announced American drugmaker Merck will help manufacture the new vaccine.
The White House also said it was utilising the Defense Production Act to help two Merck facilities manufacture the Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
They will bolster “fill-finish” capacity when the doses are placed in vials and will increase availability of the components of the vaccines.
READ MORE: US to take hard line on China
Adeshola Ore 9.00am:Keneally: PM has case to answer over accused minister
Labor Senator Kristina Keneally says Scott Morrison still has a case to answer regarding his cabinet minister at the centre of a historic rape allegation, despite police closing the investigation.
The Morrison government minister accused of raping a woman when he was a teenager in 1988 will today publicly declare his innocence for the first time after police investigating the matter said it was “now closed”. On Tuesday, NSW Police said there was “insufficient admissible evidence” to proceed with their investigation.
“The New South Wales Police have made a determination they cannot gather enough admissible evidence to take a case to trial,” Senator Keneally told Sky News.
“But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a case here to be answered in terms of whether or not the Prime Minister, who is responsible for the cabinet, has done enough to satisfy himself, his cabinet ministers and the Australian community that he has confidence in this ministry.”
She refused to say if she believed the accused minister should still hold his portfolio.
“Let’s wait to see what the minister has to say, who he is and what portfolio he holds. Because I think those are all very relevant questions,” she said.
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten made a public statement in August 2014 after Victoria Police closed an investigation into historical rape allegations.
Government sources said Mr Shorten did not have to stand down as leader when the investigation was afoot and there was no independent probe into the allegation after police inquiries concluded.
Senator Keneally said the comparison to Mr Shorten was “incomplete” because Victoria Police conducted a 10-month inquiry into the allegation.
“Only after that investigation by the police have been allowed to run its full course when they made a determination there was not a case to be prosecuted, only then did Mr. Shorten come forward and speak to the public,” she said.
“What we have here is a police investigation that can’t proceed, because the alleged victim has died and the police have determined they cannot gather enough admissible evidence. But there has not been a full investigation into these allegations. They have not been examined, as they need to be thoroughly and closely. And I think there are still very important questions.”
Senator Keneally also refused to say if Labor would press Mr Morrison to conduct an independent investigation into the allegation.
READ MORE: Kelly:Rape trial by media is threat to justice
Ellie Dudley8.45am:Victoria records no new cases
Victoria has recorded no new cases of locally-transmitted COVID-19 for the fifth day in a row.
Yesterday there were no new cases reported. 18,825 test results were received. Thanks for getting tested - #EveryTestHelps.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) March 2, 2021
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl0ZEco#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicDatapic.twitter.com/y8k76Xkqla
The state also had no new cases in overseas arrivals, after 18,825 tests were conducted over the past 24 hours.
Victoria currently has eight active cases.
READ MORE: Chips down for car buyers
Ellie Dudley8.40am:Victoria fast tracks mental health sites
The Victorian government has fast-tracked the delivery of six mental health priority sites across the state, after a royal commission into the mental health of Victorians presented 65 recommendations yesterday.
The six new sites will be the first of up to 60 across the state, providing a “front door” for anyone in the community to access mental health support, a statement from the state government said this morning.
“Establishing the new local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services is a key recommendation of the royal commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System,” the statement reads.
“They will help Victorians access help in the community earlier, before they need to access a hospital or when they reach a crisis point.”
The Andrews government yesterday said they will be accepting all 65 recommendations put forward by the commission.
“We’re building our mental health system from the ground up,” Dan Andrews said. “That means a system that actually provides people the care they need early – before they reach the ED, and in too many cases, before it’s too late.”
The government will “immediately” begin discussions with established local providers to discern the most appropriate locations for more sites.
READ MORE:Mental health system ‘catastrophic’
Ellie Dudley8.30am:Keneally lashes ADF chief’s ‘prey’ warning
Labor Senator Kristina Keneally has condemned the comments made by Defence Force chief Angus Campell.
In an induction to first year cadets, General Campbell told the young group not to make themselves “prey” to sexual predators by being out late, alone and “attractive”.
“I invite him to think about his language,” Ms Keneally told Sky News on Wednesday morning.
The former NSW premier also criticised Scott Morrison’s handling of the overseas traveller quarantine, pointing out the burden it has put on the states.
“I invite him to get a federal quarantine facility,” she said. “Scott Morrison doesn’t want the risk, but he is responsible.”
She also said the federal government has “shrunk” when it comes to state borders, attacking the Prime Minister’s decision to leave it up to the leaders of the states and territories.
“They’ve disappeared,” she said.
READ MORE: Coastal property riding a boom
Ellie Dudley 8.25am:‘Difficult’ for minister to remain
The lawyer of the woman behind the historic rape allegation at Parliament House has said it would be “very difficult” for the minister at the centre of the accusation to continue in his role, after he comes forward today.
The accused minister is expected to make a statement today about the allegations, after NSW Police dropped the investigation due to “insufficient evidence” yesterday.
“It’s a really important and appropriate step for him to take. It’s a necessary thing to happen,” lawyer Michael Bradley told Today.
Mr Bradley added that while the minister has the “presumption of innocence” the issue remains whether he can “continue in his role.”
In regards to an independent inquiry into the allegations, Mr Bradley said it should be conducted externally, and independent of the government.
“Yes, there needs to be an independent inquiry to look into this allegation and properly investigate it and come to a resolution,” he said.
“That should be external and independent of the government and of the parliament and I would think something like a judicial inquiry would be the most appropriate form.”
READ MORE:Accused minister to identify himself
Ellie Dudley8.05am:Brazilian variant increases chance of reinfection
The Brazilian variant of COVID-19 appears to be almost twice as transmissible as earlier variants, and could increase the chances of reinfection, new research has found.
The mutant strain that originated from Manaus, the Amazonian city hit hardest by the variant, known as P1, is twice as infectious, and the chances of reinfection are between 25 per cent and 60 per cent, according to new research.
Six cases have now been found in the UK, sparking fears of a further surge in cases across the country.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, however, told British parliament that “we have no information to suggest the variant has spread further.”
Professor Sharon Peacock, the director of the UK’s centre leading on genetic testing of coronavirus said the health authorities were “taking appropriate action” but they are yet to understand the impact of the variant on the country.
“These are very interesting and important findings for Brazil, but how they relate to the UK is yet to be determined,” she said
READ MORE:Million on dole as businesses struggle
Ellie Dudley7.45am:ADF chief warns cadets: don’t be predator prey
The Chief of the Defence Force told first year cadets not to make themselves “prey” to sexual predators, by being out late, alone, drunk and attractive.
General Angus Campbell told the young members of the Australian Defence Force Academy to protect themselves during an address to a new cohort.
He said the group must be aware of the “Four A’s” – alcohol, alone, attractive, and being out after midnight, The Canberra Times reported.
While many groups have condemned General Campbell’s controversial comments, Gen, Campbell has stood by the remarks. A statement released by the ADF said his comments helped the cadets “recognise and mitigate the threat posed by abusive or predatory individuals.”
“In his recent address to the new cohort of ADFA trainee officers, the CDF noted matters in the media regarding allegations of sexual harassment and assault,” the statement read.
“In his view, being aware of the four As – young, attractive people, noting the entire class fell into this risk factor; alcohol; after midnight; and alone – enabled the group to recognise and mitigate the threat posed by abusive or predatory individuals.
One female cadet said she felt “uncomfortable” by General Campbell’s comments, and was worried for the culture at the ADFA.
The culture of the ADF has been under scrutiny, after the number of charges for sexual assault laid against military personnel almost doubled in 2019.
At the time, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds issued a warning that “unacceptable behaviour” would be treated with the “utmost seriousness.”
In July 2020, the ADF’s sexual misconduct prevention and response office recorded an increase in personnel seeking support for how to deal with disclosures around sexual assault.
Last year 235 people directly affected by sexual misconduct sought advice.
Ms Reynolds is currently dealing with accusations of rape within her office, after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged three other ministers in the office knew about her assault and did nothing about it.
READ MORE:ADF called in to accelerate vaccine rollout
Ellie Dudley7.10am:‘Dangerous precedent’ if accused MP steps down
Nationals senator Matt Canavan has said Australians should “let our legal processes make precedence and hear everyone out” as the MP accused of an historic rape case in Parliament House is set to come forward today.
Yesterday, NSW Police closed the case, saying there was “insufficient admissible evidence” to proceed with the investigation.
Mr Canavan said he did not see “any reason” why the accused minister would have to step down from his role, as it would set a “very dangerous precedent”.
“To this date what we have seen are allegations, serious allegations, but if the simple mere allegation … would cause someone to be removed from office that obviously sets a very dangerous precedent,” he told Today.
Mr Canavan also said he was “not assuming [the minister] is guilty”.
In regards to the slower-than-expected roll out of vaccines in Queensland, Mr Canavan said he was “sick and tired” of people’s “paranoia”, after a doctor in the state accidentally administered four times the recommended dose to two aged care residents.
“This is a tough, tough thing to do to vaccinate the entire population within a year,” he said.
“There are going to be missteps. Let’s not have a cry every time that happens.”
READ MORE:Paul Kelly — Rape trial by media is a threat to justice
Ellie Dudley7am:Leigh ups pressure over JobKeeper repayments
Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh is rallying for greater “transparency” around the JobKeeper subsidy, as he calls on companies who have “enjoyed” large profits in 2020 to give the payment back.
Mr Leigh has been campaigning for months for the Morrison government to release more information on the JobKeeper payment, while simultaneously calling out companies who he believes should return the funds.
“JobKeeper was meant to save the jobs of battlers — not to allow billionaires to buy another yacht,” he told the ABC this morning.
“There are many firms which have enjoyed their biggest profit year ever in 2020, despite receiving JobKeeper. Good luck to them, but they shouldn’t be receiving taxpayer handouts if they’ve been that profitable.”
Honoured to have been dubbed @2SM1269’s #JobKeeperWarrior. We spoke about why Harvey Norman, AP Eagers & others should use their massive profits to repay JobKeeper, as well as aged care & allegations against a cabinet minister https://t.co/iT1R9ujGx5#auspol@mpinthemorningpic.twitter.com/w7Y74VeTsR
— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) March 1, 2021
Mr Leigh said the Australian population “simply don’t know some of the basic facts about JobKeeper”.
He said they deserve to hear which companies saw higher profits in 2020 than they did in 2019, which firms who received the subsidy still paid executive bonuses, and which ones paid “excessive” dividends.
“A few firms have done the right thing. Toyota, Aluca, Domino’s, are a few of the firms that paid the money back,” he said. “But too many have used it to line the pockets of shareholders rather than to support jobs as it was intended”
Harvey Norman is at the top of Mr Leigh’s hit list, as he cited the $600 million profit which the technology retailer reported on Friday.
“They won’t pay back the JobKeeper that their head office and subsidiaries received from the Australian taxpayer. That’s just not on,” he said.
Gerry Harvey says the $3.6m taxpayer subsidy his head office received is "a tiny amount".
— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) February 26, 2021
Few Australians will earn $3.6m in a lifetime.
He's also pretending the JobKeeper that went to @HarveyNormanAU subsidiaries didn't help him.
Pay it back, Gerry. All of it. #auspolpic.twitter.com/JBfiYIDsle
READ MORE: JobKeeper ‘distorts market’, COVID Commission head says
Ellie Dudley6.45am:‘No reason’ why charter flights shouldn’t bring students
The head of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has said there is “no reason” why the Australian government shouldn’t commission charter flights to bring international students back.
“We would argue as an industry that it can be done,” Phil Honeywood, CEO of the IEAA and former MP said.
“There’s no reason why we can’t have charter flights bringing the students in, walking them across the tarmac into separate quarantine facilities that will not be competing with the hotel quarantine for Australian returnees.”
He added that the industry was “prepared to pay” for additional Australian Defence Force and police to ensure it happened properly, with one point of entry and one exit.
This time last year, the sector was expecting an $8 billion loss due to the government stopping international arrivals.
The ABS has adjusted this prediction to $9 billion, as the ban continues to slam the economy.
READ MORE:Robert Gottliebsen — How unis are preparing for a potential crisis
Ellie Dudley6.20am:International travel ban extended to June 17
The federal government has extended the country’s international travel ban, to mitigate the “risk for everyone’s health and safety”.
On Tuesday, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the ban — due to expire on March 17 — would be extended for three months to June 17 2021.
“The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has advised the Australian Government the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia, including the emergence of more highly transmissible variants,” he said.
“The extension of the emergency period for a further three months is about mitigating that risk for everyone’s health and safety.”
This is the second time the Australian government readjusted the ban, after it was due to expire in December 2020 but was extended for another three months.
READ MORE:Suncorp chair calls for international borders to open
Will Glasgow5.15am:‘China will remember who was on its side’
A senior Chinese diplomat in Canberra has blamed the Australian media and “totally ridiculous” security concerns for the breakdown in Australia’s relationship with China.
Addressing an audience of business people at a Chinese Lunar New Year dinner, China’s deputy head of mission Wang Xining said the rising power would remember who was on its side during the bilateral dispute.
“History will prove that it is wise and visionary to be China’s friends,” said Minister Xining in the first lengthy address given by China’s embassy in Canberra since he spoke at the National Press Club six months ago.
Mr Wang also delivered a warning to those “people in Australia [who] choose to make enemies to sustain a living”.
“Those who deliberately vilify China and sabotage the friendship between our two countries … will be [cast] aside in history,” he said.
“Their children will be ashamed of mentioning their names,
The combative speech – given on Thursday night at Ruby Chinese, a restaurant in Dickson that was once owned by the father of movie star Jackie Chan – is the latest public intervention by China’s Canberra embassy since the already strained bilateral relationship spiralled to historic depths last April after the Morrison government called for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus without forewarning their Chinese counterparts.
Read the full story here.
Rosie Lewis5am:Minister accused of rape set to reveal himself
The Morrison government minister accused of raping a woman when he was a teenager will today publicly declare his innocence for the first time after police investigating the matter said it was “now closed”.
With Scott Morrison under unrelenting pressure to take action against him, the minister plans to make a public statement. He has sought legal advice following days of claims and after former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said everybody knew who he was.
NSW Police begun investigating the allegations after the woman came forward in 2019 but suspended inquiries — known as Strike Force Wyndarra — at her request. She died shortly after.
Read the full story here.
Greg Brown4.45am:Treasury ‘won’t again go to Nats’: Howard
John Howard has sparked a new round of portfolio demands from Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, after the former prime minister declared he did not think the Treasury portfolio would ever again go to a member of the junior Coalition party.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his 1996 election win, Mr Howard said it was likely Arthur Fadden, who served in the Menzies government, would be the last Nationals treasurer.
“I don’t think it is ever likely in the future; it will depend on individuals, but I think it is unlikely that the Treasury would (not) be held by a Liberal,” Mr Howard told the online conference organised by UNSW Canberra. “It was held once by Arthur Fadden, but those were different times.”
Mr Joyce hit back at Mr Howard, arguing the Treasury portfolio should be given a weighting of two cabinet positions if it is to automatically go to the Liberals. This would open up another cabinet post for the Nationals.
Read the full story here.
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