New orders: our leaders made decisions today

Nat cab sounds a lot like a type of pet nat. Think less bubbly, but just as funky. 

Nat cab sounds a lot like a type of pet nat. Think less bubbly, but just as funky.

The gang is getting back together again. It's National Cabinet.

It started as a covid necessity but Anthony Albanese is determined to 'change politics in this country' so he's kicking on with it in the spirit of unity. National Cabinet brings all of the state premiers and chief ministers together to meet with the Prime Minister. 

The leaders of our states and territories descended on a freezing cold Canberra on Thursday night for a soiree at The Lodge (Anthony Albanese's new prime ministerial home).

It served as an ice breaker of sorts ahead of today's discussion where health and energy were top of the agenda.  

Our government will be one that brings the country together. Tonight I'm meeting with state premiers and chief ministers ahead of National Cabinet tomorrow. Working together, we will build a better future for all Australians. pic.twitter.com/ENPdsootlW

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 16, 2022

So who's who?

The National Cabinet predominantly plays for Team Red (the ALP) with the PM and six of the eight leaders apart of the Labor Party, two represent the Libs.

So what did we learn?

1. Health: In a win for the states and territories the federal government agreed to extend its Covid-19 funding for the states until December 31 (it was meant to expire in September). This will cost taxpayers $760 million, and it helps the states with 50% of the extra costs they have incurred from covid medical needs. National Cabinet also agreed to health network reforms to ease pressure on emergency departments. Anthony Albanese said too many people in the aged care system end up in the emergency unit in hospitals when they could instead be treated at home or in aged care facilities if we had more health professionals.
2. Immigration: The leaders all agreed that the backlog of visas is just too much, and business owners are desperate for more staff. So they're going to fix it. Some visa applicants have been waiting 12 to 18 months for their paperwork to be processed.
3. Indigenous voice to parliament: Everyone supports calls to set up a referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice to parliament as part of the constitution.
4. Happy families: You might remember there was bad juju between former PM Scott Morrison and some (most) of the state and territory leaders when it came to his handling of the pandemic. But any bad blood has seemingly been washed away on Friday with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet declaring the meeting "refreshingly" collaborative. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said "politics was put aside" at this meeting. 
5. Russia: South Australian Premier and the Chris Hemsworth of this superhero franchise - Peter Malinauskas - woke up this morning to discover he has a lifelong ban from visiting Russia due to his stance against the war in Ukraine. Asked about this on Friday he said:
   • "I’m just grateful that Vladimir Putin took notice. I am very grateful for the fact that Vladimir Putin has paid attention to the leading role that South Australia is playing, for standing up for the democratic values that we collectively as a country hold dear. My heritage, my family knows all-too-well the human tragedy that can occur in the face of unacceptable Russian aggression and I am very proud of the fact that my government has played a leadership role and look forward to doing that in the future."

There was also a bit of banter when WA premier Mark McGowan started encouraging Australians that live on the east coast to move to his nation - sorry, I mean state of WA - to benefit from a higher-paying job and cheaper house prices. 

"I think I've just wrecked the bipartisanship," he said. 

"He's a shocker," Perrottet quipped.

During the height of the pandemic National Cabinet was happening at least once per week. The leaders have agreed to meet at least four times per year moving forward provided there are no major catastrophes. They'll next catch up in October - just before the next federal Budget is handed down.