Health News at Your Fingertips

Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has addressed the media after receiving the final report of a review of the state’s Crime and Corruption Commission.

Palaszczuk says she’s had initial discussions with the report’s authors, corruption-buster Tony Fitzgerald and former Supreme court judge Alan Wilson.

Can I say for the start that there are 32 recommendations and on the face of them there is nothing here that I cannot see our government implementing.

Palaszczuk says there are “two key findings”.

The CCC should be funded to create a new corruption strategy and prevention unit as part of an overarching restructure which introduces greater civilianisation … and less reliance upon seconded police officers in its corruption investigations and strengthens the organisation’s oversight of these investigations.

And secondly, while seconded police should retain the power to charge, other than in exceptional circumstances charges should only be brought after the DPP has considered the evidence and considered it proper to do so.

Agriculture minister announces $10m in funding for Indonesia to help stop FMD

Josh Butler

Agriculture minister Murray Watt says Australia will send $10 million further aid to Indonesia to assist in combating its foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Watt, in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra, claimed the former Coalition government had left “cracks in the wall” of Australia’s biosecurity response, and that his job was to “repair” those issues.

Indonesia is battling a foot and mouth outbreak, and local farmers fear the devastating disease making its way to Australia – where a FMD incursion could cost our agriculture industry some $80 billion.

Watt said “the best way to stop FMD reaching Australia is to stop its spread through Indonesia”, in announcing a new package of help for our northern neighbour.

I’m pleased to announce today that the Albanese government will provide an additional $10 million in biosecurity funding to Indonesia. This package will provide more urgently needed vaccines and technical support.

We’ve asked Watt’s office for more detail.

Watt accused the Coalition opposition of “irresponsible fear mongering” around the FMD outbreak, including calls to close borders to Indonesia, which he said was hurting farmers and exporters.

The minister said he had met a farmer from northern New South Wales recently, who claimed the “politically driven alarmism” from critics of the government’s Biosecurity response had cost him $250,000 due to reduced cattle prices.

Many thanks to the always lovely Natasha May for keeping us on top of the news this morning. I’ll be with you for the rest of this fine Tuesday.

I am handing over to the intrepid Caitlin Cassidy who will bringing you plenty more updates on the stories we’ve been following this morning and more.

John Sidoti suspended from NSW parliament

Tamsin Rose

Former New South Wales Liberal minister John Sidoti has been suspended from parliament after last month being found by the Independent Commission Against Corruption to have engaged in “serious corrupt conduct” to benefit his family’s property interests.

The motion to suspend Sidoti until November 25, 2022 “or until it is further ordered” was moved by NSW government leader of the house Aliser Henskens who said it was being done to “protect and uphold the dignity” of the government.

In response to the motion, Sidoti, the independent Drummoyne MP, said he was still “incredibly proud” of his time serving his community and would not let the Icac findings “detract” from that.

He accused Icac of “gagging” the ability of politicians to do their job and said the agency has created an atmosphere of “fear” for politicians.

Sidoti told the parliament:

I write the way I speak. I am no scholar and definitely no bully. I’m actually gobsmacked that telling councillors to lift their game is considered an attempt to improperly influence.

A few emails, a handful of texts and casual meetings mean that it was claimed to be a sustained attempt to improperly influence. What a ridiculous assertion and completely ignorant of multi-level political relationships.

He said he would launch an appeal against the findings in the supreme court this week and conceded he could not stand at the next state election as a Liberal candidate.

During his 25-minute address to the parliament, Sidoti cried when he recounted the impact of the saga on his parents.

Sidoti defended his actions and lashed out at the “hack” media for the way it reported on the story:

I have never knowingly or deliberately omitted to disclose pecuniary interests … They alleged that any errors of disclosure indicated attempts to hide wealth acquired through illegal means … a complete fantasy. There is no extraordinary wealth.

Disclosure guidelines are confusing and I found them complex. Unfortunately my accountant has got it wrong and I replied on that. End of story.

The anti-corruption watchdog recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider whether the independent Drummoyne MP should be charged with misconduct in public office.

Last month, the NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, called on Sidoti to resign from parliament over the findings, saying there was “no place for corruption in the NSW parliament”.

The commission found Sidoti had used his official role as a member of parliament to try to “improperly influence” Liberal City of Canada Bay councillors in relation to properties in Five Dock between late 2013 and early 2017. Sidoti has denied the allegations against him, and the re-zoning he had allegedly sought did not go ahead.

You can read more here:

Peter Hannam

Business conditions improving, NAB report shows

Last month, we heard from treasurer Jim Chalmers about the headwinds facing the Australian economy, which prompted a cut in the nation’s GDP growth rate and forecasts of higher inflation.

Today, though, we learned from National Australia Bank with its monthly survey of business confidence and conditions that the economy has fairly strong tailwinds too.

NAB said:

After a steady decline over recent months, confidence rose to +7 index points – a marked rally in the face of headwinds from inflation and rising interest rates, as well as a deteriorating global economic outlook.

Business conditions remain well above average after rising 6pts in the month, with trading conditions, profitability and employment all higher.

NAB said capacity utilisation rose to a record 86.7%, “well above the long-run average of 81.1%, suggesting the economy could be running up against capacity constraints”.

Typically, capacity limits have inflationary consequences, so watch this space, which of course the RBA is doing. “Cost indicators” are also at record highs, as they were in June, NAB said.

“The survey suggests that despite global and domestic economic headwinds, demand has remained strong – and inflationary pressure continues to build suggesting that inflation is yet to peak,” it said.

The agriculture minister, Murray Watt, has outlined the government’s three-pronged response to the threat Australia faces from foot and mouth disease.

Watt announced an additional $10m in biosecurity funding to Indonesia.

And he says the new national biosecurity plan is the “strongest biosecurity response in our nation’s history”.

Firstly, we got to work instantly to provide help to our neighbours in Indonesia…Already, Australia has provided expert vet assistance to Indonesia, along with over 430,000 vaccines for Lumpy Skin, to be followed soon by one million vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease. Because the best way to stop FMD reaching Australia is to stop its spread through Indonesia. That’s why I’m pleased to announce today that the Albanese government will provide an additional $10 million in biosecurity funding to Indonesia. And I thank my colleague, Senator Wong, for her assistance in this important announcement as well. This package will provide more urgently needed vaccines and technical support.

Beyond our support for Indonesia, we’ve also ramped up our own protection measures at the borders with more biosecurity officers, detector dog, sanitisation foot mats at airports. 100% screening of mail from Indonesia and China, and 100% risk profiling of passengers returning from Indonesia.

As I’ve said, this is the strongest biosecurity response in our nation’s history. More than any government has ever done before.

Thirdly, we are also improving our readiness should an outbreak occur here. Last week, we created a new exotic animals diseases preparedness taskforce to ensure that Australia is better prepared in the event of a foot and mouth disease or lumpy skin disease outbreak. The task force brings together our experts in biosecurity and animal health, along with our experts in disaster management.

Agriculture minister Murray Watt speaks at National Press Club

The minister for agriculture Murray Watt has begun his speech at the National Press Club where he is unveiling the government’s new national biosecurity strategy.

He has reflected on his family connections with the industry, but says he’s not going to pretend to be a farmer himself:

I’m not a farmer and I’m not going to pretend to be one. I think Australians have had enough of politicians faking it. But I do think that my family’s farming history has helped me appreciate the highs and lows of farm life and why it means so much to have a government that stands with the industry, in good times and in bad.

He speaks about the importance of strengthening ties between city and country, and that it is a time “to turn the page for agriculture”:

This government and I, as minister, are determined to take these opportunities and challenges by the scruff of the neck. To work with all stakeholders for the betterment of our country. It really is time to turn the page for agriculture. We need to have relationships that are built on honesty and respect. We need a government that charts a path for industry success – not one that sets up road blocks to avoid.

‘If I had my time again, I would have asked him not to’ apply: Perrottet on Barilaro job

Michael McGowan

The New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet has conceded he “would have asked” John Barilaro not to run for a New York trade job had he known about what he called a “flawed” hiring process.

Barilaro told an upper house inquiry on Monday that Perrottet told him to “go for it” when he raised his plan to apply for the job last year.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, the premier described that as a “passing comment”, saying he wasn’t aware of the “problematic” hiring process which has haunted the government over the last seven weeks.

But the premier conceded on Tuesday that it was a mistake not to discourage Barilaro from applying for the job.

“If I had my time again, I would’ve asked him not to,” Perrottet said.

Conceding the “process was flawed”, Perrottet said that if he had the chance again he “would have asked him not to” apply.

“Clearly there were problems [in the process],” he said.

Perrottet addressed media on Tuesday after the election of Matt Kean as the deputy Liberal Party leader.

The position was spilled following the resignation of former deputy Stuart Ayres over the trade job saga.

Kean was elected unopposed after the transport minister, David Elliott, pulled out on Monday, saying he had been forced to “eat humble pie” by the premier.

Perrottet denied he asked Elliott not to stand, saying he asked both him and Kean to “focus on party unity” during a phone call on Monday.

Perrottet says he will only act on Barilaro inquiry once it is finalised

Perrottet continues to come under fire. He urges:

Allow an independent review to be finalised

That is the appropriate approach to take.

He is speaking about the importance of the state trade commissioner roles in contributing to the economy and says.

I have complete confidence [in trade roles].

Perrottet on Barilaro inquiry: ‘The whole situation is incredibly disappointing’

Perrottet is responding to questions about the ongoing inquiry into John Barilaro’s appointment to a plum New York trade role.

He says:

The whole situation is incredibly disappointing for everybody involved.

Kean speaks after election as NSW Liberal deputy leader

Perrottet, with Kean standing behind him, touted Kean’s credentials as his new deputy. He praises the reforms Kean pursued as a treasurer as well as his understanding of economic pressures, as the father of a young family.

Kean then speaks, saying he is humbled to be endorsed by colleagues in his new position as deputy NSW Liberal leader.

Kean affirms his belief in Liberal values. Of polices such as reforming stamp duty to make home ownership more accessible to all Australians, he says: “These are our values in action.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet is now speaking after Matt Kean was elected deputy leader of the NSW Liberals.

Man charged with murder over deaths of woman and her son in Stretton in Brisbane

A Queensland man has had a court hearing from his hospital bed after the alleged stabbing murders of a woman and a man – her son – at a home in southern Brisbane, AAP reports.

Police believe 49-year-old Weifeng Huang, who was charged with murder overnight, was in a relationship “for some months” with the female alleged victim, Liu Jifeng, 47, and all three lived at the Stretton residence where the bodies were found.

The other alleged victim was 20-year-old Wenhao Du.

Huang was unable to apply for bail during the brief phone hook-up with Brisbane magistrates court on Tuesday, where the matter was adjourned until 19 September.

The alleged offender underwent surgery at a Brisbane hospital overnight after suffering cuts to his arms in legs, which police believe happened during the attack early on Monday morning.

Google search is experiencing global problems with internet outage tracker Thousand Eyes reporting 1,056 Google servers down.

Aged care wage rise could be spread out over time, minister says

Pay rises given to aged care workers could be “stepped out” over a period of time, the aged care minister Anika Wells says.

Wells was speaking from Brisbane, where she said there was modelling on how much a wage increase would cost, but it was “hypothetical” until the fair work umpire handed down its decision on aged care workers’ pay.

She pointed to the community workers who were awarded a significant pay rise under the Rudd-Gillard government, which was “stepped out across nine years”.

Wells told reporters:

So the sequencing around that – there’s lots more work to do.

We’re preparing for all eventualities.

It follows the federal government making a submission to the Fair Work Commission advocating for a significant wage increase for workers.

The government has pledged to fund the pay increase based on the commission’s determination.

– via AAP