The other holes in Australia’s quarantine
“Airline passengers potentially infected with coronavirus were able to fan out across the country last month without immediate follow-up in some places, as details from the government’s isolation declaration cards were not universally passed on.”
As a police probe begins into the Ruby Princess, details emerge about other gaps in Australia’s quarantine response, including the use of isolation declaration cards.
News
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“This is not the end of the Pell matter. There is at least one civil case waiting. There is also the possibility Pell will seek an ex gratia payment from the state of Victoria or sue for malicious prosecution.”
While the High Court this week quashed the cardinal’s conviction for child sexual abuse, there remain several fronts on which the legal battle may continue.
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As policymakers puzzle over how to wake up Australia’s economy from ‘hibernation’, the Greens believe the solution lies in massive renewable energy investment and a Green New Deal.
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Gambling giant Tabcorp seeks rent relief
While some predict a dangerous boom in online gambling during the coronavirus lockdown, Tabcorp, with revenue totalling $2.91 billion at the end of 2019, has asked its commercial landlords for a rent suspension.
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Angus Taylor’s energy projects push
With the nation’s focus fixed on the fight against Covid-19, Energy Minister Angus Taylor has forged ahead with a new program that includes measures designed to prop up coal-fired electricity generators and weaken environmental protections.
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Dominic Raab takes reins as Johnson has stint in ICU
Britain being led by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab as Boris Johnson remains in hospital. Cyclone Harold wreaks havoc on Pacific islands. Authoritarian and anti-democratic regimes try to control Covid-19 information. Coronavirus pandemic and international emissions targets.
Opinion
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Kevin Rudd
Australia must fulfil its regional obligations
“Earlier this year, I wrote that I feared the situation in China would become the reality across the rest of the world in March and April. That, unfortunately, is now what is unfolding before our very eyes. But if there is to be a third wave of this crisis, it will now be what happens in much of the developing world – including on Australia’s own doorstep.”
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Paul Bongiorno
A long road to recovery
“The federal parliament came out of hibernation midweek to commit a mind-boggling $130 billion to saving the jobs of millions of workers. But there is a six-month limit on the emergency wage subsidies, with Scott Morrison desperate for a way out of the economy-destroying containment of the coronavirus pandemic.”
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Right after Sarah Ferguson on ABC TV added to suspicions that George Pell is a child molester, revealing there are several civil claims against the cardinal waiting in the wings, the High Court has gone and upset the apple cart with some complicated thinking about “reasonable doubt … unchallenged evidence … [and] innocence”.
Letters, Cartoon & Editorial
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Editorial
A note on George Pell
George Pell has not been found innocent. It is wrong to say so. The High Court accepted his appeal on the basis of reasonable doubt.
Culture
Bluey creator Joe Brumm’s dog days
Inspired by the interactions between his young daughters, Joe Brumm created a one-minute pilot that would become the kids’ television juggernaut Bluey. Here, he discusses the challenges of writing the show and reminisces about the blue heelers of his childhood. “Each episode has a number of components to make it good … It’s not just about coming up with a funny game.”
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Paul Kelly
Riddle Poem Three from the Kelly-Hoard
I, myself, am generally hopeless at riddles; my brain freezes at brainteasers. For instance, I couldn’t get this rhyming riddle someone sent me recently and had to do a quick internet search so I could get on with my day:
I’m the part of the bird that’s not in the sky.
I can swim in the ocean and yet remain dry.
Like the above couplet, today’s poem rhymes. To my mind the answer is easy. (But then, I wrote it.) I’m more interested in making a good poem than a fiendish riddle. I just want the pieces to fit. That’s all art is, in the end, I suppose – getting the pieces to fit.
Life
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Antibiotic misuse and resistance
The discovery of antibiotics almost a century ago was one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. But as new research shows, we’re not using them responsibly and that could lead to dire outcomes.
Books
Puzzles
1. Which Bobbie Gentry song features the lyrics, “There was a virus going round; papa caught it, and he died last spring”?
2. How many Australian prime ministers’ surnames begin with the letter ‘C’? (Bonus points for naming them.)
3. What does the German word kirche translate to in English?
4. In what year did the RMS Titanic sink?
5. Who wrote the short story “The Little Match Girl”?
6. Name the Olympic champion who in February received an eight-year doping ban from swimming.
7. Which Edgar Allan Poe poem begins: “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary.”
8. Which US state is nicknamed the Silver State: (a) Nevada; (b) California; or (c) Arizona?
9. What element does the chemical symbol Cu represent?
10. Which city was built on the traditional lands of the Eora people?
Quotes
SENSIBILITY
“We’re not making it unlawful to go for a run and eat a kebab.”
The West Australian premier emerges as the voice of reason amid the coronavirus panic.
SPORT
“This is only the opinion of lawyers.”
The 2018 World Cup organiser denies bribes were paid to secure votes for Russia’s bid to host. The opinionated lawyers, from the United States Justice Department, this week set down an indictment against Russia and Qatar.
LEISURE
“I live in a very built-up area in Sydney with high density and here I have windows that can open so I can have the fresh air.”
The New South Wales Arts minister offers an explanation for being found at his $1.3 million holiday house after Premier Gladys Berejiklian told the state to stay home during Easter.
VALEDICTION
“I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth.”
The Vermont senator bows out of the race for the US Democratic nomination.
INNOVATION
“For last 2 weeks I’ve had all symptoms of C19 (tho haven’t been tested) & did this on doc husband’s advice. I’m fully recovered & technique helped a lot.”
The Harry Potter author spruiks a technique known as “controlled coughing”, which experts say could actually help spread Covid-19. Obviously, these “experts” have never heard of an Impervius Charm.
BENEVOLENCE
“Sorry I’m not dressed a bit better, but I didn’t expect this.”
The cardinal greets camera crews who stopped him at a service station on the way to Sydney. Presumably his apology also extended to families who had to navigate the Melbourne Response.
