First up, note the new-ish posts below on a YouGov poll for South Australia and Adrian Beaumont’s latest on the US race.
• A federal by-election looms for the seat of the Queensland Groom, centred on Toowoomba. This follows yesterday’s announcement by Liberal-aligned LNP member John McVeigh, the member since 2016 and previously state member for Toowoomba South from 2012,. that he will retire due to his wife’s illness. With Labor having polled 18.7% of the primary vote in the seat at the 2019 election, it seems a fairly safe bet that they will be sitting this one out. To the extent that the seat has been interesting it has been as a battleground between the Liberals and the Nationals, most recently when McVeigh’s predecessor, Ian Macfarlane, had his bid to defect from the former to the latter blocked by the Liberal National Party administration in 2015. John McVeigh’s father, Tom McVeigh, held the seat for the National/Country Party from 1972 to 1988 (it was known until 1984 as Darling Downs), but it passed to the Liberal control at the by-election following his retirement.
• Roy Morgan has an SMS poll of state voting intention in Victoria, and while the methodology may be dubious, it delivers a rebuke to the news media orthodoxy in crediting Daniel Andrews’ Labor government with a two-party lead of 51.5-48.5. The primary votes are Labor 37%, Coalition 38.5% and Greens 12.5%. The results at the 2018 election were Labor 42.9%, Coalition 35.2% and Greens 10.7%, with Labor winning the two-party vote 57.3-42.7. The poll was conducted Tuesday to Thursday from a sample of 1147.
• An international poll by the Pew Research Centre finds 94% of Australians believe their country has handled the pandemic well and 6% badly, whereas 85% think the United States has handled it badly and 14% well, while the respective numbers for China are 25% and 73%. Twenty-three per cent have confidence in Donald Trump to do the right think for world affairs, down from 35% last year, equaling a previous low recorded for George W. Bush in 2008. Only 33% of Australians have a favourable view of the United States, down from 50% last year, a change similar to that for all other nations surveyed.
Smart analysis of the political ramifications of the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
https://podcast.thebulwark.com/what-happens-after-rbg
lizzie @ #350 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 6:49 am
And then did the disappearing trick convincing the same people that he/she/it never existed.
Here endeth the lesson!
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
Christopher Knaus reveals that the manufacturing taskforce that recommended underwriting a huge gas expansion to help drive Australia’s Covid-19 recovery was receiving “pro bono” advice from a lobbyist firm with links to the Saudi government and gas companies. Well how would you be!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/20/pms-taskforce-backing-gas-expansion-received-advice-from-lobbying-firm-with-saudi-links
And Luke Henrique-Gomes tells us how Robodebt court documents show that the government was warned 76 times the debts were not legally enforceable.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/19/robodebt-court-documents-show-government-was-warned-76-times-debts-were-not-legally-enforceable
According to Shane Wright, the Morrison government is preparing to unleash an “astounding” amount of spending in next month’s budget to drag the country out of its first recession in 29 years with the nation unable to rely on ultra-low interest rates to boost the economy.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/astounding-expenditure-looms-in-recession-busting-federal-budget-20200919-p55x6w.html
David Rowe says that in next month’s Budget there will be something for Jobseeker and pensioners.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/budget-wait-for-jobseeker-boost-but-supplement-likely-for-new-year-20200918-p55x27.html
Michaela Whitbourn tells us about the odious Miranda Divine’s apology after she was effectively cut loose by the equally odious News Ltd.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/miranda-devine-apologises-for-tweets-ahead-of-defamation-settlement-20200919-p55x88.html
Dan Andrews’ request for infected travellers to quarantine in a hotel near the airport was denied by a top bureaucrat who deemed it “too risky”. Instead the passengers were sent to Rydges on Swanston.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/bureaucrat-denied-andrews-request-for-infected-travellers-to-quarantine-away-from-cbd-20200919-p55x8j.html
Australia’s unemployment figures are surprisingly good but the recovery is slowing, explains Greg Jericho.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/commentisfree/2020/sep/20/australias-unemployment-figures-are-surprisingly-good-but-the-recovery-is-slowing
Peter Hannam reports that the NSW Nationals Party has been accused of branch-stacking and then dissolving a rural branch after members raised questions about the preselection process of a state MP.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nationals-accused-of-stacking-then-dissolving-branch-in-preselection-stoush-20200917-p55wsc.html
Dennis Atkins writes that Tony Abbott transformed Australian politics – entirely for the worse.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2020/09/19/dennis-atkins-abbott-transformed-politics/
We need truth and facts – not lies and spin implores the AIMN’s RosemaryJ36.
https://theaimn.com/we-need-truth-and-facts-not-lies-and-spin/
Our coal-fondling PM switches his prop to gas but is anything really different asks Jacqui Maley.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/our-coal-fondling-pm-switches-his-prop-to-gas-but-is-anything-really-different-20200918-p55ww9.html
The SMH editorial believes that Australia is showing the world how to manage COVID-19.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-is-showing-the-world-how-to-manage-covid-19-20200918-p55x16.html
Jobs across the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne could be lost for up to a decade due to the coronavirus recession, slowing the nation’s economic recovery, says Shane Wright.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/job-losses-across-inner-city-could-last-years-20200918-p55x2d.html
Josh Taylor tells how the federal government has refused to release information on the number of Australians still using the Covidsafe contact tracing app, on the grounds it could risk public safety and harm commonwealth-state relations. How pathetic!
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/20/covidsafe-app-government-refuses-to-release-numbers-citing-public-safety
A warning about former sports minister Bridget McKenzie’s legal authority to give out millions of dollars in grants went to a high-level official in the health department but was ignored, according to new evidence to the sports rorts inquiry. Reports Paul Karp.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/20/health-official-ignored-warning-about-bridget-mckenzies-authority-to-give-sports-grants-inquiry-told
Caitlin Fitzsimmons reveals that British billionaire Alan Sugar has joined a growing list of the rich and famous who have been granted permission to skip the government-run hotel quarantine and wait out the 14 days of isolation privately.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/british-billionaire-and-tv-host-alan-sugar-allowed-to-quarantine-privately-20200919-p55x96.html
Koalagate was all about the Nationals trying to revive their fading brand in the bush, opines Quentin Dempster.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/19/koalagate-was-all-about-the-nationals-trying-to-revive-their-fading-brand-in-the-bush
The editorial in The Age warns that vigilance and caution needed to stay ahead of the global curve.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/vigilance-and-caution-needed-to-stay-ahead-of-the-global-curve-20200918-p55x3r.html
Tony Wright has asked a number of former leaders what they think about Dan Andrews’ efforts during the pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/hard-calls-for-captains-former-leaders-run-the-rule-over-dan-andrews-20200918-p55wym.html
As Victorians brace for their seventh month of coronavirus restrictions, heated debate has broken out about the merits of lockdown, writes Henrietta Cook.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/the-state-is-divided-how-debate-about-the-lockdown-turned-ugly-20200919-p55x70.html
Here’s Peter FitzSimons’ weekly column.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/take-it-easy-deputy-premier-on-yourself-and-the-rest-of-us-20200918-p55wxt.html
Britain is likely to need to reintroduce some national coronavirus lockdown measures sooner rather than later, a leading epidemiologist and former senior government health advisor said yesterday.
https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/new-uk-lockdown-likely-sooner-rather-than-later-ex-advisor-warns-20200920-p55xbl.html
Matthew Knott explains how Ginsburg’s death is shaking up an already dramatic election.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/ginsburg-s-death-shakes-up-an-already-dramatic-election-20200919-p55x7g.html
Michael Koziol explains what a former insider is saying about the Trump family. And it’s not at all complimentary!
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/masters-of-the-dark-former-friend-lifts-the-lid-on-donald-and-melania-trump-s-marriage-20200918-p55wuf.html
In the battle over the US supreme court, Democrats can still have the last laugh says Lawrence Douglas.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/if-republicans-play-hardball-with-supreme-court-democrats-should-too
According to Arwa Mahdawi, Trump is setting up a commission to teach students ‘the miracle of American history’ – which sounds like a core part of the fascist process of taking power.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/trump-1776-commission-proof-america-spiraling-toward-facism
Recent actions by the Trump Administration has seen the invocation of Godwin’s law, the adage that any political discussion eventually devolves into a comparison to Hitler and the Nazis.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/trump-and-fascism-what-would-a-second-term-look-like,14325
Another allegation against Donald Trump. Another woman of supreme courage says Barbara Ellen.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/19/can-donald-trump-shrug-off-amy-dorris-allegations-of-sexual-assault-too
Cartoon Corner
Peter Broelman
David Pope
Matt Davidson
Matt Golding
Mark Knight
Alan Moir
Reg Lynch
From the US
https://twitter.com/i/status/1307101883497054211
The ‘astounding expenditure’ in the budget?
Doesn’t it depend on WHERE they direct the ‘astounding’ amount of spending to?
Susan Collins reading the tea leaves.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-ginsburg-collins-idUSKCN26A0Z2?taid=5f667ab7b2fa5d0001071906&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter
Morning all and thanks BK for an unusually lengthy dawn patrol for a Sunday.
BK. Cripes I had only just started to look at the papers and lo the Dawn Patrol pops up.
so —Thank You ❗
This item from the Dawn Patrol is one that had caught my attention
According to Shane Wright, the Morrison government is preparing to unleash an “astounding” amount of spending in next month’s budget to drag the country out of its first recession in 29 years with the nation unable to rely on ultra-low interest rates to boost the economy.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/astounding-expenditure-looms-in-recession-busting-federal-budget-20200919-p55x6w.html
Mainly because apparently the fertility rate will be according to ….
I am expecting leading applied economic geography experts to insist that a bonking ban applied recently to the Federal Parliament should be repealed and furthermore (quoth the raven) bonking should be on the increase to bring about the snap back required to meet the “Bus over the Bridge” fairy story being purveyed by the aforementioned applied economic ………………….’s.
Scott on tambourine with Josh singing bass
♪ When you’re ♫ weary, feeling ♪ small
♫ When tears are ♪ in your eyes, I will dry ♫ them all, all
♪ I’m on your side, oh, ♪ when times get rough
♫ And friends just ♪ can’t be found
♪ Like a bridge over ♫ troubled water
♫ I will lay me down
♪ Like a bridge ♪ over troubled♫ water
♫ I will lay ♪ me down
P.S. The recovery should be a simple matter. Announce that lazy two billion floating on a sea of heartbreaks enough times and Bob’s yer uncle.
“Coffee for two pleas Muriel”. “Oh, alright, I’ll get it myself. ☕☕
New three word slogan —
The more the headlines are about the Supreme Court the more likely Trump will win And Repugs hold the senate. This is a free pass for him and them just when he needed it’s
Had it happened earlier, and Trump got his candidate confirmed by now there was a hope for an upside for the Democrats; it may have reduced Trumps turnout. But McConnell will run this circus all the way to Nov and keep it in the headlines every day.
SK:
Yep, suddenly the election is no longer about covid and Trump’s incompetence.
Another point to consider: what does the Senate do if Trump loses before his nominee can be confirmed?
Tim Miller was right yesterday. Whichever way this goes it’s going to be ugly.
O ye of little faith.
This article from Nine/Fairfax which employs a stable of RW shock jocks:
Re. Jordan Shanks:
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/how-to-solve-a-problem-like-friendlyjordies-politicians-debate-new-age-commentator-20200918-p55x4a.html
C@t:
Have you listened to the emergency Bulwark podcast? I’m listening to it now, and think the arguments put forward by the interviewees are pretty compelling.
citizen @ #363 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 8:24 am
Old media not liking the hot breath of competition on their necks.
Fairfax media run a host of radio shock jockswho target older voter prejudices.
Confessions @ #366 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 8:26 am
Yes, I’ve already listened to it. There are a variety of perspectives, even ones which favour the Democrats!
Greensborough Growler @ #367 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 8:29 am
Pearl clutching by old farts will not shake jordies’ fan base.
These responses were so predictable that it was hardly worth publishing.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/hard-calls-for-captains-former-leaders-run-the-rule-over-dan-andrews-20200918-p55wym.html
kevin Bonham now writing for the Guardian. Well done.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/20/queensland-2020-elections-will-be-a-test-of-states-covid-response?utm_term=Autofeed&CMP=soc_568&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1600547267
This sounds interesting:
Ring the Bell
In honour of the mighty Bell Shakespeare Company’s 30th anniversary, it is holding a series of debates, starting this Thursday at 7.30pm, featuring the likes of Jane Caro, Ben Law, Jan Fran, Jess Scully, Miriam Corowa, Jonathan Biggins and Rebecca Huntley. The first topic: “That we have seen better days.” (My money is on the affirmative team!), And you can watch it online via bellshakespeare.com.au.
Apologies for the messed up SMH link on friendly jordies above. My PB page keeps freezing and it wouldn’t let me edit the item.
This is very ouchworthy for John Barilaro:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/19/koalagate-was-all-about-the-nationals-trying-to-revive-their-fading-brand-in-the-bush
I reckon Jordan Shanks has the chutzpah, charisma and intelligence of Bob Hawke and the way with words of Paul Keating. He would be a worthy successor to both.
C@t:
Another interesting point in the discussion: Moscow Mitch and GOP media putting pressure on Harris to recuse herself from the Senate Judiciary Committee so there’s one less vote the Republicans have to worry about.
C@tmomma @ #7290 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 6:44 am
Some of the intra-profession difference is access to means – mainly barbiturates. The other determinant seems to be differential agency.
So the coalition will do spending on things in the budget. All items are probably in a spreadsheet, colour coded according to electorate, how much they can skim and the industry type benefitted.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/19/scientists-criticise-uks-hands-face-space-campaign-to-control-covid-19-coronavirus
Confessions @ #377 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 8:50 am
And do you think she’ll do that? I mean, if they are going to break the rules, what incentive is there for her to abide by them? Only ‘losers and suckers’ would do that. 😆
As the hosts also pointed out, this is a chance for Harris to make an outstanding and positive contribution to her campaign, if she plays it right.
Get your Scomo Bullshit Bingo card ready!
C@t:
Yep I reckon Biden/Harris et al will tell will laugh it off.
I’m now listening to a similar emergency edition podcast from 538 Politics.
rhwombat @ #378 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 8:50 am
I’m just glad I chose the path of least angst by doing Pharmacy. I had a social life AND got a degree! 😀
So who’s going to watch Scammo on Insiders?
Greensborough Growler @ #383 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 6:59 am
They forgot,
I don’t accept the premise of your question!
C@tmomma @ #384 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 7:02 am
Pass.
C@t
I’m not a fan of horror movies. My finger’s already hovering over the stop button.
This Morrsion interview was recorded on Friday
Aha. Recorded on Friday. He’s still keeping his weekends free.
Sound off. I’ll read it on Twitter.
Morrison is giving me the shits already! Full on evasiveness.
Morrsion in full bullshit numbers word salad mode, and the spin.
Now saying he is choosing technology as his strategy. Then lies about it, saying he’s not.
lizzie @ #391 Sunday, September 20th, 2020 – 7:07 am
https://youtu.be/UbxUSsFXYo4
Morrsion oscillating between lies and spin. Hard to know what to believe…
I bet church starts at 9am on a Sunday.
Just 14 new cases in Vic
Victoria has recorded a massive drop in coronavirus infections, with just 14 cases confirmed yesterday.
It’s a significant drop compared with the 21 cases recorded yesterday, which was the lowest number since June 24.
But sadly, five lives have been lost.
https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/coronavirus-australia-live-victoria-qld-nsw-covid19-updates/live-coverage/131391925b1af68284b089e7f1e7a280
Carbon capture and storage…..
Morrsion says ‘it’s already happened’. Then says we want someone ‘to crack this issue’
It is an emerging technology, changes the topic to hydrogen and Arena in the same sentence and then onto energy savings, without taking a breath – now soil carbon.
This is Trumpian with regards a concatenation of contradictory lies, covered over with shifting concepts