The latest fortnightly Essential Research poll does not include leader ratings or voting intention, but does have the following:
• The regular question on COVID-19 response finds the federal government’s good rating suffering a seven point dip to 62%, returning it to where it was for several months before an uptick in November, with the poor rating up two to 14%. The small sample results for mainland state governments also record a drop for the Victorian government, whose good rating is down ten to 49%, while the New South Wales government holds steady at 72% and the Queensland government’s drops three to 73%. As ever, particular caution must be taken with the Western Australian and South Australian results given the sample sizes, but they respectively retain the best (down three to 85%) and second best (down one to 78%) results out of the five.
• The poll finds 50% of respondents saying they will get vaccinated as soon as possible, 40% that they will do so but not straight away, and 10% that they will never get vaccinated. Variation by voting intention is within the margin of error. By way of contrast, a US poll conducted by Monmouth University last month produced the same 50% result for the “soon as possible option”, but had “likely will never get the vaccine” markedly higher at 24%. This increased to 42% among Republicans, and doesn’t that just say it all.
• The poll includes a pared back version of the pollster’s semi-regular suite of questions on leaders’ attributes in relation to Scott Morrison, but not Anthony Albanese. The consistent pattern here is that Morrison is a bit less highly rated than he was last May, but substantially stronger than he was during the bushfire crisis in January. However, he has done notably better on “good in a crisis” (from 32% last January to 66% in May to the current 59%) than “out of touch” (from 62% to 47% and now back up to 59%), whereas his gains since January on “more honest than most politicians” (now 50%), “trustworthy” (52%) and “visionary” (41%) are all either 11% or 12%. Two new questions have been thrown into the mix: “in control of their team” and “avoids responsibility”, respectively 56% at 49%.
• Respondents were asked to respond to a series of propositions concerning “the recent allegations of rape and sexual assault from women working in Parliament”, which found 65% agreeing the government has been “more interested in protecting itself than the interests of those who have been assaulted”. Forty-five per cent felt there was “no difference in the way the different political parties treat women”, though the view was notably more prevalent among men (54%) than women (37%), and among those at the conservative end of the voting spectrum (53% among Coalition voters, 41% among Labor voters and 30% among Greens voters).
• A number of questions on tech companies found an appetite for stronger regulation, including 76% support for forcing them to remove misinformation from their platforms.
The poll was conducted Wednesday to Monday from a sample of 1074; full results here.
People say that Scott Morrison will not be replaced as Prime Minister before the upcoming election
People said Malcom Turnbull would never become the leader of the Liberal Party again , he did and replace Tony Abbott as Prime Minister
People said Malcom Turnbull would not be replaced as Prime Minister before the upcoming federal election , he was replaced by Scott Morrison
Josh Frydenburg has lost a lot of weight lately, hasn’t he? 😉
Sorry to usurp BK but this is awesome by Matt Golding today:
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
David Crowe and Jennifer Duke report that the federal cabinet minister accused of a decades-old rape is preparing to make a public statement today to declare his innocence after NSW Police closed their investigation because they did not have enough admissible evidence to proceed.
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/rape-accused-cabinet-minister-considering-public-statement-20210302-p5775l.html
A woman’s account of her alleged rape more than three decades ago is detailed and distressing – but not a signed police statement, writes
https://www.smh.com.au/national/harrowing-tale-falls-in-yawning-gap-20210302-p5775x.html
Chris Uhlmann goes all religious in saying in seemingly downplaying the Minister X rape allegations. Make of it what you will. He lost me halfway through it.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-fallout-from-a-public-show-trial-probing-rape-claim-would-haunt-us-all-20210302-p576zf.html
Paul Kelly has his bit to say on the matter.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/rape-trial-bymedia-isathreat-tojustice/news-story/048d5cd9a0bef6ac71ea48f8f8de637a
The Prime Minister’s silence is nothing short of insulting, writes barrister, Kathleen Foley.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-prime-minister-s-silence-is-nothing-short-of-insulting-20210302-p5772y
Rape allegations have shaken Canberra to its core – and may now be hitting the PM in the polls, says Peter Lewis.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2021/mar/02/allegations-have-shaken-canberra-to-its-core-and-may-now-be-hitting-the-pm-in-the-polls
The minister’s future in politics is devastated no matter what he says, no matter how passionately he defends his innocence, no matter what ‘process’ is in place, opines Jennifer Hewett.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/accused-s-future-in-politics-is-devastated-no-matter-what-20210302-p57766
This survivor of sexual abuse has a message for men – starting with the Prime Minister.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/as-a-survivor-of-sexual-abuse-i-have-a-message-for-men-starting-with-the-prime-minister-20210302-p57723.html
And Keith Vis writes, “If a Bishop of the Brisbane Archdiocese drove me to the point of suicide in 2020 – did he and others conspire to commit a crime?”
https://theaimn.com/if-a-bishop-of-the-brisbane-archdiocese-drove-me-to-the-point-of-suicide-in-2020-did-he-and-others-conspire-to-commit-a-crime/
Anne Davies tells us that Frank Zumbo, Craig Kelly’s office manager, was the subject of bullying allegations during his tenure as deputy commissioner of the South Australian small business commission. The bloke certainly seems to have form.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/02/frank-zumbo-was-investigated-for-alleged-bullying-while-working-for-south-australian-government
This sexual assault counsellor explains why it’s so hard for survivors to come forward, and what happens when they do.
https://theconversation.com/im-a-sexual-assault-counsellor-heres-why-its-so-hard-for-survivors-to-come-forward-and-what-happens-when-they-do-156038
Ross Gittins says that looking from the top down, it’s deceptively easy. All the specific problems stem from a single cause: we’ve gone for decades – under federal governments of both colours – trying to do aged care on the cheap, and it’s been a disaster.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/only-one-thing-will-end-the-squalor-of-aged-care-20210302-p5770f.html
Almost 10 million Australians could pay up to $610 a year to fund aged care services if the government introduces a new levy, but health experts warn linking funding to wages won’t be enough to fix the failing system.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/have-to-pay-somehow-experts-say-wage-levy-for-aged-care-won-t-be-enough-20210302-p5773d.html
Phil Coorey reports that the Morrison government is more inclined to toughen means testing than raise taxes to help fund aged care, as Liberal MPs warn it would be unfair to saddle younger generations with the health costs of their forbears.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/pm-prefers-means-testing-to-fund-aged-care-as-lib-mps-oppose-tax-hike-20210302-p576xs
The Guardian says that the cost of Australia’s aged care system would soar to $36bn a year if the cheapest royal commission reforms were adopted.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/03/australias-aged-care-system-could-require-extra-9bn-per-year-to-adopt-royal-commission-reforms
Anika Stobart and Stephen Duckett say that the Morrison government must not take the easy out on aged care and not hide behind the commission’s indecision.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/02/the-morrison-government-must-not-take-the-easy-out-on-aged-care
Attempts to stage-manage the Aged Care Royal Commission report by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt underline the government’s failure to address the problems in aged care. As laid out in the report, it’s “market” based approach is the problem, not the solution, but is the government listening, ask Dr Sarah Russell and Elizabeth Minter.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/glib-response-to-aged-care-royal-commission-portends-another-failed-roadmap/
Dominic Powell writes that prominent Australian companies including retailer Harvey Norman and car dealership conglomerate Eagers Automotive are facing rising pressure to return JobKeeper payments to the government, with critics saying they are abusing the wage subsidy after posting large profits and paying dividends to shareholders.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/not-a-good-look-push-grows-for-jobkeeper-payments-to-be-returned-as-profits-dividends-boom-20210302-p576zn.html
Meanwhile, Andrew Leigh has asked the auditor general to broaden an investigation into the jobkeeper program to look at how the port operator Qube received $30m in wage subsidies even though its revenue did not fall as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/02/labor-asks-for-investigation-into-30m-jobkeeper-payments-to-qube-despite-earnings-increase
Daniel Andrews says he will ask national cabinet to support a proposal for states to give at least a day’s notice on border closures to help restore confidence in interstate travel.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/andrews-backs-qantas-call-for-24-hours-notice-on-border-closures-20210302-p57752.html
Nissan Australia chief executive Stephen Lester says a lack of leadership in embracing electrified cars is out of step with the world’s leading economies. He’s not wrong!
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/maker-of-world-s-most-popular-electric-car-blasts-australia-s-lack-of-ambition-20210302-p5772f.html
Shane Wright tells us that the Reserve Bank has made clear it will not lift interest rates until it sees sustainable strong wages growth and low unemployment, dismissing fears of an inflation outbreak as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/rba-holds-rates-amid-signs-economy-bouncing-back-20210302-p5772k.html
And Stephen Bartholomeusz writes that the Reserve Bank has made it clear what its priorities are for the next three years or more. They don’t include trying to subdue what looks like the initial stages of another housing market boom, he says.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/the-reserve-bank-can-t-walk-and-chew-gum-at-the-same-time-20210302-p5773a.html
Peter Martin concludes this contribution with. “The COVID recession and rapid recovery from it have handed Frydenberg an opportunity to relentlessly drive down and crush unemployment — to finish the job. If he grabs it he will be remembered as the treasurer who changed Australia, perhaps forever.”
https://theconversation.com/josh-frydenberg-has-the-opportunity-to-transform-australia-permanently-lowering-unemployment-156175
The Morrison Government’s eye-watering stimulus package has little to show in the way of long-term benefit for the majority of Australians explains Tarric Brooker.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/coalitions-eye-watering-debt-yields-underwhelming-results,14848
The Canberra Times reports that Australia will soon add its first right-wing extremist group to the terrorist organisation list amid growing calls to address the rise of far-right extremism.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7149501/australia-to-add-first-right-wing-extremist-group-to-terror-list/?cs=14350
Mental health crisis centres are set to be opened throughout Victoria after a state royal commission concluded triple-zero calls and visiting emergency wards should no longer be the only options for people in crisis.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/emergency-wards-among-the-worst-places-for-mental-health-patients-20210302-p5774b.html
Defence personnel will step in to add some firepower to the rollout of coronavirus vaccines across Australia. The Australian Defence Force will from next week help administer the COVID-19 vaccine in aged care homes, with an emphasis placed on facilities in regional areas. I wonder if that was in the original plan.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7150330/adf-to-step-in-on-covid-vaccine-rollout/?cs=9676
Christopher Knaus reveals that the private healthcare company responsible for giving two elderly people the wrong vaccine dose last week has previously failed to check its employees’ training and qualifications.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/03/australian-company-responsible-for-covid-vaccine-error-previously-failed-to-properly-screen-employee
According to The Australian, employers are reporting “significant” staff shortages and recruitment difficulties across the nation, despite more than 1.2 million Australians still relying on JobSeeker payments.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/million-on-dole-as-businesses-struggle-to-fill-vacancies/news-story/90a64b7846284420f7798f09c243b4e6
When not promoting the government’s shakedown of Google and Facebook, the main focus of media companies is attracting eyeballs in the hope of subsequently gaining a few pennies from advertisers. And that, folks, is why we have clickbait, says Michael Pascoe.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2021/03/03/michael-pascoe-clickbait/
Tony Abbott says the current generation of politicians must accept that the Howard government was far superior to them, writes Rob Harris.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/abbott-laments-lack-of-substantive-figures-in-public-life-compared-to-howard-era-20210302-p5776q.html
Alexandra Smith reports that the former boyfriend of Gladys Berejiklian remains under investigation by the corruption watchdog, three months after submissions were to be sent to those involved in the inquiry. Berejiklian will appear before a budget estimates hearing tomorrow, where it is likely she will be pressed on issues relating to Maguire.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/further-steps-icac-investigation-into-maguire-continues-20210302-p5775c.html
Forestry NSW is logging fire-ravaged areas, but the environmental watchdog is powerless to stop it, able to act only after the damage is done.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-state-s-environmental-watchdog-is-muzzled-on-forests-20210302-p5775o.html
More than a third of Chinese Australians surveyed by the Lowy Institute reported being treated differently or less favourably in the past 12 months and 31 per cent said they were called offensive names.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/deeply-concerning-one-in-five-chinese-australians-threatened-or-attacked-during-coronavirus-20210302-p576yw.html
And China’s deputy ambassador has accused Australian politicians, the media and critics of the Chinese government of brainwashing the public about his country, claiming that it was now a sin for Australians to be friendly to the superpower.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-s-deputy-ambassador-warns-it-s-now-a-sin-to-be-a-friend-of-china-20210302-p5775b.html
Sarak Danckert explains how the supply chain financing company, Greensill, is teetering on the edge of collapse.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/telstra-exits-finance-group-greensill-as-it-teeters-on-brink-of-collapse-20210302-p5774m.html
Cartoon Corner
David Rowe
Andrew Dyson
Cathy Wilcox
Matt Golding
Mark David
Simon Letch
Fiona Katauskas
Glen Le Lievre
Mark Knight
John Spooner
Alan Moir
From the US
The hypocrisy by Newsltd and Libs/nats they say the minister in question should be given the opportunity of innocence.until proven guilty
Yet this same mob do not give the same opportunity to Jobseekers innocence , the word of the businesses who claim Jobseekers do not want to work, then the jobseeker is guilty
Morning all and thanks BK. The real test of Minister X today will not be whether he makes a carefully worded statement prepared after talking with his lawyers. It will be whether he answers questions.
Remember when Gillard volunteered for a one hour grilling about her pre politics legal work?
BK thanks for posting this story.
“Nissan Australia chief executive Stephen Lester says a lack of leadership in embracing electrified cars is out of step with the world’s leading economies. He’s not wrong!”
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/maker-of-world-s-most-popular-electric-car-blasts-australia-s-lack-of-ambition-20210302-p5772f.html
The federal government is stalling on this one to extend the profits of oil company donors. Hydrogen fuelled cars are a distraction – the cheapest costs $70k. We now spend more importing oil than importing cars.
if he is confident of his innocence why would the minister in question have lawyers present at this press conference ,
He has never been charge , or interviewed by the police , there was no investigation or case against the minister in question .
John Barilaro thanked for $107,000 grant to agricultural group associated with Angus Taylor’s family
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/03/john-barilaro-gave-107000-grant-to-group-associated-with-taylor-family
Can’t wait for the worst kept secret in politics to come out.
Doubt it will do anything to the polls.
The four A’s everyone should apparently avoid –
Alcohol
After midnight
Alone
Attractive
Zoomster,
You missed one: assholes.
…I would have thought that being alone made you pretty safe, given that most of what we’re hearing happened when people were out in groups.
“The only reason I’m not a rapist is that I never went out with anyone attractive.”
Good morning and thanks BK for the Dawn Patrol.
Paris (CNN) French Catholic clergy could have abused at least 10,000 minors and other vulnerable people since 1950, according to an independent investigation set up by the Church in France.
The Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (CIASE) “estimates that the number of victims could reach ‘at least ten thousand,'” it said in a statement released on Monday.
The commission said it had so far received 6,500 testimonies, which concern at least 3,000 different victims.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/02/europe/french-catholic-clergy-abuse-allegations-ciase-intl/index.html
Apparently all of the Canberra media are going to a press conference today and they have no idea who is holding it….
Lol zoomster
Guardian:
“Health minister Greg Hunt has confirmed international borders will remain closed for at least another three months, much to the dismay of the more than 40,000 Australians who remain stranded across the globe due to Covid-19”
………
If Morrison thinks he is in trouble now, just wait for the world of shit he is going to find himself in when he tries to reopen to international travel with half the population unvaccinated.
Would be so much easier & cost effective to disband the armed services..
The Canberra Times has the story today that the head of the defence force is defending his decision to warn cadets not to make themselves “prey” to sexual predators.
General Angus Campbell allegedly urged the first-year cadets to be wary of the “A’s” – consuming alcohol, being alone, being out after midnight and appearing attractive.
Unsurprisingly there has been some pretty swift criticism of these comments.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/03/nearly-one-in-five-chinese-australians-threatened-or-attacked-in-past-year-survey-finds
Sinophobia is rising….and not just at PB
A landmark survey of the Chinese-Australian community has found nearly one in five have been physically threatened or attacked in the past year because of their Chinese heritage – a result likely to spark new calls for action against racism.
P1 will be so disappointed.
Ignorant experts, clearly they need a good talking to from the bush shack.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/aemo-abandons-plan-to-model-gas-led-recovery-after-idea-panned-by-energy-market/
https://thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2021/03/02/garry-linnell-athletes-money/?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20News%20-%2020210303
We could get successful people to pay back their tax payed funded schooling
Four A’s? Isn’t that for going out in lawless third world countries? They should be more interest in just one R.
I don’t give a f about this cabinet minister. I want to know what happens next – how do we reduce the number of assaults and increase the percent of those perpetrating them being found guilty in court? This has broader societal problems; sexual assaults have wide ranging long term negative effects on so many women (and some men) and the lack of respect and inclusion of women in some sectors, especially politics also diminishes our society.
What will this facade of a government actually do?
It is well worth a read. The industry has canned the bullshit with style.
Following the negative feedback, AEMO told stakeholders that it would propose converting the ‘gas led’ scenario into a sensitivity analysis, demoting the ‘gas led recovery’ scenario to a matter of curiosity.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/aemo-abandons-plan-to-model-gas-led-recovery-after-idea-panned-by-energy-market/
Where’s is this Hillsong scumbag now?
“The alleged Parliament House rapist purportedly scrubbed his internet presence and disappeared from public view this week. His actions follow allegations of inappropriate behaviour, sexual assault and rape from four women. Various independent news media and social media accounts named the supposed perpetrator over the last week. They describe him as a former Liberal Party ‘rising star’ and member of Hillsong Church”
Given the way the mysterious Minister has been reported so far, I’m expecting that reports on the presser will dub his voice, blur his image and put in a bleep every time his name is mentioned…
Thanks BK. Uhlmann lost me halfway through too.
Today’s Rowe is puzzling to me as well.
This Hillsong business looks more and more like some guilty conscience protection racket.
zoomster:
Yes, he’s about to come out in public with a statement, but still cannot be named!
frednk @ #23 Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 – 8:44 am
What is a pity it that you are apparently so ignorant that you don’t know the difference between a ‘gas led recovery’ and using gas a transition fuel, or using gas to firm renewables.
Bu by all means pursue Australia becoming a ‘Hydrogen Superpower’ if you believe this is a practical solution. Send us a postcard when you get there.
It’s also a pity you are apparently so ignorant of Labor policy, either your own States, or Federally. Just ask Briefly – he’ll tell you in detail how gas is going to help WA eliminate coal. He wrote the policy, apparently.
Stand for something: WA election candidates stick to platitudes
ON 13 MARCH, Western Australians go to the polls. It promises to be an anti-climactic affair, with Mark McGowan’s Labor Government expected to be returned to power. Even Liberal Opposition Leader, Zak Kirkup, has already conceded defeat. At least there will still be democracy sausages.
…
Take the electorate of Kalamunda as an example. Locals in this tranquil Perth Hills area will have to choose which of the nine candidates they’ll rank last. And this is a tougher choice than you may expect.
…
The incumbent Labor candidate, Matthew Hughes, previously stood on a fracking-free platform. After losing on that issue to oil and gas political donations, Hughes’ campaign this time around appears more generic.
…
It should come as no surprise that The Greens’ Lee-Anne Miles wants to address climate change. In terms of issues worth standing for, this has to be near the top of the list. Trust the Greens to have candidates wanting to stand for something.
It will be interesting to see how the other parties manage to blame inaction on climate change on the Greens in the coming years.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/stand-for-something-wa-election-candidates-stick-to-platitudes,14854
Sounds about right. The stale old parties specialise in blaming their own failures on the Greens.
lizzie @ #24 Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 – 8:47 am
I worked at the AIS/Sports Commission 2002-5. This topic came up I think twice during that time. The major issue was that for every really successful athlete from the AIS who did make a lot of money, there were many who did not. The issue was investigated and not pursued, as it would not have been worthwhile.
Confessions @ #30 Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 – 9:00 am
Approaching midnight on the female accountability clock ?
“@AdamBandt
The PM now has no choice. He must take action. With no police investigation to resolve this, the pressure on the Prime Minister will only grow.
He needs to stand down the accused minister and establish a full, independent investigation.
The PM can’t keep stonewalling forever.”
I agree. The Minister should stand aside while a full investigation is undertaken. If he does not, Morrison must take action and remove him from the Cabinet today.
The watch hands brilliantly echo the Fed Parliament flag pole in the female symbol, as a watch gadget. Time waits for no man … etc
So – Paul Kelly in the Government Gazette doesn’t like (rape) trial by media.
Someone should introduce him to the word “hypocrisy”
I’m interested in the function of the defamation lawyer. Will the Minister threaten to sue anyone who reports any part of his speech, or even refers to the allegations in the future? It will be a crowded cell.
“Challenge accepted.”
SK
[I don’t give a f about this cabinet minister. I want to know what happens next – how do we reduce the number of assaults and increase the percent of those perpetrating them being found guilty in court? This has broader societal problems; sexual assaults have wide ranging long term negative effects on so many women (and some men) and the lack of respect and inclusion of women in some sectors, especially politics also diminishes our society.
What will this facade of a government actually do?]
Through state laws although the Australian Law Reform Commission did work on this up to 2010
https://www.alrc.gov.au/publication/family-violence-a-national-legal-response-alrc-report-114/24-sexual-assault-and-family-violence-2/history-of-activism-and-legal-change/
In NSW accessing medical records of victims is much harder, the process of preliminary hearings to test victim evidence is now virtually non-existent and the cross-examination of victims may be more constrained. Bail laws get alleged child abuse offenders inside waiting trial much more easily.
Heaps have been written around reform and some reforms have been implemented.
But the obvious caveat is that every reform pushes you closer to wrongful convictions etc.
I have now and have had a few cases of people doing gaol time on the basis of false complaints
I noticed last night that the usual apologists for the LNP (Lechers and Neanderthals Party) were out and about. They must have had heads down for the last few days working frantically to get things in order for todays presser by the alleged anal rapist of a 16 year old.
Morrison will do whatever he’s told. Over to Rupert. Jen or the tower of Babel don’t get a look in this time.
Itza:
I wondered if it was something like that. It would be great if Rowe was prophetic, but unfortunately we keep seeing time and again that time can indeed wait.
lizzie @ #40 Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 – 8:12 am
Personally I think the role of the defamation lawyer is to deter/threaten any future claimants, it reeks of ” I’m innocent “….
I repeat my comment about time continually waiting…
Has St Christian of the Chameleonic Sociopaths made an appearance yet?
Vogon Poet
Hadn’t thought of “future claimants”. 🙂