During the recent S.A. shut-down the Premier took a swipe at hotel quarantine as being a major problem. Federal colleagues did not criticize him as they had Dan Andrews, was the difference that S.A. is a Liberal Government?
S.A. wants Quarantine stations to be opened, will the Feds support such a move to deal with the large numbers that Morrison wants to return home for home for Christmas? Of course not, but we cannot risk another outbreak from hotel quarantine, so what is being done to improve the system? Dan’s practical suggestion for security guards to have adequate pay and sick leave might make quarantine safer.
The people of S.A. were relieved to be out of their brief lock-down, but refugees remain in indefinite detention, yet have not been charged with any crime, what hope have they been offered?
Robo-debt was solved on the morning of the scheduled biggest class action trial in Australian history. This came after months of blocking, the government agreed to pay $112 million in compensation and legal costs, too late for those who suicided as they became overwhelmed with the harassment to repay debts they had not incurred. The $112 million was money well spent to save the P.M. having to give evidence about a program he was responsible for as a Minister, and as PM. Was it coincidence he flew out that day to Japan and avoided questions from the press?
Continuing legal topics, Palmer lost his border challenge against Western Australia. If he had won, it would have created a constitutional crisis and possibly dented the W.A. budget.
The American Presidential election saw Kamala Harris become the first woman to become a Vice President, a huge step for American democracy. Despite fears of a mass rebellion there was little violence and this morning I heard Trump had cleared the charges against Mike Flynn, another sign he has capitulated.
We will re-start classes in 2021. There will probably timetable changes, so do check the newsletter.
Terry Case