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Government won’t make a minimum wage recommendation: Liberal senator
By Angus Thompson
Minister for Superannuation and Financial Services, Jane Hume, says the government won’t make a recommendation on what the minimum wage should be after the union movement called for it to be lifted by five per cent and others have called for a freeze.
Speaking to Radio National earlier today, Senator Hume said the government would make a submission to the Fair Work Commission in its annual wage review on the national minimum wage, “but it’s not a recommendation one way or the other”.
Senator Jane Hume. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
“We don’t vigorously recommend … what we do is make sure that the Fair Work Commission has all the information that is available to the government on the macro and micro-economic settings around the decision,” Senator Hume said.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions is pushing for the national minimum wage to be raised by five per cent, which would lift the minimum hourly rate to $21.35, a rise of $1.02.
That would also apply the same percentage increase to the pay of about 2 million employees on higher industry awards that are linked to the national minimum wage.
The Master Grocers Association, which represents brands such as IGA, Foodworks and hardware chain Mitre 10, is warning against any increase in the minimum pay as the federal government spruiks real wage growth in its budget.
You can read more about the current wages debate here.
‘Political mongrel’ George Christensen delivers final speech to Parliament
By Katina Curtis
Outspoken Nationals backbencher George Christensen has delivered a passionate plea for more politicians to be able to forge their own path, freed of the restrictions of party unity.
In his valedictory speech to Parliament, the Member for Dawson said he doesn’t like coming to Canberra, decrying question time as a farce.
Nationals MP George Christensen during this morning’s valedictory speech. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
He said it was the norm now to bemoan the sameness of all politicians as they toe their party’s lines but, on the other hand, label any spark of individuality a sign of chaos.
“What happened to individuality in this place? What happened to critical thinking?” he said.
Mr Christensen called for room for backbenchers to make their minds known and even vote differently from their party’s position.
“Otherwise we run the risk of Parliament House degenerating into a sheltered workshop for those who can’t think for themselves,” he said.
He recounted a colleague telling him when he first arrived in Parliament there were two paths politicians could follow: that of the poodle with an eye always on landing on the “ministerial leather”, or that of the mongrel.
“For my electorate and my people, I’ve proudly been a political mongrel.”
Will Smith refused to leave Oscars after Rock slap, Academy says
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says actor Will Smith was asked to leave to this year’s Oscars ceremony after hitting comedian Chris Rock, but refused to do so.
The academy’s board of governors met Wednesday (US time) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. The academy said disciplinary action for Smith could include suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.
Many have focused on why Smith was allowed to remain seated in the front row of the Academy Awards after the incident.
In a statement, the academy suggested it had attempted to remove the actor from the audience.
“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the academy said.
“While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently.”
A representative for the academy declined to give specifics on how it tried to removed Smith.
After Smith struck Rock in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, several stars including Denzel Washington, Bradley Cooper and Tyler Perry spoke with the 53-year-old actor.
The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before its board meets again on April 18.
AP
US, Australian alarm at proposed sanction-skirting Russian and Indian banking scheme
By Farrah Tomazin
The United States and Australia have expressed concern at a proposal being considered by India – a fellow member of the so-called “Quad” alliance – that would allow Russia to use its own SWIFT-style banking system for bilateral payments with the Asian nation.
The proposed project would undermine the sanctions imposed against Vladimir Putin over his February invasion of neighbour Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in 2019.Credit:AP
The Modi Government is currently assessing the proposal to use Russia’s central messaging system, SPFS, to make transactions with Moscow as India seeks to buy oil and weapons, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
News of the plan comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrives in India for a two-day visit, and as the Biden administration and Morrison government held high-level trade talks in Washington on the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Part of that strategy includes a shared goal to strengthen the Quad partnership between the US, Australia, India and Japan.
New boss of ABC News appointed
By Broede Carmody
Turning to media news for a moment, and the former executive producer of the ABC’s flagship news and current affairs program has been named the public broadcaster’s new head of news, analysis and investigations.
Justin Stevens was previously the EP of 7.30 for four years. He first joined the ABC in 2006 after a stint at Channel Nine. He steps into his new role early next month.
The ABC headquarters in Ultimo.Credit:Christopher Pearce
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of ABC News and it’s an honour to be given the opportunity to lead this great team,” Stevens said in a statement.
“The ABC celebrates 90 years this year and ABC News is a huge part of its proud heritage.
“Australians trust ABC News to deliver the quality public interest journalism and services they need and which are a key part of a healthy democracy. That job is more vital than ever.”
Victoria reports 11,292 new cases of COVID-19, four deaths
By Broede Carmody
Victoria’s daily coronavirus numbers are also in.
The state has recorded 11,292 official cases of COVID-19 and four deaths. Today’s tally is down on yesterday’s 11,749 cases.
There are 312 people in Victorian hospitals with COVID-19. Of those, 14 are in ICU.
Today’s total hospitalisations are up on yesterday’s 280 patients. But ICU numbers are down.
NSW records 22,107 new cases of COVID-19, 17 deaths
By Broede Carmody
NSW’s daily coronavirus numbers are in.
NSW has recorded 22,107 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths. Today’s tally is down on yesterday’s 25,235 cases.
There are 1326 people in NSW hospitals. Of those, 39 are in intensive care.
Today’s hospitalisations are up on yesterday’s 1301 patients. But ICU numbers are down.
More than 3000 Defence Force personnel in Lismore and surrounds
By Nell Geraets
Around 3500 soldiers, sailors and seamen are helping local emergency services in northern NSW as this week’s flood emergency continues.
Lieutenant Colonel Roland Spackman fronted Channel Seven’s breakfast program Sunrise earlier this morning.
A flooded road in Lismore. Credit:Getty
He said the Australian Defence Force was in Lismore and its surrounding areas to support the State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue and NSW Police.
He said personnel were “able to support them with high water clearance, rescues and recoveries, sandbagging, door knocks and other welfare checks”.
Lt Col Spackman’s warning to locals in the area was to “stay away from standing water and moving water” and to report anything that looked dangerous to emergency services.
As mentioned earlier, there are 20 flood evacuation orders in place across NSW at the moment, affecting some 27,000 people.
There is some anger among residents of northern NSW given people in Lismore were told to return to their homes earlier this week and then, just hours later, ordered to evacuate for a second time.
‘This PM is not a bully,’ Financial Services Minister says
By Broede Carmody
Staying with the criticism of the Prime Minister for a moment, and Financial Services Minister Jane Hume says Scott Morrison has never been a bully to her.
The comments come after Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells labelled the PM “an autocrat and a bully with no moral compass” earlier this week.
Concetta Fierravanti-Wells has called Scott Morrison a bully.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Here’s what Senator Hume had to say:
No, [the PM hasn’t bullied me]. Never.
I can safely say that out loud and upfront. I can understand why those accusations might be thrown around by political opponents. I can also understand why [Liberal senator] Connie Fierravanti-Wells is upset. She lost a preselection over the weekend.
Preselections in the Liberal Party are in front of hundreds of people. Hundreds of people are telling you your not the one they want this time around. It’s actually very confronting. And I understand why it is that Connie might want to lash out.
But, no, I can safely say this Prime Minister is not a bully. He’s been extraordinarily supportive of all the women that I work with.
Critics of ‘forceful’ Morrison consumed by personal grievances, Howard says
By Michael Koziol
John Howard says Scott Morrison’s internal Coalition critics are “consumed” by personal grievances, but has agreed that Liberal Party members should choose their candidates, amid fury over how the Prime Minister and his allies have controlled preselections for the coming election.
The former prime minister also suggested whoever forms government in May should consider major tax reform as the country still relied “far too heavily” on income tax compared to indirect taxes such as his goods and services tax.
Former PM John Howard speaking at a Liberal Party rally.Credit:Brook Mitchell
Mr Howard told this masthead that Mr Morrison may be “forceful” at times, but he was not a bully as Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells labelled him in a stunning budget night attack, and said he did not deserve criticism for his religion.
Senator Fierravanti-Wells – who was dumped from a winnable position on the Liberal ticket ahead of the election – used a late-night parliamentary speech earlier this week to call Mr Morrison “an autocrat and a bully with no moral compass”, and said he was not fit for the top job.
Mr Morrison says his colleague is understandably disappointed about losing preselection, but she should pursue her grievances through party processes.
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2022-03-30 23:03:50Z
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