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As cases in Melbourne spike, could Newcastle be next?
www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/newcastle-black-lives-matter-protest-gets-green-light...
Bid to stop Black Lives Matter rally fails
www.news.com.au
The NSW Supreme Court has given the green light for a Black Lives Matter protest to be held in Newcastle at the weekend, dashing a NSW Police attempt to outlaw the event.So more on that story...
... you can have "remnants of the virus for eight weeks, the virus is dead, not infectious" and "the risk of someone else contracting is low".
You accept that?
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-03/positive-coronavirus-case-flew-from-nsw-to-vic-heres-why/12417186
www.abc.net.au
A Sydney man who spent two weeks in hotel quarantine in Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus after returning to NSW, sparking a crisis at the Woolworths he worked at. Here's why he was allowed ou...People are travelling or going to work while sick - and it's not just feeling 'a little under the weather', these people are showing signs and symptoms of coronavirus (or have already been tested positive!). While it's been shown that people could be infected with no signs and symptoms and be spreading the virus without knowing it, what do you say to those who knowingly spread it?
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/coronavirus-victoria-sydney-airport-patrols-i...
Sydney Airport patrols increased to keep Melburnians out
www.news.com.au
A woman has been blasted by officials after she was intercepted after taking a train from Melbourne to Sydney despite showing symptoms of coronavirus.Julie Owens MP supporting local businesses. JobKeeper isn’t perfect and while these are unusual circumstances, it’s also a common story of falling between the gaps. One size doesn’t always fit all.
Is that a worry? Spending quarantine in Victoria (is it because he's flown in from overseas?) but returns to Sydney and tests positive... does this mean the quarantine periods should be longer than 14 days or he contracted something while in quarantine?
www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/coronavirus-australia-50-woolies-staff-forced-to-isol...
50 Woolies staff forced to isolate after worker tests positive
www.news.com.au
Fifty Woolworths staff have been forced to self-isolate after a Sydney worker tested positive for coronavirus.Strict border control - it's a necessity.
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/coronavirus-victoria-sydney-airport-patrols-i...
Sydney Airport patrols increased to keep Melburnians out
www.news.com.au
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says passengers arriving from Victoria will be “screened” at airports and train terminals today but it is still not clear what that actually means.Could you have been subject to Robodebt and not know it?
7news.com.au/the-morning-show/robodebt-explained-how-the-centrelink-program-worked-who-is-entitle...
What is robodebt? Australia’s trending Google search answered
7news.com.au
With robo-debt in the headlines recently, it’s no surprise that thousands of Australians have taken to Google to find out exactly what it is.Woooh, it gets tougher. Of course, it's going to affect many people and businesses - but it seems to be the necessary course of action. Will be interesting to see how this plays out at some of the border 'twin' towns.
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/victorian-virus-hotspot-residents-face-fines-...
Victorian virus hotspot residents face fines, jail time for entering NSW
www.news.com.au
Victorians from virus hot spot suburbs will face fines of up to $11,000 or jail time if they enter NSW from midnight tonight.Australia's vulnerability came from its points of entry (like, but not just, the Ruby Princess). It takes a major spike in infections to force Melbourne to close its international airport and divert flights to other major airports in other states. But why? Are they concerned about further infections flying into Melbourne? If so, what does it mean for those flights diverted else where?
South Australia was doing alright until recently when returning Australian citizens and permanent residents brought it with them - hopefully their quarantine measures are stringent enough to prevent it from spreading. But the reality is that now this story is going to be repeated across the country in each state, except Victoria - unless everyone else also closes their state borders and other points of entry.
7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/premier-calls-for-all-flights-to-be-diverted-away-from-vi...
GATES CLOSED: Premier to divert all international flights to other states
7news.com.au
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has a plan to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state, but it means the rest of Australia will need to help out.As parts of Melbourne go into lockdown, do you know what 'community transmission' is and what it really means for Australians?
www.abc.net.au/news/health/2020-06-28/what-exactly-is-community-transmission-and-how-is-it-curbed...
Why it's significant that Victoria is the only state with community transmission of COVID-19
www.abc.net.au
"Community transmission" are the two of the most dreaded words in Australia right now. But what does it actually mean and can we get a handle on it?We've been talking about this for a while - the reckoning for Australian retailers. So far, Amazon's presence in Australia has been relatively low key but this investment into infrastructure is a sign of things to come. If Australian retailers weren't already disrupted by the coronavirus and forced out of business or to change their business models, Amazon is guaranteed to be the disrupted as they take it to the next level. It's going to be real interesting to watch this space.
Happy End of Financial Year!
www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/western-sydney-to-become-home-to-one-of-the-southern-hemi...
Western Sydney welcomes retail behemoth
www.news.com.au
The build on a new monster Amazon fulfilment centre in Sydney’s west is expected to be complete by Christmas next year and will create 1500 new jobs.This issue isn't going to go away. Employers and (some) employees just have a different mindset when it comes to work/productivity, return/remuneration, and incentive/motivation. There are some people who choose to stay at home because they can (and still get paid) and those who still go to work because they want to (even if they don't get paid). Who is who?
www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/underemployed-casual-workers-called-lazy-for-r...
Casuals accused of ‘biggest piss take’
www.news.com.au
Pub baron Craig Laundy has urged underemployed Australians to “get off their backsides” accusing casual workers of “the biggest piss take’’ for refusing shifts.New laws from 1 July. Would any of these affect you?
www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/new-laws-coming-for-australia-on-july-1-all-th...
Can the economy survive another 'half' lockdown/shutdown? Is that why the focus is only on the hotspots?
www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/prime-minister-scott-morrison-wants-victoria-to-shutd...
Prime Minister Scott Morrison wants Victoria to shutdown coronavirus hotspots
www.news.com.au
Scott Morrison is urging Victoria to issue shutdown orders now or risk the coronavirus outbreak in the state getting even worse.Should NSW be closing its borders rather than just the Premier 'urging' Victorians not to visit NSW?
Quarantine should be a lot easier to manage than community transmission - especially now that restrictions are being eased, otherwise once it starts spreading, the only way to address it would be to reimpose restrictions.
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/coronavirus-sa-borders-opened-to-visitors-via...
South Australia scraps July 20 as date to reopen borders
www.news.com.au
As Victoria records daily spikes in COVID-19 cases, South Australia has pulled the pin on reopening its state borders on July 20.Never-ending saga. This is going to be around for a while.
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-29/opal-tower-owners-launch-supreme-court-case-over-new-defects/12402444
500 new defects discovered at Opal Tower as unit owners launch legal action
www.abc.net.au
Owners of units in the beleaguered Opal Tower are suing the NSW Government after discovering more than 500 new defects in the high-rise building.How much are you willing to give up in terms of your privacy to enjoy the convenience and benefit of apps on your phone? Do you read the terms and conditions, or end-user licences attached to the apps when you download, activate, or sign into them?
7news.com.au/technology/tiktok-and-other-popular-apps-caught-out-in-potential-privacy-breach-by-a...
iPhone privacy warning for TikTok and other popular apps
7news.com.au
Apple’s latest security update appears to have caught out a couple of apps - potentially spying on users.Should testing be mandatory and a condition of entry and/or clearance from quarantine?
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/coronavirus-nsw-extends-quarantine-for-return...
NSW extends quarantine for returned overseas travellers who refuse test
www.news.com.au
Returned overseas travellers who refuse to be tested for the coronavirus on the tenth day of their hotel quarantine in New South Wales will now be required to stay longer.Was there even a first wave? There was threat of infection and community transmission, but in reality it didn't really take place, at least not in the way we expected. We saw what was happening overseas and had prepared ourselves for what thankfully didn't eventuate - until now.
The growing number of community transmissions is a concern and that's the wave that needs to be prevented.
While there are spikes and clusters in Melbourne, does the silence around Sydney suggest something more troubling? The odd infection and school closure here and there doesn't happen by itself so you can't say that no news is good news.
www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-melbourne-cases-spike-suburbs-new-saliva-testing/7cc6a35e-c...
Officials say virus spike across 10 Melbourne suburbs 'genuine concern' but not a second wave
www.9news.com.au
Health officials say while a new spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria is of "genuine concern", it is not ...Just goes to show how important quarantine is - and the consequences of not doing it properly (no exceptions). It's so easy to undo the hard work.
www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/new-zealand-pm-jacinda-arderns-very-bad-week/news-story/7b58...
‘She lied’: Week Ardern wants to forget
www.news.com.au
Jacinda Ardern must be wishing she could turn back the clock to June 8, when New Zealand was declared coronavirus free.Oh well... we don't handle personal injury claims, just in case you needed help with something like this. Sorry.
Happy Friday everyone.
www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/twitch-sex-addict-claims-hot-female-gamers-caused-him-to-injure...
Twitch: Sex addict claims hot female gamers caused him to injure his penis
www.news.com.au
Excessive gaming is known to damage one’s joystick.Were you planning on going grocery shopping this weekend?
www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/panic-buying-hits-sydney-after-shoppers-in-melbourne-hit-with-buyi...
Coles and Woolies hits Aussies with buying limits nationwide
www.news.com.au
The Prime Minister has issued a stern message to panic buyers after Australian supermarkets implemented new purchase limits on toilet paper at all stores across the country.The real 'failure' is that the COVIDSafe app wasn't made mandatory for those who weren't isolating or at least allow businesses to make it a condition of entry.
We use the COVIDSafe app and we let our clients know this when they visit us. But if they're not using the app as well, then contact tracing isn't going to be as effective. Of course, we'll still know who to contact if we need to, but it wouldn't be through the app if they hadn't downloaded or activated it during their visit.
#covidsafe #COVIDSafeApp
www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/covidsafe-app-yet-to-identify-close-contacts-of-covid...
Startling stats behind COVIDSafe app
www.news.com.au
It was touted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as the key out of lockdown.Should 10 year old kids be sent to jail?
www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/raise-the-age-campaign-calls-for-australia-to-stop-imprisonin...
Calls in Australia to stop imprisoning children as young as 10
www.news.com.au
A new campaign to stop children as young as 10 being imprisoned in Australia has been launched this week as Black Lives Matter protests focus attention on issues of Indigenous incarceration.How are you going with your tax preparation?
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-25/ato-issues-warning-to-rental-property-owners-over-tax-deductions/1...
ATO on the watch this tax time as Australians set to claim billions in rental deductions
www.abc.net.au
With the coronavirus pandemic, bushfires and floods leaving many rental property owners confused about what tax deductions they can claim, the ATO clarifies the rules.It's not just products from China that's an issue, but the global supply chain - again, more reason to re-focus on Australian production and manufacturing don't you think so?
#australianmade #ikea
www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/ikea-surging-customer-demand-leads-to-near-empty-shelves/...
Some shelves are very empty at Ikea as demand surges but supply can’t keep up
www.news.com.au
The lonely looking Vardagen teapot was the only one of its kind left at the Ikea store in Sydney’s inner west. It too would probably have been snaffled but somewhere, somehow, it lost its lid.Can you blame Kmart for importing goods from China? So many products, not just products sold by Kmart, are manufactured in China simply due to economics. But that model is under scrutiny now. It may be cheaper, but that's little help when the supply chain no longer exists or is substantially restricted. By necessity, there will eventually (if not already) be more focus on local production and manufacturing.
www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/dick-smith-slams-kmart-for-making-products-in-china...
www.news.com.au
Aussie business icon Dick Smith has slammed Kmart‘s “sad” decision to manufacture many of its products overseas.Looking for a bargain? Just remember - supporting your local small businesses goes some way to helping the economy recover.
www.news.com.au/finance/money/experts-predict-where-australians-will-find-postlockdown-bargains/n...
Experts predict where Australians will find post-lockdown bargains
www.news.com.au
The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial chaos for many Australians, but there may be a small silver lining in the form of post-lockdown bargains.A tough year for everyone is going to be even tougher for some.
#qantas #jobs
Qantas to axe 6000 jobs
Do people - especially parents - really need to be warned about these things? Sadly, yes. Despite the warnings, people will still travel, and they will travel interstate, and they will travel to Victoria too (despite it being a hotspot).
Authorities have already tried to enforce restrictions and while you could say it was largely successful or at least the majority of the population were compliant, there are always those who disregard warnings, the directions and 'common sense'.
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/can-you-travel-during-school-holidays-coronav...
Can you travel during school holidays? Coronavirus outbreak warning issued
www.news.com.au
Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer has urged people to rethink how they spend the school holidays as Victoria’s COVID-19 outbreak worsens.Living here, you get used to it - but should you even have to? Explaining it to children can be heart breaking, but necessary.
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/racism-in-australia-backpackers-speak-about-...
Backpackers lift the lid on racist Aussies
www.news.com.au
We’re one of the most multicultural nations in the world but Australia has long struggled to shrug off a reputation for being racist.Does it seem a little unfair that the restrictions and social distancing have been inconsistently applied or enforced - especially when these protests and mass rallies went ahead regardless of whether they were lawful or not?
But do you isolate or social distance because you're told to or because it's important to do so?
www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/coronavirus-black-lives-matter-protests-set-a-double-...
Black Lives Matter protests set a ‘double standard’, says Health Minister
www.news.com.au
Health Minister Greg Hunt has suggested the Black Lives Matter protests a few weeks ago have set a “double standard” that has led to Aussies flouting virus rules.Should we be closing the borders like other states?
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/victorians-visit-nsw-despite-travel-advice-sp...
Potentially infected Victorians travel to NSW, ignore advice
www.news.com.au
While NSW residents are being urged not to travel to Victoria as virus cases spike, some Victorians aren’t returning the courtesy.How timely with the panic buying in Melbourne... they've pleaded not guilty and a hearing date has been set. A reminder to the 'second wave' toilet paper brawlers.
www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/mum-daughter-to-face-court-hearing-on-toilet-roll-fig...
Mum, daughter to face court hearing on toilet roll fight charges
www.news.com.au
An Egyptian-Australian mother and her daughter charged with brawling in a Sydney supermarket aisle over toilet paper will face a court hearing next month.Here we go again. Just when things were 'sorta' going back to normal. You would assume that having experienced the last round of panic buying, people would have - with the benefit of hindsight - realised how irrational this behaviour was and know better for 'next time'. Apparently not.
Would this happen in Sydney?
7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/panic-buying-returns-to-australia-following-spike-in-coronavirus...
Panic buying returns to Australia following spike in coronavirus cases
7news.com.au
Supermarkets are again urging shoppers to buy only what they need.Over baby formula...
www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/crime/knife-pulled-out-in-sydney-baby-formula-heist/news-story/d...
Knife pulled out in Sydney baby formula heist
www.news.com.au
When a Sydney supermarket manager confronted thieves who raided shelves for tins of baby formula he was threatened with a knife, according to NSW Police.More scams. Always be vigilant.
Nepalese nationals accused of fleecing elderly Sydney residents
Did you know some schools are still offering 'compulsory' French and Japanese subjects?
Maybe they were really important back in the 80s and 90s, but the fact that this hasn't changed in the last 30+ years is worrying. The world has changed. The economic/political landscape has changed.
www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-education-subjects-to-be-dropped-from-decades-old-curriculum/921250...
Several subjects to be dropped from NSW teaching curriculum
www.9news.com.au
Several subjects to be dropped from NSW teaching curriculumBy Tom Livingstone • Producer10:16am Jun 23, 2020Several school subjects will be dropped from the NSW curriculum in its "biggest shakeup in...Are there fewer cases or fewer cases being reported or disclosed? Not being alarmist or a conspiracy theorist, but there have been reported cases in NSW (some which have even closed schools), but presumably these cases don't happen in isolation. People catch it from others and they potentially pass it on to others. If contact tracing fails or is 'unclear', as it has been in a few cases, then the extent of the infection is really unknown. There's concern that there may be clusters, but we don't really know. A sudden spike of cases, like in Victoria may be a good thing if means the infections are being recorded, reported and traced. No cases in NSW, or in other states, may be a bad thing if it's because we just don't really know the true extent of the infection.
7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/nsw-premier-weighs-in-on-states-success-as-one-new-covid-...
Premier reveals why NSW is seeing COVID success as just one new case is recorded
7news.com.au
Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked NSW residents, revealing why she believes the state has managed to keep cases so low.Sigh - more scams. Please be vigilant and pass on the warning.
#scams #fraud
www.9news.com.au/national/fraud-syndicate-targets-elderly-nsw-woman/cf43401d-ac28-4548-b0e5-75ac0...
Fraud syndicate targets elderly NSW woman - 9News
www.9news.com.au
Two people have been charged over an international scam that preyed on an elderly woman in western Sydney a...Woah... $1 trillion. That's a million million. Oh well...
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-22/peter-costello-says-government-debt-could-reach-$1-trillion/123654...
'Nobody has experienced anything like this': Businesses feeling the pinch as we dive into recession
www.abc.net.au
Former treasurer Peter Costello says Australian government debt could hit a trillion dollars because of the COVID-19 crisis — and it's money that would unlikely be paid back.As tragic as this is, is it Google's responsibility to filter search results and/or report it?
#Google #Search #filter #report #disclose #privacy #suicide
www.9news.com.au/national/google-grieving-queensland-family-call-on-tech-giant-to-do-more-after-s...
Grieving Queensland family call on Google to do more after son's suicide
www.9news.com.au
The family of a young Queensland man who took his own life is calling on Google to do more to filter the re...Aw - good news stories. The best.
#camera #travel
www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/cameras/sony-action-cam-camera-found-at-bondi-survived-7-years...
Propaganda and counter-propaganda. It's just a cycle isn't it?
Sadly, if things go sour (or are sour) it's individuals who end up caught in the middle - expendable pawns in a bigger political game.
www.news.com.au/world/asia/china-cyber-attacks-beijings-misinformation-war-against-australia/news...
China’s ‘open assault’ on the West
www.news.com.au
Our hearts and minds are under attack. The battlefields are social media, news services and parliaments. Lies are its weapons. Democracy is its target. And we’re losing. Badly.Are lawyers some of the highest paid graduates? This is a common misconception that needs to be addressed because it confuses many law students who step through our doors.
Do lawyers get paid a lot? Maybe. It depends on what it means to be paid a lot. Do lawyers work long hours and deal with high pressure and stressful situations? Yes. So for what they're paid, is it a lot? That's when 'maybe' becomes 'maybe not'.
How about doctors? Doctors are at the top of highest paid graduates. But for hours/shifts they do, is it still considered high? What about the stress and burdens of their profession? Is it worth it?
And what students don't consider when they're planning their future is the financial, personal and opportunity cost of investing 5-10 years into tertiary and professional study. What's the return on investment and how does it compare to other investments?
Being highly educated, qualified, or in any of these 'highest paid' professions doesn't necessarily equate to or guarantee the returns (in all sense of the word, not just financial return) that many students expect.
#Graduates #students #university
www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/humanities-graduates-earn-more-than-those-who-study-science-...
Humanities graduates earn more than those who study science
www.news.com.au
Significant changes to university fees have been announced to drive students to study certain courses with a focus on jobs but not all STEM graduates have above-average employment outcomes.If we continue to relax our restrictions in NSW, could we have a relapse as well?
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-20/victoria-coronavirus-restriction-changes-explained/12376978
What's changing under Victoria's tightened coronavirus restrictions?
www.abc.net.au
Due to Victoria's unfortunate coronavirus pandemic relapse, the state's health authorities are tightening up restrictions again. Here's what it means for you.COVID-19 boost in sales?
www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/curvy-bras-plussize-online-retailer-increases-sales-durin...
Plus-size online retailer increases sales during lockdown
www.news.com.au
Most of us cut back our spending during COVID-19 lockdown – but one Aussie business bucked that trend with bras “so comfortable” they had a 3100-person waiting list.This was a real tragedy - unbelievable but also just as believable. It plays on our inherent fears of what could happen just like a thriller/horror movie script.
But do you feel sorry for the shareholders?
#dreamworld #shareholders
www.news.com.au/national/queensland/courts-law/dreamworld-shareholder-class-action-filed-in-court...
Shareholders take Dreamworld’s owner to court after ride deaths
www.news.com.au
Theme park operator Ardent Leisure Group Ltd will defend itself against a shareholder class action following a fatal accident at its Dreamworld theme park in 2016, the company says.'Job relevant' is such an interesting term - the reality is that things we formally study often have little direct relevance to what job we end up doing. Sometimes it's because by the time we finish a chosen course of study, the world has changed - or maybe we've changed. Also, developing curriculums and courses take time and this naturally lags behind developments within the industry or even the expansion of knowledge and experience.
#education #university #course
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-19/university-fees-tertiary-education-overhaul-course-costs/12367742
Humanities degrees to double in cost as Government funnels students into 'job-relevant' uni courses
www.abc.net.au
The cost of studying humanities at university is set to more than double next year, while the Federal Government will slash fees for priority courses with "job opportunities" amid the coronavirus rece...Banks will continue to assist and there will be some form of ongoing mortgage relief after September?
#mortgage #loans #Banks
www.9news.com.au/national/interest-only-loan-deals-offered-by-big-banks-after-coronavirus-pandemi...
Saving heritage parks in the eastern suburbs, but potentially tearing down heritage buildings in the western suburbs. Have you heard about the plan to tear down heritage buildings in Parramatta to make way for the Powerhouse Museum?
#heritage #parramatta #powerhousemuseum
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/fine-balance-nsw-government-moves-to-protect-park-with-heritage-listi...
'Fine balance': NSW government moves to protect park with heritage listing
www.smh.com.au
Skateboard facilities may still be built at Rushcutters Bay park despite the NSW government adding it to the state heritage register.What would you do if you're the app developer? Your client needs to launch urgently, you don't have time for extensive testing, but it needs to work across all platforms and potentially millions of people will rely on it for their health - and maybe their lives. Not an easy brief.
#covidsafe
www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/covidsafe-app-worked-less-than-25-of-the-time-on...
www.news.com.au
The COVIDSafe app that Australians were urged to download was launched even though in some cases it worked about a quarter of the time on the phones used by nearly half the country, new documents show...Not easy out there - especially if you're already committed to a transaction and you're due to settle shortly. Seems like things are going to be tough for a while.
#mortgage #refinance
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-17/mortgage-refinancing-surges-but-getting-home-loan-more-difficult/1...
Falling house prices, rising unemployment making lenders more cautious
www.abc.net.au
Record low interest rates have seen a boom in home loan refinancing as borrowers seek better deals, but banks are also being careful about who they lend to amid rising unemployment and falling propert...Wow...
#qantas #flights #internationaltravel #holidays
www.9news.com.au/national/australia-overseas-travel-updates-qantas-stops-international-flights-un...
Travel situation 'can't get much worse' as Qantas scraps international flights until late October
www.9news.com.au
Qantas has cancelled international flights until late October except for services to New Zealand.Why wasn't this introduced earlier (and introduced across all states and points of entry)? There should have been no reason for the government (ie, tax payers) to pay for the costs of people coming to/visiting Australia or returning to Australia. It should have just been a condition of entry.
#quarantine
www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/queensland-to-charge-overseas-travellers-2800-for-quarantin...
Queensland introduces charges for overseas travellers
www.news.com.au
Queensland will start charging returned overseas travellers for quarantining in government arranged accommodation from July 1.Scams. They make movies from stories like this - because it's true.
#Scam #fraud
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/police-investigating-9-million-alleged-fraud-allegedly-uncover-romanc...
Police investigating $9 million alleged fraud uncover romance scam
www.smh.com.au
As detectives investigated Siriluck Fatima Chimmalee over fraud and money laundering allegations, they allegedly uncovered another scam entirely.Sydney is the worst? Certainly not easy out there.
#property #rental #vacancies #tenant #investment
www.realestate.com.au/news/sydney-rental-vacancies-climb-to-highest-in-country-after-another-mass...
www.realestate.com.au
Landlords are under renewed pressure to cut rental prices following another pandemic-driven surge in vacancies. It’s left Sydney with a dubious distinction among capitals.How sad if you had bought into this development?
#development #apartment #defects
www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-s-worst-apartment-tower-for-defects-forces-industry-shake-up-2...
Sydney's 'worst' apartment tower for defects forces industry shake-up
www.smh.com.au
The NSW Building Commissioner has warned developers he will use his new powers to stop them forcing people who buy off-the-plan to settle on apartments in buildings with significant defects.At at time when some people are concerned about foreign investment, the reality is that we need it. The real question is how we control foreign investment to ensure that whatever it is, it remains in Australia's best interest.
#foreigninvestment #property
www.realestate.com.au/news/push-to-attract-international-students-and-foreign-investment-to-boost...
Push To Attract Foreign Investment To Boost Property Market
www.realestate.com.au
Governments need to do more to drive foreign investment in the national property market post-COVID-19, a leading Melbourne property developer says.The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we shop - at least for now. Of course people enjoy the convenience of shopping online, but it's not suitable for everything...
#bunnings #officeworks
www.realestate.com.au/news/bunnings-and-officeworks-could-downsize-stores-after-pandemic/
Bunnings and Officeworks could downsize stores after pandemic - realestate.com.au
www.realestate.com.au
Bunnings and Officeworks are among the much-loved Aussie stores commercial property agents have tipped could ditch warehouses for more boutique addresses after coronavirus.Wait - if you're going to rent out your property as an Airbnb guest house, would you leave these kind of things in there?
#airbnb #courtcase #Guarantee
7news.com.au/news/qld/woman-sues-airbnb-after-250k-of-luxury-items-allegedly-stolen-by-gold-coast...
Aussie woman's $250K case against Airbnb
7news.com.au
Diamond rings, sequined dresses and designer shoes are among the lengthy list of expensive items the woman claims were taken from her.If the purpose of the HomeBuilder initiative was to stimulate the residential building and construction sector, then it could have / should have also been applied to benefit the social housing sector (and their residents) rather than less disadvantaged owner occupiers and first home buyers. Good point.
#homebuilder
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-17/calls-for-homebuilder-to-fix-appalling-social-housing/12334972
HomeBuilder slammed as calls to fix 'appalling' social housing grow
www.abc.net.au
Social housing residents living in fear and squalid conditions have blasted the Federal Government's $688m HomeBuilder scheme.Trying to get back on track. Maybe restrictions have eased and (some) people have started to return to their 'normal' daily activities, but businesses and the economy still have a way to go.
#SME #smallbusiness #business #economy #nsw #jobs #unemployment
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/one-off-3000-boost-for-small-business-amid-sydney-job-slump-20200616-...
One-off $3000 boost for small business amid Sydney job slump
www.smh.com.au
Berejiklian government wants NSW businesses to adapt to the new four-square-metre economy after the COVID-19 shutdown.We're wearing face masks - in public and in the office during client appointments.
In some other countries, wearing face masks is mandatory. Aside from the legal obligation, it's also a matter of public and personal courtesy (ie, keep your germs to yourself). If you venture out without a mask, people will stare and for those countries that have imposed it, you could be fined. That doesn't exist in Australia, not even the public expectation. In the past, people would stare if you wore a mask. That's become less likely these days, but it's still far from the social norm.
#facemask #mask
www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-masks-could-be-the-key-to-controllin...
Why aren’t Australians being asked to wear masks?
www.news.com.au
As Australia continues to open up following the coronavirus lockdown, some are questioning why the use of face masks is not being encouraged.The security protocol exists (ie, email a photo holding a sign with information) but was it even checked? What's your experience in dealing with some of these large social media companies? We know from our own experience, as well as hearing complaints from our clients, that there's still a lot to be desired when it comes to customer service. Even paid services for businesses, like advertising, has had very questionable results and despite raising concerns these companies do nothing to address the issues. Sadly for some people, like this influencer who relies on the income derived from the platforms, they're only avenue seems is to bring it to the attention of shows like A Current Affair.
#instagram #influencer #hackers
www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fitness/exercise/blaze-roberts-instagram-surf-influencer-in-terrifying-...
More steps towards returning to normal.
#publictransport
www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-nsw-restrictions-state-increases-public-transport-limits-ne...
NSW increases public transport limits, nearly doubling capacity
www.9news.com.au
NSW increases public transport limits, nearly doubling capacityBy Natalie Oliveri • Journalist9:23am Jun 16, 2020 Tweet Facebook Mail Public transport limits in NSW will be nearly doubled from July ...Such a sad state of affairs when people feel the need and the right/entitlement to do this to public property. If you consider the protests that have turned into looting and lawlessness in the US, is this very far from that? Frustration and anger taken out against public property is 'more justifiable' than if it was against private property?
www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/australias-trade-minister-simon-birmingham-has-taken-aim-at-...
Anger at defaced Abbott, Howard statue
www.news.com.au
Australia’s trade minister Simon Birmingham has joined Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take aim at vandals who defaced statues of Tony Abbott and John Howard over the weekend.Did you access your superannuation early?
#superannuation
www.news.com.au/finance/superannuation/super-early-release-scheme-big-problems-with-accessing-sup...
Big problems with accessing superannuation early
www.news.com.au
Alarm bells started ringing almost immediately after the Government announced it would free up superannuation savings for Aussies doing it tough during the coronavirus crisis.It's not just the universities who rely on business from international students... everyone is hurting. Will they survive until the students are back?
#internationalstudents #economy
www.smh.com.au/national/it-s-not-just-a-university-problem-the-drop-in-international-students-bei...
www.smh.com.au
In Kingsford, overseas students are one-third of the population. Chinese restaurant owner Sharon Chan said they represent 60 per cent of her customers, and she wants them back.So did you end up heading back to the gym today? The restrictions and gym closures forced people to reassess their health and exercises regimes. Did you notice the number of people running and cycling around the local parks and neighbourhoods skyrocket?
Despite being allowed to reopen, gyms must quickly find ways to remain relevant and valuable even with their current limitations. No doubt the value of gym membership is going to be tested and if they can't prove their worth, they may find their members permanently running and cycling in the park.
Although the statistics sound daunting (ie, 42-46% between the Australian and global average having cancelled or thinking of cancelling their membership) it also means opportunity for gyms who can make the most of the disruption.
#gyms #health #exercise #membership #opportunities
www.9news.com.au/national/australian-gyms-face-mass-member-exodus-coronavirus-survey-warns/b63226...
Aussie gyms face mass member exodus, coronavirus survey warns
www.9news.com.au
Australian gyms could lose almost 2 million members when their doors reopen, a new global survey on the imp...Do you love your Facebook feed? Does it influence how you perceive the world?
#Facebook
www.news.com.au/technology/online/censorship/how-to-make-your-own-website-and-stop-facebook-twitt...
What Facebook doesn’t want you to know
www.news.com.au
The big social media platforms and tech companies wield excessive power on the world wide web, and not everyone is happy with how they use this power.Every time someone is infected with the coronavirus it becomes national news. Imagine if they did that every time someone caught a cold. Fortunately Australia's rate of infection and the death toll isn't like what other countries are dealing with. Do you think the media's attention has blown the whole risk/possibility out of proportion?
www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-new-cases-australia-new-south-wales-victoria-queensland-cov...
Coronavirus national wrap: Black Lives Matter protester among new cases diagnosed
www.9news.com.au
Australia has recorded 15 new cases of coronavirus as of Monday, June 15, as a series of lockdown measures ...If the COVIDSafe app was mandatory, then they wouldn't need to record details. Personal details, especially contact information, is necessary for contact tracing whenever there's an infection or potential infection.
Of course the handling of that information open to risk, but that's what happens when it's dumped on businesses that aren't familiar with or whose core business isn't information handling. That's the whole point of the COVIDSafe app.
Some people naturally are going to complain - either complain that they have to provide information, or complain that they weren't contacted or warned of infections, or maybe complain about both. Somewhere along the line it seems our priorities have all been messed up.
#privacy #information #PERSONAL #COVIDSafeApp
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-14/covid-confusion-as-cafes-warned-about-privacy-dangers/12351314
Eateries are asking for personal details, so what does that mean for your privacy?
www.abc.net.au
Notebooks, spreadsheets and paper forms used to collect personal information at cafes and restaurants create fears about privacy breaches as well as safety concerns.There's a quota. It measures 'performance'. It's not revenue raising. Confusing.
www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-fines-parking-rangers-say-quotas-pushing-them-breaking-point-uni...
Sydney parking rangers claim fine 'quotas' are pushing them to breaking point
www.9news.com.au
City of Sydney parking rangers are calling on the council to scrap a controversial "quota system" which the...Do you have any hidden talents?
7news.com.au/sunrise/win/register-for-australian-familys-got-talent-judged-by-simon-cowell-c-1056984
Register for Australian Family’s Got Talent, judged by Simon Cowell
7news.com.au
Sunrise and entertainment industry legend Simon Cowell are searching for ordinary Aussie families with extraordinary talents.The right to peaceful protest - ok. But what makes people think that it's ok or justified to deface, damage or destroy other people's property or public property?
www.9news.com.au/national/second-captain-cook-statue-defaced-calls-to-toughen-penalties-for-vanda...
NSW Premier flags tougher penalties for defacing monuments
www.9news.com.au
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she is not ruling out tougher penalties for offenders who deface public...Will you be affected?
#ATO #tax #taxreturns
www.news.com.au/finance/money/tax/tax-returns-2020-why-your-refund-could-be-smaller-this-year/new...
Tax returns 2020: Why your refund could be smaller this year
www.news.com.au
With Australia now in a recession following the devastating coronavirus pandemic, the promise of a looming tax refund is even more tantalising in 2020.The politics of tertiary education can be complicated - if you even acknowledge that it exists or that it can influence outcomes or has consequences. Some people can go through university without too much drama and others can't - as is the case here. As much as we represent clients in litigation, it's not something that we readily encourage as there are other ways to resolve issues, concerns and problems. By the time it ends up in court, there's really no relationship and from the perspective of being a student presumably with the goal of graduating, the question is whether this is really the best use of their time, money and energy (as well as others).
#university #education
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-11/suspended-uq-student-drew-pavlou-sues-university-of-queensland/123...
Suspended student sues UQ heads for $3.5m for defamation, breach of contract
www.abc.net.au
Suspended University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou says he is suing the university, its chancellor and vice-chancellor for $3.5 million for damages relating to breach of contract and defamation.Are we back to normal yet?
www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/woolworths-removes-coronavirus-item-quantity-restrictions...
Woolworths removes coronavirus item quantity restrictions
www.news.com.au
Supermarket giant Woolworths introduced strict purchasing limits during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic – but from today, that frustrating rule has finally come to an end.Not surprising.
www.9news.com.au/national/black-lives-matter-rally-town-hall-sydney-police-presence/c81259da-8016...
Black Lives Matter: Police move on protesters who turned up to banned Sydney event
www.9news.com.au
Black Lives Matter: Police move on protesters who turned up to banned Sydney eventBy Freya Noble • Senior Producer6:39pm Jun 12, 2020 Tweet Facebook Mail Hundreds of police are moving on protesters ...Fast action is the key. Community transmission in Australia has been low - so low that it barely even registers when compared to other parts of the world. This doesn't mean that the virus has been eradicated, but it does mean that our health care system can now cope (provided there isn't some sort of anticipated 'wave' of infections). Right now there are under-utilised coronavirus-dedicated resources - in one sense, that's a good thing. It really just means that the community, while taking necessary precautions, should continue to return to a 'normal life' as much as that's possible. Otherwise, fast action to avoid potential community transmission whenever there's suspicion of infection is the best approach - and in the cases of schools, close them. Done.
www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-rose-bay-public-school-closed-due-to-probable-covid-19-case...
Three new coronavirus cases in NSW, school in Sydney's east closed
www.9news.com.au
Three new coronavirus cases in NSW, school in Sydney's east closed due to possible caseBy 9News Staff7:29am Jun 12, 2020 Tweet Facebook Mail Three new cases of coronavirus have been detected in New So...Avoid distractions while driving. Simple.
#driving #distractions
7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/how-eating-at-the-wheel-or-honking-your-horn-can-see-you-slapped...
How eating at the wheel or honking your horn can land you a fine
7news.com.au
Drivers have been warned about the little-known road rules that could land them an unexpected traffic ticket.Government benefits are always vulnerable. There's been a bit of attention on childcare, especially during the pandemic, but these issues pre-date that going back to 2016 when the court originally found her guilty. Her sentence is due to finish in 2021.
#childcare #Appeal #conviction
www.news.com.au/national/courts-law/melissa-jade-higgins-childcare-rorter-loses-appeal-on-36m-sca...
‘Bogan’ childcare rorter Melissa Jade Higgins loses appeal on $3.6m rort
www.news.com.au
Childcare rorter Melissa Jade Higgins lost her appeal against conviction for a “brazen” $3.6m government benefits scam after failing to argue that jurors who called her “a bogan” were racist.Oh well, it was a mistake on a massive scale. It's interesting how bureaucracy works and how it could have been implemented - presumably without testing or consideration of the consequences. Given the kind of scenarios being reported on in the media, some of these outcomes would surely have been flagged during some kind of trial of the system. Also sucks to be whoever designed and implemented it...
#Robodebt #classaction #lawyers #centrelink
7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/robodebt-class-action-to-continue-despite-refunds-and-apology-c-...
Robodebt class action to continue despite refunds and apology
7news.com.au
Scott Morrison has apologised for ‘any hurt or harm’ caused by the unlawful robodebt scheme. But victims say that’s not enough.Slowly but surely. Amazon hasn't taken off in Australia in the same way that it's taken over the rest of the world... but we think it's only a matter of time.
Australian retailers have been feeling the pinch for some time, and some haven't been able to survive, especially through the coronavirus pandemic. The time seems right for a more aggressive move into Australia by some of these global giants like Amazon (and perhaps Alibaba).
#Amazon #alibaba #retailers
www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/amazon-to-set-up-multimillion-dollar-hub-in-brisbane/news...
Amazon to set up multi-million dollar hub in Brisbane
www.news.com.au
Amazon is set to open a multi-million hub in Brisbane by Christmas, with construction to be fast-tracked due to COVID-19.Although these events took place some 2 years ago, the timing couldn't be worse for Channel 7.
www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/channel-seven-sam-armytage-and-prue-macsween-sued-...
Armytage, Seven sued for racial vilification
www.news.com.au
Channel Seven, Sunrise host Samantha Armytage and commentator Prue MacSween are being sued for racial vilification over a 2018 discussion on the network’s breakfast program.There was a break to 'business as usual' and it continues to disrupt supply chains. Not surprising that it's going to take a while before things return to normal. It should improve. Empty shelves shouldn't be a cause for concern. Not now anyway.
#shopping #retail #supplychain
www.9news.com.au/national/kmart-target-big-w-restock-shelves-after-stripped-bare-covid-19/0ba1199...
Kmart, Target, Big W restocks due in late June as shoppers share snaps of bare shelves
www.9news.com.au
Kmart, Target, Big W restocks 'due in late June' as shoppers share snaps of bare shelvesBy Annie Pullar • Reporter8:06pm Jun 11, 2020 Tweet Facebook Mail Despite the country appearing to have passed...Surviving the global pandemic doesn't mean just waiting and hoping for the best. It takes decisive action.
www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-forcing-small-businesses-to-think-big/b7b670f1-251b-4ddf-86...
Coronavirus forcing small businesses to think big
www.9news.com.au
While coronavirus has devastated many of Australia's businesses, the pandemic has also been the catalyst fo...More court decisions on protests. Expecting another last-minute challenge/appeal?
www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-11/court-blocks-sydney-refugee-rights-protest/12342808
Sydney protest prohibited after NSW Police wins Supreme Court injunction
www.abc.net.au
A NSW court rules a weekend rally about refugee rights in Sydney should be prohibited after police said it would break COVID-19 restrictions.Are you concerned about a second wave of the coronavirus? If not because of last weekend's protests and mass rallies, what about what's to come?
Fears of a second COVID-19 wave in Australia
Looking for a bargain?
7news.com.au/travel/italian-town-cinquefrondi-calabria-is-covid-free-and-offering-homes-for-one-d...
FOR SALE: ‘COVID-free’ town offers homes for just over $1.50
7news.com.au
Like many other towns across Italy, Cinquefrondi hopes the initiative will draw people back to the town.Any Sydney millennials postponed their plans to buy property because of COVID-19?
#property #home #buyers #sydney #millennials
www.9news.com.au/national/australia-covid19-hurts-first-time-homebuyers-delaying-deposit-for-14-m...
Claiming for something different this year because of COVID-19?
#tax
www.news.com.au/finance/money/tax/things-you-cant-claim-on-your-tax-refund-the-sneaky-mistake-you...
Weirdest items to claim at tax time
www.news.com.au
Table tennis tables, handbags, Netflix, vibrators and even breast implants can all be claimed in a tax return as long as the item can be proved to assist with an assessable income.Sigh - it was bound to happen.
#coronavirus
www.news.com.au/national/coronavirus-live-updates-mumbai-overtakes-wuhan-as-coronavirus-capital/l...
Black Lives Matter protester in Victoria tests positive to coronavirus
www.news.com.au
A Victorian who attended the Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne has tested positive for the coronavirus, authorities have confirmed.Better for you?
7news.com.au/business/finance/tax-instalment-burden-eased-for-202021-c-1090389
BURDEN EASED: Tax change set to benefit millions of Aussies
7news.com.au
The Morrison government announced the decision that is expected to benefit taxpayers around the country.How scary is this?
There are two issues here. One is registration and the other is competency. Registration (including qualifications) generally implies competency, but that's also not always the case. Unfortunately, just because someone's qualified or registered doesn't mean they're competent. Also, just because someone isn't registered, it also doesn't mean they're incompetent either. For example, there are foreign qualified and experienced professionals who aren't registered or can't get their qualifications recognised in Australia despite being presumably competent.
This gentleman sounds neither registered/qualified nor competent - so what was the whole point? If he was trying to pass himself off as a dentist, wouldn't he at least attempt to be good at it or even create some fake degrees or registration records to complete the charade? Sounds like he didn't even try as though he was tired of his own lie.
We hang our certificates in the office just in case people ask. Oh, and they're real. Suits is just a tv show.
#dentist #unqualified
www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-dentist-who-treated-children-banned-for-life-after-being-exposed...
Sydney dentist banned after being exposed as a fake
www.9news.com.au
Sydney dentist who treated children banned after being exposed as a fakeBy Kate Kachor • Senior Journalist2:45pm Jun 10, 2020 Tweet Facebook Mail A western Sydney dentist has been banned for life af...Isolation over, but home exercise continuing?
#exercise #fitness
www.news.com.au/lifestyle/fitness/exercise/aldi-special-buys-how-to-get-1600-rowing-machine-for-3...
Aldi selling panic buy item at fraction of price
www.news.com.au
Gyms might be finally reopening across Australia but for those who have gotten used to working out at home, Aldi has a solution.