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| Mark Lynch |
Saturday, 2 January 2021
Quotes of the Week
“The honour [Legion of Merit] recognises Morrison for his “leadership in addressing global challenges” and for “strengthening the United States and Australia partnership”. Indeed, when Australia was facing one of its biggest challenges this time last year, Morrison did show great leadership, racing to one of America’s more tropical states to further strengthen that partnership.” [Satirist Mark Humphries writing in The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 2020]
“ain't it fun when you open your mouth and your parents fall out” [Frank the Dasher, Twitter 28 December 2020]
Friday, 1 January 2021
NSW COVID-19 State of Play, 11am 1 January 2021
At 8pm on 31 December 2020 confirmed new COVID-19 cases in New South Wales stood at 3 locally acquired cases in Western Sydney (all males) and 2 cases acquired overseas.
The sources of 2 of these locally acquired cases are not yet known and they join 11 other cases whose sources are still unknown.
To date the Avalon cluster now numbers 146 infected people, the Croydon cluster 9 infected people including 3 children and what is now being called the Wollongong cluster has not been given a defined population - but is possibly as small as two.
Genome testing reveals that the Croydon & Wollongong clusters are connected to the Avalon cluster.
After16 days the NSW Dept. of Health and the Berejiklian Government allegedly have no idea who "Patient Zero" is for the Avalon cluster or how this person became infected.
Active COVID-19 infections have grown to 173 cases and 3 of these people have been admitted to hospital as of 31 December.
In the last 7 days up until 8pm on 31 December there were a total of 90 new COVID-19 cases - 50 per cent of which were locally acquired infections.
Sadly, the state government is still refusing to mandate mask wearing outside the home in Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney or Wollongong.
Therefore, expect a long, drawn out battle to keep the infection rate below 1 per cent.
Australia Covid-19 State of Play, 11 am 1 January 2021
Right up to the last days of 2020 there were people who insisted on being COVIDIOTS
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| Qld Health |
Well New South Wales COVID-19 cases were beginning to climb again by 31 December 2020 with 17 confirmed cases overnight - 51 new locally transmitted cases confirmed over the last 7 days of the year were linked to known infection clusters, another 6 cases in that period were still of unknown origin and 41 cases were of overseas origin.
Known infected NSW residents have travelled as far north as South-East Queensland and those from designated hotspots have reached as far south as East Gippsland in Victoria. The NSW Avalon infection cluster total has now reached 144 infected people and the Berejiklian Coalition Government still insists that after 15 days its source is still unknown.
With instances of people acting irresponsibly also growing, this 17 December 2020 quote by well-known NSW resident, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, got old very quickly; “New South Wales is the gold standard. I don’t spend too much time worrying about New South Wales, because they’ve demonstrated why I don’t have to” .
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A 57-year-old woman from NSW has been arrested after allegedly evading a COVID-19 checkpoint in East Gippsland this morning.
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) December 30, 2020
An off-duty police officer spotted her driving allegedly to South Australia.
🔗 https://t.co/0Y8YcotBsU pic.twitter.com/oiWjIVSysD
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NSW Police, News, 28 December 2020:
Police have issued nine Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and will issue another three following a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney yesterday.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm (Sunday 27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries and consultation with NSW Health, $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 have now been issued to the following people;
- a man and woman, both aged 43, from Allambie Heights
- a 33-year-old woman from Narraweena
- a 27-year-old man from Frenches Forest, and
- three women – aged 19, 22 and 28 – and two men – aged 23 and 63 – all from Beacon Hill.
A further three PINs are expected to be issued to a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both from Frenchs Forest, and a 26-year-old man from Beacon Hill.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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28 December 2020
Police have issued 15 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since Christmas Eve, including to 11 people at a house party at North Bondi on Saturday that breached the Public Health Order.
Just before 11pm (Saturday 26 December 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended a home on Blair Street after receiving multiple noise complaints.
Police located at least 40 people at the party, with most running from the home when officers arrived.
Officers spoke with 11 people, including two residents and nine visitors, who remained at the property.
Two women – aged 24 and 26 – and nine men – aged 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, and three aged 24 – were subsequently issued $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19.
The residents were also issued a 28-day noise abatement direction, while the visitors were directed to leave the area.
Inquiries are continuing to identify other partygoers who were in attendance.
In addition, a further two people and two businesses have been issued PINs since Christmas Eve.
• About 7.40pm on Wednesday (23 December 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command attended a restaurant on King Street, Newtown, following reports of potential breaches of public health orders. On arrival, police noted a crowd on the footpath outside the restaurant and a large number of people inside. After speaking with the 45-year-old male owner, who stated he did not have a COVID Safe plan, officers determined there were 27 more people than allowed for the space. The owner was given an opportunity to reduce the number of people within the restaurant, however, the capacity was still exceeded. Following further inquiries, the following day the owner was issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation. A COVID Safe plan has since been submitted.
• As part of proactive patrols, officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command conducted a business inspection of a restaurant on Tindall Street, Campbelltown, about 7.45pm on Thursday (24 December 2020). Police spoke to the manager about the business’ COVID Safe plan and determined they had exceeded their capacity by at least 15 people. During the conversation, staff continued to seat more customers inside the restaurant and police issued a direction for no more people to enter the venue. Further inquiries revealed the restaurant had been given a formal warning earlier in the month for exceeding capacity by more than 65 people. Police subsequently issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation
• About 11.15am today (Friday 25 December 2020), officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command received information a Northern Beaches resident attended a home at Bligh Park in breach of the Public Health Order. Following inquiries, police attended the home on Porpoise Crescent and spoke to the 32-year-old Collaroy woman who confirmed she had travelled to Bligh Park in her car on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December 2020). She was directed to return to Collaroy and issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
• A man has been issued with a PIN after a crowd of people gathered in Centennial Park on Friday night, in breach of the current NSW Health Directions (COVID-19). Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Parkes Drive in Centennial Parklands about 8pm (Friday 25 December 2020), due to concerns of a large gathering. As police approached, the group immediately began dispersing; however, a 22-year-old man – who police allege had been moved on from the Bronte gathering earlier in the day – was issued with a PIN for failing to comply with a Public Health Order (COVID-19). When a 25-year-old man failed to comply with a move-on direction he was issued with an infringement notice.
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27 December 2020
Tweed/Byron Police District is urging visitors and locals alike to celebrate responsibly in the Byron Bay area this Christmas and New Year period.
The festive season has seen a continued influx of visitors to the area and an increase in large public gatherings around the Byron town centre, which have required significant clean-up efforts due to the amount of rubbish left behind.
Under the current restrictions, outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people in a public place including beaches and parks.
Police have conducted an extensive high-visibility operation, dispersing large crowds gathered at Apex Park, on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 (December 2020). The public are reminded this area is an alcohol-free zone, which effectively prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any public place.
In addition, police attended the National Park area at Tyagarah around midnight yesterday (Saturday 26 December 2020, where an illegally organised party was being held.
In the early hours of this morning (Sunday 27 December 2020), police again attended Apex Park after a large number of people gathered. Police moved on the group and ensured the alcohol they were consuming was tipped out.
Following this, police attended Main Beach and Belongil Beach after approximately 300 people gathered at each location. The parties were closed down by police and the crowd was moved on.
About 200 people were dispersed and music equipment seized with 73 parking infringements issued. Police are liaising with National Parks and Wildlife regarding further infringements for organisers/attendees.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell, is appealing for those involved to respect the environment and be mindful of the amount of rubbish that is being left behind.
“It’s not fair for council workers and locals to have to clean the significant mess that is being left after each of these gatherings. I urge those who are intent on meeting in parks and beaches to not only do so safely but be respectful to the environment and those around you by cleaning up after yourself,” Supt Roptell said.
Superintendent Roptell added that police will continue to focus on maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere; however, officers will not tolerate anyone who risks their safety or the safety of others with foolish behaviour.
“This year’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations must be conducted in a COVID-safe environment,” Supt Roptell said.
“In saying that, we have a very clear message to those choosing to come to Byron over the Christmas and New Year period – this year is very different, there will be no large gatherings, no dance parties in the park. Social distancing is the new normal, and we all have to do our bit to stop the spread.
“The NSW Police Force continues to work closely with health officials and other government agencies, businesses and the community to manage the COVID-19 crisis and minimise the spread of the virus.” Supt Roptell said.
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24 December 2020
A woman from the Northern Beaches has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PINs) over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act while travelling on the South Coast.
Officers from South Coast Police District commenced inquiries yesterday (Wednesday 23 December 2020), after receiving reports a woman from the Northern Beaches had collapsed at a pizza shop at Sanctuary Point the evening before and was treated at Shoalhaven Hospital.
Police were told the woman appeared to be experiencing symptoms – however declined to be tested – and left the hospital.
Following inquiries, police attended a home on Edmund Street, Sanctuary Point, and spoke with the 37-year-old woman and three other occupants. All parties were directed to self-isolate.
The Bilgola Plateau woman has since been issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with requirement of public health order – COVID-19.
It is understood the pizza store has closed for cleaning as a precaution.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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Residents of other states are also not always following public health orders.....
Yahoo! News, 27 December 2020:
The woman who fled mandatory hotel quarantine after arriving back in Australia warned authorities of her plan ahead of her escape in a series of disturbing posts to social media.
Jenny Maree D'ubios was detained by WA Police Saturday evening after fleeing from the Pan Pacific hotel in Perth, where she was being quarantined after flying in from overseas.
The 49-year-old left the hotel Saturday morning and was spotted walking down Adelaide Terrace in the CBD about 10.20am (local time) carrying a case and a number of bags.
Police issued a public appeal following her escape, warning that anyone found to be helping her would be subject to heavy penalties.
West Australian police revealed in an email on Sunday about 1.40am that Ms D'ubios, who was understood to have been living in Spain for several years, had been found.
The self-proclaimed “world changer” shared multiple videos from her hotel room after arriving in the country, complaining that the carpet and curtains were giving her allergies.
WA Police, News, 20 December 2020:
A 42-year-old man has been arrested, charged and refused bail after failing to comply with a COVID self-quarantine direction upon arriving in Western Australia. The man was granted approval to enter Western Australia as a maritime worker via the G2G Pass system. He arrived at Perth Airport on Friday 18 December 2020, having travelled from Russia, and was issued a direction to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days at an approved accommodation location in Perth. Information was received that the man left his allocated room at the accommodation venue on two occasions on Saturday 19 December 2020. Police attended the scene and commenced an investigation into the claims. Evidence was identified which showed the man had breached his self-quarantine direction. The man was arrested and relocated to the Perth Watch House. A 42-year-old male Russian National has been charged with ‘Failed to Comply with a Direction’. He was refused bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today, Sunday 20 December 2020.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested, charged and refused bail after failing to comply with a COVID self-quarantine direction upon arriving in Western Australia. The man was granted approval to enter Western Australia on compassionate grounds via the G2G Pass system. He arrived at Perth Airport on Thursday 10 December 2020 on a flight from South Australia, and was issued a direction to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days at a nominated address in Northam. It will be alleged the man breached his self-quarantine direction by visiting Northbridge, where he was found about 1:10am on Saturday 19 December 2020. It was also identified he had been staying at a residence in Belmont. A 20-year-old man from Victoria has been charged with ‘Fail to Comply with a Direction’. He was refused bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today, Sunday 20 December 2020.
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Trust in Australian media is at an all time low in this house
On Saturday 26 December 2019 The Guardian Australia published an article by its political editor and member of the Canberra Press Gallery, Katharine Murphy, titled “This was the year Australia restored trust in its politics – and that really is a miracle”.
I clicked on the article with some eagerness given Ms. Murphy’s solid reputation.
It was then I realised that I was being served opinion based on alleged facts I could not at that point in time corroborate.
The link to the initial findings of the Scanlon Foundation’s "Mapping of Social Cohesion 2020" led to another Guardian article published on 17 December whose own link purporting to go to these finding led to yet another Guardian article published in November 2019 which clearly predated the 2020 findings.
To make matters worse the link supplied in the Murphy article led to a bowdlerized comparison graph bearing little resemblance to past Scanlon Foundation social cohesion mapping graphs.
The Murphy article stated that the initial survey findings had been released on Thursday, 24 December 2020, which was a misleading statement.
On 26 December 2020 no initial finding were displayed on the Scanlon Foundation’s website, nor that of Monash University or ANU Social Research Centre.
In addition, as background Ms. Murphy cited a 2009 social cohesion survey pool of 3,000 individuals, when in fact that year the national pool stood at 2,000 individuals with another 6 local-level surveys with a combined total of 1,800 individuals.
It’s seemingly small facts relating to methodology which give clues as to how reliable are comparisons between annual surveys.
In fact in refining the national survey the number of respondents has gone both up and down over time and the number of local-surveys has varied across the years since 2007. While questions on the questionnaire form have been altered, as well the form changed in length with different interview duration.
What readers of The Guardian articles of 17 and 26 December 2020 could not know at the time of publication is what methodology changes may have occurred in the initial findings for “Mapping of Social Cohesion 2020” because there was no full disclosure of these finding by the newspaper.
This is the graph that The Guardian published on 17 December 2020:
It leaves the reader to guess what percentages should be consigned to "Only some of the time", "Almost Never" and "Refused/don't know".
This is the more informative graph supplied by the Scanlon Foundation in 2019:
The Guardian articles of 17 and 26 November 2020 appear to be telling readers that national trust in the federal government to generally do the right for the Australian people has risen by 25 per cent between 2019 and 2020.
Alas, this reader must remain unsure until such time as the Scanlon Foundation’s "Mapping of Social Cohesion 2020" is finally published.
Then there is the case of the somewhat conflicted columnist
Meet Ms. Parnell Palme McGuiness, columnist in Fairfax-Nine publications.
Managing director of Thought Broker Pty Ltd and managing director of Agenda C Pty Ltd. Both companies being in the business of developing targeted, traditional and digital media campaigns to create maximum impact for their clients and both operating from the same business address.
And who are their clients? Well that is not disclosed on company websites.
However, Ms. McGuiness did admit to having the Liberal Party of Australia as a client at one point and Austender reveals that over the last 18 months Agenda C has been granted three limited tender federal government contracts which appear to have been aimed at facilitating the Morrison Government's social media presence.
Agenda C states of itself; "What’s even better than telling your story yourself? Having someone else tell a story about you! We understand what makes you interesting to the media and work with it to make you interesting to the world..... Agenda C assesses, plans, acts and measures to steer you through tough times. Our experienced traditional and digital media teams work together to take control of the narrative so you’re back in control."
Thought Broker says of itself; "Thought leaders offer a distinctive point of view by linking their subject matter expertise with wider debates, and in doing so, they present a credible and authoritative voice. Over time, they come to be sought out as an expert in their field and asked to weigh in with their experience. A thought leader communicates intelligently with people who can make a difference in business and public life, setting the agenda or shifting the debate by introducing a new perspective. Each of our thought leadership campaigns is based around a bespoke strategy which answers our clients’ business problem and supports their advocacy requirements."
Ms. McGuiness obviously sees no conflict of interest in being both a columnist whose subject matter is frequently political in nature and a director of two businesses (dedicated to using mainstream and social media to manipulate public perceptions), one of which derives income from federal government contracts.
In my opinion she is deluding herself if she believes everyone else see her self-proclaimed independence in the same light.
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