50 — I stopped these (coal ships)

We delve into the details on the Ombudsman's report on the Victorian public tower lockdowns, then theorise that Australian politicians are being paid by aliens to perpetuate climate change.

 

NSW Has the Roni

• NSW’s Northern Beaches is under lockdown.
• Seems likely the failures the quarantine requirements are to blame for the outbreak.

Saving Djab Wurrung

• The Federal Court has ruled that the Victorian Government’s decision to build a highway through Djab Wurrung birthing trees was made incorrectly, and must be re-judged by someone who isn’t Sussan Ley.
• On the same highway project in 2015, in a “planning blunder” led to the destruction of 900 native trees.

Cop tower redux

• The Victorian Ombudsman’s report into the public tower lockdowns (PDF link) has been released.
• In July, 3000 people in public housing tower blocks were locked down with zero notice.
• Our podcast episode on the tower lockdown from July.
• Tower residents were only able to go outside and exercise in guarded cages.
• Like the hotel quarantine report, we probably won’t know who was responsible for these decisions.

Posting for climate action

• China’s state media has reported that China is banning all imports of Australian coal.
• Scott Morrison says this is baseless “media speculation”.
• Australia’s coal isn’t really better than other countries.
• Australians now have cheap lobsters for Christmas.
• Resource Minister Matt Canavan’s brother’s coal mine has collapsed.
• Now Canavan is calling for a trade levy on iron ore.
• Morrison’s “I stopped these” plaque.

Atlantean plots

• Treasurer Josh Frydenburg wants an inquiry on why banks aren’t lending to coal projects.
• George Christensen, complex online presence.
• The Federal government are subsidising fuel to keep refineries open.
• Australia is spending $94 million dollars to stockpile fuel in the US.
• The Victorian government is proposing a new tax on electric vehicles.

Pulp facts

• Anthony Pratt’s company Visy has received $10m from Australia’s bushfire recovery fund.
• The application process for the bushfire fund is… obtuse.
• For regular people, the bushfire recovery fund does not exist.
• Anthony Pratt’s wealth grew from $15.57bn to $19.75bn in 2020.

Actions

• The Mantra 60 refugees have been moved to the Park Hotel in Carlton. You can go protest!
• Divest your bank and super!
• Support your unions! AUWU, RAHU and RAFFWU are kicking goals and need the support.
• Watch Mitch on the Drum!
• Listen to Auspol Snackpod!