Australia’s second biggest state, Victoria will continue its lockdown for at least another seven days.
Victoria’s Acting Premier, James Merlino, confirmed that current restrictions will remain in place for the next seven days for Metropolitan Melbourne.
However, restrictions in regional Victoria will ease from Friday, the date lockdown was initially meant to end for the entire state.
“On the advice of the Chief Health Officer Professor Sutton the current restrictions remain in place for Melbourne for a further seven days with some small changes,” Merlino said.
It comes as a growing cluster of coronavirus cases balloons to over 60, with over 350 exposure sites.
It’s believed the COVID cluster is from the Indian variant which escaped hotel quarantine in South Australia weeks earlier.
Business support packages announced
Victoria is requesting JobKeeper-style support from the federal government.
The State Government will increase its business support packages from $2,500 to $5,000, with an additional $209 million support package.
“We have also renewed our request to the Commonwealth to activate a JobKeeper-style support for Victorians who have been impacted by these restrictions,”
MERLINO SAID.
He “hoped” the federal government would “step up” and the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Michele O’Neil, says the ‘government must take responsibility’
President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Michele O’Neil on ticker news.
O’Neil says government officials should be working day and night like the state’s essential workers.
“They’re not stopping, but the government seems to be asleep at the wheel,” she says.
“We’re 16 months into a pandemic, and not put in place fit-for-purpose quarantine facilities… is a disgrace.”
O’Neil says the easiest thing the government can do to support Victorians is re-instate JobKeeper “with the level it was last year” for individuals who were out of work. That payment was $1500 a fortnight.
However, she adds that the financial support also needs to be extended to people who were not eligible last year for JobKeeper payments.
“Like casual and visa workers, who literally have no money coming in… people can’t live on nothing, we need to support people,”
O’Neil said.
“If this lockdown continues indefinitely, It’s going to break this state”
Victoria’s State Opposition leader, Michael O’Brien spoke to tickerNEWS before the lockdown was officially announced on Tuesday afternoon.
#COVID19Vic | "If this lockdown continues indefinitely, It's going to break this state"
He called for an end to state-wide lockdown, and says the state government is playing the “blame game”
O’Brien comments on the federal government’s budget allocation to victoria.
“The federal Gov’t will reconsider its position” Vic Opposition Leader @michaelobrienmp says he speaks with Aus treasurer @JoshFrydenberg regularly and has ‘no doubt’ he will consider federal assistance for Victorians.
O’BRIEN ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT financial assistance to victoria.
O’Brien says “the point is, we have an issue to deal with now” and “probably” could have done better on both a state and federal level in terms of the state’s vaccine rollout.
O’Brien on the vaccine rollout in victoria.
Covid cases reported in neighbouring state of NSW
Victorian health officials have now alerted their counterparts in NSW that positive cases have crossed the border.
The Treasury Secretary is warning of “downside risks” to the budget’s upbeat projections due to the lockdown.
Many casual workers have been stood down without pay or federal government support, other than unemployment benefits.
Ticker News is now available on Xumo TV and Xfinity, bringing new era of accessibility
Ticker is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Ticker News: we are now available for streaming across the United States on Comcast’s major platforms, Xumo TV and Xfinity.
The development places Ticker News in the company of industry giants like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, marking a significant leap forward in our mission to deliver quality news to a wider audience.
With a combined reach of 50 million active users per month, Xumo TV and Xfinity offer an opportunity for Ticker News to expand viewership.
The achievement is particularly special with Ticker’s fifth anniversary on air on August 19.
“Getting Ticker News on these platforms was no small feat,” says Ticker Founder and CEO Ahron Young.
“It took nearly two years of intense negotiations and overcoming various technical challenges. But the journey underscores the resilience and determination of our team, proving that persistence pays off. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Ahron says.
Being available on Xumo TV and Xfinity significantly enhances our already robust distribution network.
These platforms provide Ticker with the ability to reach millions of new viewers, further solidifying our presence in the competitive news landscape.
“Our commitment to expanding our reach and improving accessibility remains stronger than ever,” says TIcker’s Global Marketing Director, Kane Ricca.
Looking Ahead
As Ticker celebrates this exciting moment, the media company remains focused on its mission to provide accurate, timely, and engaging news to our audience.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our hosts, staff, investors, and viewers. Every moment counts at Ticker, and together, we are building something truly special,” says Ahron.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a cease-fire agreement.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the nature of the discussion describing it as a “frank and constructive”meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Harris expressed her concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
She stressed the need to finalise a cease-fire deal.
Harris described the past nine months in Gaza as devastating.
She urged that the tragedies in Gaza should not be ignored. #trending
