Frustration is growing across Australia as more than half of the population suffers through further lockdowns to curb the growing Covid-19 outbreaks
Police officers patrol the Valley Mall in Brisbane on March 29, 2021 as more than two million people in the city entered a three-day lockdown after a cluster of coronavirus cases was detected in Australia’s third-biggest city. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)
18 months into the lockdown, many are questioning why they are subjected to tough stay-at-home orders, as countries like England and the US open up.
Less than 14 percent of the entire population is vaccinated – which is the worst rating out of the OECD nations
It comes as Prime Minister, Scott Morrison acknowledges the nation’s struggles but refuses to apologise.
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON
He says “no country has got their pandemic response 100%” and spoke of the nation’s low overall infection rates compared to many other countries.
915 people have died as a result of Covid-19 in Australia since the pandemic began.
Border closures, hotel quarantine programmes and lockdowns have all helped keep case numbers low in the past, but the increased prevalence of the Delta strain has authorities concerned.
‘This is a dangerous time’ – three Australian states in lockdown
Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia all remain subject to strict stay-at-home orders today as residents wait to see if all of their hard work is paying off.
“This is a dangerous time,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m 100 per cent convinced that South Australians will rise to the challenge, will make sure they can abide by these new restrictions, and make sure we get through this in as short a time as possible.”
Victoria is currently in an extended lockdown, reporting its highest number of locally acquired covid cases to date this year on Thursday morning.
“As promising as our progress has been avoiding a New South Wales-style long, lengthy, very challenging lockdown, where you just lose control of cases, we’ve avoided that, but we need more time,” Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, NSW is in the midst of a 5-week lockdown.
Where did it all begin?
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant confirmed on Thursday that the Sydney driver who tested positive for COVID-19 had the Delta variant.
According to the ABC, while the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria also involved the Delta variant, that outbreak was linked to a different source of infection.
The Delta variant was first detected in India in October last year.
UK authorities have estimated the Delta variant is 40 per cent more infectious than the Alpha variant that sent Britain into lockdown at the start of the year.
William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment.
With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'.
A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who oversaw one of the world’s longest lockdowns, has quit.
Andrews says “when it’s time it’s time”, as he bows out as one of the longest-serving Victorian Premiers, overseeing the state of Victoria and Australia’s largest city, Melbourne.
The Victorian Premier announced he will resign tomorrow, September 27, at 5pm, standing down as Premier and the Member for Mulgrave in the Victorian lower house.
Andrews has been one of Victoria’s most controversial leaders, overseeing the “Big Build” which is set to transform Melbourne’s roads and public infrastructure after years of inaction and a growing population.
“It has been the honour and privilege of my life,” he said.
“Victorians have endorsed me and my team in record terms. I am very proud of that and I am very grateful for that. I am also proud to think of all that we have achieved over these nine years.
“In good times, and bad, always working hard to do whats right, not simply whats popular.”
“The only way that I know how to do this job is to have it consume me, to have it define me. To a certain extent, every waking moment is about the work and that takes a toll,” he said.
Andrews was widely praised for his handling of the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019 and 2020
Debt legacy
In June it was announced the state of Victoria is facing a dire financial forecast as the budget office issues a stern warning that its debt could potentially double within the next decade. This alarming projection has raised concerns among policymakers and economists alike.
According to the latest report from the Victorian Budget Office, the state’s current debt level is substantial, and if current fiscal policies continue, it could reach alarming proportions. The report attributes this worrying trend to a combination of factors, including increased government spending, economic challenges, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the key drivers of this debt increase is the government’s response to the pandemic. While necessary to protect public health and support businesses and individuals during the crisis, the significant financial measures taken have had a lasting impact on the state’s fiscal health.
Economists are expressing concerns that if this trend persists, it could lead to higher taxes, reduced public services, or a combination of both. Additionally, a high debt burden can limit the state’s ability to invest in critical infrastructure projects and respond to unforeseen emergencies effectively.
The government has acknowledged the report’s findings and has vowed to take steps to address the looming debt crisis. However, finding a balance between necessary spending and fiscal responsibility remains a challenging task.
FILE PHOTO: A lone woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks across an unusually quiet city centre bridge on the first day of a lockdown as the state of Victoria looks to curb the spread of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Melbourne, Australia, July 16, 2021. REUTERS/Sandra Sanders/File Photo
Lockdown legacy
The persistent lockdown measures implemented in Melbourne, Victoria, have left a trail of long-term economic damage, significantly impacting businesses and residents alike. What was initially intended to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus evolved into a prolonged battle with unforeseen consequences.
The lockdowns, lasting several months, forced countless businesses to shutter permanently. Many small enterprises struggled to stay afloat, with devastating financial implications. The tourism and hospitality sectors, once thriving, suffered severe setbacks as restrictions hampered travel and in-person dining.
Employment rates also took a hit, leaving a growing number of Victorians unemployed or underemployed. The extended lockdowns disrupted workforce dynamics and hindered economic recovery efforts.
Furthermore, the mental and emotional toll on residents cannot be underestimated. Isolation, uncertainty, and disrupted routines contributed to a decline in mental health, placing additional strain on healthcare resources.
As the rest of the country gradually returned to pre-pandemic economic activities, Melbourne remained constrained, leading to a growing divide between the state and the rest of Australia.
FILE PHOTO: Commonwealth Games – Closing Ceremony – Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain – August 8, 2022 Vanessa Amorosi performs during the closing ceremony REUTERS/John Sibley/File Photo
Commonwealth Games
Just months ago, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a hefty expenditure of $380 million to cancel the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The decision comes as a significant blow to sports enthusiasts and event organizers who had been eagerly preparing for the prestigious international event.
The cancellation decision was made after extensive deliberation by provincial authorities, citing financial concerns and logistical challenges as the primary reasons. Victoria was originally selected as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, promising a spectacular showcase of athleticism and international unity. However, rising infrastructure costs, coupled with uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, forced officials to reconsider.
The $380 million will be allocated to cover various expenses related to the cancellation, including contract terminations, venue adjustments, and compensation to stakeholders. This significant sum underscores the magnitude of the decision and its financial implications on the province.
The cancellation’s ripple effect extends to athletes, who had been dedicating their efforts to prepare for the games, and local businesses that were anticipating an economic boost from the event. It remains to be seen how Victoria will mitigate these repercussions.
As the province grapples with the aftermath of this decision, many are left disappointed, and the global sports community is left to ponder the fate of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The cancellation raises questions about the long-term viability of hosting major international sporting events in an era of financial uncertainties and unforeseen challenges.
Political Profile
Dan Andrews, Premier of Victoria, Australia, is a prominent figure in the political landscape of the state. As the head of the government, he has been at the forefront of key policy initiatives and challenges facing Victoria. Let’s delve into the life and career of this influential leader.
Dan Andrews assumed office as the 48th Premier of Victoria on December 4, 2014. He is a member of the Australian Labor Party and represents the Mulgrave electoral district in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. With a background in law, Andrews has a strong foundation for his political career.
During his tenure, Premier Dan Andrews has focused on various critical issues, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. One of his most notable achievements has been the successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this crisis earned him both praise and criticism, but he remained committed to prioritizing public health.
Andrews has also championed significant infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Tunnel and the removal of level crossings, aiming to improve transportation and create jobs in Victoria. His dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure has left a lasting impact.
In recent years, Premier Dan Andrews has faced challenges within his own party and controversies related to governance. However, his resilience and determination have allowed him to weather these storms and continue leading Victoria.
In a bid to bolster its maritime security capabilities, Taiwan is set to deploy two state-of-the-art submarines by the year 2027, according to the country’s security adviser.
This development comes amid rising tensions in the region and Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense forces.
The new submarines are expected to significantly enhance Taiwan’s naval prowess, offering advanced technology and stealth capabilities.
The move is seen as a strategic response to growing concerns about China’s increasing military presence in the South China Sea and its assertive territorial claims in the Taiwan Strait.
The submarines are being developed in collaboration with international partners and are part of Taiwan’s broader defence modernisation program.
The acquisition of these submarines underscores Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture and ensuring its sovereignty.
The company said the update to the chatbot will roll out to paying users in the next two weeks.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT can now see, hear, and speak.
The announcement comes as competitors are jumping into the ‘AI’ space.
So, what impact will this have on the tech sector?
Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss. #OpenAI #ChatGPT #AI #artificialintelligence #tech #privacy