Covid-19 update: 28th April 2020
- The Senate Select Committee on Covid-19 will sit today (10am):
- focus will be on the economic response, including JobKeeper and super withdrawal.
- Witnesses will include Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy
- The government will release a new set of economic forecasts in June, following National Accounts. There will also be a statement to Parliament on May 12 outlining effects on economy, including the total amount spent by government. (AFR)
- Former Productivity Commission chief Peter Harris (he led the inquiry into the PC social housing element of the choice and competition) has been appointed CEO of the National Covid-19 Co-ordination Commission. (AFR)
- signals a significant role for that body in shaping agenda in direction of economic reform
- Foreign Minister Payne has accused China of ‘economic coercion’ after they raised the prospect of consumer boycotts yesterday.
- State Premiers are enjoying high levels of satisfaction, according to Newspoll. McGowan (WA) 89%, Gutwein (Tas) 84%, Andrews (Vic) 75%, Berejiklian (NSW) 69%, Marshall (SA) 68%, Palaszczuk (Qld) 55%. (Australian)
- Essential Poll finds 70 per cent believe the government’s handling of crisis has been good (up from 45 per cent a month ago). (Guardian)
- 64 per cent oppose companies registered in tax havens getting government support.
- Mike Kelly MP (Eden-Monaro) expected to announce retirement later this week, which will trigger a by-election within months. (AFR)
- Contenders speculated. ALP: State MP Tara Moriarty, former Senator Ursula Stephens, businessman Garth Morrison, tourism consultant Leanne Atkinson. Coalition: State Nationals leader John Barilaro, Senator Jim Molan, state MP Andrew Constance.