Scott Morrison is about to become the billion-dollar man when it comes to wasting public money on taxpayer funded advertising.
Taxpayers have spent $913 million on advertising since the year the Government took office and at the current rate Scott Morrison will crack the $1 billion mark this year.
Scott Morrison’s gift to Australia is a trillion-dollar debt and a billion-dollar bill for self-promotion.
His obsession is marketing, photo-ops and favours for Liberal mates, rather than delivering for Australians.
For example, in 18 months Mr Morrison has failed to invest a cent from his $4 billion fund for bushfire relief and natural disaster mitigation. But as communities affected by last year’s bushfires continue to struggle, he has given a former Coalition staffer $190,000 to produce video material for his bushfire response marketing.
He has splashed $15 million on the “Our Comeback” economic campaign this financial year, based on $1 million worth of research by a Liberal mate.
In another indication of his warped priorities, Mr Morrison recently announced plans for a $24 million Coronavirus vaccine marketing campaign before he had even finalised plans for the actual roll-out of the vaccine.
Then there was the $140 million pre-election advertising blitz in 2018-19, which included $15.9 million towards the dud “Powering Forward” campaign later criticised by the Australian National Audit Office.
Mr Morrison’s professional background is marketing. First as Treasurer, and now as Prime Minister, he has made an artform of using public money on self-promotion.
He treats taxpayers’ money as though it is the Liberal Party’s money.
Mr Morrison’s obsession with advertising is matched only by his propensity to make grand announcements but fail to deliver.
Scott Morrison is always there for the photo-op but never there for the follow up.
TABLE: GOVERNMENT FIGURES ON ADVERTISING
Sources:
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2019-20
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2018-19
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2017-18
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2016-17
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2015-16
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2014-15
Department of Finance campaign advertising report 2013-14
Month: January 2021
Latest breaches of Public Health Orders
Since the last review period, police have taken legal action against 16 people, including the director of a Pyrmont function venue, for breaches of the Public Health Act.
The charges include:
– About 1am yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a 47-year-old man allegedly performing a sexual act on a train near Parramatta Railway Station. As police went to arrest the man, one officer was bitten on the arm. Police managed to restrain the man and he was taken to Westmead hospital for assessment. Following his release from hospital, the man was taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with carry out sexual act with another without consent, assault police in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, resist police and not wear fitted face covering in public transport. The man was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 8 January 2021).
– Officers from South Coast Police District were contacted after a man allegedly assaulted and spat on a security guard at a shopping centre at Nowra about 11am. Police were told the man threatened the guard and told him he had COVID before he was escorted from the centre. The man was arrested about 2.45pm and charged with common assault and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
– Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Castle Hill about 12.30pm, when they approached a man, who was not wearing a mask as he wandered around the food court. The 39-year-old man refused to speak with police and allegedly pushed past the officers before a struggle ensued. He was subsequently arrested and charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business and resist officer in the execution of duty. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 27 January 2021.
– About 2.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Blacktown, following reports a man and a woman had been detained by security for shoplifting. The man allegedly fled prior to police arriving. Police attended and were told the man had fled before arresting the woman, who was in possession of clothing alleged to have been stolen from a store. The man was arrested a short time later at a nearby bus terminal. The 26-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were both charged with goods in custody, stealing, breach of bail and not wear fitted face mask. They were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
– Just after 9.20pm, officers from Mt Druitt responded to reports of a stealing from a store at a Mt Druitt shopping centre. After being given information by security, police approached a man, who was not wearing a face mask, and attempted to speak with him. The man allegedly removed a number of items from his jacket, dumping them on the ground and fled on foot with a bicycle. Officers ran after the man, catching up with him a short time later, and a struggle ensued. It’s alleged the man kicked and punched the officers and when a security guard came to assist, the man allegedly slapped him a number of times. The 48-year-old man was subdued and arrested, before being charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, larceny, resist person aiding officer, common assault and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
Police issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to nine people and one organisation. Details of the PINS issued include:
– Following an investigation by Sydney City Police regarding alleged breaches of the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020 at a wedding reception held at a licensed venue on Jones Bay Wharf on Sunday 27 December 2020, officers yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021) issued a 28-year-old woman, who is a director of the venue, a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction Section 7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. It brings the total number of infringements issued over the event to 22.
– About 11am, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Maroubra, when they were alerted that a man and a woman were not wearing masks, contrary to Public Health Order. Police spoke with the pair and reminded them of their obligations, however, they refused to comply with directions. They were each issued $200 PINs.
– About 2.10pm, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling St Marys Railway Station when they stopped a 52-year-old man not wearing a mask. Police spoke to the man and he was issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 32-year-old man for not wearing a mask at Cabramatta Railway Station, about 1.50pm. The man refused to comply with directions and was issued a $200 PIN.
– As part of proactive patrols, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 39-year-old man, who was not wearing a correctly fitted mask at Bondi Junction Rail Interchange, about 3.30pm. The man refused to comply with orders to fit the mask across his mouth and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
– Just before 8.30am, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke to a 35-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask and did not have a valid ticket. Checks revealed the man had been warned the day before about not wearing a mask. He was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
– About 4.10pm, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old Maroubra man who was not wearing a face mask at Newtown Railway Station. He was advised of his requirement under the Public Health Order and given a warning. Shortly after, the man made his way to the platform without a face mask. He was approached by police again and issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers from PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station about 3.20pm, when they spoke with a 41-year-old man, who was not wearing a mask. The man told police he didn’t own one and won’t wear one because it’s a joke. He was issued a $200 PIN and moved-on from the area.
– As part of proactive patrols of Katoomba, officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 42-year-old man outside a home on Whinmoor Street. Checks revealed the man was from Newport – in the north-end of the Northern Beaches and had bail conditions not to be in Katoomba. He was subsequently charged with a breach of bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court today. He was also issued a $1000 PIN.
Police also issued more than 35 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Further, police were on hand at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday to monitor the behaviour of 8692 spectators on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India. Venue staff and police were required to remind spectators of their obligations in relation to wearing a face mask, however, no infringements for COVID breaches were issued.
There were 11 people ejected by police; four young persons for bringing alcohol into the ground, one issued a criminal infringement notice for offensive language and bring alcohol into the ground; another man was fined for bringing alcohol into the ground, four intoxicated people were given banning orders for 12 months, and one man issued an infringement for failing to quit and re-enter licensed premises.
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.
ASSANGE MUST BE GIVEN SAFE PASSAGE HOME
Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, says there is no excuse for the Morrison government to do anything other than provide an Australian citizen safe passage home, with assurances that he can live and work here freely.
“It’s time for Scott Morrison to fight for an Australian citizen whose work exposing war crimes has subjected him to an extraordinary campaign of persecution from the United States,” Bandt said.
“Australia’s meek pandering to the Pentagon on the rights of one of our citizens reflects poorly on our sovereignty and diplomatic independence.
“The charges the US has laid are anathema to a free press and free society and Australia should give Assange safe passage home and rule out extraditing him to become a political prisoner.
“All Australians should know that when foreign governments act against their liberty for political reasons, their homeland will have their back. It’s time Morrison showed the gumption to say no,” Bandt said.
GRAVE FEARS FOR JULIAN ASSANGE’S WELLBEING. MORRISON MUST ACT: GREENS
With the news overnight that Julian Assange has been denied bail, Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson Senator Janet Rice has called on Prime Minister Morrison to act to ensure his wellbeing, and signalled that she will seek to involve the Australian Senate to act on his behalf.
Senator Rice said:
“I call on Mr Morrison to show some courage and pick up the phone to speak directly to both UK Prime Minister Boris Johnston to ensure Mr Assange’s wellbeing; and to US President-elect Joe Biden to drop the charges against him.
“It is a massive and tragic irony that the judgement has been made to not extradite Mr Assange because of risk of suicide, yet he is still being subject to onoging indefinite detention in the brutal conditions of Belmarsh prison.
“I urge Mr Morrison to heed the calls from Amnesty International who have said the decision to deny Julian Assange’s request for bail has rendered his continued detention ‘arbitrary’.
“If Mr. Assange is still being detained when Parliament resumes next month, I will request that the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) seek an urgent meeting with the incoming US Ambassador to Australia as soon as they arrive on our shores to discuss this case further.
“The US charges against Julian Assange must also be seen in the light of the chaos and insurrection in Washington overnight. It is the same President Trump who has incited his followers with baseless claims of conspiracy and fraud who is going after Assange, a whistleblower who exposed corruption and war crimes.
“Australia needs to speak out against the madness and attacks on democracy that have been the hallmarks of the Trump presidency, and that should include speaking up for the rights of an Australian citizen who should be being treated as a hero not a criminal.
“Julian Assange is an Australian citizen and therefore the responsibility of our government. He has suffered enough. The Australian Government must say ‘enough is enough’ and intervene to ensure his safety,” Senator Rice said.
Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council
The oversight and guidance for sport integrity matters in Australia has been further strengthened with the appointment of a highly experienced nine-member Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes leaders from a wide cross section of sport, governance, government administration, law enforcement and child protection.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said each member of the council brought with them a breadth of experience that would reinforce the work of Sport Integrity Australia in strengthening the framework of sport across Australia.
“I am pleased to announce the nine member advisory council,” Minister Colbeck said. “Each member brings skills and knowledge to provide advice on all areas of sports integrity.
“It follows the Australian Government’s recent investment of $10.1 million to introduce an independent complaints handling process within Sport Integrity Australia.”
Appointed members include World Sailing Vice President Sarah Kenny (Chair), Paralympics Australia CEO Lynne Anderson, Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland, former elite athlete and governance expert Margot Foster, former NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney, former senior public servant Peter Conran, sports consultant and former elite athlete Scott Draper, former National Children’s Commissioner Megan Mitchell and policy adviser Jason Marocchi.
Sport Integrity Australia commenced operations on 1 July 2020, and is the cornerstone of the Government’s sport integrity strategy.
The newly appointed Advisory Council will provide Strategic advice to both the CEO of Sport Integrity Australia as well as to the Minister for Sport.
“I am particularly pleased to announce Ms Sarah Kenny as Chair of the Advisory Council,” Minister Colbeck said. “Highly regarded for her national and international experience within the administration of Olympic sailing, Ms Kenny is a vice president of World Sailing, and represented Australia at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games in windsurfing.”
He said Ms Kenny also boasts an extensive legal career combining corporate law with a sports related practice including integrity matters.
“Experienced in the complex wagering regulatory regime in Australia, anti-money laundering, and complex integrity issues, her leadership will be invaluable to the success of the Advisory Council,” Minister Colbeck said.
Ms Kenny said it was an honour to be appointed.
“I am looking forward to working with the other highly respected Advisory Council members to bring together our combined experience and knowledge to advise on all aspects of sport integrity and to assist in safeguarding the integrity of Australian sport,” she said.
Minister Colbeck said the highly qualified council members will bring enormous value to the consideration of sport integrity issues and the way they are addressed.
“The Government has invested heavily in protecting the integrity of Australian sport.
“By establishing Sport Integrity Australia and the National Sports Tribunal, increasing investment into independent compliant handling and forming the Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council, Australians can be confident everything possible is being done to keep the sport they love clean, safe and fair.”
The inaugural Sport Integrity Australia Advisory Council will consist of the following members:
- Ms Sarah Kenny (Chair)
- Ms Lynne Anderson (Member)
- Mr Peter Conran AM (Member)
- Ms Margot Foster AM (Member)
- Mr James Sutherland (Member)
- Mr Scott Draper (Member)
- Mr Ken Maroney AO APM (Member)
- Ms Megan Mitchell (Member)
- Mr Jason Marocchi (Member)
DUD NBN IS HOLDING AUSTRALIA BACK
Scott Morrison’s copper-based National Broadband Network is acting as a hand brake on national productivity and making it more difficult for Australians to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
The latest figures from the Speedtest Global Index show Australia’s broadband internet speeds now rank 60th in the world behind Moldova, Bulgaria, Belarus and New Zealand.
The Index listed Australia’s average broadband speed as 60.54 megabits per second in November, similar to speeds in Ukraine and Vietnam. The global leader was Singapore, with 241 megabits per second – four times faster than Australia.
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said Scott Morrison should be ashamed of these figures.
“Today I will visit the electorate of Macquarie with local MP Susan Templeman, where hundreds of residents’ NBN connector boxes have failed in recent storms,’’ Mr Albanese said.
“Poor mobile phone coverage in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury means some residents have been left without phone or internet for days or even weeks.
“Some people have lost up to six boxes in a row. They’ve started asking for a spare.’’
Ms Templeman said: “This makes it pretty much impossible for people to work from home or run a small business.
“It’s also dangerous during the bushfire season.’’
When the Government came to office, it replaced the former Labor Government’s plan for an NBN delivering fibre to the premises with a second-rate copper wire-based system that was out of date before it was even constructed.
In September, the Government finally admitted its error and committed $6 billion to bring the NBN into the 21st century, reverting to Labor’s initial plan.
This brings the cost of the NBN to $57 billion – nearly $30 billion more than what the Coalition promised their second-rate NBN would cost in 2013.
It has also been reported up to 238,000 NBN connections are still incapable delivering basic 25 megabit per second speeds, despite the Liberals promising everyone would have these minimum NBN speeds by 2016, and these speeds also being a requirement of Australian law.
Scott Morrison’s incompetence and mismanagement on communications is holding back business growth, particularly in regional Australia.
Man charged after 1kg of cocaine located – Heatherbrae
A man will appear in court today charged over the alleged commercial supply of prohibited drugs near Newcastle.
In October 2020, Strike Force Megig was established by the Hunter Regional Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate the supply of illicit drugs in the Newcastle and Hunter regions.
Following inquiries, Hunter RES – assisted by Northern Operational Support Group officers (Operation Utah) and officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District – arrested a 29-year-old man at a caravan park on the Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae, about 7.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
Officers executed a search warrant at a cabin in the park, where they allegedly located more than 1kg of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones.
The estimated potential street value of the cocaine is $450,000.
The man, from Palmview in Queensland, was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
Alleged precursor chemicals located inside vehicle at Newcastle
Two men will face court today following a vehicle stop in Newcastle yesterday.
About 11.45am (Tuesday 5 January 2021), officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling the Wallsend area when they stopped a Subaru Forrester on Cowper Street and spoke with two men – aged 26 and 30.
Both men were arrested in relation to traffic offences and outstanding arrest warrants.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle during which officers located precursors consistent with the alleged manufacture of prohibited drugs, along with drug paraphernalia, methylamphetamine and GBL.
NSW Fire and & Rescue HAZMAT crews were called to render the scene safe, with officers attached to the State Crime Command Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Team deployed to process the scene.
The alleged driver – a 30-year-old Jesmond man – was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.
A 26-year-old Raymond Terrace man was charged with four outstanding warrants for numerous property, drug, weapon and breach of bail offences.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
Investigations into the items located during the vehicle search are ongoing.
Wanted Parramatta pair now believed to be in Hunter region
Police are re-appealing for public assistance as inquiries continue to locate a man and woman who are wanted on outstanding warrants.
Elika Asasi, aged 27, is wanted after she escaped from Corrective Services NSW custody at Westmead Hospital on Wednesday 9 December.
Elika is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, about 165cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair.
Christopher Szenczy, aged 31, is wanted on an outstanding warrant for drug and property related offences and was seen driving away from Westmead Hospital in a vehicle with Elika.
Christopher is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of solid build, with short brown hair.
Detectives are now working with officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, as police have received information that the man and woman may have travelled to the Hunter region.
Police are warning members of the public not to approach the pair, but to instead call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Inquiries continue.
Driver sought after crashing into house – Cessnock
Police are appealing for information and searching for a driver who fled the scene of a crash in the Hunter Region overnight.
About 9.30pm (Wednesday 6 January 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended Chapman Street and found a dark grey Holden Statesman crashed into a house.
Police have been told the car was travelling on High Street when it struck a Ford Fiesta, mounted the kerb, before hitting the house, causing significant damage.
The driver fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers.
A crime scene was established and inquiries to locate the driver have commenced.
The residents of the home were uninjured.