Let's not say this too loud but Australia is approaching the end of phase one of the coronavirus health crisis. The number of active cases in Australia is around 700, which may sound a lot but puts us 85th in the world for most active cases. It has also been nine days since we recorded more than 20 cases in a day.
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Remember this is phase one, we should be prepared for future spikes and waves. In March, Singapore looked to have things under control after it was hit early on. It had 926 cases on March 31 but now has more than 25,000 cases. There were also three waves of the Spanish flu so until we have a vaccine don't get complacent, follow social distancing rules and download the COVIDSafe app.
That's the health crisis but we are only at the start of the economic crisis triggered by the disease and subesquent lockdowns. The impact of business closures and staff stand downs is starting to ripple through the economy. Today Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the unemployment numbers will get worse.
Tasmania has recorded the biggest unemployment rate rise of any state or territory in April, as its jobless rate increased by 1.3 per cent to 6.2 per cent. Queensland now has the second highest unemployment rate in the country. "We have not ever had to deal with anything like this in our lifetime," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The Queensland government has also made a pitch to be part owners of Virgin to protect the jobs of 5000 Queenslanders.
Ski resorts are also fearing the worst after a summer hit by bushfires. Businesses in South Australia are pushing to bring forward the next phase of lockdown easing. They hope to get things rolling before the June long weekend to give them a boost.
The trade dispute with China is also complicating matters for farmers. China denies it is related to the government's call for an enquiry into the Chinese handling of the outbreak. Mr Morrison said it is important for Australia to stand its ground.
The Jobkeeper scheme has been trumpeted by the government as a saving grace but cracks are starting to appear now that Parliament has resumed. There is concern that some are getting paid too much while others aren't getting paid at all. And yesterday Barnaby Joyce called to end the scheme early after concerns about the debt load. Those on the payment have hit back saying those on MP salaries need to get in the real world.
It appears that Parliament isn't likely to adopt a new normal as the old disputes creep back in. Next week it is one year since the government was re-elected. What do you think about how they have handled the coronavirus crisis and other sectors?
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