TTT 88 EndPanic
As the covid pandemic becomes endemic it’s time to end the panic which still exists in Australia and New Zealand over the virus. Although the reopening of Australia has begun the abuses of human rights and the misuse of power can continue. Tim and Stephen discuss the bumpy road ahead on this week’s Trad Tasman Talk.
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As of the airing of this show restrictions in Victoria have eased further. The ridiculous outdoor mask mandate has been lifted, statewide travel can occur again, indoor retail and entertainment venues reopen and more patrons can gather in hospitality venues. The Delta Plus variant has arrived in Australia meanwhile in the Northern Hemisphere with winter approaching there is a new ‘super cold’.
A Victorian government document dump on Thursday revealed that two children died during the pandemic because child protection visits were limited due to restrictions. Dan Andrews new proposed permanent pandemic laws passed the lower house this week. Upper House MPs David Limbrick, Tim Quilty and Catherine Cummings have returned to Parliament and disclosed their vaccination status to vote down the bill.
The Federal Government has proposed voter ID laws for the next election. Labor and the Greens oppose voter ID claiming it is racist and aimed at voter suppression. Yet these same parties support vaccine ID laws for citizens to access many goods and services going forward.
New Zealand’s covid management is still a mess with lockdown continuing in Auckland until the 90% double vaccinated target is reached. There is no plan to reopen international travel with returning New Zealanders even those double vaccinated having to secure a spot in the nation’s Managed Isolation Quarantine system. There was also an announcement about $14 billion in funding for a pie in the sky tram link to the Auckland airport.
In sports news A-League player Josh Cavallo released a cringe social media video stating he likes to sleep with men, he’s been called stunning and brave. South African cricketer Quinton de Kock was labeled a racist by ABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong because he refused to take the knee for Black Lives Matter, the truth of the matter was de Kock didn’t want to be ordered what to do by the South African cricket board. A standoff has begun between Dan Andrews and the men’s tennis world number 1 Novak Djokovic over player vaccination requirements in the lead up to the 2022 Australian Open.
There was a committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for self-proclaimed neo-Nazis Thomas Sewell and Jacob Hersant who are accused of an armed robbery at a National Socialist Network camping trip at the Catherdal Ranges in May this year. Lawyers for Sewell were able to cross-examine the alleged victims.
NewsLinks
‘Super cold’: Thousands across UK come down with ‘worst cold ever’ – news.com.au
Two children in Victoria died after COVID restrictions altered child protection involvement, report shows – ABC News
‘Trumpian’ voter ID proposal slammed ahead of federal election – The New Daily
MIQ Hotel All but Empty While Kiwis Stuck Offshore – The BFD
$14 Billion for a Tram Is Economic Lunacy – The BFD
‘I’ve been fighting my sexuality for years’: A-League star comes out as gay – Fox Sports
‘How racist do you have to be?’: ABC host slams star who won’t kneel – news.com.au
Witnesses Altering Statements 5 Months Later During Thomas Sewell Committal Hearing – XYZ
Mr Berry Mr Berry Links