Commenting on the story: Apparently no one made private security decision in Victorian hotel quarantine bungle

Of course no one made the decision. That is why all government is run by committees through lots of meetings.

That way there is no paper trail and all can claim plausible deniability.

Plausible deniability is the ability of people, typically senior officials in a formal or informal chain of command, to deny knowledge of or responsibility for any damnable actions committed by others in an organisational hierarchy because of a lack or absence of evidence that can confirm their participation, even if they were personally involved in or at least wilfully ignorant of the actions. If illegal or otherwise-disreputable and unpopular activities become public, high-ranking officials may deny any awareness of such acts to insulate themselves and shift the blame onto the agents who carried out the acts, as they are confident that their doubters will be unable to prove otherwise. The lack of evidence to the contrary ostensibly makes the denial plausible (credible), but sometimes, it makes the denial only unactionable. (Wikipedia) – Graeme Crook

Pointing no fingers here. Observations that the “security industry ‘ were not the best choice to deal with the quarantine issue. As the report points out, as a highly casualised workforce they were always going to be behind the 8 ball as far as being on the same page regarding communication.

But quite frankly it’s not been stated that the task was waty above their pay grade as base pay rate  is just a dollar or two above the minimum wage.

Secondly, our Fed Govt should have shown far more leadership (Notwithstanding the Fed/ State relationships) and looked at both ADF personnel as the preferred model  and federally run options outside CBDs for quarantining  of returned residents. – Helen Chadwick

Commenting on the story: Christmas limbo for decision on increased Centrelink JobSeeker

The one thing most people may not know, is the Australian government plans for an unemployment rate of between 4.9% and 5.6% under normal economic conditions.

This rate has been raised due to Covid-19. This is all in the name of high productivity. In other words treat them mean and pay them lean.

The case could be made for “legislated poverty” and creating an underclass of people. The people of Australia have every right to be angry. – Adam Pedley

Plenty of work for those who want it. Agriculture and other sectors are screaming for workers. If those who could, did, maybe the country could afford an increased rate for those who are genuine. – Peter Cox

Commenting on the story: Historic Urrbrae gatehouse to be bulldozed – but study finds relocating it is ‘feasible’

I use that corner every morning and often admire that lovely old building.

I don’t have an issue or even have a long wait to turn left there, even if there was a wait, I’m more than happy to, just to save that historical building. Progress is not always a good thing! – Annarita Mitolo