A couple of high-profile docs, a few of whom desire a royal fee into the authority, have shot again – once more. Melbourne paediatrician Andrew Watkins informed the Medical Journal of Australia he was “significantly offended” over AHPRA’s “ridiculous” stance.
Former AMA president and ex-temporary Wentworth MP Dr Kerryn Phelps was just a little extra measured in her criticism, however she mentioned docs wanted to have the ability to communicate freely and publicly, and that outspoken medical professionals had an enormous position to play in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
We surprise when federal Well being Minister Mark Butler would possibly determine to deploy a peacekeeping power.
Australian Broadcasting Cowed
The ABC has made good on its promise to nominate an ombudsman to go its editorial complaints unit: Australian Communications and Media Authority member Fiona Cameron has been given the nod.
Cameron’s appointment was introduced in an extended media launch outlining her credentials. However whereas the assertion did briefly point out her early profession work as a federal authorities political adviser, it uncared for to say that the recipient of mentioned recommendation was Howard-era communications minister Richard Alston, one of many ABC’s most vocal critics.
Cameron was Alston’s chief of employees throughout the late Nineteen Nineties. Her previous boss, who would later accuse the general public broadcaster of bias over its protection of the Iraq invasion, has misplaced none of his anti-ABC fireplace. Not too long ago, he revealed a e book referred to as Their ABC: Inside Australia’s Largest Sheltered Workshop, and referred to as star 7.30 political chief political correspondent Laura Tingle “an absolute shame”.
Provided that background, we reckon Cameron could be well-versed in coping with complaints.
Additionally working in Alston’s workplace with Cameron was a younger Paul Fletcher, who as communications minister within the Morrison authorities pushed the ABC to analyze its complaints, serving to kick off the method that led to Cameron’s appointment.
Maybe somebody at Aunty forgot that with the Coalition in opposition, it now not must bend over backward to appease the Libs and Nats.
Bubble (scuttle)however
The second sitting week of the forty seventh Parliament nonetheless felt a bit like a chaotic return to a brand new college yr. Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce made their return to Canberra after lacking week one. Morrison skipped to attend a convention in Tokyo backed by an eccentric Japanese non secular chief, whereas Joyce was grieving the loss of life of his father.
At the very least two MPs had been misplaced to the inevitable Parliament Home COVID-19 cluster: independents Helen Haines and Kate Chaney had been sidelined. We’re shocked it’s no more, given the bubble was again in full swing – lobbyists roaming the constructing and filling Canberra’s worst institutions, to not point out Coalition MPs’ pointed reluctance to put on masks.
In the meantime, some former ministerial places of work are studying quick concerning the ignominy of being punted into opposition. CBD hears the Division of Residence Affairs was busy requisitioning stationery, laptops and different workplace necessities from the employees of Karen Andrews, previously the portfolio minister turned shadow, leaving a few of her new minions with out important gear.
Issues aren’t fairly the identical if you lose.
