Corollavirus

News

• Not Good Enough has formally endorsed Bernie Sanders for president.
• Cardinal George Pell has had his conviction reversed by the Australian supreme court. He’s currently on a road trip to Sydney, after being “cheered by inmates”.
• Spain is moving to a Universal Basic Income — and planning to keep it once the pandemic is over.
• QLD Greens MP Michael Berkman has called for state ownership of hospitals, instead of the government leasing beds whenever they are needed.
• “Nationalise It!” — Written and performed by Brendan McPherson

Economic management

• Scott Morrison has asked for renters and landlords to “talk to each other”, to sort out rent reductions if tenants cannot pay.
• More than two million Australians will be left out of the government’s Job Keeper package, including migrant workers and people on the disability support pension.
• Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston could could raise the benefits for disabled people without any legislation changes, but is choosing not to.
• Tresurer Josh Frydenberg tells migrant workers to draw down on their super, or leave the country.

Coronavirus charges

• Victora police have used the coronavirus social gathering and movement laws to fine a drive-by protest advocating for coronavirus safety measures for refugees.
• Australian coronavirus patients are going to be treated with unproven drug hydroxychloroquine, with billionaire troublemaker Clive Palmer given a contract to produce it.
• Tough guys Border Force has been shown to be responsible for allowing plague ship Ruby Princess to dock.

Riding into blue skies

• Big cities like New Dheli are experiencing clear air for the first time in a lifetime.
• Long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to worse outcomes for coronavirus patients.
• Cities are starting to turn over more space to to cyclists and pedestrians instead of cars.
• Four-day work weeks have been linked to increases in productivity.
• Amsterdam used to be packed with cars. They changed it.

Actions

• Check out donoteat’s Youtube series on city planning, especially the episode on how highways kill cities.
• If you’re organising rent action, or have been harassed by your landlord, get in touch with us!
• Check out the Heated podcast for a great source of climate news. Solidaritus et podcastus ✊