PM Morrison will use a June 4 summit with Indian President Narendra Modi to cement new agreements developing reliable supply chains in key strategic sectors including medical goods, technology, and critical minerals. (Australian)
They will also sign a new defence agreement allowing reciprocal access to bases and co-operation on military projects, and a new education partnership regarding universities.
Chinese officials have drawn up a list of more Australian exports – including seafood, oats, fruit, dairy, and wine – that might be targeted for trade restrictions, according to Bloomberg.
suggests that they could be subject to stricter quality checks, anti-dumping probes, tariffs, customs delays, or state media encouraged consumer boycotts.
The World Health Assembly has formally voted for independent inquiry into Covid-19.
NCCC Chair Nev Power has flagged a gas pipeline from WA, boosted gas production in eastern states, and shifting energy intensive manufacturing west as options under consideration by the NCCC. (AFR)
Industry Minister Andrews speaks at the National Press Club today (AFR):
will say that while government might support domestic manufacturing of particular items like PPE, consumers will drive any return to domestic manufacturing.
will also rule out increasing tax incentives for R&D, and press for better alignment of researchers and industry.
The Fair Work Commission has advised the government that it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate a wave of JobKeeper disputes. (AFR)
Most of the complaints centre on businesses denying staff the wage subsidy.
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment is reviewing employment assistance programmes to ensure that they return employees to work as soon as possible (AFR).
The UK government has suggested that some countries with good Covid records might skip the two-week incoming quarantine period (meaning, in practice, Australia and NZ and others). (AFR)
