Australia live information update: Andrews executive secures votes for amended pandemic legislation; Asic takes actions against Westpac

Welcome to the third ultimate sitting day of the yr (and maybe before the election), where the executive is trying for its latest reset.

Scott Morrison is back on the "won't be distracted" teach, the place he waxes lyrical about figuring out what Australians in reality care about.

So the govt is pushing its social media "reforms", that are dressed up as holding younger individuals and women from nameless trolling and on-line bullying, but definitely, is aimed toward these defamation action.

That legislation should be launched today, where we are able to learn greater, including whether the govt plans on enabling public cash to be used for defamation action – whatever thing Peter Dutton, who sued over a (then deleted) tweet, floated just a short while ago.

The govt's voter identity legal guidelines, which were roundly criticised as a solution attempting to find an issue, are also due for an airing these days – despite not having Labor's aid (not having Labor's guide is among the causes the executive says it isn't introducing its integrity commission law).

but of direction, it is all concerning the new Covid variant, with country wide cupboard to fulfill this afternoon to get an update. There remains lots fitness specialists don't know about the new Omicron variant – on first impressions, it seems more mild than Delta, however just as contagious. A more gentle edition of the virus is probably the 1st step to it fitting endemic, in preference to a pandemic, and there's nothing to imply that vaccine effectiveness is affected

nonetheless, the executive that become promoting itself as "getting out of americans's lives" has paused the border reopening for skilled visa holders and foreign holders for two weeks while it works out what Omicron capacity. so far, that's the simplest essential alternate. It's a blow for those on visas hoping to return to Australia. As yet, there isn't any change for vaccinated Australian passport holders being able to return. there's additionally no changes for individuals eager to go away Australia.

we are able to maintain you updated on what happens as it does – including any adjustments country wide cupboard decides on. The health knowledgeable panel, Atagi, are also assembly to agree with even if or no longer there is any need to convey ahead the booster photographs from six months to 4 months (for instance), so if there's any choice there, you'll be among the many first to understand.

Mike Bowers is out and about, and in the Canberra bureau you have Sarah Martin, Paul Karp, Daniel Hurst and Katharine Murphy. It being a parliament sitting, you've got Amy Remeikis on the weblog for many of the day and the total Guardian group will hold you in the know on what's occurring across the nation. i'm hoping you have had your espresso (or three).

ready?