MARCH 28, 2020

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Welcome to Crikey Weekender.

It’s been a week of questioning leadership: from examining responsibility for the monumental — and potentially fatal — debacle of the Ruby Princess, to asking why the government can’t get its messaging right amid the ever-worsening COVID-19 crisis.

Bernard Keane cast a sweeping eye across the burning issue of government trust, Michael Bradley looked at law in the time of coronavirus, while elsewhere Guy Rundle took on one of the Australian economy’s most sacred cows: rent.

Have any thoughts on these or any other stories? Drop us a line at boss@crikey.com.au, and if you’re a public health worker, medical provider, elected official, patient or other COVID-19 expert, you can help us make sure our journalism is responsible and focused on the right issues.

Have a great weekend,

Peter Fray
Editor-in-chief

The Ruby Princess debacle

Ruby Princess debacle: what happens to foreign workers still on board the ship?

GEORGIA WILKINS 2 minute read

Ruby Princess passengers have disembarked, but thousands of cruise ship workers are still aboard, not knowing when they'll return home.

Carnival’s corona-cruising: the Ruby Princess debacle is not an isolated case

DAVID HARDAKER and GEORGIA WILKINS 3 minute read

Will Carnival's history shed some light on the release of coronavirus patients from its beleaguered cruise ships?

How the Ruby Princess possibly became the biggest single contributor to COVID-19 in Australia

DAVID HARDAKER 2 minute read

This is a monumental debacle that could have been easily avoided.

It’s time for radical action: don’t pay your rent or mortgage

GUY RUNDLE 4 minute read

If it flows towards the bank or a finance company then you're under no obligation to pay it. Don't use living, dwindling money for dead rent.

Morrison’s response to the crisis is falling apart — and it’s not his fault

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This is an extraordinarily challenging time to be in government, anywhere and at any level, with policy responses required that are even more complex than during the financial crisis. There is plenty of criticism of Morrison, but it’s not been his overall strategy that’s necessarily the problem — it’s that it’s been overwhelmed by the speed and size of this catastrophe. — Bernard Keane

Scott Morrison’s measured and sensible approach to the coronavirus crisis has always been under pressure. This week, it fell apart.

What’s easier, a hard lockdown or mass graves?

JOHN HEMPTON 4 minute read

Cities in Asia have shown that a hard lockdown isn't just the best way to minimise damage, it might be the only way to save us.

Why are hairdressers still open during the shutdown?

KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN 2 minute read

Even some industry insiders are confused about why hair and beauty has been deemed an 'essential service'.

A new era of big government is here, and government isn’t ready

BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

The role of government has dramatically changed in recent weeks. And it will require a reversal of much of the thinking of the last thirty years.

Buying groceries and a coffee in the ‘new normal’ of Shanghai

DANNY DU 2 minute read

It may be the Big Brother approach, but this is how to stop a virus and keep everyone safe.

The governing class gets a lesson in trust

BERNARD KEANE 3 minute read

After spending years alienating and losing the trust of voters, politicians can't complain when voters tune out on their demands for compliance with public health messages.

What are my legal rights if my employer forces me to show up at the workplace?

MICHAEL BRADLEY 4 minute read

For employers, health and safety should always be a priority. As coronavirus spreads, it has become everything.

This is a virus, not a war — we need more information to maintain democracy

“	In the days, weeks and months to come, we need to reaffirm this principle: that we may consent to governments’ extraordinary measures — but it needs to be consent, not submission. — Guy Rundle

In a war, leaders don’t circulate information because the enemy can hear you. But the virus can’t hear anything. Why is the advice and research on which the government is acting still in a black box?

Should the government buy — rather than bail out — Qantas?

SHIRLEY JACKSON 4 minute read

It's a radical idea but, when you break it down, it's actually the rational decision.

‘This will be devastating’: COVID-19 will wreak havoc on Indigenous communities

AMBER SCHULTZ 4 minute read

'In all my years as a medical professional, I’ve never seen anything with the same broader national significance.'

COVID Questions: Is there really an alternative to a full lockdown?

ADAM SCHWAB 4 minute read

Scott Morrison’s half measures will massively exacerbate the economic calamity. Now is the time for real action.