Australian news and politics live: New poll shows coalition lead soar ahead of federal election
As Australia waits for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to call an election, a new poll has shown one party strengthening its lead as voter choice firms up.
Global logistics software company Wisetech has come out of a trading halt to announce that its chair and three directors will leave the company over ‘intractable differences’ around Richard White.
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Patients warned bulk-billing boost might not flow through until November
Health Minister Mark Butler says patients wanting to benefit from multi-billion dollar Medicare pledges to make doctor appointments free could only expect to capitalise from November 1.
Mr Butler told ABC radio on Monday morning that any changes would require an implementation period.
“The 1st of November is when the changes to these rebates typically occur,” Mr Butler said.
“That gives practices time to update their software.
“That’s a pretty quick start to a very, very substantial change in how Medicare operates.
“As I said, for the first time, we’ll be giving bulk billing support to all Australians, including those who don’t have a concession card.
“For the first time, we’ll be giving practices an incentive payment in the event that they bulk bill all 100 per cent of their patients.
“That takes a little bit of time to roll out but we’re not ramping this up, it all starts on the 1st of November.”
Wistech chair and three board members quit over ‘intractable differences’ with founder
Global logistics software company Wisetech has told the market that the chairman and three directors will leave the company when it announces its half-year profit on Wednesday.
Chairman Richard Dammery, and directors Lisa Brock, Michael Malone, and Fiona Pak-Poy will exit the board due to “intractable differences in the Board and differing views around the ongoing role of the Founder and Founding CEO, Richard White.”
Mr White was forced to resign as chief executive in October last year following media reports that alleged Mr White unduly used his influence to gain sexual favours, paid for a multimillion-dollar house for an employee that he had been in a relationship with and awarded a lucrative contract to a then-lover.
In 2019, former director Christine Holman resigned accusing Mr White of “sustained intimidation and bullying”.
Further reports in the Australian Financial Review earlier this month revealed three more women had come forward with allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Mr White.
In a statement to the market, the firm also said that it expected its forward guidance for revenue would come in at the bottom of the forecast range.
Coalition increases lead to 55 per cent in new poll
A new poll has revealed the Coalition has increased its lead ahead of upcoming federal election, with Labor’s support falling, as Australian voters make up their mind on who they will vote for.
In two-party terms, Opposition leader Peter Dutton hold 55 per cent of support with the Coalition, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor now holding just 45 per cent.
The Resolve Strategic poll, published by the Sydney Morning Herald, showed that 61 per cent of voted have not made up their mind, with 39 per cent still uncommitted to a voting choice.
Mr Dutton also leads as preferred prime minister, 39 per cent to Mr Albanese at 35 per cent.
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