Category: Australian News

The WA economy will receive a $940 million boost from additional Federal and State infrastructure funding over the next four years.
A $868 million injection of Federal funding will increase total federal infrastructure investment in Western Australia from about $4.5 billion to about $5.4 billion over the next four years.
The Morrison and McGowan Governments have been working together to get more projects underway to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
In addition, the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments have announced a new round of road and METRONET projects in Perth and surrounds to further bust congestion, boost jobs and improve safety.
More than $200 million in Federal and State contributions will fund six projects including the widening of Mitchell Freeway southbound between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue and construction of a new METRONET station at Lakelands on the Mandurah rail line.
The latest package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, adding to the thousands of other jobs being created by other WA infrastructure projects that are either under construction or in the pipeline.
The State Government highlighted what existing projects needed a bring forward of funding to meet the State Government’s ambitious timeframes for construction.
At the same time both Governments have progressed a number of congestion-busting road and METRONET projects in and around Perth, boosting employment and improving road network safety.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the eight existing projects where funding has been brought forward would help drive jobs and the economy, and deliver the roads and rail WA needed to help bust congestion.
“With $817 million in additional federal funding being injected into these eight projects over the current forward estimates period we’re focused on getting people to work and home sooner and safer while also boosting WA’s economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’re delivering this package of critical road and rail projects sooner as part of our $100 billion pipeline which forms a key plank of our plan for a stronger economy.”
Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said the new package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, adding to the thousands of other jobs being created by other WA infrastructure projects that are either under construction or in the pipeline.
“We’re already embarking on the biggest road and rail building program WA has ever seen,” Mr McGowan said.
“This new agreement with the Commonwealth comes on top of the almost 500 road and METRONET projects currently underway or in the pipeline – when complete it will be an unprecedented transformation of our transport network.
“My Government’s number one priority is local jobs – this new infrastructure package will create more WA jobs and more opportunities for local businesses.
“The bringing forward of funding by the Commonwealth also ensures that the State Government can get on with building the projects.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said that this package again demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure WA gets its fair share in federal infrastructure investment to boost growth, create more jobs while improving road safety and busting congestion.
“Since 2013, the Federal Government has committed more than $13.5 billion in additional federal infrastructure funding to support projects across Western Australia.
“Our Government is focused on delivering projects which deliver real benefits to Western Australians, whether it’s upgrading the Great Northern Highway and Apple Street intersection ensuring better safety for motorists or improving commuter congestion on the Mandurah rail line.
“The package of works will significantly benefit all West Australians now and in the future,” Senator Cormann said.
“These projects guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said starting construction on $430 million worth of Urban Congestion Fund projects across Perth was a top priority.
“This string of Urban Congestion Fund projects will bust congestion to save WA commuters and business precious time and money,” Mr Tudge said.
“We also want to improve the overall safety and capacity of Perth’s freeway system, which is why projects like the Mitchell Freeway widening, due to be completed in 2021, are crucial.”
From 2014 to 2018 there were 560 crashes on this freeway including one fatality and 126 crashes in which people required medical attention.
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said this is a significant undertaking by both governments to add to the existing pipeline of road and rail works across the State.
“The package of works has something for Perth’s northern, eastern and southern suburbs which are all experiencing significant population growth,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These road and rail projects will join a long pipeline of other major infrastructure developments such as METRONET that will create local jobs and set the foundation for our economy to grow.
“The State Government put forward an ambitious timeframe for the existing projects and we’re working hard to get new contracts underway, as soon as possible, including having to work through Federal environmental processes.”
The McGowan Government is committed to building Karnup Station, and with 80 per cent of funding on offer from the Commonwealth for Lakelands Station, the State Government has also agreed to progress with the construction of Lakelands.
Senator Cormann also pointed out that in the Perth’s Hills, two intersections connecting Great Eastern Highway and Old Northam Road – one in Sawyers Valley and one in Wooroloo – will be upgraded to improve safety.
“These upgrades, worth $14.4 million, will create 70 jobs and reduce the risk of serious crashes,” Senator Cormann said.
“A new roundabout at the intersection of the Great Northern Highway and Apple Street in Upper Swan will improve safety and help reduce congestion as population in the area continues to grow.
“Seed funding of $2.5 million has also been provided to plan a full grade separation at the intersection of Reid Highway and Erindale Road in Balcatta. The resulting planning will enable both governments to consider future investment to build the new interchange.”

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS:

Mitchell Freeway (Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue) Widening southbound
Cost estimate: $76 million
Jobs created: 530
Funding spilt: $38 million Federal, $38 million State
Lakelands Station (Mandurah Line)
Cost estimate: $80 million
Jobs created: 200
Funding spilt: $64 million Federal, $16 million State
Great Northern Highway (Apple Street) Intersection Upgrade
Cost estimate: $14 million
Jobs created: 90
Funding spilt: $7 million Federal, $7 million State/City of Swan/private sector
Wanneroo Road (Morley Drive) Intersection Upgrade
Cost estimate: $15 million
Jobs created: 90
Funding spilt: $7.5 million Federal, $7.5 million State
Great Eastern Highway (Old Northam Road) upgrade two intersections at Wooroloo and at Sawyers Valley
Cost estimate: $14.375 million
Jobs created: 70
Funding spilt: $11.5 million Federal, $2.875 million State
Reid Highway (Erindale Road) project development for grade separation
Cost estimate: $2.5 million (seed funding)
Jobs created: TBA
Funding spilt: $2 million Federal, $0.5 million State

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

• $283.6 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
  • Funding to flow immediately from this financial year over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works in early 2021 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $681.6 million ($283.6 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $170.4 million

• $82.8 million for the Albany Ring Road
  • Funding to flow over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works in late 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $140 million ($82.8 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $35 million

• $36.2 million for the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Corridor Upgrade
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next six financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $75 million ($36.2 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.75 million

• $16 million for the Fremantle Traffic Bridge
  • Funding to flow over the next five financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2021 after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $115 million ($16 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $115 million

• $156.7 million for the Karratha to Tom Price Corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next six financial years as construction on Stage 3 is already underway after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $248 million ($156.7 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $62 million

• $40.8 million for the Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works by 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million ($40.8 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million

• $40.8 million for Port Augusta to Perth Corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $50 million ($40.8 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $12.5 million

• $159.9 million for Tonkin Highway Gap
  • Funding to flow immediately to enable the commencement of works in mid-2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $232 million ($159.9 million brought forward)
  • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $58 million

A $1.9 billion road and rail package will boost the Queensland economy and drive more jobs, while getting people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hailed the historic deal which fast-tracks spending on a host of road and rail projects all over the State.
The Morrison Government will bring forward nearly $650 million in funding and provide more than $680 million in new funding, with the Palaszczuk Government committing $606 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
“We want these road and rail projects delivered as quickly as possible so Queenslanders can benefit from better infrastructure, but importantly we want to boost the economy now.
“We will bring forward more than $440 million in federal funding on top of the nearly $3.8 billion we will spend across the state over the next 18 months,” the Prime Minister said.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Queensland roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic.
“We will bring forward funding for a total of 20 projects right throughout Queensland, including key upgrades on the M1, Bruce, Warrego and Cunningham Highways, and the North Coast Rail Line.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement means jobs.
“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.
“We have called for a better deal for Queensland and the Prime Minister has listened.
“We’re getting projects off drawing boards to create more jobs in more industries and deliver the things that make people’s lives better.”
Both governments have reached an agreement on $9.3 billion Inland Rail project, paving the way for the delivery of the project in Queensland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing employment opportunities and economic growth across Australia, in particular in regional communities supporting local jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Inland Rail project is a critical investment for Queensland and is projected to create 7,200 construction jobs and a more than $7 billion boost to the state economy.
“We’re also bringing forward funding and delivery for key projects to benefit not only road freight but improve safety for locals and tourists such as the Rockhampton and Mackay ring roads.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said details of the projects included in the deal will be released shortly.
“This is a massive win for Queensland,” the Minister said.
“The Gold Coast’s northern suburbs are growing quickly so we need to start upgrades on the M1 at exits 41 and 49.
“Queensland’s money for those projects was already locked in, so now we can get on with them.
“We delivered a record $23 billion over four years for road and transport in this year’s state budget.
“This deal boosts that record investment and will strengthen the pipeline of work coming online.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for Queensland at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $25.7 billion towards infrastructure in Queensland and this new package will now see around $10.5 billion delivered across the state over the next four years,” Minister Tudge said.
“These commitments build on an already strong track record of investment by the Morrison Government in Queensland through projects like the Gold Coast Light Rail which will contribute to our SEQ City Deal.”

NEW AND ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PROJECTS

• $400 million for future priorities on the National Network including M1;
  • Funding to flow immediately over the next two years;
  • This commitment builds on the $91.4 million in federal funding for existing M1 upgrades being brought forward, and the $46.3 million in additional funding for M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49;
  • Expenditure of remaining funds will be agreed between the Australian and Queensland Governments;

• $157 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
  • Funding to flow immediately over the next four years;
  • This commitment builds on the $60 million in federal funding being brought forward;
  • Total cost of the project is $709 million
  • The project will create more than 760 jobs during construction.
  • Australian Government contribution is now $269 million up from $112 million.
  • Queensland Government contribution is $351 million.
  • Gold Coast City Council contribution is $89 million.

• $50 million for the relocation of the Loganlea Station;
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
  • Total cost of the project is $95 million;
  • Queensland Government contribution is $45 million;

• $46.3 million for M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49;
  • Funding to flow immediately; and increases the Australian Government’s contribution to the project to $96.3 million;
  • Total cost of the project is $192.6 million;
  • Queensland Government contribution is $96.3 million;

• $20 million for planning for the Port of Brisbane connection
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
  • Total cost of the project is $20 million;
  • Queensland Government will provide an in-kind matching contribution;

• $10 million for the development of a business case for the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail line
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
  • Total cost of the project is $20 million;
  • Queensland Government contribution is $10 million.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD

• $225.6 million for Bruce Highway upgrades, including the Linkfield Road Overpass, the Pine River to Caloundra corridor, Stage 2 of the Mackay Ring Road, the Rockhampton Ring Road, and Stage 5 of the Cairns Southern Access;
  • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $118.5 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative upgrades including the Cooktown to Weipa, Townsville to Roma, and Toowoomba to Seymour (Queensland section) corridors, as well as Shute Harbour Road;
  • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $94.3 million for M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway, and Varsity Lakes to Tugun;
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $90 million for the North Coast Rail Line Upgrade between Beerburrum and Nambour;
  • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $62 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
  • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $22 million for new upgrades along the Warrego Highway;
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $27 million for new upgrades along the Cunningham Highway;
  • Funding to flow from 2021-22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

• $9 million for road upgrades associated with the Hinkler Regional Deal including the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Bargara Road Upgrade, and Isis Overtaking Lanes;
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22.

• $7 million for the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative to examine the viability of constructing a western alternative corridor parallel to the Bruce Highway in north Brisbane;
  • Funding to flow from 2021-22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

Greens Foreign Aid Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to the Government’s announcement of a review of Australia’s foreign aid.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The Government must take this review as an opportunity to reset their approach to foreign aid to one that puts social, economic and climate justice at the heart of all our aid programs.
“At an irresponsibly low 0.2% of GNI, Australian aid has shrunk dramatically to well below the average for OECD countries. Our aid budget must be raised to at least meet our UN obligation of 0.7% of GNI.
“We know the Liberals’ political repurposing of aid for Australia’s self-interest and budget cuts have decimated our foreign aid program. The goal of aid should be to make the world a more equal and just place for all.
“Aid should never be used purely as a tool to further national interest. At the heart of our foreign aid program should be poverty reduction, climate resilience and social justice for our neighbours and other recipient communities,” she concluded.

Greens Senators Janet Rice and Nick McKim have condemned the treatment of two Saudi journalists by the Australian government.
Quotes attributable to Senator Janet Rice, Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson
“Since being gay is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, Sultan and Nassar* had no choice but to flee and seek asylum here.
“It’s unconscionable that Australia is treating them like criminals when the supposed ‘crime’ was loving each other. What values does our purportedly fair and diverse country stand for?
“These men were fleeing a country that would lock them up, in appalling conditions, for an indefinite period of time, only to arrive in Australia to find even worse treatment here.
“When these journalists liken their treatment in Saudi to the violence they have experienced here in Australia, it should be a wake-up call to our government.
“These two journalists are also being punished for telling the truth about their intention to seek asylum here. What message does the Morrison government think that sends to people who are entitled to seek refuge in Australia?”
Quotes attributable to Senator Nick McKim, Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson
“These men must be released in Australia while their claims for asylum are assessed.
“Australia’s co-operation with the Saudi regime on immigration matters is deeply troubling.
“This case shows Australia desperately needs immigration reform, with human rights front and centre.”
*Names have been changed

Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed National Australia Bank’s release of their Animal Welfare Principles as an important step forward in corporations acknowledging their responsibility to protect animals. She has said that banks need to go even further to protect animals.
“National Australia Bank’s release of these principles is an important step toward banks beginning to acknowledge the huge impact their lending practices have on animals. Other banks should immediately get on board.
“While I welcome NAB’s initiative in establishing animal welfare principles, we need banks to go further. Any business involved in morally suspect industries like greyhound and horse racing, factory farming and live exports are complicit in animal abuse. We need all banks to bring their lending standards in line with the community expectation that all animals will be protected and treated as sentient beings.
“More and more Australians are deeply concerned about the way animals are treated. We cannot rely on corporations to take voluntary action. The Government must take leadership and enact the Greens’ plan for national animal cruelty laws, end factory farming and outlaw the cruel greyhound racing industry,” she concluded.

Greens climate and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has slammed the government’s latest push for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, dismissing it as a useless pipedream.
“As the climate bushfires continue to devastate the country, the government’s only climate proposal is a pipedream,” said Mr Bandt.
“The clear message we’ve been hearing from former emergency services chiefs and those impacted by the bushfires is that we need to tackle the climate emergency. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal you don’t have a plan to tackle the climate crisis.
“CCS won’t save coal and won’t save people from the climate crisis. This apparent policy miracle has been hailed as the magic bullet for over a decade, but in reality it’s just a pipedream.
“If this government wants to invest in infrastructure, they should invest in clean, renewable energy to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.
“Today, as the Insurance Council added their voice to calls for the government to factor in climate crisis to bushfire preparations, it’s time for the government to come to the table with real policy solutions, not another coal-fired thought bubble.”

Ahead of the Disney+ launch in Australia on Tuesday, November 19, the Greens have made a renewed push for local content quotas for streaming services.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications Sarah Hanson-Young said it was time local content rules applied to all screen industry players.
“Local content quotas are a huge boost for Australian creative content and deliver jobs for Australian production and recording companies, writers, directors, musicians, talent and stories,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“But not only are current local content quotas weak, unambitious and poorly enforced, they don’t apply to the international giants like Netflix  and Amazon, and now Disney+, who are operating in the Australian market.
“These overseas streaming services create very little employment in Australia and often pay very little tax, the least they could do in exchange for consumer dollars is spend some money on local content.
“The screen and music industries inject almost $14billion into our economy and employ hundreds of thousands of people so it makes good economic sense to support this industry and share it with the rest of the world.”

The South Australian economy will be boosted by a $415 million infrastructure package to bust congestion and make regional roads safer.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the South Australian package included the acceleration of more than $328 million in federal funding across six projects.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make roads safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management, in stark contrast to Labor’s daily calls of panic and crisis in their attempt to blow the Budget.
“In South Australia we will provide additional funding for the Darlington Upgrade and Flinders Link Projects as part of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, while bringing forward funding for the Eyre Highway and Eyre Peninsula and Horrocks Highway corridors, Victor Harbor Road duplication and a major rural roads upgrade.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said South Australians would continue to reap the benefits of a constructive working relationship with the Morrison Government.
“Today’s announcement builds on our massive $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works over the next four years as we continue to grow our economy and jobs,” Premier Marshall said.
“By working collaboratively with the Morrison Government we have been able to fast track a number of regional road projects to help build regional communities, improve road safety and help save lives on our country roads.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“These projects will enhance liveability and connectivity, improve travel times and importantly, enhance safety for all South Australians.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for South Australian infrastructure at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $8.4 billion towards infrastructure in South Australia and this new package will now see nearly $2 billion delivered across the state over the next 4 years,” Minister Tudge said.
“Today’s announcement not only brings funding forward for projects that can be delivered sooner, there is $78 million in additional funding for existing projects to take them through to completion.
“It also demonstrates a strong capability between the Morrison and Marshall Governments to deliver the infrastructure South Australia needs, whether it’s major projects like the North South Corridor upgrades or smaller, targeted projects through our Urban Congestion Fund.”
Minister for Transport, Planning and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government announced a record $1.115 billion in the most recent State Budget for regional roads and infrastructure.
“South Australia’s regions were neglected for 16 long years under the former Labor administration,” Minister Knoll said.
“South Australia’s regions finally have a Liberal Government that is putting its money where its mouth is and investing record amounts in regional roads.
“Since coming to government, in conjunction with the Morrison Government, we are delivering key regional road projects including the Port Wakefield Bypass, Joy Baluch Bridge duplication, Victor Harbor Road duplication, fixing the Horrocks Highway and investing hundreds of millions of dollars on road safety treatments right across South Australia.”
Project funding brought forward:

• $100 million for the $143 million SA Rural Roads Safety Package
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $114.4 million ($80 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $28.6 million ($20 million brought forward)

• $86.75 million for the $125 million Port Augusta to Perth corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($69.4 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $25 million ($17.35 million brought forward)

• $75 million for the $92 million Victor Harbour Road Duplication
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.6 million ($60 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.4 million ($15 million brought forward)

• $50 million for the $55 million Horrocks Highway corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $44 million ($40 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $11 million ($10 million brought forward)

Additional funding:

• $87.5 million for the Darlington Upgrade
  • Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in mid-2020.
  • Total cost of the project has increased from $667 million to $754.5 million.
  • The additional Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million (increase of total contribution from $533.6 million to $603.6 million).
  • The additional South Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million (increase of total contribution from $133.4 million to $150.9 million).

• $16 million for Flinders Link
  • Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in late-2020.
  • Total cost of the project has increased from $125 million to $141 million.
  • Both the Australian and South Australian Government will provide an extra $8 million to the project (increasing each government’s total contribution from $62.5 million to $70.5 million).

The Greens absolutely do not support the statement made yesterday by Sherele Moody that firefighters are responsible for an increase in domestic violence during times of disaster.
Ms Moody is not affiliated with the Greens and does not speak for us. Yesterday’s press conference with Senator Waters was held to receive a petition regarding the Family Law Inquiry. Ms Moody chose to make comments regarding matters unrelated to the press conference without our prior knowledge.

The Morrison Government’s new measures designed to deal with misconduct in the electricity sector and ensure Australian households, businesses and industries get a fair deal on energy has passed the Senate.
For too long, electricity retailers have in the words of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) “played a major role in poor outcomes for consumers”.
To address this, the ‘Big Stick’ legislation contains three new prohibitions designed to target specific misconduct in electricity retail, contract and wholesale markets.
The laws will ensure that electricity retailers pass on reductions in wholesale electricity prices to consumers and make it easier for smaller energy businesses and new entrants to compete with gentailers.
Where the ACCC identifies prohibited conduct through its ongoing electricity price monitoring inquiry, the new law makes available a graduated set of remedies and responses, including ACCC-issued public warning notices and infringement notices and court-ordered civil penalties.
For the most egregious breaches, the legislation makes available two additional significant remedies:

• Treasurer-issued contracting orders that will require electricity companies to offer electricity financial contracts to third parties; and
• Federal Court ordered divestiture orders relating to misconduct in the wholesale market.

These significant remedies are reserved as a last resort, where this would be proportionate and targeted to the conduct in question and, in the case of a divestiture order, where the order is considered to have a net public benefit. Importantly, these remedies are only available upon the recommendation of the ACCC, following a legislated process which provides the energy company with an opportunity to respond or remedy its conduct.
The new market manipulation laws will commence six months after Royal Assent, which will provide time for the ACCC to develop enforcement guidelines and for businesses to review their practices to ensure they are compliant. The legislation will sunset at 1 January 2026, following the conclusion of the ACCC’s inquiry into the National Electricity Market.
The measures in this legislation are part of the Government’s plan to deliver a fairer, more affordable and reliable energy system and a stronger economy for all Australians. This includes:

• Introduction of the Government’s Default Market Offer ‘price safety net’ on 1 July, leading to reductions in both standing offers and high-priced market offers. Saving customers who were on the highest standing offers before 1 July, up to $664 in NSW, $481 in SA and $663 in South East Qld.
• Reform of gas pipeline regulation led through the COAG Energy Council and extension of the ACCC gas inquiry to 2025.
• Extension of the Consumer Data Right to energy, to make it easier for consumers to switch energy providers to get a better deal.
• Progression of the Underwriting New Generation Investments program to improve competition and reduce wholesale prices.
• Establishing a new $1 billion Grid Reliability Fund, to support Government investment in new energy generation, storage and transmission infrastructure.

Our plan is already delivering results with an unprecedented three consecutive quarters of price reductions according to the ABS.
The Bill will now return to House of Representatives for final passage.
View the energy policy blueprint here: https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-policy-blueprint-fair-deal-energy.