Category: Australian News

Labor will establish a Renewable Energy Zone in North West Tasmania, and we will take the next steps in establishing Tasmania as the Battery of the Nation – bringing investment in renewable energy, related industries and new jobs for the West Coast of Tasmania.
Tasmania’s got all the potential not just to lead Australia in clean energy generation – but to lead the world. What the state needs is leadership to get it there – and only Labor has the vision to grow jobs, grow investment and cut energy bills.
Labor will support the next phase of the Marinus Link feasibility study with $56 million contribution. If the Marinus link stacks up, then Labor’s $5 billion Energy Security and Modernisation Fund will be available to help finance the project.
The initial feasibility study for the Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation project made clear that this Tasmanian energy vision only stacks up if Australia commits to a “High Emission Reduction Scenario”, which is consistent with Labor’s 50 per cent 2030 renewable commitment. The Liberals’ refusal to support a renewable energy future will sabotage not only Marinus link, but also the Battery of the Nation project and Tasmania’s renewable future.
A crucial part of Tasmania’s renewable future lies in taking advantage of the world-class renewable resources in Tasmania – not just hydro, but wind and others. That is why Labor will make North West Tasmania a Renewable Energy Zone.
Labor will also support the Renewable Future project, at the heart of supercharging Tasmania’s renewable industry. This includes:

• The Whale Back Ridge Wind Farm (WWF) that will see a new large-scale wind farm of up to 500 turbines generating 1,500 MW of electricity to supply the Battery of the Nation project, hydrogen production for export, and the energy needs of Tasmania. This project will create 2,000 construction jobs, and 50 permanent jobs.
• Tasmania West Coast Energy Park (WCEP) that will develop a large scale energy park incorporating, the Whale Back Ridge Wind, an industrial scale hydrogen production export facility, wave energy generation of up to 100 MW, battery storage of up to 100 MW, industrial scale greenhouse facilities for hydroponic organic food production, and a commercial scale solar farm to augment hydrogen production. This project will create 2,000 construction jobs, and 200 permanent jobs.
• Tasmanian Renewable Energy Research and Development Centre (TREND) that will undertake research in renewable energy focused on wind, wave, pumped hydro, temperate solar, hydrogen, and transport and storage technologies. It will also involve education with Tasmanian primary and secondary student training sessions on renewable energy, options for advanced study at UTAS or TasTAFE level, residential skills training and upskilling with TasTAFE at diploma level, and tertiary study up to PhD level through UTAS. Further research, development and commercialisation of renewable technologies will occur in collaboration with CSIRO, UTAS, TasTAFE and industry. The centre will also partner with WWF and WCEP to facilitate educational and research and development outcomes. This project will create 500 construction jobs and 75 permanent jobs.

A Shorten Labor Government will provide $5 million to make the Renewable Future Project a reality. This will provide the necessary seed funding to produce the Masterplan for WWF, WCEF and TREND. It also includes initial seed funding for studies into wind, water, wave and environmental aspects of the project.
The Renewable Future project will help deliver stability to the national electricity grid and support Labor’s commitment to deliver 50 per cent renewables by 2030. It will also complement Labor’s commitment to develop a new hydrogen industry through our $1 billion Hydrogen Plan, to develop hydrogen for use in industry and transport, both here and abroad.
It will also create a world-class educational, research and development facility focussed on temperate climate renewable technology education, research, development and commercialisation, boosting Tasmania’s role in the energy transition underway.
This project is about supporting an energy transition, new industries and jobs, and skill and research development, but it will also provide a significant economic stimulus for the West Coast region that also broadens the economic base of Tasmania, in particular creating new opportunities for West Coast townships such as Zeehan and Rosebery. The project will deliver a total of 4,500 construction and 325 permanent jobs for the region.
Labor’s Energy Plan will secure a clean, affordable, renewable energy future and the new industries, jobs and skills that will deliver sustainable prosperity to Tasmania and the entire country.
Only Labor has a plan to invest in renewable energy, modernise the electricity system, and bring power prices and pollution down.
The Liberals have nothing but a record of increasing prices and pollution and baseless scare campaigns.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

A Shorten Labor Government will help create up to 70,000 new jobs and support more young Australians train in the jobs for the future, with a $75 million Renewables Training Package – including support for 10,000 apprentices in the renewable and clean energy industries.
Renewable energy means more jobs, more investment, cheaper energy and lower pollution.
Labor’s commitment to 50 per cent renewables by 2030 will see up to 70,000 jobs created.
Australians already know the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable energy. The number of households with rooftop solar has grown from 7,000 in 2007 to more than two million today.
To support this renewables revolution, Labor will support 10,000 apprenticeships in renewable energy-related fields and will upgrade TAFE campuses around the country.
Labor will invest $45 million in 10,000 additional Apprentice Incentives for apprentices in the renewables industry. Employers will be able to access up to $8,000 take on an apprentice and apprentices will get $2,000 to assist with the costs of their education. This is part of Labor’s commitment to an additional 150,000 Apprentice Incentives.
These Apprentice Incentives will be available for apprentices working on renewable energy projects and for clean energy businesses. This includes wind and solar, battery manufacture and installation, pumped hydro and transmission.
Labor will also invest $30 million to upgrade TAFEs and train locals for the 70,000 jobs our renewable energy policies will help generate:

• $20 million Renewable Industries TAFE Upgrades – to make sure apprentices and TAFE students have the opportunity to train on industry standard equipment, including batteries, solar panels, turbine and grid components. This will also support building, construction and design students to integrate renewables into their studies and make sure TAFE is at the forefront of renewables innovation and education.
• $10 million in a Clean Energy Training Fund – to support industry partnerships for the training and upskilling of workers in clean energy industries, from solar and battery installers to energy management system professionals. Labor will work with TAFEs, RTOs, unions, and industry on the implementation of this fund.

There will be thousands of opportunities for apprentices and TAFE students because of Labor’s investment in Solar Schools, Household Battery Program, doubling of the CEFC’s capital, and commitment to delivering 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
Investment in renewable energy is good for Australian jobs and good for the Australian economy.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals are hopelessly divided on climate change – all they have are baseless scare campaigns and no plans to bring down power bills for Australian households and businesses.
The Liberals and Nationals have pushed up power prices and pollution by undermining investment in renewable energy and backing power privatisations – and their chaos and division means industry can’t adequately plan and invest in the future.
Only Labor will deliver real action on climate change and lower pollution, lower power prices and build a stronger economy.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better investment in renewable energy and skills, TAFE and apprenticeships, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.

Greens climate and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has welcomed the UK Parliament’s declaration of a climate and environment emergency. Mr Bandt said the Greens would seek to move and pass a similar motion as soon as possible in the new Parliament after the election.
“The UK Parliament has recognised the world is facing an existential climate crisis and that we all need to act urgently,” Mr Bandt said.
“I will seek to move a similar motion to the UK and have a state of climate emergency declared here as soon as the new Parliament returns after the election.
“It’s time to act as if our house is on fire, because it is.
“This election is a climate election and the Greens are the only party that supports emergency action. The Australian people have an opportunity to show their support for emergency action by voting Greens.”

The Australian Greens condemn the vile racism behind vandalism of Greens SA Senate candidate Major Moogy Sumner’s election poster.
“This racism is not acceptable. We need First Australians in our Parliament and they need to be able to participate without these kinds of attacks,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This does not represent South Australia. Moogy is a beloved and respected leader in our state. People on all sides of politics respect him, love him and I know wish him well for this election.
“I am so proud to have such a distinguished aboriginal elder standing shoulder to shoulder with me in this election campaign.
“Our Parliament and our state would be all the richer with Moogy Sumner in the Senate.”
Moogy Sumner, Ngarrindjeri elder, said:
“My face is well known in Adelaide. People know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.
“It is disappointing to see this crop up in our community, but it won’t stop me from standing up for what we believe in. Here I am, you’re not going to scare me away.”

The Morrison Government will fund thirteen new congestion-busting projects across South-East Queensland with a further $226.25 million funding boost.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the projects would help thousands of people living in South-East Queensland.
“People are sick of sitting in traffic and these local and practical measures will help people get home sooner and safer,” Mr Morrison said.
“By managing money and running a strong economy we are able to invest record funding in road and rail projects which improve the lives of so many Queenslanders.
“This funding will fix local traffic pinch points and bottlenecks that have the most impact on congestion, helping everyone get home sooner.”
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said these projects make it easier for people to get onto the train and easily accessible station carparks are critical to this.
“These three new commuter car parks will take up to 1,200 cars off the road,” Mr Tudge said.
“This entire package is a transport strategy that is smart and clear and will make a tangible effect.”
The projects include:
 

• Commuter car parking at Beenleigh Station
• Commuter car parking at Loganlea Station
• Commuter car parking at Coomera Station
• Upgrading the intersection at Oxley Drive and Brisbane Road, Arundel
• Upgrade of High Road and Easterly Street between Sabre Street and Old Logan Village Road, Waterford
• Upgrading the Henry Road-Dohles Rocks Road, Griffin
• Upgrade the Klinger Road & Boardman Road intersection, Kippa-Ring
• Upgrading Beams Road between Lacey Road to Handford Road, Bracken Ridge
• Level crossing removal at Boundary Road, Coopers Plains
• Upgrading Rochedale Road and Priestdale Rd intersection, Rochedale
• Upgrading Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road between Milne St to Tallagandra Rd, Beenleigh
• Upgrading Chambers Flat Road between Park Ridge Road to Derby Road, Park Ridge
• Upgrading the Kenmore Roundabout at Moggill Road, Kenmore

 
The projects will bolster the significant investment across South-East Queensland that includes an additional $500 million for the M1 between Daisy Hill and the Logan Motorway.
It also includes the recently completed Gateway Upgrade North project from Nudgee to Bracken Ridge, which would not have been possible without a $861.8 million Coalition investment.
There has also been a $112 million investment for Stage 3a of the Gold Coast Light Rail project following $95 million for Stage 2.
In February the Morrison Government pledged to work with the State Government and local Councils to develop a City Deal for the region.
These commitments are all part of the Liberal National plan which is seeing $25 billion invested in road and rail projects across Queensland.
Investments across South East Queensland include:
 

• M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade Program – $1.775 billion, including:

 
o Gateway Merge – $115 million
o Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill – $500 million
o Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway – $500 million
o Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes – $110 million
o Varsity Lakes to Tugun – $500 million
 

• Gateway Motorway – Bracken Ridge to Pine River – $800 million
• Gateway Upgrade North – $861.8 billion
• Brisbane Metro – $300 million
• Gold Coast Light Rail Stages 2 and 3A – $207 million

 
Regional Queensland is also receiving significant investments to better connect the regions including:
 

• Bruce Highway Upgrade Program – $10 billion, including:

 
o Pine River to Caloundra Corridor – $1.42 billion
o Cooroy to Curra Section D – $800 million
o Rockhampton Ring Road – $800 million
o Mackay Ring Road Stage 1 – $397.9
 

• Toowoomba Second Range Crossing – $1.1 billion

 

The Morrison Government will continue to prioritise better support for older Australians by investing in a new targeted research centre, funding a new program to combat loneliness while ensuring the aged care workforce meets growing demand in the future.
$34 million will be provided to establish a new Aged Care Workforce Research Centre, which will examine new ways to deliver care for older Australians and training and education for aged care providers, drawing on the world’s best practice.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said older Australians deserve our support.
“Older Australians have built our country and they deserve our respect and support for the choices they want to make.
“This funding will deliver better support and care for older Australians, while ensuring we build the workforce to meet the demands of an aging population.
“As a nation we must continue to support our older Australians and I remain absolutely committed to doing more.
“A strong economy means we can make these important decisions and invest in the essential services Australians rely on – without higher taxes.”
For some older Australians, retirement brings new challenges and stresses and sometimes that can lead to social isolation and loneliness, with a third of all seniors living alone.
A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $10 million to develop a Seniors Connected Program to address the silent battle of loneliness that thousands of older Australians live with every day.
The program will work with local community groups, including schools and sporting clubs, as well as with grassroots organisations dedicated to supporting older Australians.
Funding will boost support for organisations like the Friends for Good phone service, which offers support services outside normal business hours and on weekends, while also expanding Village Hub projects across the country.
Today more than 1.3 million Australians access or use some form of aged care, with that number expected to grow to an estimated 3.5 million Australians by 2050. This will have a profound impact on the demand for skilled workers within the aged care sector.
A re-elected Morrison Government will prioritise the growth area of aged care with the goal of reaching 475,000 aged care workers in Australia by 2025, with significant growth projected in personal care workers, nurses, support staff and allied health professionals.
Aged care will be the first sector where a pilot program will be undertaken under the Morrison Government’s $41.7 million Skills Organisations package to support future jobs growth.
The Morrison Government will expand the Community Visitors Scheme which aims to improve the quality of life of residents of aged care homes and consumers of home care packages who are socially isolated or lonely and would benefit from a friendly visitor.
The Scheme helps to establish links between people living in aged care homes and their local community. It can act as a vehicle for intergenerational connection, providing young Australians with the opportunity to talk with and learn from older Australians.
Part of the Seniors Connected Program will encourage volunteering activity by Australia’s seniors. Many senior Australians choose to volunteer because they still have so much to contribute to the community. Volunteering offers connection and a sense of purpose.

From today the Morrison Government will make available new medicines available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) saving patients and their family’s up to $150,000 a year.
By keeping our economy strong the Morrison Government is listing all new medicines on the PBS following the advice of the medical experts.
These listings on the PBS change and improve lives. They reduce the burden of expensive medicines, saving patients and families money.
New medicines from 1 May 2019 include:

• Bavencio® for metastatic merkel cell carcinoma (rare skin cancer), which would normally cost $150,000 per year for a course of treatment without subsidy
• Besponsa® for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (blood cancer), which would normally cost $120,500 per course of treatment without subsidy
• Ibrance® for advanced and metastatic breast cancer, which would normally cost $55,000 per year for a course of treatment without subsidy
• Vimpat® for the treatment of intractable partial epileptic seizures for children aged four to 15 years, which would normally cost $4,700 per year without subsidy
• Xeljanz® for the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis, which would normally cost $16,500 per year without subsidy

Patients will now be able to access these medicines for just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 with a concession card.
All were recommended by the independent medical experts at the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Since 2013, the Morrison Government has listed over 2,000 new or amended items on the PBS. This represents an average of around 31 listings per month – or one each day – at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.
We are listing all medicines on the PBS unlike the former Labor Government.
In 2011 when the current leader of the opposition Bill Shorten was Assistant Treasurer Labor took the unprecedented step of stopping the listing of new medicines on the PBS.
Labor’s 2011-12 Budget stated “given the current fiscal environment the listing of some medicines would be deferred until fiscal circumstances permit”. This included medicines for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endometriosis chronic pain and IVF amongst others.
Our commitment to ensuring that Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

Large scale research projects with a vision to boost industry and create jobs could share in funding from the Federal Government.
Round 21 of the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) grants are now open, with the average CRC receiving around $35 million.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the CRC Grants are designed to bring industry and our world-class researchers together to grow and create new Australian jobs.
“Our aim through this program is to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of national industries, especially where Australia has a competitive strength,” Minister Andrews said.
“These partnerships solve industry-identified problems through conducting and commercialising leading-edge research, driving emerging technologies and leveraging global supply chains and new markets.
“Since 2013, the Liberal National Government has invested almost $1 billion into CRCs, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the innovative work of our best and brightest reaches the market.
“Along with other Coalition initiatives such as the Entrepreneurs Programme and Industry Growth Centres, the CRC Grants is a proven model for industry and research cooperation that produces impressive commercial results.”
This latest funding further builds on our commitment to strengthening Australian industry, strengthening our economic growth and helping to create 1.25 million jobs in the next five years.
The Coalition Government continues to make significant investments in science, research and innovation – smart, strategic investments that will deliver stable support for our researchers and entrepreneurs across the coming decade.
The CRC Grants provides competitive and merit-based grant funding to support industry-led collaborative research partnerships. The grant is complemented by cash and in-kind support from industry and research partners.
Applications for Round 21 will close at 5:00 pm AEDT on 1 July 2019
Information on the CRC Grants and how to apply is available at www.business.gov.au/CRC

The Australian Greens condemn the vile racism behind vandalism of Greens SA Senate candidate Major Moogy Sumner’s election poster.
“This racism is not acceptable. We need First Australians in our Parliament and they need to be able to participate without these kinds of attacks,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This does not represent South Australia. Moogy is a beloved and respected leader in our state. People on all sides of politics respect him, love him and I know wish him well for this election.
“I am so proud to have such a distinguished aboriginal elder standing shoulder to shoulder with me in this election campaign.
“Our Parliament and our state would be all the richer with Moogy Sumner in the Senate.”
Moogy Sumner, Ngarrindjeri elder, said:
“My face is well known in Adelaide. People know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.
“It is disappointing to see this crop up in our community, but it won’t stop me from standing up for what we believe in. Here I am, you’re not going to scare me away.”

Labor’s latest backflip, abandoning support for more native forest reserves in Tasmania, including 356,000ha of permanent reserves, shows they cannot be trusted to protect the environment or tackle climate change.

“Labor talks big about overhauling environment laws and taking strong action on climate change, but has now backflipped on protecting vast areas of Tasmania’s native forests,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens forest spokesperson.

“Labor still won’t rule out support for the Adani mine, plans to open up the Northern Territory to fracking, and just yesterday backtracked on their electric vehicle target.”

“This decision shows Labor will buckle under the slightest pressure from their industry mates and corporate donors.”

“You just cannot trust Labor when it comes to protecting our environment or climate.”

“The Greens plan would end native forest logging immediately, and transition the industry to 100% plantations from the current 88%.”

“Labor is willfully allowing the destruction of our forests because, which are hugely important for storing carbon, for threatened animals and for our water security. To log them, mainly for woodchips, is just madness.”

“Labor are reverting to type as they always do when the pressure comes on from the loggers,” said Senator Nick McKim, Australian Greens senator for Tasmania.

“Trashing and burning carbon rich forests like takayna/Tarkine, the Blue Tier and the Styx is unacceptable while the world is in a climate emergency and a biodiversity crisis.”

“The Greens will fight to protect these beautiful places, the carbon they store and the wildlife they support.”

“We are the only party standing up for Tassie’s forests – we always have and we always will.”