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Greens seek coal & gas pause during climate negotiations

At the Greens’ first face to face Party Room meeting of the year on Monday 7 February before Parliament resumes, the party will confirm the approach it will take to Labor’s climate legislation in balance of power in the Senate and the House in the likely event of a change of government at the upcoming election.

With few sitting weeks likely between the resumption of Parliament after the election and the next UN climate summit in Egypt in November, and with a substantial amount of Labor’s climate policy requiring legislation, the Greens will seek a temporary moratorium on new coal, gas and oil projects until the Egypt Summit so detailed discussions can take place and new climate laws enacted before the summit begins.

Although the Greens’ policy remains for the rapid phase out of coal and gas and net-zero emissions by 2035, about which the Greens will announce further policies during the election campaign, the circuit-breaker proposal from the Greens only applies to new coal and gas projects, not existing ones.

With Australian action on coal and gas vital to the next climate summit’s success, the Greens say their approach in the Senate will be to improve not block Labor’s legislation, but that opening up new coal and gas projects will be a likely obstacle to progress.

It comes with new research showing that if the 114 currently proposed coal, oil, and gas projects are allowed to continue, they will emit pollution equivalent to 2.5 times Australia’s annual carbon emissions. The Betaloo project alone will increase Australia’s emissions by an estimated 13%, something not accounted for in Government or Labor climate modelling.

With the United States and the United Kingdom leading a global push to phase out coal and gas, but with Labor and Liberal both committed to opening new coal and gas projects, the Greens say the only way Australia will take action on coal and gas is with a change of government and the Greens in balance of power.

MPs at the 7 February Party Room meeting will also be joined by the 3 lead Senate candidates in South Australia, Queensland and NSW, where the Greens are aiming to win new seats at the next election, as well as candidates in key lower house seats the Greens are targeting.

Polling from Essential suggests that 62% of Australian voters support a stop on new coal mines, including 70% of Labor voters. Polling has also found the Greens’ climate targets have the most popular support of any of the parties, according to Resolve. A power sharing Parliament is a likely outcome from the next election and, even if Labor achieves a majority in the House, the Greens are set to hold the balance of power in the Senate, potentially in our own right.

“Australia needs to stop opening up new coal and gas mines,” said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.

“We want a pause on coal and gas while talking. It’s a pretty reasonable position. It’s not even about existing coal and gas projects, we’re just saying don’t open up new ones. You’ve got to stop pouring petrol on the fire before you can put it out.

“After we kick the Liberals out, I’m sure we can work with Labor to pass their climate legislation before the next climate summit to help boost climate action worldwide, but opening up new coal and gas mines is a problem.

“We have differences of views about how quickly we should get out of existing coal and gas, but everyone can surely agree that we shouldn’t open up new coal and gas projects.

“With everyone from the International Energy Agency to the United Nations saying there must be no new coal and gas projects, this temporary freeze is a modest demand that no sensible government could reasonably refuse.

“The only way we’ll get a pause on new coal and gas projects is with the Liberals out and the Greens in balance of power.”

Government in chaos abandons ICAC pledge

The Greens say the government’s decision to abandon its ICAC promise, while simultaneously trying to push through a hateful bill to protect bigotry, is proof that they never intended to establish an anti-corruption body in the first place.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Anyone who is surprised that the government has abandoned its promise to establish a federal integrity commission hasn’t been paying attention. It’s yet another broken promise from a PM who lies and lies.

“The PM promised an ICAC 1152 days ago when it was electorally convenient, then spent the next 1152 days doing everything he could to not keep that promise.

“In the meantime we’ve had SportsRorts, Watergate, Pork and Ride and public money being given hand over fist to coal and gas donors.

“The PM was never going to implement an effective and independent anti-corruption watchdog, because he knows that if he did he’d be at risk of losing half his cabinet.

“This is the dodgiest government in Australian history and its priorities are all wrong. Instead of trying to protect our democracy and rebuild public faith in politics they’re busy legislating discrimination against gay kids and teachers.

“My National Integrity Commission Bill passed the Senate more than two years ago. In balance of power after the next election the Greens will push the next government to pass that bill through the House and begin to restore integrity to parliament and our public institutions.”

Greens promise consent education and free period products in all public schools

As Queensland kids return to classrooms tomorrow, the Greens have pledged to keep them safe and healthy by fully funding comprehensive consent education and providing free period products from sustainable suppliers.

While most parents will rightly be focused on ensuring their children are protected from Covid-19, the Greens recognise that many schoolkids face other significant challenges, including sexual harassment and assault, and period poverty.

The Greens will:

invest $477 million to support the national rollout of Our Watch’s Respectful Relationships education in all public schools; and
provide $68.5 million over 10 years to make pads and tampons free in all public schools.

The highest rates of sexual assault and harassment still occur among 15-19 year olds, making it critically important that work is done to ensure student safety. Nationally consistent respectful relationships and consent education is key to making schools safe, promoting gender equality, and eliminating rape culture.

Although period products are a health essential, for many students and their families paying for pads and tampons is a financial burden. The Greens’ plan will improve students’ health and wellbeing, reduce period stigma, and ensure that no student has to skip school during their period because they cannot afford period products.

The above policies are in addition to our plan for truly free public education and Covid-safe classrooms, launched last month.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“With the Omicron variant still persistent in the community, parents are rightly anxious to ensure that their children are protected as they return to school. That’s why last month the Greens announced our plan to provide $224.1m to install HEPA filters and CO2 monitors to improve air quality in schools.

“But Covid-19 isn’t the only challenge facing many kids. Children must be safe from sexual assault, bullying and harassment, and learn at school about healthy boundaries and respect.

“The Greens will fully fund the delivery of Our Watch’s age appropriate, whole-of-school and evidence-based Respectful Relationships program in all public schools.

“We know that an alarming number of people still disbelieve or victim-blame survivors of assault. Sexual consent education in schools can help dismantle this persistent rape culture and ensure everyone understands that anything less than informed and enthusiastic consent means no.

“All students should get the benefit of learning about respect, gender equality and not letting their career aspirations be limited by their gender.

“Period poverty is also a major problem faced by many students. Some students use socks or rolled up toilet paper to manage their periods. Many students skip school out of shame.

“Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and it’s about time we made them accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. The Greens’ policy costing allows for supplies of carbon-neutral, largely compostable period products.

“Less than $7 million a year is a very small price to pay to improve the health and wellbeing of students, reduce period stigma, and ensure that no one has to skip school.”

Greens education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“A national, fully-funded rollout of school-based programs about respectful relationships is long overdue.

“In our patriarchal society, boys, in particular, are at risk of developing harmful attitudes and behaviours which can lead to sexual violence and harassment.

“There must be respectful relationships education including sexual consent in all schools across the country. The Greens will make this happen.”

Labor: Safe Kids Are eSmart Kids

An Albanese Labor Government will ensure all Australian schoolchildren can develop the digital and media literacy skills they need to stay safe and thrive in the online world.

Labor is today announcing it will support the national rollout of the eSmart Digital Licence+ for primary and secondary school students, as well as the eSmart Media Literacy Lab for secondary school students, to be developed and delivered by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

The eSmart Digital Licence+ equips children with the digital literacy required to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the internet. The eSmart Media Literacy Labempowers young people to think critically, create responsibly, and be active citizens online.

Improving digital media literacy are keyrecommendations of the ACCC’s Digital Platforms Inquiry report, but delivery of these programs is currently limited to schools who can afford it or have philanthropic support.

It’s another example of the Morrison Government doing too little, too late. Australian children deserve a government that is on their side and prioritises their safety online.

That’s why Labor’s plan will expand this to all schools, ensuring all Australian children have access to critical knowledge and skills in the digital economy.

The Shadow Minister for Education, Tanya Plibersek said “for years our kids have been getting a pen licence as they learn to write – this is the pen licence for the digital age.”

“Labor wants to ensure these resources are available to all children, regardless of what school they go to. It’s crucial all our kids learn the skills they need to keep them safe online,” Ms Plibersek said.

The Shadow Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said the internet was providing new opportunities but also posing challenges when it comes to online safety.

“Whether it’s to confront cyberbullying or disinformation, we need to provide our children with the best tools available. Australian kids deserve no less.”

The Assistant Shadow Minister for Communications and Cyber Security, Tim Watts said “any parent can tell you that during the pandemic we’ve seen more kids spending more time on screens. Unfortunately, the experts tell us we’ve also seen more kids exposed to the ugly side of being online.”

“We need to act now to ensure every Australian child has the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe online,” Mr Watts said.

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Sarah Davies AM, said “it is critical that legislative and industry changes are coupled with initiatives that build digital intelligence and media literacy skills in children and young people, as well as in schools, early childhood settings, families, and support services. We want every Australian school student to have access to our comprehensive suite of Australian curriculum-aligned, and evidence-informed eLearning programs so they are empowered with the skills to effectively and safely use technology today, and in the future.”

The eSmart Digital Licence and Media Literacy Lab are among the most comprehensive digital and media literacy resources available in Australia, developed with the DQ Institute in Singapore to internationally recognised global standards.

Improving digital skills and enhancing eSafety is a whole of society effort and Labor is pleased to support the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in leveraging its good work in our community.

This commitment will cost $6 million over three years which is a small but powerful investment in digital skills to support our children’s safety online, their participation as digital citizens and the development of Australia’s future workforce.

Parents NSW vouchers go live 7 February

About one million families can now enjoy $250 worth of vouchers, thanks to the NSW Government’s Parents NSW program going live Monday, 7 February.

Eligible families will receive five $50 vouchers which can be redeemed at Discover NSW and Stay NSW registered businesses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this program was a big win for households and would help ease the cost of living for busy parents.

“This is all about thanking parents for their home schooling efforts last year, helping make ends meet and supporting local businesses. Parents have persevered and balanced a variety of challenges as a result of home learning, and we are grateful for their hard work and sacrifices,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will also put downward pressure on the cost of living by helping families across the State get out and enjoy the best our State has to offer while leaving them with more money in their back-pocket to spend on the everyday essentials.”

In addition, the Stay NSW voucher program, providing every adult aged 18 and older with a $50 voucher to spend at registered accommodation providers, will be progressively rolled out from 21 February. Both programs will be implemented using the existing Dine & Discover NSW infrastructure.

“These vouchers are a double win – they encourage families to get out and enjoy the best of our State, while also providing much needed income to businesses affected by the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the vouchers form part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy announced in October and come on the back of the more the $1 billion COVID business support package recently announced.

“These vouchers are a win-win for industry and families and encourage more families to explore our incredible State and bolster local economies,” Mr Kean said.

“We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with industry throughout the pandemic and this is another program that will help keep businesses open and keep workers in jobs.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said households would be able to apply for both programs via Service NSW.

“Applying is easy and can be done quickly via your Service NSW app, the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance,” Mr Dominello said.

“It only takes a few seconds to scan the vouchers and reap the rewards. We’ve made the process as simple as possible so families can enjoy a much earned holiday or a visit to a discover venue.”

Parents NSW vouchers can be combined up to the value of $250 and applied to your accommodation bill or discover experience. Customers can pool multiple Stay NSW vouchers with friends or family for the same booking at registered accommodation providers, big or small.

Bookings made through third party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents are not included in the program.

Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for participating accommodation providers on the easy-to-use hotel finder.

For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers

New residence for reptiles at Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo’s reptile residents will soon have a new place to call home, with the NSW Government giving the green light for a purpose-built Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre in Mosman.

The brand-new facility will replace the zoo’s popular Reptile World, also known as the Serpentaria, which will soon be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital.

Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the centre will be a drawcard for tourists and locals, giving them the opportunity to meet an array of reptiles and frogs and learn about the zoo’s conservation work to protect species now and for generations to come.

“Taronga is such an important part of Sydney, not only in its role of providing care for more than 4,000 animals but also in being an amazing place for the public to explore and learn about the natural world,” Mr Roberts said.

“It will bring guests eye to eye with unbelievable animals, help spark a connection and inspire action for years to come.

“This new centre will ensure the ongoing welfare of some special and uniquely Australian species, such as the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and iconic Corroboree Frog.”

Environment Minister James Griffin said the new building will allow Zoo staff to continue their important work leading conservation efforts of reptiles and amphibians, along with countless other species threatened in the wild.

“This project will increase Taronga’s capability to save endangered species, educate the public and respond to wildlife emergencies – of which there are more than 1,500 cases per year,” Mr Griffin said.

“Taronga Zoo staff work tirelessly to create an environment which protects animals of all shapes and sizes and as a Government, we’re pleased to be able to support them in their efforts to remain on the cutting edge of conservation.”

Construction is expected to begin in mid-year and will create around 800 design, project management, and construction jobs, helping fuel the state’s economic recovery.

Rapid Antigen Tests for people with disability

Almost 300,000 Rapid Antigen Tests will be distributed to thousands of people with disability and their support workers to help prevent their exposure to COVID-19.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the testing kits were a vital part of protecting people living and working in disability funded residential settings.

“Protecting people with disability is important because they can often be at greater risk of developing more serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“This distribution of testing kits underpins the NSW Government’s priority of protecting the most vulnerable members of the community while the pandemic continues to pose a risk.”

This initiative supplements the rollout of Rapid Antigen Tests to NDIS participants announced on 4 February 2022 by the Commonwealth Government, which holds the primary responsibility for supporting the disability sector.

The testing kits will be distributed to almost 9,000 people with disability and their support workers by staff in NSW Health Local Health Districts working with disability service providers.

“Local Health Districts staff engage with disability service providers on a regular basis and are well placed to distribute these tests for people with disability and their support workers,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones added.

“This roll out will help ensure that people with disability can be supported safely at home, and reduce the risk of infections spreading as well as the potential for hospital admission.”

The Department of Communities and Justice is working closely with NSW Health to identify and support priority groups, reflecting the joint effort to support vulnerable and at risk sections of the community across the health and human services sectors.

People with disability can also purchase testing kits using their NDIS plan funding or access their free allocation from community pharmacies available for those who hold Commonwealth Health Care or Concession Cards.

Support for school camps and music

Businesses impacted by school COVID safety measures in late 2021 now have access to a grant program to help them get back on track for 2022.

The $14 million grant program will be available to businesses whose services schools were restricted from accessing in Term 4 of 2021. The restrictions primarily impacted overnight camp providers and music education instructors and services.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the grants will support sectors that rely almost entirely on schools for income and provide a crucial educational experience for students.

“The grants will provide eligible businesses and not for profit organisations one-off payments equal to 40 per cent of their decline in Term 4 2021 turnover compared to previous years, up to $15,000,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the grants would help organisations restart and refocus on delivering quality programs for NSW school students.

“I know just how hard the pandemic has hit small business, and for those offering camps and some music programs, their recovery is just beginning as schools return under new COVID-smart settings,” Ms Mitchell said.

Guidelines for the grants will be available in February, with businesses expected to apply for grants in April through their Service NSW for Business profile.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the application process would mirror existing business grant programs to deliver a consistent customer experience and help ensure eligible businesses received support quickly.

“We want to make the process as simple and seamless as possible,” Mr Dominello said.

“Almost 500,000 businesses have Service NSW for Business profiles and we can reuse existing proof of identity and business information to help make the application process quick and easy for business customers.”

School camps and all music programs can start again from Term 1, 2022.

Small business flood recovery grants open

Bega and Eurobodalla small businesses and not-for-profits can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help them recover from severe storm and flood events.

The Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant is designed to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of a small business or not-for-profit organisation’s operations who suffered direct physical damage as a result of the widespread storms and floods throughout November and December 2021.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, encouraged the affected local businesses and organisations to apply for this help with the clean-up and recovery effort.

“Businesses across this region have been through a series disasters, and these grants will go some way to helping them get back on their feet,” said Dr Kotvojs. “As Premier Perrottet said, businesses know that we’ve got their back.”

The Grants can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, replacing work vehicles or leasing temporary office space.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke urged small businesses and not-for-profit organisations to utilise the available support.

“These new grants complement the existing financial assistance already available to home owners, primary producers and local councils,” Ms Cooke said.

“Storm season will continue until March, so I am encouraging all communities to be vigilant to the ongoing threats in the short-term, and continue working with us in the long-term to build a more resilient NSW.”

For more information and to apply, call Service NSW on 13 77 88, or go to:
www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply –storms –and –flood –disaster –recovery –small business –grant

Energy minister Angus Taylor draws fire from Hunter community groups as he announces Commonwealth approval of Snowy Hydro power plant – Gas Free Hunter Alliance

Energy minister Angus Taylor draws fire from Hunter community groups as he announces Commonwealth approval of Snowy Hydro power plant.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor will visit Kurri Kurri to announce the approval of the controversial Snowy Hydro gas-diesel power plant Monday morning. Assessment of the proposed power plant by both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments has drawn fire from community groups in the Hunter region.

“Today’s announcement is bad for the Hunter, and bad for Australia,” said Gas Free Hunter Alliance coordinator Fiona Lee.

“As Commonwealth Environment Minister, Sussan Ley should be protecting the environment, not rubber stamping dirty, outdated fossil fuel projects which will worsen the impacts of climate change and pollute the local environment,” said Ms Lee.

“Mr Taylor appears to lack all commitment to supporting regional communities to transition away from fossil fuels, or to taking real action on climate change,” she said.

“The Hunter region needs secure, future-focused jobs. Investing $610 million or more of public funds into an unnecessary and outdated gas plant will create just 10 long-term jobs. Instead, we call on Mr Taylor to fund renewable energy and storage, and to retrain workers in fossil fuel reliant industries.”

Retired TAFE teacher, Kurri-based grandmother Ms Lynn Benn said, “At a time when we need to rapidly move away from fossil fuels, I cannot see that this proposed gas powered plant makes sense from any angle. But I am most incensed at the waste of taxpayers money. If it makes sense then let private enterprise build it. For that amount of money we could safeguard Kurri hospital, give our local bush fire brigades a much needed boost or provide something for the local kids to do. Let’s look to the future, not the past.”

Over 55,000 thousand people have signed petitions opposing the power plant. Of the 261 submissions on the proposed power plant, only two supported it.