Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today responded to the Snowy Hydro 2.0 announcement, noting that if the government was serious about energy storage, it would put in place a national storage target and incentives for storage across the electricity network.
“Snowy Hydro is not enough,” said Mr Bandt.
“Not only do we need to force coal out of New South Wales, so that an expanded Snowy Hydro doesn’t give it a leg up overnight, but we need to establish a Commonwealth Large Scale Energy Storage Scheme to legislate a target of 20 GW of storage across the NEM and the WA and NT networks.
“We can’t afford to wait for one big hydro project that will require billions in transmission upgrades.
“We need to fast-track other small-scale pumped hydro projects at a grid-level to complement Snowy and provide enough storage to underpin a 100% renewable energy system.
“One pumped hydro project does not a storage system make. We need a comprehensive nation-wide plan to deliver storage that the old parties don’t appear to have.”
Greens say ERF funding better spent on coal communities
Scott Morrison’s Emissions Reduction Fund is nothing more than a rort designed to funnel taxpayers’ money to his big coal mates and the funding would be better spent helping coal communities to transition, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Coal is the world’s biggest driver of climate change and Australia is the world’s biggest exporter of coal. Without a plan to shift away from coal, this government has no plan to fight climate change, ”said Senator Di Natale.
“Instead of wasting $2 billion reheating Tony Abbott’s failed policy to pay polluters out of your pocket, the government would be better off helping coal communities prepare for the future.”
“A transition away from coal is urgent and necessary but the Greens want to ensure that it doesn’t leave workers and communities stranded.
“A responsible and caring government would have already been investing in a transition plan for the coal workers and communities who will be impacted by this significant structural shift.”
Man dies when tractor rolls – Lake Macquarie region
A report will be prepared for the Coroner following the death of a man in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
Emergency services were called to a property on Mandalong Road, Mandalong, about 26km south west of Toronto, just after 12pm today (Tuesday 26 February 2019), following reports a tractor had rolled down an embankment.
Police have been told the man was conducting maintenance on the property at the time.
The 77-year-old man could not be revived.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It is not being treated as suspicious.
Five new police puppies to be named by sick children
The NSW Police Force have welcomed five new crime-fighting canines at 
the Dog Unit, whose names will be chosen by chronically ill children.
The five German Shepherd pups – three females and two males – were born on Christmas Eve last year (Monday 24 December 2018) and will be trained as General Purpose dogs.
Dog Unit Commander, Superintendent Steve Egginton, said the puppies are a welcome addition to the NSW Police Force.
“Since 2004, our breeding program has seen 34 litters of German Shepherd pups join the ranks of the Dog Unit, and these five new recruits have just started their journey in the pack,” Supt Egginton said.
“Keeping with canine recruit tradition, these puppies will be given names starting with the letter ‘Z’ and will form part of the ‘Z’ litter.
“We are encouraging everyone to help suggest names for the dogs before they start sniffing out crime,” Supt Egginton said added.
Patron of the NSW Police Dog Unit, Mrs Andrea Fuller, said the naming process has proven to be an excellent way to engage with the community and allow members of the public to take part.
“This year, we are delighted to be working with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick to give some of the children in their care a chance to help choose the names of our new crime-fighting canines,” Mrs Fuller said.
“A list of suggested names will be provided to the hospital, then the children will research the names and hold a vote, with the most popular names chosen.
“The pups will then be assigned a name and taken to the hospital, so the children have a chance to meet them,” Mrs Fuller said.
Director of Nursing at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Ms Verity Luckey says the patients of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick are thrilled to join forces with the NSW Police Force Dog Unit.
“The children are armed and ready to help to with the im-paw-tant job of naming the newest recruits, and also really looking forward to shaking paws with our new furry-friends when they are old enough to stop by for a visit,” Ms Luckey said.
Police Minister Troy Grant welcomed the puppy naming partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
“This is a great way for the children to engage with the Dog Unit, which does some of the most extraordinary behind-the-scenes work helping to solve crime in our community,” Mr Grant said.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the unit to bring a little cheer to the kids at the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick. This is an incredibly worthy initiative that we’re proud to be a part of, and I look forward to hearing the names suggested for our latest four-legged crime fighters,” he added.
The five pups will stay at the Dog Unit until they are about 12 weeks old and will then be placed into the foster carer program until they are old enough to begin training.
The NSW Police Force Dog Unit was formed in 1932 and currently forms part of the NSW Police Force Police Transport and Public Safety Command.
It is the largest police dog unit in Australia and its canine police officers include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, Border Collies and English Springer Spaniels.
The Dog Unit’s breeding program has been running since 2004, and has bred 34 litters of German Shepherd pups, two litters of Labrador pups and two litters of English Springer Spaniels and one litter of Belgian Malinois.
NEW 250,000 JOBS TARGET TO BOOST OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS AND PROMOTE TRADES ACROSS NSW
NSW will remain the economic powerhouse of Australia with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will create 250,000 new jobs in the next four years.
With NSW boasting the lowest unemployment rate on record of just 3.9 percent, Western Sydney and regional NSW will be a key focus of the new jobs target. Two vocational high schools and two additional Productivity Bootcamps will be established to help young people build skills and kick-start careers.
“We have created more than 600,000 jobs since 2011 – more than any other state – and smashed our last four year jobs target of 150,000 by adding more than 420,000 new jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are prioritising young people trying to get in to a trade with the bootcamp program and at the same time giving those whose ambition is to learn a trade the opportunity to do so through new vocational high schools.”
The vocational high schools will be located in Western Sydney and on the North Coast. Up to $17 million is earmarked for each site to fund construction of specialist training facilities at two existing schools.
The two schools will train students in skills in demand by local employers and industry requirements and allow them to study a trade while completing the HSC. Courses may include construction, electro-technology, hospitality, metal and engineering and primary industries.
The successful Productivity Bootcamp program will also expand to two more locations in Western Sydney and the South Coast.
Already operating at Quakers Hill and Penrith, the program provides fully-subsidised skills training to help young people secure a career in the construction industry.
Over an intensive eight-week program Productivity Bootcamp participants work on-site of a major NSW infrastructure project. Essentials life skills such as effective communications, work ethic and time management are also honed at TAFE NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said, that as a former tradie, he knew first-hand many of the pressures faced by students considering a trade.
“We are doing more to support our young people to assure them that a trade is both a credible and rewarding career option,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The concept is truly exciting because it brings together the best of traditional learning associated with the HSC and the hands-on skills that will allow our tradies of tomorrow to kick-start their careers.”
Ms Berejiklian said the key to creating 250,000 more jobs was an ironclad guarantee by the Liberals & Nationals to complete all employment-generating infrastructure projects such the F6 extension, Western Harbour Tunnel, Metro West, Metro South West and WestConnex.
“Our record infrastructure pipeline has been the key driver for this jobs growth and we simply cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said only the sound economic management of the Liberals & Nationals would ensure NSW continues to prosper and grow.
“We have managed to get NSW back on track after Labor consistently delivered an unemployment rate higher than the national average,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Now Labor’s failed former Finance Minister Michael Daley is threatening to cancel this Government’s vital job creation infrastructure projects.
“One of the few costed policies they have released is their promise to abandon our payroll tax cuts. The consequence of that are higher cost to small business and fewer jobs as a result. Labor doesn’t have a plan for NSW – only a hit list.”
LABOR RESTORES FAIRNESS WITH $640 MILLION BANKING FAIRNESS FUND
Labor will give bank victims a fairer chance to fight for their rights with a $640 million Banking Fairness Fund.
The fund will raise $160m per year from Australia’s biggest banks to revolutionise the services available to Australians in financial difficulty – a key recommendation from the Royal Commission.
Labor fought for the Banking Royal Commission – unlike Scott Morrison and the Liberals who voted against the Royal Commission 26 times, called it a “populist whinge” and refused to give parliament more time to implement the recommendations.
Labor will double the number of financial counsellors across Australia from 500 to 1000with a $320 million commitment from the Banking Fairness Fund over the next 4 years.
These new financial counsellors will provide advocacy, support and advice to an additional 125,000 Australians each year.
These 500 new financial counsellors will be able to assist Australians to pursue fair compensation through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority under significantly increased compensation caps announced by Labor last week.
Commissioner Hayne recommended that Australia’s hardworking financial counselling sector should be given “predictable and stable funding”. Commissioner Hayne noted in his final report that “their services, like financial services, are a necessity to the community”, but that the sector currently “struggles to meet demand, which is increasing”.
Financial counsellors provide invaluable assistance, free of charge, to Australians who find themselves in disputes with their banks and other financial service providers.
A stronger, larger financial counselling sector is just one part of Labor’s plan to restore fairness to financial services.
Labor will make further announcements about the other programs that will be funded by the Banking Fairness Fund over coming days.
Labor called for the Royal Commission, Labor fought for the Royal Commission, and Labor will work day and night to give victims of financial misconduct the support they need to fight for their rights.
Greens say an Independent process must be followed in ABC appointments
Ita Buttrose must be considered by the independent nomination panel before cabinet names the next ABC chair, the Greens say.
“If the Morrison Government wants to nominate Ms Buttrose, it must go through the proper channels,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Five months have passed since the Government was caught in a web of political interference at the ABC. They still have not learned their lesson.
“Ita Buttrose is clearly a strong candidate for the position, however the current mess at the ABC is a result of exploiting board appointments. This cannot be allowed to continue, no matter how strong the contender.
“Political interference has plagued the ABC and there can be no doubt placed on future board appointments, or indeed the chair.
“The independent panel exists for a reason, and must not be disregarded or side stepped yet again by this Government.”
Morrison's scheme an expensive climate hoax: Bandt
Greens climate change and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP said Scott Morrison’s latest climate ‘policy’ was an expensive hoax that had no plan to deal with coal.
“There’s nothing in this expensive fig-leaf that deals with coal, and if you don’t have a plan for coal, you’re not serious about climate change,” said Mr Bandt.
“This policy will not ensure a safe climate.
“A climate policy that doesn’t deal with coal is like a car without wheels. It’s an expensive way of going nowhere.
“Pouring public money into Tony Abbott’s failed emissions fund isn’t just throwing good money after bad, it’s a hoax.
“Emissions have gone up under Tony Abbott’s scheme and they will rise under Scott Morrison as well because big polluters still get off scot-free.
“Malcolm Turnbull called this fund a “fig-leaf to cover a determination to do nothing” and he was right.
“The public, who are footing the bill for this policy, can’t even be sure that all the emissions reductions claims are genuine.
“Former regulators, the CSIRO and the Climate Change Authority have all questioned the integrity of emissions reductions claimed under the fund.
“Instead of giving money to the polluters, we should be making polluters pay, like we did under the carbon price.”
Plan ahead and get ready to celebrate the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
The NSW Police Force is encouraging everyone heading into the city to celebrate the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this weekend to plan ahead and enjoy the festivities safely.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line Oxford and Flinders Streets and Anzac Parade on Saturday (2 March 2019), as colourful floats make their way through Darlinghurst to mark the 41st anniversary of Mardi Gras.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said police will have a significant presence across the city to ensure the evening’s events are safe, fun and family-friendly.
“We are expecting big crowds to attend this year’s parade and to make sure everyone has a great night, we have been working closely with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras staff to ensure safety is the top priority,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“Police are not here to ruin anyone’s fun and anyone acting inappropriately will be dealt with swiftly and face the full force of the law.
“Officers will be keeping an eye out for anyone taking or distributing illicit drugs, and those engaged in alcohol-related crime or anti-social behaviour.
“If you are planning to head into the city, please think before you drink. Anyone under the age of 18 should be aware that there are consequences of drinking underage.
“Police will be focused on maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere for the parade; however, we will not tolerate anyone who risks their safety or the safety of others with foolish behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
The entire event footprint is an alcohol-free zone, which effectively prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any public place.
“Police have the power to confiscate and dispose of alcohol that is being, has been, or is likely to be consumed in an alcohol-free zone,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“It’s also an offence to consume alcohol on Sydney Trains property and we will have officers from the Police Transport Command patrolling trains, stations and transport hubs throughout the event.”
Assistant Commissioner Crandell said viewing areas fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment people should plan to arrive early and use public transport.
“There will be road closures in place to facilitate the parade, so your best bet is to leave the car at home and utilise additional train and bus services operating throughout the event,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
For comprehensive event details about the parade and after party, visit: http://www.mardigras.org.au.
Use the ‘Trip Planner’ via www.transportnsw.info/ to plan your journey to the parade, with all the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks available.
Further information on alcohol-free zones in Sydney can be found on the City of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For road-closure information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
New jobs records endorse Coalition's plan
New records revealed in today’s labour force figures show that the Coalition Government’s plan for a stronger economy is working.
A record number of Australians are in work, with seasonally adjusted employment increasing by 39,100 in January 2019, to stand at a record high, of 12,751,800.
Full-time employment is at a record high of 8,743,100, after growing by 65,400 in January 2019, and 236,100 over the year. Full-time employment growth has accounted for 87 per cent of the total increase in employment over the last 12 months.
Encouragingly, female total employment, female full-time employment and the female participation rate have all reached new record highs. Male total employment and male full-time employment are also at record highs.
The gender pay gap has reached a new record low of 14.2 per cent, down from 17.2 per cent under Labor.
Importantly, the unemployment rate has decreased by 0.5 percentage points over the year to 5.0 per cent in January 2019, the equal lowest rate recorded since June 2011.
A total of 1,276,300 jobs have been created since the Coalition Government came into office in 2013.
“Today’s new jobs records show that the Government’s plan for a stronger economy is working,” Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP said.
“Our approach stands in stark contrast to our opponents. Labor’s only plan for the economy is $200 billion of higher taxes on your retirement, your superannuation, your house, your business and your income.”
“All that Labor’s taxes and job-destroying policies will do is hurt Australians, including many on low and middle incomes, and older Australians.”