Category: Australian News

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its Default Market offer (DMO). See expert responses below: 

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former Origin Executive and past Director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation said: 

“The significant increases in electricity prices for consumers approved by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today demonstrate that Australia must get off fossil fuels – and fast. Big increases in fossil fuel costs for gas and coal are the main reason behind the big increases.” 

“NSW and Queensland are seeing the biggest percent increases because they still rely heavily on expensive gas and coal, and their old coal power stations increasingly fail. South Australia, which has much more renewable electricity, sees far lower increases, and expensive gas is the main reason for the increase there too.”

“These results show once again that Australia must implement plans to get off expensive, polluting and unreliable fossil fuels fast. The previous Federal Government stalled the transition to renewables wherever possible, causing investment in large scale new renewable capacity to collapse, backed fossil fuel expansion, and put off coal closure. It demonstrates starkly just how much of an expensive energy failure the policies of the former Morrison Government have been. Now electricity consumers will be forced to pick up the tab.”

“The climate and energy wars have cost Australian consumers dearly. Their impacts will be felt for years to come because most of the nation has wasted a decade in the energy transition to renewables. Now we need the new Australian federal government to get on with it and show strong climate leadership.” 

Nicki Hutley, Climate Councillor, leading economist and former Partner at Deloitte Access Economics said: 

“This demonstrates the cost of remaining heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy. Soaring energy bills for many households will exacerbate already significant inflationary pressures. Much of the price pressure comes from global factors, notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But this underscores our need to reduce our reliance on global factors, which European nations in particular are already planning as fast as possible.” 

“As one of the sunniest and windiest countries on earth, we have the tools we need. Governments can step up by attracting capital and by investing in more labour skills to support the transition.”

“South Australia is showing the rest of the nation how investing in renewables delivers greater returns to households and businesses in the form of cheaper, cleaner energy. And in addition to the economic dividends from renewables, we will have far better health outcomes as we wean ourselves off coal- and gas-fired power.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: 

“The latest findings from the AER show that Australia’s reliance on volatile fossil fuels will have a significant impact on mounting cost of living pressure. This proves the two most important issues of the election – climate change and cost of living are deeply intertwined. 

“We knew this was coming and it’s clear evidence of what we’ve been expecting here for a long time as a result of the inherent volatility of the oil and gas market. This coupled with geopolitical tensions has resulted in increased prices for all states across the National Electricity Market.” 

“Consumers and manufacturers are now feeling the pinch from soaring fossil fuel prices. We need to double down on speed and support for renewable energy and storage to help protect ourselves, lower emissions, create new industries and become more self-sufficient.” 

Charles Darwin University (CDU) students are joining a team of NASA-funded scientists and astronomers to observe Pluto pass in front of a distant star in Katherine on June 1.

The event, known as a stellar occultation, happens when Pluto passes in front of a distant star and casts its shadow on the Earth, much like a solar eclipse.

The Earth, Pluto and the distant star would be perfectly aligned, and the centre of Pluto’s shadow will be located north of Katherine.

CDU students are joining teams of observers from the United States that are bringing 12 portable telescopes set up between Darwin and south of Katherine to watch Pluto pass in front of the distant star. 

This is the first time that NASA telescopes will be set up in Australia, making it a valuable opportunity for the students and community to get involved.

CDU STEM Pathways lecturer, Dr Carla Eisemberg, said this is a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical observation that is also exciting for the community.

“It is fantastic that NASA is engaging with our CDU students and the community. Their research is fascinating and will help to inspire Territorians interested in careers in technology and science,” Dr Eisemberg said.

Observing such a precisely timed event takes practice, so plenty of practice time is planned to acquaint the students with the telescopes and equipment so they can be full participants in this astronomical observation.

The observation will tell astronomers information about the structure and state of Pluto’s atmosphere, seven years after NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft visited Pluto in July 2015.

The path that Pluto follows around the Sun is tilted compared to the rest of the solar system, and the path is shaped more like an ellipse than a circle, making Pluto a dynamic world.

Pluto’s atmosphere and surface both change during the planet’s 248-year-long trip around the Sun, and the new observation will help scientists identify the latest changes.

The NASA-funded scientist team is planning some outreach programs in which they will present an overview of the observation campaign and an update on NASA’s New Horizons mission since its Pluto flyby.

A community workshop and seminar will be held at CDU’s Katherine rural campus from 6.30 to 10.30pm on May 29, where the community is welcome to come to meet the astronomers as they practise with the telescopes, with an opportunity to look at the stars and planets through the NASA telescopes.

Adam Bandt has today called on Labor to listen to climate voters and refuse to open up catastrophic climate destroying gas projects of Scarborough in WA and the Beetaloo in the NT.

Former WA Premier, Colin Barnett, today is reported in the Australian Financial Review as saying:

“But climate change is what people talked about and Labor talked about [at the election] so it will be difficult to achieve a tougher target for 2030 when you’ve got a big project like Scarborough.

“The project needs to happen, but it’s going to be a dilemma for Albanese because a lot of people would say he’d be breaking his word – the emissions out of Scarborough dwarf everything else.”

Woodside’s Scarborough gas project will release 1.4b tonnes of pollution while pollution from the Beetaloo will increase Australia’s already high emissions by as much as 13%.

Yesterday, Kiribati’s former president Anote Tong and ​​Tuvalu’s former prime minister Enele Sopoaga called for a commitment to no new coal and gas projects in Australia rather than “greenwashing” and political stunts.

Adam Bandt MP said:

“Colin Barnett is right that if Labor proceeds with climate bombs like the Scarborough gas project, the increased emissions will ‘dwarf everything else’ and Labor won’t meet even its own weak climate targets. 

“Labor proceeding with climate-destroying gas projects like Scarborough and Beetaloo would indeed be breaking a promise with people who voted for more climate action.”

“The first rule of dealing with an emergency is to stop making the problem worse but Labor is vowing to open up new methane projects like Scarborough and Beetaloo, adding fuel to the fire and putting a safe climate further out of reach. 

“These projects can still be stopped. The incoming government has the power to hit the pause button, and that’s what the scientists are telling us we need to do because we’re in a climate emergency.

“For Whitehaven to suggest their economic contribution will assist budget recovery is shameless deception. Coal and gas corporations are amongst the most egregious tax avoiders in the country, so stopping new projects will have a very manageable impact on the Federal budget. 

“‘Budget repair’ can be achieved by other means; climate repair cannot.”

There is every reason to be optimistic that the new Labor government will work with the nation’s peak dental body to fix the broken dental system for people in aged care.

Labor promised in a letter written before polling day, that it would work with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to improve training for aged care workers, so it includes an oral health component.

“The ADA congratulates the new Labor government and looks forward to its new Cabinet delivering on the undertaking to work with us,” said ADA President Dr Mark Hutton.

“Labor has said it understands the importance of oral health to elderly Australians and acknowledges the relevant recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission’s Final Report.

“Further, they wrote to us saying that an Albanese Labor Government would engage with relevant stakeholders, including the ADA, to address issues with aged care vocational and university education programs, the Aged Care Quality Standards and other regulations relating to oral health needs in residential aged care.

“This is great news and will go a long way to fixing some of the biggest issues facing the 190,000 residents of aged care facilities around Australia, many whose oral health issues are not being met as often as they should be, or not at all.”

Dr Hutton added: “Within the next few weeks, the ADA will be contacting all relevant members of parliament to ask for their support in pushing for these and other advocacy issues which will improve the oral health of older Australians – primarily to back a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule to fund dental care delivered by private and public dental services to older Australians who need it most.”

Community organisation Inclusee is encouraging Australians who are feeling isolated or lonely to visit their new website (inclusee.org,au) to access the power of connection.

“Our service has hundreds of participants and volunteers across 19 regions who have had thousands of hours of connection, laughter, education and conversation together,”  Rachael Cook, CEO of Inclusee, a community organisation designed to combat loneliness particularly in the lives of senior Australians in remote and regional areas, says.

“Loneliness can greatly impact physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.”

Covid lockdowns and border closures have exacerbated the problem with many Australians reporting that their isolation from family and friends has worsened. 

Inclusee is calling for participants who are over the age of 65, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the age of 50, who feel they are at risk of social isolation and loneliness.

The service has been in operation for nearly 50 years, connecting qualified volunteers with older Australians who are in need of social interaction through face-to-face visits, telephone and digital catch ups.

“The programs are absolutely fantastic,” says 79-year-old Jan Wilson, “The idea of having someone to connect with every week and having a laugh is just the best feeling. And it’s like they are sitting there right beside you.”

Ms Cook explains that the Inclusee programs are completely free for participants, though some eligibility conditions apply.

“Volunteers get partnered with participants who have similar interests, and they meet at regular intervals over video. We provide this service to a broad and diverse number of people around Australia and respect the individuality and culture of all people who participate in our programs,” Ms Cook explains.

“While there will never be a substitute for one-on-one, person-to-person contact, simple technologies are opening up exciting prospects for the future of care.

“We use video chat and a user-friendly mobile tablet to keep connected and create enjoyable experiences related to the interests of the individual. The device is pre-configured with bespoke software designed to easily facilitate video chatting for those not already confident with mobile technology.”

Inclusee launched in 1973 under its original name of Golden Years Senior Centre and was recently known as Aurous Ltd. It is funded by various government grants including the Commonwealth Home Support Program and the Federal Community Visitors Scheme throughout the eastern states of Australia. 

“We connect Australians experiencing isolation or loneliness with individuals, groups, family and friends through our easy-to-use digital technology so they can engage, learn and enjoy experiences.  We are a community that encourages and empowers our participants to connect, learn new skills, join in on exciting events, as well as play games or learn about different cultures.

“We offer a virtual community centre that is open 8am-5pm weekdays where participants bring a cuppa, connect with our volunteers and other participants and talk about everything and anything that they wish,” Ms Cook explained.

Inclusee has a range of online clubs and interest groups from learning to shop online to bingo, men’s shed, Greek culture club, and caters for travel enthusiasts and trivia buffs too. 

You can register to participate online at www.inclusee.org.au or call on 1800 287 687.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has joined two QLD Green MPs-elect Elizabeth Watson-Brown and Max Chandler-Mather from Ryan and Griffith and new QLD Senator-elect Penny Allman-Payne in Brisbane today to celebrate last night’s electoral Greenslide. Mr Bandt said the Greenslide could continue in the coming days with the seats of Brisbane, Macanama and Richmond still to be decided and the Greens in a very strong position.

Mr Bandt also announced that all sitting Greens Senators would be returned and that three new Senators would be elected taking the number of Greens to 12 and balance of power in the Senate as Liberal Senate losses across States and Territories are pushing the Greens closer into sole balance of power. 

Mr Bandt said it was too early to know if Labor would gain a majority or need to govern in minority with as many as eleven seats still in doubt and that Anthony Albanese would need to work with the Greens to ensure stable government and pass legislation through the Parliament. With a record breaking number of postal ballots still entirely uncounted, Labor vs Liberal seats unsettled include Bass, Bennelong, Casey. Deakin, Dickson, Gilmore, Lingiari, Lyons, Menzies, Moore and Sturt. 

Adam Bandt MP said:

“We have five new MPs and Senators and the Greenslide is set to grow in the coming days.”

“People have delivered a mandate for action on climate and inequality. 

“A record number of people have voted for the Greens and we will be in the balance of power in the Senate and possibly the House. The Greens are the most powerful third party in the Parliament.”

“Voters have made it clear they want the Greens to push the Albanese Government to go further and faster on climate change and inequality.”

“We want to work with Anthony Albanese to deliver the stable, effective, progressive government that Australians have voted for, but he will need to work constructively with the Greens and the rest of the crossbench.”

Australia has handed the incoming Labor Government a golden opportunity to work in collaboration to address the significant challenges of inequality and climate change we face, as we continue to emerge from this pandemic, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) said today.

ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie said, “ACOSS congratulates Mr Albanese as Australia’s new Prime Minister and welcomes his strong commitment on behalf of the incoming Labor Federal Government to work in partnership with the community sector. By working together, a brighter, more resilient Australia is within grasp,” Dr Goldie said. 

“This election result represents a powerful message from the community that we reject fear, abuse of government power, misogyny, racism and neglect. 

The electorate has stood up for implementing the Uluru statement from the heart, addressing poverty and inequality including gender equality, acting on climate change and taking a more humane approach to refugees and people seeking asylum. 

The strong influence of so many women in this election marks a new era, with the public signalling a clear desire for a collaborative, focussed Federal Government that works to bring us together to tackle the big economic, social and environmental challenges we so clearly face. 

“Australia is far from finished with this pandemic and our future challenges are significant. 

“The stress people are under could not have been clearer throughout this election campaign, with surging housing costs, increasing poverty, persistent inequality, including gender inequality, and unprecedented extreme weather events being made worse by climate change. 

“There are 2.5 million people receiving income support payments that are less than $70 a day. This includes 900,000 children, 880,000 people unemployed long-term, 490,000 aged 45 or older, 390,000 with a disability, 320,000 caring for a child alone, and 180,000 from First Nations communities. 

Last night’s result is a clear call to action for the Albanese Government to create a more equal community and forge a resilient and brighter future for this and the next generation. With his strong commitment to leave no-one behind, we look forward to working with all those elected to deliver on lifting income supports and wages so people can live with dignity, afford a decent place to call home, get decent employment and work together to tackle climate change, across sectors and regions, towards a brighter future. 

“I want to particularly thank all the thousands of people on low incomes who have stood up and shared their stories, and all those who have stood in solidarity. Australia is a very wealthy country. Far too many people are facing hunger and homelessness each and every day. We know we can end poverty, together, and now is the time. 

ACOSS will be looking to the incoming Federal Government to be bold in facing the challenges ahead by taking the following seven steps:

1.     Lift Income Supports so that everyone has enough to cover the basics: The current, punishingly low rate of income support is forcing people to make heartbreaking decisions between paying their rent or buying food and medicine. An ACOSS-commissioned poll found a clear majority of people believe jobseeker should be increased, with close to 70% agreeing it should be above the poverty line of $70 a day. This Government must prioritise lifting income supports payments, so everyone can cover the basics, within this term of government. 

2.     Ensure everyone has a safe, stable home: Housing is the biggest cost of living pressure for people in Australia right now. Regional rents have risen by 18 per cent over the last two years while Commonwealth Rent Assistance hasn’t had a real increase in 20 years and interest rate rises threaten to push many with mortgages into financial distress. Major housing reforms, including investment in 25,000 social and affordable dwellings per year and an increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance are urgently needed by this Government to address the growing housing crisis. 

3.     Secure fair, fast and inclusive climate action: People on low incomes must be at the center of a fast, fair and inclusive plan to address climate change and reduce poverty and inequality at the same time. An April survey conducted by ACOSS, 43% of whom receive income supports showed overwhelming concern about the impacts of climate change and that this was important to their vote. Australia urgently needs a plan to ensure that people on lower incomes can access clean technologies like rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles and are not disadvantaged by poorly targeted subsidies, levies, and inequitable cost recovery measures.

4.     Support people to secure paid employment: Hard-won reductions in unemployment are something for Australia to be proud of. But there are still fewer entry-level jobs than before the pandemic, with nine people receiving unemployment payments for every entry-level job vacancy and almost a million people struggling on unemployment payments, together with almost 900,000 people who are employed but need more paid hours, 60% of whom are women. This Government must prioritise an ambition to sustain full employment, where the vast majority of people can obtain employment or the extra paid working hours they need.

5.     Raise the revenue needed to meet the big challenges: As the daily cost of living dominates our lives while Australia faces persistent poverty, high levels of inequality, a rapidly heating world, extreme weather events, and surging housing costs, we need a government that will raise the revenue needed to properly fund essential services and income supports. As an immediate first step, this Government must rescind the unfair and unaffordable ‘’Stage three’’ tax cuts for people on higher incomes.

6.     Secure essential community services: The shadow of COVID is likely to be long, while the rising cost of living and recent extreme weather events are placing more pressure on community services. This year’s Australian Community Sector Survey showed workers are services are stretched beyond the limit. This Government must Create a Community Sector Continuity of Service Enabling Fund to ensure continuity of service delivery, adaptation, secure jobs, prevent loss of jobs or income, and guarantee paid special leave for all workers.

7.     Deliver Self-determination and justice for First Nations Peoples: First Nations’ peoples have spoken, and Vote Compass data shows most Australians support constitutional change to give Indigenous Australians a greater say over their lives. It is beyond time the Australian government delivered Self-Determination for First Nations’ peoples.

Surge of support for the Greens. Griffith, Ryan won, a number of Greens target seats still undecided.

The Greens national vote has surged, putting the party on track for balance of power and electing additional Senators. The Greens have won the seats of Griffith and Ryan, and a number of House of Representatives seats targeted by the Greens are still too close to call with postal vote results key to the outcome.

The Greens are on track for our best result ever with large swings across the country.

Despite the challenges of a change of government election with a major swing from the Liberals to Labor and attention on the rise of the teal independents, the Greens vote has grown with approximately 2 million people voting Greens. Greens preferences have also been crucial in removing Scott Morrison’s government in many Labor and teal seats around the country

Greens Leader Adam Bandt thanked voters, candidates, Party volunteers and members of his Party Room for the strong result and said he wanted to work towards securing a stable, effective and progressive government delivering action on climate and inequality in any power sharing discussions.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“This is a Greens-slide. The Greens are on track for our best result ever.”

“People have backed the Greens in record numbers and delivered a massive mandate for action on climate and inequality.”

“We have won Griffith and Ryan and we are on track in Brisbane, Macnamara and Richmond, and other target seats are still unresolved. We are on track to elect more Senators and secure the balance of power in the Senate to push for action on climate and inequality.”

“Scott Morrison is gone. For a man who spent his term claiming it’s not his job, now it’s not and the country can celebrate.”

“The Greens have been a big part of removing the Liberals and without us this wouldn’t have happened.”

“In the coming days, if there is a minority Parliament we will work towards delivering a stable, effective and progressive government for the country.”

“I am so proud of our community driven people powered movement and especially welcome the massive turnout of young people, many of whom are voting for the first time who have backed the Greens.”

“This is just the next step in the growth of our movement for climate action and to end inequality. We will continue to go from strength to strength in the community, in the streets and in the Parliament.”

The Federal Government, in consultation with the Federal Opposition, has immediately acted on advice provided by the AEC this morning.

Any voter who has tested positive for COVID-19 after 6pm Friday 13th May will be able to access the Secure Telephone Voting service.

It is important that every Australian who is enrolled and entitled to vote, be able to exercise their democratic right and this change ensures that.

Labour force figures released today by the ABS confirm a 48-year low of 3.9 per cent unemployment for the month of April 2022.

More Australians are in work now than ever before.

This is what a strong economy looks like under a Liberal Government.

Even in the face of global shocks like the war in Europe, Australia’s economy has remained resilient. We need to keep the strong economic management going. Now is not the time to risk our economy on an opposition that has no plan and makes things up on the run.

Today’s figures are a reminder of the clear choice at the Federal Election. A choice between the Morrison Government that is building a strong economy and a stronger future or a Labor Party that would weaken our economy.

A choice between a long-term economic plan delivered by an experienced and tested team or a Labor leader who continues to lie about his own economic credentials, has no economic plan and would put our economic recovery at risk.

The Liberals have also announced a plan to deliver an additional 1.3 million new jobs. Under our plan, we will:

• Create another 1.3 million jobs over the next five years;
• Back small businesses with tax incentives to upskill and train their employees;
• Ensure Australians have the skills they need through new funding to support 800,000 new training positions;
• Train the next generation of apprentices with additional incentives, including $5,000 payments to new apprentices and incentives for employers; and
• Back jobs across Australia through our record $120 billion infrastructure pipeline.

Today’s strong economic data contrasts with Labor’s track record in Government. When Labor last came to office, the jobless rate was a little over 4 per cent. When they left government six years later, unemployment was 5.7 per cent and rising and there were 54,600 fewer young people with jobs.

That is what a weak economy looks like.

By working together and following our strong economic plan, Australia’s recovery is leading the world.

Let’s not turn back now.

COALITION	LABOR
Unemployment rate3.9 per cent (Apr-22)	Unemployment rate5.7 per cent (Sep 13)
Youth unemployment rate8.8 per cent (Apr-22)	Youth unemployment rate12.7 per cent (Sep-13)
Underemployment rate6.1 per cent (Apr-22)	Underemployment rate7.4 per cent (Sep-13)
Economic GrowthThe economy is forecast to grow by 4.25 per cent in 2021-22	Economic Growth2.1 per cent when Labor left office
ApprenticesA record 220,000 trade apprentices in training	ApprenticesIn 2012-13, the number of apprentices and trainees in training collapsed by 110,000 – the largest decline on record.