Category: Australian News

THE UNITED NATIONS and the world’s scientists are calling for an end to fossil fuels in the third instalment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, saying there must be “rapid, deep and immediate cuts” to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has today released its landmark Working Group III report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, compiled by thousands of scientists over the past eight years.

The central message of the IPCC report is clear: despite affordable renewable energy solutions being available now, governments and businesses are failing to act. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and halve by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC said the dramatic reductions in the cost of wind, solar and battery storage technologies over the last decade meant they were already commercially viable and would be the key to decarbonising most of the world’s energy systems.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres lambasted high emitting countries saying: “Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another. Simply put, they are lying and the results will be catastrophic… but high emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye, they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security and greater price stability.”

“Current climate pledges would mean a 14% increase in emissions and most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfil even these inadequate promises.”

Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former President of BP Australasia and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher said: “The latest IPCC report shows that globally we’re making some progress but climate action is nowhere near where it needs to be – and Australia is one of the world’s biggest climate handbrakes.

“If all countries copied the federal government’s weak climate response, we would be heading for a 3°C or more global temperature rise this century, which would be catastrophic.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: “This new global UN report comes shortly after the UN Secretary General singled out Australia as a ‘holdout’ with the Morrison Government refusing to increase its 2030 targets. Australia is the only major developed country that has failed to significantly strengthen its 2030 target.

“We know what is required to deeply permanently and immediately reduce emissions, and as the sunniest and one of the windiest places on earth, with a wealth of critical minerals available – Australia should be cashing in on those solutions and creating a prosperous, sustainable future.”

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert and former Origin Energy executive, with more than 40 years experience in senior energy executive roles said: “The Morrison Government has already wasted eight years, and the decisions we make today determine our long-term future. This latest IPCC report makes it clear that we are running out of time. Our window to avoid the worst of climate change is rapidly closing.

“Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of fossil fuels and we have the highest emissions per capita among large developed nations. By strengthening our climate commitments and actions this decade, we can have a huge impact on the future of our planet.”

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP, says Labor’s appeasement to right-wing flat tax reforms and keeping tax breaks for trusts and property investors is a death knell for Australian egalitarianism. 

Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP said:

“Liberal and Labor are now in lockstep on tax cuts for the rich, sounding the death knell for social democracy. Liberal and Labor are marching Australia towards US-style inequality. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in delivering tax breaks to the wealthiest, there will be less in the kitty for public schools and hospitals. 

“Labor has sided with Scott Morrison in a conservative assault on Australian egalitarianism,  keeping tax rorts that drive up house prices and funding more coal and gas. 

“With Labor now joining the Liberals in a trickle-down nightmare, the only way to save Australia’s progressive tax system is to vote Greens. 

“Heading to an election, I never thought I’d see a Labor joining with the Libs on a platform of flat tax, cash for billionaires to mine more coal and gas and tax breaks for investors to drive up housing prices.”
 

Morrison Government support has helped deliver preferred bidder status for Australia’s proposal to   host the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) in 2029.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the preferred bidder announcement by World Rugby today was a testament to Australia’s reputation for successfully delivering major sporting events.

Australia is now the preferred candidate for both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“Securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 for Australia will be another milestone event in our green and gold decade to raise the profile of women’s sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It will drive increased participation in physical activity by girls and women, and improve gender equality and social inclusion in sport.”

Last week’s Budget 2022-23 indicated the Morrison Government is committed to supporting the delivery of both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 should these bids be successful.

If successful, this will add rugby alongside top flight road cycling, basketball, soccer, cricket and netball events among many others that Australia will host in the next 10 years.

The Government’s support will go toward event preparation and staging the rugby competitions, as well as establishing legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific region, to capitalise on the interest sparked by the events to promote community sport, and sport for women and girls.

“The Government continues to support women and girls to achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions and we wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to have the world’s best women rugby players compete on Australian soil,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The timeline of major sporting events in Australia over the next decade, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides a unique opportunity to create significant socio-economic benefits that will last generations and drive Australia’s post COVID-19 recovery.”

The agency tasked with developing food standards across Australia and New Zealand has a new chief executive officer. 

Veterinarian Dr Sandra Cuthbert will take the reins of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) following the departure of Adjunct Professor Mark Booth.

A former FSANZ general manager, Dr Cuthbert has experience in both the private and public sectors, across biosecurity, agriculture and food standards.

Senator Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food, said Dr Cuthbert brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the important role of developing standards for Australia’s and New Zealand’s national food regulatory systems.

“Dr Cuthbert will play a key role in advancing FSANZ and government priorities in coming months, delivering robust food standards to ensure the ongoing safety and quality of the food supply in Australia and New Zealand,” Senator Colbeck said.

FSANZ is a trans-Tasman agency that develops Australia’s and New Zealand’s food standards. It is governed by a board of 12 members.

These standards regulate the use of ingredients, processing aids, colourings, additives and vitamins and minerals and covers the composition of some foods, such as dairy, meat and beverages.

They also include some labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food, such as specific mandatory warnings or advisory labels.

Dr Cuthbert has served as FSANZ interim CEO since August last year.

Senator Colbeck expressed his thanks to Prof. Booth for his dedication to the role during his tenure.

An Albanese Labor Government will deliver extra capacity for the Bruce Highway in Brisbane’s north, reducing travel time for locals while also improving safety. 

Labor’s $200 million investment will widen the Bruce Highway to eight lanes from Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue and enable the on/off ramps at the southern end to be built. 

Around 155,000 vehicles travel between the Moreton Bay Region and north Brisbane every day using the Bruce Highway, Gateway Motorway and the Gympie Arterial Road.

Over the coming decades this number is projected to increase by 50 per cent. 
Even right now, locals in North Lakes, Murrumba Downs, Kallangur and Griffin battle to get onto the Bruce Highway each day. This investment from Labor will see additional lanes, eliminating the need to merge, making travel easier and safer.

Without Labor’s investment, travel times on this vital section of the Bruce Highway will blow out in the morning and afternoon peaks. 

The Bruce Highway also plays a nationally significant role as a freight corridor, which means further road congestion would also have a flow-on impact to productivity. 

Despite the significance of the Bruce Highway, the Morrison Government failed to announce any new construction money in the recent budget.

In contrast, Labor will get on with delivering the critical upgrades which Queenslanders need. 

Only Labor can be trusted to build a better future for people living in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. 

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said:

“When complete, this project will help locals across Brisbane’s north spend less time on the road and more time at home. 

“This is all part of Labor’s plan to deliver a better life for working families across Australia.”

Catherine King, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development said:

“Good roads are essential to our daily lives. Our Labor MPs and candidates on the northside have told me again and again how important this upgrade is.

“Only an Albanese Labor Government will partner with the Queensland Government to get it done.”

An Albanese Labor Government will stop the rorting of Home Care fees, by placing a cap on how much users can be charged in administration and management fees, and will require monthly reporting directly to users on where their money is going.

This will mean home care users can be confident their money is going directly to care – not not management bonuses, new office fit outs or glossy marketing schemes. 

This is another part of Labor’s plan to improve aged care and boost transparency and accountability in the sector. It follows Labor’s announcement of a crackdown on dodgy residential aged care providers, implementing tough penalties for systematic abuse and neglect.

Labor knows Home Care is an important part of the aged care ecosystem. It is also not without its problems.

According to the Grattan Institute, about 25 per cent of home care fees are taken up by administration and management costs. In evidence to the Aged Care Royal Commission, this has been reported as being as high as 50 per cent. 

Too many Australians are not getting value for money in their home care fees. Their money should be going to care – pure and simple. 

These unacceptably high fees lead to older Australians missing out on the care they need to help them stay living at home. 

Labor will restore confidence in the system by requiring monthly reporting by providers directly to users and their families, showing a breakdown of where their fees are going. It’s time to put the power back in the hands of the users of the home care system, who currently do not have enough information about where their money is going.

We will work with older Australians, families, providers and experts to set caps that protect the quality of residents and the quality of care.

There are many good quality operators doing the right thing. This will protect the reputation of the sector.

Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Australian Labor Party said:

“Labor will restore integrity and transparency to our aged care system. Whether you are in residential care or home care, Australians should have confidence the money they are paying is going where it should – towards their care.

“Labor is calling time on aged care providers who rip off vulnerable Australians. We know home care is a vital part of the aged care system – that’s why we want to make sure it is operating as it should, in the best interests of Australians.”

Clare O’Neil, Shadow Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services said:

“It’s time users of home care packages got better value for money. Fees should be paying for high quality care – not office work. Labor will ensure the whole aged care system – residential and home care – improves on our watch.

“Better accountability, better care, greater confidence. No matter which pathway Australians choose for their care, Labor will be there for them.”

The Morrison Government today approved a $1.25 billion loan through the Critical Minerals Facility to Australian company Iluka Resources, to develop Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia.

The refinery will produce separated rare earth oxide products (Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Neodymium and Terbium), which are used in permanent magnets in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, clean energy generation and defence.

The Eneabba Refinery Project strongly aligns with the objectives of the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy. It will capture more value on-shore from our critical minerals, strengthen Australia’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals, and create regional jobs crucial for the new energy economy.

This loan builds on our Government’s support for the critical minerals sector to help realise our vision of becoming a global critical minerals powerhouse by 2030.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the announcement represented a decisive step forward in rare earths production and processing in Australia.

“Australia has the best resource industry in the world and we have an unrivalled competitive-edge when it comes to being a reliable, sustainable provider of critical minerals and rare earths,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our support for this project will capitalise on our advantages, helping to strengthen Australia’s critical minerals supply chain while also creating huge job and economic opportunities for Australians for generations to come.

“Australia’s critical minerals are in demand because they are the key input for everything from mobile phones to fighter jets, not to mention the technologies of the future that haven’t even been realised yet.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the project would help secure Australia’s manufacturing capability, unlocking a new generation of high-wage, high-skill, high tech jobs.

“Building a modern manufacturing sector and securing our sovereign capability is a key part of our plans for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Treasurer said.

“Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $2.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the project would promote Australia as a reliable and trusted supplier of oxides.

“The Morrison Government is advancing Australia’s position as a world leader in the critical minerals sector,” Minister Tehan said.

“Our Government is supporting businesses to invest in projects in regional Australia, create jobs and meet the global appetite for critical minerals.

“We are working with our trading partners to help facilitate partnerships between Australian critical mineral project proponents and potential sources of offtake and investment.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the project would help Australia increase its sovereign critical minerals processing capacity, potentially underpinning new industries and applications.

“The facility could supply up to nine per cent of the global rare earth oxide market when it comes online. It will initially use the Eneabba Stockpile – one of the highest-grade sources of rare earth elements in the world,” Minister Pitt said.

“The refinery is also designed to process concentrate from many other deposits across Australia, making it a natural hub and reducing the capital required to bring other projects online.”

This loan will be administered by Export Finance Australia and is the third project under the Government’s Critical Minerals Facility to be announced.

The Morrison Government today approved a $1.25 billion loan through the Critical Minerals Facility to Australian company Iluka Resources, to develop Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia.

The refinery will produce separated rare earth oxide products (Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Neodymium and Terbium), which are used in permanent magnets in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, clean energy generation and defence.

The Eneabba Refinery Project strongly aligns with the objectives of the Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy. It will capture more value on-shore from our critical minerals, strengthen Australia’s position as a trusted supplier of critical minerals, and create regional jobs crucial for the new energy economy.

This loan builds on our Government’s support for the critical minerals sector to help realise our vision of becoming a global critical minerals powerhouse by 2030.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the announcement represented a decisive step forward in rare earths production and processing in Australia.

“Australia has the best resource industry in the world and we have an unrivalled competitive-edge when it comes to being a reliable, sustainable provider of critical minerals and rare earths,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our support for this project will capitalise on our advantages, helping to strengthen Australia’s critical minerals supply chain while also creating huge job and economic opportunities for Australians for generations to come.

“Australia’s critical minerals are in demand because they are the key input for everything from mobile phones to fighter jets, not to mention the technologies of the future that haven’t even been realised yet.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the project would help secure Australia’s manufacturing capability, unlocking a new generation of high-wage, high-skill, high tech jobs.

“Building a modern manufacturing sector and securing our sovereign capability is a key part of our plans for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Treasurer said.

“Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $2.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the project would promote Australia as a reliable and trusted supplier of oxides.

“The Morrison Government is advancing Australia’s position as a world leader in the critical minerals sector,” Minister Tehan said.

“Our Government is supporting businesses to invest in projects in regional Australia, create jobs and meet the global appetite for critical minerals.

“We are working with our trading partners to help facilitate partnerships between Australian critical mineral project proponents and potential sources of offtake and investment.”

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the project would help Australia increase its sovereign critical minerals processing capacity, potentially underpinning new industries and applications.

“The facility could supply up to nine per cent of the global rare earth oxide market when it comes online. It will initially use the Eneabba Stockpile – one of the highest-grade sources of rare earth elements in the world,” Minister Pitt said.

“The refinery is also designed to process concentrate from many other deposits across Australia, making it a natural hub and reducing the capital required to bring other projects online.”

This loan will be administered by Export Finance Australia and is the third project under the Government’s Critical Minerals Facility to be announced.

The Morrison Government is supporting new local jobs in Australia’s innovative medical sector and investing to secure local manufacturing of life-saving medicines.

Under the Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, the Government has today announced $23 million support for the $71.2 million Australian Precision Medicine Enterprise.

Global Medical Solutions Australia will work with partners Monash University and Telix Pharmaceuticals for the production of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer, kidney disease and other illnesses here in Australia.

Currently Australia imports more than 90 per cent of its medicines. This project and its facility to be built in Clayton, Victoria will secure Australia’s sovereign capability, while its economic impact is expected to be $461.8 million over the next 15 years.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment demonstrated the Government’s commitment to building Australia’s medical manufacturing capability.

“Making medicines like these right here means more security from disruptions, more homegrown skills and more local jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“Building up our ability to make products like these is key to our plan for a stronger future.

“The pandemic has shown us more than ever before we need access to what Australians need here at home and this project will help ensure we have critical precision medicines for our patients.

“The Australian Precision Medicine Enterprise will help cement precision medicine development here in Australia, also helping deliver a stronger economy by growing opportunities for our medical sector and the highly-skilled jobs it supports.”

The 2022-23 Budget demonstrated the ongoing commitment to manufacturing with an additional $1 billion for the Morrison Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, including an extra $750 million for the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these projects will help onshore technology and expertise not currently in Australia, while securing new sovereign capability.

“This project will see the construction of a new facility that will house a high energy 30 mega-electron volt (MeV ) cyclotron, which will be a new domestic source of critical radioisotopes – which are currently imported into Australia – and will be used in the treatment of cancer, kidney disease and other illnesses,” Minister Taylor said.

“By combining research and development and the manufacture of precision medicines locally we are shoring up our supply chain resilience.

“These projects will also create highly-skilled jobs in the medical sector, such as radiochemists, radio pharmacists and engineers, while also reducing our reliance on overseas suppliers of vital medications.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said the project will see incredible collaboration with the Monash Biomedical Imaging Centre, National Synchrotron and the Victorian Heart Hospital.

“Not only will this facility and the precision medicines it will help lead to better patient outcomes, it will help bolster Australia’s entire medical ecosystem,” Minister Hunt said.

“This project will help realise the incredible potential of medicines that are customised to patients, all the way from clinical trials to their local manufacture right here at home.”

The facility will directly support 42 jobs with 105 additional along the supply chain.

The next Australian Government could help lift a million people out of poverty by implementing several simple and affordable changes to our tax and welfare system, according to modelling released by the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP).

These strategies, analysed in a new report A Fairer Tax and Welfare System, by the Australian National University (ANU) Centre for Social Research and Methods, would only marginally affect the most well off and have no net impact on the nation’s Budgetary position.

The report examines three options for helping families and individuals at risk of deep poverty and financial stress. Every day the Society’s members hear stories about housing and homelessness concerns, low incomes and job insecurity, and challenges faced by refugees and First Nations people. These issues are covered in the Society’s newly released election statement, A Fairer Australia.

All three options increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50 per cent.

The ‘low’ option increases JobSeeker by $150 per fortnight. The ‘medium’ option increases JobSeeker, Disability Support and Carer Pensions by $200 per fortnight, and increases the Parenting Payment (Single) to a new JobSeeker rate for single parents ($886 per fortnight).

The ‘high’ option increases JobSeeker by $436 per fortnight, Disability Support and Carer Pensions by $200 per fortnight, Parenting Payment to the new JobSeeker rate and Family Tax Benefit Part A by 20 per cent ($40 per fortnight for children under 13 years).

‘The Society strongly supports the ‘high’ option identified in the ANU report,’ said Claire Victory, SVDP National President.

‘This would help to lift one million people out of poverty and restore their dignity, and in many cases help them move towards re‑entering the workforce.

‘Far too many Australians are struggling to put food on the table, pay the rent in often unsuitable housing, and ensure that their children get the start in life they deserve. Increasing social security improves health, wellbeing and social outcomes, and also benefits the economy – so it’s an all round win-win.

‘The recent $4.00 a day increase to JobSeeker will make no impact on poverty and the 2022 Federal Budget contained no long-term solution to the nation’s chronic poverty,’ Ms Victory added.

According to the report’s key author, Associate Professor Ben Phillips, the ANU modelling highlights strategies to reduce poverty without running up national debt or requiring anyone to make significant sacrifices.

‘Our modelling shows you could make a massive difference to the lives of the bottom 20 per cent of income earners while only making a minimal change to the earnings of the top 20 per cent,’ Assoc Prof Phillips said.

‘Under our proposed changes the highest income earners would still retire with very healthy superannuation savings and continue to benefit strongly from their other investments. But up to a million people would get their heads above the poverty line.’

St Vincent de Paul Society will present its suite of election policy papers to sitting MPs and the half Senate, as well as other candidates when they are announced.

‘We’ve put a lot of work into developing compassionate and practical policies that we hope will start the conversation about how a fairer Australia can be achieved,’ Ms Victory said.