Category: Australian News

Australian Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed National Australia Bank’s release of their Animal Welfare Principles as an important step forward in corporations acknowledging their responsibility to protect animals. She has said that banks need to go even further to protect animals.
“National Australia Bank’s release of these principles is an important step toward banks beginning to acknowledge the huge impact their lending practices have on animals. Other banks should immediately get on board.
“While I welcome NAB’s initiative in establishing animal welfare principles, we need banks to go further. Any business involved in morally suspect industries like greyhound and horse racing, factory farming and live exports are complicit in animal abuse. We need all banks to bring their lending standards in line with the community expectation that all animals will be protected and treated as sentient beings.
“More and more Australians are deeply concerned about the way animals are treated. We cannot rely on corporations to take voluntary action. The Government must take leadership and enact the Greens’ plan for national animal cruelty laws, end factory farming and outlaw the cruel greyhound racing industry,” she concluded.

Greens climate and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has slammed the government’s latest push for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, dismissing it as a useless pipedream.
“As the climate bushfires continue to devastate the country, the government’s only climate proposal is a pipedream,” said Mr Bandt.
“The clear message we’ve been hearing from former emergency services chiefs and those impacted by the bushfires is that we need to tackle the climate emergency. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal you don’t have a plan to tackle the climate crisis.
“CCS won’t save coal and won’t save people from the climate crisis. This apparent policy miracle has been hailed as the magic bullet for over a decade, but in reality it’s just a pipedream.
“If this government wants to invest in infrastructure, they should invest in clean, renewable energy to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.
“Today, as the Insurance Council added their voice to calls for the government to factor in climate crisis to bushfire preparations, it’s time for the government to come to the table with real policy solutions, not another coal-fired thought bubble.”

Ahead of the Disney+ launch in Australia on Tuesday, November 19, the Greens have made a renewed push for local content quotas for streaming services.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications Sarah Hanson-Young said it was time local content rules applied to all screen industry players.
“Local content quotas are a huge boost for Australian creative content and deliver jobs for Australian production and recording companies, writers, directors, musicians, talent and stories,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“But not only are current local content quotas weak, unambitious and poorly enforced, they don’t apply to the international giants like Netflix  and Amazon, and now Disney+, who are operating in the Australian market.
“These overseas streaming services create very little employment in Australia and often pay very little tax, the least they could do in exchange for consumer dollars is spend some money on local content.
“The screen and music industries inject almost $14billion into our economy and employ hundreds of thousands of people so it makes good economic sense to support this industry and share it with the rest of the world.”

The South Australian economy will be boosted by a $415 million infrastructure package to bust congestion and make regional roads safer.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the South Australian package included the acceleration of more than $328 million in federal funding across six projects.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make roads safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management, in stark contrast to Labor’s daily calls of panic and crisis in their attempt to blow the Budget.
“In South Australia we will provide additional funding for the Darlington Upgrade and Flinders Link Projects as part of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, while bringing forward funding for the Eyre Highway and Eyre Peninsula and Horrocks Highway corridors, Victor Harbor Road duplication and a major rural roads upgrade.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said South Australians would continue to reap the benefits of a constructive working relationship with the Morrison Government.
“Today’s announcement builds on our massive $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works over the next four years as we continue to grow our economy and jobs,” Premier Marshall said.
“By working collaboratively with the Morrison Government we have been able to fast track a number of regional road projects to help build regional communities, improve road safety and help save lives on our country roads.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“These projects will enhance liveability and connectivity, improve travel times and importantly, enhance safety for all South Australians.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for South Australian infrastructure at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $8.4 billion towards infrastructure in South Australia and this new package will now see nearly $2 billion delivered across the state over the next 4 years,” Minister Tudge said.
“Today’s announcement not only brings funding forward for projects that can be delivered sooner, there is $78 million in additional funding for existing projects to take them through to completion.
“It also demonstrates a strong capability between the Morrison and Marshall Governments to deliver the infrastructure South Australia needs, whether it’s major projects like the North South Corridor upgrades or smaller, targeted projects through our Urban Congestion Fund.”
Minister for Transport, Planning and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government announced a record $1.115 billion in the most recent State Budget for regional roads and infrastructure.
“South Australia’s regions were neglected for 16 long years under the former Labor administration,” Minister Knoll said.
“South Australia’s regions finally have a Liberal Government that is putting its money where its mouth is and investing record amounts in regional roads.
“Since coming to government, in conjunction with the Morrison Government, we are delivering key regional road projects including the Port Wakefield Bypass, Joy Baluch Bridge duplication, Victor Harbor Road duplication, fixing the Horrocks Highway and investing hundreds of millions of dollars on road safety treatments right across South Australia.”
Project funding brought forward:

• $100 million for the $143 million SA Rural Roads Safety Package
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $114.4 million ($80 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $28.6 million ($20 million brought forward)

• $86.75 million for the $125 million Port Augusta to Perth corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($69.4 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $25 million ($17.35 million brought forward)

• $75 million for the $92 million Victor Harbour Road Duplication
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.6 million ($60 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.4 million ($15 million brought forward)

• $50 million for the $55 million Horrocks Highway corridor
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $44 million ($40 million brought forward)
  • South Australian Government contribution to the project is $11 million ($10 million brought forward)

Additional funding:

• $87.5 million for the Darlington Upgrade
  • Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in mid-2020.
  • Total cost of the project has increased from $667 million to $754.5 million.
  • The additional Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million (increase of total contribution from $533.6 million to $603.6 million).
  • The additional South Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million (increase of total contribution from $133.4 million to $150.9 million).

• $16 million for Flinders Link
  • Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in late-2020.
  • Total cost of the project has increased from $125 million to $141 million.
  • Both the Australian and South Australian Government will provide an extra $8 million to the project (increasing each government’s total contribution from $62.5 million to $70.5 million).

The Greens absolutely do not support the statement made yesterday by Sherele Moody that firefighters are responsible for an increase in domestic violence during times of disaster.
Ms Moody is not affiliated with the Greens and does not speak for us. Yesterday’s press conference with Senator Waters was held to receive a petition regarding the Family Law Inquiry. Ms Moody chose to make comments regarding matters unrelated to the press conference without our prior knowledge.

The Morrison Government’s new measures designed to deal with misconduct in the electricity sector and ensure Australian households, businesses and industries get a fair deal on energy has passed the Senate.
For too long, electricity retailers have in the words of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) “played a major role in poor outcomes for consumers”.
To address this, the ‘Big Stick’ legislation contains three new prohibitions designed to target specific misconduct in electricity retail, contract and wholesale markets.
The laws will ensure that electricity retailers pass on reductions in wholesale electricity prices to consumers and make it easier for smaller energy businesses and new entrants to compete with gentailers.
Where the ACCC identifies prohibited conduct through its ongoing electricity price monitoring inquiry, the new law makes available a graduated set of remedies and responses, including ACCC-issued public warning notices and infringement notices and court-ordered civil penalties.
For the most egregious breaches, the legislation makes available two additional significant remedies:

• Treasurer-issued contracting orders that will require electricity companies to offer electricity financial contracts to third parties; and
• Federal Court ordered divestiture orders relating to misconduct in the wholesale market.

These significant remedies are reserved as a last resort, where this would be proportionate and targeted to the conduct in question and, in the case of a divestiture order, where the order is considered to have a net public benefit. Importantly, these remedies are only available upon the recommendation of the ACCC, following a legislated process which provides the energy company with an opportunity to respond or remedy its conduct.
The new market manipulation laws will commence six months after Royal Assent, which will provide time for the ACCC to develop enforcement guidelines and for businesses to review their practices to ensure they are compliant. The legislation will sunset at 1 January 2026, following the conclusion of the ACCC’s inquiry into the National Electricity Market.
The measures in this legislation are part of the Government’s plan to deliver a fairer, more affordable and reliable energy system and a stronger economy for all Australians. This includes:

• Introduction of the Government’s Default Market Offer ‘price safety net’ on 1 July, leading to reductions in both standing offers and high-priced market offers. Saving customers who were on the highest standing offers before 1 July, up to $664 in NSW, $481 in SA and $663 in South East Qld.
• Reform of gas pipeline regulation led through the COAG Energy Council and extension of the ACCC gas inquiry to 2025.
• Extension of the Consumer Data Right to energy, to make it easier for consumers to switch energy providers to get a better deal.
• Progression of the Underwriting New Generation Investments program to improve competition and reduce wholesale prices.
• Establishing a new $1 billion Grid Reliability Fund, to support Government investment in new energy generation, storage and transmission infrastructure.

Our plan is already delivering results with an unprecedented three consecutive quarters of price reductions according to the ABS.
The Bill will now return to House of Representatives for final passage.
View the energy policy blueprint here: https://www.energy.gov.au/energy-policy-blueprint-fair-deal-energy.

Greens Senator for NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has spoken to the tragedy of bushfires in her state and the Prime Minister’s shameful silence on the the link between bushfires and the climate emergency. Senator Faruqi said:
“My heart goes out to the communities utterly devastated by the tragedy of losing their loved ones and their homes. It’s also horrendous to see hundreds of koalas dead and the bush destroyed.
“The mid-north coast of NSW is a place I know well. It was my home for many years. It’s where I lived and worked and where my children grew up. Friends from Port Macquarie, Taree and Johns River have been telling me of the raging fires. They were scared of the speed and extent of destruction. They thought the end of the world was coming.
“The community needs every bit of support and help the government can give them here and now. They must be supported to get through this disaster and to build resilience. Instead of budget cuts as the NSW Liberal National government has done over the years, our brave firies must have the resources they need to do their jobs in protecting communities and do it safely.
“Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Deputy are putting communities in danger by not acting on the climate emergency. The PM remains shamefully silent on the link between the bushfires and the climate emergency, knowing full well the intensity and frequency of bushfires will only get worse if we don’t act immediately.
“If this doesn’t wake the PM up from his climate stupor, I’m not sure what will.  We need real action on the climate crisis and its consequences. The community deserve much better.”

Big oil copped another blow to their plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight today, with the government agency NOPSEMA, rejecting Norwegian company Equinor’s application requiring them to modify and resubmit their environment plan.

“The Norwegian oil giant should quit while it still can. There’s no safe way to drill in the Great Australian Bight, and South Australians, and Australians alike, will not give big oil a green light – not now, and not ever,” Senator for South Australia and Greens Environment Spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“The company’s environment and safety plan has been rejected, after failing to deal with the risk of an oil spill, amongst other flaws. The environmental and economic risks are too high and there is no support in the community for turning our Bight into an oil field.

“Drilling for oil in the remote, rough seas of the Great Australian Bight will be a disaster. It cannot be done safely and no amount of amendments to an Environment Plan will ever see the precious marine and coastal environment protected.

“Equinor should can its plans now, just like BP and Chevron did before them.

“The overwhelming majority of South Australians oppose drilling in the Bight, along with the vast majority of Australians. Now the regulator has again rejected Equinor’s plan highlighting many issues including consultation, source control, oil spill risk and protection matters under the EPBC Act.

“What more will it take for Equinor to get the message its oil rigs and environment-wrecking project is not welcome here?

“The ecological and environmental significance of the Bight is priceless. Thousands of fishing and tourism jobs rely on it. It must be protected, with World Heritage listing, not exploited for more dangerous fossil fuels, especially in this climate crisis.”

Labor extends our sincere sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and property, in the latest bushfires in Queensland and New South Wales.
The ferocity of these bushfires is unimaginable.
This morning’s news of lives lost is heartbreaking for the families and communities affected. Our thoughts are with the affected communities, and all those still in harm’s way.
We pay tribute to our incredible emergency personnel and volunteers for their brave efforts to protect their fellow Australians. You have the nation’s gratitude. We cannot thank you enough.
Clearly, the situation remains dangerous. To all who are in affected areas – please, listen to warnings. Stay safe.
Labor stands ready to work with the Government and affected communities in any way we can assist.

The Australian Government’s push for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a low-emissions fossil fuel has been exposed with a new report finding no evidence LNG  is any ‘cleaner’ than coal.
The Conservation Council of Western Australia’s Clean State report states an international review of LNG infrastructure found the threat to the climate from LNG is ‘as large or larger than coal’ when levels of methane emissions are included.
Greens co-deputy leader and spokesperson on mining and resources, Senator Larissa Waters, said the expansion of the West Australian LNG industry was a massive climate bomb and the primary driver of recent national emissions growth.
“LNG is as much a ‘clean gas’ as tobacco is a ‘health product’, and the tactics of denial, influence and misinformation are disturbingly similar,” she said today.
“The Coalition is out spruiking LNG as a ‘clean gas’ when the evidence shows WA LNG facilities pump out more carbon pollution than the state’s oldest coal-fired power stations.
“The report released today tells us emissions from WA’s gas infrastructure have become Australia’s fastest-growing pollution source and places our Paris Agreement commitments at risk.
“It comes the days after an unprecedented statement from 11,000 scientists warning of “untold suffering due to the climate crisis” if the world does not take action including leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
“The Greens have also backed communities concerned about the risk from the gas industry with a bill since 2011 to allow landholders to say no to gas and to ban fracking.
“Despite the appalling lack of planning for the climate emergency, Australia is in the fortunate position of having abundant, low-cost renewable energy resources ready to power our economy and society.
“New large-scale renewable infrastructure is now ready to displace both coal and gas. Our economy is in the doldrums and nation-building projects in renewable energy can deliver the rapid de-carbonisation needed while creating new jobs, boosting regional economies and investing in coal-affected communities.
“Political donations are the major brake on a cleaner, renewable-powered future for Australia. We have the technology, the know-how and the majority of the community is ready for change,” Senator Waters said.