GREENS ANNOUNCE TOP CLIMATE PRIORITIES INCLUDING COAL WORKERS JOB GUARANTEE ON THE EVE OF EARLY VOTING

On the eve of polls opening to early voters, the Greens have unveiled their priorities for a safe climate future for Victorians. The Greens’ plan stands in clear contrast to the Victorian Labor party, who have no clear plans to support coal workers as the energy sector decarbonises.

  1. A legislated end to Victorian coal-fired plants by 2030. A job-for-job guarantee for coal workers, paid for by doubling royalties on coal and gas corporations.

The job-for-job guarantee would ensure coal workers get the just transition they deserve. The guarantee would ensure that coal workers get paid at the same rate to take up jobs outside the sector, through a subsidy to employers.

Workers unable to find a job that attracts the guarantee would receive an equivalent amount as income for 10 years, and workers aged at least 55 years who choose to retire would receive an equivalent amount as income until they reach pension age.

The Greens’ plan to phase out all coal-fired power plants by 2030 while supporting workers will be paid for by doubling the royalties on coal and gas mining, which is estimated by the PBO to net $214 million over the forward estimates.

With this revenue, the state would be able to afford the job-for-job guarantee for coal workers and deliver a budget position still $42.8 million in the black over the forward estimates period.

  1. Increase Victoria’s legislated Renewable Energy Target to 100% by 2030, supported by $10 billion in new renewable energy generation, storage, and grid upgrades.

This fund would support:

  • Large offshore wind developments capable of replacing entire coal plants
  • Solar and wind farms across the state, including community and First Nations led projects where benefits are returned to local communities
  • Expanding solar for homes, businesses and public buildings
  • New big-battery and pumped hydro storage projects, including publicly-owned storage, to ensure Victorians control our own energy security and aren’t at the mercy of big corporations
  • Retrofitting large energy users in our grid (like the Portland aluminium smelter) so they can increase and decrease their power usage and help stabilise energy demand across our grid
  • Household batteries, microgrids and neighbourhood batteries to store more locally-generated energy close to where it is made and used
  • Upgrading and expanding our transmission and distribution networks to create a stable energy system fit for the 21st century
  1. Reviving clean manufacturing in Victoria

The plan also includes a bold proposal to revive Victorian manufacturing, powered by 100% renewable energy. This plan would secure Victoria’s position in the booming global renewables manufacturing sector by supporting local industries for heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbine components to be made in Victoria. It would address global supply chain challenges, creating jobs and accelerating the state’s rapid clean energy transition.

Initial actions to revive Victorian manufacturing include:

  • A $902 million commitment to buy the Portland aluminium smelter, to produce aluminium with renewable energy, act as a “reverse battery” and keep jobs in Portland
  • $12.5 million to build three publicly owned solar panel recycling and manufacturing plants at strategic locations across Victoria
  • Local production of electric buses to accelerate the roll out of high frequency electric bus routes across Melbourne and regional cities
  • A $190 million grant scheme for businesses to upgrade their energy systems and go gas-free
  • Establishing an independent and fully-funded Latrobe Valley Authority to spearhead further clean manufacturing opportunities for Victoria, for example in offshore wind and electrification.

Previously announced Greens climate commitments:

  • Up to $6000 in grants and zero-interest loans for each of 1 million households to replace polluting gas stoves, heaters and hot water with efficient electric appliances
  • $15,000 grants for people to switch to electric vehicles and big investments in public and active transport
  • A legislated end to native forest logging in 2023, a move which will save Victorian taxpayers $205 million by stopping the handouts that Labor currently gives to the logging industry
  • A $1 billion per year Zero Extinction fund and the establishment of a Regenerative Agriculture Centre of Excellent to ensure Victoria’s landscapes can maximise carbon storage

Victorian Greens Deputy Leader and Climate and Energy spokesperson Ellen Sandell MP said:

“The Greens are the only party this election to present a comprehensive costed plan that puts Victoria on a pathway to zero emissions by 2035, in line with what climate science demands.

“Labor doesn’t have a plan to support coal workers. The Greens are the only party putting forward a real plan to support the communities in Latrobe Valley as we embark on this important economic transition.

“Our plan would guarantee Victorians a safer climate future while supporting coal workers to move into new jobs. It would also make Victoria a manufacturing powerhouse again, by encouraging companies to manufacture here in Victoria, powered by cheap clean energy.

“To get strong climate action here in Victoria, we need more Greens in Parliament to push Labor to stop drilling for gas near the 12 Apostles, and to plan for a transition out of coal.

“With Victorian-made heat pumps, solar panels, wind turbine components and more, Victoria can create jobs, shortcut global supply chain challenges and rapidly transition our state to 100% renewable electricity and away from polluting coal and gas.”

Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam said:

“Coal and gas corporations have banked massive profits while fuelling the climate crisis. It’s beyond time for polluters to pay, and that’s why we’re doubling coal and gas royalties to fund Victoria’s clean energy transition.

“This election, more and more voters are turning to the Greens as the only party committed to no new coal and gas, stopping gas drilling near the 12 Apostles and ending native forest logging next year.

“Pressure from the Greens has already pushed Labor to increase its clean energy commitments and even take up our policy to bring energy back into public hands. 

“With more Greens in the next Parliament we can stop gas drilling near the 12 Apostles and put Victoria on track for a safer renewable energy future.”

STATEMENT REGARDING INCIDENT AT ADULT MENTAL HEALTH UNIT

“This is a very distressing situation for families of those involved and for staff and other patients at the Adult Mental Health Unit. My thoughts are with the family of the deceased. 
 
“These sorts of incidents are also felt deeply by the health services staff who are extremely dedicated to caring for their patients, and I know many will be struggling with this news today. 
 
“Canberra Health Services is doing everything to ensure that patients and staff within the AMHU are supported at this time.
 
“As this is a matter for the police, I will make no further comment at this time.”

CANBERRANS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON THE ACT SENIORS CARD PROGRAM

The ACT Government is launching public consultation on the future of the ACT Seniors Card Program.

More than 77,000 Canberrans aged over 60 benefit from the government concessions and local business discounts offered through the ACT Seniors Card Program.

“We are committed to fostering an age friendly city and we know that cost of living pressures are impacting older Canberrans. The purpose of this consultation is to ensure the Seniors Card Program is accessible and provides useful benefits to older Canberrans,” said Minister for Seniors, Emma Davidson.

“This is an opportunity for people to share how the card can be easier to use, what benefits they would like to see added and how their experience with the card has been.

“We also want to hear from businesses on their experiences as partners to the program and changes they’d like to see.”

As part of the broader review of the Seniors Card Program, McGrathNicol has been engaged to review the program and identify ways it can be improved.

Consultation closes February 2023.

For more information about the consultation and to have your say visit: www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/seniors-card

Australia Strengthens Trade Agreement with ASEAN and New Zealand

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today joined ASEAN and New Zealand counterparts to announce the substantial conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Once implemented the upgrade will strengthen and improve the trade agreement to ensure it is fit for the future for businesses and trade in the region. It will provide a stronger foundation for Australian businesses to expand their economic engagement with Southeast Asia.

The upgraded trade agreement, once in force, will benefit Australian businesses through new chapters and provisions, including on micro, small, and medium sized enterprises, trade and sustainable development and education services. The upgraded agreement will also include enhanced provisions on electronic commerce, competition, customs procedures and trade facilitation, trade in goods, rules of origin, trade in services and investment.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of focusing on trade facilitation to support businesses and secure supply chains. The upgrade will support traders to conduct business in the region, particularly when it comes to completing documentation – everything from origin certification to invoicing requirements.

The upgrade will also offer more opportunities for regional cooperation on issues such as the environment and climate change. ASEAN is a growing partner, particularly in renewable energy, as we work together to meet our climate objectives

Pharmacy reform to expand community health care

The NSW Government is making it easier to access more medications through a local pharmacy to ease the pressure on patients who find it difficult to get an appointment with a GP.
 
The landmark reform will expand the number of vaccinations pharmacists can administer, trial pharmacists prescribing medication for urinary tract infections and also develop a pilot for trained pharmacists to prescribe medications for a range of other conditions.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposed reforms aim to relieve pressure on emergency departments and wait times to see a GP, by giving the community more access to primary care services.
 
“By giving the community greater access to  medications and vaccines through their local pharmacist, we are taking pressure off our hardworking GPs by giving them more time for patients with other medical issues,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We are stepping up to provide yet another innovative policy to improve the lives of people by offering more support for primary care.
 
“The Federal Government should be providing more support for GPs and a greater amount of free bulk-billing services but we can’t sit around and wait for them to catch-up and meet the growing demand.”
 
The NSW Government will increase the community’s access to primary care through:
 

  • Authorising pharmacists to administer a wider range of  public health and travel vaccinations from 14 November 2022, including Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Typhoid and Zoster.
  • Funding a 12-month trial to evaluate allowing pharmacists to prescribe medication for urinary tract infections; and
  • Supporting  a state wide pilot where appropriately trained pharmacists can prescribe medications for certain conditions, such as skin ailments, ear infections, and hormonal contraception.

 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the trials were in step with pharmacist reforms being implemented in Queensland and would be open to pharmacists in NSW who undertook appropriate additional training.
 
“While some in the primary care sector have firm views on the role of pharmacists, their positive contribution to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that they are able to deliver more for their communities,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“NSW Health will work with the pharmacy sector, and its regulators, to inform training to ensure we maintain high safety standards, while also providing the community with more convenience.”
 
Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said these reforms will be transformational for healthcare in the regions, particularly for women.
 
“Pharmacies are part of the fabric of our regional communities and empowering our trusted pharmacists to work their full scope of practice will be a gamechanger for so many,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“The NSW Government has heard loud and clear that the process of getting a script for things like a urinary tract infection or birth control must be made easier. This reform delivers on that as well as eases the burden on our GPs.”
 
NSW Health will work with pharmacists to support the expansion of the vaccination program with education modules and materials for both themselves and their customers.
 
NSW pharmacists are currently able to administer six vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
 
An expression of interest process for participation in the urinary tract infection trial will commence on 14 November 2022. 

Roadmap sparks huge interest in new electricity supply

NSW households and businesses will benefit from cheaper, cleaner electricity with the first tender round for generation and storage projects under the Government’s landmark Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap attracting significant industry interest.

Bids for more than 5.5GW of wind and solar generation projects and more than 2.5GW of long duration storage projects have been received, which is enough to power the equivalent of 2.4 million homes.

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean said the level of interest was an outstanding result for the Government’s long-term plan to modernise the NSW electricity system.

“This is an overwhelming response from the market and a strong endorsement of the Roadmap’s vision for the NSW electricity system,” Mr Kean said.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the resulting global energy crisis has added extra impetus to modernise our electricity system.

“The need for new sources of electricity generation that are not tied to the volatility of global commodity prices has never been greater.

“The best way to provide structural, long-term relief from high electricity bills is to drive in new supply and put downward pressure on energy prices at the source, which is exactly what our Roadmap is doing.”

Bids for the generation and long-duration storage tenders will now be independently assessed by the NSW Consumer Trustee, AEMO Services, according to set criteria such as community engagement, regional economic development and land-use opportunities.

Successful projects will be awarded long-term energy service agreements, underwriting the delivery of built energy resources that will benefit the long-term interests of the State’s electricity consumers.

“These tenders have been specifically designed to identify the best projects to bring quality energy to market in the earliest possible timeframe,” Mr Kean said.

“The level of investment we are facilitating in the NSW energy system is unprecedented, which is why these tenders will run every six months for at least the next 10 years.”

Universal pre-Kindergarten year underway in NSW

Families in Mount Druitt, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble will be the first to benefit from the NSW Government’s landmark reform to introduce a universal pre-Kindergarten year of education for every child in NSW.

Early childhood services in these first seven locations will begin rolling out the first stage of the universal pre-Kindergarten policy in early 2023, with interested providers urged to register from today. 

More locations across NSW will be added ahead of the full state-wide implementation of a full new year of education for children by 2030. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $5.8 billion 10-year investment in universal pre-Kindergarten is of a scale not seen before in Australia and will benefit our youngest learners’ physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. 

“This is a life changing investment that the NSW Government is delivering to ensure our children benefit from a full year of quality preschool education at no cost to parents,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“The Liberals and Nationals in government are building a brighter future for NSW, with international evidence demonstrating a quality, play-based preschool program underpins a child’s long-term success.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said families and services in the first stage of the universal pre-K reforms will help shape the rollout of the initiative across the state.

“This first stage of universal pre-Kindergarten will allow us to gather crucial information ahead of implementation of the program across the NSW,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“We are continuing to work collaboratively with families, peak bodies, service providers and schools to develop the best model of universal pre-Kindergarten for NSW.”    

Eligible services are invited to have their say and ask questions at several workshops to be held in pilot regions during November 2022. 

The NSW Government’s $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment announced as part of the 2022-23 budget will deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.  

Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, a suite of Brighter Beginnings initiatives to support the first 2,000 days of life, a workforce package for early childhood educators and Affordable Preschool subsidies available to all families, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family. 

Expressions of Interest are now open and close on 16 December 2022. For more details, visit:  https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/early-years-commitment/universal-pre-kindergarten/universal-pre-kindergarten-pilots

$115m for Fairfield Hospital Expansion

A Minns Labor Government will upgrade Fairfield Hospital with an initial $115 million over three years to expand the hospital’s bed capacity by almost 60 per cent as well as provide more services.

More capacity and more services

This commitment will deliver 130 more desperately needed medical, surgical and rehabilitation beds.

This will increase emergency department and intensive care unit capacity as well as elevate the hospital’s emergency service level from three to four – meaning more specialist staff, and greater care for emergency presentations.

This extra funding will expand dialysis spaces and enhance radiology services, including CT and MRI capabilities.

Rehabilitation beds will help expand aged care, orthopaedic, respiratory and interventional cardiology services.

And this commitment will expand mental health services as well as introduce a Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre.

Urgent upgrades to the hospital were recommended by the parliamentary inquiry into South West Sydney health services, which heard of some services being rationed, and other services simply non-existent.

The Fairfield Hospital redevelopment will include upgrading existing facilities as well as expanding the site to accommodate further services.

The final cost of the redevelopment will be established after further planning and detailed design, but is anticipated to be around $550 million, and take up to six years from when work commences.

Hospital overwhelmed

Fairfield Hospital opened in 1988 – and has not yet received an upgrade.

Since then, the local population has outgrown the hospital.

The number of presentations at the hospital’s emergency department have increased by almost 30 per cent since 2011 – from around 7,700 a quarter to 10,000 a quarter.

Over 15 per cent of patients came to Fairfield emergency – and then turned around and left without receiving or completing their treatment – one of the highest rates in the state. That was over 1,500 patients in the last quarter alone.

The percentage of critical emergency presentations to start on time has tanked from a peak of 73 per cent in 2013, to 37 per cent today.

Patients on the elective surgery wait list have increased by over 50 per cent, from less than 1,400 to over 2,000.

The median wait times for elective surgery have increased by 200 per cent for urgent surgeries, 82 per cent for semi urgent surgeries; and 36 per cent for non-urgent surgeries.

And the Fairfield LGA is set to increase in population by 36,662 people in the next 20 years.

Labor’s initial commitment of $115 million will come from the unallocated $3 billion WestInvest Government agencies fund – not the $2 billion allocated to Local Governments and community groups – which under Labor will also have its remit expanded to include urgently needed healthcare projects.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Today’s announcement forms part of Labor’s broader health response to begin to turn around 12 years of Liberal neglect of our state’s health and hospital system.

“Boosting our health staff and expanding our hospital capacity to reduce the wait and treatment times and improving patient outcomes.

“I want to thank the hardworking hospital staff, nurses, paramedics, doctors who do an incredible job around the clock in really difficult conditions.

“We want to ensure no matter where you live, you have access to world class health facilities.”

Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health, said:

“This is what happens after 12 years of neglect of our hospitals from the NSW Liberals.

“Local residents are left with absurd hospital wait times and patients are leaving without being treated in droves.”

Hugh McDermott, NSW Member for Prospect, said:

“I’m so proud to stand with a NSW Labor Government that will deliver this much needed boost to our local hospital.”

LABOR SHIFTING TOWARDS GREENS’ PLAN FOR WINDFALL TAX AND ELECTRICITY PRICE FREEZE

Reports in today’s media suggest the government is considering a windfall tax on the coal and gas giants, which is a key part of the Greens’ plan to freeze electricity prices and support households and businesses to get off expensive and dirty gas.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP has welcomed the reports, saying the Greens campaign to push for tax on the record profits of coal and gas corporations is working and that the plan has overwhelming support amongst the public.

The Greens’ costed plan would freeze power bills for 2 years at pre-Ukraine crisis levels, funded by a temporary tax on the windfall profits of coal and gas corporations. A median household would save as much as $776.

Mr Bandt wrote to the Prime Minister this week urging him to adopt the Greens’ plan, which has been costed by the Parliamentary Budget office and would raise an additional $25b in revenue, which could be used to help households and businesses get off gas.


Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“These greedy coal and gas giants are the vampires of the 21st century, sucking the life out of our economy while killing the planet and its people. They are making record profits while paying barely any tax. Government needs to intervene and rein in these greedy energy corporations.

“We welcome what seems to be a shift by the government and Treasury towards the Greens plan to freeze power bills and support households and businesses to get off gas, funded by fairer taxes on the coal and gas giants.

“Coal and gas corporations are driving up power bills and profiteering from people’s pain.

“We’re in a cost-of-living crisis and instead of asking everyday people to pay more, Labor should freeze power bills and put a windfall tax on greedy coal and gas corporations.

“Other countries have had the guts to stand up to these greedy coal and gas corporations. Even the conservatives in the UK introduced a windfall profits tax, and we should too.”

Background

The Australia Institute released polling this week showing an overwhelming majority of Australians (86%) support a government intervention in the gas industry, either through export controls, a windfall profits tax, or both

PREP WORK TO START NEXT WEEK ON KIMBA NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP, DESPITE GOVERNMENT ASSURANCES NOT TO PRE-EMPT COURT CASE

In a letter from Minister for Resources, Madeleine King to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, it is revealed that despite the ongoing court case against the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC), preparatory works will be going ahead starting next week.

In Senate estimates last night, Senator Pocock pushed the Senator representing the Minister for Resources, Tim Ayres, for answers around the future of the Kimba Site.

SA Labor does not support the dump, the SA people do not support the dump and have not been properly consulted, the Traditional Owners have unequivocally opposed it at every opportunity. The Government is continuing to spend $50 000 per week of taxpayer money in legal costs for something with no social license.

Senator Tim Ayres used the ongoing court case to dodge Senator Pocock’s questioning throughout estimates. He stated that the Government would respect and not pre-empt the outcome of the case. Despite this, it’s clear initial works will be proceeding as early as next week as per Minister King’s Letter.

It’s clear the process of site selection was mishandled. The Labor government now has the opportunity to halt works and review the decisions made previously, to show the Kimba community and the Barngarla people that they are committed to proper consultation and respecting first nations voice and rights.

From Senator Pocock:

“Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, has today informed me that preparatory works will be starting on the Kimba Site next week. Although it is not construction of the facility yet, this is a significant escalation that goes against reassurance in last nights estimates that court proceedings will be respected.

“Throughout estimates questioning last night, Senator Tim Ayres repeatedly stated that they would respect and not pre-empt the outcome of the court case. The letter I received right before estimates is a direct contradiction to this statement.

“I am deeply concerned that these preparatory works are going ahead.

“The site selection process was done without proper community consultation. This is a terrible decision inherited from the previous government. Labor can still turn this around. They must stay true to their word and immediately halt all works.

Letter from Minister King 
Estimates Recording (Final question from Barbara at 21.18 – 21.29)