Category: Australian News

The Victorian Greens have successfully secured a parliamentary inquiry to investigate how we can unlock the full potential of electric vehicles (EV) to power our homes and the grid.

The inquiry will explore how electric vehicles can best support Victoria’s energy system without putting increased pressure on the during peak demand, and utilise them during times when renewable energy is plentiful.

EV batteries are around five times the size of household batteries and most trips only use a small portion of that stored power leaving plenty of capacity to power a home in the evening.

Australians bought 91,000 EVs last year with a combined battery storage capacity roughly equivalent* to all the big batteries built or under construction in Victoria, illustrating the storage potential of EVs.

The inquiry will consider how to make best use of this capacity, while avoiding a tangle of power cords snaking across inner city footpaths and uncoordinated, ill-timed demand on the grid.

And when drivers want to replace a tired old battery with reduced range, the inquiry will examine whether old EV batteries can have a second life as stationary household or community batteries.

Terms of reference include:
• Measures to reduce EV charging during peak demand and increase it during periods of peak renewable supply
• Whether public charging infrastructure is being rolled out at sufficient rates across different areas, including older suburbs with limited off-street parking
• The role of electricity distributors in EV charging rollout and how network tariffs should be set
• How to support broader EV take-up, including enabling bi-directional charging
• The potential for old EV batteries to be reused in household or community energy storage
• Opportunities and barriers in battery manufacturing, reconditioning, and recycling in Victoria
• Any other related matters

Victorian Greens MP, Dr Tim Read:

“We’ve secured this important inquiry because electric vehicles aren’t just a way to get from A to B – they’re batteries on wheels which can power your home or the grid. With the right policy settings, EVs can help more Victorians cut emissions, support our electricity grid, and lower energy bills.

“If we get this right, there will be synergy between EVs and a fully renewable energy grid, each supporting the other. The climate emergency means there’s no time to stuff it up.”

*Victoria currently has about 4.7 GWh of storage in big batteries built or under construction, equivalent to the storage capacity of 78,000 EV batteries (60kWh).

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens 

“On behalf of the membership of the ACT Greens, I want to sincerely congratulate Larissa Waters for her election as Federal Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens, following the election process this afternoon.

“I also congratulate Mehreen Faruqi on being elected as the Federal Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens.

“Over the past half-decade, Adam Bandt has shown what it means to lead with purpose, and has set a high standard for what growing the Greens movement looks like, and what people-powered politics can achieve.

“Now looking ahead, I’m confident this new leadership team has what it takes to guide our movement into its next chapter—growing our support and driving meaningful change with collaboration, but also with strong conviction.

“Despite the media spin and tireless work of major party commentators to bring down the Greens, we’ve seen a strong primary vote at this election–and while there is work to be done in growing our movement even more, well over a million Australians have put their faith in our party to fight for change.

“Not only do we hold the balance of power in the Senate, but across the country, the Greens are now in a two party contest in more winnable seats than ever before–setting us up for success at the next federal election.

“Having worked closely with both Larissa and Mehreen in the past, I’m confident in their ability to lead the party with strength and vision. I’m looking forward to working alongside them to deliver real outcomes for progressively minded Canberrans—especially on the issues that matter most: tackling climate change, protecting our precious natural environment, increasing bulk billing and building affordable housing.

“I will also be personally working with our new leadership team to deliver for the ACT. That will include pushing the Government to prioritise increased funding for light rail—so we can deliver it faster and extend it across all of Canberra.

“We will also work together to expand the representation of the ACT in the Senate to ensure Canberrans have a fair representation of their range of political views in the parliament.

The Minns Government is paving the way to a greener energy future with the approval of a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley that will power more than 36,000 homes, create 200 local jobs in construction and deliver strong community benefits. 

The $312 million Summerville Solar Farm, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have a generating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). 

It will also boast 360-megawatt hour (MWh) battery energy storage system so the farm can capture and release solar energy to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours.  

Clean energy produced from the solar farm will save more than 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

The proponent will also provide approximately $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. 

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised during the community consultation period including biodiversity and fire safety.   

The project has been approved, subject to strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. 

The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.   

Since March 2023, the Minns Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, including five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems.  

The projects have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy.

This could save an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while boosting the state’s energy security. 

For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/summerville-solar-farm

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. 

“Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases.  

“The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. 

“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW.” 

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. 

“I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll help deliver some much-needed support for our community too.”  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and His Excellency Mr Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, met today in Jakarta for the Australia–Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting and issued a Joint Communiqué.

This is Prime Minister Albanese’s fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister, and first overseas bilateral opportunity in the Government’s second term.

In the context of an uncertain global economic and strategic outlook, the two leaders discussed how Australia and Indonesia can expand and deepen cooperation in a spirit of true partnership under our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australia is committed to boosting trade and investment in the region through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The strategy is supporting Australian businesses to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in Indonesian healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure and mining industries—broadening our strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

The two leaders agreed to review and expand the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), the centrepiece of our economic relationship, to take into account new opportunities for economic growth powered by the net zero transition, critical and emerging minerals and technologies, and digital trade.

Building on the momentum of the Australia–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement signed last year, Prime Minister Albanese announced a number of initiatives to build the security relationship, including:

• $15 million over four years to enhance our maritime cooperation, including establishing an annual officials-level dialogue on maritime issues
• supporting the Indonesian military to commence training in the Northern Territory later this year
• $3.5 million for a clinical anti-malaria drug trial for the Indonesian military.

Australia is committed to strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and partnering with Indonesia on its domestic priorities to bolster regional stability and the health security of both countries, including:

• $100 million to strengthen Indonesia’s health system, and its ability to prevent, detect and respond to human and animal infectious diseases
• Supporting Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara to join the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and inviting it to conduct a roadshow in Australia
• $50 million to the Fund for Green Infrastructure under the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK), to incentivise investment in green infrastructure and clean energy projects in Indonesia
• Doubling the number of participating scholars and institutions under Australia’s Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors program, and
• Supporting Indonesia’s Garuda Schools Program though 10 scholarships for students to study a Masters of Education in Australia.

Leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation between Football Australia and the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI), which could include major event opportunities and women’s football mentorship.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting in this new term of Government, reflecting the high priority I accord to this vital relationship.

“Australia and Indonesia are indispensable partners—we’re working together as neighbours and as partners committed to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Our two great nations continue to invest in each other through our strong trade relationship, creating economic opportunity and deepening the bonds between us.

“I am proud of the enduring friendship between Australia and Indonesia, and I look forward to working closely with President Prabowo on our countries’ shared priorities.”

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens 

“Today, Greens questioning in the ACT Parliament has revealed that the government quietly axed an expert advisory group of Canberrans directing work to reduce harm from gambling across the territory.

“The Minister for Gaming today confirmed the Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council has been disbanded. This follows the earlier ditching of the Law Reform and Sentencing Advisory Council by the Labor Government.

“This revelation follows the discovery last week that Labor has also yet to convene the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, with no clear answer given as to when the council might meet to provide advice to the Minister.

“We also learned last week that the term of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Women ended on 18 April. Recruitment for the new Council has not even commenced as it is currently being ‘reviewed’.

“This set of developments raises some serious questions about this Labor Government’s attitude to community input.

“Almost seven months on from the election, how many Advisory Council and similar bodies have not even met? Are there other groups that have been disbanded, or quietly not re-appointed by this government?

“Community input is invaluable in helping the government meet the needs of Canberrans, and it is concerning to see that ministers have shown no interest in convening with experts in their fields to ensure good governance.

New legislation calls for 30km/h default speeds on local streets during National Road Safety Week. 

In a move to make local streets safer and more liveable, Greens MP Kobi Shetty today announced a new bill to introduce safer speeds of 30km/h on local streets across NSW.

Introduced to Parliament during National Road Safety Week, the bill aims to address the increasing number of serious injuries and fatalities on local roads, especially among vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and people walking or cycling.

Kobi Shetty MP, Member for Balmain, said:

“It’s Road Safety Week and I’m asking my colleagues in Parliament to support our vision for a city where streets are built as shared spaces for people – not just cars. 

“This bill is about creating calmer, safer, more liveable neighbourhoods. It’s about ensuring everyone is safe on our streets, regardless of whether they’re walking, riding their bike, or driving their car. 

“A person struck by a vehicle at 50km/h has only a 10% chance of survival. At 30km/h, the survival rate increases to 90%. The evidence is really clear – we need to prioritise safer speeds on local streets to keep everyone, particularly younger kids, safe.” 

“This has been done in other cities around the world and it’s time for NSW to catch up with global best practice.” 

Dr Jennifer Kent, Spokesperson for 30 Please said:

“When it is your child, friend or family, one person killed while walking or riding a bike on NSW streets is one death too many. Yet 100 families experience this grief in NSW annually. 

“Over 4,000 of us experience the ordeal of being hospitalised as a result of road trauma while walking or cycling our streets. Our grief is amplified by the knowledge that this suffering is unnecessary. 

“In Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark pedestrian deaths have decreased by 40-60 per cent over the last 20 years, with more people walking and cycling than ever. 

“In Australia, attempts to make our streets safer lag well behind global standards. A 30km/h default speed is the most cost-effective evidence-based way to make our streets safe. Local streets are the streets we call home, and they should feel safe for everyone.”

Sarah Stace, President of Better Streets said:

“People tell us they love getting outside, chatting to their neighbours and seeing their kids outside playing. But many local streets don’t support this because vehicles are travelling too fast. 

“The United Nations Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety states that the speed limit, where vehicles and people mix frequently, should be 30 kilometres per hour except on routes where strong evidence shows that higher speeds are safe. 

“My own child was hit while walking to school. He survived because the driver was going slow enough that the impact was minimal, and I’m so grateful to that driver for being cautious. The penalty for walking or riding to school shouldn’t be to die or be maimed by a vehicle. 

“Slowing down on local streets only adds a few seconds to the journey. I don’t think that’s too much to ask to make streets safer for kids and the elderly. That way, everyone in the community benefits.” 

Cities around the world from Spain and Wales to Bogotá and Ho Chi Minh City—are adopting safer speeds of 30km/h for local streets.

This is something achievable for NSW streets that would significantly improve safety for all.  

The bill does not apply to arterial or major roads but focuses on local streets where people live, walk, ride their bikes, and play.

The Greens will continue working with community groups, researchers, and safety advocates to build momentum for the change. 
 

The first State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway, four months after the HDA opened Expressions of Interest.

The new SSDA proposes a 7-8 storey Residential Flat Building with 106 dwellings including affordable housing under the Gordon Transport Oriented Development controls. With planning documents now lodged, the proposal will be on public exhibition in the coming weeks, allowing the community to have their say.

The SSDA comes as the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 16 proposals of state significance, which if approved, could deliver more than 5400 homes, including affordable housing.

Of these proposals, 13 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 are in regional NSW.

The HDA pathway has seen a strong pipeline of proposals, with 102 proposals declared of state significance, which if approved could deliver more than 39,900 homes. Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements have also been issued for 34 proposals.

The Minns Labor Government established the HDA to support the state’s growing role in housing delivery.

Other pathways include the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus scheme which offers proponents additional height and Floor Space Ratio if they maintain 10 per cent of the development as affordable housing for at least 15 years.

Nine of these projects have already been approved, which will deliver more than 1,600 homes plus 440 affordable. There are a further 30 projects currently under assessment creating capacity for more than 6,300 homes and 1,700 affordable.

The Government aims to complete assessments of SSDAs within an average of 275 days, with 90 of those in Government hands.

After a decade of inaction on housing from the previous Government, the Minns Government is working with industry and councils to speed up assessment times, as well as creating new and streamlined planning pathways that mean a proponent can choose between working with a council or the State Government to progress their proposals.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers across the state have a place to call home and in the communities they choose.

For more information visit the Housing Delivery Authority web page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a significant milestone. Just four months after setting up the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, we’re already seeing major housing proposals progress to the next stage. It shows that when we remove roadblocks and provide clear pathways, industry responds quickly.

“With 102 proposals declared State Significant under the HDA pathway, we’re building a strong pipeline of housing across the state. This momentum is essential to tackling the housing supply and affordability.

“After a decade of inaction under the former Government, we’re not just playing catch-up, we’re setting the pace. From new pathways like the HDA to incentives for affordable housing, we’re making it easier to get good projects off the ground.”

Hundreds of new apprentices and trainees vital to the delivery of essential local services have hit the ground running with councils across the state, thanks to a landmark $252.2 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.

The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program is funding the wages of an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector over the next six years.

Councils have now been given the green light to employ 1,008 new apprentices, trainees and cadets this year under the first two rounds of funding.

Hundreds commenced their new roles with councils across the state earlier this year, with more onboarding every month as councils fill roles to coincide with the start dates of a wide range of training programs.

More than 60 per cent of the approved new roles are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to regional communities and more job opportunities for people in country towns.

The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.

Councils have applied for the jobs they need most including 58 more apprentice mechanics, 25 electricians, 146 parks and gardens staff, 82 civil construction apprentices and trainees and 44 early childhood trainees.

47 planning cadets and trainees and 58 in engineering have also been approved, vital to driving local housing approvals and enabling supporting community infrastructure to help tackle the housing crisis.

A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association found that 91 per cent of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages, with close to 30 per cent reporting shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.

Under the Liberal-National Government, councils in NSW have suffered a severe depletion of in-house trade capabilities, with councils resorting to outsourcing core services to contractors.

The sector also has an ageing workforce which is threatening the loss of essential skills and knowledge as workers retire.

The Fresh Start program supports the government’s goal of boosting the number of apprentices and trainees in councils to make up 15 per cent of the local government workforce, to address the growing skills shortage that is slowing down the delivery of homes and community infrastructure.

The program has shown great success with nearly 90 per cent of local government organisations successfully applying for funding.

A third round will be open to councils soon aimed exclusively at apprentices, providing opportunities for hundreds more young people start jobs in councils from January next year.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Council staff are out in our communities every day, providing the services we often take for granted.

“This program is a massive boost for local government and for young people looking for a job where they can work in their local community.

“Councils employ more than 50,000 people in NSW, and many council workers who start as an apprentice or trainee go on to have life-long careers in local government.

“It means more horticulturalists to look after our parks, more childcare staff to educate the next generation and more planners to help deliver more homes.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW.

“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas.

“We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government was elected on the promise that we would rebuild local services, restore confidence in local education networks and boost local job opportunities.

“It’s pleasing to see the Fresh Start program helping to plug gaps across the local government sector in NSW, including in critical skills shortages areas such as construction and childcare.

“Vocational education and training provides a valuable career path for many young people and there’s no doubt the Fresh Start program will help build a stronger workforce for NSW councils.”

Top five roles by position type
Apprentices	Trainees	Cadets
Parks and Gardens	Business Administration	Engineering
Civil Construction	Waste and Water	Urban and Regional Planning
Mechanics	Childcare	Building (Surveying, Inspection, etc.)
Electricians	Information Technology	Finance
Plumbers	Parks and Gardens	Environmental Services

Councils with significant positions approved

• Inner West Council – 29 positions
• Blacktown City Council – 23 positions
• City of Newcastle Council – 23 positions
• Ku-ring-gai Council – 21 positions
• Dubbo Regional Council – 20 positions
• Sutherland Shire Council – 20 positions
• Ballina Shire Council – 19 positions
• Penrith City Council – 18 positions

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council in Montreal has found Russia is responsible under international law for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014.

This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones.

The ICAO Council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of 298 innocent lives, including 38 who called Australia home.

In reaching its decision, the ICAO Council has upheld the fundamental principle that weapons should not be used against civil aircraft.

The Australian Government welcomes the ICAO Council’s decision and urges it to move swiftly to determine remedies for this violation. We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.

Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s actions, their families and loved ones.

While we cannot take away the grief of those left behind, we will continue to stand with them in that grief and pursue justice for this horrific act.

Acting Greens Leader Senator McKim offered the following comments about the party’s leadership process and the next term of Parliament:

“Yesterday was a sad and emotional day for everyone in our Party Room, our Party and the broader movement we represent.”

“Our vote held up, but we lost seats on a rise in Labor’s vote that was a result of Australians rejecting Peter Dutton’s Trumpian agenda rather than any kind of endorsement for Labor.”

“Losing Adam on top of losing Stephen and Max is a bitter blow. They are outstanding people who have contributed so much to our movement.”

“However our party is bigger than any of us, and we are ready to get to work on the critical issues facing our country.”

“Our party room will meet on Thursday to decide our next leader and leadership team. There are a number of incredible people who would make great leaders of our party, and I have absolute confidence that whoever is chosen will lead us strongly and well.”

Senator McKim said that the Greens’ strong vote in the Senate looks like it has put the party into sole balance of power.

“The Prime Minister’s instructions that the Senate should get out of his way reek of arrogance and hubris.”

“We have been given a mandate to use our position in the Senate to hold Labor to account and make it act on issues like climate, environment, housing, and social and economic justice. We will be doing exactly that.”

“We were not elected to get out of Labor’s way and the sooner the Prime Minister understands that the better.”

“The Prime Minister needs to recognise that this was a strong result for Labor in terms of seats, not votes.”

“Only around one third of Australians voted for his party, his national primary vote is lower than Mark Latham achieved in 2004, and in many seats Labor only won thanks to Greens preferences.”

“If Labor wants to deliver real change, we’re ready to work constructively.”

“Given the make-up of this Parliament, if positive change on climate, environment, and getting dental into Medicare does not happen, it will be because Labor lacks the ambition and courage to run a strong reform agenda.”