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AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST COAL POWER STATION TO CLOSE EARLY, IN 2025

Origin Energy has today announced it is bringing forward the closure of Australia’s largest coal fired plant – Eraring Power Station in the Hunter Valley, NSW – seven years earlier than planned, from 2032 to mid-2025.

The announcement comes as the price of renewable energy continues to drop, with it already supplying 30% of Australia’s electricity needs.

Eraring is the biggest of 16 remaining coal-fired power plants supplying the National Energy Market, with seven of those already scheduled to close by 2035 and the last planned to shut by 2051.

The following experts are available for comment (others may be available on request):

Sam Mella, Hunter Engagement and Project Lead, Beyond Zero Emissions, said:

“Origin’s announcement today highlights the urgency to ensure our energy jobs are protected. The Hunter has so much expertise in energy and a Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct is the right vehicle to keep the Hunter thriving through the massive changes. All levels of government should be focussed on this.”

Sam is lead author of the Hunter case study in the Million Jobs Plan. She has worked on renewable energy and energy exports since 2011. Sam is available until 4pm today Thursday 17 February.

Tim Buckley, energy market analyst and coal expert at Climate Energy Finance, said:

“Origin energy today announced the closure of its Eraring coal power station in the Hunter Valley by 2025, that’s Australia’s largest coal power plant in terms of capacity at a notional 2,880 MW. It will be replacing it with a 700MW battery.

“This follows news last week from AGL that they are bringing forward the closure of their two large coal power stations, Bayswater, which is also in the Hunter Valley, and Loy Yang A in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.

“These announcements underscored the rapid technological, financial and policy changes coming globally with the transition to green energy, which are accelerating and inevitable.

“It is beyond time Australia actually had a government focussed on planning for the transition to green energy, rather than denying it.”

Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy, a not for profit that works with business, local government and the community to manage the transition from fossil fuels to clean new industries, said:

“Early closure announcements like this are becoming increasingly common. We need to do more to support affected workers and communities years before any closures happen. We need to make sure workers have opportunities to retrain for new jobs or be redeployed to other plants.

“Communities need support to diversify their economic opportunities and attract new investment and industries that can be powered by renewable energy. All levels of government have a responsibility to manage these changes if regions are to prosper into the future.”

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

“Coal is not a commercially viable industry any longer. Just like AGL last week , this is a commercial decision made by Origin Energy to close its Eraring coal power station seven years early.”

“Some of Australia’s biggest power companies are not able to compete from a price perspective and policy perspective, as the states and territories cash-in on a net zero future, bringing with it cheaper renewable power, economic investments and new clean jobs. The newly announced Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is set to provide 100 Terawatt hours of power by the mid 2020s, which is almost double the generation of NSW’s entire coal fleet. The new Hunter REZ is just one of the state’s four proposed REZs.”

“Coal is not going to cut it anymore when we have cheap and reliable renewable energy and storage that’s already powering over a third of Australia’s largest electricity grid and providing almost 25 percent of NSW’s power.”

Victorian Supreme Court Judge sexually harassed and pursued two of his female staff

Leading law firm Maurice Blackburn Lawyers today welcomed findings made by eminent barrister Kate Eastman SC that a former Victorian Supreme Court Judge sexually harassed two women who worked as his associates.

The women were prompted to contact Maurice Blackburn Principal Josh Bornstein in July and October 2020 following findings that claims of sexual harassment by former High Court Judge Dyson Heydon were upheld by an independent investigation.

Mr Bornstein formalised the women’s complaints to the Victorian Supreme Court and Ms Eastman was engaged to investigate them, delivering a damning report into the Judge’s behaviour last month.

Ms Eastman found the Judge wrote sexualised poetry to one of the women, sent her renaissance art featuring a naked cherub, told her he loved her and made unwelcome sexual advances.

Ms Eastman also found the Judge put his hand between the thighs of one of the women and on another occasion kissed her on the lips.

“(The Judge) used his position and power to satisfy his personal needs,” Ms Eastman’s report found.

The Judge kept tabs on the women after they left the Court and also contacted one of them after he learned of Ms Eastman’s investigation in August last year.

“I acknowledge his actions in August 2021 have caused (the former associate) significant distress and further anxiety. She fears retribution, embarrassment and holds concerns about her privacy and safety,” Ms Eastman wrote.

Mr Bornstein’s said the Judge’s behaviour was disgraceful and left both women traumatised.

“The two women I represent welcome the findings of the Eastman report. Regrettably, the legal profession is a high-risk profession when it comes to sexual harassment. A reckoning is underway and a critical part of that reckoning is confronting the truth of what has happened and ensuring that there is appropriate accountability.

“In due course, claims for compensation for both women will be pursued, he said.

One of the women no longer works in the legal profession.

Mr Bornstein added that further progress could be made to address gender inequality if the Federal Government were to legislate to require organisations to proactively take steps to stamp out gender inequality in their workplaces, as recommended by the Respect At Work Inquiry. Most of the recommendations of that inquiry have not been adopted.

Mr Bornstein is representing a number of other women who allege sexual harassment by judges at both the federal and state level, with further claims for compensation arising from those other cases likely.

REVIEW TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO HISTORIC MELBOURNE DEFENCE FACILITY

The Morrison Government has started planning for the renovation and ongoing use by Defence of an historic art-deco building in the Victoria Barracks precinct in Melbourne.

Defence has engaged Melbourne architects Lovell Chen to conduct a feasibility study into the refurbishment and re-use of the former Repatriation Outpatients Clinic located at 310 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Lovell Chen specialises in the preservation and adaptive re-purposing of heritage buildings.

The building, which adjoins Victoria Barracks on St Kilda Road near the CBD, was completed in 1937 and contains heritage elements of Commonwealth significance.

It was constructed to provide outpatient support to World War I veterans and continued providing services to veterans for decades.

The site was used by Defence up until the late 1990s but has been vacant for more than 20 years.

The feasibility study will identify opportunities for the renovation and ongoing use of the building, while taking into account a planned redevelopment of the wider Victoria Barracks precinct.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the study would allow Defence to consider options for the future re-use of 310 St Kilda Road.

Minister Price said this would include accommodation for both Defence and Defence-related community groups, such as veterans’ organisations.

“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring the future use of 310 St Kilda Road preserves the building’s heritage and architecture,” Minister Price said.

“We are seeking to balance the growing needs of Defence, while noting the building’s close links to Australia’s military history and our veteran community.”

This study will guide Defence’s restoration and repurposing of the building, and potential accommodations for Defence-related community groups, including veterans’ organisations.

Energy expert responds to Origin coal closure announcement

Similar to the shock announcement of the early closure of Victoria’s Hazelwood Power Station in 2016, Origin Energy is aiming to close it’s Eraring coal power station in NSW’s Hunter Valley seven years early, by August 2025. Eraring is Australia’s largest coal power station (in terms of its capacity). It emits over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually – around 8 percent of the state’s total.

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

“Coal is not a commercially viable industry any longer. Just like AGL last week, this is a commercial decision made by Origin Energy to close its Eraring coal power station seven years early.”

“Some of Australia’s biggest power companies are not able to compete from a price perspective and policy perspective, as the states and territories cash-in on a net zero future, bringing with it cheaper renewable power, economic investments and new clean jobs. The newly announced Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is set to provide 100 Terawatt hours of power by the mid 2020s, which is almost double the generation of NSW’s entire coal fleet. The new Hunter REZ is just one of the state’s four proposed REZs.”

“Coal is not going to cut it anymore when we have cheap and reliable renewable energy and storage that’s already powering over a third of Australia’s largest electricity grid and providing almost 25 percent of NSW’s power.”

“States and territories are investing in storage technologies and that needs to continue. It’s increased storage that we need, not more investment in expensive electricity generation stemming from gas, which our carbon budget cannot afford and may leave us with stranded assets.”

Man presents to Muswellbrook Hospital with gunshot wound

Detectives have commenced an investigation after a man presented at Muswellbrook Hospital last night with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Around 9.15pm (Wednesday 16 February 2022), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were contacted by staff at Muswellbrook Hospital advising that a 28-year-old man had presented with an injury consistent with a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh.

Officers later attended a home on Richmond Street, Muswellbrook, where they established a crime scene and seized a number of items for further examination.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment; his injury is not considered life-threatening.

Armed robbery – Singleton

Police are investigating an armed robbery near Singleton overnight.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to a service station on Bridgman Road, Donolly, just before midnight (Wednesday 16 February 2022).

Police have been told two men – armed with knives – entered the store before they threatened a female attendant and demanded cash.

The employee handed over a sum of money before both men ran from the store and were last seen headed towards Bridgman Road on foot.

The woman was not injured during the incident.

One of the men is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his late teens to early 20s, of thin build, wearing a black t-shirt, light brown pants and black joggers, with his face covered.

The second man is described as being of thin build and aged in his late teens to early 20s. He was seen wearing a white one-piece suit, with a white shirt covering his face, sunglasses and boots.

Officers attended and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police.

Victorian workers suffer $1.2 billion super rip off 

Victoria’s workers are short-changed $1.22 billion a year from their super and the state’s workers will continue to be ripped off until federal politicians act.

Industry Super Australia (ISA) analysis of the latest tax data shows more than 760,000 Victorian workers lost an average of $1,606 in 2018-19 (see table 1). Those swindled on super can end up retiring with up to $60,000 less.

In six years – from 2013-14 to 2018-19, Victoria’s unpaid super bill climbed to an eyewatering $6.7 billion.

Despite nearly a third of the state’s workforce suffering a super rip off each year, awareness of the unpaid super problem remains chronically low.

It can often take months for workers to uncover that they have been underpaid, making recovery far more difficult. Making matters worse 70% of workers don’t realise super can legally be paid just four times a year, not with their wages – despite what it says on payslips. 

The outdated laws and the lack of awareness amongst workers is being exploited by some unscrupulous employers to not pay super.  

Mandating that super is paid with wages will make it much easier for workers to track when payments are made and uncover underpayments quicker, making recovery more likely.

An ISA report, Super Scandalous how to fix the $5 billion scourge of unpaid super and a community awareness campaign aims to help solve the problem that impacts three million people and provides practical tips on how to ensure workers are getting what they are owed.  

But individuals can only do so much, it is up to politicians to fix the systemic underpayment of super by mandating all employers pay super into a workers’ account when they pay wages.

Unpaid super creates an unequal playing field for businesses, as the employers doing the right thing are undercut by competitors who are ripping their workers off.

Workers must largely rely on the Australian Tax Office to recover their money as it is difficult to sue for super. But the ATO only recovers a dismal 12% of unpaid super annually and rarely issues penalties that would deter dodgy employers.

If the ATO is unwilling or unable to recover Victoria workers’ savings the law should be changed so that employees, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and others acting on behalf of workers can.

To fix Victoria’s $1.2 billion unpaid super scourge politicians should commit to:

Ø  Mandating super payment at the same time as wages.

Ø  Lift enforcement activity and force the ATO to issue and publicise penalties for not paying super – so dodgy employers can see there is a cop on the beat.

Ø  Empower employees and representatives to recover unpaid super debts.

Ø  Extend the Fair Entitlement Guarantee so workers can recoup their savings if a company goes bust – at the moment super is not included.

Industry Super Australia Chief Executive Bernie Dean said:

“This is a $1.2 billion a year rip off affecting nearly a third of Victoria’s workers, yet many of them remain unaware, assuming super is being paid because it appears on their payslip.” 

“Super is your money, you should get it paid at the same time you get your wages. By not mandating the payment of super with wages, politicians are stopping Victorian workers getting what they are owed.” 

“Our federal politicians get their super paid on payday, so should all Victorian workers.” 

Table 1: Unpaid super by Victorian federal electorate

ElectoratePersonsPercentage of electorateAverage underpaid Total ($m)
Melbourne23,80025%$1,745$41.5
Macnamara24,15028%$1,538$37.1
Hotham22,25030%$1,649$36.7
Gellibrand23,30031%$1,573$36.7
Lalor27,85034%$1,293$36.0
Maribyrnong21,60029%$1,664$35.9
Holt25,60033%$1,398$35.8
Corangamite21,05033%$1,684$35.5
Casey18,45029%$1,905$35.1
La Trobe22,55032%$1,549$34.9
Gorton21,75029%$1,591$34.6
Chisholm21,95029%$1,561$34.3
Mcewen20,70032%$1,641$34.0
Dunkley20,70032%$1,635$33.8
Calwell20,50030%$1,578$32.4
Fraser18,25027%$1,750$31.9
Aston19,95028%$1,595$31.8
Bendigo18,25031%$1,727$31.5
Higgins19,95026%$1,577$31.5
Cooper20,40029%$1,542$31.4
Isaacs19,80029%$1,562$30.9
Monash18,65031%$1,639$30.6
Indi17,45029%$1,749$30.5
Mallee17,95029%$1,682$30.2
Kooyong19,65027%$1,535$30.2
Gippsland16,30030%$1,850$30.1
Goldstein18,50027%$1,619$30.0
Corio19,15031%$1,561$29.9
Bruce19,65029%$1,505$29.6
Scullin19,15030%$1,529$29.3
Flinders17,30030%$1,684$29.1
Ballarat18,05028%$1,588$28.7
Deakin18,30027%$1,556$28.5
Menzies17,80028%$1,588$28.3
Nicholls17,55030%$1,591$27.9
Jagajaga16,65025%$1,648$27.4
Wannon17,10027%$1,535$26.3
Wills19,75027%1,684$33.3
State total761,75029%$1,606$1,223

Source: ISA analysis of 2018-19 2% ATO tax file and ABS data.

Environment in focus as new strategy takes shape

Driving a circular economy, harnessing nature-based solutions and taking action on climate change have been identified as priority areas for discussion as City of Newcastle (CN) develops its new Environment Strategy.

The strategy will help define CN’s key environmental objectives and initiatives during the next decade and is designed to align with the sustainability outcomes of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, which itself is on public exhibition until 28 February.

The draft Newcastle Environment Strategy will be informed by extensive community consultation before being finalised and presented to the Council for adoption.

More than 4500 pieces of feedback collected during the development of the Community Strategic Plan, quarterly surveys, Climate Action Plan engagement and a waste specific survey have already been reviewed to understand the community’s priorities for our environment.

Targeted stakeholder consultation will commence this week, with key priority areas helping to facilitate discussion during the workshops. This will include looking at the options for a circular economy that would design out waste, keep materials in use and turn waste into a resource; exploring how to build resilience to the effects of climate change; and looking at how natural solutions to social problems can allow us to protect, manage or restore our environment in a way that benefits both communities and ecosystems.

Community members will be given additional opportunities to comment on the draft strategy during its public exhibition, which is scheduled to occur later this year.

Cultural events to support local performers in the lead-up to New Annual festival

City of Newcastle (CN) is dishing up a taste of the cultural delights that will be on the menu when its flagship arts festival returns later this year.

Three of the performances originally commissioned by CN for last year’s postponed New Annual have been rescheduled in March, allowing locals to whet their appetites for the official return of the festival from 23 September to 2 October.

Explore the Indigenous roots of Carrington Foreshore with towering, illuminated puppets created by Curious Legends in partnership with local Worimi people, meet local artists and take part in community art projects on the Studio Arts Trail in Hamilton and check out a thought-provoking one-woman show that summons the spirit of iconic French solider and Saint, Joan of Arc.

Cultural-events-to-support-local-performers-in-the-lead-up-to-New-Annual-festival.jpg
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said maintaining support for the local arts community had been an important consideration when the decision was made to postpone last year’s event.

“After the success of the inaugural New Annual in February 2021, City of Newcastle was looking forward to following it up bigger and better in September last year before we made the tough call to postpone it in light of the growing COVID-19 case numbers at the time,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Despite our disappointment, we were committed to maintaining support for the local arts community, who have been heavily impacted during the past two years as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

“After consultations with the artists, we are thrilled to be able to include these performances and activities in March this year as an initiative of our COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package.

“This decision enables upwards of 50 artists, musicians and performers to remain involved with these three events and benefit from the exposure and performance opportunities they provide.

“This will also give people a chance to soak up Newcastle’s live events atmosphere with a taste of what’s to come when the full New Annual festival returns in September.”

For more details visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Event details

Gimbay Gatigaan: 3-5 March (Carrington Foreshore)

In collaboration with the Newcastle Worimi community, Curious Legends will present Gimbay Gatigaan, an outdoor, site-specific family-friendly production exploring Aboriginal life and stories from Onebygamba (known locally as Carrington).

Studio Arts Trail: 5 March (Hamilton precinct)

Follow the Art Trail map to discover some of the most collaborative spaces for eclectic art projects in Newcastle including Hudson St Hum, Newcastle Arts Space, Clyde St Studios and Creative Incubator.

Voices of Joan: 3-6 and 9-12 March (Hamilton North)

Voices of Joan, by Newcastle theatre maker Janie Gibson, unravels the tangled threads of misogyny and Catholicism as she searches for Joan’s story in fragments of words. What is revealed is a voice of courage amidst adversity and an ancient story about gender, truth, and power, themes that still resonate today.

NSW parents give vouchers a big thumbs up

Around 300,000 households across the State have taken advantage of the NSW Government’s new voucher program Parents NSW, offering $250 in vouchers as a thank you for their efforts to support learning from home in 2021.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said since its launch on 7 February, there have been more than 1.5 million vouchers issued to NSW families, totaling more than $75 million dollars in parents’ pockets.

“The State-wide uptake in just seven days is staggering,” Mr Perrottet said.

“More than 118,424 households applied for vouchers in the first 24 hours, the most successful start to a voucher program we have had to date.

“But as well as helping cut the cost of living for families, businesses are also getting a much-needed boost. In one week, parents have redeemed 12,500 vouchers spending around $970,000 in Stay NSW and Discover NSW registered businesses Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the numbers pointed to the importance of targeted support delivered through the Service NSW app.

“This is Australian-first digital technology putting money straight into the pockets of parents,” Mr Dominello said.

“From those hundreds of thousands of customers who have already applied, the transaction has received 97 per cent thumbs up.

“If anyone is having any trouble with their application please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 who can help with understanding the eligibility criteria and applying.”

The Parents NSW program provides each eligible household with at least one school-enrolled child where home learning took place in 2021 with five $50 vouchers which can be redeemed at Discover NSW and Stay NSW registered businesses.

It’s not too late for tourism, recreation and accommodation businesses to register. Parents NSW vouchers are valid until 9 October, 2022. For more information and details on how to apply, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers