The Greens have slammed the Morrison Government’s 2021 national gas infrastructure plan as exposing its Net Zero 2050 pledge as a short term ruse to fool the US and UK in Glasgow.
Despite the IEA’s repeated calls for no new coal mines or gas fields to meet net zero by 2050, the plan is hoping to open three new gas basins (Beetaloo, Gunnedah and North Bowen-Galilee basins) and build up to eleven new gas transmission pipelines spanning thousands of kilometres across the country.
The government’s gas plan doesn’t even look at the alternative to new supply, which is switching homes and businesses away from gas, which will be far cheaper than building new pipelines, but create more jobs, save everyone money, reduce childhood asthma and help reverse the climate crisis
The plan makes no reference to net zero by 2050, demonstrating that the government isn’t even pretending to meet their own globally pledged aspirations.
The Greens’ policy is for net zero by 2035 as net zero by 2050 is too late for a developed country like Australia, but this new gas plan shows the government isn’t even committed to its own weak target.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“The Morrison Government lied to the international community as well as the Australian public. Australia has no pathway to net zero, even by too-late 2050, and this plan is the proof.
“The rest of the world wants to cut methane, but Liberal and Labor want more gas.
“The International Energy Agency says no new oil, coal, or gas if we want to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. This plan for massive gas expansion locks in devastating global heating and it means climate catastrophe within our lifetimes.
“Labor and Liberal have both proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are captured by the gas corporations.
“If Labor are serious about climate action, they’ll join the Greens next week in the Senate to block fracking the NT at Beetaloo and Santos’ rorting of carbon capture and storage.
“With the Government in chaos, Labor should join with the Greens and strike while the iron is hot. Climate action could start in parliament next week; we don’t need to wait for an election.”
Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens spokesperson for Mining and Resources said:
“The government has put fracking in the NT at the centre of their gas plan. The Greens will support Traditional Owners to make sure these destructive gas plans never see the light of day.
“For over a decade, Traditional Owners have been clear: they don’t want fracking on their Country. Consent matters – and that has not been given by the First Nations communities that span the land earmarked for fracking.
“Public money should be spent on the services that make communities in the NT stronger, not funnelled to gas corporations to pollute their land and water. This plan will line the pockets of gas corporations instead of supporting Traditional Owners’ ability to live safely on land and On Country.
“This addiction to gas has infected the minds of decision makers in my home State of WA with the State Government there now showing signs of supporting the expansion of the destructive Scarborough project.
“Their blatant disregard for cultural heritage will not only pollute the planet but will permanently destroy the ancient Murajuga rock art.”
Month: November 2021
Omicron spurs urgency of TRIPS waiver and vaccine equity
Australian Greens International Development spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the emergence of the Omicron variant has put further pressure on Australia to co-sponsor an intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 vaccines at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
At its upcoming ministerial meetings, the WTO will consider the intellectual property waiver first proposed by India and South Africa more than one year ago.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The global Covid crisis continues to evolve but Australia is missing in action. Omicron has put further pressure on wealthy countries like Australia to step up and support vaccination across the world.
“It’s absolutely critical that Australia comes out in strong support of the intellectual property waiver as proposed by India and South Africa.
“By refusing to co-sponsor the waiver, Australia has taken the side of big pharmaceutical companies over the health and wellbeing of millions of people.
“In addition, Australia should substantially boost funding to the COVAX vaccine facility to ramp up vaccination in low-income countries. Our per capita contributions, to this point, have been miserly.”
Legal Service CEO and Local Mum to Stand for Bonner
CEO of the Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern Queensland and Manly West mum Tabatha Young has been endorsed to contest the seat of Bonner at the next Federal Election for the Australian Labor Party.
Working with women and families who are facing Domestic Violence and the Child Protection System, Tabatha knows the impact Scott Morrison’s inability to walk the talk has had for the community.
Tabatha will be a fierce advocate for Government action supporting survivors of Domestic and Family Violence and funding for essential services to Bonner such as health and aged care.
“Scott Morrison has not taken responsibility for the inadequate services here in Bonner, with Gunda Pa providing only limited health services since the LNP closed the Wynnum Hospital. Bonner is being left behind when it comes to health care and essential services under Scott Morrison.”
“After the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, we have seen too little action taken by Scott Morrison for a sector in crisis. Even in our own backyard, the Macleay Ward at the Redlands Hospital has been converted into a dementia ward when we know those patients should be in a specialised care facility, not a hospital bed.”
“The people of Bonner deserve a representative who listens to them and is on their side. It’s time for a change here in Bonner.”
Senator Murray Watt said “Scott Morrison has given the community of Bonner nothing but political spin since he took on the job of Prime Minister. Tabatha is an authentic member of the Bonner community and will be a strong advocate as part of the Labor team in Brisbane.”
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese also welcomed Tabatha to the Labor team.
“Labor has a plan to fix our health system and create secure, local jobs here in Queensland and I need strong advocates on my team like Tabatha to help deliver Labor’s plan for Queensland.”
“Tabatha’s advocacy and experience will make her a strong representative for Bonner.”
New treatment for Australians with leukaemia
From 1 December 2021, Australians with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) will have access to a new treatment option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The Morrison Government is expanding the list of Venclexta® (venetoclax) for the treatment of AML, for use in combination with azacitidine.
AML is a type of cancer that appears suddenly and grows quickly. AML occurs when immature white blood cells called blasts become cancerous. These abnormal blast cells are known as leukaemia cells.
Because the leukaemia cells are immature and abnormal, they don’t carry out the usual infection-fighting role of white blood cells. In AML, changes in these cells prevent them from turning into mature blood cells, resulting in too many of them and too few mature blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells in the blood.
Venclexta® targets and blocks the action of a specific protein within leukaemia cells called BCL-2. Blocking this protein helps to kill and reduce the number of cancer cells, and may slow the spread of the disease.
In 2021, almost 5,000 Australians were diagnosed with leukaemia. In Australia, it is estimated that around 1,100 people are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) each year. AML becomes more common with age and mostly occurs after 65.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said having access to Venclexta®, which is already listed on the PBS for other conditions, will give AML sufferers more treatment options and better outcomes.
“Around 340 Australian patients a year will benefit from this expanded listing, who without the PBS subsidy would may more than $88,800 per course of treatment. From 1 December, they’ll pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card,” Minister Hunt said.
“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,800 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $14 billion.
“Our Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.”
This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Donate items to your local library for those in need this Christmas
Locals are being encouraged to donate non-perishable food and toiletry items as part of the 2021 Newcastle Libraries Christmas Giving Appeal.
The donated items will be provided to local emergency relief charities Got Your Back Sista, Oz Harvest and Baptist Care, who will pass the items on to community members in need in the lead-up to Christmas.
After a challenging 2021, Christmas is the perfect time for locals to embrace the opportunity to support a worthwhile cause and give to those doing it tough.
The initiative started in 2016 as an amnesty to clear historical library fines and since then, community members have donated more than 10,000 items, which have been passed on to locals in need.
In 2020 a fines-free initiative was introduced to support library members during COVID-19 and has since been extended indefinitely, however those with historical unpaid overdue fines or fees associated with lost and damaged items can have these waived by donating non-perishable food and toiletry items.
Each donated item equates to five dollars, so a $20 fine could be waived with four donated items. There is no limit on the number of items that can be donated or the value of historical fees and charges that can be waived.
The Newcastle Libraries Christmas giving appeal runs until Friday 17 December and donations can be made at any library branch.
World first silica testing device in NSW
The first Australian field trials of new technology to detect dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the air began in Sydney this month.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said this world-first technology will help workers identify high levels of RCS in real time, preventing inhalation and the contraction of the deadly lung disease, silicosis.
“This device will be instrumental in helping us to reduce silicosis in NSW, and I am proud that we are leading the way with this world-first technology,” Mr Anderson said.
“When we began this project there was nothing on the market that could accurately detect RCS instantly, so our world-first device will be a game changer for anyone working with stone.”
The new technology differs from existing prototypes as it accurately detects RCS particles in the air, analysing incoming data to provide a milligram per cubic meter reading and a feature that will alert workers if they are in danger.
“We will be working with high-risk industries and workplaces to field-test the technology to ensure it’s working as it should be in the unique Australian conditions before we progress to the next phase,” Mr Anderson said.
“We expect the device to be commercially available by the end of this year. Once the technology is finalised we will then work on making it smaller so a worker can easily wear it as a device to stop them from unknowingly inhaling dangerous levels of silica dust.”
The new detector is just one component of the NSW Government’s NSW Dust Strategy 2020-22 to tackle dust diseases, including silicosis and asbestosis.
The NSW Government is taking proactive steps to protect workers, including reducing the legal exposure standard for silica exposure, banning dry cutting of manufactured stone, making silicosis a notifiable disease and establishing a dust diseases register that will track, respond to, and prevent deadly dust diseases, including asbestosis and silicosis.
Tech Central powering ahead with the opening of the new Quantum Terminal
The state’s vision for a world-class innovation and technology precinct is coming to life, with Tech Central’s Quantum Terminal welcoming its first tenants.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said supporting the growth of Australia’s most ambitious innovation centre was more important than ever before.
“With first-class researchers and entrepreneurs eager to collaborate and an innovation precinct ready to support jobs growth, NSW is in pole position to become a global leader in technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Tech Central is predicted to bring up to 25,000 jobs to NSW and will be a major player in accelerating our economic recovery and future-proofing our economy.”
Q-Ctrl, Sydney Quantum Academy and Quantum Brilliance are now in place in Sydney’s first centralised live collaboration space for researchers, developers, engineers and entrepreneurs – all working to advance quantum technology, high performance computing and artificial intelligence.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the Government was also focussed on helping businesses expand and enter their next phase of growth at Tech Central.
“Quantum Terminal along with the rest of Tech Central will form one of the most vibrant innovation corridors in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
“Building on the opening of the Quantum Terminal, we’re also investing up to $21 million to prioritise affordable accommodation for scaleups. From December, businesses can apply for rebates on rental and fit-out costs of up to $600,000 a year through the Tech Central Scaleup Accommodation Rebate.”
The Tech Central Scaleup Hub, located in the heart of the precinct at 477 Pitt Street, will be operated by technology community Stone & Chalk providing 8,000 square metres of affordable and flexible workspace for high-growth technology scaleups.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello unveiled some of the digital tools that will power Tech Central’s innovation ecosystem, including the digital twin an online interactive tool on the Tech Central website, that allows people to explore the precinct and its surrounds – from businesses to bike lanes and bars.
“This is a modern government with a strong understanding of how to foster and harness technological and digital innovation for the good of our citizens and businesses,” Mr Dominello said.
“The US has one Silicon Valley, NSW is investing in them across the city.”
CEO of Tech Central Scaleup Hub operator Stone & Chalk Michael Bromley said the company was proud to be the partner of choice for the Government’s growth agenda.
“Through our second Hub in Sydney, we’ll be able to support domestic and international startups in their transition to becoming scaleups by providing vital access to the resources and infrastructure required for success,” Mr Bromley said.
Chair of the Tech Central Industry Advisory Group David Thodey said the opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the precinct were unrivalled.
“These facilities and support initiatives will help businesses both large and small, driving new opportunities for innovation and collaboration to build a sustainable and enduring world-class precinct.”
Construction Begins on the M6 Motorway
The NSW Government marked the construction of the M6 motorway project with a sod turning event in South Sydney today.
The M6 Stage 1 will link Kogarah with the M8, slashing travel times and bypassing up to 23 sets of traffic lights. The construction will also create up to 5,500 jobs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new tunnels would remove 10,000 cars a day from General Holmes Drive, returning local roads to local communities.
“Drivers will be able to get home safer and quicker but for many areas, removing vehicles from local roads will be life changing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know that taking Sydney from good to great isn’t only about building new destinations, it’s about unlocking free-flowing transport for everyone to enjoy everything this city has to offer.”
“It’s great news that major construction work is about to get underway on the M6, which will be crucial in connecting Sydney’s motorway network.
“Our economic recovery will also be bolstered by the up to 5,500 jobs this project will create.”
The M6 Stage 1 will deliver a 4km twin tunnel that connects the completed M8 to President Avenue at Kogarah.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the M6 will provide motorists with better connectivity and more reliable trips to Sydney’s south.
“This project will help reduce traffic on General Homes Drive, which is another major artery, by about 10,000 vehicles a day when the project opens,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’re also incredibly pleased that all community benefits for this project will be delivered before Christmas this year, including two playgrounds, a war memorial and FIFA grade playing fields.
“This demonstrates our approach to delivering community benefits up front following extensive consultation shows great infrastructure really does deliver great places.”
The M6 Stage 1 is expected to open in 2025.
For more information visit: caportal.com.au/rms/m6
Applications open for $200 million sports boost
Modern and inclusive sporting facilities are the focus of a new NSW Government $200 million fund to encourage people across the state to enjoy the benefits of sport, regardless of their age, gender or ability, with applications now open.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will invest in new or upgraded venues across the state with $100 million available in 2021/22 and a further $100 million in 2022/23.
“Community sport plays a vital role in getting our lives back on track and it’s great to see people returning to courts, ovals and pitches, to resume their sporting passions and get active again,” Mr Perrottet said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the fund will provide more modern, inclusive and fit-for-purpose facilities across NSW.
“This $200 million funding boost will ensure even more people can enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation, while helping remove barriers to participation,” Mr Kean said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said for some people, existing community sport facilities may not meet their needs and even discourage them from taking part.
“We want to actively encourage gender inclusiveness and accessibility in our facilities so that everyone can get out and play,” Mrs Ward said.
The Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will offer funding through a competitive grants process and is a key initiative of the NSW Government’s jobs-creation sports infrastructure plan, providing a construction boom.
Grants of between $1 million to $5 million are available, with applications for the 2021/22 round closing on Friday, 25 February 2022.
For more details, see: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/multi-sport-community-facility-fund.
Australia’s first critical minerals hub to make NSW a global leader
The NSW Government’s drive to become a major global supplier of critical minerals and high-tech metals will be realised with the establishment of Australia’s first Critical Minerals Hub in the State’s Central West.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources Paul Toole announced the hub near Dubbo today, while launching NSW’s first Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
Mr Toole said critical minerals and high-tech metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper will play a vital role in making NSW the number one investment destination for mining and advanced manufacturing.
“Critical minerals are just that – minerals that are critical to the manufacture of everything from electric vehicles to solar technologies and for which there are no ready substitutes,” Mr Toole said.
“This Strategy delivers a clear vision to provide a key source of economic growth, diversify the NSW royalty base and create the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future in regional NSW.
“There is a global race on to locate, develop and establish secure supply chains of these minerals and metals. This Strategy will ensure NSW is in the box-seat to meet this demand.”
Mr Toole said the Critical Minerals Hub was an Australian-first and would set NSW apart as a premier destination for investment in antimony, cobalt, copper, titanium, rare earths and zirconium projects as demand for critical minerals increases exponentially in the next 40 years.
“The Hub in the Central West will be a focal point for the development of this industry, including value-added processing, located close to existing, approved and potential mining developments,” Mr Toole said.
“The hub could accommodate domestic e-waste recycling for eastern Australia, as well as the importation of e-waste from the Indo-Pacific region, so we can recover and recycle critical minerals alongside the exploration and mining of new resources.
“It will build on existing investments at the Parkes Special Activation Precinct as well as the $3 billion investment in Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone, which is centred around the Dubbo, Wellington and Mudgee regions.
“This demonstrates the commitment by the NSW Government to support mining and advanced manufacturing as we diversify the State’s economy towards a lower carbon future.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the strategy is a significant step forward for many key sites across regional NSW.
“This is a really important part of securing future jobs and prosperity in the Dubbo area, as we look towards new types of industry and manufacturing in the Central West,” Mr Saunders said.
“Dubbo itself is the centre of the critical minerals activity in the region, and is the natural hub to provide many of the ongoing services which will be needed.”
The Strategy includes further geological surveys to deliver more quality pre-competitive data for explorers, investigating the potential for copper production and other downstream processing opportunities for critical minerals, and providing assistance to mining projects to navigate planning and approval processes.