Month: March 2022

Australia’s reefs and marine ecosystems are at grave risk of mass bleachings and extinction, a marine heatwaves research briefing from the Climate Council has found.

The Climate Council briefing, “In hot water: Climate change, marine heatwaves and coral bleaching” has been released today, as a UN reef monitoring delegation touches down to assess the condition of the Great Barrier Reef. The monitoring visit comes ahead of a World Heritage Committee meeting in June to consider listing the Reef as ‘in danger’.

The Reef is currently being watched closely by scientists for another possible mass bleaching event, with temperatures up to 3°C higher than average in central parts of the reef. In recent weeks low-to-moderate bleaching has been recorded across parts of the reef.  The reef has suffered three mass bleachings in just the past six years (2016, 2017, 2020).  

The briefing affirms that last year was the warmest year on record for the world’s oceans.The excess heat absorbed by the ocean in 2021 was equivalent to the energy of seven Hiroshima atomic bombs detonating every second.

Near surface waters off southeastern Australia are warming at nearly four times the global average, leading to changes in the distribution of species, species collapse and a decline in biodiversity.  

Climate Councillor, climate scientist and Distinguished Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Lesley Hughes said: “Under a high emissions scenario, the Reef could face bleaching every year as soon as 2044. This would effectively destroy the Reef and other shallow water reefs worldwide.

“The Great Barrier Reef is dangerously close to another mass bleaching event, which would make it an unprecedented and catastrophic fourth such event in six years. Unless we cut emissions deeply this decade the situation on the reef will only get worse.”  

The briefing also reveals that heatwaves are having devastating impacts on Australia’s marine ecosystems including seagrass and kelp forests, and on industries including aquaculture, fisheries and tourism.

Dr Scott Heron, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University said: “The last eight years have been the warmest years on record, so it isn’t a surprise that we’ve seen increased frequency and severity of marine heatwaves.  

“Summertime heatwaves in that period have had severe impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, which not only affect the Reef and the organisms that live there but also the people whose livelihoods rely upon a vibrant reef, such as tourism operators and commercial fishers. It is clear that we need strong action this decade from Australia and from the global community on the primary cause of climate change – fossil fuel emissions.” 

Councillor Abigail Noli, Douglas Shire Council, said: “The Douglas Shire has an approximately 80 percent economic reliance on tourism, so our community depends on a healthy, vibrant reef. 

“Queensland can be a global leader in renewable technologies, with some of the best natural resources in the world. Embracing the opportunities of a clean economy will not only protect the Reef, but can deliver huge economic benefits for our region.”

Dr Andy Lewis, Executive Director Coral Sea Foundation, said: “Marine heatwaves can cause significant coral mortality and declines in living coral cover. 

“Research shows that this decline affects reef fishes, with clear reductions in the diversity and number of fish seen after severe bleaching events. These changes have significance for the overall biodiversity and function of the reef ecosystem, including reef fisheries.”

BRIEFING KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

• Climate change is warming the ocean, leading to more frequent and severe marine heatwaves. In just the last six years, marine heatwaves have caused three mass bleaching events on the Reef. 
• This summer, the temperature of waters offshore from Australia has been well above average, impacting coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
• After a summer of marine heatwaves, the Reef is again at risk of mass bleaching.
• Under a high emissions scenario, marine heatwaves are projected to become 50 times more frequent by the end of the century and many parts of the ocean could reach a near-permanent marine heatwave state.
• More frequent and severe marine heatwaves also have devastating consequences for other marine ecosystems.
• The near-surface waters off southeastern Australia are warming at nearly four times the global average, leading to changes in distribution of species, species collapse and a decline in biodiversity.
• Every fraction of a degree of warming avoided will be measured in saved ecosystems. Net zero by 2050 is not fast enough.
• Cutting global emissions by at least 50 percent this decade is key to the survival of Australia’s ocean wonders.

Last year, successful political lobbying saw the Reef narrowly dodge being placed on UNESCOs ‘In Danger’ list.

The Climate Council recommends Australia triple its efforts and take bold measures to reduce its national emissions 75 percent by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. 

The Australian Greens are calling upon the global community to Unite for Peace by reconvening the United Nations Emergency Special Sessions and use the power of Resolution 377A(V) to end Putin’s armed aggression against the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Enacting the Uniting for Peace Resolution 337A(V) would allow the international community to rapidly utilise a range of non-violent mechanisms to bring the conflict to an end, maintain Ukrainian sovereignty and ensure people have what they need to survive.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Peace and Disarmament said: 

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is catastrophic for global peace. We must do all we can to end the war and find peaceful solutions to the crises it has created. There must be an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian troops.

“Right now, our future is in the hands of a small number of global leaders who have weapons at their fingertips. To ensure we achieve peace, we need the global community to respond collectively and decisively to de-escalate war and to ensure people have the food, shelter, and safety that is necessary to survive.

“The Australian Greens are calling on the global community to Unite for Peace, and agree to support a range of non-violent measures by reconvening the United Nations Emergency Special Session and using the power of Resolution 377A(V) to find non-violent mechanisms to end the war. 

“This includes a global ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, debt forgiveness for Ukraine, and other targeted sanctions on Russia.

“The Australian Greens Towards Peace plan prioritises finding peaceful solutions to address the crises we are facing as a global community; whether it’s an immediate end to the war in Ukraine, or uniting to tackle the climate crisis.”  

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs said:

“The cost of war is borne by ordinary people. The Australian Government must show its solidarity with the people of Ukraine; and with Russians protesting against Putin’s war, under threat of persecution from their imperious dictator. 

“We welcome the positive steps taken to date by the Australian Government, but there is more that can be done. Australia must also work multilaterally to push for global divestment from Russian oil and gas.  Russia earnt $US 119 billion from oil and gas revenue in 2021. Money paid to Russia for fossil fuels is funding Putin’s war machine. 

“We should also be advocating for forgiveness of Ukraine’s $US 129 billion debt, and increasing  our refugee intake by 20,000 to give a home to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.”

Reliable mobile coverage is essential for staying in touch with family and friends, conducting business, accessing services, and having a sense of safety.

That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will invest $750,000 to improve mobile coverage for the Mangrove Mountain community. 

For many residents in Mangrove Mountain area, mobile coverage is either unreliable or unavailable.

The local terrain is challenging, and this additional investment is needed to improve coverage outcomes.

The residents of Killcare and Hardys Bay also continue to suffer with unacceptably poor to non-existent mobile coverage.

If the mobile carriers, who have been working hard to secure approvals for local towers, are unable to deploy at an acceptable site, an Albanese Labor Government is prepared to co-invest to accelerate coverage outcomes for local residents in Killcare and Hardys Bay area through alternative solutions. 

Australians can and should expect to have access to high quality connectivity speeds to keep us connected to each other and to the world.

An Albanese Labor Government is committed to the task of improving and boosting mobile coverage to help build a better future for local communities.

Dr Gordon Reid, Labor candidate for Robertson said:

“These black spots have really hurt communities and businesses on the Coast. People deserve better. I’ve stood up for the Coast and this outcome is a great result for all those who have been ignore by the current Government.”

The Morrison Government will expand its support to Ukraine and impose further punitive actions on Russia in response to its unrelenting and illegal aggression against Ukraine. These additional measures will help ensure Russia pays a high price for its blatant violation of the UN Charter and its disregard for international humanitarian law.

Ukraine is showing remarkable courage and resilience as it endures Russia’s unprovoked war.

Following discussions between the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence and their Ukrainian counterparts, it is clear that Ukraine’s need for military assistance remains urgent and ongoing. In response, Defence has developed an additional $21 million support package of defensive military assistance for Ukrainian Armed Forces, which will bring Australia’s total military assistance so far to $91 million.

To meet Ukrainian priority requests, this package will comprise additional material from Australian Defence Force stocks.

The Government will continue to identify opportunities to provide further military assistance where it is able to provide required capability to the Ukraine Armed Forces expeditiously.

Russia is targeting civilians, causing immense suffering. Today, the Morrison Government commits to an additional $30 million in emergency humanitarian assistance. This contribution will focus on protecting women, children, the elderly and the disabled, and takes the total we have so far committed to $65 million.

To help address education and critical protection needs for children, people living with a disability and those facing risks of gender-based violence, Australia will provide $10 million through non-government organisations under the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.

We will provide $8 million to the United Nations Population Fund to protect displaced women and girls from gender-based violence and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services.

To help address increasingly severe food shortages, Australia will also contribute $10 million to the World Food Programme.

And to enhance the response of Australian NGOs and their partners in the region, we will provide $2 million to the Emergency Action Alliance Ukraine Appeal – funding which will attract matched private donations.

To encourage Australians to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, we will also amend the Overseas Aid Gift Deduction Scheme’s list of eligible countries. Donations to approved aid organisations that are directly supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary will be tax deductible.

Australia will continue to impose high costs on Russia. We have so far imposed a total of 476 sanctions on 443 individuals, including many oligarchs close to President Putin, and 33 entities, including most of Russia’s banking sector and all entities responsible for Russia’s sovereign debt.

The Government has overnight imposed an immediate ban on Australian exports of alumina and aluminium ores (including bauxite) to Russia, which will limit its capacity to produce aluminium – a critical export for Russia.

Aluminium is a global input across the auto, aerospace, packaging, machinery and construction sectors, and a critical input into armaments industries.

Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20 per cent of its alumina needs.

The Foreign Minister has imposed the export ban under Australia’s autonomous sanctions against Russia. The Government will work closely with exporters and peak bodies that will be affected by the ban to find new and expand existing markets.

This significant step demonstrates the Morrison Government’s absolute commitment to holding the Putin regime to account for the egregious way in which it is flouting international law and the law of armed conflict by invading its neighbour without justification, and targeting innocent civilians.

Furthermore, Australia will support Ukraine’s energy security by donating at least 70,000 tonnes of thermal coal. This follows a request for assistance from the Government of Ukraine, supported by the Government of Poland, and discussions with other European partners.

The assistance will help keep the country’s coal-fired power generators operating and supplying electricity to country’s power grid, supporting the Ukrainian people by keeping lights on, homes heated, and factories running at this very difficult time.

The Australian Government has worked with the Australian coal industry to source supplies. Whitehaven Coal has quickly arranged a shipment, and the Government is now working with Whitehaven and the Ukrainian and Polish Governments to deliver the supplies at the earliest available opportunity.

The cost of the coal and its delivery to the destination port will be met by the Australian Government.

To help Ukrainians forced to flee from Russia’s military invasion, we will also make available a temporary humanitarian visa to Ukrainians who have arrived in Australia.

This visa will be valid for three years and allow people to work, study and access Medicare.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, the Morrison Government has issued almost 4500 visas to Ukrainians. Over 600 Ukrainians with these visas have arrived and more are coming every day.

The Government will continue working closely with the Ukrainian-Australian community to ensure those arriving from Ukraine will be provided support throughout their stay in Australia. We have provided a grant of $450,000 to community groups to facilitate their ongoing work.

Australia stands with the people of Ukraine, and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The Government’s announcement of $483m to fund the Urannah Dam, in close proximity to numerous existing and planned mining projects, is an undisguised investment in the expansion of the coal industry. 

The dam, in Joyce’s own words, will provide water security for the nearby coal mining industry to grow into the future – even at a time when we need to urgently reduce emissions to avoid the impacts of climate change that parts of our country are currently experiencing. 

The Greens environment and water spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“While towns in NSW are still cleaning up from the disastrous climate floods, Barnaby Joyce and Scott Morrison want to spend half a billion dollars to help build more coal mines and make climate change worse – this is unforgivable. 

“Barnaby’s big dam is all about helping expand the coal industry in the Bowen Basin – a project that has been dismissed by scientists, economists and the community. It’s makes a mockery of the Morrison Government’s net zero promise and their upcoming Federal Budget. 

“The climate has changed – it’s happening now. We’re seeing the crisis unfold before our eyes, with people’s homes lost, their livelihoods destroyed. Australians can’t afford new projects that ignore the impacts of climate change.

“Voters around the country will be angry that Barnaby Joyce gets to spend $500 million on a massive dam for his coal donors, while people who have lost their homes in the bushfires and now the floods still don’t have homes to live in. 

“This announcement has put a torpedo through the economic credibility of this Government. The feasibility studies into this project all show that this is nothing more than boondoggle – a waste of public money and a waste of time. When majority of voters support action on climate change, spending public money on making climate change worse is simply bad economic management.

“How on earth did this get the tick off from the Treasurer and the Finance Minister? Josh Frydenberg and Simon Birmingham should be embarrassed, Barnaby is already making a mockery of their Budget.” 

The Greens will undo years of privatisation and revitalise the Australian Public Service by restoring staffing levels and increasing wages, winding back labour hire and outsourcing, reducing politicisation and freeing public servants to participate fully in public debate.

Successive governments have outsourced Australia’s essential public services, making them more expensive, lower quality and harder to oversee. The outsourcing of jobs has seen real wages fall and employment conditions worsen, which has put downward pressure on wages and conditions in the private sector.

We can end the over-reliance on privatisation and deliver a stronger and more capable public service at a lower cost to the public. The Greens will:

• Restore APS jobs to match 2012 levels so the public service can meet the needs of this country 
• Lift APS level wages by 4% p/a over the next four years to value public sector workers and pull wages up across the private sectors
• Limit outsourcing to labour hire firms and the Big Four to 7.5% of an agency’s budget
• Reform the appointment process to reduce politicisation
• Ensure public servants can participate in public debate 
• Protect public sector whistleblowers who disclose Ministerial or Departmental misconduct 

Link to full policy document

Greens deputy leader and public sector spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said:

“Under the Liberals and Labor our public service has been progressively privatised, with jobs cut, government departments hollowed out and work palmed off to the ‘Big Four’ consulting firms, which are now among the country’s biggest political donors. 

“Since 2012 successive governments have slashed a total of 17,000 full-time jobs from the public service, while at the same time funnelling billions into the bank accounts of consultancy firms like KPMG and Deloitte, including $850 million in 2020 alone.

“The undermining of the public sector began under the Gillard Labor government, which launched a massive cull of public servants, and has only accelerated under the Liberals, who have ramped up payments to the Big Four, particularly during the pandemic.
 
“Between them the Big Four have donated more than $5.4 million to the major parties since 2012, including nearly $700,000 in 2020-21.

“Contrary to the neoliberal propaganda, privatising essential services does not save money nor produce better outcomes. It makes services less efficient and puts decision-making in the hands of for-profit multinationals.

“To guarantee that the education, housing, health, social security, environmental protection and infrastructure needs of our country are being met we need a well-staffed and highly skilled public service that is able to provide effective and impartial policy advice to government, and carry out its responsibilities free from political interference.”

Greens candidate for Canberra Tim Hollo said:

“The outsourcing of basic public service work to contractors and the Big Four has been a disaster not just for good government but for so many Canberrans, particularly young people trying to build a career in public service.

“I hear from a lot of young Canberrans who’ve found that outsourcing means they can’t get basic job security, have no real prospective career path, and can’t afford to rock the boat in any way. And many older, experienced people are deeply troubled that the crucial institutions they’ve dedicated their lives to are being eroded and privatised. That’s terrible for them, but also for our expectations that government should get frank and fearless advice.

“This policy is going to excite a lot of people around Canberra, and I’m sure elsewhere in Australia. With Greens in shared power in both houses, we can get rid of the destructive LNP and work to pull Labor to go further and faster in ending outsourcing and supporting the public service.”

With a likely sixth mass bleaching event now unfolding across the Great Barrier Reef, the Greens have called on the Morrison Government to cooperate fully and transparently with UNESCO’s 10-day monitoring mission, which begins next Monday.

Data from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority which will confirm the extent of current coral bleaching as moderate or mass bleaching is expected next Friday, during the monitoring mission. A decision on whether the Reef will be listed as World Heritage In Danger will be made in June 2022, after several previous considerations in the last decade.

Greens Senators Larissa Waters, Peter Whish-Wilson and Sarah Hanson-Young last week wrote to environment minister Sussan Ley asking the government to publish details of the mission, including the itinerary and the mission’s participants, and to ensure that Reef scientists and civil society organisations are invited to brief UNESCO representatives.

We have not yet received a reply.

Greens deputy leader and Queensland Senator Larissa Waters said:

“The Morrison Government has an abysmal record when it comes to reducing the biggest threat to the Reef, the climate crisis, and an equally shocking record when it comes to transparency.

“Every time UNESCO has expressed science-based concern about the state of the Reef and whether it should be recognised as In Danger, the feds have gone into spin overdrive and spent more time and money on lobbying other nations than on fixing the Reef’s health.

“The government must not be allowed to hijack this UNESCO mission and turn it into another propaganda exercise. 

“The Greens are calling for the government to publish the details of the monitoring mission, publish the itinerary, and make sure that reef scientists, other experts and environment groups can be allowed to provide input.

“We have also sought Government permission for me to be able to brief the monitoring mission representatives, as I did in 2012 on their last visit. Many other groups have sought permission and are yet to hear.

“On this government’s watch we’ve seen three mass bleaching events, with all evidence pointing to yet another unfolding right now.

“Instead of protecting, they’ve been politicising, twiddling their thumbs on climate and water quality while desperately lobbying foreign governments to avoid a World Heritage ‘in danger’ listing.

“We again call on the government to act immediately on the climate crisis, the single greatest threat to the Reef and the 64,000 livelihoods that depend on it, by putting an immediate stop to all new coal and gas projects.”

Greens spokesperson on healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“The Morrison Government will go to extraordinary lengths to deny climate change and its own role in the relentless destruction of the Reef.

“Their successful sabotage of last year’s UNESCO process through lies and obfuscation, including coercing an independent agency to rush the release of a major report, was a sorry and shameful spectacle.

“The Greens are the only party with a serious plan to save the Reef. We’d ban all new coal and gas, create a $2 billion grant fund to improve water quality and properly fund the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.”

Greens spokesperson on environment and water, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“Time is up for playing blatant PR games with the health of the Reef. Climate change and pollution has left Australia’s most iconic natural asset in peril, and the rest of the world has a stake in knowing the truth. 
 
“The Morrison Government has tried at every turn to hide and spin the real state of the Reef – to avoid the obvious question of climate action. They must now commit to providing a genuine, open and transparent opportunity for the UN mission.”