Abbot government backs USA corporations against Australia’s public interest
Australia backs the US at every turn against its own consumers The Age, November 14, 2013 Peter Martin Economics correspondent In public the Australian government is on the side of consumers. Yet behind closed doors it is siding with the US government to block them at every turn.
The extraordinarily detailed information on negotiating positions released by WikiLeaks shows Australia repeatedly backing the interests of the US against the objections of countries including Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam on questions involving intellectual property. Australia is often the only one of the 12 parties to the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations to do so……..
In 2005 the High Court ruled that it was legal for Australians to use so-called ”mod chips” to bypass the copy-protection measures in Sony Playstations. In June this year a committee made up of both sides of Parliament unanimously recommended Australia amend its copyright law to put beyond doubt ”consumers’ rights to circumvent technological protection measures that control geographic market segmentation”. In other words, Australians would be completely free to modify their DVD machines to play discs made for use anywhere in the world. And to defeat the technologies that allow US giants such as Amazon and Apple to geographically segment their markets and charge Australians more than almost anyone else.
Yet in closed-door negotiations so secret the media was excluded from Australian briefings on their progress, Canberra has backed the US in trying to criminalise such measures. An amendment proposed by Canada and Singapore to the effect that it is legal to sell and import devices whose sole purpose is to defeat region coding, does not list Australia among its backers.
Canada and seven other countries want to make it clear that internet providers such as Australia’s iiNet cannot be held legally responsible for copyright infringement on their networks. In 2012 iiNet went to the High Court to enforce that right. But Australia and the US are listed in the negotiating document as opposing it…….
The WikiLeaks release comes as developments in the US put the Trans Pacific Partnership under a cloud. More than 20 Republican Congressmen have written to President Barack Obama threatening to withdrawing the ”fast track” negotiating authority that allows him to close a deal. An influential group of Democrats is about to do the same.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/australia-backs-the-us-at-every-turn-against-its-own-consumers-20131113-2xh0p.html#ixzz2kgk1SlcQ
Tony Abbott to cut funding for Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Abbott government to cut $435m from renewable energy agency, SMH, Tom Arup. November 13, 2013 The Abbott government will cut funding to Australia’s $3 billion renewable energy agency by $435 million, details of its carbon tax repeal legislation reveals.
The Coalition had flagged a cut to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) when it released its pre-election costings, but at the time refused to detail how big it would be…….. Continue reading
14 November – Motion before the Senate on Fukushima and Pacific Ocean radiation pollution
NOTICE OF MOTION
SENATOR LUDLAM
I give notice that on 14 November 2013 I shall move:
That the Senate notes:
1. The nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi reactor site is progressively deteriorating;
2. Australian uranium was in each of the reactors at Fukushima on 11 March 2011, and;
3. Nuclear utility TEPCO is embarking on the risky removal of more than 1500 highly irradiated fuel rods from Unit 4 of the reactor complex.
Calls on the government to
1. Provide the Senate with an assessment of the likelihood of success, and consequence of failure of fuel recovery operations;
2. Inform the Senate of whether or not it has evaluated the contamination risks to Pacific Ocean ecosystems, fisheries and communities in the event of a fire or other accident during fuel recovery operations;
3. Regularly advise the Senate of progress toward the removal of fuel from Fukushima Daiichi Unit 4 and subsequent progress toward reducing the flow of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean.
Uranium industry wants special royalty discounts from Queensland government, despite its existing burdens on taxpayerite
Royalty discounts for uranium disputed http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1901524/royalty-discounts-for-uranium-disputed/?cs=191 Nov. 11, 2013, URANIUM projects should receive royalty discounts, according to Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche. `Royalty relief should be something that’s offered not just in the Galilee Basin but around Queensland, and I mean it for coal and I mean it for minerals,” Mr Roche told ABC radio. “The concept has already been raised in relation to proposed uranium projects, for example.”
“The QRC are irresponsibly pitching to reap in larger uranium profits by paying less royalties at the expense of Queensland taxpayers if they are responsible economic managers.”
Mr Bailey called on the Newman government to reinstate the ban on uranium mining, saying it was an ongoing liability on the public purse. `The Newman government has no mandate from the people of Queensland to allow uranium mining as they explicitly ruled it out before the election,” he said.
Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear-free campaigner Dave Sweeney said the uranium sector was a minor contributor to employment and the economy, was a major source of domestic and international risks and was overdue for an independent inquiry into its effects on the environment, health, safety and security.
“Instead of backroom deals to facilitate an underperforming and contested industry, the LNP government should honour its responsibilities to the community and the environment by commissioning an independent public inquiry into the full costs and consequences of any uranium mining in Queensland,” Mr Sweeney said.
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott repeats misconceptions about renewable energy
Pollie Watch: PM Abbott’s first comments on wind farms, Yes 2 Renewables November 12, 2013 by Leigh Ewbank Renewable Energy Target Tony Abbott has made his first comments on wind energy and the Renewable Energy Target as Prime Minister…….The Prime Minister cites two common misperceptions about renewables energy: Firstly, that renewables aren’t up for the job of powering the Australian economy because they’re intermittent. And secondly, that the Renewable Energy Target makes up a significant portion of electricity bills.
Let’s break down these misconceptions for the Prime Minister to assist his government’s energy policy making.
Misconception #1: Australia needs backup for when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.
Reality: It is technically feasible for Australia to meet it’s electricity needs from renewable energy alone.
According to the energy experts, shifting to 100 percent renewable energy is both technically viable and affordable. Studies by the think tank Beyond Zero Emissions (PDF), and follow up studies from the Australian Energy Market Operator (PDF) and University of New South Wales (PDF) confirm the technical feasibility of renewable energy. In terms of cost, the 100 percent renewable energy system is cheaper the fossil fuel based business-as-usual approach.
Modelling is one thing, what about real world applications?
South Australia is leading the nation with it’s renewable energy rollout. The state now meets 31 percent of it’s electricity demand from renewable energy sources. Wind farms are doing the heavy lifting, providing 27 percent, while the rapidly growing rooftop solar contributes 4 percent. South Australia is expected to reach 50 percent renewables in a decade.
Misconception #2: Renewable energy is a significant part of power bills, driving up costs.
Reality: John Howard’s Renewable Energy Target makes up a small portion of Australian power bills. The rollout of renewable energy is making power bills cheaper.
Data from the Australian Energy Market Commission (PDF) shows the RET accounts for less than one percent of the average household electricity bill – or a mere $35 from a $2000 bill. That’s around $0.70 each week over a year. It is transmission, distribution, and wholesale electricity prices which are the largest contributors to power bills.
Renewable energy is putting downward pressure on power bills. Energy analysts agree wind farms are causing South Australia’s wholesale electricity prices to drop. This trend resulted in the SA Essential Services Commission directing energy companies to cut retail prices cut by 8.1 percent. The move will lower the average power bill by $160 a year.
So, what are Australians getting for their $35 investment in renewable energy? Cheaper bills, less pollution, and action on climate change. Most Australians would agree that’s a win, win…….
Retired Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Peter Rae shows you can be a proud Liberal and a strong supporter of renewable energy. Mr Rae believes the Liberal party has a tradition to uphold when it comes to supporting renewable energy.
Mr Rae was vice president of the World Wind Energy Association (now honorary VP) and is Vice Chairman of the International Renewable Energy Alliance, REN21. With impeccable renewable energy credentials, Mr Rae knows what he’s talking about. Perhaps the PM will draw on the expertise of Peter Rae when undertaking a review of the Renewable Energy Target next year.http://yes2renewables.org/2013/11/12/pollie-watch-pm-abbotts-first-comments-on-wind-farms-renewable-energy-target/
Hotter weather could turn people against Abbott’s climate change policies
The polling suggest that from a carbon tax-inspired nadir last year, concern about climate change is creeping up……..two separate studies of polling show that people are more likely to be concerned about climate change if they have directly experienced hot, dry weather.
Abbott’s climate change Achilles heel: the weather November 9, 2013 The Age, Tom Allard National Affairs Editor Hotter days could bring with them a potent political wildcard.”……….Neither Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop nor Environment Minister Greg Hunt will now be attending global talks in Warsaw on how to reduce global greenhouse emissions. Not even a parliamentary secretary will represent.
Australia’s “nuclear debate” will reveal the unaffordable costs of nuclear power
“A debate based on the facts will inevitably find that nuclear energy is much more expensive than wind or solar.”
“I welcome the debate but I am surprised that Mr O’Dea as the chair of the powerful Public Accounts Committee would be promoting a technology that is more expensive than the clean options.”
Nuclear debate will expose dangers, costs http://nsw.greens.org.au/content/nuclear-debate-will-expose-dangers-costs 5th November 2013
A debate over nuclear power for Australia should not become an excuse for inaction on transitioning NSW to 100 percent renewable energy, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye. Dr Kaye was commenting on Liberal MP Jonathan O’Dea’s call for another look at the controversial technology (‘MP calls for rethink on nuclear power’, Sydney Morning Herald, 5 Nov, p. 4, http://j.mp/HwXFb2). Continue reading
Bullying tactics by the anti wind farm lobby
Bullying from wind farm opponents a pattern of behaviour http://yes2renewables.org/2013/11/07/bullying-from-wind-farm-opponents-a-pattern-of-behaviour/ November 7, 2013 by Leigh Ewbank Last week, The Canberra Times reported that anti-wind farm campaigner Tony Hodgson has threatened legal action against neighbours who host turbines. The following is a letter to the editor published by the paper:
Anti-wind farm campaigner Tony Hodgson’s threats to sue neighbours who host turbines (‘Threat of legal action against wind farm hosts,’ October 29, p6) are not new.
Earlier this year it was reported that Maurice Newman, business advisor to Prime Minister Tony Abbott and board member of Tiger Airlines, issued a similar threat to Crookwell sheep farmer Charlie Prell. In both cases, the legals threats were made in relation to alleged health impacts of wind farms.
There are now 19 reviews by credible health bodies that show wind energy is clean and safe. It’s time for anti-wind farm groups to accept this and stop bullying potential turbine hosts–people who are seeking a drought-proof income stream for their farm and act on climate change.
It’s OK for people to have disagreements about the aesthetics of wind farms in the bush. Most Australians can accept that. What’s unacceptable is bullying behaviour in the form of legal threats. It’s divisive and prevents communities from assessing the merits of wind farms.
Former Liberal P.M. John Howard – climate sceptic and nuclear enthusiast
“My view is that the nuclear option should be kept on the table. As it becomes more economic to have nuclear power, we should entertain it.”
Former PM John Howard advocates use of nuclear power, unconvinced on climate change ‘catastrophe’ ABC News, 6 Nov 13, Former prime minister John Howard says claims about global warming are exaggerated. Mr Howard’s comments came ahead of a speech he is set to deliver to the Global Warming Policy Foundation in London.
The foundation is a think-tank established by Nigel Lawson, a former British chancellor of the exchequer, one of the UK’s most prominent climate change sceptics, and father of TV chef Nigella Lawson.
“I am opposed to putting a ludicrously heavy financial burden on often poorer people in the community in the name of shifting to renewables when I am unconvinced that catastrophe is around the corner,” Mr Howard said……
The former PM said he “respected” the science on climate change and was in favour of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He said nuclear power, shale oil, and gas from fracking were the solutions to the world’s energy needs…….
“My view is that the nuclear option should be kept on the table. As it becomes more economic to have nuclear power, we should entertain it.”
Speaking about Australia’s uranium reserves, he said it was hypocritical for Australia to export uranium for international consumption, but not to use it for domestic power generation. He was reluctant to be drawn on Tony Abbott’s climate policies, but was critical of links made by some between the recent bushfires and global warming. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-06/howard-says-helping-people-out-of-poverty-more-important-than-c/5072162
Liberal MP Jonathan O’Dea calls for ‘safe, affordable’ nuclear power as climate change solution
MP calls for rethink on nuclear power, SMH November 4, 2013 Sean Nicholls A Liberal MP has renewed his push for serious consideration of nuclear power generation in Australia, arguing the risks are overstated and disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima can be avoided with modern technology and safety standards.
In an article for the journal Energy News state MP for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, says nuclear energy is a “proven supplier of secure, affordable base load power” and the issue of nuclear waste is “manageable”……
Mr O’Dea says carbon dioxide from burning coal and natural gas is “undoubtedly contributing to damage to our oceans and atmosphere…..
The comments come as Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher prepares to announce which mining companies will be invited to apply for uranium exploration licences in NSW following last year’s lifting of a 26-year ban. The ban on exploration has prevented a clear understanding of potential uranium deposits in NSW but the government says it is aware they may exist around Broken Hill.
Premier Barry O’Farrell has said that despite lifting the ban the government is “not about to rush into uranium mining http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mp-calls-for-rethink-on-nuclear-power-20131104-2wxbo.html#ixzz2jntFzRRo
Hear Christine Milne on the carbon tax, and Abbott’s challenge for a double dissolution
AUDIO: Listen to the story (AM) Christine Milne says the Coalition will not call a double-dissolution election to scrap carbon tax ABC News, By Naomi Woodley 3 Nov 2013, Greens leader Christine Milne says Prime Minister Tony Abbott does not have the courage to call a double-dissolution election in order to scrap the carbon tax before next July……..
Ms Milne has confirmed that her party will not support the Government’s repeal legislation, even with Labor’s proposed amendments.
Labor’s stance and the Greens’ ongoing resistance means, in all likelihood, the Government will have to wait until the new Senate sits next July to pass the repeal bill, or risk going to a double-dissolution election before then.
However, the prospect of a fresh election does not bother Ms Milne. “I don’t think [Tony Abbott] would have the courage to go to a double-dissolution. There are plenty of governments who’ve had the trigger and not gone to a double-dissolution and I think Tony Abbott would not have the courage to do it frankly,” she said…… http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-02/milne-abbott-carbon-tax-double-dissolution/5065684
“Labor knows as well as I do that we have an emissions trading scheme already legislated. It is the law in Australia; it’s operating with a fixed price and will go to a flexible price.
“What people who care about climate change want to hear is that there is a serious effort in the Federal Parliament to maintain the only scheme we have which is bringing down emissions.
“And that’s especially in the week when the scientists are telling us that we have to do much more than we’re already doing.”
Labor’s stance and the Greens’ ongoing resistance means, in all likelihood, the Government will have to wait until the new Senate sits next July to pass the repeal bill, or risk going to a double-dissolution election before then.
However, the prospect of a fresh election does not bother Ms Milne.
“I don’t think [Tony Abbott] would have the courage to go to a double-dissolution. There are plenty of governments who’ve had the trigger and not gone to a double-dissolution and I think Tony Abbott would not have the courage to do it frankly,” she said…… http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-02/milne-abbott-carbon-tax-double-dissolution/5065684
Despite the Australian government, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation continues to lend money
Clean Energy Finance Corporation defies Government call to stop lending ABC News, By Anna Henderson and Jane Norman 1 Nov 2013, The investment fund set up under Labor to encourage low emission technology and renewable energy projects has rejected a request from the Treasurer Joe Hockey to stop making new investments.
The announcement comes ahead of a key shadow cabinet meeting today at which Labor MPs will discuss their next move on the future of the carbon tax. The Coalition’s carbon price repeal policy includes provisions to dismantle the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).Mr Hockey is expected to introduce the legislation later this year and has asked the CEFC to stop lending in the interim.
However, the board and executive of the fund have decided to continue making investment decisions.
In a statement the CEFC says:
“Until legislation is passed, the CEFC is required by law to fulfil its responsibilities under the legislative framework in which it operates. This includes performing our investment function and therefore we are continuing to progress investment proposals.”
The CEFC has already invested more than half a billion dollars in low emissions projects…… http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-01/labor-negative-political-climate-carbon-policy/5063658
Secrecy is the style of Australia’s new Abbott government
PM’s department keeps first briefings secret October 31, 2013 SMH Dan Harrison Health and Indigenous Affairs Correspondent Tony Abbott’s department has decided to keep secret its first briefing for the Prime Minister, arguing disclosure of its advice would be contrary to the public interest.
The decision to block access to the briefing, which was handed to Mr Abbott the day after the election, marks a shift from 2010, when the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet published a redacted version of the briefing it prepared for Julia Gillard.
It follows decisions by Treasury and the Attorney-General’s department – both of which published elements of their 2010 briefs – to refuse Freedom of Information requests for the briefs they prepared for their new political masters.
Fairfax Media, along with other media organisations, applied to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet under Freedom of Information for access to the so-called “blue book” prepared in advance for an incoming Coalition government as well as the “red book” for a re-elected Labor government.
The documents typically provide a frank assessment of the party’s election policies as well as the public service’s view of the economy and other information designed to allow a smooth transition between governments.
The department’s acting first assistant secretary, Myra Croke, declined both requests on the grounds that the release of the briefs would “have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the operations” of the department. “I consider that release of any part of these documents would be contrary to the public interest,” Ms Croke wrote…….
Treasury and the Attorney-General’s department cited similar grounds in refusing requests for their briefs, with the Attorney-General’s department also noting the view expressed publicly by Mr Abbott in opposition that release of the briefs would contravene the Westminster conventions. The Industry and Employment departments have rejected requests from Labor Senator Joe Ludwig for the briefs prepared for their new ministers, arguing the requests are an unreasonable diversion of their resources……..
…..Senator Ludwig said while departments would always take a conservative approach to such requests, Ministers could encourage their departments to release their briefs.
“It is by and large information by individual taxpayers, why shouldn’t they be able to access that information? I think this is a government that is wedded to secrecy,” he said…….. http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/pms-department-keeps-first-briefings-secret-20131031-2wllw.html#ixzz2jQmSYq8j
Fact checking Tony Abbott on his claims about power costs
- The claim: Tony Abbott says electricity and gas prices will drop by 9 per cent and 7 per cent once the carbon tax is abolished.
- The verdict: It is impossible to predict with precision. Many factors determine electricity and gas prices other than the carbon tax.
The precise figures Mr Abbott used in his claim are pure speculation.
Will abolishing the carbon tax reduce power bills? ABC News FACT CHECK, 31 Oct 13 After a three-year campaign to scrap the carbon tax, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has wasted no time in preparing legislation for its final destruction. He’s demanding that the Senate pass it by Christmas. To do that, Mr Abbott needs Labor’s support and that remains unclear. Continue reading
Climate Action Canberra reports that Bill Shorten will stick by the carbon tax!
Climate-Action Canberra 30 Oct 13, Belinda from Bill Shortens office just said he will not backflip and will stick by the carbon tax !
1 This month
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes – A good documentary on Chernobyl on SBS available On Demand for the next 3 weeks– https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/chernobyl-the-lost-tapes/235274195556
21 April Webinar: No Nuclear Weapons in Australia
Start: 2026-04-21 18:00:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
End: 2026-04-21 19:30:00 UTC Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10:00)
Event Type: Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Host Contact Info: australia@icanw.org
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
To see nuclear-related stories in greater depth and intensity
Antinuclear 