While many rejoice, Tony Abbott weeps, on departure of Martin Ferguson from Parliament
What a charade! Abbott showing his lovely side as Labor’s Martin Ferguson, firm supporter of the Liberal Party’s nuclear policies, announced his departure from Parliament.
No doubt Martin Fergsuon will go on to some lucrative position in the private sector, pushing fossil fuel and nuclear energy.
Abbott tears up as he praises retiring Labor MP An emotional Tony Abbott choked back tears as he praised former resources minister and Labor MP Martin Ferguson, who today announced he will retire from politics after the September election….. In a gushing speech Mr Abbott called Mr Ferguson a “great Australian” and said the parliament and the nation “would be poorer for his absence”…. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/29/16/04/emotional-abbott-praises-outgoing-labor-mp#gigyaComments
Questions in Australia’s Senate about Wiluna and other uranium projects – get not very straight answers
Christina Macpherson 29 May 13, These questions were asked in Senate Estimates today, and did not always get clear answers.http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/estimates/office-supervising-scientist-5
Senator Ludlam asked the Acting Office of the Supervising Scientist about the following matters:
- Toro Energy uranium project, (Wiluna W.A.) Questions about the process of final recommendation of this project – the final disposal of uranium tailings. The appropriate officers were not available to answer this question.
- Closure and rehabilitation of the Ranger uranium mine (NT) .
- Closure and clean-up of Nabarlek uranium mine (NT) – Still some outstanding jobs to be done.
- Remediation works at Rum Jungle closed uranium mine (NT) – depends on an options document to be produced by the Northern Territory Government – this document may or may not be made public.
- Question about Queensland Government’s uranium implementation committee, – The OSS has not responded to this Committee and the committee has not asked the OSS for advice.
- Question about 10 years since inqury Report critical of regulatory regime at Ranger – whether all its recommendations have been carried out. Answer – this would be better as a formal question on notice. Ludlam – ” A formal response will be greatly appreciated.”
Liberal Coalition policy on climate change does not stand up to scrutiny
In this article, the author says that Tony Abbott “confirmed his belief in man-made climate change.” But in fact, he didn’t. Abbott said that ‘‘We accept the science that says that something is happening to our planet.’’ So – Abbott agreed about the change, but NOT about whether human activiity was the cause of the change.
Doubts over Coalition plan to cut emissions SMH, May 28, 2013 Tom Arup Environment editor, The Age Storing carbon dioxide in soil and plants will deliver less than five per cent of the emissions cuts assumed under the Coalition’s direct action climate change policy, according to government estimates, as Tony Abbott also confirmed in Parliament his belief in man-made climate change.
Climate change department officials told a Senate estimates hearing on Monday night that soil carbon and revegetation projects are currently expected to deliver just 3.7 million tonnes a year of emissions cuts by 2020.
Labor says these new estimates blow a hole in the Coalition’s direct action climate change policy, which suggested up to 85 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide cuts could come from soil carbon projects alone by the end of the decade. Continue reading
As Australians learn about cheaper renewable energy, most want to keep the carbon tax
Mixed Greens: Swing voters want carbon price to stay – poll REneweconomy, By Sophie Vorrath 28 May 2013
The Australian reports that the poll also showed that while 42 per cent of voters want the carbon pricing regime repealed, when given a message suggesting it would make renewable energy cheaper, that number falls to 35 per cent. The poll also showed that, when given this positive message, the number of voters who thought carbon pricing should be given a chance to work rose from 39 per cent to 45 per cent. Of Labor voters, 76 per cent think the carbon price should be given a chance; and 77 per cent of Greens voters. But 65 per cent of Liberal voters want the carbon price repealed, reports The Australian…. eneweconomy.com.au/2013/mixed-greens-swing-voters-want-carbon-price-to-stay-poll-65575
In 2001 Australia’s Liberal Party began the Renewable Energy Target, but now backtrackng on it
Renewable Energy Projects in Australia Shelved Until September Election Results International Business Times,By Athena Yenko | May 27, 2013 Future plans of further developing the Infigen renewable energy project in Canberra and other related projects has come in a standstill as Australia waits for September election results…… Meanwhile, the challenge in changing or developing renewable energy projects is on opposition leader Tony Abbott. The challenge is politically risky for Mr. Abbott not only because there is a multi-billion of dollars at risk but more importantly because the campaign for renewable energy is Conservative’s “baby project.”
It is to be recalled that in 2001, the conservative government introduced the world-first mandatory target for renewable energy. The decision followed scientific warnings of global warming and pressure from the public to act on the ten-year drought…….
During Labor’s seat in power in 2007, laws were passed requiring that 20 per cent of power will come from renewable energy come 2020. The said law stated that fixedRenewable Energy Target of 41,00 gigawatt hours from solar, geothermal and win. This was supported by certified certificates saying that to make renewable energy more usable than coal generators, the RET will be supported by 41 million tons of greenhouse produced from national emissions yearly.
But as Australia waits for the September 14 results, all planned remained hanging in the air.
Nathan Fabian, head of Australia’s Investor Group on Climate Change, said that “We expect changes. We don’t know what they’ll be. But the uncertainty is having a crippling effect on the market. We don’t see any clear long-term policy direction on the climate or energy sector from the opposition. And until that is clear, capital is sitting on the sidelines.”
Mr. Fabian and Australia’s Investor Group on Climate Change had investments with approximately $900 billion in funds – a great risk they fear if the industry suffers because of the change in political seats. The group’s investments include pension funds and major international banks.http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/471478/20130527/renewable-energy-projects-australia-september-14-elections.htm#.UaUITdJwpLs
A Liberal Tea Party to fight wind energy- June 18, at Parliament House
Libs defy party on wind farms http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/libs-defy-party-on-wind-farms-20130525-2n3rn.html#ixzz2UWrz9qhn May 26, 2013 Chris Johnson National Political Correspondent Come clean”: The boldness of the Liberal windfarm opponents is raising suggestions the Coalition is about the back-flip on the renewable energy target. Outspoken Liberal MPs plan to defy publicly the official party line by attending a Tea Party-style anti-wind-farm rally at Parliament House, widening the rift in Coalition ranks over renewable energy targets.
The Canberra rally on June 18 is being promoted through a clandestine group using a website called stopthesethings.com, which conceals the identity of many of its supporters. Broadcaster Alan Jones is named on the site as master of ceremonies for the event, which is being touted as the ”Wind Power Fraud” rally.
NSW Liberal MPs Craig Kelly and Alby Schultz are among the line-up of speakers, as is West Australian Liberal senator Chris Bach. The Coalition’s star candidate to replace the retiring Mr Schultz in the seat of Hume Angus Taylor has also been recruited. The boldness of the Liberal wind-farm opponents is raising suggestions the Coalition is about to backflip on the renewable energy target, a bipartisan commitment to source a fifth of Australia’s power from renewables by 2020.
The shadow environment minister Greg Hunt recently confirmed the party’s commitment to the target and chose not to chastise the MPs who had begun speaking out against it. ”The Coalition is aware of the community concerns regarding wind farms,” Mr Hunt said. ”We have committed to a full medical research into the potential impact if elected. It is important that MPs listen to their communities … there is no change to our support for the 20 per cent target.”
During a post-budget interview with Mr Jones, shadow treasurer Joe Hockey would not be drawn on the issue, saying only that he would have to consult with his colleagues. The rally’s organisers are goading Mr Hockey to ”come clean” over renewable energy.
Victorian senator John Madigan (Democratic Labor) and independent South Australian senator Nick Xenophon will also speak. The pair has co-sponsored of an excessive noise bill in relation to wind farms. Senator Xenophon said he was invited through Senator Madigan’s office and didn’t really know who was behind the rally.
”I don’t look at all my invitations that closely,” he said. ”But I am happy to talk at the event and I will say that, while I do believe something should be done about climate change, the economics of wind farms don’t stack up and neither do the environmental benefits.” Senator Madigan’s office confirmed he was scheduled to address the gathering.
Environmental groups did not wish to comment, but it’s understood plans are being considered to stage a Canberra event in support of renewable energy on the same day.
Liberal Coalition would reverse renewable energy progress. Risky politics?
Reversing renewable momentum would be politically risky for opposition leader Tony Abbott, not only because of electoral concern about climate change and the billions of dollars at stake, but also because the push to cleaner energy was born in conservative politics.
Australia’s political freeze on renewables Climate Spectator, Rob Taylor 27 May13, On a line of low hills standing sentinel beside a dry lake bed near Australia’s capital, giant turbines turning slo in a chill winter breeze give no hint of a multi-billion-dollar storm building around renewable energy. Slowly Infigen Energy’s Capital Windfarm, built five years ago, was a vanguard for wind power as Australia sought to wean itself from cheap fossil-fuel power in the face of climate shift blamed in part for Lake George’s transformation to a vast plain.
But big plans to expand the Infigen renewable energy project near Canberra and others like it have been put on hold awaiting the outcome of the September election. The ballot, which opinion polls show the opposition conservatives winning, along with an economic slowdown and rising home energy bills have put the brakes on Australia’s decade-long clean energy push.
At stake in the September 14 vote is a controversial carbon trading scheme championed by ruling Labor to curb greenhouse gas emissions, with a $20 billion pipeline in renewable investment largely on hold as nervous companies sit on their hands. Continue reading
Energy Savings Agency – a practical proposal by The Greens
Australian Greens Propose Energy Savings Agency http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3760 27 May 13, Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne says an ‘Energy Savings Agency’ will make Australia’s energy system fairer, cheaper and cleaner.
Announcing the plan on Friday, Senator Milne saidFederal and State Governments had failed to prevent a blowout in spending on poles and wires; accusing some state governments on profiting from their electricity assets.
“Selling less electricity is not in their interest which is why reform of the energy market is too slow and why intervention is vital.”The Greens say the Federal Government had committed to fast-tracking establishment of a National Energy Savings Initiative to replace state-based energy
efficiency trading schemes, but three years on is yet to complete a Regulatory Impact Statement.
The proposed Energy Savings Agency would be an independent agency charged with disseminating information, analysis, advocacy and financial support to break down barriers to cheaper and cleaner energy options; such as solar power.
The Greens believe the Agency would also drive down power bills by achieving $1 billion in energy savings – energy efficiency is not only the low hanging fruit in slashing power bills; but also in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, a reduction of 3000 MW of peak demand would be achieved and 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.
The Energy Savings Agency would also ensure solar power system owners are paid a fair rate for the surplus electricity they export to the mains grid.
According to a paper (PDF) released to coincide with the announcement, “fair value” for solar electricity has been underestimated to date as benefits such as avoided electricity distribution costs and time of production were undervalued.
Targets set under the Agency would initially be ‘collaborative targets’; becoming mandatory targets if networks “do not respond adequately to the targets in this form within 18 months”.
Senator Milne said the proposal has been costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and will cost $405 million to run each year.
Australian Greens’ practical plan for an Energy Savings Agency
Politics of solar: Milne, Hunt and the CEFC, REneweconomy, By Giles Parkinson 24 May 2013 The politics around solar, and the renewable energy target, and enabling bodies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation continue to get murkier as the election approaches. Attendees at the Solar 2013 conference in Melbourne got a taste of it on Friday as various politicians swaggered into the conference. Investment certainty is craved, and promised. But it remains elusive.
Greens leader Christine Milne delivered the only new initiative, saying she wants to establish a new federal government agency – the Energy Savings Agency – that she says will lower electricity bills, save energy and reduce emissions.
She says the Energy Savings Agency will have three priorities – focusing on reducing demand in peak periods, striking a minimum and compulsory “fair price” for electricity generated by consumers and exported to the grid, and designing a national energy efficiency scheme, something that Labor has talked about but failed to deliver.
Milne proposes providing $400 million over 5 years in incentives to reduce demand, which she says could deliver $1 billion in energy savings. The national EE scheme would look to combine and expand the three state-based schemes currently in operation.
She said the agency will make Australia’s energy system fairer, cheaper and cleaner. “The Federal and State Governments have failed to prevent unnecessary spending on new electricity poles and wires,” Senator Milne said. “Make no mistake, several state governments want to maximise profit from their electricity assets. Selling less electricity is not in their interest which is why reform of the energy market is too slow and why intervention is vital.”
“We need an independent agency to provide information, analysis, advocacy and financial support to help remove the barriers to cheaper and cleaner energy options.”
Senator Milne said the proposal has been costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and will cost $405 million to run each year.
The case of over-investment in the grid was one taken up by Oliver Yates, the CEO of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which has $10 billion in funds to invest – for a commercial return – in emerging renewable technologies, and which is likely to be a major catalyst of big solar and other significant renewable projects.
Yates said that the $40 billion spent on the grid in recent years had provided a “miserable” outcome for consumers. A study to be released soon by the CEFC will conclude that a minimal amount had been spent on demand management – despite numerous studies saying that these could have saved billions of dollar in investment, and thousands of dollars to individual households.
“Rather than writing off expenditure … there is a real risk that these costs will get pushed onto retail and commercial customers that produce electricity,” Yates said. This would be bad for the solar industry. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/politics-of-solar-milne-hunt-and-the-cefc-22212
Greg Hunt and the Liberal Coalition’s plans to sabotage renewable energy
Politics of solar: Milne, Hunt and the CEFC, REneweconomy, By Giles Parkinson 24 May 2013 “……The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) this week released its investment policies, which include as a rough guideline a minimum $20 million investment by the agency, and targeting projects of around $200 million.
But the CEFC is now the subject of a fierce political battle, with the Coalition repeating its vow to not just disband the CEFC, but also to dishonour contracts entered into by the CEFC, and to repatriate money not spent by the time the “caretaker” period ahead of the September poll begins on August 12.
Coalition climate spokesman Greg Hunt spoke to the audience about the need for investment certainty and removing sovereign risk, but the Coalition’s two biggest policy proposals – removal of the CEFC and having yet another review of the renewable energy target in 2014 – are creating just that…..
Hunt was asked three times to clarify his position on the RET, and whether that included support for the 41,000GWh target. To which he replied each time, “we are committed to the 20 per cent target, and have proposed no changes.”
But despite his desire to have “investment certainty”, he reiterated the Coalition’s preference to have a 2-yearly review rather than a four yearly review recommended by the Climate Change Authority – and endorsed although not yet legislated by the government. It is this very prospect of yet another review in a year’s time – and the fear of a more favourable response to the utilities’ demands to lower the fixed target in response to falling demand – which is currently stalling investment.
He also repeated his intention to disband the CCA, as well as the various clean technology programs which had been facilitating investment in rooftop solar and energy efficiency programs on commercial rooftops – a program that has been warmly embraced by the manufacturing sector…. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/politics-of-solar-milne-hunt-and-the-cefc-22212
Wikileaks Party- official registration open for comment until June 24
WikiLeaks Party closer to registering SMH, May 22, 2013 Paul Osborne, AAP Senior Political Writer The WikiLeaks political party is a step closer to being registered in Australia.
The Australian Electoral Commission on Wednesday published the constitution of the WikiLeaks Party and opened up the party’s official registration for public comment until June 24. WikiLeaks website founder Julian Assange plans to run for the Senate in Victoria at the September 14 election…. The WikiLeaks Party aims to run Senate candidates in Victoria, NSW and Western Australia.
Among the party’s objectives in its constitution are to “do all that is necessary to secure, develop and protect human rights and freedoms” and to hold governments, unions and corporations accountable for their actions.
The 10 names on the party application do not include Mr Assange. …. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/wikileaks-party-closer-to-registering-20130522-2k03g.html
Tony Abbott’s determination to destroy action on climate chnage
Liberals’ plan to dismantle carbon laws BY:GRAHAM LLOYD, ENVIRONMENT EDITOR The Australian May 18, 2013 TONY Abbott would prepare for a double-dissolution election within five months of taking office if parliament blocked the repeal of the carbon tax, under a 12-month action blueprint to transform the nation’s environmental laws….( subscribers only) http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/liberals-plan-to-dismantle-carbon-laws/story-fn59niix-1226645695162
Northern Territory uranium miners no longer to claim tax costs for offices in foreign countries
Mining miners for a little extra cash NT News, ALISON BEVEGE | May 15th, 2013 THE NT Government has moved to close two tax loopholes to gain an additional $10.6 million out of mining companies.
It’s the only revenue-raising move in this year’s savings-based Budget. Mineral production was forecast to be worth $2.7 billion in 2013-14 but mining royalties are expected to raise $113.3 million, for a recovery rate of 4.2 per cent.
The first new Budget measure is a cap on the amount mining companies can claim as a transfer price for a mineral set at 5.5 per cent of its value……
The second measure would put a cap on the amount corporations can claim on tax for administrative costs for a foreign head office. Mr Tollner said they had been claiming expenses as NT costs……. http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2013/05/15/320899_nt-business.html
Coalition parties anti-wind energy, hypocritical about renewabl eenergy
Coalition dances around renewables commitment – again REneweconomy, Giles Parkinson 18 May 13, Joe Hockey refuses to endorse support for renewable energy, saying he had only just received the Budget Papers. Meanwhile, Coalition politicians are said to have signed up to speak at an anti-wind rally outside Parliament House. http://reneweconomy.com.au/2013/coalition-dances-around-renewables-commitment-again-84662
Tony Abbott’s claims about scrapping carbon tax – need scrutiny
Fact check: will scrapping the carbon price lower electricity prices? Fact check: will scrapping the carbon price lower electricity prices? The Conversation, Dylan McConnell, 18 May 13, Tony Abbott has said he will scrap the carbon “tax”, leading to a fall in electricity prices.
In his budget reply speech he stated: We will abolish the carbon tax – because that’s the quickest way to reduce power prices and take the pressure off cost of living and job security.
But will removing the carbon price really lower electricity prices, and if so, by how much?…….
wholesale costs only account for around 37% of retail electricity prices. Other major components of retail prices are transmission costs,
distribution costs (“poles and wires”), and retail costs (which include costs like the Renewable Energy Target).
Over the same period transmission costs went up 27%, distribution by 11% and retail costs by 17%. These components are independent of the carbon price, and account for the majority of hikes in retail electricity prices.
It’s worth remembering too that even without the carbon price, electricity prices are predicted to rise. Climate Change Authority
research suggests that without the carbon price, the rise would with be slightly smaller, with retail electricity prices just 6% lower. .http://theconversation.com/fact-check-will-scrapping-the-carbon-price-lower-electricity-prices-14408
1 This month.
20 September –National Day of Action in Melbourne on the International Day of Peace
Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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