Plibersek flags refusal of Clive Palmer-owned coalmine close to Nice Barrier Reef
Katharine Murphy
The surroundings minister Tanya Plibersek has proposed to refuse approval for the billionaire Clive Palmer’s controversial proposal to construct an open minimize coal mine 10km from the coast of the Nice Barrier Reef. That is the brand new surroundings minister’s first determination within the portfolio (versus a delegate of the minister making selections).
In an announcement to Guardian Australia, Plibersek stated:
Based mostly on the data I’ve obtainable to me at this stage, I imagine that the challenge could be prone to have unacceptable impacts to the Nice Barrier Marine Park and the values of the Nice Barrier Reef World Heritage Space and Nationwide Heritage Place. The obtainable proof additionally means that the challenge could be prone to have unacceptable impacts on water sources within the space.
The Queensland authorities final 12 months deemed the Central Queensland coal proposal by a subsidiary firm of Palmer’s flagship entity, Mineralogy, “not appropriate” and stated it posed “a number of unacceptable risks” as a consequence of its location, the prospect of polluted water discharge and a scarcity of efficient mitigation measures.
The choice is now topic to a 10-day session course of.
Key occasions
The decrease home passage of Labor’s local weather invoice marks an early win for local weather motion however should be accompanied by a dedication to ruling out any new coal and fuel tasks, Greenpeace Australia Pacific says.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter stated the strengthening of Labor’s signature coverage was a optimistic first step however the inclusion of a ratchet mechanism signifies that new fossil gas tasks like Woodside’s proposed Browse mega fuel challenge are incompatible with the laws and a secure local weather for Australians.
It’s nice that after the wasted years of the misplaced decade of inaction and rising emissions Australian parliamentarians have lastly been in a position to come collectively to assist deal with a very powerful concern of our occasions. However relating to reining in local weather change, Australia has a number of catching as much as do.
There isn’t any room for any new coal and fuel tasks.
Momentum is so a lot better than doing bugger all, however we now have to hurry the hell up from right here.
Amendments to the invoice obtained by the Greens and independents imply that the present emissions discount goal will solely strengthen and climate-wrecking tasks like Woodside’s Burrup Hub will solely turn into extra untenable sooner or later.
The Albanese authorities has made a begin with this goal however to do what the science calls for to handle world heating, the Federal Authorities must vastly improve its local weather ambition.
Cavoodle named Australia’s hottest canine breed
This could come as no shock to anybody who hasn’t been dwelling below a whole rock for the final three years – cavoodles are Australia’s hottest pup.
AAP has reported on Petbarn’s new Pet Pulse report, which took a snapshot of 750,000 new puppies to find out which breed was essentially the most liked.
It discovered cavoodles, a cross between a poodle and a cavalier King Charles spaniel, was the best choice for Australians between 2016 and 2021.
Labradoodles and groodles additionally made the highest 20, with one other 5 poodle crossbreeds listed within the prime 100.
“All the info confirms it’s a actual factor as a result of it’s positively the impression I’ve had as a practising vet,” Michael Yazbeck of Greencross Vets instructed AAP.
“The apparent factor is that they’re actually cute canines. Lots of people are searching for one thing with that pet look and a typically pleasant manner.”
Greens senator Lidia Thorpe calls out media for lack of reporting on deaths of black ladies
When a black lady is murdered, you don’t hear about it. When a white lady dies, or a white lady is murdered, it’s the entrance web page. There’s rallies. There’s documentaries.
Peter Hannam
Local weather invoice would require doubling the tempo of recent clear vitality capability, consultants say
With the passage of the Albanese authorities’s local weather invoice by the Home of Reps (on the way in which to the Senate subsequent month), some consideration has turned to the impacts of reaching a 43% minimize of Australia’s 2005 emissions degree by 2030.
Considered one of them is the modelled share of renewable vitality within the electrical energy grid. As some journalists famous right now, the federal government is banking on renewables reaching 82% (from simply over 30% for the nationwide electrical energy market) by then.
Two months in the past, we wrote up what it will imply, and principally doubling the tempo of recent clear vitality capability that was added throughout the 2016-21 interval.
We’re speaking about including slightly over 6% of working demand per 12 months, based on Bruce Mountain, the top of the Victoria Power Coverage Centre.
Westpac raises rates of interest on dwelling loans and financial savings accounts
Peter Hannam
After which there have been three: Westpac has chimed in with its fee rises within the wake of the RBA’s hike earlier this week.
Westpac will elevate its key variable mortgage charges by 50 foundation factors – consistent with the RBA but in addition it rivals CBA and ANZ among the many massive 4 banks. NAB presumably will observe go well with shortly.
RateCity says Westpac has, in contrast to its rivals (to date), raised charges on all key financial savings accounts, in some instances by greater than half a share level. Its eSaver account will improve 55 foundation factors from 18 August.
“Westpac’s determination will put stress on CBA and ANZ to hike charges on the favored financial savings accounts they not noted of their official fee bulletins,” RateCity’s analysis director, Sally Tindall, stated.
“At 3.25%, Westpac’s Spend&Save account will quickly provide the best ongoing financial savings fee for younger adults, though present market chief, BOQ, may nonetheless trump this in what has turn into an more and more sought-after buyer base,” she stated.
Local weather Motion Tracker welcomes Labor invoice however charges Australia’s motion ‘inadequate’
The Local weather Motion Tracker is an impartial scientific evaluation produced by Local weather Analytics and NewClimate Institute. That they had this to say on Twitter earlier:
Australia’s decrease home right now handed the govt.’s #climate change invoice, step one towards enshrining its 43% discount by 2030 goal into legislation. The CAT has upgraded Australia’s general Paris Settlement ranking to “Inadequate” fm “Extremely inadequate /2https://t.co/JAPgBrC3tR pic.twitter.com/hkMA9LHifo
— ClimateActionTracker (@climateactiontr) August 4, 2022
The general “Inadequate”ranking signifies that to do its fair proportion of worldwide motion to implement the #ParisAgreement, Australia should improve its contribution to local weather finance. And 1.5˚C compatibility would imply a 2030 goal of not less than 57%. #auspol
/3 pic.twitter.com/fPUqkBWO3L— ClimateActionTracker (@climateactiontr) August 4, 2022
The brand new goal is a optimistic step, however Australia wants stronger insurance policies to achieve 1.5°C compatibility. To extend local weather motion within the essential interval to 2030, the @albo govt might want to abandon help for brand spanking new #coal & fuel tasks, which can drive emissions up, not down /4
— ClimateActionTracker (@climateactiontr) August 4, 2022
To successfully scale back emissions we observe the govt. should abandon current concentrate on offsets – to actual emission reductions fm business & different sectors. In view of significant criticisms of the “fraudulent” home carbon credit score scheme, we welcome the govt. assessment by finish of 2022.
— ClimateActionTracker (@climateactiontr) August 4, 2022
GPs hail new monkeypox vaccine as ‘breakthrough second’
The Royal Australian Faculty of Common Practitioners has welcomed the announcement that Australia has secured a brand new monkeypox vaccine.
The primary supply of roughly 22,000 doses will arrive in Australia later this week with the rest to reach later this 12 months and into 2023.
The RACGP vice-president, Dr Bruce Willett, welcomed the information:
It is a breakthrough second within the combat towards the monkeypox virus.
Happily, we now have not had many instances in Australia and by rolling out this vaccine we will restrict neighborhood transmission and cease the virus taking maintain. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation or Atagi has really useful key teams to be vaccinated.
The states and territories will obtain the vaccine and be liable for managing the rollout inside their jurisdictions and that features prioritising entry to the preliminary doses primarily based on who’s at best threat of publicity or extreme sickness and their native context. So, keep tuned for additional particulars about when you will get vaccinated.
Willett urged Australians to stay calm and hearken to professional well being recommendation:
Given every part we now have been by over the past two-and-a-half years, it’s pure for individuals to be concerned or involved a couple of new virus coming into our shores referred to as monkeypox. You might be reassured that this virus is just not practically as straightforward to contract as Covid-19 and though it’s a ‘cousin’ of smallpox it isn’t wherever close to as lethal.
Hiya everybody, that is Cait – I will likely be with you for the remainder of the day. First up, a giant thanks to Amy for guiding us by the day to date.
First up, I’ve this essential yarn from Benita Kolovos and Nino Bucci a couple of push to reform Victoria’s bail legal guidelines so kids aren’t affected by parental incarceration.
Amy Remeikis signing off till 5 September
On that observe, I’m going handy the weblog over to Cait Kelly to information you thru the night, as I pop off to report the video wrap of the week.
The entire Canberra crew could have extra for you on all of the day’s occasions, so be sure you verify again on the location for extra on the parliamentary goings on.
A really, very massive thanks and the entire like to Mike Bowers who has. not. stopped this complete sitting week and continues to be out within the hallways (after a go to into the moist) to report this present day for you.
The politics dwell weblog is just not potential with out Katharine Murphy’s steerage and management, Paul Karp, Sarah Martin, Josh Butler and Tory Shepherd’s tenacity and persistence, and your complete Guardian crew, together with these with out bylines, who preserve all of it ticking over and knowledgeable.
And naturally, to all of you who stick with us all through the day. You might be simply sensible and we like you.
I’ll be again on the politics dwell weblog when parliament resumes on 5 September. You’ll nonetheless have weblog motion although, with the day by day dwell information weblog again tomorrow to maintain you updated with all of the information.
Thanks – and please, handle you.
In case you missed it, right here is Bridget Archer being welcomed by the crossbench as she crosses the ground to vote sure to passing the local weather laws, as captured by Mike Bowers.
Morrison skips out earlier than the tip of QT, sources say
Associates of the weblog within the Home inform us that Scott Morrison left the chamber earlier than the tip of query time – simply as Anthony Albanese obtained as much as reply his final dixer.
I’d like to skip dixers too, however alas, I’ve a job to do.
Extra ladies than males going hungry world wide, report finds
Care Australia has a brand new report out right now about how extra ladies are going hungry than males worldwide, as assist companies name for $150m from the federal authorities to be spent on tackling world starvation crises.
Care Australia CEO, Peter Walton, stated:
We all know meals costs are going up at dwelling and overseas, we all know there’s an actual threat of unprecedented famine, however what’s not often talked about is how unequally and unfairly that is skilled by ladies. That is the meals safety statistic you not often hear about, and it’s getting worse, quick.”
The Asia area — which incorporates Australia — is reflective of the worldwide image. In 2021, round 13% of ladies and round 10% of males within the area had been severely meals insecure.
Extra ladies than males go hungry for a similar motive extra ladies than males dwell in poverty — they’re denied their fair proportion of sources and alternatives. The pandemic has exacerbated this, with ladies bearing the brunt of job losses and earnings losses as a result of they’re overrepresented in insecure work, amongst different causes,” Mr Walton stated.
‘That is an historic day’: impartial Sophie Scamps on local weather invoice
The impartial MP for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps has launched an announcement on the local weather laws passing by the home:
Right this moment I voted in favour of passing the Authorities’s Local weather Change Invoice within the Home of Representatives. Australia has wasted twenty years in a pointless debate led by vested pursuits, and we are actually taking motion.
The Authorities’s Invoice might be extra formidable, and it needs to be extra formidable – however it’s an enormous step in the suitable route. That is an historic day.
Local weather Change was the primary concern for the individuals of Mackellar on the final election, whereas the individuals of Australia voted for sturdy local weather motion on the final election. By working in good religion with the Albanese Authorities I imagine I’ve been in a position to strengthen and enhance this laws. I need to thank Minister Bowen for his consultative method and for working with my crossbench colleagues and I in good religion.
I hope this collegiate and consultative method continues all through the time period.
As a part of my discussions with Minister Bowen I, together with my crossbench colleagues, urged him to change the language used across the authorities’s 2030 emissions goal. As a substitute of the 43% goal being described as a ceiling to Australia’s ambition, we now have, enshrined in legislation, a minimal 2030 emissions goal of 43%.
I’ll now be working with the federal government to make sure that the suitable insurance policies and packages are in place to beat this goal so we obtain nearer to the 50% discount in emissions that the science says the world should attain by 2030. I’ll maintain the federal government to account on this and can proceed to push for formidable economy-wide local weather motion.
As well as, I urged the federal government to amend their draft Invoice to make sure there’s a statutory assessment of the laws after 5 years after which each decade thereafter and that the Invoice has clear foundational aims that anchors the Act to the Paris Accord to carry this and all future governments to account. I’m happy that each one of those options have been accepted by the Albanese Authorities.
Query time ends on a busy day in Canberra
Nicely, that was fairly the afternoon, to observe fairly the morning.
The rain has not let up all day in Canberra, which has left some MPs and staffers anxious they could be delayed flying out of the capital – and there’s a little bit of a hurried vibe to the afternoon proceedings.
The following sitting isn’t till 5 September and everybody appears very eager on waving Canberra goodbye, not less than within the quick time period.
Conservationists welcome Plibersek’s transfer to dam Clive Palmer mine
The Queensland Conservation Council has welcomed the information Murph reported that Tanya Plibersek plans to dam Clive Palmer’s utility for a brand new coal mine.
The council’s director Dave Copeman says:
It is a victory for Queensland and the Nice Barrier Reef.
Constructing a brand new thermal coal mine 10km from the Nice Barrier Reef World Heritage Space was an excessive, harmful proposal, even for Clive Palmer.
It is a wise utility of the Environmental Safety Biodiversity Conservation Act. This mine would have impacted on dugong and turtle habitats, and been one other unacceptable threat to the Nice Barrier Reef.
This immediate determination is a welcome change from the delayed and questionable decision-making method of the earlier Morrison Authorities.”
It seems like we now have a Minister that understands the science, is keen to hearken to neighborhood issues, and act accordingly.
Tory Shepherd
Abortion supplier apologises to First Nations individuals over pressured contraceptions
MSI Australia – previously generally known as Marie Stopes – has apologised to First Nations individuals for colonial violence and reproductive injustice.
The organisation’s managing director Jamal Hakim stated:
Compelled and coerced sexual and reproductive procedures, together with contraception, abortion and sterilisation, have inflicted profound grief, struggling and loss.
We apologise for these reproductive injustices.
We apologise particularly for pressured sexual and reproductive procedures on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with incapacity, and people who are LGBTIQ+.
For the ache, struggling, and harm skilled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, their households, and communities, we are saying sorry.
Supervisor of psychosocial well being, Alison Fonseca, defined the title change:
Marie Stopes (1880-1958) was identified for her contributions to household planning, however she was additionally a eugenicist.
The title change is a crucial gesture to maneuver away from ties to eugenics, colonisation, racism and paternalism for which household planning providers had been identified.
