Post of the Day
Yes, Australia’s carbon emissions do have an impact
Nicholas Bugeja
Don’t listen to the climate sceptics that say Australia’s emissions are irrelevant to tackling climate change. Our contribution does matter — and it has real consequences for fighting this most urgent threat
Today’s Celebration
Anniversary of the Arengo – San Marino
Commemoration Day of victims of the Communist Terror – Latvia
Independence Day – Greece
Struggle for Human Rights Day – Slovakia
Mother’s Day – Slovenia
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin – Christianity
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
International Day of the Unborn Child
Climate Change
Cyclone Idai lays bare deadly reality of climate change in Africa
Although experts have said it was too early to draw specific conclusions from Idai, for a continent already wracked by the effects of climate change, the Tropical Cyclone has been another chilling reminder of the destructive power of the kind of storms that will become more common in the future.
National
Labor edges away from using Kyoto credits to reach Paris target
Bill Shorten has given a further indication that Labor will not use the ‘accounting trick’ as part of its emissions policy
Morrison working on coal peace plan [$]
Scott Morrison and Michael McCormack are working on a peace deal over coal fired power to prevent another outbreak of hostilities within the Coalition.
Australian faces FTA pressure to cut emissions [$]
French officials want Australia to be more ambitious in setting targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy regulator wants more power to fine monopoly electricity networks
The energy watchdog wants more powers to fine poles and wires companies, saying they have used their monopoly positions to give their subsidiaries unfair competitive advantages in the market.
Yes, Australia’s carbon emissions do have an impact
Nicholas Bugeja
Don’t listen to the climate sceptics that say Australia’s emissions are irrelevant to tackling climate change. Our contribution does matter — and it has real consequences for fighting this most urgent threat
Australia is back in the nuclear game
Noel Wauchope
One of Australia’s chief advocates for nuclear power Dr Adi Paterson, CEO of Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, (ANSTO), has done it again. This time in China, he quietly signed Australia up to spend taxpayers’ money on developing a new nuclear gimmick — the Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR).
Why climate change risks are ‘material’ for big finance
Clancy Yeates
After a prod from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the financial regulator this month reminded superannuation funds that their job was to stay out of political causes, and stick to their knitting: looking after members’ interests.
New South Wales
Shooters say support for NSW government conditional on Murray-Darling action
Robert Borsak says his party, which picked up three seats in lower house and another in upper house, will use its clout to push through its policy agenda
NSW regional water minister steps down
Nationals deputy leader and NSW regional water minister Niall Blair has stepped down from his portfolio.
‘Murray Darling fail cost us seats’ [$]
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has declared that “the Murray Darling Basin Plan has failed NSW”.
Worn, uneven, flooded: young people need better parks to get out and play
Deborah Ascher Barnstone et al
Poor quality and access are common barriers to young people using parks.
NSW election: bush politics have changed, but the Nationals have not
Gabrielle Chan
The devastating swings against the party demonstrate that turning up with a big cheque before an election doesn’t cut it any more
Lessons for dead fish campaigners [$]
Graham Lloyd
Any illusions a good heart on the environment would be enough to secure electoral victory were shattered by the NSW result.
ACT
Climate change putting autumn displays at risk
One expert has said hotter than average summers are causing Canberra’s trees to be less colourful during the colder months.
Queensland
Cyclone Trevor slows to tropical low as it heads for Queensland
Residents who were evacuated have begun to return home.
Hunt for real stinker of a pest [$]
Biosecurity are on the alert against an invasion of bugs that will cause a real stink if they gain a foothold in Queensland.
South Australia
Councils keen to jump on solar bulk-buy bandwagon [$]
Almost 20 other councils across three states have approached Adelaide-based Cool or Cosy about potential bulk-buys of solar technology for their residents, following the success of a Port Pirie scheme.
Power bills cut to zero as batteries charge up [$]
Adding batteries to solar panels can reduce household electricity bills to zero, according to the State Government as it urges more people to sign up for green power subsidies.
SA government fears ‘gaming’ of price move [$]
South Australia’s Liberal government has raised concern over power price regulation proposed by its federal counterpart.
Tasmania
Tasmania Gordon River cruise: Australia’s convict ‘hell on Earth’ is now more like a paradise
Hell on earth isn’t such a bad place. A harbour six times the size of Sydney’s surrounds it, and it’s just a handful of kilometres to the immaculate rainforest reflections of the Gordon River, which are like etchings on the water.
Northern Territory
NT residents begin clean-up following Cyclone Trevor
As Cyclone Trevor is downgraded, residents in the Northern Territory are assessing the damage to their homes.
Western Australia
Cyclone Veronica: Residents warned to stay indoors amid flood fears
West Australians are being urged to remain indoors as the weakening but still dangerous Cyclone Veronica moves through the state’s northern regions.
Sustainability
How electric vehicles force automakers to play nice
Industry upheaval is driving new partnerships.
A Green New Deal for the US and beyond
Can this much lauded proposal help advance internationalist aims? Mark Engler argues that it could.
Brace yourself for more attention — and attacks — on climate change and the environment
Peter Dykstra
Climate and the environment may be poised to take center stage in American politics. But for many, it’ll be as anti-environment talking points.
Nature Conservation
Hunt for bogus asthma cure threatens pangolins
The most trafficked mammal on the planet is in dangerous decline
Russian arrested smuggling Indon orangutan
Authorities say they have arrested a Russian tourist who was attempting to smuggle a drugged orangutan out of Indonesia’s resort island of Bali.
6 Florence St Niddrie 3042
93741902
0432406862