Alarm as LNP takes wind out of energy plan, renewables
A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away.
Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014.
But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence.
"One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP.
Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure".
Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas.
Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources.
Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects.
He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame.
"Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland."
Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money".
The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said.
"Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP.
A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals.
But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025.
He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million.
"We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said.
The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29.
A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders.
The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000.
A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals.
A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away.
Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014.
But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence.
"One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP.
Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure".
Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas.
Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources.
Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects.
He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame.
"Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland."
Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money".
The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said.
"Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP.
A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals.
But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025.
He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million.
"We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said.
The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29.
A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders.
The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000.
A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals.
A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away.
Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014.
But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence.
"One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP.
Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure".
Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas.
Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources.
Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects.
He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame.
"Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland."
Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money".
The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said.
"Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP.
A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals.
But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025.
He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million.
"We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said.
The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29.
A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders.
The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000.
A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals.
A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away.
Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014.
But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence.
"One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP.
Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure".
Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas.
Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources.
Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects.
He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame.
"Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland."
Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money".
The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said.
"Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP.
A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals.
But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025.
He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million.
"We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said.
The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29.
A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders.
The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000.
A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals.
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Australia's Iran fallout warning despite uneasy truce
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The Labor government initially took a more neutral stance but backed the US bombings after the coalition came out in support first. Dr Moritz said the government's quick decision was concerning and drew comparisons to the events of 2003, where Australia joined the US war in Iraq under false claims it possessed weapons of mass destruction. Though she hoped a ceasefire would hold, Dr Moritz warned the conflict would have long-term ramifications. US international partners have begun to more closely examine whether American interests align with their own as President Donald Trump emerges as a foreign policy disruptor. The conflict could incentivise Arab states to pursue nuclear weapons and lead Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and rebuild its nuclear program. Dr Moritz said Iran could become more repressive and conservative because it might lose some support, using the events as an excuse to violently repress opposition groups. Anyone within the regime who supported diplomatic engagement with the West would be sidelined too. This could impact Australian-Iranian communities, many of whom hoped the conflict could help de-stabilise the Iranian autocracy and pave the way for a new, democratic government. Persian Australian Community Association member Nader Ranjbar said the regime's continuation could lead to his "worst fear". "That somehow they get away from this mess and the first thing they do is start killing Iranian people," he told AAP. Mr Trump attacked both nations for breaching the ceasefire in the early stages, saying "they don't know what the f*** they are doing" on live television. The prime minister was unperturbed by the language. "President Trump made some pretty clear statements. I don't think it needs any further reflection," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday. 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While the federal government has repeatedly called for diplomacy and peace, it differed from other US allies by supporting America's decision to join Israel's offensive and strike Iran. Concerns had been raised if the action was legal, making Australia's position on the strikes "worrying", regardless of whether a ceasefire held, analyst Jessie Moritz told AAP. "Given that the intelligence that Israel was operating under was not confirmed even by the US, that really raised the question of whether this was a legal war and whether this was breaking an international norm," the Australian National University Arab and Islamic studies lecturer said. "Breaking international norms is a huge problem because it allows our enemies to break that norm with us." The Labor government initially took a more neutral stance but backed the US bombings after the coalition came out in support first. Dr Moritz said the government's quick decision was concerning and drew comparisons to the events of 2003, where Australia joined the US war in Iraq under false claims it possessed weapons of mass destruction. Though she hoped a ceasefire would hold, Dr Moritz warned the conflict would have long-term ramifications. US international partners have begun to more closely examine whether American interests align with their own as President Donald Trump emerges as a foreign policy disruptor. The conflict could incentivise Arab states to pursue nuclear weapons and lead Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and rebuild its nuclear program. Dr Moritz said Iran could become more repressive and conservative because it might lose some support, using the events as an excuse to violently repress opposition groups. Anyone within the regime who supported diplomatic engagement with the West would be sidelined too. This could impact Australian-Iranian communities, many of whom hoped the conflict could help de-stabilise the Iranian autocracy and pave the way for a new, democratic government. Persian Australian Community Association member Nader Ranjbar said the regime's continuation could lead to his "worst fear". "That somehow they get away from this mess and the first thing they do is start killing Iranian people," he told AAP. Mr Trump attacked both nations for breaching the ceasefire in the early stages, saying "they don't know what the f*** they are doing" on live television. The prime minister was unperturbed by the language. "President Trump made some pretty clear statements. I don't think it needs any further reflection," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday. "We want to see peace in the region, we want to see a ceasefire, we want to see de-escalation, and that is consistent with the very clear comments of President Trump." In the early hours of the day, 119 Australians and family members left Tel Aviv on a government-assisted flight. There are still about 3000 Australians in Iran who have registered with the government for help to leave, and more than 1000 in Israel. The latest conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel fired missiles at Iran in a bid to blow up military assets, arguing it was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons. The battle took a turn on the weekend when the US launched a bombing raid on three underground nuclear facilities in Iran. Conflict between Iran and Israel will have consequences for Australia, even if a ceasefire holds, an expert warns. While the federal government has repeatedly called for diplomacy and peace, it differed from other US allies by supporting America's decision to join Israel's offensive and strike Iran. Concerns had been raised if the action was legal, making Australia's position on the strikes "worrying", regardless of whether a ceasefire held, analyst Jessie Moritz told AAP. "Given that the intelligence that Israel was operating under was not confirmed even by the US, that really raised the question of whether this was a legal war and whether this was breaking an international norm," the Australian National University Arab and Islamic studies lecturer said. "Breaking international norms is a huge problem because it allows our enemies to break that norm with us." The Labor government initially took a more neutral stance but backed the US bombings after the coalition came out in support first. Dr Moritz said the government's quick decision was concerning and drew comparisons to the events of 2003, where Australia joined the US war in Iraq under false claims it possessed weapons of mass destruction. Though she hoped a ceasefire would hold, Dr Moritz warned the conflict would have long-term ramifications. US international partners have begun to more closely examine whether American interests align with their own as President Donald Trump emerges as a foreign policy disruptor. The conflict could incentivise Arab states to pursue nuclear weapons and lead Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and rebuild its nuclear program. Dr Moritz said Iran could become more repressive and conservative because it might lose some support, using the events as an excuse to violently repress opposition groups. Anyone within the regime who supported diplomatic engagement with the West would be sidelined too. This could impact Australian-Iranian communities, many of whom hoped the conflict could help de-stabilise the Iranian autocracy and pave the way for a new, democratic government. Persian Australian Community Association member Nader Ranjbar said the regime's continuation could lead to his "worst fear". "That somehow they get away from this mess and the first thing they do is start killing Iranian people," he told AAP. Mr Trump attacked both nations for breaching the ceasefire in the early stages, saying "they don't know what the f*** they are doing" on live television. The prime minister was unperturbed by the language. "President Trump made some pretty clear statements. I don't think it needs any further reflection," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday. "We want to see peace in the region, we want to see a ceasefire, we want to see de-escalation, and that is consistent with the very clear comments of President Trump." In the early hours of the day, 119 Australians and family members left Tel Aviv on a government-assisted flight. There are still about 3000 Australians in Iran who have registered with the government for help to leave, and more than 1000 in Israel. The latest conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel fired missiles at Iran in a bid to blow up military assets, arguing it was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons. The battle took a turn on the weekend when the US launched a bombing raid on three underground nuclear facilities in Iran. Conflict between Iran and Israel will have consequences for Australia, even if a ceasefire holds, an expert warns. While the federal government has repeatedly called for diplomacy and peace, it differed from other US allies by supporting America's decision to join Israel's offensive and strike Iran. Concerns had been raised if the action was legal, making Australia's position on the strikes "worrying", regardless of whether a ceasefire held, analyst Jessie Moritz told AAP. "Given that the intelligence that Israel was operating under was not confirmed even by the US, that really raised the question of whether this was a legal war and whether this was breaking an international norm," the Australian National University Arab and Islamic studies lecturer said. "Breaking international norms is a huge problem because it allows our enemies to break that norm with us." The Labor government initially took a more neutral stance but backed the US bombings after the coalition came out in support first. Dr Moritz said the government's quick decision was concerning and drew comparisons to the events of 2003, where Australia joined the US war in Iraq under false claims it possessed weapons of mass destruction. Though she hoped a ceasefire would hold, Dr Moritz warned the conflict would have long-term ramifications. US international partners have begun to more closely examine whether American interests align with their own as President Donald Trump emerges as a foreign policy disruptor. The conflict could incentivise Arab states to pursue nuclear weapons and lead Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and rebuild its nuclear program. Dr Moritz said Iran could become more repressive and conservative because it might lose some support, using the events as an excuse to violently repress opposition groups. Anyone within the regime who supported diplomatic engagement with the West would be sidelined too. This could impact Australian-Iranian communities, many of whom hoped the conflict could help de-stabilise the Iranian autocracy and pave the way for a new, democratic government. Persian Australian Community Association member Nader Ranjbar said the regime's continuation could lead to his "worst fear". "That somehow they get away from this mess and the first thing they do is start killing Iranian people," he told AAP. Mr Trump attacked both nations for breaching the ceasefire in the early stages, saying "they don't know what the f*** they are doing" on live television. The prime minister was unperturbed by the language. "President Trump made some pretty clear statements. I don't think it needs any further reflection," Mr Albanese said on Wednesday. "We want to see peace in the region, we want to see a ceasefire, we want to see de-escalation, and that is consistent with the very clear comments of President Trump." In the early hours of the day, 119 Australians and family members left Tel Aviv on a government-assisted flight. There are still about 3000 Australians in Iran who have registered with the government for help to leave, and more than 1000 in Israel. The latest conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel fired missiles at Iran in a bid to blow up military assets, arguing it was on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons. The battle took a turn on the weekend when the US launched a bombing raid on three underground nuclear facilities in Iran.
The Age
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‘It's not a voucher': This is how Queensland's $100 back-to-school bonus will work
Every Queensland primary school student will get $100 wiped off their back-to-school costs next year, but that won't even cover the cost of pencils and books. The LNP government's Back to School Boost will give $100 to every state, Catholic and independent primary school student from January 1, and it will not be means tested. The payments will cost the government $188.6 million over four years, and can be spent on books, stationery, devices, excursions, uniforms, and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts. Despite it being described in a government press release on Tuesday as a '$100 voucher', Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek clarified on Wednesday that it was not a voucher. 'It's going to go to school accounts, then the parents can use it as a credit towards things they have costs for – so we're not giving people vouchers,' he said. 'Because, of course, what will always happen is, we have people saying 'cash them in'. We want to make sure this is applied to the costs of going to school.' On Facebook, parents said they feared schools would not pass the savings on. It was also not immediately clear exactly how the rebates would work, as the official book list tends to be ordered via an external office supplies company, or parents buy similar items from stores such as Officeworks or Big W. Excursions are billed via schools, but uniforms are often sold through P&Cs, which have separate bank accounts.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘It's not a voucher': This is how Queensland's $100 back-to-school bonus will work
Every Queensland primary school student will get $100 wiped off their back-to-school costs next year, but that won't even cover the cost of pencils and books. The LNP government's Back to School Boost will give $100 to every state, Catholic and independent primary school student from January 1, and it will not be means tested. The payments will cost the government $188.6 million over four years, and can be spent on books, stationery, devices, excursions, uniforms, and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts. Despite it being described in a government press release on Tuesday as a '$100 voucher', Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek clarified on Wednesday that it was not a voucher. 'It's going to go to school accounts, then the parents can use it as a credit towards things they have costs for – so we're not giving people vouchers,' he said. 'Because, of course, what will always happen is, we have people saying 'cash them in'. We want to make sure this is applied to the costs of going to school.' On Facebook, parents said they feared schools would not pass the savings on. It was also not immediately clear exactly how the rebates would work, as the official book list tends to be ordered via an external office supplies company, or parents buy similar items from stores such as Officeworks or Big W. Excursions are billed via schools, but uniforms are often sold through P&Cs, which have separate bank accounts.
