LEAN social media highlights
This page notes items from LEAN's Twitter account @LEANAustralia and Facebook page @LEANAustralia
January 2023
- Endorsed call for action on surging number of feral horses in Kosciusko national park
- Highlighted report on ineffectiveness of current national provisions for protection of threatened species
- Called for implementation of ALP platform against ISDS clauses in trade agreements
- Welcomed NSW Labor recommitment to Great Koala National Park
- Endorsed call for Victoria and Tasmania to reclassify feral deer as pests instead of protected game animal
- Noted NT land clearing for cotton as reason for strong national environment laws, monitoring and enforcement
- Welcomed launch in UK of Labor Climate and Environment Forum
- Highlighted US study on link between gas stoves and childhood asthma
- Endorsed Rewiring Australia report on electrification as anti-inflationary measure
December 2022
- Posted rollcall of Albanese Government initiatives so far on climate and environment
- Emphasised critical role of strong national environment standards to ensure new regional plans have better outcomes than previous sorry history
- Endorsed calls for more funding to support Tanya Plibersek plan for no more extinctions
- Welcomed exclusion by Chris Bowen from definition of renewable energy of electricity generated from burning native vegetation
- Welcomed Chris Bowen confirmation that May budget will include package to accelerate electrification for Australian households and businesses
- Welcomed Jim Chalmers announcement of move to improved climate risk disclosure measures (for private entities and also Commonwealth corporate entities and investment funds)
- Endorsed CFMEU condemnation of harsh anti-protest laws
- Welcomed announcements of capacity investment mechanism to reward investment in renewables and storage (and not legacy fossil fuel plants)
- Shared Tanya Plibersek's nature positive plan and welcomed confirmation of development of national environment standards and a new environment protection agency
- Endorsed calls for capping of diesel fuel rebate to leave farmers unaffected but have big mining companies pay excise or switch to clean energy
- Shared reports of uncontrolled clearing of koala habitat in Queensland for beef production; highlighted implications of EU decision to exclude deforestation from import supply chains
- Shared WWF Renewable Superpower Scorecard
- Welcomed tabling of Australia's first annual climate change statement
November 2022
- Noted court decisions requiring VicForests to properly survey for greater gliders; called for sustainable forestry to be genuinely sustainable instead of subsidised environmental damage
- Noted environment inaction crisis with hundreds of threatened species recovery plans close to expiry
- Endorsed Vic Labor's successful strategy of SEC revival of "dignified work in a rebuilt public sector that’s tackling the climate crisis" as key for Labor more broadly in withstanding fossil fuel lobby attacks
- Welcomed Vic Labor winning big by going big on clean energy; called for going big on environment more broadly including native forests inc moving to regulate VicForests properly
- Publicised research showing indoor gas burning creates asthma risk comparable to smoking
- Publicised habitat destruction by pastoral industry in Queensland and need for better oversight
- Welcomed work by Chris Bowen at COP27 to hold to 1.5degree target; called for further work against fossil fuel subsidies
- Welcomed research on pumped hydro sites
- Welcomed WA draft forest management plan including end of native forest logging from 2024
- Endorsed call for energy efficiency upgrade for rental housing
- Welcomed Australia joining Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership and signing up to pledge to decarbonise international shipping at COP27
- Condemned Tasmanian government permitting killing of native swans to protect introduced trout
October 2022
- Called for end to native forest logging and a sustainable future for timber workers; highlighted importance for getting to net zero and reducing bushfire risk
- Highlighted call for end to fossil fuel subsides in international financing by Australia
- Highlighted risks of and need for clarity on biodiversity credits
- Welcomed Australia signing global methane pledge ; announcement of clean energy critical minerals strategy and National Energy Performance Strategy
- Called for energy efficiency including household electrification instead of new gas fields
- Welcomed Victorian Labor commitment to public renewable energy, net zero brought forward to 2045 and 75-80% emissions reduction by 2035
- Publicised BZE Deploy report on accelerating emissions reductions to 81% by 2030
- Highlighted updated solar PV maps showing need for measures to increase access for renters and indigenous communities
- Endorsed union calls for end to excessive anti-protest laws including in Labor states
- Called for end to Qld shark netting - doesnt protect humans, does kill wildlife including whales and turtles
September 2022
- Welcomed Qld energy and jobs plan including Energy Workers Charter, more publicly owned renewables (long campaigned for by LEAN), and 80% renewables by 2035
- Welcomed Vic Labor renewable energy storage target
- Welcomed Australia signing global pledge to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030
- Highlighted need for safeguards mechanism to require reduction in oil and gas industry emissions
- Welcomed restoration of climate expertise at Climate Change Authority
- Welcomed passage of Climate Change Bill and celebrated role of LEAN members in putting and keeping climate targets and legislation in Labor platform
- Endorsed NT LEAN call for ban on fracking in Beetaloo Basin
- Highlighted $1500 average extra insurance cost to households from climate driven increases in east coast Australia flooding
- Welcomed emphasis on imperatives and opportunities of transformation across the economy for emissions reduction as one of 3 key themes at Jobs Summit
August 2022
- Highlighted Committee for Sydney decarbonisation report including no new gas; expanded rental and apartment access to solar and batteries; accelerate EV transition including trucks
- Welcomed green steel and offshore wind proposed projects for Illawarra REZ achieved by union and NSW Labor advocacy
- Publicised LEAN partnering in Per Capita's Centre for New Industry
- Welcomed new National Construction Code standards for energy efficiency in buildings as advocated by LEAN and coalition of industry and community organisations
- Pushed for forest protection and restoration plan to create 18,600 forest jobs
- Noted Tasmanian salmon industry using 2400 anti-seal explosives in 3 months
- Endorsed ACTU call for Energy Transition Authority for secure jobs in a safer climate
- Highlighted NSW taxpayers subsidising destruction of koala habitat
- Endorsed call for plastic cigarette butts (which don't protect smokers but do kill marine life) to be added to single use plastics bans
- Noted importance of First Nations Voice to Parliament for environmental protection, restoration and law reform
- Highlighted Actuaries Institute report: one million Australian homes facing insurance affordability crisis due to climate change
- Noted massive underspending by Morrison government on wildlife recovery post bushfires - 1/13 of the $2.7billion needed - and need for end to landclearing now
- Endorsed Lily D'Ambrosio: Australia has enough gas; profiteers need regulating not subsidising
- Welcomed addition of emissions reduction to National Electricity Objective
- Opposed excessive fees for households wishing to disconnect from gas networks , and endorsed getting households off gas for improved health and cost of living and freeing up gas for industry during transition
- Welcomed participation of ALP National Secretary Paul Erickson and Senator Karen Grogan (Chair Senate Environment and Comms Committee) in LEAN national summit
- Celebrated Minister Chris Bowen getting on with delivering offshore wind industry for Australia after years of LNP deliberate delay
- Celebrated Climate Change Bill passing House of Representatives and welcomed government and independents working constructively on amendments to Bill - including amendments to benefit regional Australia, opposed by Nationals as claimed representatives of regional Australia
- Publicised union call for scrapping of Victoria anti-protest laws
- Welcomed AWU report on decarbonising steel
- Noted climate and environment emphasis in new Labor MPs first speeches including Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Louise Miller-Frost on the 2022 election as climate and environment election; Alison Byrnes and Dan Repacholion the future of their communities in a clean energy economy and on standing up for workers on the way; Jerome Laxale on local government action on climate and how the national decision to take action on climate change and to put the environment back as a priority will save lives, create jobs, create certainty for emerging industries and protect species across our nation; Zaneta Mascarenhas on experience working in mining and in climate policy; Marion Scrymgour on NT's future in clean energy, the importance of fit for purpose Federal environment law and institutions, and of genuinely rigorous environmental assessment of any new gas projects inc genuine carbon neutrality; Sally Sitou on the need to keep faith with children already living though climate consequences
July 2022
- highlighted report that NSW shark nets killed hundreds of endangered and threatened animals last season - five times as many as the target sharks that were caught
- backed passage of Labor's 43%+ by 2030 climate legislation ; called for new environment laws to include climate and stop deforestation
- endorsed First Nations Clean Energy Network guidelines on clean hydrogen
- endorsed call for immediate end to subsidised destruction of greater glider habitat by State governments - it can't wait for new Federal environment laws
- welcomed increased collaboration CSIRO - US NREL as Albanese government makes good on making climate central to US alliance
- welcomed return of Federal Treasury modelling of climate impacts, abandoned under Libs
- highlighted urgent need for infrastructure decisions to take into account climate change
- welcomed Federal Labor release of State of the environment report the Libs suppressed for so long. Renewed call for National Environment Commission alongside independent EPA; stop and reverse landclearing and deforestation; get real on environment as key economic issue.
June 2022
- highlighted report of skyrocketing land clearing in NSW
- welcomed announcement of Australia signing up to global commitment on plastics
- Reiterated opposition to Narrabri gas project, and support for local and first nations opponents of unnecessary polluting project
- Reiterated opposition to burning native forests for power being regarded as "renewable"
- Reminder that 500 Labor branches and units backed major environment law and institutional reform
- Celebrated Climate Environment and Water super Department with Chris Bowen, Yanya Plibersek and Jenny McAllister
- Condemned Federal Coalition scrapping recovery plans for 176 threatened species and habitats
May 2022
- Congratulated wide range of new Federal Ministers with important climate and environment roles
- Noted PM Albanese highlighting climate change as national security issue at Quad meeting
- Sent best wishes to our counterparts Coalition for Conservation in talking sense to their parties
- Celebrated May 2022 as the climate election
- Celebrated election commitment to independent EPA and to global biodiversity targets, reaffirming platform commitments
- Noted Jim CHalmers promoting "accord like" reform deal on climate and energy policy under Labor
- Highlighted Josh Wilson article re saving oceans
- Noted fact check finding Morrison claim of 20% emissions reductions misleading
- Noted climate action central to economic plan promoted by AlboMP in campaign launch
- Campaigned onlne and on the ground for an Australian Labor government for action on climate and environment. We won!!!
April 2022
- Highlighted Chris Bowen commitment to work in partnership with local government on climate change
- Noted that Morrison government bullying Pacific nations over climate, risks getting Chinese base in the Solomons in return.
- Noted Morrison government hiding State of Environment report until after election
- Endorsed Chris Bowen video on Tim Wilson MP pretending to care about climate change
- Noted leading economists overwhelmingly calling for climate & the environment to be the most important topic this election.
- Welcomed Labor water policy, including National Water Commission to drive reform delivering MDB environmentla water, and increasing First Nations water rights and participation
March 2022
- Noted Senate Estimates evidence in Environment and Communications Committee that ARENA permanent staff reduced by coalition from 70 to 20 (transcript here)
- Noted Morrison Government cutting climate action funding by 35% despite arrival of climate charged extreme weather
- Endorsed call to accelerate switch from oil and gas given their role in propping up murderous Russian regime
- Endorsed former defence leaders statement: climate change greatest threat to Australia's national security
- Noted Exxon-Mobil lying about economics of getting off gas like they lied about climate change - getting of gas will actually save households money
- Condemned Angus Taylor for claiming UN shouldnt talk about climate change during Ukraine war. Pointed out that oil and gas dependence benefits petrostate dictators like Putin.
- Shared report that landclearing approvals are aggravating extinctions
- Shared "moderate Liberal" Paul Fletcher mocking "chattering classes of the UN" for calling out Australia on emissions reductions
- Highlighted ANU research backing zero emissions exports and 2700% renewables for Australia
- Shared Josh Wilson MP on stopping the packaging scourge
- Noted that protecting feral horses endangers platypuses and called for feral horse eradication
- Shared concerns that inadequate environment laws and institutions mean most threatened species not even monitored by government
- Noted report that a million Australian homes threatened by climate change by 2030
- Welcomed move by Pilbara iron ore railways for battery electric locomotives to save tens of millions of litres of diesel fuel
February 2022
- Noted blacklisted Putin ally benefited from Angus Taylor and Scott Morrison's "gas led recovery"
- Condemned LNP Matt Canavan for blaming net zero emissions for petrol price rises driven by Putin's illegal war
- Shared concern at Australia missing biodiversity targets and undermining international biodiversity action
- Shared report on devastating impact of feral cats and need for radical answers
- Shared First Dog on the Moon's take on driving koalas to extinction
- Highlighted koalas being listed as endangered due to failures of Australian governments to halt land clearing deforestation and climate change driving catastrophic bushfires
- Noted threat to world heritage status if NSW government plan to raise Warragamba dam (purportedly flood mitigation, actually rapacious development on floodplain) goes ahead
January 2022
- Highlighted local sea level rise threats showing importance of climate action in forthcoming federal election
- Joined call for end to Queensland shark nets which don't protect humans but do catch humpback whales
- Endorsed comments by Chris Bowen, Terri Butler, Nita Green that extra funding for local Great Barrier Reef programs will not mena anything without effective climate action. Called out lies by Morrison that Australia is doing our part on climate.
- Mourned climate driven loss of Tasmania's underwater forests
- Noted report that Queensland still clearing 1000 MCGs a day, mostly for beef
- Shared indigenous groups joining call for Victorian government to end the annual "sporting" duck slaughter
December 2021
Celebrated release of Labor's Powering Australia plan for jobs and emissions reduction
November 2021
- Welcomed Jim Chalmers announcing intent to direct Treasury to model climate change impacts on economy and budget
- Noted Matthias Corman (!) calling for fossil fuel subsidies to be abolished
October 2021
- Expressed surprise at Murdoch front pages promoting climate action
- Welcomed Business Council of Australia belatedly calling for 46-50% emissions cuts by 2050
- Shared article on "Castles and Cars" report indicating big savings for households from home and car electrification
September 2021
- Shared article on challenges and opportunities for communities in carbon transition
- Condemned Coalition plan to cut 200 endangered species and habitat recovery plans
- Welcomed Qld government energy corp leading work on Qld renewable hydrogen hub
- Welcomed AlboMP announcing Labor will make climate central to US alliance
- Welcomed WA Labor decision to end logging of native forests
August 2021
- Shared Financial Times article: Climate is THE economic issue
- Noted another whale tangled in Qld shark nets
- Shared disclosure: Coalition allowed Toondah Harbour development to go forward despite department advising of unacceptable risk to Ramsar wetland
July 2021
- Welcomed Queensland Labor's Climate Action Plan 2030
- Publicised AEMO modelling zero emissions grid by 2035
- Noted report on AGL destroying 70% of its market value in 4 years by sticking to fossil fuels
- Endorsed ACTU call for offshore wind industry based on CSIRO/union report
- Celebrated LEAN activist Janaline Oh endorsement as Labor second Senate candidate for ACT
- Welcomed emphasis on climate and clean energy in Albo MP speech on economic recovery post COVID-19
- Thanked Labor MPs who stood up in Parliament for proper environment law reform not giveaway of national responsibility
June 2021
- Thanked Labor MPs who stood up in Parliament for proper environment law reform not giveaway of national responsibility
- Welcomed Queensland Government rejection of Morrison government giveaway of environmental responsibility without adequately addressing standards, funding and key reforms identified in the 2020 Review
- Publicised Hunter Jobs Alliance report calling for transition authority
- Endorsed call for parliamentary inquiry into adequacy of mine remediation bonds
- Called for Federal government to match NSW government ambition on electric vehicles
- Endorsed union concerns re secret "free trade" deals restricting action for environment and workers rights
- Welcomed updating of Qld Labor Environment Restoration Fund grants
- Endorsed Terri Butler MP statement that climate change remains most serious threat to Great Barrier Reef and the 64,000 jobs it supports
- Publicised University of Melbourne study: better environment protection promotes economic growth
May 2021
- Publicised Felicity Wade's article following the NSW Hunter b-election loss on why climate leadership is essential for Labor
- Publicised Jenny McAlister's exposure of Snowy Hydro's newest gas plant sitting idle in a crisis
- Opposed extortionate fees for customers wishing to disconnect from gas
- Welcomed Victorian Labor initiative to increase tree cover in working class suburbs
- Featured Chris Bowen MP launching Gippsland LEAN
- Welcomed Victorian Labor announcing 45-50% emissions reduction target for 2030
- Welcomed Federal Court finding of environmental duty of care to younger generation
April 2021
- Endorsed Pat Conroy MP statement that Kurri Kurri gas power plant would be a waste of taxpayer money
- Opposed burning native forests for electricity
- Publicised report that more gas used to make LNG than is burned in all Australia manufacturing
- Publicised report noting advantages for Australia in decarbonising shipping
- Shared Victorian unions video on why climate action is union business
- Shared Albo MP speech: Clean energy will power a jobs revolution
- Shared report on economic impact ($1.7 trillion) of invasive species and advocated strong national environment institutions to respond
- Endorsed Chris Bowen MP statement that gas fired recovery is a fraud and won't create jobs
March 2021
- Publicised climate and environment commitments by Albo MP, Chris Bowen MP, Terri Butler MP
- won reaffirmed commitment to fit for purpose environment laws with new national standards, policed by an independent regulatr, and with enhanced protection for species
- speeches from Felicity Wade and David Tierney opposed fracking and new gas fields, noted gas is not a low emissions fuel; emphasised working people care about the environment; it is part of core values for Labor and essential for a strong economy; endorsed the 2021 Platform
- Welcomed Labor policies on community batteries and electric vehicles
- Joined with AMWU to brief Federal Labor Caucus on Hunter Jobs Alliance
- Noted AGL information that it's cheaper and cleaner to disconnect your home from gas and go full electric
- Welcomed SA Labor Hydrogen Jobs Plan
- Highlighted report on major polluters greenwashing with sponsorship of sports which are threatened by climate change
- Welcomed WWF scorecard on progress on making Australia a renewable energy superpower
- Highlighted report on working class areas being disproportionately affected by heatwaves: climate change is a class issue
February 2021
- 38 meetings in 2 days in Canberra with Albo MP, Chris Bowen MP and many other Labor MPs and Senators on strong climate and environment action
- Shared NRMA endorsement of Australians driving cars powered by Australian clean energy instead of imported fuels
- Publicised Australian Labor opposing Morrison government attempt to redefine gas as low emissions and distort ARENA mandate
- Shared UWU statements on Morrison government wasting skills of oil refinery workers that should be used in clean energy transition
- Publicised Productivity Commission report slamming Morrsion govt water plan, calling for attention to climate change and Aboriginal rights
- Shared warning of Morrison government inaction on climate being met by carbon tariffs for Australian exporters
- Shared Victorian unions call for workers to be included in shaping transition to renewable energy
- Shared article: Biden's winning message on jobs through climate action and environment restoration shows the way
January 2021
- Farewelled Mark Butler MP as climate change and energy shadow minister and welcomed Chris Bowen MP
- Shared Chris Bowen's message that good climate policy is good jobs policy
- Welcomed Joe Biden's sweeping climate and jobs plan
- Shared Labor response to Samuel Review of EPBCA
- Shared Labor call for progress towards circular economy through mandatory Federal procurement rules
- Highlighted warning of unliveable heat in Western Sydney within decades
- Shared calls for duck hunting ban
- Highlighted Gorgon failure to capture promised CO2 or pay tax
December 2020
- Shared Peter Garrett call for removal of feral horses from Kosciusko
- Shared article: NT gas expansion subsidy a waste of taxpayer money, subsidy harvesting for a failing industry
- Highlighted 500% renewables target from South Australian Liberal government
- Shared Productivity Commission environment findings: Better national environmental law and governance (rather than Commonwealth just giving its responsibilities away) would reduce costs + delays for resource projects. Few examples of best practice site rehabilitation. Need better legal and financial frameworks to avoid public being left with clean up costs or sites left unremediated at end of project
- Welcomed NSW government plan to transition to zero emission buses by 2030; called for national plan
November 2020
- Endorsed ACTU call for renewable energy jobs to be secure and well paid
- Noted report of serious decline in platypus habitat (22% in 30 years)
- Welcomed Victoria's budget economic recovery package including $800 million for energy efficiency; $540 million for six renewable energy zones; $108 million for next generation renewables inc offshore wind
- Noted UK conservatives going big on offshore wind, hydrogen, electric vehicle manufacture and infrastructure and other clean transport, energy efficient homes and buildings, nature restoration for jobs and climate.
- Congratulated NSW Labor for successfully pushing NSW govt to include Hunter in renewable energy zones
- Highlighted Joe Biden clean energy and infrastructure plan and endorsed Mark Butler view re importance of strong climate and jobs policy
- Noted UK Labor Green Recovery plan
- Publicised launch of Hunter Jobs Alliance including LEAN. Endorsed AMWU call for building plan for new jobs instead of continuing climate culture wars
October 2020
- Commented on gas: While gas remains important for manufacturing and electricity the answer to supply challenges and price is not new fields, it’s market reform and limits to export
- Endorsed Mark Butler view that gas fired recovery is fantasy and economic recovery should be powered with clean energy
- Publicised centre right Blueprint Institute report on Powering the Next Boom
- Noted EU view that public funds for fossil fuels inconsistent with climate action
- Publicised Curtin Research Centre hydrogen energy powerhouse report
- Endorsed statement from 40 local governments calling for clean recovery agenda
- Welcomed Albo Rewiring the Nation Authority announcement
- Welcomed Albo endorsement of Renewable Energy Superpower agenda
- Noted Canada's COVID recovery infrastructure plan includes $1.5billion for zero emissions buses
September 2020
- Shared highlights from Smart Energy Summit
- Shared calls for national EPA to control inappropriate State landclearing including this one in Victoria and this one in NSW
- Publicised launch of Hunter Jobs Alliance initiative with AMWU and other partners
- Clarified that LEAN will continue to push for strong renewables and emissions targets but not insisting on 2030 numbers in 2020 platform
- Noted that NSW Nationals koala killing agenda confirms why Federal oversight has to be strengthened not removed
- Noted report of environment science being suppressed, confirming need for independent EPA
- Publicised Morrison suppression of Labor MPs wanting to speak against handover of environmental powers
- Welcomed Vic Labor putting renewables at centre of COVID recovery including 100% renewables in government facilities
August 2020
- Highlighted Labor MPs across party speaking against handover of environment powers including Albo
- Condemned introduction of Bill for handover of environment powers without promised national standards
- Posted roll-call by electorate of 500 Labor branches and units backing stronger Federal environment laws, institutions and leadership
- Posted reminder that Mark Butler is the energy shadow and comments from others endorsing gas subsidies are not Labor policy
- Endorsed Mark Butler call for renewables led recovery and linked to Biden policy
- Discussed role of LEAN in helping Labor form winning positions, in response to ïnfiltration comments
July 2020
- Publicised Hunter LEAN's Jobs and Steel forum
- Noted Albo backing LEAN against Joel Fitzgibbon calling us infiltrators
- Campaigned against handover of Federal environmental responsibility, and for independent national environment institutions
- Noted research showing that stronger environmental regulation is an economic positive
- Noted weak NSW environment laws not fit for accreditation with landclearnig doubling in a decade
- Publicised call for rural and regional environment stimuluis package
June 2020
- Noted finding that NSW koalas on track to be extinct in the wild 2050
- Welcomed BZE 1 million jobs plan
- Noted ANAO finding of failure of existing Federal environment law supporting need to new independent regulator
- Noted koala recovery plan 5 years overdue
- Publicised industry / community call for energy smart construction boom
- Welcomed Queensland government adding renewables training centre to COVID stimulus
May 2020
- Endorsed Pat Conroy MP advocacy of green steel making for the Hunter
- Shared forecasts of continuing rapid declines in solar energy costs
March 2020
- Shared energy experts calling for proper enviro assessment of Snowy 2.0
- Shared news of 2020 Great Barrier Reef mass coral bleaching
- Publicised Climate Change Authority updated policy toolkit
February 2020
- Welcomed Qld govt plan for up to 3GW green hydrogen plant in Gladstone
- Shared Mark Butler endorsement of CSIRO advice: acting on climate change and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 will lead to stronger economic growth, higher real wages, and lower energy bills.
- Shared Andrew Leigh promotion of Melb Uni research indicating climate inaction costs 20 times more than climate action
- Shared Albo MP speech re-comitting Labor to net zero emissions by 2050
- Shared Craig Emerson article on risk of Aust climate inaction being met by EU carbon tariffs
January 2020
- Hit back at misleading claims of Albo MP dumping Labor's emissions reductions target
- Endorsed Ross Garnaut view of massive economic opportunities for Australia in climate action
- Shared reminder of Scott Morrison axing funding for climate adaptation research in 2017
- Shared Kevin Rudd's reminder that Garnaut review was commissioned by Labor from opposition with secretariat support from State Labor government
- Shared Labor call for nationwide natural asset audit and Albo MP endorsement that bushfires threaten extinctions
- Shared ecologist estimates of one billion animals dead in bushfires
- Shared energy expert prediction of coal power being uneconomic across Australia by 2030
- Shared Albo MP comments on bushfires and cost of climate inaction
- Noted Labor's 2018 election policy on firefighting
- Shared Scientific American article on climate change and Australia's bushfires
December 2019
- Contrasted Angela Merkel's New Year's message emphasising climate action with events here
- Shared various tweets on scale of bushfire disaster and inadequacy of response
- Shared MIT study indicating fugitive emissions may make natural gas dirtier than coal
- Shared news from Institute for Energy Economic and Financial Analysis that in India new solar and wind is now 30% cheaper than existng coal power
- Shared UK Financial Times editorial condeming Morrison government failure on climate change
- Shared news that Department of Home Affairs incoming government brief in May 2019 called for coordinated government action on climate disasters
- Shared report on Per Capita recommendation for a climate mission approach to industry policy to rebuild trust in government
- Shared Country Needs People call for doubling of Indigenous Ranger and Indigenous Protected Areas as key part of enhanced bushfire response
- Highlighted marine heatwave impacting mutiple areas in Australian waters
- Noted that volunteer firefighting is not an approved activity for Newstart recipients.
- Noted report that rooftop solar is taking pressure off ageing and failing coal power despite Libs hoping to blame blackouts on renewables
- Shared news that exploding feral horse numbers in Kosciuszko a national disaster
- Endorsed Mark Butler MP opposition for removal of nuclear power ban and call for disclosure to threatened communities
- Noted report that Morrison government which at election condemned 50% renewables by 2030 as reckless now relies on it as business as usual
- Stood up against Greens political party attacking ALP on climate
- Shared Kenneth Hayne view that company directors could not hide from taking account of and reducing climate risks
- Shared Peter Garrett address to LEAN event in Sydney
- Defended the ALP's endorsement of Paris approach to emissions rather than the Greens new one, and questioned coal exports creating their own new demand in a falling market
- Endorsed AlboMP call for PM to meet with former firefighting chiefs
- Shared report of world's second largest ferry operator switching to electric vessels
November 2019
- Shared report on Tony Maher CFMMEU speech on negative effects of green activists targeting export coal
- Endorsed CFMMEU warning on unreliability of Victoria's ageing coal power stations
- Shared AlboMP warning in Parliament of need for preparedness for climate disasters and call for convening COAG
- Condemned use of NSW climate money to fund raising Warragamba dam and destroy world heritage area
- Shared UK Labour proposals for 886,000 climate apprenticeships by 2030
- Publicised Chifley Research conference and Green New Deal presentation
- Endorsed Chris Bowen and Mark Butler call for national climate and health strategy
- Noted ThyssenKrupp successful trial of green hydrogen steelmaking
- Endorsed MUA ETU AMWU VicTHC report on offshore wind and just transitions
October 2019
- Endorsed Jim Chalmers MP statement that environment isnt only an inner city issue
- Welcomed Victorian Labor Government putting 50% renewable energy by 2030 into law
- Welcomed emphasis in AlboMP first vision statement that a shift to a low carbon economy is a huge opportunity to create good, secure jobs across Australia
- Shared UK Labour plan for decarbonised energy system by 2030
- Shared call by former CEFC chief for Queensland government owned green bank to unlock Nth Qld renewables potential
- Shared Jeremy Rifkin forecast that carbon bubble will burst within 10 years and endorsement of same timeframe by APRA board member
- Endorsed Federal Labor declaration of climate emergency and noted this is not a sudden new position for Labor
- Shared posts on coal power breakdowns from https://www.tai.org.au/gas-coal-watch
- Warned of possible use of trade penalties against nations not taking effective climate action
- Shared ARENA head call for 700% renewables
September 2019
- Celebrated UK Labour endorsing Green New Deal
- Noted Daimler-Benz giving up on internal combustion engines
- Publicised climate strike and reported on LEAN and Labor participation
- Publicised NT Government plans for zero emissions and renewables exports
- Publicised report that 200% renewables would be cheaper and easier than 100%
- Publicised ACT Government plans to phase out gas and pursue home and vehicle electrification
- Publicised ARENA reporting that government fleet purchases would bring more electric vehicles to Australia
- Endorsed Wilderness Society call for new nature laws to tackle extinction crisis
August 2019
- Endorsed ETU comments on importance of Labor governments ensuring industrial and safety standards in clean energy industries
- Noted that savings in shifting government fleets to electric vehicles and benefits of secondhand market for private owners was essence of LEAN Victoria Labor Conference motion on electric vehicles
- Publicised LEAN submission to 2019 Federal Election Review
- Endorsed Pat Conroy MP rejection of Lib emissions target as inadequate and cheap accounting tricks to make it even weaker
- Publicised Tony Maher (CFMEU) paper on state of energy and climate debate
- Welcomed solar power maps updated to June 2019
July 2019
- Published tributes to LEAN activist Ivan de Vulder
- Noted predictions that transition from coal power will happen very quickly and called for Labor governments to take care of communities in the transition
- Endorsed ETU position that nuclear power for Australia does not stack up on safety, environmental or economic grounds, and publicised nuclear lobby 20 preferred sites
- Publicised article noting Labor's post war reconstruction provides model for green new deal
June 2019
- Noted Mark Butler comment that climate change could be most profound driver of inequity globally, within Australia and across generations
- Publicised BZE NT Energy Futures report including standed asset and other risks in backing gas
- Welcomed NT Labor endorsement of $20billion 10GW solar export plan
- Noted that China already has 426,000 electric buses; Australia has 26
- Highlighted CSIRO Australian National Outlook indicating transition to clean energy cheapest option for Australia's ageing power system, and backing EV transition for transport
- Noted commencement of pilot Victorian solar rebate program for rental properties
- Publicised release of March 2019 APVI solar maps including 51 postcodes with 50%+ solar homes; 500+ with 33%+; 1000+ with 25%+
May 2019
- Highlighted Opposition Leader AlboMP interview endorsing climate action
- Endorsed Cities Power Partnership call for State Governments to support local governments in energy transition and efficiency
- Noted report that Lib delay on fuel efficiency standards has cost Australian motorists $1billion
- Noted AlboMP long time climate and environment advocacy
- Publicised Tony Burke MP calling for Green New Deal approach to climate policy
- Welcomed WA Labor appointment of taskforce for Energy Transformation Strategy
- Reaffirmed importance of climate and environment action floowing Federal election result
- Farewelled environment hero Bob Hawke
- Condemned Scott Morrison's "electric vehicles will ruin the weekend" lie and pointed to sea level rise as the real threat
- Campaigned for a Federal Labor Government for real action on climate change and environment
- Highlighted Liberal MPs and candidates who support nuclear power
- Noted sea level rise threats to netball, Australia's leading participation sport
- Welcomed Mark Butler MP announcements for Community Renewables Hubs
- Welcomed Kim Carr announcement of Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Innovation Strategy
- Welcomed Matt Thistlethwaite announcement of National Health and Climate Centre
- Noted sea level rise the real threat to housing values not a non-existent housing tax
- Welcomed Bill Shorten MP starting off closing statement at Leaders Debate on a more equal and prosperous and modern Australia with climate action; and noting that you can't talk about future economic challenges without a serious climate change policy. Absolutely correct. Because climate change threatens everything else
- Highlighted report that a million species at risk of extinction within 50 years
- Welcomed commitment to double Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Ranger jobs
April 2019
- Welcomed Federal Labor's Solar Schools plan
- Endorsed Joel Fitzgibbon's call for release of the secret Coalition Agreement that gave Barnaby Joyce the water portfolio
- Publicised report on environment as top concern for voters
- Welcomed release of Labor Climate Action Plan
- Welcomed announcement that Federal Labor will not use Kyoto carbon credits
March 2019
- Publicised Australian Labor plan on plastics and waste
- Highlighted need for Australia to ratify Minamata Convention on mercury
- Noted updated legal opinion on directors duties and climate change
- Welcomed updated solar PV maps from Aust PhotoVoltaic Institute
- Highlighted Reserve Bank warning on climate change and economy
- Highlighted report that Environment Departmetn has no data on recovery plans
Noted evidence of large scale unmetered water extraction in MDB while communities go without water - Welcomed WA govt plans for rapid shift to renewables and planning for rapid uptake of solar, batteries and EVs
- Noted that Australian Labor, QLD Labor, NSW Labor , Victorian Labor, NT Labor have renewable energy targets for 50%+ by 2030; SA Labor 75% by 2025; Tasmanian Labor, ACT Labor 100% by 2020.
- Highlighted rise in Australia's emissions driven by LNG industry expansion and transport emissions with no Federal policy on EVs or efficiency standards
February 2019
- Welcomed NSW Labor commitments to 50%+ NSW renewables target by 2030; 100% renewables for State agencies by 2025; climate summit in first year to develop climate action plan to get to 2050 net zero emissions; Climate Change Act.
- Highlighted that use of Kyoto carry over credits would halve Lib govt emissions reduction target
- Noted Kristina Keneally point that Morrison govt proposed 10 year expenditure on climate was less than 6 months franking credits
- Noted evidence that poorer households switching to solar faster than rich
- Noted ACT proposed repeal of law making gas connection mandatory for new developments
- Mourned extinction of Australian mammal the Bramble Cay melomys and called for stronger environment alws and institutions
- Highlighted environmental disaster of Darling River
- Noted threat to ACT water supply from the feral horses protected by NSW Lib/Nat government
January 2019
- Highlighted OECD criticism of Australian record on climate and environment
- Publicised Australian Labor policy on urban rivers
- Noted Productivity Commission criticism of Murray Darling Basin Authority
- Noted report that newer HELE coal power even more breakdown prone than older coal power
- Welcomed Australian Labor clean hydrogen policy
- Noted Nats and big donors largely responsible for Menindee fish kills including death of 100 year old cod that had survived multiple drounghts but couldnt survive Barnaby Joyce
December 2018
- Condemned Fed enviro department for 10 day consultation over Christmas for gas project
- Noted Vic enviro department advice that old growth logging should stop
- Noted continuing unreliability of coal power plants, even newest ones
- Publicised ALP 2018 Conference environment commitments
- Publicised Mark Butler MP speech on climate emergency
- Shared report that Latrobe Valley coal power plants each emit a tonne of mercury (!!!) a year
- Noted Shenzen China achieving fully electric 16000 bus fleet
- Endorsed Tony Burke MP view of legal risks in announcing any decision re Adani coal mine ahead of due consideration according to law in Government
- Noted South Australia's big battery saved $40million in energy costs in first year
November 2018
- Welcomed defeat of Victorian Liberals campaign against renewable energy, for new coal power and for trashing national parks
- Welcomed Federal Labor energy sector climate policy including Just Transition Authority; direct public investment + contracts to avoid energy policy being hostage to hostile Libs etc in Parliament; support for 100,000 home batteries; grid modernization as per AEMO Integrated System Plan to accommodate increased renewables.
- Called for Federal and State Labor govts to introduce stronger pollution standards for coal power stations including re mercury, SOx, NOx, particulates
- Shared IMF view that no credible plan for economy without credible plan on emissions
- Launched report with Chifley Research Centre on need for stronger national environment laws and institutions
- Welcomed Victorian Libs attack on LEAN (it turned out so well for them)
- Welcomed new mining rehabilitation laws from Qld Labor
- Shared report that 17 of 20 NSW deforestation hot spots contain koala habitat
October 2018
- Noted reports that at 1.5 degrees Great Barrier Reef still has small chance, almost certainly gone at 2 degrees
- Welcomed 11 gigawatt solar project for Pilbara
- Publicised submissions to electric vehicles inquiry
- Noted WHO view on environmental damage from tobacco industry
- Noted Macquarie Bank view any new gas power assets will be stranded by renewables plus batteries
September 2018
- Condemned deforestation as purported "clean energy"
- Called for coal power stations to be required to apply readily available technologies to reduce pollution
- Endorsed Dr Craig Emerson advocacy of energy policy measures that don't need legislation
- Noted govt EFIC $300m loan to tax evader Exxon in PNG
- Noted reports NSW koalas heading for extinction by 2050 under Lib policies
- Welcomed reports new renewables in Aust approaching cost of keeping existing coal power running
- Noted NZ Productivity Commission report on pathways to net zero emissions by 2050
August 2018
- Welcomed Qld Labor announcement of CleanCo to build renewables in public interest
- Noted Aust Energy Market Operator warning of reliability threat from ageing coal power generators
- Welcomed progress in CSIRO work towards hydrogen exports
- Publicised Victorian Labor announcements on solar access
- Noted Malcolm Turnbull (remember him?) falsely accusing LEAN in Question Time of supporting higher power prices
- Welcomed strengthening of Victoria's environment laws and institutions
- Promoted Labor petition for return of $444million public money by Great Barrier Reef Foundation
- Noted 800% increase in NSW landclearing since Libs trashed Labor's landclearing laws
July 2018
- Noted New Scientist map projections of damage to agriculture and human habitation in a 4 degree world
- Publicised Reputex modelling: 50%+ renewables by 2030 = lower power prices
- Noted report that Galilee Basin coal would displace 12,500 existing coal jobs
June 2018
- Publicised LEAN meeting with Federal Labor Caucus
- Celebrated over 400 Labor branches supporting LEAN's motion for stronger Federal environment laws and institutions
- Publicised AEMO report that renewables are easing pressure on gas supply
- Highlighted ASIC warning to company directors on climate risks
- Noted record of breakdowns even at newest coal and gas power plants
- Highlighted risk of new gas power becoming stranded assets due to falling renewables costs
- Publicised scientific condemnation of NSW Lib/Nat "heritage protection" for feral horses in Kosciusko National Park
- Publicised Humane Society International paper on next generation biodiversity laws
May 2018
- Welcomed rollout of clean energy to 28 off grid NT indigenous communities through ARENA grants
- Welcomed Vic Labor conference calling for rollout of EV charging stations, phase out of ICE vehicles in government fleet, powering public transport with renewable energy and establishing hub for clean transport manufacturing and innovation
- Condemned NSW government plan to legislate to keep feral horse population in Kosciusko National Park
Noted San Francisco another city moving to all electric bus fleet (by 2035) and potential for electric school buses to act as backup grid batteries - Highlighted commitment in draft Labor National Platform 4.25 to action on climate and carbon risk to financial sector
- Condemned Turnbull government's slashing of Department of Environment threatened species staff
- Publicised TWS statement that landclearing should not be part of the future of farming in Australia
- Noted Mark Butler statement that 2/3 of Australia has been cleared and enough is enough
- Welcomed Qld Labor's reinstatement of tree clearing laws
- Endorsed Tony Burke's explanation that it is impossible as a matter of law to announce in advance how discretion under EPBCA will be exercised re Adani and still retain ability to exercise that discretion and not have it overturned in Federal Court
- Welcomed Senator Wong speech on rebuilding constructive climate role for Australia in Asia and the Pacific
April 2018
- Noted rapid deployment of electric buses in China and plans in New York
Welcomed climate and environment commitments in consultation draft ALP National Platform - Highlighted NZ PM Jacinda Ardern's call for Commonwealth to lead on climate
- Welcomed ACT commitment for all ACT government vehicles to be electric by 2010
- Noted initiatives on shipping greenhouse emissions
- Highlighted Bank of England Governor's warning of carbon and climate risk to financial stability
March 2018
- Publicised ALP opposition to Libs cutting back Coral Sea marine reserves
- Welcomed Kristina Keneally telling the LEAN story in her first Senate speech
- Promoted media article on LEAN campaign for stronger environment laws and institutions
- Publicised Vic Labor initiative for zero carbon in new homes and Qld Labor solar initiatives for public housing and rental market
- Noted reports of climate impacts on Port of Newcastle and coastal infrastructure
- Promoted Birdlife Australia report on need for stronger nature laws
- Publicised NSW Labor refusal to approve forestry agreements without up to date science
- Noted another report that Australia leads developed world in extinction rates
- Promoted Qld environment department message on threat from balloons to marine environment
- Started Facebook and Twitter promotion of photos of over 300 Labor branches so far supporting stronger environment laws
- Noted Senator Keneally's Estimates questioning exposing that Adani hasn't actually met the conditions yet on its approvals re water impacts
- Publicised research showing EVs cleaner even in areas with coal heavy power mix
- Promoted Joel Fitzgibbon article on protecting the environment to protect farming
- Welcomed Federal Labor initiatives to promote investment in energy efficiency
- Condemned NSW Libs trashing habitat protection laws
- Publicised reports of NSW Nationals corruption on behalf of cotton mates bleeding the rest of the river dry
- Welcomed Qld Labor reintroducing land clearing protections to Parliament
- Promoted report on why new national laws are needed on land clearing
- Noted US report on economic benefits of environment protection
- Welcomed SA Labor initatives on clean energy to hydrogen
- Noted report that Australia has not listed critical habitat in 10 years despite 1800 threatened species
- Publicised report of NSW Maules Creek coal mine not delivering offsets promised 5 years ago but still getting further extension
February 2018
- Publicised report on Australia's weak standards for emissions from coal power stations (SO2, mercury, arsenic, lead...)
- Endorsed criticism of Turnbull govt attack on charities and Aust Labor rejection of govt position
- Publicised developments in clean energy in maritime transport
- Shared Felicity Wade speech to John Cain Foundation on environment as Labor issue and on new environment laws
- Noted major transport firm DHL endorsing electric trucks with payback of 18 months on extra capital cost
- Welcomed SA Labor initiatives on electric vehicles
- Welcomes SA Labor announcements: 75% renewables in electricity by 2025; 25% energy storage target
- Endorsed Mark Butler speech: Adani mine not in national interest - if somehow subsidized into owning will only displace existing coal jobs
- Publicised report on inadequate and unimplemented species recovery plans
- Welcomed Tasmanian Labor 120% renewable energy target
- Welcomed Federal Labor country caucus meeting w Farmers for Climate Action and committing to assist farmers adapt to changing climate as well as being part of solution
- Publicised report on Australia's extinction crisis
- Welcomed SA Labor announcing Australia's first clean energy to hydrogen plant
- Welcomed Victorian Labor support for electric truck manufacture
- Noted report of further opportunities for energy efficiency in building standards not taken up in current revisions
- Welcomed SA Labor support for four pumped hydro energy storage projects
- Welcomed SA Labor announcement of virtual power plant with solar rooftops, particularly public housing
January 2018
- Welcomed NSW local labor's Lismore council launching council backed community solar with Aust largest floating solar installation
- Publicised Bob Debus articles on restoring integrity in nature conservation part 1 and part 2
- Noted AEMO endorsement of Aust Labor 50%+ renewables by 2030 target
- Noted research that EVs are less carbon intensive than ICE vehicles even with current Aust electricity
- Publicised condemnation of fed govt proposed gutting of Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
- Publicised research that burning wood for energy more carbon intensive than coal
- Welcomed Aust public installing over 1 gigawatt of rooftop solar in a year for first time
- Welcomed NT govt moving on battery storage to support grid in Darwin and Katherine
- Publicised public health concerns re air pollutants from unconventional gas
- Endorsed calls for expanded support for indigenous ranger programs
- Noted continued reports on unreliable coal power
- Highlighted maps of predicted sea level rise this century in response to media on climate threats to property values
December 2017
- Publicised highlights of ARENA grants 2017
- Highlighted reports of multiple failures of coal power units over summer
- Noted analysis that Snowy 2.0 will lift emissions, be uneconomic without more renewables
- Publicised ARENA hydrogen funding round including potential clean energy export industries
- Called for leadership from Future Fund on climate and carbon risk following NY State pension fund action on fossil investments
- Highlighted AlboMP article on cities policy and climate adaptation
- Publicised 1/3 cut in environment funding by Turnbull govt
- Noted evidence of disproportionate impact of air pollution on poorer people
- Publicised Qld govt veto on NAIF Adani loan
- Noted evidence of failure to apply readily available controls to coal power pollution
- Publicised report that pumped hydro for 100% renewables would use 1/4 water of coal power
November 2017
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Publicised developments on plan to export Pilbara clean energy to Asia
- Highlighted report via LEAN Vic on risks of ecosystem collapse w continued mountain ash logging
- Publicised NSW Labor leader Luke Foley statements on environment as core to Labor values and achievements
- Welcomed NT Labor policy development for 50+% renewables by 2030
- Publicised EJA figures on toxic materials emissions from Liddell power station
- Numerous tweets emphasising importance of Qld LAbor win for environment inc Qld Conservation Council endorsement of policy
- Emphasised human health impacts of Nats undermining Murray-Darling water
- Endorsed Richard Marles MP comments on importance of Pacific to Aust security and Aust gov climate inaction undermining same
- Publicised 200th Labor branch (to that point) endorsing LEAN's stronger environment laws campaign
- Welcomed LEAN co-founder Kristina Keneally as Bennelong candidate
- Welcomed Qld Labor enviro and clean energy commitments including 1GW of publicly owned renewables, no public $ for Adani, and restoring tree clearing controls
October 2017
- Highlighted need for majority Qld Labor government to halt Qld landclearing
- Publicised Mark Butler letter to LEAN reaffirming Labor clean energy support
- Noted London Mayor has environment at top of agenda
- Endorsed bi-partisan deal on energy, but not at any price
- Publicised climate interview with nee NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
- Welcomed High Court decision throwing out Tas anti-environmental protest laws
- Welcomed Vic ban on single use plastic bags, endorsed Penny Sharpe MP call for NSW to follow
- Highlighted hostile response to Turnbull's CET backdown from SA, Vic and Qld Labor govts and from Mark Butler
- Condemned Leigh Sales endorsing Murdoch article suggesting GBR bleaching the price of affordable energy in agency
- Highlighted Climate Council report on living with 50 degree days in our major cities
- Publicised Reputex report that extending Liddell coal power plant life would push up power prices
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Highlighted clean energy to hydrogen export potential for Gladstone Qld
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Publicised progress on pumped seawater hydro for South Australia
September 2017
- Opposed Abbott/Turnbull agenda to use force or finance to force States to frack
- Publicised ecological maps stopping at State borders as part of case for national enviro leadership
- Noted discussion of public and community ownership of new power system at UK Labour Conference
- Publicised tree clearing crisis in Qld as reason for stronger Fed enviro laws
- Publicised ANU research on 22000 pumped hydro sites for Aus
- Welcomed WA Labor ban on single use plastic bags
- Publicised poll showing 81% Australians want more investment in renewable energy
- Welcomed SA Labor hydrogen roadmap
- Publicised electorate map of threatened species
- Welcomed Qld Labor ban on single use plastic bags
- Highlighted unreliability of ageing coal power stations
- Welcomed WA Labor moratorium on fracking
- Publicised campaign video for new Federal environment laws
August 2017
- Publicised Climate Council report on State government leadership on climate and renewables
- Publicised Reputex Carbon report confirming 50%+ renewables policy will lower power prices
- Highlighted Felicity Wade interview on public renewables
- Highlighted WA considering solar power exports to Asia and ARENA/CSIRO work on clean energy-hydrogen exports
- Welcomed Victorian govt VRET and solar auction announcements
- Highlighted Bill Shorten linking good economic and environmental policy on QandA
- Reminder re Barnaby Joyce excusing politically motivated (terrorist) murder of enviro officer
- Welcomed ARENA grant for remote community energy; noted Labor role in saving ARENA grants
- Publicised NZ sovereign wealth fund reducing exposure to carbon risk
- Highlighted Evironmental Justice Aust report on coal power station pollutants (eg mercury)
- Welcomed SA solar thermal announcement
- Reminded Barnaby Joyce that NZ has 90% renewables by 2025 target, an ETS and recognition of indigenous rights in treaty + environmental and resource law
- Welcomed draft outdoor equipment emissions standards, called for vehicle emission standards
- Publicised green energy for low income households
- Highlighted data on increasing Aust CO2 emissions
- Highlighted Vic government funding local government hydrogen truck trial
- Publicised ANU research on pumped hydro energy storage sites
July 2017
- Publicised NSW Labor backing LEAN call for new renewable energy corporation with Snowy Hydro transfer funds
- Promoted LEAN Queensland public renewables campaign and support from 105 Qld Labor branches; welcomed Palaszczuk acceptance of campaign
- Welcomed Bill Shorten MP noting intergenerational rights on climate and environment as aspect of Labor's equality commitments in NSW Labor conference speech
- Promoted ACOSS / Climate Institute report on disadvantaged households access to clean affordable energy
- Supported Tony Burke MP call for judicial inquiry into LNP collusion and /or inaction on water theft
- Condemned Lib plans to reduce marine park protections
- Publicised damage caused by Qld LNP and crossbenchers blocking landclearing reform
- Promoted Bill Shorten MP speech to Clean Energy Summit
- Publicised China connecting 13.5 gigawatts solar power in a single month
- Promoted Victorian community energy hubs and other Labor community energy initiatives
- Highlighted unsuitability of sea level rise joker Peter Dutton for national security role
- Supported ban on single use plastic bags
- Supported light vehicle emissions standards
- Publicised Luke Foley MP reminder of senior Nationals excusing murder of environmental defender
- Welcomed progress of Victorian Labor initiative on electric trucks
- Publicised Pat Conroy MP piece on just transitions
- Welcomed SA Labor leadership on energy storage
- Publicised reports on federal funding for Adani destroying existing Qld and NSW coal jobs
- Promoted Mark Butler MP's book Climate Wars
June 2017
- Condemned ScoMo threat to blackmail States into removing bans, limits on fracking
- Publicised Framework for national climate and health strategy
- Welcomed Luke Foley NSW announcement on public investment in renewables
- Attacked Josh Frydenberg making a joke of loss of snow cover due to climate change in HoR June 19
- Publicised launch and progress of LEAN Qld campaign for publicly owned renewable energy and storage
- Noted ANU study on SA pumped hydro
- Tweeted Labor speeches in HoR on clean energy MPI 14 June
- Publicised LEAN's position statement on Finkel report response
- Publicised BMW statement on Fed govt inaction on vehicle emissions standards and EVs
- Highlighted mapping of predicted flooding with sea level rise of 0.74 metres
- Welcomed Jay Weatherill announcement dumping nuclear dump
- Highlighted California hitting 80% renewable electricity (67% without hydro)
May 2017
- Publicised Labor opposition to CEFC money for coal
- Promoted Joel Fitzgibbon FOI action on coalition agreement and climate
- Promoted research on climate change and inequality
- Promoted new mapping on sea level rise risk for coastal Australia
- Opposed proposals for Adani royalty holiday
- Opposed proposal for Export Finance and Insurance Corporation loan to Souh African coal mine (!!!)
- Publicised UK LEAN (SERA) policy submissions and successes
- Welcomed success of ARENA solar round and noted Labor and LEAN role in saving ARENA grants
- Publicised S&P report: Aust stock market world's most exposed to carbon risk, stranded assets
- Highlighted Bill Shorten MP Budget reply commitments to climate action, renewables investment, EIS, doubling indigenous rangers
- Noted axing of National Climate Adaptation Research Facility funding and intention to scrap Climate Change Authority in Budget 2017
- Noted Vic govt and AGL conclusions that new renewables + storage now cheaper than new peaking gas
- Publicised Federal Labor backing NAIF money for Townsville hydro power not Adani railway
- Publicised ARENA investment priorities inc RE exports
- Publicised CSIRO development for hydrogen / ammonia / hydrogen inc for exportted N
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April 2017
- Publicised CSIRO roadmap to zero energy sector emissions by 2050
- Highlighted SA looking at renewables based hydrogen export
- Publicised AEMO forecast of SA 80% renewables by 2021
- Noted CO2 passing 410 ppm for first time in human existence
- Publicised release of Australian Panel of Experts on Environmental Law papers
- Publicised news that rooftop solar now Queensland's biggest power station
- Noted poll showing 74% public opposition to public funds for Adani mine
- Noted Senate committee report on resilience of energy infrastructure in warming world
- Noted back to back bleaching of 2/3 of GBR
- Publicised Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance article
March 2017
- Posted reminder that Turnbull used to think it's ok to mention climate change re extreme weather
- Highlighted Turnbull's repeatedly inconsistent statements on responsibility for power station closures
- Publicised ETU piece on just transitions
- Highlighted 2 latest resignations from Climate Change Authority
- Publicised SA energy plan and noted concern re new gas
- Publicised Qld Labor community housing solar trial
- Publicised RepuTex report: renewables with storage now cheapest new reliable power, cheaper than gas
- Highlighted CEFC submission to Finkel review: emphasise reform market, grid infrastructure, storage not gas
- Publicised 2017 State of the Environment report
February 2017
- Publicised ANU study on feasibility of wind; solar and hydro storage grid
- Publicised Bill Shorten energy policy speech and other statements confirming Labor's 50% by 2030 commitment
- Welcomed passage of Vic Climate Act
- Noted APRA warning on climate and responsibilities of banks, investment managers
- Publicised Joel Fitzgibbon comments re Hunter and energy transition
- Publicised analysis that Turnbull govt new coal power stations would push up power prices
- Tweeted regularly on Turnbull government's false misleading and deceptive behaviour in House of Representatives question time (most popular, Scott Morrison's Great Block of Coal Swindle )
January 2017
- Highlighted report on effectiveness of State renewables targets (= 35% by 2030 nationally)
- Publicised Victorian Government 2020 emissions target and climate framework
- Welcomed Victorian Government announcement on 100% renewable energy for trams
- Highlighted 2016 global warming data
- Publicised Victorian Government response to review of EPA
- Publicised Mark Butler statement criticising Libs for picking coal as a winner
- Publicised Aus Institute of Company Directors report on climate change and good corporate governance
- Promoted discussion of environmental accounting
- Publicised Dutch railways reaching 100% renewable energy a year early
- Promoted Andrew Leigh, Tim Hammond work on use of consumer law against environmental harms
December 2016
- Contrasted UK Conservatives support for UK Climate Change Act to Victorian Libs opposition to updating Vic Climate Change Act including targets on emissions cuts
- Backed CFMEU, AMWU calls for focus on worker safety in heatwave conditions
- Highlighted reports of Australia as worst performing developed country on habitat loss
- Highlighted Wentworth Group Accounting for Nature report of trial of environmental accounts
- Highlighted Federal Labor opposition to public funding for Adani’s Galilee Basin coal mine
- Noted announcement that Delhi metro trains to be 100% renewable powered by mid 2017
- Noted proposal for export of WA solar energy to Indonesia
- Noted launch of ACT electric vehicle plan; highlighted London commitment to zero emissions vehicles including buses
- Highlighted reports backing Federal Labor’s proposed energy emissions intensity scheme to save consumers money including CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia
- Welcomed election of LEAN National Organiser Ella Factor to Labor National Policy Forum
November 2016
- Highlighted LEAN annual conference
- Condemned NSW Lib / Nat government repeal of Labor’s landclearing protections and welcomed NSW Labor commitment to reinstate them
- Highlighted Senate Committee report recommending comprehensive energy transition plan including energy transition authority just transitions
- Highlighted ANU modelling of possible shape of Australian electricity market with 100% renewables
- Noted Vic Climate Change Bill 2016 including net zero 2050 target and interim targets
- Welcomed Victorian Labor introducing ban on fracking
- Defended renewable energy against continued efforts by Malcolm Turnbull, Barnaby Joyce to blame renewables for blackouts when SA storm knocked down multiple transmission towers
- Live tweeted National Environmental Law Association conference including:
- Big picture on climate from Tim Flannery
- Updates on APEEL review of environmental law - technical papers due for release January 2017
- Reviews of Environmental Protection Authority structures in Vic, NSW, WA
- Corporate law liability and climate risks
- Restorative justice approaches and environmental law
- Abandoned mine rehabilitation
- Lack of security of funding and legal status for Indigenous Protected Areas and rangers program
- Retrograde moves in NSW biodiversity protection including re conservation on private land
- Importance of EDOs and merits review in environmental law
- Tweets from ACTU Just Transitions conference
- Noted NSW climate plan doesn’t include 2030 targets or mention landclearing.
- Highlighted launch of Beyond Zero Emissions electric vehicles report
October 2016
- Highlighted Peter Garrett speech on Labor environment leadership and LEAN
- Defended renewable energy against efforts by Malcolm Turnbull, Barnaby Joyce to blame renewables for blackouts when SA storm knocked down multiple transmission towers
- Noted Dutch railways aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2017
- LEAN Queensland reports on achievements at Qld Labor Conference 2016
- Celebrated ACT Labor renewed mandate for 100% renewable energy
- Featured pro-clean energy speeches from Labor members in House of Representatives debate (Oct 12)
- Noted climate resilience focus in Vic draft infrastructure strategy
- Highlighted Queensland draft report on credible pathways to 50% renewables showing cost neutral
- Highlighted commitment to renewable energy targets in WA Labor platform
September 2016
- Defended renewable energy against efforts by Malcolm Turnbull, Barnaby Joyce, media sections to blame renewables for blackouts when SA storm knocked down multiple transmission towers
- Highlighted need for just transitions in context of Hazelwood power station closure
- Welcomed Labor saving $800million of ARENA funding and noted Labor MPs acknowledgment of LEAN role in achieving it
August 2016
- Noted Climate Change Authority recommended electricity emissions intensity scheme; questioned if Craig Kelly MP would allow it
- Celebrated Victorian Labor Government banning fracking
- Publicly called for support for ARENA funding following private representations and Senate submission
- Publicised Northern Territory Labor climate and environment commitments
July 2016
- Contested Lib/Murdoch media scare campaign against SA renewables
- Publicised Felicity Wade article on climate and environment in Labor values and role of climate courage in Federal Labor's return to form
May - June 2016
- Publicised Labor's strongest ever Federal environment policy including commitment to consider national Environment Protection Authority
- Publicised Federal Labor's climate policies
- Celebrated ScoMo's attack ad against LEAN
- Worked with Labor candidates across Australia - including launching LEAN Townsville with Cathy O'Toole, Labor's narrowest win