Media Releases

Fire and Forestry: How Intact Forests Can Work As Buffer to Bushfires

“More than any other state, Tasmanians live in and on the edges of the bush,” said Leanne Minshull, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania.

“As the severity of fires increase, so does the impact on our homes, our communities and our economy, we need to look at this problem holistically to have any chance of dealing with it.”

"Our research shows us that there is a lack of understanding in the community when it comes to undisturbed forests and fires. The science shows us that undisturbed rainforest assists in slowing down the spread of bushfires.

Posted on:

16 August 2019

BCA Investment Allowance Proposal Welcomed

“The Business Council of Australia proposal for an Investment Allowance deserves support,” said Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute.

“Given the weakness of the Australian economy, with interest rates heading towards zero and monetary policy effectively being exhausted, other measures to stimulate the economy deserve support.

“The BCA proposal should be supported at least for the medium term, and could be strengthened with the addition of a ‘fiscal responsibility’ sunset clause.

Posted on:

16 August 2019

Australia Puts Coal Ahead of Pacific Survival

If a ban or limitation of coal is not in today’s 50^th Pacific Islands Forum communique, it will be because Australia has bullied its Pacific Island neighbours into taking it out.

“This Government’s fixation on coal puts Australia in direct conflict with Pacific leaders fighting for the future of their nations,” said Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program Director at the Australia Institute.

“Being a partner with our Pacific neighbours means listening to them and working with them – not bullying them.

Posted on:

15 August 2019

Morrison’s Pollution Loophole Will Weaken Pacific Climate Change Action

Prime Minister Morrison is undermining Pacific action on climate change, with new analysis from the Australia Institute revealing that his pollution loophole is equivalent to around 8 years fossil fuel emissions for the rest of the Pacific and New Zealand.

The Government plans to use Kyoto credits to meet emissions targets – a loophole that means Australia will count controversial past reductions to meet current targets – and essentially be able to keep pollution at the same level.

Posted on:

13 August 2019

Australia lags as energy retailers attempt to delay reform

New research from The Australia Institute has shown how the world’s major electricity markets are opening up to demand response competition, which will benefit consumers with lower prices and help maintain reliability.

“The rest of the world is charging ahead with energy market modernisation and Australia is now poised to make a major reform that will put us at the leading edge,” said Dan Cass, Energy Policy & Regulatory Lead at The Australia Institute.

Posted on:

6 August 2019

Crossbench: Legislate National Integrity Commission with Teeth

Crossbench MPs and Senators have joined with eminent retired Judges and corruption fighters to call for the Federal Government to legislate for a National Integrity Commission – but one that has real teeth.

In particular, the Coalition Government’s proposed NIC model is deficient in two key areas:

Posted on:

30 July 2019

Lack of Government Backing Stifles Australia’s Renewables Transition

As states compete for top-place in renewable energy generation and upgrades to the National Electricity Market (NEM) reach growth rates comparable to the development of Australia’s original electricity grids, Australia’s transition to renewables needs more planning and support from Governments.

The Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program has released the latest National Energy Emissions Audit, analysing the electricity sector over the previous month. The Audit is authored by renowned energy expert, Dr Hugh Saddler.

Key findings:

Posted on:

26 July 2019

Tasmanians missing out on revenue from fish farms

The Tasmanian government may have forgone millions of dollars in potential revenue from the rapid growth in the fish farming industry according to a new report from The Australia Institute.

Key Findings:

Posted on:

24 July 2019

Qld Government and Opposition race to subsidise Adani

Research released today by The Australia Institute shows that coal mines in Queensland receive a discount on royalty payments of up to 17% relative to similar mines in NSW.

This effective subsidy could be increased under a State Government deal with Adani currently being negotiated.

“Mines like Adani’s effectively get 17% of their coal for free thanks to existing Queensland royalty arrangements,” said Rod Campbell, Research Director at The Australia Institute.

“If the Adani mine is developed, this royalty loophole would deliver an annual subsidy of between $12 million and $30 million per year.

Posted on:

24 July 2019

Australia ill-equipped for fuel security crisis: time for solution

Australia faces significant risks to national security, energy security and climate change mitigation, due to a heavy reliance on imported oil and access to only a limited amount of fuel at any one time, according to new analysis from the Australia Institute.

The new research finds that Australia is unprepared to deal with any potential fuel security crisis.

Key findings:

Posted on:

18 July 2019

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