Live Sheep Export Ban
I spoke in the House today about Labor's proposed live export ban. This is a typical arrogant move by a city-centric Labor Government who continually demonstrate they do not understand regional, rural or remote Australia.
Our animal welfare standards are among the highest in the world. The roll on effects from banning live sheep exports can not be understated.
Get real Labor!
Today I spoke in Parliament about the Kimberley floods and food shortages in Kununurra due to the more recent flooding in the NT. It is imperative to ensure a more reliable and constant supply of food to vulnerable East Kimberley communities.
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP, encourages licensed telecommunications carriers and relevant communications infrastructure owners across the Durack electorate to apply for the latest round of Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot funding.
The Regional Connectivity Program funds the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.
‘I am very aware of the challenges my constituents in Durack face every day when it comes to mobile service capabilities. I have always strongly advocated for improved infrastructure, and therefore better connectivity, in Durack. I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve under the Coalition Government, but there is always more to do in Australia’s largest electorate’ Melissa Price said.
Up to $150 million (GST exclusive) is available for this combined Round, comprising two streams:
· A $100 million (GST exclusive) Regional Connectivity (Round 3) stream for place-based solutions that deliver new or upgraded broadband services and/or upgraded mobile services; and
· A $50 million Mobile Black Spot (Round 7) stream to deliver New Handheld Coverage to regional, rural and First Nations Australia.
This grant opportunity is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts.
Applications for the current funding round close Wednesday 31 May 2023.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit Grant Connect at https://bit.ly/3ZZLvz7
Ends.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Puzzled by the Labor Government funding announcement today where they have pledged funding to upgrade Port Hedland’s Lumsden Point, Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, stated this afternoon “This is the same announcement, for the same project, that the Coalition Government committed to in the March 2022 Budget. “In fact, I believe the amount announced today is considerably less than what we committed to”.
In the March 2022 Budget, we announced $280 million to construct additional infrastructure at Lumsden Point, as part of the Coalition Government’s Energy Security and Regional Development Plan. This plan was created to develop key regions across Australia, transforming them into next generation export hubs. The $280 million we pledged to Lumsden Point was part of a $1.5 billion commitment for projects in the Pilbara region under this plan.
Additionally, in 2021 the Coalition Government also provided $33million to Qube Holdings Limited for upgrades to the Lumsden Point Diesel Storage and Import Terminal, under our Boosting Australia Diesel Storage Program. This program was designed to contribute to the government’s long-term fuel security goal to increase our domestic fuel storage that meets our needs during an emergency and into the future.
“I am very proud that the Liberal Party has always had a regional focus, we know that rural, regional and remote funding will turbocharge our economies, enabling people to get the job they want and to pursue their dreams” said Melissa Price MP. “Our regions, when they are allowed to flourish, will drive our economy, strengthen export markets and support the growth of existing and emerging industries”.
The Labor Government continues to hijack the Coalitions ideas, commitments and policies to adapt as their own, simply rebranding them and then claiming the credit. This is typical Labor, all politics and no policy.
Can the Premier Mark McGowan tell us if this announcement is new money, or is just a repeat of the Coalition commitment?
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
*Published in the West Australian, 16 February 2023
Support for an enshrined Voice in the Constitution is not a left or right-wing political issue.
Although the Liberal Party is often painted by the left, unfairly so, as a party which doesn’t care about Indigenous issues, the record of history tells a different story. It was a Liberal prime minister, Harold Holt, who successfully advocated for and passed the 1967 referendum, changing the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Indigenous people and include them in the census.
The Liberal Party has had many firsts. The first Indigenous member of Parliament, first Indigenous senator, first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives, first Indigenous minister and first Indigenous cabinet minister.
Closing the gap requires the support of both sides of the aisle. If we are going to propose the inclusion of the Voice in our Constitution the Australian public should be treated with respect. Australians have a right to ask the Government commonsense questions.
Questions such as: who will be eligible to serve on the body, how many people will serve on the body, what are its functions and powers and who does it answer to?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made one concession, after months of holding out, to allow for a Yes and No campaign pamphlet to be distributed outlining each camp’s view. There will always be commentators who will regard those opposing constitutional change as stuck in their ways. I am not interested in being distracted by that noise.
Clearly, urgent change is required from our current business-as-usual approach to ensure we can improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
And when we consider the track record of how successful constitutional change has been in the past, with only eight out of 44 referendums successful, we cannot risk being vague on the details.
Although some say our PM is hopeful that Australians will vote Yes based on the “vibe” of the Voice, I think details matter.
In WA, our regional and remote communities are at breaking point. Our hospitals, police force, community organisations and local councils are literally crying out for help. The issues that have been plastered across the national media regarding Alice Springs, although tragic, are also occurring here in WA.
The Voice, if implemented correctly, could provide a vehicle for Indigenous Australians to have their say in how national policy affects local challenges.
It’s about consulting with Indigenous leaders out bush rather than the views of a select few from the city. This is inherently a liberal way of thinking, and we need that in WA now more than ever.
The first step in the process for the Voice, according to the Calma-Langton report - a report which laid out in detail how a national voice model would operate - is to introduce the Voice at a local and regional level. To date, the PM has failed to confirm that this is their proposed model. He insists that the Voice will unite the nation.
Without further detail, it will only divide us.
Have those in Canberra learnt nothing from their past failures?
I thought the point of the Voice was to get away from bureaucrats in Canberra telling individual Indigenous communities what is best for them?
This week marks the 15-year anniversary of the Stolen Generations apology. As put by the Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, we are barely any closer to closing the gap compared to where we were 15 years ago. In fact, in some areas we have moved backwards. The PM could see this for himself by meeting with relevant organisations when he visits Port Hedland, as I recommended in my recent letter to him.
But remember PM, it’s not enough just to turn up. Actions speak louder than words.
Expressions of interest are now open for Round 8 of the Stronger Communities Programme (SCP). The new round of the SCP aims to support communities in preparing and recovering from the widespread impacts of adverse weather events and current economic pressures.
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price, said more funding for Durack would help deliver the infrastructure and equipment that contribute to the vibrancy and viability of local communities.
“I have seen some great results in Durack from this funding program and I look forward to seeing the successful outcome for more Durack communities with this round” Ms Price said. “I strongly encourage interested organisations who require more information to visit my website or contact my office regarding projects important to them and our communities.
Grants from $2,500 up to $20,000 are available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, or up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs for local governing bodies. The Stronger Communities Programme aims to support local jobs, grow local economies and deliver lasting infrastructure and much-needed equipment.
For more information on eligibility criteria, how to apply and programme guidelines visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme-round-8#key-documents
Expressions of Interest close Tuesday 14 March 2023.
Earlier this week my letter below was hand delivered to the Prime Minister. In my letter I requested his help with the juvenile crime crisis happening here in regional WA-
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister
DURACK – YOUTH CRIME
I am writing to you with regards to the towns and regions in my electorate of Durack who are suffering immensely from the impacts of juvenile crime, in particular, the Kimberley, the Pilbara and the town of Carnarvon. I am sure you are aware of the ongoing and unprecedented levels of crime these communities have been experiencing for some time now.
It is disappointing to learn that you do not intend to visit Carnarvon to see for yourself the impact crime is having on their community. I do note, however, that you intend to be in Port Hedland on the 20 and 21 February for a Cabinet meeting. I strongly encourage you and your Ministers, during this visit, to take the time to meet with relevant Pilbara organisations to discuss issues relating to juvenile crime.
Today I met with a collective of organisations known as Pilbara for Purpose (P4P), which includes but is not limited to: Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance, Youth Involvement Council, Salvation Army, Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, and Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation. P4P members are also very concerned about the impact that youth crime is having on their Pilbara communities. P4P would like to discuss this with you and your Ministers when you visit Port Hedland. The contact for P4P is Karen Armstrong, who can be reached at pilbara4purpose@gmail.com.
I appreciate your recent visit to Alice Springs, however, this is not the only town in the north of Australia that is experiencing high rates of youth crime and domestic violence. I strongly believe the same level of attention that has been given to Alice Springs should be given to the Durack regions.
Although the State Government has responsibility for crime, the Federal Government invests significantly in youth diversionary programs. Prior to the last election I was working with Minister Ken Wyatt on the commencement of a review of this youth diversionary investment. If this work has not been initiated, the Federal Government needs to act now as this is something it can control.
Isolation is a way of life for many in Durack, however, due to unprecedented crime, fearful residents are now further isolated, bound within their own homes, too scared to leave.
In summary, I strongly urge you to please take the time to meet with representatives from P4P when in Port Hedland and urgently enact a review of the Federal Government’s investment in youth diversionary programs.
Yours sincerely
Hon Melissa Price MP
3 February 2023
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, encourages art and cultural organisations across the Durack electorate to apply for the Visions of Australia Program. The Visions of Australia Program provides funding to support the development and touring of quality exhibitions around Australia by Australian arts and cultural organisations.
“I encourage our exceptional local arts and cultural organisations to apply for this funding round” Melissa Price said. “Not only will this funding bring great arts and cultural heritage experiences to our community, it will also enable our local arts and cultural organisations to share our stories around Australia.”
The objectives of the Visions of Australia Program are to:
· increase access for Australian audiences to exhibitions of quality Australian arts and cultural material, with a particular focus on regional and remote Australia
· encourage partnerships between organisations such as museums and galleries, particularly collaboration across the collections sector, to form curatorial partnerships and where appropriate, access to mentoring and skills transfer opportunities.
Program funding is delivered through two streams:
· Development, which is for the costs of planning and producing an exhibition to tour. This includes research and design.
· Touring, which is for the costs to produce the exhibition and the costs to transport, install and dismantle the exhibition as well as deliver public programs.
Closing date for applications will be Friday 3 March 2023.
For more information and eligibility criteria visit the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=bb968381-8bb8-42d8-9708-075b51db7c58
Ends.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry, 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, encourages entities across the Durack electorate to apply for funding under the recently announced Critical Minerals Development Program (the program).
The program provides funding for projects producing or planning to produce critical mineral(s) listed in Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy. This includes activities undertaken post-exploration and before final investment decision. The Critical Minerals Strategy is accessed through the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website at https://bit.ly/3kzu1ti
“My electorate of Durack is one of the richest areas in the world in relation to resourcing rare earth materials and critical minerals. Titanium, Graphite, Vanadium, Tungsten, the list goes on - are all accessible in our very own back yard. These important grants will go a long way towards helping our mining industry ensure they are extracting these minerals in the most sustainable and environmentally responsible way” Ms Price said.
Grants ranging from between $1,000,000 and $30,000,000 are available to eligible entities who are looking to promote economic development and jobs in regional communities, secure long term sustainable growth in the Australian critical minerals sector and lower risk associated with critical development activities.
The program also aims to support global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 through the development of Australia’s critical mineral resources, workplace gender equality and opportunities for First Nations people.
Applications for the current funding round close Monday 20 February 2023.
To check your eligibility and access more information visit Grant Connect at https://bit.ly/3iPQPoi
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, welcomes the announcement of the NAIDOC Local Grants Opportunity round that will support events to be held as part of NAIDOC Week activities in 2023.
“The National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is an annual celebration of the histories, rich cultures and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Ms Price.
“I’m thrilled to announce the support for community organisations to hold local NAIDOC Week events right across the electorate, stretching from Kununurra in the north to Bullsbrook in the south and east across to Newman, with all towns in between.
NAIDOC Week will be held from 2 – 9 July, and this year’s National NAIDOC Week theme is ‘For our Elders’, a theme which celebrates Elders as a fundamental part of Indigenous communities.
“I encourage all members of the community to attend a local event to celebrate and learn more about the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples celebrating the oldest continuing culture in the world.”
Local events have a significant role in educating and celebrating NAIDOC week each year including sporting events, cultural showcases and school activities.
Applications close on 17 February 2023.
To check your eligibility and apply for funding visit Grant Connect - https://bit.ly/3Xt55lw
To find out more about NAIDOC Week, visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/
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Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, encourages community organisations across the Durack electorate to apply for a grant under the Safe and Together Community Grants Program.
The program will enable communities and organisations to deliver activities and programs to support, at the earliest possible stage, individuals who may be vulnerable to developing extremist views and behaviours.
Three categories of activities will be considered for funding:
• activities that empower communities and families to engage with vulnerable young people
• activities that strengthen the Australian community’s broader awareness of and resistance to extremisms
• activities that support individuals and their families who are successfully disengaging from extremist views.
“I believe extremism is defined as ‘a willingness to use unlawful violence or support the use of violence by others to promote a political, ideological, or religious goal’.” Melissa Price said. “Grants such as these can help communities ensure that our vulnerable young people are referred to appropriate support programs at an early stage, to reduce the risk of them becoming involved with extremism.”
Applications for the funding round close Thursday 12 January 2023.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
*Published in the West Australian, 17 December 2022
It’s economics 101. If you want to lower the price of goods or services, you increase supply higher than the demand from consumers. It’s an economic principal that even high school students can appreciate.
Labor’s Energy Relief Price Plan has left many scratching their heads as to how exactly this legislation will lower energy prices. The Bill only passed yesterday and already industry is ceasing talks about new investments that would have seen an increase in our domestic supply of gas.
During these uncertain times it is crucial that we keep all of our energy options on the table, old and new, to ensure we can keep power prices down and firm up our sovereign capabilities.
Labor, on the other hand, are hellbent on scrapping any form of energy that isn’t generated by renewables. This is ideology over sensible policy and Australians will be the ones to pay from this colossal misstep.
Renewable energy plays an important part in our energy mix, and I look forward to seeing it play an increasingly more important role as the technology matures. But until then, limiting our supply in gas or coal will only hurt already struggling Australians by driving up the cost of energy.
Further to hindering future investment in gas, Labor’s Energy Relief Price Plan is just bad policy. Plain and simple. It leaves more questions than it provides answers. Closer to home, the McGowan Government will need coal from Newcastle to keep our lights on over the summer period. Another failure in energy policy.
Here in Western Australia, we are still unsure as to whether the gas cap or the targeted cost of living relief will even apply to us. The PM himself said at a press conference last week that WA’s share of the $1.5 billion relief package will be different from other states, given our domestic gas reservation policy.
We don’t know who will receive assistance, how much they will receive and through what mechanism they will receive it. With National Cabinet not set to make a decision on the relief package share until next March, it is clear that Labor have no answers for Western Australians as to how they will help them get through this difficult period.
What we do know is that Western Australian families are struggling with the rising cost-of-living NOW. Labor have promised us that we’ll be $230 better off on our electricity bills because of this legislation, but why should they be believed? They’ve already broken one election promise when they sold the Australian people on the idea that under Labor they would be $275 better off on their electricity bills.
As for the gas cap? It is not clear as to whether WA will be included as a ‘target market’ as set out by the legislation. The consultation paper on the Treasury website says the Western Australian gas market will be excluded from the price cap. Yet, there are two clauses of the primary legislation that directly conflict with each other which puts this claim into doubt.
Even if WA is excluded from the price cap, this brings about the possibility of constitutional challenges that may lead to legal action against the government. This is just messy.
If the process around the bill hadn’t been a chaotic mess from start to finish, and if Labor had actually taken the time to consult with industry and key stakeholders, these issues may have been worked through BEFORE passing through Parliament.
Instead, we are now left scrambling to figure out exactly how this legislation will provide relief and drive down the cost of electricity without destroying new investment in our domestic gas supply.
It is clear that Labor have really cooked the books on this one. I can assure you it wasn’t using gas.
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP, has welcomed the announcement yesterday of a $4000 boost for aged and veteran pensioners. This boost will enable eligible pensioners to work more hours without having their pension affected.
The concept of the Pension Work Bonus Policy was introduced by the Coalition at this year’s Jobs and Skills Summit, a practical policy that Labor has now subsequently adopted.
The boost will see the income cap lifted from $7800 to $11,800 for eligible age and veteran pensioners, enabling them to earn an extra $300 per fortnight before their pension is reduced. The increase in the Work Bonus income bank will be in place from now until December 31, 2023.
“It is important to allow our pensioners to earn a little extra money with a reasonable and common sense solution. This policy will give pensioners a one-off income credit over the next year” Melissa Price said.
“These changes will help pensioners who want to find some extra work, while also helping businesses who need to hire dependable and skilled staff. The ability to earn an extra $300 per fortnight means some members of our community will be able to work more hours, which is important as work can often give people a sense of belonging and purpose. We all like to feel like we make a difference” Ms Price said.
“I am aware that many pensioners are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment and allowing age and veteran pensioners to work and earn an extra $4000 this financial year I believe will certainly help.” Ms Price said.
For more information on the changes to the Pension Work Bonus Policy please visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/work-bonus
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Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
The leaders of tomorrow are the youth of today. I know one of them is Joshua Patrick, a 14 year old local from Northam whose passion for solving the issues of our time is hard to come by.
Today, in Parliament, I read a speech Joshua wrote to join in 'Raise Our Voices in Parliament Week.' This initiative sees Members of Parliament read out speeches written by youth located in their electorate.
If you're interested in hearing Joshua's brilliant speech, listen in to this video -
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP invites agricultural organisations to apply for funding via the Future Droughts Fund: Extension and Adoption of Drought Resilience Farming Practices Grants Program.
“These grants will enable farmer groups, agricultural businesses, and organisations to adapt their practices and enhance their farming systems to increase drought resilience.” Melissa Price said.
The objective of the program is to fund activities that support adoption of proven and existing Australian and/or internationally generated research and development practices and technology that:
· reduce the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity and/or enable a quicker recovery of farmers and their lands from drought
· have potential to be adopted at a large scale (either across multiple farms, a farming system, landscapes, regions, or industries)
· can demonstrate public benefits.
Under the program, eligible applicants can apply for grants of between $100,000 and $3 million per application for projects up to 24 months. Successful projects must be carried out between June 2023 and June 2025.
Applications for this funding round close Monday 9 January 2023.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please follow this link - Future Drought Fund
or visit grants.gov.au – Future Drought Fund.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Registered Nurses across Durack who work in the Aged Care sector are being invited to apply for funding as part of the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment. This is a federal funding round facilitated by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
“We need to take care of all our valuable workers in the medical field, especially our nurses in aged care. Improving and expanding aged care services is fundamental to keeping our communities strong and encouraging our nurses and carers to work regionally, and remotely, is imperative” Melissa Price said.
The objective of the Aged Care Registered Nurses’ Payment is to reward clinical skills and leadership, and to assist in the attraction and retention of Registered Nurses in the aged care sector.
This payment encourages Registered Nurses to work in rural towns, communities, and remote areas. The program will run over 2 years from 2022-23 to 2023-24.
The intended outcomes of the program are to:
· Attract Registered Nurses into the aged care workforce.
· Retain Registered Nurses in the aged care workforce.
· Increase the supply of appropriately qualified Registered Nurses in the aged care workforce, particularly in thin markets.
Applications for this funding round close Wednesday 14 December.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Grant Connect website
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
It was great to appear on the political panel of ABC’s Capital Hill, hosted by Jane Norman, to discuss the Industrial Relations Bill before Parliament.
*Published in the West Australian, 27 October 2022
Western Australians know that if the bush is doing well, then, we are all doing well.
Literally and metaphorically, it is the hand that feeds us. Best not to bite it. It’s a lesson that the Albanese Government should learn.
Just look at the winners and losers from this week’s federal budget and it paints a clear picture as to who Labor are choosing to prioritise.
Between abolishing the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), committing to reducing methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, cutting $100 million from the Critical Minerals Accelerator Program, scrapping agricultural visas, and announcing a potentially irrelevant investment in childcare, Labor have spent their first months in office putting regional and remote Western Australia last.
At a time of such financial uncertainty, it is difficult to understand why Labor are risking our chances of an economic comeback by disadvantaging the very regions that have kept our economy stable, especially during the unstable pandemic period.
It’s no secret that iron ore royalties in Western Australia not only delivered the McGowan Government a budget surplus of over $5 billion and the flow on effects also helped prop up the entire Australian economy.
And how does Anthony Albanese reward the families and communities that kept those mining operations ticking over? By doing away with one of the most significant funding programs supporting the economic recovery of regional and remote communities.
As the Member for Durack, I could not be prouder of the close to 60 planned, underway, and completed projects delivered through the BBRF. Projects such as the Geraldton Regional Airport upgrade and delivering the Pilbara Regional Class IV Waste Management Facility in Onslow.
These are crucial infrastructure upgrades that are making a tangible difference to the lives of families living in regional and remote Western Australia. The arts, emergency services, waste management, infrastructure upgrades, tourism, indigenous organisations, and sporting clubs are all sectors that have benefitted from the BBRF. Lives and communities have been changed for the better.
Labor had an opportunity to continue building on the successes implemented by the Coalition, instead they have turned their back on the bush.
Community groups and local Shires in my electorate of Durack are now asking me the simple question: Why are we being punished, when we have done nothing wrong?
Zac Slaughter from the Volunteer Marine Rescue Service (VMRS) in Port Hedland has told me how their organisation spent hundreds of hours in the past year preparing their application for the BBRF.
Zac said, “We have spent money that we didn’t have, undertaking quotes, studies, cost benefit analysis and much more. It has been a lengthy process and we were hopeful for the outcome. We now must face the risks associated with the VMRS not getting a grant to fund the replacement of the 117-year-old dilapidated facility here in Port Hedland, in fact the VMR may have to close its doors. This puts the lives of all our seafarers at risk.”
Shires across regional WA have spent considerable amounts of money preparing for their grant applications and some have even hired extra staff to help complete the application process. Now Labor is rejecting the 815 regional community organisations across Australia telling them to return to the drawing board and start again. This is simply unacceptable. Their applications should have been honoured.
Rhetoric from the Labor Government that BBRF was a pork barrelling exercise is simply unfair and untrue. It is common sense that a majority of Coalition seats would receive funding through the BBRF considering most regional areas are held by Liberal or National members.
Labor’s budget also revealed the decision to cut $100 million from the Critical Minerals Accelerator Program, formerly known as the Critical Minerals Accelerator Initiative.
It was under the Coalition Government that a $1.25 billion loan was provided to the Australian company Iluka Resources in my electorate of Durack to develop Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia.
We understood the positive impact a strong critical minerals industry can have, not only to our nation’s economic output and for local communities and their workforces, but they are also essential in our mission to reduce emissions and reach net zero. I thought that was what Labor wanted?
Earlier this month, Minister Bowen said that Australia would need to install more than 22,000 solar panels every day and 40 7MW wind turbines every month for 8 years to meet the government’s target of 82% renewables in the electrical grid by 2030. Yet here they are cutting investment in the very sector that could help us manufacture the technology domestically.
It is this kind of contradictory action that is cementing fears that this Labor Government will be all spin and no action.
And where do they expect the 60 million solar panels and close to 4,000 wind turbines to be installed? It sure won’t be the Cottesloe foreshore. Once again it will be the bush that will have to deal with the potential environmental impact on our coastline – not forgetting the eyesore - and loss of critical pastoral and farm land as a consequence of this rushed policy.
We need to ensure our critical minerals industry has the backing of government, so they have the confidence in pushing forward with new investments and research. Instead, the Albanese Government is sending the opposite message: You are low on the pecking order.
As for Labor’s flagship childcare policy? Over $4.5 billion committed and not a single cent spent on addressing workforce shortages, increasing wages, or creating additional places or services.
Here in the bush, and equally so in the city, there are issues that Labor’s policy will not address that could render the legislation irrelevant. They either don’t know about these issues or simply don’t care.
I have been very vocal in recent months about the housing crisis plaguing regional and remote Western Australia and the McGowan Government’s inaction and lack of urgency.
This crisis is prohibiting regional and remote communities from securing workers to provide services such as education and childcare. It does not matter how cheap childcare is. Cost is irrelevant if there is no place for your child.
As outlined in a report delivered by One Tree Community Services in April this year, there are currently 208 childcare places that One Tree cannot utilise in the Pilbara due to a lack of staff. Other providers in the Pilbara have also commented that a lack of staff has meant they are unable to fill all available places.
According to the One Tree report, there is a waitlist of 1,139 children wanting placements in the Pilbara alone.
We need new facilities and programs in our regional and remote communities to help meet the workforce shortage in other critical sectors, such as education, health, and policing.
Labor have had 9 years to learn from the Coalition on how to deliver a strong budget for regional families and communities. At a time when the cost of living is going up and financial headwinds are ruining economies across the world it has never been more important to ensure rural, regional, and remote Western Australia has the backing of the Federal Government so it can continue delivering for the country.
The Hon Melissa Price MP
I was honoured to deliver the below speech at the
Mid West and Gascoyne Major Projects Conference
in Geraldton, 18 October 2022
I have never been one for losing… and an election is no exception to that rule. So, after the Coalition’s election result on the 21st of May this year, I, like many of my colleagues, quickly began dissecting the information at hand to determine what went wrong.
As reported by the ABC, more people listed climate change as their most important issue this election compared to any other topic. This was the case for every single seat in the country, bar Longman and Flynn, where climate change finished a close second after cost of living.
This is not very surprising when we consider the teal wave that wiped out many safe Liberal seats across the country, like Curtin here in Western Australia. These campaigns were specifically run on integrity and climate change, and the electorates voted them in.
On the 8th of September the Albanese Government passed their Climate Change Bills in the Senate and enshrined in legislation Australia’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent and net zero emissions by 2050.
And just like that, the saga known as the ‘climate wars’ was brought to a swift close.
My greatest disappointment as a member of the Liberal Party is that we have consistently failed to demonstrate to Australians that, not only did we effectively act on climate change, but our measures were also coveted globally as the gold standard.
In 9 years of Government, we were successful in reducing emissions in a manner that was safe and responsible.
Without raising electricity prices or taxes.
Without shutting down coal, gas production or exports.
Without job losses.
Our story of emissions reduction has been one of consistent achievements. Before the election, Australia was on track to reduce emissions by up to 35% by 2030. Well above our target of 26% to 28%.
We met and surpassed our 2020 Kyoto targets.
Under the Coalition, Australia’s emissions reductions outpaced those of the United States, New Zealand, Japan and every other major commodity exporting nation… in the world.
It was a great honour to have contributed to the Coalition’s successes, serving as a former Commonwealth Environment Minister.
In 2018, I proudly represented our nation in Katowice, in Poland, at the Climate Change Conference (COP24).
Far from being ridiculed or criticised for the Morrison Government’s climate inaction, Australia was praised for the actions it was taking to reduce emissions.
Actions like funding from the Emissions Reduction Fund, CEFC and ARENA and also the world leading accurate and transparent way in which our nation captured emissions’ data.
Whilst I was chairing the COP24 subcommittee, which included representatives from the USA, Canada and New Zealand, it was clear to me that Australia had a positive reputation for its professionalism and its climate actions.
At a time when many nations simply had emissions’ targets, but no plan to achieve them, Australia was hailed for its actions.
We set the global standard on the world stage for all to see. We should be proud of our record.
Unfortunately, we failed to communicate this record to the Australian people, a failure which cost us the opportunity to continue delivering and building upon our successes.
And that brings us to this moment in time.
Now that Labor have legislated Australia’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent and net zero emissions by 2050, we must turn our attention towards how we as a nation are going to achieve these targets.
The next debate of our generation will be that of energy production and consumption and it could not have started at a more difficult time, with the war in Ukraine threatening the world’s clean energy transition.
The ‘climate wars’ are over, but has the ‘energy war’ just begun? What role will industries in the Mid-West play to achieve a safer climate for future generations?
It is easy enough to set targets and display a commitment towards net zero emissions, establishing and executing a plan that won’t adversely affect the lives of every day Australians is a much more difficult endeavour.
As at 2019, 84.3% of our global primary energy consumption came from fossil fuels, with wind and solar only contributing 3.3%. The unfortunate reality is that our reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, still plays a significant part in the global energy mix. In fact, coal consumption rose in 2021 in countries such as America, China and Germany.
In 2021, Germany’s wind power feed-in in the first half of 2021 was lower than average, with electricity generation by onshore wind turbines falling by 21 percent and offshore turbines falling by 16 percent. Coupled with a rise in electricity consumption, coal-fired power generation in Germany was significantly increased.
Now that NATO countries and other nations are working to limit their reliance on Russian gas, countries like Germany are once again turning to coal to meet demand domestically. This is not an indication that developed countries are looking backwards, simply a reality check that renewables can fail to generate the necessary input required to sustain demand and that we are a lot more reliant on coal than we would like to admit.
We received a wake-up call of our own in Western Australia recently with news that the Collie Power Station has not extracted enough coal to keep WA’s biggest single coal-fired generator operational over the next three months. We are now facing the prospect of having to freight coal in from over east, even though millions of tonnes of coal still lie in the ground around Collie.
The McGowan Government’s decision to phase out coal from the energy system entirely by 2030 may adversely impact our energy security, especially if this transition has not been appropriately bolstered by other sources of energy.
Whilst renewables continue to grow as a key part of our energy mix and as technology changes to make them more effective, other clean alternatives are necessary if we intend to meet our climate targets.
Here in the Mid-West, much is being done by industry and government to explore cleaner alternatives for our current energy supply. More specifically, there are exciting discussions focusing on the implementation and export of renewable hydrogen.
Green hydrogen features as an important pillar of a future net zero economy with its potential to decarbonise heavy industry, long haul freight, shipping, and aviation. Hydrogen-based fuels has the means to transport energy from renewables over thousands of kilometers, particularly useful in a state as large as Western Australia.
Fortunately, the Mid-West Region has a large advantage when considering the potential for green hydrogen production.
Our coastal plains are one of the world’s best locations for wind and solar, the surrounding rural land is cost effective, the risk of a severe weather event is low in comparison to other parts of our country, and we have direct access to a highly skilled workforce.
I was proud to learn that Geraldton was chosen as the study location for GHD and BP’s ‘Renewable Hydrogen and Ammonia Feasibility Study.’ This jointly funded study received $1.7 million from the Coalition Government through the Australian Renewable Energy as part of its Advancing Renewables Program.
As the local Federal Member, I look forward to playing a part in ensuring Geraldton is known globally as the best place in the world to source green hydrogen.
While it is evident that green hydrogen will play an important part in decarbonising our energy sources, there are significant hurdles in the way that require collaboration across government, industry, and local communities to ensure it becomes a viable alternative.
Our commitment to supporting hydrogen as one of our future sources of clean energy was evident in our $42.5 million grant to Yara Pilbara and ENGIE to build one of the world’s first industrial-scale renewable hydrogen production operations.
Using a 10 MW electroylsyer, on-site photovoltaic panels and a battery storage system, the plant to operate without being connected to the main electrical grid and will produce up to 625 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year.
In March this year the Coalition Government announced that we were investing $49 million in the Australian Vanadium Project, to process high grade vanadium from its Meekatharra mine in WA. Partnered with ATCO Australia, this highly sought-after critical mineral will then be transformed into energy-storing batteries in the clean hydrogen powered Tenindewa plant.
Behind China and Russia, Australia holds the third-largest amount of vanadium in the world. This critical mineral can be used in batteries that store grid-scale energy, can be attached to power plants or electrical grids and can be used with steel to produce lighter, stronger, and more resistant building materials. It just makes sense to produce it ourselves, in an environmentally friendly way, on home soil.
This is a great example of how the Coalition invested in supplying Australia and the world with a safe and environmentally responsible metal that can help us in our transition to renewable energy.
And the best part is that it is happening in our own back yards.
One conversation the Coalition will not shy away from in this next term of government is how nuclear can contribute to our net zero ambitions.
In Western Australia there is a ban on new uranium mines.
Initially, Western Australia had four proposed uranium mining leases granted for Wiluna, Kintyre, Yeelirrie and Mulga Rock.
I am proud to say that I was the Minister responsible for providing final federal approval for the last uranium project in WA, the Yeelirrie project.
Currently, only Vimy’s Mulga Rock project can proceed as the other three projects have failed to demonstrate substantial commencement of their plans on site.
If we are serious about responsibly lowering emissions, uranium must be a part of the conversation, especially considering Australia is home to one third of the world’s deposits of uranium.
The Coalition have called for an informed and honest debate on how nuclear technologies can be a part of the decarbonisation mix.
How can it help reduce emissions, lower power prices over time, shore-up renewables, and support our general energy security? Australians are hungry for affordable, reliable, and secure sources of power that emit zero emissions.
And while renewables play a huge part in painting this picture, it’s at times when the sun is not shining, and the wind is not blowing that nuclear can also play a part.
Key global players are all moving in the direction of building upon their current nuclear stock or investing in research to develop nuclear technology. France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the United States of America… the list goes on.
In fact, over 70 designs of small modular reactors are currently in development or construction in 18 countries.
These countries are proving that when government and key industry players work in tandem with one another, great progress can be made on the safe implementation and economically feasible introduction of nuclear energy.
No better example can be seen than that of the United Kingdom and the Rolls-Royce small modular reactors. Their SMR is a compact power station design, around 90 percent of which will be built or assembled in factory conditions, which can support both on-grid electricity and a range of off-grid clean energy solutions.
A single Rolls-Royce SMR power station could power approximately one million homes, only by occupying the footprint of two football pitches. It could also be used in the decarbonisation efforts of industrial processes, such as green hydrogen.
Supported by up to $210 million pounds by the British Government, Rolls-Royce, other key industry players and the British Government are working together to create clean and affordable energy for all. We need to ensure Australia is learning from these examples over seas and implementing similar collaboration with industry at home.
Although the Coalition has only been in opposition for a very short time, we are determined to lead the agenda on many issues.
We will not let the mistakes of the past define our contributions for the future. We lost the climate wars however a new discussion is beginning on how Australia will move forward with the rest of the world on energy production and consumption. This is the beginning of a new chapter, one that may be championed as the ‘energy wars.’
No matter what pundits in the media call, this time around the Coalition will be the key player in moving our communities, industry and all Australians towards decarbonisation and a net zero future.
Thank you.
Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, welcomes a parliamentary inquiry into co-investment in multi carrier regional mobile infrastructure. The House Communications and the Arts Committee will hear evidence from the public into how we can improve regional connectivity.
Co-investment is a tool which would allow multiple telecommunications providers in regional areas to invest in and share ‘multi-carrier’ mobile towers and related infrastructure, to improve services. Most of the mobile infrastructure is not co-located, especially in regional and rural areas. The rates of co-location for Australia’s major mobile providers dramatically decline as you move from urban to regional and remote areas, to as low as 4.8 per cent in very remote areas.
‘I encourage all residents of Durack who have issues with regional connectivity and services to make a submission into this important inquiry’ Melissa Price MP said. ‘It is imperative for all residents in Durack’s regional, rural, and remote areas, to have reliable mobile connectivity. Especially our crucial emergency services – as our very lives can depend on it’
‘I am very aware of the challenges my constituents in Durack face every day when it comes to mobile service capabilities. I have always strongly advocated for improved infrastructure, and therefore better connectivity, in Durack. I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve under the Coalition Government, but there is always more to do in Australia’s largest electorate’ Ms Price said.
Connectivity and infrastructure are critical drivers of regional development. It is particularly important that the committee hear directly from rural, regional, and remote communities as these are the people that suffer the most.
Submissions can also be made through the committees webpage, or by email to communications.reps@aph.gov.au
Submissions into the inquiry close 10 November 2022
Ends.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
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