JAYNE WHITNEY

The 2024 Australian Government #Budget included a number of items of note for Tertiary Education providers including the below: Skills pipeline for priority industries: 👉🏼 The Government will expand eligibility to the New Energy Apprenticeships Program to include work in the clean energy sector, including in construction and advanced manufacturing. This will provide access to $10,000 incentive payments and support our target of 10,000 new energy #apprentices. 👉🏼 The Government will commit $30 million to turbocharge the VET teaching workforce for clean energy courses and $50 million to upgrade and expand clean energy training facilities. 👉🏼 The Government will invest $55.6 million to establish the Building Women’s Careers program to support women’s participation in key industries including clean energy. Reforming tertiary education: 👉🏼 The Government is committing $1.6 billion over 5 years, and an additional $2.7 billion from 2028–29 to 2034–35 to reform the #tertiaryeducation system and deliver Australia's future workforce. This includes $1.1 billion for reforms to university funding and tertiary system governance. 👉🏼 Over $500 million will be provided for skills and training in priority industries and to support women’s participation in these sectors. 👉🏼 The Government will set a tertiary attainment target of 80 per cent of the working‑age population by 2050. 👉🏼 The Government is investing $55.6 million to launch the Building Women’s Careers program which will deliver around ten large-scale projects, and several smaller local projects, to support women to access flexible training in clean energy, construction, tech and advanced manufacturing. Apprentice Incentive Support: 👉🏼 $265.1 million over four years to support apprentice retention and completion rates, the Government has committed to increase Phase Two Incentive System payments for apprentices in priority occupations from $3,000 to $5,000 and hiring incentives for priority occupation employers from $4,000 to $5,000 for 12 months from 1 July 2024. 👉🏼 The Government is investing $88.8 million to deliver 20,000 additional Fee-Free TAFE places in courses relevant to #construction, including increased access to pre-apprenticeship programs. This is on top of more than 355,000 Fee-Free #TAFE places delivered in 2023, and the 300,000 places being delivered from 2024 to 2026 in areas of #skills need. 👉🏼 The Government is investing $91.0 million to develop the clean energy workforce, including by turbocharging the VET teacher, trainer and assessor workforce, and funding clean energy training facilities. 👉🏼 The Expanded eligibility for the New Energy #Apprenticeships Program will also allow more apprentices to access $10,000 payments and will increase completions in priority sectors. Further information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gy_9N-kj #vocationaleducation #skills

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The Coalition is the only party with a credible plan to get to net zero and our plan aligns with international best practice.   Our plan is for a balanced energy mix including renewables, gas and zero-emissions nuclear energy replacing coal as it retires from the system.   Learning the lessons from overseas, it’s clear that there is no credible pathway to net zero without zero emissions nuclear energy.

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Australia has historically operated one of the most carbon intensive power systems on Earth. This independent analysis clearly lays out why the transition to a renewables based system, firmed up by storage and fast- start gas, is by far the most efficient and effective model for the future. For anybody interested in energy or climate policy, it is definitely worth reading - or at least reading the excellent summary AEMO provide…

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We have some comments in todays AFR about the critical role that gas will continue to play in the energy system and the need to include it in the Capacity Investment Scheme. Our media release from yesterday also talks about the critical role for gas in our manufacturing and heavy industry sectors (go to the media hub at euaa.com.au). I have worked in the energy industry for 37 years with last 25 years spent deeply involved in renewable energy and climate change mitigation. I continue to support the pursuit of net zero, as do members of the EUAA. My concern is that if energy bills continue to escalate (or for many if they don't fall significantly), the lights start going out and manufacturing starts to close then the public will lose enthusiasm for net zero and lose faith in the plan to get us there. We are already seeing this play out with recent consumer research showing that while people still like renewables they are becoming less inclined to support the transition as cost of living, job security and local environmental concerns (amongst other things) take higher priority. In a future energy system where renewable energy makes up 85% of supply, gas will play a small but critical role in maintaining energy security. It wont run for long but when it does it will save the day.

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Board oversight and governance of assets development – Ports Ports Australia Biennial conference in Hobart this year included board governance discussion. This lead me to the question of board’s responsibility in asset development. The acquisition of assets through project development is a high-risk activity, particularly as capital investments are increasing in technological complexity, cost, time criticality and strategic importance. When Port organisations embark on a new program or strategically critical project, a competent board will want to have the appropriate level of assurance at each stage of the development to confirm that the project is ready to progress successfully to the next stage. Could an independent review process provide assurance of this progression and the desired outcomes? Could independent reviews and validations of the accuracy and adequacy of a project’s business case (or feasibility study) as it is being developed and before granting final sanction to an investment identify improvements and provide prudent governance? Based on recent experiences, in the sector, in Australia and globally there is room for improvement. Could the fiduciary responsibility of a board provide the answer?

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Addressing climate change and the energy transition is a genuinely critical policy challenge for Australia and China. Both countries have set net zero targets and need to plot a path to get there. The pathway will bring profound benefits but also mean profound changes in our energy, industry, technology systems and also to our markets and economies. That China is Australia’s biggest trading partner as well as the world’s biggest emitter makes engagement especially valuable. The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) 澳中基金会 has been pleased to support two research and policy exchanges with China which came to fruition this week and at which my deputy Helen Horsington GAICD represented us. DFAT Secretary Jan Adams PSM spoke at the launch of a “A Sustainable Economic Partnership for Australia and China”, an independent report produced by a team at ANU led by Professor Peter Drysdale (the East Asia Bureau of Economic Research). This work emerged from policy dialogue it held with the Chinese Centre for International Economic Exchanges CCIEE in late 2023 that the Foundation enabled. The report pointed to the economic challenges and opportunities, some areas of policy and technical work that will be valuable and forms of dialogue among business, policy researchers and government which may help us unlock those opportunities. The Foundation was also pleased to support a policy roundtable in Beijing on the detail of decarbonisation through green iron and steel led by the ANU’s Professor Frank Jotzo with participantion from Tsinghua University and the Australian Chamber of Commerce in China. https://lnkd.in/gBVw34D8 Good to be having these conversations and inputs.

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WA’s Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE) has officially commenced operations, with the appointment of an Industry Advisory Board to advise the Government on the clean energy workforce and a general manager to lead the centre... READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/gWMUDAyZ Government of Western Australia Australian Government #cleanenergy

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Innovation in energy is critical to ensuring our system is clean, reliable and affordable. Great to talk with a full house of energy sector professionals and innovators about the big opportunities of a system that is becoming more flexible, distributed and smart. I suggested three opportunities for Queensland: 1. infrastructure - how do we more rapidly deploy the enabling infrastructure for the energy transformation? (e.g. using drones for transmission work) 2. integration of consumer energy resources - how do we better integrate CER to benefit consumers and the grid? (e.g. virtual power plants) 3. renewable fuels - how do we use Queensland's bio assets to help decarbonise hard to abate sectors? (e.g. renewable diesel). No easy answers - but that is where collaboration between the sector, entrepreneurs and universities can find new ways. thanks to Wayne Gerard for convening this conversation. Department of Energy and Climate Wayne Gerard Michael Dart - Acting Chief Executive Officer Teresa Dyson James Harman Michael S. Duggan

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VIVA GAS TERMINAL PROJECT - HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY! Today is the last day to provide feedback for VIVA's proposed gas terminal project in Geelong. Your input is crucial as the next stage involves submission to the Minister's office. Share your thoughts via the link below. Key points from the discussion: - Australia might deplete its Bass Strait gas reserves by 2028/2029, emphasising the need to reduce gas reliance. - VIVA plans to install a floating gas terminal near the current wharf, creating local job opportunities and economic growth. - Gas will be sourced from the Middle East, USA, and NW WA to ensure energy supply to Victoria and the Eastern Seaboard. - Extensive studies on marine ecology, noise, local habitat including bird sancturaries, and cultural heritage impact have been conducted. Act now today is the day to have your say on this vital project shaping Australia's energy future! #AustraliaEnergyFuture #Gas #Essentialenergysupply #TransitioningtoaGreenEnergyfuture

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My last podcast for the year is live! In this episode I am joined by Nicola Falcon to discuss the role of gas in Western Australia. It is a wide ranging conversation, exploring insights from the recent WA Gas Statement of Opportunities. #Gas #NaturalGas #EnergyTransition #WA #LNG

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The Power of Listening in Leadership. In leadership, the loudest voice does not always lead the way. Often, it is the ability to truly listen that unlocks growth, innovation and trust. And that was my key takeaway and lesson at this weeks Total Metering Services Pty Ltd Leadership Conference. Creating space, whether in a meeting, a conversation or a challenging moment, allows others to feel heard and valued. When we pause to listen, we foster collaboration, uncover fresh ideas and strengthen relationships. Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about empowering others to contribute and creating an environment where everyone thrives. How are you creating space in your leadership today?

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The most efficient and effective way to decarbonise Australia’s energy system is to retire coal and diesel, build out renewables and support them with domestic gas and other forms of storage like batteries and hydro.

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Australian Renewables Academy (ARA) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a government funding contract by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This funding is set to establish and deliver the innovative New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program from 15 April 2024. The New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program is designed to support the clean energy sector. This Australian Government initiative aims to maximise retention and completion rates of Australian apprenticeships in Clean Energy Occupations by connecting apprentices to skilled workers and businesses in the clean energy industry. "We are excited to launch the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program. It will create substantial opportunities for apprentices and the clean energy sector in Australia," said Bernadette O’Connor, CEO of Australian Renewables Academy. "This program aligns perfectly with our mission to transform the Australian workforce for the new energy revolution." The government funding will enable a range of services under the Program, including peer support, networking events, and other clean-energy-industry-based activities. This strategic investment highlights the government's commitment to building a strong workforce for the growing Clean Energy sector. The Australian Renewables Academy will work closely with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to deliver the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program to a consistently high professional standard. "We will ensure New Energy apprentices develop useful industry connections and build career pathways within the New Energy sector," Bernadette O’Connor added. For more information about the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring Program and other initiatives at Australian Renewables Academy, please visit https://lnkd.in/g3fP3dAr #newenergy #cleanenergy #cleanenergyfuture #renewables #energytransition #australianrenewablesacademy #workforceplus

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As Australia’s energy transition continues at pace, companies involved in building new transmission infrastructure will need to manage considerable resourcing challenges on projects while also meeting industry-specific obligations to ensure their workers’ health and safety. In the latest article in our Transmission for Transition series, Ben McKinley, Carlie Holt and Laura Slocombe outline the safety issues imposed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 on companies involved in transmission projects. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eApjDEf8 You can receive our series of Transmission for Transition articles by signing up for our weekly newsletter: https://ow.ly/6Ahe50SIMzt You can also find out more about how Pinsent Masons is supporting its clients who are driving the transition to NetZero: https://ow.ly/eM3350SIMzu #PinsentMasons #NetZero #Renewables #Energy #TransmissionforTransition #WHS #OHS

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The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a consultation paper as part of its plan to design a #pricing #framework that better serves #energyconsumers.   AEMC Chair, Anna Collyer, said the #review comes at a critical time as millions of Australian households and businesses embrace new #energytechnologies known as consumer energy resources.    “With one in four Australian homes now having #solarpanels, and predictions of one in two by 2040, we need to ensure our pricing frameworks keep pace with how #consumers want to use and interact with the #energysystem.    “Research shows that effectively integrating consumer #energyresources could deliver net benefits of $6.3 billion by 2040. "Getting pricing structures right will be crucial to realising these benefits for all consumers," Ms Collyer said.

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Friends Invitation to Join Australia's Largest Energy Event: All Energy Australia, 23-24 Oct 24, Melbourne, Australia. Why Participate in All Energy Australia? 1. Accelerated Grid Connections: The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has introduced a new rule to speed up grid connections for renewable energy and storage projects. This change aims to eliminate delays and create a more predictable investment environment. 2. Massive Project Pipeline: Currently, nearly 600 renewable energy generation and storage projects are in the connection queue, highlighting the rapid growth and demand in the sector. The new rule will facilitate faster connections, bringing clean and affordable electricity to Australian homes and businesses sooner. 3. Significant Capacity Requirements: Australia needs to add 6 GW of new capacity annually to replace retiring coal-fired plants and meet emissions reduction targets. This creates substantial opportunities for international companies to invest and participate in the renewable energy market. To know & understand more about these opportunities, read the excellent article by Ev Foley in pv magazine Australia. For participation opportunities in the All Energy Australia explore these opportunities and network with stakeholders involved in Australia Energy Transition connect with me. Robby Clark

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𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 – 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽  At All Energy Australia we were privileged to lead discussions with industry experts on topics critical to Victoria’s transition to renewable energy; community support, meaningful engagement and opportunities for investment in transmission.   🎙️ 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀  ViGrid’s, Executive Director, Project Delivery Danny Benjamin updated a packed room on VicGrid’s project pipeline, highlighting the need for industry and government to partner, what this looks like and how we prepare for challenges and opportunities together. Danny was joined by industry leaders Claire Cass from AEMO, Laurel Yu from Macquarie Group, Katie Watt from Tetra Tech Coffey, with VicGrid’s Monique Halliday chairing the panel.  They delved into a range of topics ranging from what investors are looking for in a project, through to the importance of having open conversations with community, landholders and Traditional owners to understand their priorities and concerns. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker spoke of our approach to renewable energy zone (REZ) development and building community support in Victoria.   He stressed that giving First Peoples, landholders, communities, and regional stakeholders a real voice in the process is crucial to the success of the energy transition. So is an approach to community benefits where locals benefit in a meaningful and lasting way based on their vision of the energy priorities for their region. Alistair joined Michael Johnson from Lumea (Transgrid Group), Breannah Schubach from NGH Consulting, and Mark Hudson from WestWind Energy to discuss how to proactively involve community in advancing the renewable energy transition and deliver benefits to host communities. 🤝 Every conversation with industry is a chance to drive the changes required to deliver this once in a generation opportunity for all Victorians.  📲 Connect with us on LinkedIn and learn more about our upcoming industry engagements and opportunities to work with us by subscribing to our mailing list - https://lnkd.in/g5guCE3K       Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Macquarie Group Tetra Tech Coffey Clean Energy Council Solar Victoria All Energy Australia Victorian Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action       #AllEnergyAU #RenewableEnergy #VicGrid #EnergyTransition #PowerTransmission #RenewableEnergyInvestment

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