The federal government is expected to provide more detail on its Future Made in Australia plan when Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers the 2024-25 federal budget today. The plan is designed to revitalise local manufacturing by turbocharging clean manufacturing, industry and energy such as solar and wind. As well as outlining government support for specific, local industries, the federal budget is anticipated to include measures to attract and deploy private capital.
The following experts, business leaders and community members are available for comment.
INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Beth Mitchell, Head of Engagement for Beyond Zero Emissions, who is in the Budget lock-up, can discuss how Australia can produce clean technology for the world and grow our economy by leveraging the skills, capabilities and key technologies we already have. According to BZE’s new report, investment to help grow supply chains - for solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps and commercial electric vehicles - could generate up to $215 billion in revenue and create up to 53,000 additional jobs by 2035 as the world accelerates efforts to net zero.
Location: Canberra, ACT (in the Budget lock-up).
Contact Dugald McNaughtan on Tuesday on 0416 414 270 and Michelle Lee on Wednesday on 0432 398 850
Tim Buckley, director of non-partisan think-tank Climate Energy Finance, has more than 30 years’ experience in Australian and international financial markets. He can comment on measures relating to the Future Made in Australia Act, energy bill relief, solar and electrification of homes and business, and taxes and subsidies relating to fossil fuels.
Location: Sydney, NSW.
Marilyne Crestias, interim CEO at Clean Energy Investor Group, has over ten years’ experience in government and consulting, focusing primarily on the economics of energy markets, renewable energy auction design, climate change, and management of natural resources. She led the design of the largest renewable energy auction in Australia and the delivery of legislation to support the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
Location: Melbourne, VIC.
Blair Palese, founder of Climate Capital Forum and director of philanthropy at Ethinvest, can speak to broader issues of investing in decarbonisation, government’s role in crowding in investment from the private sector, the competitiveness of the decarbonisation investment environment globally, the impact of the US’ Inflation Reduction Act, and policies for domestic investment in net-zero transformation.
Location: Sydney, NSW.
Contact Amanda Caldwell on 0410 148 173 or amanda@climateenergyfinance.org
Sam Mella, senior project manager at Beyond Zero Emissions, can talk about the Hunter businesses that are already making strides in low-emissions options, including wind and hydrogen.
Location: Newcastle, NSW.
Contact Dugald McNaughtan on Tuesday on 0416 414 270 and Michelle Lee on Wednesday on 0432 398 850
Peter Coughlan, principal at Coughlan Consulting and spokesperson for Hunter Renewal, is a local businessman and accountant supporting Hunter Renewal, a group that connects people, businesses, and organisations to envision a diverse, resilient, and thriving future for the region.
Location: Lake Macquarie, NSW.
Kylie Turner, Sustainable Economies Lead, Climateworks Centre who is in the Budget lock-up and has decades of experience working across government, business and the not-for-profit sector. She can discuss the economic implications of the Budget, and how this aligns with Australia's climate targets.
Location: Canberra, ACT (in the Budget lock-up)
Dr Gill Armstrong, Buildings Project Impact Manager, Climateworks Centre, is a leading researcher on decarbonising Australia’s buildings sector, with more than a decade of experience as a registered architect (UK) and chartered architectural technologist. In the current cost of living crisis, Dr Armstrong can respond to Budget priorities for better buildings, addressing how incentives can contribute to national energy security, improved health and lower bills.
Location: Melbourne, VIC.
WORKERS AND FAMILIES
Darryl Best, former coal miner, has worked in the industry all his life. During his career, he’s seen people grapple with the loss of income in an ageing industry. Now retired he advocates for the government to establish a skills and training base to support workers in the transition to renewables in the Illawarra.
Location: Illawarra, NSW.
Nic Seton, Parents for Climate CEO, can speak about Australian parents’ calls for greater investment in clean energy, including Parents for Climate’s current campaign for state and federal government support for solar panels and batteries for schools and early childhood centres.
Location: Sydney, NSW.
Tony Wolfe, former senior plant operator at Latrobe Valley coal power station with 40 years experience, board member of Gippsland Climate Change Network and member of community advisory groups for Star of the South offshore wind farm and Delburn Wind Farm. Tony Wolfe, former senior plant operator at Latrobe Valley coal power station with 40 years experience, board member of Gippsland Climate Change Network and member of community advisory groups for Star of the South offshore wind farm and Delburn Wind Farm.
Location: Warragul VIC.
PACIFIC PERSPECTIVE
Joseph Sikulu, 350.org Pacific managing director, is a Tongan man from Ha’apai and Vaini in Tongatapu and grew up on Dharug country, Western Sydney. He is an Environmental, Cultural and Queer activist who has work over that last 10 years to build a movement of strong Pacific Climate Warriors across Pacific communities both on island and in the diaspora. He is a Climate Change campaigner and advocate, the Pacific Managing Director for 350.org, serves on the Secretariat for the Pacific Climate Warriors and is a Pacific Champion for the Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty.
Location: Sydney, NSW.
HEALTH
Dr Kate Wylie, Doctors for the Environment Australia executive director and GP, can talk about the impact climate change is already having on our health and the need for investment in clean energy to provide a safer and healthier life for everyone.
Location: Adelaide, SA
Chelsea Hunnisett, Laureate PhD Candidate and Government Relations Specialist at the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse at the Australian National University. Chelsea's research focuses on planetary health equity metrics within Australia's approach to the wellbeing economy. Chelsea is an experienced policy, advocacy and government relations specialist with expertise in planetary health, food and preventive health policy.
Location: Canberra, ACT.
ENDS
Contact details:
Rebecca Gredley on 0484 008 095 or rebecca.gredley@climatemediacentre.org.au
Emily Watkins on 0420 622 408 or emily.watkins@climatemediacentre.org.au
