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 next Tuesday. 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
Heidi Lee, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, 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. Smart 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: Melbourne, VIC.
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.
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 Blair via 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.
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.
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’ 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: Canberra this week, Sydney, NSW from next.
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
