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Senex and Queensland keep doing heavy lifting on domestic gas supply

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has congratulated Senex Energy on signing a new gas supply agreement for up to 11 petajoules (PJ) of natural gas from the company’s Atlas operation in the state’s Surat Basin to supply Adbri’s South Australian manufacturing operations to 2030. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said today’s announcement showcases the critical role Queensland’s gas industry is playing in boosting jobs in industry and manufacturing in other parts of the country.   

QRC member Senex has now signed almost 60 PJ of natural gas sales agreements - supplied from its Atlas operation near Wandoan - with a range of household names including CSR Building Projects, Orora, Visy Glass, CleanCo Queensland and Southern Oil Refining. 

“Senex’ Atlas operation is a domestic-only gas production tenure, which is only offered in Queensland, and ensures Australia’s manufacturing industries can access the gas they need to operate,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“The QRC has always been a strong supporter of Queensland’s domestic gas policy and today’s announcement is another example of how this state continues to do all the heavy lifting to provide extra gas for the eastern Australian market. 

“Queensland’s resources industry is playing a critical role in keeping the Queensland economy working and we should make full use of our state’s abundance of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.” 

Senex has agreed to supply low-carbon cement manufacturer Adbri with natural gas for seven years from 2023.

www.qrc.org.au

 

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Committee to examine mobile payment and digital wallet financial services and supply chain financing

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services will examine cutting edge developments in Australian financial services across three days of hearings next week.

On July 26 and 27, the committee will mainly consider the nature of commercial relationships and business models operating within the mobile payment and digital wallet financial services ecosystem.

On July 28, the committee will explore supply chain financing. Aspects of supply chain financing will also be examined in days one and two as two witnesses are scheduled to give evidence in relation to both inquiries.

Committee Chair, Andrew Wallace MP, said the mobile payment and digital wallet inquiry would provide the committee with an opportunity to understand the way mobile payments and digital wallets are developing as major players in Australia’s e-commerce ecosystem.

"Australians are usually early adopters of technology," Mr Wallace said. "Many of the submissions received so far have highlighted that Australia is emerging as one of the largest users of contactless payments in the world.

"COVID-19 has further escalated the adoption of digital payment options, so it is important for this committee to explore the commercial relationships and business models that currently support these popular payment methods,’ Mr Wallace said.

The committee is keen to hear from providers of these financial services about the relationship they have with merchants and vendors and how this influences the end user, the consumer. Consideration will also be given to international commercial arrangements and what impact these have on Australian consumers, competition, and pricing.

"In order for us to be on the front foot in delivering a safe and secure digital wallet system in Australia’s e-commerce landscape, we need to ensure the adequacy and performance of Australia’s legislation, regulations, self-regulation, industry codes, standards and dispute resolution arrangements," Mr Wallace said.

On the third day the committee will hear evidence related to the use of supply chain financing in Australia’s business environment.

"We know that the supply chain financing market in Australia has had a slower uptake than North America and Europe, for example, but we are nevertheless keen to get a greater sense of how this kind of financing is being used to support business operations in Australia and any associated risks," Mr Wallace said.

"The recent collapse of supply chain financing firm Greensill has thrown a spotlight on this finance mechanism and the committee considers that the time is right to take a preliminary examination of supply chain financing to determine whether the regulatory settings are fit for purpose prior to determining whether a full parliamentary inquiry should be undertaken."

Committee website: Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)

 

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AWU welcomes the NSW Government's recognition of the 'future of gas'

THE Australian Workers' Union (AWU) has welcomed the NSW Government's 'Future of Gas Statement,' which has reaffirmed the government's commitment to the Narrabri gas project as well as increasing pipeline infrastructure to provide access to markets.

The statement aims to provide industry, regional communities and farmers on the role gas will play in supporting economic prosperity and future land use for gas exploration.

AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said the Future of Gas Statement was an important clarification of the important role gas had to play in the future of the state.

"The Narrarbi gas project has the potential to help Australian workers in a range of ways and I'm glad to see the NSW Government commit to these today," Mr Walton said.

"Connecting NSW directly to the Australian Gas Supply Hub in Wallumbilla will be a crucial move, given the current pipeline has been at capacity during the current high market.

"Crucially, the AWU has long emphasised the important and special role gas has in supporting manufacturing. We are therefore very happy to see a Special Activation Precinct (SAP) at Narrabri underway to enable opportunities for energy-intensive manufacturing, like fertiliser and plastics manufacturing, to be located near a secure and reliable gas supply," Mr Walton said.

"Gas from Narrabri can complement renewable energy initiatives by firming the grid, and the strict regulations will ensure all production is harmonious with other nearby land uses.

"We also welcome the commitment to invest in opportunities for the use of hydrogen in hybrid with natural gas and eventually as a replacement fuel."

Mr Walton said while the bulk of the statement was positive, the continued commitment to LNG important terminals remained confusing.

"Australia has abundant gas reserves. The idea that we would be setting up facilities to 'import' gas via ships is bizarre and future Australians will scratch their heads that this concept was entertained," Mr Walton said.

"Australian buyers should not have to 'import' gas the same way gas-poor nations in our region have to. Local manufactures are lucky enough to operate in a country with abundant gas, they just need their governments to introduce measures to shore up affordable supply."

 

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Upgrades to Defence Training Areas and Ranges in the Northern Territory

THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works will scrutinise a $747 million proposal from the Department of Defence to provide essential upgrades to facilities and infrastructure at four existing Defence training areas in the Northern Territory at a public hearing on Thursday July 22, 2021.

The inquiry into the Department of Defence, United States Force Posture Initiatives Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Upgrades will examine the need and cost effectiveness of the proposed upgrades to: Robertson Barracks Close Training Area; Kangaroo Flats Training Area; Mount Bundey Training Area; and Bradshaw Field Training Area in the Northern Territory.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 22 July 2021
Time: 3.30pm to 4.30pm (AEST)
Location: via teleconference

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Inquiries on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Commonwealth entities. 

For more information about this committee, visit its website.

 

 

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Aquaculture Committee travels to the Northern Territory

THE House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will travel to the Northern Territory next week to hear from a range of stakeholders as part of its inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector.

The hearings and several site visits in the Darwin region will form part of the committee’s inquiry into the Australian aquaculture sector.

Committee Chair, Rick Wilson MP, said aquaculture businesses and research organisations will be among the witnesses appearing before the Committee, including: Humpty Doo Barramundi, Paspaley Group, and the Northern Territory Government, with representatives from the Darwin Aquaculture Centre.

"These hearings will contribute significantly to the existing body of evidence for this inquiry," Mr Wilson said. "The committee looks forward to discussing opportunities for the expansion of the aquaculture sector in northern Australia.

"We look forward to hearing from aquaculture enterprises about their experiences running successful ventures. It will be particularly useful to learn about present challenges and how the government can help redress concerns around biosecurity, environmental management, and current regulatory frameworks," Mr Wilson said.

For further information, visit the inquiry website.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 26 July 2021
Time: 10.10am to 12.10pm ACST
A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen.

 

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Indigenous Affairs Committee to conduct final hearings for participation inquiry

THE Indigenous Affairs Committee will this week speak with representatives from the Department of Finance, Indigenous Business Australia, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Supply Nation, Accor Hotel Group, and Voyages Indigenous Tourism in the final series of public hearings for its Inquiry into Pathways and Participation Opportunities for Indigenous Australians in Employment and Business.

Committee Chair, Julian Leeser MP, noted that this discussion would offer key stakeholders an opportunity to make final observations on matters which have arisen throughout the inquiry.

"The committee looks forward in particular to discussing the merits of current government procurement and employment policies, as well as suggested improvements which have been canvassed by various stakeholders," Mr Leeser said.

"The committee has been focused throughout this inquiry on ways to overcome some of the barriers to employment and business for Indigenous Australians. These final hearings will shed further light on opportunities to do this through various Government programs," Mr Leeser said.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 22 July 2021
Time: 12pm to 5pm AEST

A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen.

A full program will be available at the inquiry website.

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Parliamentary public hearings on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

THE House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the dates for its July public hearings with a range of health and allied health stakeholders.

The Committee had planned to hold these hearings at various locations across the country, including Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. COVID-19 restrictions have meant these hearings will now be held via videoconference.

The Committee will hear from organisations, governments, and individuals on workforce concerns and service accessibility. The Committee will also enquire into digital models of service, affordability, and the capacity of mental health initiatives to meet the needs of at-risk communities.

Chair of the Committee, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said, "These upcoming hearings give the Committee an opportunity to explore how best to utilise the mental health workforce to ensure the safety, accessibility, equity and quality of mental health services across Australia. The public hearings enable the Committee to build upon its evidence base and understand pressing issues across the mental health and suicide prevention sectors."

The final report of the Committee is due to be presented by November 1, 2021.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday 21 July 2021
Time: 10am to 4:30pm AEST

Date: Monday 26 July 2021
Time: 9:30am to 4pm AEST

Date: Wednesday 28 July 2021
Time: 10am to 4pm AEST

Date: Thursday 29 July 2021
Time: 10am to 4pm AEST

The public hearing programs will be available on the Committee website. Due to the public hearings being held by videoconference, public access will be available via the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live.

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636

Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
eheadspace 1800 650 890

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

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Qld resources sector to join ‘Team Australia’ on regional vaccination roll-out

QUEENSLAND resources companies have been asked to put their hands up to help roll out COVID-19 vaccinations in regional communities once vaccine supplies increase in the coming weeks and months.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is working with the Queensland and Australian governments, Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) to determine how members can help with transport, logistics, facilities and medical staff to fast-track a regional vaccination program.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane has sent a survey to all members to gauge what level of support the Queensland resources sector can provide over the coming months.

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC would work with the State Government, Queensland Health’s Primary Health Networks and Hospitals, state-based vaccine delivery authorities and local councils to give regional Queenslanders faster access to vaccinations.

“Right through the COVID crisis, the health and safety of our employees and the regional communities in which we operate has always been our top priority,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“If we can go a step further to safeguard regional Queenslanders by supporting the ‘Team Australia’ vaccination roll-out, I know resources companies will do what they can to help out.”

Last week the MCA attended a roundtable meeting with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Vaccine Taskforce head Lieutenant General John Frewen to discuss how Australia’s business community could expedite the vaccine roll-out once more stocks became available.

As a result, the QRC and other MCA members around Australia have been asked to consider how resources companies can ‘encourage, incentivise and participate’ in a national vaccination program.

Mr Macfarlane said more details around vaccine availability and the roll-out program still need to be provided by government, but in the meantime the QRC is compiling a list of resources companies with the capacity to help fast-track vaccinations in regional areas.

www.qrc.org.au

 

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Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney is rescheduled to 2022

INTERNATIONAL Exhibition and Conference Group Pty Ltd has been closely monitoring and considering the current situation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2021 Workplace Health and Safety Show Sydney.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty of border closures and lockdowns by various State Governments, the difficult decision has been made to reschedule the Workplace Health and Safety Show Sydney until September 20 and 21, 2022.

‘’After speaking with our exhibitors, who share our disappointment, we are buoyed by their excitement and eagerness to take part in the re-scheduled event in Sydney 2022. We are now in the fortunate position of being able to offer our partners, sponsors, visitors and entire safety community the choice of two events in 2022,” IEC Group Aust Pty Ltd chief executive officer Marie Kinsella said.

The Workplace Health and Safety Shows are the biggest such events in the Australia-Pacific Region and will now be held in 2022 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 25-26 and Sydney Showground from September 20-21, 2022

The Workplace Health and Safety Show is regarded as Australia’s leading workplace health and safety event spanning across two days. Destined to be more than just an exhibition, the Workplace Health & Safety Show, promises a live, interactive two-way learning experience with a trade show featuring over 100 brands, thought-provoking talks and interactive forums, led by the industry’s finest, who will shed light on everything from workplace mental health to game-changing new technologies, and the dizzying world of ever-changing safety regulations.

The Workplace Health and Safety Show is a must attend event for all safety professionals from a range of industries including manufacturing, building/construction, mining, councils/local government, hospitals, transport and more.  Professionals  have the broadest range of offerings under the one roof where they can compare, buy and stay updated on the latest policies and resources.

MELBOURNE
When: Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 May 2022
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

SYDNEY
When: Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 September 2022
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush

https://www.whsshow.com.au/

 

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‘Greening’ of Queensland mining picks up pace

THE NUMBER of Queensland resources company CEOs investing in low emission technology (LET) research and development has almost doubled over the past two years.

The Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) latest State of the Sector report shows more than 70 percent of CEOs are now investing in LET research compared to 40 percent in 2019.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the level of industry investment in new technologies would continue to rise rapidly as resources companies strive to reduce emissions. 

The QRC’s March 2021 quarterly report showed 65 percent of member company CEOs expect to undertake investments to reduce emissions from their own operations over the next 12 months. Nearly a quarter (22 percent) are already using renewable energy to power parts of their operations. 

“Queensland resources companies are working hard to lower emissions and reduce costs by improving energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy and investing in co-generation or the latest low-emission research,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“Our goal is to work towards a sustainable resources sector that produces a mix of traditional and renewable energy, along with the raw materials to achieve that, to meet growing world demand for Queensland commodities. 

“If the industry gets this right, and we have the right policy settings in place to support sustainable growth, Queensland will benefit from the new investment, jobs and prosperity that come from our sector for generations to come.” 

Based on Queensland Treasury’s most recent forward estimates, traditional resource exports of coal, LNG and metals will continue to be major contributors to the state economy and employment. 

Coal export volumes are predicted to rise by 23 percent out to 2024-25 and LNG and metals exports are expected to remain stable for the same period. 

Treasury figures also anticipate a broadening of the resources sector due to increasing demand for Queensland’s critical minerals and rare earths used in the production of emerging technologies.   

In more good news for the state’s resources sector, a recent International Energy Agency report said reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement would mean a quadrupling of mineral demand for clean energy technologies by 2040.    

An even faster transition, to hit net-zero globally by 2050, would require a six-fold rise in demand for minerals by 2040, largely driven by the increasing use of electrification, electric vehicles and battery storage. 

Mr Macfarlane said the resources industry is already well down the path of electrification, a critical first step in reducing the emission footprint of operations.     

“Many of our company’s compressor stations, conveyor belts, draglines, grinding mills and reverse osmosis plants are already electrified,” he said. 

“Our CEOs are telling us they’re considering everything from green power contracts to battery-operated underground vehicles as a way to reduce their carbon footprint.” 

The latest State of the Sector report also confirmed the number one concern for Queensland CEOs – for the seventh consecutive quarter – is the global economy. 

This is followed by concerns about the industry’s social licence to operate, which sits in equal second place with concerns about uncertain or poor government regulation. 

“Social licence to operate has moved from fourth to second place in this latest report, which shows CEOs know they need to meet community expectations around a project’s environmental impact and social benefits,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“Likewise, the importance of having the right policy settings in place to attract global investors and stimulate growth is an absolute priority for our industry. 

“That’s why the QRC is working so closely with the State Government on rolling out a game-changing Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan. 

“This plan has the potential to set Queensland up for sustainable growth across the resources sector for decades, and to become a reliable, trusted supplier of high-quality energy and materials to the world."

www.qrc.org.au

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Ombudsman welcomes support for small businesses in lockdown 

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson has welcomed the additional support to small businesses impacted by protracted lockdowns, announced by the Australian Government.

From week four of the lockdown, small and family businesses that have suffered a 30 percent decline in turnover, will receive 40 percent of their payroll payments (between $1500 and $10,000 per week) so long as staffing levels are maintained.

Sole traders who have experienced a 30 prcent fall in revenue will receive $1,000 per week.

The payments are co-funded by the Federal and NSW Governments and will be administered by Services NSW.

“Extended lockdowns and COVID restrictions have been devastating for many Australian small and family businesses,” Mr Billson said.

“This latest Commonwealth commitment is in line with our calls for a clear national framework that identifies what support will be available as lockdowns and restrictions are introduced.

“Small and family businesses that have an understanding of what government support can be counted on when public health measures come into effect, are given a greater opportunity to plan and navigate their business through the difficult period.

“Of course the small business community needs support from the private sector as well and the banks have led with the re-activation of measures to help small businesses with loan repayments," Mr Billson said.

“It is critical that other service providers and suppliers, such as landlords and utility companies, follow suit.

“Unfortunately there has been a worrying deterioration in payment times over recent months. Now is not the time to delay paying small business supplier invoices when cash flow is essential to their survival and recovery.

“There is no doubt that lockdowns and trading restrictions put small and family businesses under enormous pressure.

“It is vital small business owners know that help is available if they need it. We welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to provide an additional $17 million in funding to crucial mental health support services," he said.

“I encourage those in small and family businesses who are struggling to cope, to reach out by visiting our My Business Health web portal or registering for Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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