1. DRAFT REVISED RTO STANDARDS RELEASED FOR FEEDBACK

The DEWR website states that the Department is “keen to hear from all people with an interest in ensuring the quality of Australia’s VET system, including trainers and assessors, RTO managers and other RTO staff, VET and industry peak bodies, VET experts, learners, employers, and unions.”

The website further alludes to signification changes that are being proposed in the draft standards.  Both ASQA and DEWR encourage and strongly recommend respectively, “reading the consultation paper before providing feedback on the draft Standards.

The consultation paper provides the context for the changes, and contains the draft Standards, along with an explanation of the changes and information about their intent.”

Written feedback is to be “gathered through an online survey which covers both the detail of the requirements as well as broad questions about the general approach to the draft Standards. It has been designed to be flexible to enable stakeholders to complete it in a way that suits their needs.

The survey should take between 10 and 45 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of feedback you wish to provide. There is the opportunity to provide feedback against prescribed questions, or to provide your own written feedback about the issues relevant to you.”

The survey closes at 5pm AEDT, 31 January 2023.

ACCESS THE SURVEY HERE

FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE FORUM ARE BEING CONDUCTED

“Consultation forums will be held face-to-face in all capital cities, with additional online forums (including general online forums for those unable to attend face-to-face, and dedicated forums for particular stakeholder groups).”  For NSW the following applies:

• Sydney CBD:
  Tuesday 29 November 2022, 10.00am – 12.30pm AEDT

• Sydney CBD:
  Tuesday 29 November 2022, 1.30pm – 4.00pm AEDT

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/449726412807

• DOWNLOAD THE CONSULTATION PAPER HERE

READ MORE HERE

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2. MAE CAREERS PATHFINDERS SYDNEY AND PARKES SHOWCASE DAYS FOR FEMALES

An exclusive event for female participants aged 16-64, careers advisors & influencers.  You’ll see industry at work, gain hands on experience and develop a sense of the many jobs available for consideration.

SYDNEY:	Held on location, Building S40, Horticulture Road, Hawkesbury Campus, Western Sydney University, Richmond NSW
PARKES:	Held at Essential Energy Parkes Depot – Simulation Centre, 1 Brolgan Road, Parkes, NSW 2870

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• meet and talk with female industry leaders involved in protected cropping, beekeeping, pollination, energy and electrotechnology industries
• gain hands-on experience
• access the latest career information & learn more about rewarding occupations
• ask questions and have them answered by industry experts
• register and reserve a place for obligation free opportunities to do work experience with local MAE industries
• free networking lunch

Showcase day participants numbers are limited and registrations are essential.

1. FOR SYDNEY

2. FOR PARKES

For more information contact Melissa by email mae@agrifooditab.com.au or call 0421830056; or visit the agrifooditab website

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3. SHINING A LIGHT ON CAREER PATHWAYS FOR WOMEN IN TRADES

“YOU CAN’T BE WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE”

The article states, “In partnering with EWIT, Kapitol seeks to counteract the dwindling numbers of women joining the male-dominated construction sector and bolster a new wave of females entering the industry.

Research by National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows a decline in the number of women completing a trade which is down 6.3% from 2020. This creates a major issue for the sector in the face of the government’s new quotas requiring at least 45% participation of women across projects by 2024.

To address this decrease, and to stimulate a pipeline of future talent to the sector, Kapitol and EWIT will engage with multiple Victorian schools to educate females on the opportunities both as trades and within the construction industry. Further to educating female students, EWIT and Kapitol will take female workshop participants aged often between 18 and 50, to Kapitol’s building sites and introduce them to the various roles that comprise a construction organisation, as well as host skills workshops and networking events.

…

EWIT was founded by Hacia Atherton, a CPA-qualified accountant, who fell in love with welding at the age of 29 despite warnings from male relatives working in trades that these industries were a poor fit for women. Hacia’s lived experience set her on a mission to change old stereotypes and instead, empower women in skilled trades.”

READ MORE HERE

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4. SAY YES TO THE TRADES FORUM – 9 NOV 2022

Getting trade-qualified is the way to a secure future so bring your resume and a ‘can-do’ spirit!  Here’s what you can expect:

• A trades and employers focused event about industry careers
• Highlight the pathways into and from trades
• A focus on Electricians, Air-conditioning and refrigeration, and Metal fabrication.
• Open dialogue with employers and providers with accurate expectations of a trade careers
• A real scope for understanding the advantages of apprenticeships

Where: Campbelltown Civic Centre 91 Queen Street Campbelltown, NSW 2560

Date:  Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Time: 5.00pm to 8.00pm (AEDT)

REGISTER NOW FOR THE EVENT

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5. NEW COURSES TO TARGET FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS

The Media Release states, “Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern computing and power almost all electronic devices, from smartphones to military communication and medical devices.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said three new semiconductor micro-credentials would be rolled out under the NSW Government’s $37 million New Education Training Model (NETM).

“The global semiconductor shortage in recent years has affected all manufacturers of electronic goods, including computers, smartphones and cars,” Mr Henskens said.

“NSW is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the opportunity that the semiconductor industry presents, but to truly cement our spot in the market, we need future-focused skills and knowledge.

“These new micro-credentials will be driven by what industry needs and will teach local people how to design and test semiconductors, fostering innovation, creating jobs and securing a brighter future for Western Sydney.”

The University of Sydney, along with Cadence, a leader in electronic systems design and computational software, have developed three micro-credentials, or short courses, which will build knowledge, skills and experience in designing semiconductors.

…

The launch of the new micro-credentials follows the NSW Government’s recent $4 million investment to establish the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) which will build capability and talent in the semiconductor industry.

…

By 2025, the NETM will develop 100 micro-credentials providing more than 7,000 training opportunities. Some of the courses currently on offer include practical foundations of biology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, technical drawing and additive manufacturing.”

For more information about the NETM visit New Education and Training Model (NETM) launch.

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6. GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF VET 2021 UPDATE

The publication is based on 2021 data provided by the Australian, state and territory government departments responsible for administering funds for Australia’s VET system.

Government funding

In 2021, government funding provided through VET appropriations and VET intergovernmental funding arrangements totalled $10.5 billion, an increase in nominal terms of $2.8 billion (37.0%) from 2020.

• the Australian Government provided $6.3 billion, an increase of $2.5 billion (64.3%)
• state and territory governments provided $4.2 billion, an increase of $379.9 million (9.9%).

In addition, the Australian Government provided:

• $257.4 million for VET Student Loans, a decrease of $15.5 million (5.7%)
• $199.7 million for Trade Support Loans, an increase of $0.4 million (0.2%).

Funding distributions

In 2021, VET funding distributed totalled $10.4 billion, an increase in nominal terms of $2.9 billion (38.6%) from 2020.

NCVER VET Funding activities 2020 v-2021

NCVER Selected funding activities by apprenticeship status 2020 v2021

Expenditure across VET activities included:

• $5.4 billion for direct VET delivery, an increase of $372.6 million (7.4%) from 2020
• $3.7 billion for employer assistance to engage in VET, an increase of $2.3 billion (155.7%)
• $125.5 million for student assistance for equipment, travel and other costs, an increase of $6.3 million (5.2%)
• $469.5 million for capital investment, an increase of $145.8 million (45.1%)
• $694.6 million for system administration and governance, an increase of $117.4 million (20.3%).

READ MORE HERE

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7. SMART AND SKILLED UPDATE – NO. 185 – 187, NOVEMBER 2022

Smart and Skilled is an NSW Government program that helps people get qualifications in in-demand skills and industries.  It’s a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system. 

This Smart and Skilled Update covers the following:

1. New Skills List Review methodology: Discussion paper released for stakeholder feedback
   1. Webinar recording of the new Skills List Review methodology is now available
2. New Resources Library on www.nsw.gov.au
3. Update on Jobtrainer/Skilling for Recovery (SfR)
4. SfR Redeployment and Youth (SfR R&Y) and SfR Construction (and related industries)
   (SfR-C) Programs: timeframes and priorities:
   1. Timeframe for TNI applications
   1. Funding Priorities for the remainder of the SfR part qualifications programs
   1. SfR approved part qualifications lists
   1. General reminders for Skilling for Recovery as well as Smart and Skilled Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualifications (TPPPQ) part qualifications
5. Care Sector Existing Worker Traineeship Pilot: Expression of Interest (EOI) – Smart and Skilled funding for the delivery of traineeship qualifications to NSW Existing
6. Worker Trainees (EWTs) in the Care sectors:
   1. Eligibility to express interest
7. NSW Skills List: Low performing qualifications:
   1. Background
   1. Implementation
   1. Conditions
   1. Monitoring and Compliance
8. Smart and Skilled Provider Webinar held Friday, 7 October 2022 – Recording available
9. The Smart and Skilled application portal is now open for registration
10. Update to Skilling for Recovery qualifications on the NSW Skills List: Aged Care Sector – Additional qualification

For more information visit: FUNDING AND SUPPORT – SMART AND SKILLED

Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au

For the Smart and Skilled – NSW Skills List visit: NSW SKILLS LIST – SMART AND SKILLED

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8. VET STUDENT LOAN IMPROVEMENTS ON THE WAY

The article states, “It represents the third of four stages in the improvement process which began in 2021.

A consultation paper has set out a series of proposed changes. These cover areas including provider financial performance, related party transactions, reduced reporting for providers, entry requirements for students, and a proposal to relax the ban on providers using social media to promote VSL to students.

Submissions to the consultation paper, including issues and questions, are encouraged by 18 November 2022, but more time can be requested if needed.”

The VET Student Loans (VSL) program assists eligible students, enrolled in approved higher level (diploma and above) VET courses at approved course providers, to pay their tuition fees. The program is designed to provide financial support to students undertaking higher level training in courses that address workplace and industry needs, creating better opportunities for employment.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (the department), states it, “is making improvements to administrative, business and regulatory elements of the program to streamline processes and reduce participation requirements.”

DEWR is keen to obtain stakeholder feedback on the proposals outlined in the Consultation paper.  They want to hear about any implications, including any practical operational issues that may be relevant, and cost or administrative matters that should be considered.

Feedback can be submitted via VSLredesign@dewr.gov.au either in written form, using the attachment at Appendix A in the Consultation paper, or alternatively by submitting an accessible audio-visual file.

For more information visit the DEWR ‘Simplifying VET Student Loans’ webpage: https://www.dewr.gov.au/simplifying-vet-student-loans

Submissions in relation to the Consultation paper, including issues and questions, are encouraged by 18 November 2022. 

READ MORE HERE

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9. SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE – CONTROL CIRCUIT PRACBOX UPDATE AND SURVEY

Husnen says, “Recently, we had a request from Paul Gray and Andy Holman from KBR (training at HMAS Cerberus) to include a Soft Starter.  Andy pointed out that it is a part of Performance evidence in the new unit of competency.

In response to their request, we are excited to inform [users] that we are working on an alternate version of the Control Circuit Pracbox that will have the Soft Starter instead of the 3-phase motor. This option will be available for customers that may already have 3-phase motors.

Since we have limited space in the Control Circuit Pracbox, it would be great to find out your preference between the Soft Starter and 3-phase motor.

Could I request you to fill out a short, 4-question survey from the link below?

CONTROL CIRCUIT PRACBOX SURVEY

Both versions (V1 with 3-phase motor and V2 with Soft Starter) will be available for purchase as options.

Thanks, Paul and Andy, and all our customers, for your ongoing feedback and requests.”

If you would like to know more about the Control Circuit Pracbox visit the Infinispark’s website and tune into the YouTube video of how it works – Control Circuit Pracbox.  Or, you can email or call Husnen at hus@infinispark.com.au or 0421 621 390 respectively for a chat or demo.

Visit Infinispark’s website: https://infinispark.com.au/

Note:
Infinispark is a corporate affiliate of TAFE Directors Australia

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10. WORKER KILLED AFTER METAL FRAME CONTACTS HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD POWERLINE

The alert states, “In September 2022, a worker was electrocuted when the metal frame he was holding contacted a high voltage overhead powerline at a construction site where a shed was being built.

Initial enquiries indicate the metal frame was being moved onsite by a pick-and-carry mobile crane, when the worker attempted to prevent the metal frame striking a nearby vehicle. It was not known that the metal frame had made contact with an overhead powerline at the time.

Investigations are continuing.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advise that contact with overhead powerlines, or coming too close to overhead powerlines, can be fatal.

Advice is provided on ways to stay safe around powerlines to avoid reeving an electric shock.  It states, “All electric line voltages are lethal, with the risk of flashover increasing as the electric line voltage rises.

The most common electrical risks associated with working near overhead powerlines are:

• electric shock causing injury or death
• arcing, explosion or fire causing burns (arcing or explosion or both occur when high fault currents are present)
• fire causing property damage.

…

Effective risk management starts with a commitment to health and safety from those who manage the business.”

READ MORE HERE

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11. REVIEW OF THE GAS AND ELECTRICITY ACT – TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

The circular states, “The NSW Government is committed to the safety of consumers and workers. …

We [the Department of Customer Service, Better Regulation Division, Building and Construction Policy team] are asking for your feedback on our discussion paper which was developed in consultation with industry experts and other states and territories.  The discussion paper looks at parts of the Act that may need to change.  Your feedback will help shape proposed changes that will be presented to Parliament for consideration early next year.

The main proposals in the discussion paper include:

• changes to definitions such as electrical and gasfitting work
• expansion of the scope of the Act to capture hydrogen gas and appliances
• certification of electrical articles
• transfer of autogas installation for vehicles to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013
• introduction of the Type A and Type B framework for regulating gas appliances in NSW
• changes to notification requirements for serious electrical or gas accidents
• strengthened compliance and enforcement to improve consumer safety
• improved ways of sharing information with industry.

As a valued stakeholder we are seeking your feedback on the proposals in the discussion paper.  Please tell us what you think, and why, to help us understand how these changes may affect you and the people or organisations you represent. 

You are also invited to make a submission on any other matters that you think should be looked at as part of this review.”

DOWNLOAD THE DISCUSSION PAPER

Submission template

The Dep. has created a template to help you respond to questions in the discussion paper.

DOWNLOAD THE SUBMISSION TEMPLATE

Please email your feedback to gaselectricityregulation@customerservice.nsw.gov.au by Monday, 5 December 2022.

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12. SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA RELEASES 2022 KEY WORK HEALTH & SAFETY STATISTICS

Safe Work Australia latest publication, the Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, Australia 2022, provides an overview of national work-related fatality data for 2021 and workers’ compensation claims data for 2020-21.  This includes trends, gender and age comparisons, and industry and occupation breakdowns.

Understanding the causes and the industries most affected can help reduce work-related fatalities, injuries and disease which have a devastating impact on workers, their families and the community.

The costs of work-related injuries and diseases are not included in Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, Australia 2021.

Work-related injury fatalities

Safe Work Australia compiles the Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities data set which provides national statistics on all workers and bystanders fatally injured at work.  …

This document provides statistics about people who die from an injury sustained in the course of a work activity (worker fatalities) in Australian territories or territorial seas.”

READ MORE HERE

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13. SMALL-MEDIUM BUSINESSES PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SUPERVISORS TO HELP WITH RETURN TO WORK

The newsletter circulated 2 November 2022 states, “Small and medium businesses face complex challenges when their workers suffer a workplace injury or illness.

Providing support and staying in touch with the injured or ill worker makes a big difference to their return to work and mental health.

As part of the National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030, Safe Work Australia collaborated with the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) to publish a practical return to work guide for supervisors in small and medium businesses.

The guide will assist supervisors to support and stay in touch with injured or ill workers during all stages of the return to work process, and includes conversation starters, discussion tips and templates for supervisors to use.”

The Guide focuses on the relationship between the supervisor and the injured or ill worker across four key stages of the return to work process:

• when the worker is first injured or falls ill
• while they are away from work
• as they prepare to return to work
• when they return to work.

LEARN MORE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE PRACTICAL GUIDE

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14. ELECTRICITY SAFETY SITE LAUNCHED – STAY ‘SWITCHED-ON’ TO SAFETY

The site also, includes the ability to assist interested persons find an electricity distributor quickly.  The website URL is www.electricitysafety.com.au.  “Simply enter the postcode you are working in and instantly receive the distributor details.”

The website was initiated by Ausgrid.  The ‘About’ page of the website states, “Electricity Safety isn’t the most exciting topic; it’s not something people tend to think about until something goes wrong. At Ausgrid, we want to change how people think about electricity safety and start a conversation to encourage us all to be safer around electricity every day. Having information easily available and all in one spot is a great place to start. Electicitysafety.com.au has been built to help Australians better understand the common risks when it comes to using or working around electricity.

The mission behind ElectricitySafety.com.au is to drive change by increasing awareness of electrical hazards, and educating Australians on how to live, work or respond safely when it comes to situations involving electricity.”

• Sections covered include:
• Home and school
• Emergency services
• Work and trades
• Finding a distributor

LEARN MORE HERE

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15. UP AND UP – LICENSED FRIDGIES NOW NUMBER 100,000

It has stated in its Media Release of 28 October 2022 that, “It’s official – the total number of licensed refrigeration technicians in Australia has topped the 100,000 mark, confirming the continuing growth in the industry throughout Australia.

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) confirms that more than 100,000 individuals now hold an ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence (RHL) – and that number jumps to more than 125,000 when Refrigerant Trading Authorisations (RTAs) are included.

ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said the 100,000 milestone reflected the strength of the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry.

“The licence gives status and identity to RAC technicians and businesses, a sense of belonging to something important, and in turn it gives peace of mind to consumers,” he said.

“With the ARCtick logo as its unifying symbol, it creates trust and confidence in our industry, and it reminds young people and their parents that this is an industry of endless career possibilities.

“In recent years the combined total of RHLs and RTAs has been growing at a rate of around 7,000 per year, and that growth shows no sign of slowing down.

“With so many people signing up to the ARCtick scheme every year, the demand for the ARCtick licence has never been stronger.”

ARC provides leadership, value and knowledge to the industry through:

• Licensing and regulatory assistance
• Technical advice
• Preparing technicians for future technologies
• Actively promoting training quality
• Connecting customers to ARC-licensed businesses
• Free promotional materials for ARC-licensed businesses
• Helping industry to “build their businesses” through various services

The ARC administers refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations on behalf of the Australian Government, to professionals in the refrigeration/air conditioning and auto industry.

We also assisted with the administration of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) star rating labelling scheme.

Visit the ARC website for more information: https://www.arctick.org/

Or, contact Greg Shoemark, Media Liaison Manager on 0412 577 526 or gshoemark@arctick.org

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16. NSW SMALL BUSINESS MONTH HAS STARTED

The latest NSW Small Business Month newsletter of 3 November 2022 What’s on next week for #NSWSmallBizMonth brings attention to the start of the monthly event.

The article states, “You can search for events on the website by entering a key term into the search bar, for example ‘marketing’ or ‘Sydney’ or ‘webinar’, by using the calendar function to see what’s happening on a particular day or by theme using the dropdown menu.

It’s time to Connect for Success – find an activity and register today.

FIND EVENTS HERE

Check out these events happening in the second week of November!

• Lunch with David Waddell, CEO Orange City Council, in conversation with Pip Brett: a luncheon on 7 November in Orange hosted by Business Orange.
• Staff Retention Secrets – key steps to inspire and keep great staff: a face-to-face evening event on 8 November in Coffs Harbour hosted by Blacklight Collective, Coffs Coast Business Womens Network, Coffs Harbour City Council, Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches Chamber of Commerce and Sawtell Chamber of Commerce.
• Start-up Fundraising 101: an online webinar on 8 November hosted by Lawpath.
• How to Start a Business in 8 Steps: an online workshop on 9 November hosted by Hunter Futurepreneurs.
• How Small Businesses can Win Big – A labour market update: an online webinar on 10 November hosted by Indeed.
• Business Models and the Circular Economy: An online webinar on 10 November hosted by The Business Centre.
• Learn how to Tender to the NSW Government: online training modules available throughout November hosted by the Small Business Commission and TAFE NSW.

We’re here to answer your questions

If you have any questions, email the team: smallbusiness.month@smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au

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17. MINING UNION CALLS OUT ATTEMPTS TO IMPORT FOREIGN LABOUR

The article states, “The Queensland Mining & Energy Union has condemned a coalmining company’s attempts to import foreign labour. Sojitz Blue applied to import coalmine workers from overseas while simultaneously offering current workers substandard work contracts and delaying negotiations for an enterprise agreement. The company operates the Gregory Crinum and Meteor Down South (MDS) coalmines near Emerald in Queensland and employs 350 workers. The company informed the Union that it is seeking a Company Specific Labour Agreement from the Department of Home Affairs to recruit foreign production operators for its Gregory Crinum mine. The company aims to recruit production operators for excavators, trucks, loaders, graders, water carts and diggers.

MEU Queensland District President Steve Smyth said that the company put its workers on individual contracts, thereby withholding a range of industry-standard pay and conditions including retention payments, sick leave provisions and redundancy entitlements.

READ MORE HERE

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18. STAKEHOLDERS SIGN QLD’S WORLD-FIRST ENERGY CHARTER

The article states, “The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has signed the Queensland Government’s world-first Energy Workers’ Charter, guaranteeing that workers made redundant by the national transition to clean energy will receive ongoing employment at a Government-owned energy organisation.

The Workers Charter forms part of the Government’s new Queensland Energy Plan and outlines how the Queensland Government will achieve its renewable energy targets and ensure a sustainable and affordable energy future for Queenslanders.

The charter guarantees every worker affected by station shutdowns a job in a government owned energy organisation. There will be opportunities for early retirement for workers approaching the end of their careers and new and future proofed opportunities for other workers.

ETU Queensland and Northern Territory Divisional Branch Secretary, Peter Ong, said the plan would deliver a $62 billion State Government investment in clean energy assets and workers.”

READ MORE HERE

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19. ASIC FINES COMPANY $56,000 FOR GREENWASHING, WARNS MORE IS TO COME

The article states, “Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has slapped energy company Tlou with a $53,000 fine for so-called ‘greenwashing’, as the financial regulator warns others who are boasting about their sustainability to back up their claims — or else.

Greenwashing is an emerging term for the practice of representing that a financial product, investment strategy, or business’s operations are environmentally friendly, sustainable or ethical when in actuality is a distortion to influence investment or consumer decisions.

Tlou Energy Limited was fined $53,280 for four infringement notices regarding false or misleading sustainability-related statements made to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in October of last year, ASIC says.

The “factually incorrect” statements were part of two ASX announcements in 2021, namely that electricity produced by Tlou was carbon neutral and that Tlou had environmental approval and the capability to generate certain quantities of electricity from solar power.

Further erroneous claims include that Tlou’s gas-to-power project would be “low emissions”, and Tlou was equally concerned with producing “clean energy” through the use of renewable sources as it was with developing its gas-to-power project.

ASIC found there was either no reasonable basis for Botswana-based Tlou to say those things, or else they were flat-out false.

Deputy chair Sarah Court says there could be more to come for several Australian companies currently under ASIC’s microscope to scrutinise whether their green credentials marry up with operations behind the scenes.

“ASIC is currently investigating a number of listed entities, super funds and managed funds in relation to their green credentials claims,” Court said.”

READ MORE HERE

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20. TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC SCHEMES

The industry experts are Bruce Precious M.AIRAH, principal consultant at Six Capitals Consulting; Yale Carden, M.AIRAH, founder and managing director at GeoExchange Australia; VA Sciences’ James Moyes and Simon Witts, M.AIRAH; and RMIT industry fellow Alan Pears.

The feature states, “The Australian building industry is on the path to electrification, signalling a possible end to a reliance on natural gas for hot water, heating and cooking. But does talk of degasification of the commercial building stock match the appetite for change?”

Extracts of the interviews follow:

“Ecolibrium: Does the talk of degasification and subsequent electrification of commercial building stock match the appetite of building owners and managers in the market?

Carden: The “talk” will always come first – marketing leads and then (hopefully) operations eventually catch up. We are somewhere along this path and, promisingly, the curve appears to be getting steeper. 

A key here is whether this electrification curve is seen as a trend or a transition. Most that we speak with are open to at least obtaining a better understanding of electrification and will explore options. However, due to the nature of what we do, I tend to think that we engage with the more progressive owners and managers.

Moyes and Witts: At an individual manager level – mostly, at the corporate level – not often, but sometimes. 

If we take the concept that a major driver for companies is to monitor their bottom lines, switching solely to electricity will cost more in the short term, which logically doesn’t fit with their financial reality and responsibility to investors. 

Up until 2019, existing commercial buildings were fairly well tenanted. Once the pandemic hit, everyone went to work from home and realised it’s actually quite easy – and even nice. As restrictions began to ease, this left a lot of the surviving companies looking at their leases and wondering if they were still getting a deal and began to shop around. From this aspect, a lot of buildings owners needed to have a point of difference to get their buildings full of tenants again. Electrification is a huge talking point at the moment, and so was one option to attract tenants with environmental policies. This led to appetite to offer degasified buildings. 

Besides this, unfortunately until legislation matures it is unlikely that there will be a big push to remove natural gas supplies from buildings – especially when the grid is struggling already and upgrades require further investment from developers. 

Pears: … The National Electricity Market is expected to be 80 per cent renewable by 2030. 

Building regulators are already moving in ACT, NSW and Victoria. The GBCA is pushing all-electric solutions in the commercial sector.

Precious: Electrification of homes and commercial buildings is well under way, with homeowners and commercial property owners taking steps to eliminate fossil fuel gas from buildings. …

…

“WE ALREADY DO HEAT PUMPS REALLY WELL –
WE JUST CALL IT AIR CONDITIONING”

Ecolibrium: Domestic hot water (DHW) plant is the obvious target for electrification given the availability of heat pump alternatives, but what are the challenges associated with this? Not all buildings offer the same opportunities, do they?

Moyes & Witts: Every site is going to be different, particularly when climate zones are different.  Generally however, power supply and space are the two largest challenges.

READ MORE HERE

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21. AEMC DRAFT REPORT RELEASED ON REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR METERING SERVICES

It states in the news article, that the Draft Report sets out 20 recommendations and options to accelerate the deployment of smart meters in the National Electricity Market, in another step towards facilitating the transition and building a smarter grid for the future.

“AEMC Chair Anna Collyer said smart meters offer customers more ways to engage with the energy market now and in the future, as we continue up the tech curve.

“Smart meters turn power into knowledge and knowledge is power. Consumers can make informed choices which in turn open the way to greater retail options that suit their family or business usage patterns,” Ms Collyer said.

“The electricity market needs a critical mass of smart meters across households and businesses before we can introduce other significant advances necessary to reach net zero.” …

The web post states, “Smart meters are foundational to a more connected, modern, and efficient energy system that supports future technologies, services and innovations. A faster replacement of legacy meters will enable consumers to access the benefits that smart meters can provide.

The draft recommendations and options in this report reflect the many stakeholder ideas and suggestions put forward to the Commission in submissions and at the Review’s forums and reference groups. 

“We need to accelerate the rollout of smart meters,
in the transition to Australia’s new decarbonised electricity grid.

Our new target is 100% smart meter coverage by 2030.”

The Commission welcomes stakeholder feedback on the draft report.” …

The draft report outlines, “key recommendations for accelerating the rollout of smart meters shows a 100 per cent uptake would deliver net benefits to the tune of $507 million dollars for all NEM regions including NSW, ACT, QLD and SA.

Other potential benefits consumers can unlock with smart meters include:

• Remote meter readings
• Track your energy use
• Flexible pricing
• Faster detection of faults & outages

The AEMC is working with stakeholders to accelerate a smart meter rollout in the National Electricity Market (NEM), to support the energy transition and build a smarter grid for the future. 

Key recommendations in the draft report for the Review of the regulatory framework for metering services, include potential changes to the energy rules to support a more coordinated program of meter replacements in addition to ensuring appropriate safeguards for privacy.”

Submissions close 02 February 2023.

• Download the infographic: SMART METERS ARE A KEY ENABLER IN THE TRANSITION TO NET ZERO

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT REPORT

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22. NEW STUDY TO GENERATE LOCAL WIND TURBINE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

The article states, “An independent full feasibility study into manufacturing wind turbine components locally is underway in Western Australia as part of a $10 million Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative.

The WA State Government has commissioned independent consultants Aurecon to undertake a comprehensive full feasibility study to progress findings of previous analysis which initially examined wind farm supply opportunities in Western Australia.

A 2021 study recommended actions to progress wind turbine manufacturing in WA, including developing a detailed approach for Government trading enterprises in the energy sector such as Synergy, Horizon and Western Power, and identified that Government investment and financial assistance is critical to transition WA businesses to wind turbine component manufacturing.

The full feasibility study is the next step of the State Government’s $10 million Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative to further support and facilitate local wind turbine manufacturing and will verify opportunities for WA businesses and identify requirements for a potential manufacturing hub, including suitable industrial land.”

READ MORE HERE

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23. NSW FORMALLY DECLARES ITS THIRD RENEWABLE ZONE AS SHIFT FROM COAL ACCELERATES

Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy, reports in its latest 4 November 2022, Daily Update edition, that the New South Wales government has formally declared its third renewable energy zone, this time in the south-west, as efforts to replace the state’s ageing and increasingly unreliable coal fleet accelerate.

The article states, “The South West Renewable Energy Zone follows much of the route of the massive new Project EnergyConnect transmission link between NSW and South Australia, and will open up vast tracts of a part of the state that has excellent renewable resources but suffered from limited grid capacity.

The interest in the South West REZ was highlighted in the registration of interest process late last year that attracted more than 34GW of proposals for a zone that will seek to accommodate just 2.5GW of capacity.

The South West REZ is the third renewable energy zone to be formally declared following those of the Central-West Orana zone, which has now moved into the formal tender process, and the New England REZ.

Other REZs are being created in the Hunter and the Illawarra regions, which will include large amounts of offshore wind, and more could follow as the state seeks solutions on replacing 10GW of coal capacity that is likely to leave the grid within the next decade.

Those plans are being accelerated by fast-tracked closures of the main coal generators, including Liddell early next year, Eraring in 2025, and Bayswater as early as 2030. Vales Point is expected to close by 2029, leaving Mt Piper with the only uncertain closure time.”

READ MORE HERE

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24. AEMO ANNOUNCES TENDER 2 FOR FIRMING INFRASTRUCTURE TO COMMENCE 2^ND QUARTER 2023

Firming infrastructure provides the capacity to deliver electricity to the market on demand, and can be provided by a range of technologies, including long-duration storage infrastructure such as pumped hydro and batteries, as well as gas generators and demand response.

Tender 2 is now expected to seek the equivalent of 950MW of generation, 380MW firming and up to 600MW of long duration storage.

The tender has been specifically designed to address an identified need arising from the earlier than previously scheduled retirement of Eraring Power Station, which is reflected in both its timing and the location of infrastructure to be contracted.

More information on the first firming tender can be found in the Draft Firming Infrastructure Investment Objectives Report on AEMO Services website.

To gain a greater understanding of the importance of firming infrastructure with respect to reaching a policy objective of 100% renewable energy production in Australia’s National Energy Market (NEM), authors Joel Gilmore, Tim Nelson and Tahlia Nolan released an interesting article titled, “Firming technologies to reach 100% renewable energy production in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM)” January 2022, which was submitted to the Energy Security Board’s call for feedback to its Capacity mechanism Project initiation paper of December 2021 by Iberdrola Australia Limited.

The paper provides a qualitative insight into some issues and suggestions for policy makers in relation to addressing potential ‘energy droughts.’  The paper tests, “whether it is indeed possible to reach 100% VRE [variable renewable energy] relatively cost effectively through the use of an optimised mix of pumped hydro, battery storage and ‘zero emissions’ gas turbines (utilising relatively high-cost biodiesel or hydrogen) to provide system endurance through VRE ‘energy droughts’.

The paper’s abstract states, “Australia has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in a manner consistent with limiting anthropogenic climate change to no more than 2 degrees Celsius.  One of the ways in which this commitment is being realised is through a shift towards variable renewable energy (VRE) within Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).  Substituting existing dispatchable thermal plant with VRE requires consideration of long-term energy resource adequacy given the unpredictability of solar and wind resources.  While pumped hydro and battery storage are key technologies for addressing short-term mismatches between resource availability and demand, they may be unable to cost effectively address ‘energy droughts’.  In this article, we present a time sequential solver model of the NEM and an optimal firming technology plant mix to allow the system to be supplied by 100% VRE.  Our conclusion is that some form of fuel-based technology (most likely hydrogen) will probably be required.  This has important implications for Australian energy policy.”

READ MORE HERE

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25. AEC SOLAR REPORT – THIRD QUARTER 2022

The report is stated to be based on current Clean Energy Regulator (CER) data, which shows a drop in solar rooftop installations – due to a range of factors including supply chain costs and weather events. “Regardless of the drop in Q3, solar continues to play a growing role in the grid.

The report looks at factors behind the changes as well as state-by-state shifts.”

Section I of the report covers the state of solar in Australia states, “the rate of rooftop solar PV take-up continued to grow year on year, but at a slower rate. The rate of new rooftop solar installations has now dipped to 2019 levels with 65,765 new installations in the third quarter of 2022, as can be seen in Figure 1 [of the report]. Due to the lag in reporting new installations, the CER data takes up to 12 months to be finalised, so more than 80,000 installations are anticipated for the quarter, which is down from 89,190 in the corresponding period last year.

Section II of the report suggests, “the solar boom is not over”.  Section III looks at “levelised cost of energy … As businesses look to reduce overhead costs, installation of larger-scale solar systems continues to increase.

Section IV covers the “payback period detailed model” and Section V covers the methodology used to evaluate each of the areas covered in the section I to IV.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE

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