No Pacific climate change initiatives in Australia’s 2023 budget

The largest Pacific commitment made by Australia during its budget announcement on Tuesday was a major security package worth around $1.4 billion. Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has defended the investment by saying it was a result of Pacific priorities however the budget included no new major climate change initiatives, despite climate action being a priority of Pacific leaders.

Meanwhile Treasury officials said climate change was responsible for another huge structural shift in the economy, which they say fits neatly with the Albanese Government's plan to turn Australia into a "renewable energy superpower."

Researchers undertaking the annual Blue Whale Study have highlighted concerns about the effects of climate change and ocean warming on the wellbeing of the endangered blue whale, after observing "skinny" blue whales off Australia's coast.

Top stories:

Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy defends massive increase to security spending in Pacific
The budget included no new major climate change initiatives, despite climate action being a priority of Pacific leaders.

The budget says care workers, climate change, and personal data are steering our economy
Treasury officials say that Australia's economy will be reshaped by global and domestic efforts to combat the physical impacts of climate change and to meet emissions reduction targets.

Blue Whale Study observes 'quite thin' animals as warming ocean puts pressure on food source
Researchers are worried "skinny" blue whales spotted off Australia's coast are not finding enough to eat due to warming oceans killing their food.  

Tim Winton on the challenges of making ABC documentary Ningaloo Nyinggulu when Mother Nature doesn't stick to the script
While Mother Nature eventually delivered, she then did something unexpected — and Tim Winton says it's a lesson for filmmakers and human beings in general.

Community group challenges Victoria's energy minister in court over Western Renewables Link
A community group is taking its fight against major transmission line projects in Victoria's west to the Supreme Court by challenging the state's energy and resources minister.

WWF tracks wildlife recovery from Black Summer bushfires with AI, machine learning
Wildlife experts are surprised to see animal populations recovering across eastern Australia following the devastating Black Summer bushfires. 

​​Hundreds of endangered White's seahorses released into the wild at Port Stephens
Scientists have released more than 300 baby seahorses into waters north of Newcastle in a bid to save Australia's only seahorse species on the endangered list.

Protesters fear jail time for gathering outside Martin Place, Town Hall
Protesters gathering outside train stations, including Martin Place and around Town Hall in Sydney, are running the risk of being fined or imprisoned under tough anti-protest laws rushed through state parliament last year, the NSW Supreme Court has heard.

Mine near NSW national park cops EPA fines as investigations continue into black sludge
A mine near a pristine national park must now implement water monitoring after locals reported a black sludgy substance in a usually clear river.