Scientists call for end to industrial fishing and gas drilling in marine parks

Scientists have called for a tightening of regulation on fishing and gas extraction in Australia’s marine parks, which is putting pressure on our fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.

Gas giant Santos is facing an ASIC complaint about greenwashing led by Market Forces. Meanwhile, Woodside has been called out for adding to the hot air swirling in Canberra, with Senator David Pocock condemning the fossil fuel company’s sponsorship of the Parliamentary Mid-Winter Ball.

Canberra’s also gearing up for some big events later in the week, with hearings on the Senate Inquiry into the Climate Bill and a much-anticipated national Electric Vehicles Summit.

David Pocock urges review of Midwinter Ball fossil fuel sponsorship
Independent ACT senator David Pocock has urged the organisers of next month's federal parliamentary press gallery's Midwinter Ball to review future sponsorship of the major charity event in Canberra, amid a call for a boycott over fossil fuel company involvement.

‘Parks only on paper’: Experts call on Plibersek to tighten marine protections
Some of Australia’s most prominent marine scientists have rejected Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s assertion that Australia has already met its goal of protecting 30 per cent of its oceans, saying industrial fishing and oil and gas extraction are allowed in marine parks that should be set aside for conservation.

ASIC complaint lodged about Santos’ possible ‘greenwashing’
Activist shareholder group Market Forces has made a formal complaint to Australia’s securities regulator about potentially misleading statements by Santos chairman Keith Spence and managing director Kevin Gallagher in a further escalation of climate pressures around the oil and gas producer’s expansion plans.

Australia has a steep hill to climb on electric cars – but if ever there was a time, it’s now
Consumers say yes, the numbers add up, industry is largely on board and Labor has no policy hang-ups. This week could be the turning point, writes Adam Morton.

Greens propose shutting down all Victorian coal-fired power plants by 2030
New bill also increases the state’s legislated renewable energy target to 100% by decade’s end

‘We’ve fixed it’: Bowen says of renewables transition but work on details continues
Federal and state energy ministers convened on Friday to consider how the market for electricity will function during the shift to renewable energy, such as ensuring stable power supply and regulating Australia’s biggest polluters.