Wong urges China to handle differences with Australia 'wisely'
The Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, also repeated the government's call for China to remove sanctions and other trade restrictions on a range of Australian exports, including wine and barley.
Next week marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China. Wong was asked when Australia could expect tangible results from the resumption of ministerial and leader-level talks between the two countries in recent months. He replied:
Ultimately what Australia can do in its relationship with China is do what we do. We will work to stabilize the relationship. We will make it clear that we think it is in both countries' interests to remove these trade barriers. We will strive to have engagement that allows Australia to navigate its differences wisely and we will encourage China to engage with us in a way that wisely navigates the differences between our interests.
Ultimately, it is a decision for China to choose to remove those trade barriers. We kept saying we thought it was in their interest to do so.
Josh Butler
Social service agencies and property agencies have welcomed government promises to help electrify households in the transition from gas, with high hopes it will result in lower electricity bills and better energy efficiency.
The deal struck between the government and the Greens, in exchange for minor party support for Labour's plans for increased gas prices and waivers on electricity bills, will see unconfirmed amounts of money go to lower-income households and rents for new homes. equipment.
Social Services Council of Australia CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said it was an important plan.
The agreement will help low-income people move away from using gas for their heating, including hot water and cooking and provide long-term savings.
Gas appliances are not only inefficient to run compared to electric appliances, but they mean people pay two grid fees. It doesn't make sense financially.
Housing energy efficiency in Australia is so poor that low-income people, especially those who rent, are getting sick or dying because they are unable to reduce energy use or install retrofits to keep homes warm in winter or cool in summer. .
Groups such as ACOSS, Australian Industry Group and Property Council have been working on moves like this for some time, arguing it will help lower bills and reduce emissions.
Ken Morrison, CEO of the Property Council, said Australia would not be able to transition to net zero without addressing emissions from buildings.
It is right for governments to focus on energy efficiency, this is a significant problem and requires significant solutions. We welcome the government's focus on this issue.
Morrison suggested the government should take a closer look at simple energy efficiency rating tools, incentives to upgrade older buildings, and raise building standards.
Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, said Australian buildings and homes generally suffer from poor energy efficiency.
There are decent programs at the state level but there is a role for national leadership in this space to coordinate the players.
Menzel suggested better measures to keep heat inside the building and not leak out, such as wind proofing or better insulation.
Helping people make this switch helps take the risk out of the market price of fuel. This helps with energy bills but also to get decarbonized building stock helps reduce exposure to price volatility. This article was written by EDUKASI CAMPUS.