Catch up
Capital
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Pilbara Minerals’ (ASX: PLS) Pilgangoora Mineral Resource update revealed a 23% increase in the ore body, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium operations.
 Projects
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Sir Keir Starmer says the development of Sizewell C on the Suffolk coastline could create 10,000 jobs over the next decade, but he is "not writing a blank cheque" for the new nuclear power project, despite committing £14.2 billion to it.
Policy
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A critical environmental decision on the North West Shelf extension and an enthusiastic gas industry conference have exposed the need for a gas policy. (Grattan Institute)
“The Labor government was adrift on gas policy in its first term and now needs to get its future strategy clear. Otherwise, it will leave the field open to those who insist we should stop all gas now, and those who argue that gas will be around for many decades yet. Neither of these positions can become Australia’s de facto gas policy.” — Energy and Climate Change Program Director Tony Wood
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) analyst Kevin Morrison pushed back on the “gas shortage” narrative, modelling how gas supply adequacy in southern states could be solved with pipeline upgrades, access to Queensland gas, and import terminals in VIC and NSW. (The Energy)
Regulation
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Discussing an 18-month review of payment difficulty protections, Australian Energy Regulator (AER) board member Jarrod Ball said an industry levy “had merit” to spread the burden of waiving bad debts although some feared it would increase all bills. He warned existing measures used by retailers were “limited and ineffective” and a false distinction between “payment difficulty” and “hardship” was a barrier to assistance.
With consultation closing on June 18 on a proposed increase to the minimum disconnection charge to $500, AER’s Acting Director, Consumer Policy, Lois Shedd told the stakeholder forum it better reflected quarterly bills and, while the average debt may be well above $1000, their data showed around 107,000 customers were paying off debt under $500.
Shedd outlined rule changes that would be required to improve protections and ensure disconnection was only used as a last resort, while new financial penalties for retailers failing to uphold the principles would require legislative change.
Technology
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Using a standalone generator to test effectiveness, Horizon Power said it had completed a three-month trial to measure the efficiency of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) as a way to decarbonise diesel generators.
“Diesel fuel is difficult and costly to abate in small regional microgrids. Horizon Power is focused on increasing the use of renewable energy in our systems, but in the meantime, it is important for us to do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint.” — Horizon Power Acting Chief Executive Krystal Skinner
Climate
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Should Donald Trump's sweeping bid to dismantle United States climate action pass the Senate, billions of dollars in renewables investment once destined for the US could be looking for a new home. Now is the time for the Albanese government to woo investors with a bolder program of climate action in Australia. (The Conversation)
The financial cost to reach net zero by 2050 may shape the Coalition’s decision on whether to retain or abandon the target, the new shadow minister, Dan Tehan, says, as he prepares to lead a heavily contested internal review of the policy. (The Guardian)
People
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed current Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet and promoted Jenny Wilkinson to Treasury Secretary — both for five-year terms from June 16.
Research
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Is Sydney the missing piece in NSW’s energy transition? Research by the urban policy think tank Committee for Sydney recommends mandatory solar panels on new build, power sharing off industrial rooftops and better access to batteries for a fairer, low-carbon city.
A year ago, the federal government ended the Women in STEM Ambassador program. So where are we now on symbolic or transformative funding for diversity in science, technology, engineering and maths, University of SA Lecturer Maria Vieira asks. (The Conversation)
Random
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Some 60 independent candidates have received an initial election funding payment from the Australian Electoral Commission. Parties and candidates who received the required 4% of the formal first preference vote at the 2025 federal election were entitled to an initial payment of $12,379.
