Tuesday 18 September 2018
Prime Minister Shouty McShouty is just being his normal obnoxious self
There has
been some advice offered to Australian Prime Minister and Liberal MP for Cook Scott Morrison by mainstream media.
Some
journalists are suggesting that he should shout less.
That would be
nigh impossible as it would be going against his very nature as the political
version of a weekday schoolyard bully and a Sunday self-righteous prig.
Here are
videos of his performance in the House of Representatives as Treasurer to demonstrate
that he had little volume control even then :
When a prime minster fails to grasp the basics of climate change policy.....
The
Australian Prime Minister for Fossil Fuels and Liberal MP for Cook, Scott Morrison, has been repeatedly insisting
since he came to office on 24 August 2018 that Australia is on target to meet
its Paris Agreement greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Apparently he
is telling journalists that “the
business-as-usual model gets us there in a canter”.
Business-as-usual of course includes those cuts to climate change mitigation programs Morrison made as federal treasurer - including no further funding for the Abbott Government's Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) which has so far failed to purchase enough abatement to outpace Australia's emissions growth.
Those agencies outside of Morrison's ‘magic circle’ are quite frankly contradicting his prediction of success.......
The COAG
Energy Security Council’s Energy Security
Board expects that Morrison’s refusal to revive National Energy Guarantee
legislation will see the electricity sector “fall short of the emissions
reduction target of 26% below 2005 levels”.
According to
Dept. of Environment and Energy total
annual emissions for the year to December 2013 fell by 0.8%.
No report was issued for the year ending December 2014, however annual
emissions rose by 0.4% for the year ending December 2015 and annual
emissions for the year to December 2016 rose by 1.4%.
While the Dept.
of Environment and Energy's, Quarterly
Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: December 2017 stated:
Annual emissions for the
year to December 2017 are estimated to be 533.7 Mt CO2 -e. This represents a 1.5% increase
in emissions when compared with the previous year. Over the year to
December 2017, there were increases in emissions from the stationary energy
(excluding electricity), transport, fugitive emissions, industrial processes
and product use, waste and agriculture sectors. These increases were partially
offset by a decline in emissions from the electricity sector. The annual
increases in stationary energy (excluding electricity) and fugitive emissions
were largely driven by an increase in LNG exports. [my
yellow highlighting]
The
independent Climate
Works Australia reported on 6 September 2018:
Australia is not yet on
track to meet its emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement but
there are many opportunities to still get there, according to new research
released today.
The ClimateWorks
Australia report, Tracking Progress to net zero emissions, found Australia
needed to double its emissions reduction progress to achieve the federal
government’s target of 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and triple
progress to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The report found
Australia’s emissions were 11 per cent below 2005 levels in 2017 but have been
steadily increasing since 2013. If Australia sustained the rate of improvement
in emissions intensity it had achieved between 2005 and 2013, it could meet the
government's 2030 target. But progress has stalled in most sectors and reversed
overall. [my yellow highlighting]
Climate Works’
latest report, Tracking
progress to net zero emissions: National progress on reducing emissions across
the Australian economy and outlook to 2030, was released in September
2018 and although cautiously optimistic it doesn’t suggest that a Morrison
Government would be able to just canter towards the commitments given in Paris:
This report uses
findings from the Deep Decarbonisation Pathways Project (DDPP) and compares
these with the Australian Government's emissions data and projections to
examine whether Australia is on track for a net zero pathway and for its first
commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change to reduce emissions by
26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. It assesses recent progress since
2005 and the outlook to 2030.
In common with 179 other
countries who ratified the Paris Agreement, Australia has committed to keeping
global warming well below 2 degrees, aiming to limit warming to 1.5 degrees and
to reach net zero emissions. For developed countries like Australia, a 2 degree
limit is generally accepted to mean reaching net zero emissions by 2050 – the
majority of states and territories have agreed to this goal. Limiting global
warming to well below 2 degrees or 1.5 degrees would require an earlier date.
Australia’s current
emissions reduction target is 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. This
is less ambitious than the Climate Change Authority’s recommended target range
of 45 to 65 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 for Australia’s contribution to
a 2 degree goal (CCA 2015). To make sure the world is on track, all countries
in the Paris Agreement have been asked to consider whether their current target
is ambitious enough.
We already know
Australia can reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Pathways to Deep
Decarbonisation in 2050 (DDPP) report (ClimateWorks et al 2014) identified the
emissions reductions potential to put Australia on a pathway to net zero in 2050
while the economy continues to grow…
In 2017 Australia’s
emissions were around 11 per cent below 2005 levels. This is an increase from
their lowest point in 2013. Overall progress was due to strong reductions in
the land sector, while emissions rose in most other sectors. Although there
were improvements at the whole of economy level and in some sectors,
improvements on average were not equivalent to the pathway to net zero
emissions by 2050.
Emissions are higher in
buildings, industry and transport than they were in 2005. Emissions are lower
in the land sector, with the reduction being larger than increases in other
sectors. Electricity emissions fell slightly…
There were times of
reasonable emissions intensity improvements in industry and buildings but, as
with the electricity sector, these improvements then slowed or reversed. This
occurred alongside the repeal of the carbon price and related policies. Energy
intensity improved in these sectors, suggesting better energy efficiency, but
not at the rate needed for net zero. And in industry, some of this improvement
was driven by declines in energy-intensive manufacturing….
Without further policies, Australia will not be on track
for the net zero pathway or the Government's 2030 target. ClimateWorks’ research previously
identified potential emissions reductions on the net zero pathway and this
report shows where this potential is not yet being unlocked. The national
process of developing Australia’s long term emissions reduction strategy
provides an opportunity to unlock this remaining potential and get on track to
achieving net zero emissions by 2050, as do similar processes in many state and
territory governments. [my yellow highlighting]
Monday 17 September 2018
Castillo Copper Limited's Jackadgery Project: has spinning the truth already begun?
On 15 September 2018 The Daily Examiner reported that:
Concerns about the health of the Mann and Clarence
rivers have been raised by community members following explorations by Castillo Copper at
Cangai, near the historic copper mine….
It’s the high grade of
the finding that has some community members concerned, with the prospect of a
mine opening in the area becoming more likely.
At a meeting attended by
about 20 people, NSW Parliament Greens candidate for the Clarence Greg Clancy
and John Edwards from the Clarence Valley Environment Centre explained their
concerns with mining so close to the river.
After having trouble
getting in contact with Castillo through its website, Mr Edwards took
his inquiries about the exploration to the mining regulator.
“I got an email from
their managing director … and he said they were just out there doing some
investigation and it wasn’t very much to worry about,” he said.
But this has not eased
his concerns about the future of the Clarence Valley’s rivers.
“It would be good to get
out there and see what they are actually doing,” he said.
“They’ve been talking up
their exploration finds to date … maybe that is to just get investors’ money,
but it’s certainly in a bad position where the river is and where all this
siltation and run-off and toxic crap that runs off when they mine copper,
silver...
“It’s not going to be
easy for them when they are at the top of a hill overlooking a river.”
Mr Clancy said the group
would need to get more information so they could understand exactly how the ore
would be mined.
“There is loss of
vegetation and threatened species on the hill. This is going to be an open cut
mine … and the water table may not be up there, but once they’ve got an open
cut mine it will gather water and they have to use water in the process to get
the minerals out.
“They will be creating
their own artificial ponds and we would have to explore this further, but I
know with (extracting) gold they use arsenic.
“There are a whole range
of chemicals they could be using. Whatever projections they are supposed to
use, they often don’t work.”
The group is planning to
do more research and attempt to make contact with the company before they hold
another meeting in one month’s time at the Grafton library.
[my yellow bolding]
Castillo Copper Limited (ASX:CCZ) is a West Australian base metal explorer listed on the stock exchange which has four subsidiaries:
Castillo Copper Chile Spa, Total Minerals Pty Ltd, Queensland Commodities Pty Ltd and Total Iron Pty Ltd.
Castillo Copper Limited holds three mining exploration leases as part of its Jackadgery Project:
Castillo Copper Chile Spa, Total Minerals Pty Ltd, Queensland Commodities Pty Ltd and Total Iron Pty Ltd.
Castillo Copper Limited holds three mining exploration leases as part of its Jackadgery Project:
EL 8625 (1992) 17-Jul-2017 17-Jul-2020 35
UNITS About 43 km WNW of GRAFTON TOTAL
MINERALS PTY LTD est. at 155 km2
EL 8635 (1992) 21-Aug-2017 21-Aug-2020 52
UNITS About 41 km WNW of GRAFTON TOTAL
IRON PTY LTD
EL 8601 (1992) 21-Jun-2017 21-Jun 2020 51
UNITS About 38 km SE of DRAKE QUEENSLAND COMMODITIES PTY LTD.
Castillo Copper is not characterising its activities on these leases as "just doing some investigation".
In fact it is indicating to its shareholders and the stock exchange that the company has clear intentions to mine at the old Cangai Mine site before the end of the exploration on these leases:
* “Road to fast-track
production taking shape”
* “Preliminary
metallurgical test-work on samples from the two McDonough’s stockpiles, along
the line of lode, has demonstrated the ore can be beneficiated materially….. Discussions
continue with prospective off-take partners interested in processing ore as
relevant information comes to hand …. Meanwhile, the geology team have
approached the regulator for guidance on the optimal way forward to remove the
stockpiles from site and capture the economic benefits”
* “…they are an asset and
could potentially generate early cashflow”
* “The clear options are
third party processing locally or a direct shipping ore product once regulatory
clearance is secured”.
Castillo Copper Limited images
Well, the board is composed of:
Peter Francis Meagher, company director since 2 February 2018, from East Freemantle, West Australia - position Chairman;
Peter Smith, on the board as but not officially listed as a director of Castillo Copper Limited - position Non-Executive Director; and
Alan David Stephen Armstrong, company director since 1 August 2017, from Canning Vale West Australia - position Executive Director.
Listed company director who is not included at https://www.castillocopper.com/board/ is:
Neil Armstrong Hutchinson. company director since 1 August 2017, from Double View, Western Australia - position previously reported to be Technical Executive Director at Castillo Copper Limited since August 1, 2017. by Bloomberg.
NOTE; All three listed company directors appear to be shareholders in this miming company.
Castillo Copper Limited's Top 20 shareholders as of 20 September 2017 were:
Castillo Copper Limited Annual Report 2016-17 |
Labels:
Clarence River,
Clarence Valley,
environmental vandalism,
mining,
water
Will Dutton face the High Court?
On 23 August 2018 sixty-nine members of the Turnbull Coalition Government voted down a Labor motion to refer the Minister for Home Affairs and MP for Dickson, Peter Dutton, to the Court of Disputed Returns.
Included in this sixty-nine was Peter Dutton himself and most of the forty-five MPs who a day later refused to support Dutton's second leadership bid, as well as some reported to now be keeping their options open concerning referral to the Court.
It seems that another motion is being prepared and there is no guarantee that the vote would go Dutton's way in a Morrison Coalition Government.
News.com.au, 15 September 2018:
Included in this sixty-nine was Peter Dutton himself and most of the forty-five MPs who a day later refused to support Dutton's second leadership bid, as well as some reported to now be keeping their options open concerning referral to the Court.
It seems that another motion is being prepared and there is no guarantee that the vote would go Dutton's way in a Morrison Coalition Government.
News.com.au, 15 September 2018:
Home Affairs Minister
Peter Dutton has been dealt another legal blow as constitutional law expert
Anne Twomey says her advice for his referral to the High Court is
"stronger" than ever.
Professor Twomey told
The Australian the Solicitor-General's opinion brings up information about
funding for the child care centres owned by Mr Dutton's family trust which
"raised considerably the risk of disqualification" under section 44
of the constitution.
This new assessment
comes after Julie Bishop called for "clarity" over Mr Dutton's
eligibility and backed former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's calls for his
referral.
Shadow Treasurer Chris
Bowen told reporters in Sydney on Saturday that it was "very
important" that Mr Dutton be referred.
"I see one of
Australia's most eminent constitutional lawyers, Anne Twomey, suggesting today
that the case for the reference to the High Court has been increased, is now
stronger," he said.
Mr Bowen wouldn't say if
and when Labor would make a second attempt to move a motion to refer Mr Dutton
to the High Court, only that "we'll keep our options open."
A Labor motion for a
referral was defeated by just one vote on August 23.
Ms Bishop hasn't ruled
out crossing the floor to support the motion, saying if a vote was called:
"I will make up my mind at that time".
Crossbenchers Cathy
McGowan and Rebekha Sharkie told The Conversation on Wednesday that they would
vote for a referral.
Ms McGowan said,
"it should be done quickly and efficiently and effectively and sorted
out."
"I think it's
taking up a huge amount of space in parliament at the moment," she
said."
According to The
Saturday Paper, Mr Dutton only absented from one cabinet discussion on child
care, despite having regularly declared his family investments.
A spokesperson for Mr
Dutton said: "The minister has complied with the Statement of Ministerial
Standards and the Cabinet Handbook. Suggestions to the contrary are
false".
News.com.au, 15 September 2018:
The Greens are preparing
a vote in parliament to check Home Affairs minister's eligibility over
questions about his family financial interest in two childcare centres.
A similar motion failed
by just one vote on Malcolm Turnbull's second last day as prime minister.
"I have taken
advice in relation to my position, which put the question beyond doubt,"
Mr Dutton told parliament on Thursday.
Section 44 of the
constitution disqualifies anyone who has a "direct or indirect pecuniary
interest" in any agreement with the Commonwealth.
Childcare centres now
get direct funding from the Commonwealth, which is then passed through to
parents.
"Every day he
continues on in this place there's going to be a huge cloud over him and over
the government," Greens leader Richard Di Natale told reporters on Friday.
Greens MP Adam Bandt has
been speaking to Liberal MPs about voting to refer Mr Dutton to the High Court,
and the Greens believe support is rising.....
At the height of the
Liberal leadership crisis, Solicitor General Stephen Donaghue advised he could
not categorically determine Mr Dutton's status and only the High Court could.
However Mr Donaghue
found on balance Mr Dutton was "not incapable" of sitting as an
MP.....
A News Corp report on
Friday claimed two government MPs are considering voting with Labor in forcing
Mr Dutton to the High Court.
The report understands
the rogue MPs are planning to use the threat of crossing the floor to force Mr
Morrison to refer Mr Dutton to the High Court.
Prime Minister Scott
Morrison says he won't act on Mr Turnbull's advice.
He's also checking
whether Mr Dutton stepped out of cabinet when the childcare funding changes
were discussed.
Sunday 16 September 2018
The Scott Morrison Social Media Experience in 2018: expletives deleted
"QT was on fire today 🔥 Good work, team. https://t.co/M6UWcQO0HU"
Three hours after he posted this tweet on 13 September 2018, Australian Prime Minister and Liberal MP for Cook Scott Morrison deleted it;
Some hours later he apologised for the profanity included in the Fat Man Scoop "Be Faithful" hip hop song, part of which he had embedded in video of that afternoon's HoR Question Time - pleading ignorance.
Remove that dodgy tweet from his Twitter account he may have, but the twitterverse being faster than Morrison's digits meant there was still an echo left on that social media platform:
The reason why the government benches were conspicuous for so many arms upstretched in unison in the video is because, in true tent revival-style, Morrison was asking his colleagues to raise their hands:Good morning!— BuzzFeedOz Politics (@BuzzFeedOzPol) September 13, 2018
The prime minister deleted a tweet while you were asleep because it contained a song about fucking tonight. pic.twitter.com/oRxrIJi8aP
I'll ask those on this side of the House: who's ever run a small business here? Here we go! Who's ever worked in the private sector here? Here we go! Who's been a police officer here? Here we go! We've got a police officer up the back. Who is a farmer on this side of the House? We've got some farmers over here. We've got medical practitioners. Who has ever served in the Australian defence forces on this side of the House? The Liberal-National Party is the party of ordinary, everyday Australians going out there every day, having a go and getting a go.
"Who F#ckin Tonight? Who F#ckin tonight?
Who F#ckin Tonight? Oh!Oh! Who F#ckin tonight?
Who f#ckin Tonight? Who F#ckin Tonight? Oh!Oh!
Stop Playin, Keep It Movin! Stop playin, keep it movin!
Stop playin, keep it movin! Keep movin movin movin movin!
Hey sing along!" [Fat Man Scoop's "Be Faithfull"]
I'm still wondering which age demographic he was trying to impress. Particularly as these lyrics appear to have originally been penned in 1999.
I am also curious as to why the Prime Minister of Australia chose to ignore the conditions imposed on use of footage of parliamentary proceedings.
In particular 15.12(c) broadcast material may not be digitally manipulated.
As for why the reason Morrison gave for deleting his tweet changed in the following days from inappropriate lyrics to being in breach of parliament's rules on use of video footage, well that is anyone's guess.
Labels:
music,
right wing rat bags,
Scott Morrison,
Twitter
A sign of increasing desperation on Australian Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton's part?
After threatening to bring into the House of Representatives files he kept on members of parliament when he Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister for Home Affairs and Liberal MP for Dickson Peter Dutton made sure two particular files were very visible on 11 September 2018.
Images found on Twitter
After he quoted from these files the Opposition requested that they be tabled. A request Dutton refused.
Watching these files deployed prior to and during Question Time, in what looked suspiciously like a form of visual intimidation, did little to enhance Dutton's defence of his own actions as immigration minister in 2015.
Saturday 15 September 2018
Quote of the Week
“Real power is – I don’t even want
to use the word – fear” [Then presidential candidate
Donald J. Trump in a 31 March 2016
interview with Bob Woodward and Robert Costa at the Trump International Hotel,
Washington DC]
Labels:
Donald Trump
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