Author Archives: chia_adm

National summit: Energy efficiency and Australia’s economic recovery

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CHIA is pleased to be a supporting partner for this event. This national summit will take place online and registration is free here.

Event details:

The world has experienced a public health emergency that has brought with it acute economic impacts. As Australia responds to the economic crisis, we aim to recover on a path to building a better future.

There is a growing consensus in Australia and around the world that energy efficiency has a crucial role in economic recovery and providing long-term social, economic and environmental benefits. Energy efficiency projects in homes and businesses are shovel ready, labour intensive, improve productivity and lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

The multiple benefits of energy efficiency are huge, but realising them requires rapid and decisive action. Which is why the Australian Council of Social Services, Australian Industry Group, Energy Efficiency Council, and the Property Council of Australia have joined forces to host a National Summit on Wednesday 1 July 2020, Energy efficiency and Australia’s economic recovery.

We have timed the event to take place following the launch of the final report from the International Energy Agency’s Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency.

This Commission of global leaders from business and government has been considering how to drive increased action on energy efficiency. We are delighted that Michael Liebreich will join us to explain its findings. Mr. Liebreich is a member of the Commission and founder of New Energy Finance, which was purchased by Bloomberg LP in 2009. Michael is a leading global expert on clean energy and transportation, smart infrastructure, technology, climate finance and sustainable development.

Energy efficiency and Australia’s economic recovery will also bring together leaders from politics, business, the community sector and beyond to discuss how we can act to put energy efficiency at the heart of Australia’s economic recovery. In addition to Michael Liebreich, confirmed speakers include:

NHFIC finalises largest social bond from an Australian Issuer

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The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) has finalised the largest social bond – at $562 million – by an Australian issuer.

The funds raised from the NHFIC bond will support ten community housing providers (CHPs) across NSW, SA, Tasmania and Victoria, financing 2,736 properties including 775 new dwellings.
The third NHFIC bond will pass on the benefits of strong investor demand by providing a fixed rate of 2.06 per cent for 12-year interest only loans to the CHPs, which provide subsidised housing.
In total, the bond is anticipated to save the participating CHPs more than $80m in interest payments over next 12 years.
The first loan to a Tasmanian CHP forms part of the latest bond, with Housing Choices Tasmania to use the funding for 192 existing and new social and affordable homes.

Full media release here

CHIA joins the call for a smart housing installation boom (National Low Income Energy Productivity Program)

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Over 50 social, property, business, environment, local councils and research groups have banded together to call on Federal and State Governments to stimulate the economy with an energy efficient and solar, low-income housing installation boom.

Doing so would create tens of thousands of shovel ready jobs, cut energy bills for people on low incomes who will spend back into the economy, and reduce carbon emissions.

The call comes after the Federal Government’s Housing stimulus proposal failed to include measures for people most in need, instead focusing on high income earners undertaking expensive renovation without any related social or environmental benefits.

For the full media release, click here

For the The National Low Income Energy Productivity Program (NLEPP) proposal, click here

Housing, the economy & productivity- online talk (updated with slides)

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CHIA, National Shelter & Homelessness Australia will present an online talk next Weds 17 June at 1pm. This will explore the recent work on SHARP, including the recent SGS modelling, as well as the work of the Housing & Productivity Consortium. Presenters include Terry Rawnsley (SGS Economics & Planning), Prof Bill Randolph (CityFutures) and special guest Prof Duncan McLennan (University of Glasgow)

Click here for more information and to register.

UPDATE:

We would like to thank all presenters and slides from this session can be accessed here:

–What is SHARP?

– Why invest in Social Housing as a Recovery Stimulus Package – Modelling the Economic and Job Outcomes

– Changing the housing narrative – the HPRC and its planned program

-The Housing & Productivity Research Consortium – The first project

The Zoom recording is here and the password is 3q!u7?F.

CHIA: Covid-19 surveys

Covid-19 News Member news News No Comments

CHIA has launched monthly surveys to understand the trends and emerging issues for the community housing industry as it responds to the COVID-19 crisis.

The first of the monthly surveys is now open until midnight on Friday, 12 June. The survey was piloted with several organisations both large and small before release. Responses will inform the national industry picture and CHIA’s advocacy priorities.

The survey is designed to be completed once for the whole organisation/ group of companies by a senior executive. CHIA has emailed details to CEOs.

MEDIA RELEASE: Building the Recovery

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Building the Recovery: investment in social housing will create thousands of jobs and improve social outcomes

New modelling released today by the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and National Shelter demonstrates how investing in a four-year social house building program of 30,000 homes will create on average up to 18,000 full-time equivalent jobs each year.

Wendy Hayhurst, CEO at CHIA said, “The Social Housing Acceleration and Renovation Program (SHARP) will not just deliver great quality homes to those in need but also secure great jobs for thousands of Australians. SHARP’s main benefit will fall where the job losses have been greatest in Sydney and Melbourne but will also create jobs all over Australia in regions and towns.

“With the period 2021-22 earmarked as an anticipated economic weak point, SHARP will create up to 24,500 jobs both on-site and in the wider building services industry. The Federal Government has stated that we have to maintain a laser-like focus on jobs to get Australia moving and this new modelling shows that SHARP does just that,” says Ms Hayhurst.

To read the full media release click here

For the full report click here

Update: 27/05/2020

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  • PM Morrison speech seeks Accord-style outcomes from unions, business.
    • five key areas – award simplification, enterprise agreements, casuals and fixed term employees, compliance and enforcement, and greenfields agreements
    • five ‘working groups’ of unions, employers and select others (rural, multicultural, women, families) will have until September to come with ideas
  • The ACTU said they will approach process in good faith with two conditions:
    • ‘will any proposal make jobs more secure for working people’, and ‘making sure that working people get their fair share of the nation’s wealth.’
  • The PM this morning says that the focus of possible IR reforms will be job creation rather than conditions at work. (ABC)
    • also said that he is considering introducing legislation to overrule a federal court decision making casual workers entitled to paid leave
  • The PM yesterday flagged delays in several areas:
    • said the timetable for a referendum on indigenous recognition would depend on whether ‘consensus is able to be achieved for it to be successful’
    • religious freedom changes and an anti-corruption body ‘not something Cabinet has considered for some time’
  • The federal government is working on a multi-billion scheme to construct residential housing (AFR):
    • being worked on by Treasurer Frydenberg and Minister for Housing Sukkar
    • expected to focus on large cash grants to buyers of new homes (SMH)
  • Former Premiers Mike Baird and Jay Weatherill have jointly called for National Cabinet to be retained for at least another twelve months to build a federal (as opposed to national) economic plan. (Guardian)

Update: 21/05/202

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  • President Trump says ‘the incompetence of China’ has caused ‘mass worldwide killing.’
  • US Secretary of State Pompeo has defended Australia. “The Chinese Communist Party chose to threaten Australia with economic retribution for the simple act of asking for an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus. It’s not right. We stand with Australia and the more than 120 nations now who have taken up the American call for an inquiry…’
  • Energy Minister Taylor will today release the Technology Investment Road Map, pointing to a larger role for gas, hydrogen and pumped hydro rather than coal. (AFR)
    • The Australian says that investment and tax incentives to drive cheaper energy costs are likely to be included in the October Budget.
  • A leaked draft report by the manufacturing taskforce advising the NCCC recommends a range of measures to support manufacturing (Guardian):
    • create a new Manufacturing Board reporting to the Minister; the creation of Industry Hubs; a national campaign to change the image of manufacturing;
    • focus on particular areas: food and agritech; mintech and rare earths; energy and renewables, advanced building materials; healthcare and biotech; space; defence
    • a big focus developing gas through the use of subsidies, underwriting, and co-investment.
  • Safe Work Australia yesterday eased its guidelines on lifts.
    • Changed from a requirement for four square metres per person to a rule which says physically distance ‘as far as you reasonably can.’ (AFR)
  • Federal Court case yesterday has found that casual workers are entitled to full time worker entitlements such as annual leave, paid carers leave and paid compassionate leave. (AFR)
  • The JobKeeper scheme is being oversubscribed (6.4m people subscribed vs 6m forecast), and may need fine-tuning. (AFR)
    • says that one option flagged by experts might be to extend the 30 per cent revenue fall test from one month to three months from July
  • Grattan Institute warns of October ‘cliff’ due to the ending of several programmes: JobKeeper ends, double-JobSeeker ends, welfare stimulus payments end, cash flow support for SMEs end, and six month loan deferrals from banks end. (AFR)  – good reference for the homelessness inquiry submission http://www.afr.com/news/economy/rework-jobkeeper-or-risk-falling-off-a-cliff-20200520-p54upk?btis
  • Many people withdrawing super early have been spending it on online wagering, according to ‘sources familiar with bank transaction data.’ (AFR)
  • Andrew Hastie MP (Lib) has called for ’time-limited tax incentives’ to build self-reliance in key medical supplies and other critical goods in order to reduce dependence on China. (Australian)
  • The Senate Select Committee into Covid-19 meets today from 10am. Witnesses include Attorney General Department (IR specialists), Fair Work Commission, Fair Work Ombudsman, and Treasury (including the Secretary).

One year on – CHL making progress on its Reconciliation journey

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Australia’s largest not-for-profit community housing provider, Community Housing Limited (CHL), is commemorating the one-year anniversary of their REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan at the start of the National Reconciliation Week 2020.

CHL has not only been providing affordable housing to vulnerable and at-risk groups across the nation for the last 26 years but has been committed towards enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to determine their own housing future and live in accordance with cultural values and customs through Aboriginal Community Housing Limited (ACHL).

With this long-term commitment at the forefront of the organisation, CHL has spent the past twelve months providing Aboriginal cultural awareness training to staff, reviewing current practices, policies, service delivery and procurement of services and making appropriate changes to them.

For the full media release, click here

Update: 21/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • PM Morrison will use a June 4 summit with Indian President Narendra Modi to cement new agreements developing reliable supply chains in key strategic sectors including medical goods, technology, and critical minerals. (Australian)
    • They will also sign a new defence agreement allowing reciprocal access to bases and co-operation on military projects, and a new education partnership regarding universities.
  • Chinese officials have drawn up a list of more Australian exports – including seafood, oats, fruit, dairy, and wine – that might be targeted for trade restrictions, according to Bloomberg.
    • suggests that they could be subject to stricter quality checks, anti-dumping probes, tariffs, customs delays, or state media encouraged consumer boycotts.
  • The World Health Assembly has formally voted for independent inquiry into Covid-19.
  • NCCC Chair Nev Power has flagged a gas pipeline from WA, boosted gas production in eastern states, and shifting energy intensive manufacturing west as options under consideration by the NCCC. (AFR)
  • Industry Minister Andrews speaks at the National Press Club today (AFR):
    • will say that while government might support domestic manufacturing of particular items like PPE, consumers will drive any return to domestic manufacturing.
    • will also rule out increasing tax incentives for R&D, and press for better alignment of researchers and industry.
  • The Fair Work Commission has advised the government that it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate a wave of JobKeeper disputes. (AFR)
    • Most of the complaints centre on businesses denying staff the wage subsidy.
  • The Department of Education, Skills and Employment is reviewing employment assistance programmes to ensure that they return employees to work as soon as possible (AFR).
  • The UK government has suggested that some countries with good Covid records might skip the two-week incoming quarantine period (meaning, in practice, Australia and NZ and others). (AFR)

Update: 19/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping has reversed course and backed an inquiry into Covid-19. (ABC)
  • The Chinese government yesterday confirmed that they will impose tariffs of 80.5 per cent on Australian barley.
  • Prime Minister Morrison will make a speech to the National Press Club on Tuesday next week.
  • Industrial Relations Minister Porter says reforming enterprise agreement bargaining to make it simpler and quicker will be a priority. (AFR)
  • ACCI is pushing for ‘immediate repairs’ to the IR system, including staggered start and finish times without overtime, and more flexible stand-down provisions. (Australian)
  • Jane Halton (NCCC board, Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation) has warned of ‘vaccine nationalism’ with countries refusing to share any new medicines. (AFR)
  • Energy Minister Taylor will today announce alterations to $2b Climate Solutions Fund to target co-investment from state governments and the private sector, and support co-investment in technological change in heavy industries and transport (Australian).
  • Minister for Northern Australia Pitt says he wants the $3b Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund eligibility criteria to be relaxed to boost the economy. (AFR)
  • New Zealand Opposition leader Simon Bridges’ support as preferred PM has dropped to 4.5 percent (vs Jacinda Ardern 59.5 per cent). (Newshub)
  • The Senate Select Committee into Covid-19 meets today (1pm). Witnesses: Department of Education

Update 15/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments
  • National Cabinet meets today (10am). They will be briefed by Treasury Secretary Kennedy, RBA chief Lowe, and APRA chief Byres.
  • Prime Minister Morrison has flagged changes to JobKeeper will be forthcoming after the review in June, saying that some ‘anomalies and issues’ need to be addressed.
    • The SMH reports that the review will consider extending the September 27 cut-off with tightened eligibility.
  • Labor have internal differences over JobKeeper, according to David Crowe in SMH:
    • shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers’ proposal for extending to universities and foreign state-owned enterprises was not properly costed and didn’t go through normal shadow cabinet processes, prompting friction within Labor.
  • Fair Work Commission chief Iain Ross has canvassed the deferral of minimum wage increases for some businesses based on Covid-19 impacts. (Australian)
    • ACCI has urged a deferral until mid-2021; Labor and the ACTU have stated firm opposition to any deferral.
  • Transport Minister McCormack has said that Virgin Australia should be sold to a private company rather than Qld Govt; colleagues Dutton and Littleproud have been very critical of Qld govt proposal; and the Qld LNP has declared opposition to govt bid. (Australian)
  • New Zealand govt has announced in their Budget a NZ$50b fund to combat Covid-19.
    • NZ economy will contract by 4.6% this year, unemployment peak at 9.8% this year, and govt debt (currently 30% GDP) peak at 54% in 2023.
  • Polling by Australia Institute in Eden Monaro (without using candidate names) finds ALP ahead of Coalition 51.1/48.8. (AFR)
  • Julia Gillard has been appointed chair of UK-based research investment giant Wellcome Trust, and will use the role to call for an investigation into the Covid-19 outbreak. (ABC)

Update:14/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • Federal government is reluctant to overhaul JobKeeper, according to AFR.
    • Minister Cormann has rejected truncating the time frame: ‘It is a six-month programme, it will remain in place for six months.’
    • Government source says ALP plan to reduce ‘overpay’ would be complicated, take six weeks to implement and not be worth it.
  • AIG has suggested changes to JobKeeper: (Australian)
    • allow businesses which are part of larger groups to meet a 30% reduction threshold, rather than 50%
    • allow ATO Commissioner discretion to extend payments to businesses with lower margins.
  • HECS creator Bruce Chapman and other economists suggest HECs-style business loans to deal with ongoing crisis. (SMH)
  • NSW Tourism Minister Ayres is demanding all state borders be re-opened from July 1 to boost domestic tourism. (Australian)
  • House prices could drop 32% in the event of persistent economic slump, according to Commbank. (SMH)
  • Survey estimates 70 per cent of non-frontline public servants are working from home. Victorian public service chief Chris Eccles has asked public servants whether ‘we need to make it more conventional, rather than an exception.’ (AFR)
  • House of Reps Economics Committee meets today (9.30am). Witnesses: Industry Super Australia, ME Bank
  • WHO warns Covid-19 may never be eradicated. (Washington Post)

Update 13/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • Treasurer Frydenberg has tested negative for Covid-19. (He was tested after coughing fit in Parliament yesterday)
  • Fears of trade war with China, after they banned meat imports from four Australian abattoirs. (SMH)
    • Trade Minister Birmingham seeking urgent talks with Chinese counterpart.
    • Dairy and wine industries worried that they might be next in line.
  • Senate Select Committee on Covid-19 sits today (9am). Witnesses: Dept of Health, PM&C, NCCC, NIAA.
  • Attorney General Porter has signalled Govt may limit enterprise agreement variations to twelve months. (AFR)
    • follows One Nation suggestion (and Porter needs their vote in Senate on potential disallowance motion).
  • Fair Work Commission chief Iain Rodd says that minimum wage panel is obliged to go ahead with decision by June 30. (AFR)
    • ACCI has called for the govt to give the FWC discretion to delay in extraordinary circumstances.
  • Increased pressure for JobKeeper scheme changes:
    • Coalition MPs Warren Entsch and Craig Kelly have called for JobKeeper to be extended in some circumstances. (Australian)
    • Jason Falinski MP pressing to phase it out when schools return. (Australian)
    • Labor will seek to extend JobKeeper to university workers and entities owned by foreign governments through a disallowance motion. (Guardian)
  • Health Minister Hunt will elevate importance of mental health issues with creation of new position of Deputy CMO for Mental Health. (Australian)

Update: 12/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • Parliament resumes today.
    • Treasurer Frydenberg will deliver an economic update at noon, warning ‘there is no money tree. What we borrow today, we must pay back in the future.’
    • the Treasurer will say that fulfilling the three stage restrictions will generate $9.4b activity per month, but that if states retreat the costs will be significant.
  • Prime Minister Morrison suggests that JobKeeper might be extended for some industries, saying he’s ‘fully aware’ that it might need to be adjusted to support ‘sectors that come under strain over a greater period of time.’ (Australian)
    • Anthony Albanese says JobKeeper could be extended for some, but trimmed for others to avoid people being paid more than they would in normal times. (ABC)
    • COSBOA chief Peter Strong says JobKeeper should not be touched because certainty is important to small business. (AFR)
  • ALP calling for a National Housing Stimulus Plan to deal with slowdown. (SMH)
    • urges government to utilise super funds and private sector
    • focus on social housing and affordable properties
  • Labor’s attempt to disallow industrial relations regulation allowing short notice on pay deals is set to fail, with One Nation expressing opposition to its plan. (Guardian)
  • Chinese barley tariff threat is a retaliation for Australia imposing duties on Chinese steel under anti-dumping laws. (AFR)
  • New Zealand will overtake on Australia in easing restrictions by the end of next week under a plan to ‘go hard, go early’. (Australian)
    • On Thursday retail, cafes, cinemas, restaurants, gyms open; Monday schools open; and next Thursday pubs open.
  • Essential poll shows people are comfortable with easing restrictions, only a quarter opposing. (Guardian)
    • 67% support ALP shadow minister Kristina Keneally’s position on restricting labour imports.

Update: 06/05/2020

Covid-19 News No Comments

 

  • National Cabinet agrees to aim for returning to work in July:
    • When they meet on Friday they will lift restrictions in three stages with aim of establishing ‘a Covid-safe economy in July 2020.’
    • Each state will move at its own pace.
  • National Cabinet agreed that SafeWorkAustralia would be single source of information on workplace Covid-19 safety protocols:
  • Australia’s Covid-19 infection ‘growth factor’ has risen to be above one for the first time in more than a month (ABC)
    • key measure, means more new cases this week than last week.
    • reflects new cluster at Victorian meatworks
  • Australia is in a position to start exporting ventilators. (AFR)
    • follows the Industry Minister Andrews assembling a ‘Tiger Team’ (Dulux chief Patrick Houlihan, infrastructure specialist Darren Norman, former health chief Glenys Beauchamp, Defence Scientist Tanya Munro among others) to break down blockages
  • Assistant Minister for Finance and Charities Senator Seselja is to amend Ministerial guidelines to provide extra credit to charities. (Australian)
  • Qantas chief Joyce has flagged post-recovery Syd-Melb flights costing as low as $19 to stimulate travel. (Australian)
  • JobKeeper payments start flowing today.
  • Treasurer Frydenberg has been given 24/7 security detail due to threats over economic impact of Covid-19. (West Australian)
  • Senate Select Committee into Covid-19 sits today (1pm). Witnesses – Attorney General’s Dept, Digital Transformation Agency, Dept of Health
  • The UK has overtaken Italy as the country with second highest death toll.
 

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