Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Albanese promises $20 billion plan to modernise electricity grid, and $6.2 billion for child care

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Albanese promises $20 billion plan to modernise electricity grid, and $6.2 billion for child care

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has promised an ambitious $20 billion plan to modernise Australia’s electricity grid and extra spending of $6.2 billion over four years for more affordable child care in a budget reply that emphasises the role of government.

In another initiative, Albanese said a Labor government would have a plan to promote local manufacturing and skills that would boost the nation’s productivity.

The Labor leader claimed the recession in Australia would be “deeper and longer” because of Tuesday’s budget, which he said left behind women and people over 35.

Albanese is casting Labor’s alternative as using the power of government to drive economic activity and reform, setting this up as an ideological difference with the Morrison government.

“Government has the power to break down barriers of disadvantage, to change lives for the better,” he said.

His childcare initiative homes in on criticism that the present system is costly and inadequate for families, with nothing extra done in the budget.

“Right around Australia, instead of childcare supporting families, where both parents want to work, the costs - and the tax system - actively discourage this,” he said.

Too often “it’s working mums who cop the worst of it”.

“For millions of working women, it’s not worth working more than three days a week.”

This deprived working women of opportunities and cost workplaces years of experience, knowledge and skills.

He said a Labor government would, from July 1, 2022 remove the annual cap on the childcare subsidy, which would eliminate the disincentive to work more hours. The current cap is $10,560.

It would also increase the maximum childcare subsidy to 90%, cutting costs for 97% of families in the system. Labor would increase the subsidy rates and taper them for every family earning under $530,000.

Under the changes, 97% of families in the system would save between $600 and $2,900 annually, with no family worse off.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would be told to design a price regulation mechanism that made sure all the funds the government spent went through to savings for families.

“This is real reform. It will boost women’s workforce participation, boost productivity, and get Australia working again.

"Building a childcare system that works for families will turbo charge productivity in workplaces, delivering a much-needed boost in economic growth of up to $4 billion a year.”

Labor’s long-term goal would be to investigate moving to a 90% subsidy for childcare for every family.

The Productivity Commission would be asked to report on this in Labor’s first term.

Outlining his program for “powering the nation”, Albanese said Australia’s present electricity network was designed for a different century – “a time when solar panels ran pocket calculators, not the one in four households which have rooftop solar”.

“The current network takes no account of the rise of renewables as the cheapest new energy source, and doesn’t help link these new sources up to the national grid.”

Labor would set up a new Rewiring the Nation Corporation, to rebuild and modernise the grid. “By using the Commonwealth’s ability to borrow at lower interest rates, it will be done at the lowest possible cost.”

The Australian Energy Market Operator had already identified projects that were needed, Albanese said.

“The planning work is done. Rebuilding the grid will create thousands of jobs - particularly in regional Australia - and deliver up to $40 billion in benefits,” he said.

“Fixing transmission is technology neutral and will allow the market to drive least cost, new energy production.”

The “Future Made in Australia” initiative would be driven by the power of Commonwealth spending.

There would be an “Australian Skills Guarantee” which would provide opportunities for apprentices and trainees on major Commonwealth projects.

“On every major work site receiving federal spending, one out of ten workers employed will be an apprentice, a trainee, or cadet,” he said.

“We will also consider how this principle can be extended to federal government subsidised sectors like aged care, disability care and childcare, in cooperation with providers.”

A Labor government would bring in rules in defence spending “to maximise local content and create local jobs”.

It would also have a national rail manufacturing plan, providing leadership to the states and working with industry to maximise opportunities to build trains in Australia.

Authors: Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Read more https://theconversation.com/albanese-promises-20-billion-plan-to-modernise-electricity-grid-and-6-2-billion-for-child-care-147764

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...