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1. DECLINE IN NSW APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINEESHIP NUMBERS – MAY 2024
The number of apprentices and trainees ‘in-training’ in NSW for the period January to May 2024 were down by almost 1,900 or 8% compared to the same period in 2023.
Apprenticeship approval numbers for the first five months of 2024 were largely similar to 2023, whilst Traineeship approvals dropped by more than 1,900 or 16% year on year.
In-Training
Apprenticeship and Traineeship in-training numbers decreased by over 10,000 or 9% from the same time last year to approximately 103,400.
- Apprenticeship numbers showed an increase of more than 2,100 or 3% when compared to the same time last year.
- Traineeship numbers have dropped by more than 12,000 or 26%.
- In training numbers have been largely consistent since the beginning of 2024, sitting around the 103,000 – 104,000 mark.
Completions
Apprenticeship and Traineeship completion numbers were up by approximately 1,200 or 9% for the first five months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.
- Apprenticeship completions increased by nearly 480 or 8%
- Traineeship numbers also rose by 700 or 10%.
Top Apprenticeship and Traineeship Vocations – January to May in 2024
School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT)
- SBATs numbers to May 2024
- SBATs numbers to May 2024 In-Training
2. NSW ROUNDTABLE AIMS TO DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKFORCE
Editor, Sean Carroll reports in the 25 June 2024 edition of Electrical Connection on the Renewable Energy Skills Roundtable held in Newcastle on the 13 June 2024, which discussed prospective renewable energy sector’s skills needs, leaving a local skills and employment legacy, leveraging good practice, and sharing opportunities that could help build a diverse workforce.
The article states, “Stakeholders across the industry have attended the NBA 2030 Renewable Workforce Roundtable to chart a path towards building the workforce needed to meet the challenges of the energy transition.
The NSW government said that the roundtable continues its commitment to ensuring the clean energy transition creates new local, secure jobs in both metropolitan and regional NSW.
Representatives from dozens of organisations joined the NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan and NSW Jobs Advocate, Mark Apthorpe, to discuss opportunities and strategies. Participants included industry bodies, unions, educators and government agencies.
The New South Wales Government said that it is already taking action to create local, secure jobs and ensure people in the industry are able to transition to work in renewables.”
3. HAVE YOUR SAY – NATIONAL SKILLS TAXONOMY DISCUSSION PAPER
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released the National Skills Taxonomy (NST) Discussion Paper, a step forward in the development of a new national skills taxonomy.
The NST will replace the existing Australian Skills Classification (ASC), offering a more comprehensive and dynamic approach to categorising and organising skills across Australia. The ASC will remain available for users until the NST is developed.
The NST will categorise and organise skills to provide a common language of skills for all, to help bridge the gap between education, employment and economic productivity.
We’ve now released the National Skills Taxonomy Discussion Paper and we want to hear from you.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of the NST. Specifically, we are interested in your views on:
- the benefits and limitations of existing skills taxonomies
- how an NST could help across education, training or the labour market
- the principles and key features you want in an NST
- what data should inform an NST and how it should be maintained.
We are also scheduling a series of in-person and virtual workshops with stakeholders from across VET, higher education, industry and unions and the communities’ sector. These workshops will explore the range of views on the development of a National Skills Taxonomy from across these stakeholder groups. The workshop schedule is provided below. All times are local and virtual times are AEST:
- Virtual session one : 9 July, 10am-1pm
- Brisbane: 16 July 2pm-5pm
- Perth: 17 July 2pm-5pm
- Melbourne: 18 July, 9am-12pm
- Virtual session two: 23 July, 10am -1pm
- Sydney: 25 July 9am-12pm
If you are interested in attending a workshop, please register HERE.
For more information, please contact us at NationalSkillsTaxonomy@jobsandskills.gov.au.
To read the National Skills Taxonomy Discussion Paper and to lodge a submission, see the JSA website.
This consultation closes on Friday 9 August 2024 at 5pm (AEST).
4. SMART & SKILLED UPDATE – JULY 2024
Training Services NSW has published the latest Smart and Skilled Update, for the month of JULY 2024 (DOWNLOAD A COPY HERE).
Smart and Skilled is an NSW Government program that helps people get qualifications in in-demand skills and industries. It’s a key part of the NSW vocational education and training system.
This latest Smart and Skilled Update covers the following:
- Apprenticeship and Traineeship Roadmap
Discover the future of skills development in NSW. The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Roadmap could help you deliver training for apprenticeships and traineeships that responds to learner and industry needs.
Visit nsw.gov.au/apprenticeship-traineeship-roadmap to find out more.
- Fee Free Apprenticeships and Traineeships extended to 30 June 2025
The NSW Department of Education is pleased to confirm a further extension of fee free apprenticeships and traineeships for students who commence their Smart and Skilled training up until 30 June 2025. Fee free apprenticeships and traineeships remove financial barriers for students and support a strong pipeline of skilled workers to build the NSW economy.
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During this period, student fees – approximately $2,000 for apprentices and $1,000 for trainees – will continue to be covered for individuals who commence their apprenticeships and traineeships by 30 June 2025.
Training providers should continue to apply fee free waivers when enrolling eligible apprentices and trainees. Full details of the initiative can be found in the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy.
- Training Activity Data reporting close off for the 2023-24 Activity Period: Friday 28 June 2024
Smart and Skilled providers were reminded training activity data for training activity for current students (new or continuing) occurring/completing in the 2023-24 Activity Period was to be successfully submitted no later than 11.59pm, 30 June 2024 allowing time for providers to address validation errors and successfully resubmit data prior to the reporting deadline.
Find out how to access funding for vocational education and training that gives people workplace skills in high demand industries. Learn about Smart and Skilled and other government programs in NSW. For more information visit: FUNDING AND SUPPORT – SMART AND SKILLED
Or, for technical support in relation to this update, contact Training Market Customer Support at Training.Market@det.nsw.edu.au
For the Smart and Skilled – NSW Skills List visit: NSW SKILLS LIST – SMART AND SKILLED
5. POWERING SKILLS ORGANISATION – INSIGHTS UPDATE
Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) will be holding its next Insights Update on Wednesday, July 31st, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (AEST).
If you have not registered yet, this is a reminder to register for the virtual upcoming event as soon as possible.
During the Insights Update, PSO will be delving into the latest developments at Powering Skills Organisation. From recent initiatives to ongoing plans and the tangible outcomes PSO will discuss the recently released 2024 Workforce Plan Report and explore key details of the new projects we’ve recently initiated. This meeting is a valuable opportunity to stay informed about our organisation’s endeavours and actively engage in discussions about our future.
The session will be both informative and collaborative, and PSO will highly value your participation. Please follow the link below to register your attendance at this event.
PSO appreciates your ongoing support and collaboration and looks forward to seeing you at the meeting to learn more about developments within the Powering Skills Organisation.
Wednesday, July 31st, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (AEST).
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5.1. PSO LAUNCHES 2024 WORKFORCE PLAN
On Monday the 15th of July, Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) released its long-awaited Workforce Plan – The New Power Generation: Challenges and Opportunities Within Australia’s Energy Sector.
The New Power Generation is the second workforce plan prepared by Powering Skills Organisation (PSO). It provides a blueprint for responding to current, emerging and future workforce, skills and training needs within the energy sector.
Not only does the findings build upon existing workforce and training intelligence published by our key partners within the government sector, but also draws upon the extensive stakeholder feedback PSO has received over the past six months.
The two primary challenges identified for the energy sector for increasing the size and skills of the energy sector workforce:
- increasing the flow of people undergoing training in energy sector trades, and
- ensuring that the training system is fit for purpose and functioning as smoothly as possible to deliver new workers into the workforce – without compromising safety.
The six critical energy occupations are:
- Electricians,
- Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics,
- Electrical Distribution Trades Workers (e.g., linesworkers, cable jointers, rail signalling),
- Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians,
- Electronics Trades Workers (e.g., instrumentation and control workers) and
- Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers not further defined (this is broad group of new and emerging occupations which aren’t captured within present ANZSCO occupations).
Wish to learn more about Powering Skills Organisation’s (PSO’s) work and organisation visit PSO’s website at: https://poweringskills.com.au/
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5.2. MANAGER – TECHNICAL TRAINING VACANCY AT POWERING SKILLS ORGANISATION (PSO)
The National Industry Skills Council covering Utilities and Electrotechnology Training Packages, Powering Skills Organisation (PSO), has a position available for a Manager, Technical Training.
About the job
- Pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of the future
- National focus on energy, gas, and renewables sector
- Highly collaborative role in a flexible environment
You need:
- Formal qualification in related field (education or training) or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated experience in developing training packages
- Understanding of the UEE, UEG, UEP, UET training packages
- Ability to think systematically about the VET sector and its implications to net zero targets
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams to achieve their best
- Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a strategic mindset and attention to detail
This is a great opportunity to join an innovative organisation and be part of our future success.
6. NEW MEMBERSHIP BODY VOWS TO TACKLE QUALITY ISSUES IN PRIVATE TRAINING
The 22 July 2024 edition of the TDA Newsletter, published by TAFE Directors Australia, announced the formation of a new representative body for Vocational Education and Training (VET). This body aims to provide private training providers with a reliable badge of quality, distinguishing them from questionable practices within the industry.
The article states, “A new representative body for the private VET sector has been established, promising to address issues of quality and consistency in the private training market.
The new body, QVET, says it will establish a quality certification process for private VET providers that goes beyond compliance and audit requirements.
“Despite playing such a vital role they (private providers) do not have a trusted voice at the highest policy making levels,” QVET’s website says.
It says there are “legitimate concerns about the quality and consistency of education and training provided by some private VET providers”.
“To address these concerns and promote excellence in private vocational education, the proposed QVET Quality Verified Membership model has been developed.”
In an article in The Australian, one of QVET’s founders, Vivek Sharma, said there are 40 to 50 VET providers interested in joining QVET.
See “New body QVET aims to clean up the ‘rotten core’ of VET” in The Australian” (paid service).
7. NATIONAL ONLINE JOB ADS DECREASED LAST MONTH
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) reports in its 17 July 2024 release of the June 2024 Vacancy Report, based on the Internet Vacancy Index (IVI, that national online job ads decreased last month. Down by 4.2% or 10,100 in seasonally adjusted terms. Though job ads remain about 30% higher than in 2019, June recorded the strongest monthly decline since September 2022.
The report states, “Online job ads were down in all states and territories, major occupation and skill level groups with Tasmania recording the biggest drop, followed by the Northern Territory. Among major occupation and skill level groups, Community and Personal Service Workers and Skill Level 2 occupations recording the strongest declines.
Online job ads decreased at a similar rate across capital cities (down by 14.8%) and regional Australia (14.6%) over the year.”
In seasonally adjusted terms, job advertisements decreased by 4.2% (or 10,100 job advertisements) in June 2024 to stand at 227,500. Vacancy numbers remain at record levels, with around 30% more advertisements in the labour market presently than compared with the monthly average for 2019.
The monthly Vacancy Report includes spotlights on key facets of the Australian labour market. These bring together the wider breadth of data produced by Jobs and Skills Australia and our external stakeholders to provide an overarching summary of a particular labour market segment.
This month’s spotlight examines the changing demand patterns in three growing regional labour markets.
Headline and detailed results for occupations, skill level groups and regions are also available in the Vacancy Report.
8. NSW VET REVIEW FINAL REPORT WITH THE MINISTER
The 3 July 2024 NSW VET Review newsletter reports that the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) Review has now concluded, with the final report delivered last week to the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.
To stay informed, refer to the web page: NSW vocational education and training (VET) review.
9. NCVER APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES 2023 – DECEMBER QUARTER
EnergySkills Australia reports in its 10 July 2024 Newsletter that new data released on the 27th of June by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) indicate trends in apprentice and trainee commencements are returning to historical patterns.
The article states, “The Apprentices and trainees 2023: December quarter report shows there were 343 640 apprentices and trainees in-training at the end of the December 2023, an 32 980 (8.8%) decrease when compared to the corresponding December 2022 quarter. This is a continuation of the decline seen immediately after the COVID era Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements (BAC) scheme was ceased for new commencements on 30 June 2022.
As of 31 December 2023, the largest year on year decrease in in-training numbers was in Clerical and Administrative Workers, which decreased by 18 235 (44.5%).
Following on from NCVER September quarter release, 2023 continued on a slight downward trajectory for electrotechnology sector. Looking at the NCVER Apprentice Numbers in the UEE training package on a 12-Month Series the key observations have been:
- The number of commencements in the UEE package saw a steady increase from 12,355 in 2019 to a peak of 17,925 in 2022. This represents a significant growth of approximately 45% over three years.
- There was a slight decline in 2023, with commencements falling to 16,465, a drop of about 8% from the previous year’s peak.
- Completions followed a similar upward trajectory, rising from 6,660 in 2019 to a high of 9,885 in 2022. However, completions fell to 8,280 in 2023, which is a decrease of about 16.2% from the 2022 peak.
The drop in both commencements and completions in 2023 serves as a timely reminder to all of us, that we need to invest in the critical skills of our future, ensuring we have the workforce to meet our net zero ambitions.”
10. INSTANT RENEWALS SAVE TIME FOR TECHNICIANS
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) issued a Media Release on 16 July 2024, advising of its new easy licence renewal system.
The Media Release states, “Recognising that time is money for refrigeration technicians, the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has implemented a new automated licence renewal process to significantly reduce the amount of time required to complete a licence renewal application.
ARC Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Evans said the process was designed to help ARCtick licensed technicians to minimise time spent on administration and maximise their time on the tools.
‘For licensed technicians whose details have not changed since obtaining their current licence, this process saves them from having to check and confirm each detail separately,’ he said.
‘The new system can save up to two weeks in processing time so technicians can get on with their business and are not waiting for their renewal to come through.’
Mr Evans noted that the new automated process did not equate to automatic renewal.
‘It’s not an automatic process where people will have to opt out if they don’t want or need to renew – it’s a streamlined process for the benefit of those who do want to renew,’ he said.
‘ARC is committed to excellence in customer service and responding to issues and suggestions raised by technicians, and this new licence process reduces the time and effort required for administrative tasks, so technicians can get on with the job of earning a living and helping to protect the environment.’”
11. THE WOMEN IN HVACR PROGRAMME IS BACK IN 2024
Climate Control News (CCN) is leading the return of the Women in HVACR programme in 2024. Promotion for the award programme states, “The Women in HVACR programme has been created by Climate Control News to recognise talented women making an outstanding contribution to the climate control industry.
Women in HVACR will showcase our industry as a great career choice with plenty of opportunities. CCN will do this by profiling our best and brightest and sharing their experiences in HVACR. Every year, women from around Australia will be invited to nominate to be a part of CCN’s Women in HVACR showcase. Entries will be welcome from young rising stars through to senior executives. It is about their experience and talent, not their age or title. CCN will recognise their contribution and passion for an industry that is making a difference.
How to nominate
- Submissions can be self-nominated or entered by a third party.
- Complete the short survey to demonstrate the nominee’s passion for working in the HVACR industry.
- Entrants are encouraged to highlight how they are making a difference to the industry.
- Successful candidates will be profiled in the October/November issue of CCN magazine and online.
Nominations close 15 August 2024”
12. VERTO AWARDED NEW ENERGY APPRENTICESHIPS MENTORING PROGRAM
VERTO has been selected by the Australian Government to project manage the New Energy Apprenticeships Mentoring program. The Program is scaled across Australia.
The Mentoring Program is intended to maximise retention of New Energy Apprentices by building strong linkages between new entrants to the Clean Energy sector and skilled workers and businesses already operating in the sector.
VERTO is inviting expressions of interest from prospective Mentors, who once selected will be matched with an Australian Apprentice undertaking a New Energy Apprenticeship in a Clean Energy Industry. The criteria used to facilitate this match will be based on the New Energy Apprentice’s selection and prioritisation of mentoring topics such as:
- education,
- skills development,
- career pathways,
- technology, and
- wellbeing
The project anticipates that VERTO’s New Energy Community Engagement Consultants (CEC’s) will liaise with both the Mentor and the New Energy Apprentice to coordinate three one-on-one mentoring engagements across a three- month period. These sessions may be facilitated digitally via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face where practical. VERTO’s New Energy CEC’s will provide discussion points to support Mentoring sessions with all the parties that are facilitated.
BECOME A MENTOR
Expressions of interest are sought from prospective Mentors, who:
- Have worked in the Clean Energy Industry with supervisory experience
- Have trade/apprenticeship specific knowledge to ensure that barriers to success can be addressed
- Understand career-based challenges specific to the sector
- Are willing to share experience, knowledge and connections
- Can offer career-based advice, support and education in relation to the industry.
For more information or to get involved, phone 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/new-energy-apprenticeships
13. ELECTRICAL LICENSING DISCIPLINARY ACTION – JUNE
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office also reported in its June 2024 eSafe Electrical new service of the disciplinary actions taken by the Electrical Licensing Committee against eight licence holders.
The following are passages of several of the incidents:
- An electrical contractor performed electrical work that included the removal of existing service pillars and the installation of new service pillars at a caravan park.
The electrical contractor failed to have systems in place to ensure that the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules.
As a result of this failure, socket outlets within a service pillar were energised with no earth connection. It was also identified that socket outlets in another service pillar were energised with a transposed neutral earth connection. A member of the public reported receiving an electric shock when they contacted the metallic parts of a caravan.
The contractor’s licence was suspended, for six months and ordered to complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor.
An electrical worker was working on and supervising repairs to an electric pump when the worker failed to ensure the work performed was electrically safe.
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- An electrical worker performed electrical work that included changes to the power circuits installed in a switchboard.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the electrical work carried out on energised electrical equipment, complied with the requirements of the Electrical Safety Regulations s19-s22.
As a result of this failure, an arc flash was initiated while work was being performed causing significant damage to the electrical chassis of the switchboard where circuit breakers were connected.
It is further understood the worker failed to perform verification tests to ensure the damaged switchboard chassis was electrically safe and compliant to the Wiring Rules before it is energised.
The worker’s licence was suspended for three months and ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted.
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- An electrical worker performed electrical work at a domestic residence that included the installation of a 3-phase generator change over switch in the main switchboard and a further 2 generator input devices in the shed.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was tested to ensure it was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules under the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013 s70.
As a result of this failure, the property was not electrically safe, a submain and the generator circuit neutral conductors were transposed and a person at this location sustained an electric shock.
The worker’s licence was suspended, and the worker must complete competency assessment and demonstrate competency in all elements before the suspension is lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $2,000 penalty. …
14. YOUNG ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE INJURED
SafeWork NSW, in its Construction Services Group July 2024 edition reports of an incident wherein a young electrical apprentice was injured.
The article states, “A 21-year-old first year electrical apprentice was undertaking electrical work at a sewer pump station when he sustained an electric shock and minor burns to his hand. The worker encountered live wires, causing him to be thrown back into another worker, who also received an electric shock.
Electrical work is the second leading cause of traumatic fatalities in construction in NSW. Since 2020, there have been more than 1,000 incidents and nearly 600 injuries recorded by SafeWork NSW.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with undertaking electrical work.
Ensure:
- Only appropriately licensed electricians carry out and/or supervise electrical work.
- A licensed electrician tests electrical equipment to ensure it is de-energised before working on it. Work on live electrical equipment is prohibited in NSW unless one or more of the following exceptions apply:
- It is necessary in the interests of health and safety that the electrical work is carried out on the equipment while the equipment is energised. For example, it may be necessary that life-saving equipment remain energised and operating while electrical work is carried out on the equipment, or
- It is necessary that the electrical equipment to be worked on is energised for the work to be carried out properly, or
- It is necessary for the purposes of testing required under clause 155, or
- There is no reasonable alternative means of carrying out the work.
- All energy sources are identified and effectively isolated, such as stand-by systems, generators, photovoltaic systems as well as auxiliary supplies from other switch boards.
- Energised conductors are insulated and/or isolated to prevent inadvertent contact or flashovers.
Get into contact with SafeWork NSW
Call SafeWork NSW directly on 13 10 50 to seek advice, report a health and safety concern or to speak to an Inspector about any health and safety matter.
For information and guidance materials visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au
15. ELECTRICAL SAFETY INCIDENTS – MAY 2024 – SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE
The NSW UE ITAB is fortunate again this month to be provided with the latest electrical incident reports from BluScope Steel. As stated in previous News Services, the NSW UE ITAB has received permission from BlueScope Steel to share the information.
The aim is to help RTOs and industry practitioners have available, real case studies of electrical incidents that have occurred in workplaces and which they can showcase and use in their programs or safety moments to highlight findings and experience, and discuss possible issues, responses or solutions.
The NSW UE ITAB again, sincerely thanks BlueScope Steel for their permission, and advises RTOs and industry practitioners to ensure they recognise and acknowledge attribution to BlueScope for sharing this information and treat the information for educational purposes only.
As we receive the incident reports, we will continue to share them accordingly.
For this News Service we have a Blue Scope Steel reports covering the month of May 2024:
- Download the May 2024 report – MAY 2024 REPORT HERE
For more information and BlueScope contact details please refer to the undersigned for more information. Again, a sincere thanks to BlueScope.
16. STAYING SAFE ON THE CABLES
Electrical Connection reports in its 16 July 2024 newsletter edition explores how cablers can stay safe when carrying out cabling work that could potentially expose them to hazardous situations such as live electricity, asbestos and other incidents, products and mediums.
The article states, “Safety should always be a workplace priority given the potentially hazardous nature of the work carried out by our data and telecommunications workers engaged in construction, maintenance or installation work on properties.
Data and telecommunications workers often need to drill holes in walls and benches, crawl through ceiling spaces, dig trenches or try and manoeuvre cables in wall cavities. This can result in dangers for workers through exposure to live electricity, loose fill or bonded asbestos, hazards such as slips, trips and falls, being hit by falling objects, major cuts from sharp objects, crystalline silica exposure, gas piping and the risks associated with non-compliant products.
The Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) recently released a report titled Electrical Fatal Incident Data Australia and New Zealand 2022-23. The report notes that in the past 23 years, there were 366 electrical fatalities in Australia. This is an annual average of 16 fatalities in Australia and the number for individuals hits a low of five in 2017-18 and a high of 37 in 2000-01.
While it’s encouraging to see the number of deaths in 2022-23 down to eight, what strikes the most concern is that only one of these deaths was an electrical worker. Four of the deaths were non-electrical workers and three members of the general public.
The main contributing factors to these fatalities are deterioration of equipment or wiring, misuse or interference with equipment or wiring, installation failures or poor work practices.
Additionally, Safe Work Australia (SWA) releases periodic fatality statistics across all occupations in its report titled Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities, Australia. In the most recent report, SWA notes that between 2017 and 2021 across Australia, there were six fatalities of electronics and telecommunications trade workers.
These reports highlight the fact that our data and telecommunications industry workers are operating in at-risk work environments. While coming into contact with live electricity is probably the greatest risk, it’s far from the only risk.
Electrical risks are indeed somewhat lower when a safety switch has been installed on the premises you might be working on. But don’t be fooled into thinking that safety switches are in place and that you can’t receive a fatal electric shock.”
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS CLIMATE VALUE OF RAC TECHNICIANS
A new video produced by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) highlights the valuable contribution Australia’s licensed refrigeration and air conditioning technicians make to protecting the environment.
Technician version (5 mins approx.): https://youtu.be/sL8MLBdYXUI
Consumer version (2 mins approx..): https://youtu.be/u7VqWOQ6n2w
17. NEW INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER LAWS INTRODUCED IN NSW
SafeWork NSW, in its Construction Services Group July 2024 edition reports on the introduction of new Industrial Manslaughter Laws in NSW.
The article states, “On 20 June 2024, the NSW Government introduced a new industrial manslaughter offence under the Work Health and Safety Act (NSW) (NSW WHS Act).
NSW is the last mainland state in Australia to enact such legislation.
While the new industrial manslaughter offence does not create new work health and safety obligations or duties for employers, significant penalties will apply for conduct that causes the death of a worker with fines of up to $20million for companies and up to 25 years imprisonment for individuals.
The law will be enforced by a dedicated unit within the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The government emphasizes that these laws are meant to be a deterrent, aiming to prevent future workplace deaths rather than prosecute them after the fact.
The legislation was developed after extensive consultation and enjoys broad support across the NSW Parliament.
There’s recognition that while this legislation cannot undo past tragedies, it can prevent future ones and provide some measure of justice for affected families.
Overall, the introduction of the Industrial Manslaughter Bill in NSW represents a significant advancement in worker safety laws, aiming to ensure that every worker returns home safely. It underscores the importance of accountability in workplace safety and the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding concerns about industrial fatalities.
Full details from the NSW Government Media Release can be found HERE.”
18. EXPLORE NSW REZS AND TRANSMISSION PROJECTS
EnergyCo’s interactive map now includes updated details on existing transmission network connections, REZ transmission network connections for wind and solar projects, and battery energy storage systems.
Use EnergyCo’s interactive map to explore NSW Renewable Energy Zones and priority transmission infrastructure. Use these features to navigate the map.
You will be able to zoom in and out, zoom into a Renewable Energy Zone (grey magnifying glass icons) or find an address using the search bar at. As well, you will be able to turn map layers off and on and explore information icons in a Renewable Energy Zone to find out more about the respective project.
Explore the NSW Renewable Energy Zone interactive map HERE
19. CAN OUR RENEWABLE GAS PATHWAY SUPPORT A FUTURE MADE IN AUSTRALIA?
EnergyInsider, an Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) joint publication reports in its 11 July 2024 edition that the decarbonisation of Australia’s gas system is a complex challenge that enlivens furious debate.
But renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane can offer a decarbonisation pathway for industrial activities that cannot be delivered with electricity alone. So how best can they support a low emissions future, made in Australia?
The article states, “The decarbonisation of Australia’s gas system is a complex challenge that enlivens furious debate. But renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane can offer a decarbonisation pathway for industrial activities that cannot be delivered with electricity alone. So how best can they support a low emissions future, made in Australia?
Currently, around 70 per cent of Australia’s gas use occurs in manufacturing, industry and as feedstock, around 15 per cent is used for power generation and around 10 per cent is used in homes. From this, it is clear that the focus should be on developing a renewable gas pathway focusing on the industrial sector.
Renewable gas pathway
Earlier in 2024, ACIL Allen[1] modelled the least-cost pathway to decarbonise gas in Australia and covered the industrial, commercial and residential sectors.
The analysis found:
- Both electrification and renewable gases (both biomethane and green hydrogen) have a role to play in the lowest-cost pathway to decarbonisation.
- Energy efficiency improvements from electrification reduces the total energy demand needed to deliver the same services, and
- Early opportunities are centred on electrification in some industrial processes (mainly conversion of LNG trains that are undergoing capital equipment upgrades) and later (from 2040) opportunities will require renewable gases. While this signifies hard-to-electrify sectors are decarbonised at the later stage of our transition to net zero, it shows that we do not get there by 2050 without a reliable renewable gas option as part of the transition.
The future demand for renewable gases is most robust in the industrial sector because many industrial processes either do not have an electrification alternative, or the electrification alternative is far too expensive to justify.”
For more, contact Dennis Van Puyvelde, Energy Networks Australia
20. MADE IN AUSTRALIA – THE SOLAR CHALLENGE
EnergyInsider, an Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC) joint publication reports in its 18 July 2024 edition that, while Australia is seeking to support a domestic solar industry through policy measures one constant question is how Australia can hope to compete with China?
The article states, “Australia currently manufactures around one per cent of the solar panels installed across the country. Recent reports and analysis highlight the scale of the challenge in trying to develop homegrown solar manufacturing, as does the example of the US, which has been looking to support its own capabilities while introducing measures to also restrict Chinese imports. We take a look.
Early Adopter
Australia has been an early developer of solar technology and more recently a world leader in adopting rooftop solar.
Globally, solar continues to grow strongly and to such an extent that the rate of growth has consistently surpassed forecasts (see figure 1) for solar installations.
According to BloombergNEF the photovoltaic industry added about 444GW of new capacity last year, or 76 per cent growth on 2022. Prices of solar modules are at record lows – estimated to be US 9-11 cents per watt. End-user markets are booming while manufacturers struggle to make a profit. BloombergNEF forecasts that installations this year will top 520GW.”
In this global adoption of solar, China has become the dominant player. The scale and growth of China’s production is shown in figure 2 below. …
For more, contact Carl Kitchen, Australian Energy Council