Good afternoon.
The independent senator David Pocock says leaked BHP documents show that the mining giant is “laughing” at Australia’s key climate policy while pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars through a generous diesel tax break.
An exclusive investigation based on documents leaked to the Guardian and the ABC show BHP has scrapped a project to significantly reduce global emissions, delayed vast renewables projects in the Pilbara and war-gamed options to push the electrification of its polluting diesel truck and train fleets into the next two decades.
It did so despite internal memos as recently as 2023 saying: “Urgent decarbonisation in line with BHP’s public commitments effectively underpins [the Western Australian iron ore division’s] licence to operate, sustain and grow.”
Analysis provided to the Guardian suggests BHP paid less than $9m under the safeguard mechanism for its excess emissions last financial year. At the same time, the analysis suggests it received $622m in fuel tax credits from the federal government for its use of diesel, including about $379m for its WA iron ore mines.
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In video
AGL today destroyed two giant chimney stacks at the defunct Liddell coal-fired power plant. The power station in NSW’s Hunter Valley closed in 2023 after operating for more than 50 years.
What they said …
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“Here’s the thing, it’s gonna be so tasteful what we’re doing. It’s not gonna be fucking lame.” – Jack Osbourne.
A year after his death, Ozzy Osbourne is set to be recreated as a lifesized AI-powered avatar. Fans aren’t entirely happy, but the Black Sabbath frontman’s son has defended the project.
Full Story
David Pocock on whether a ‘teal’ party is possible
There has been a whirlwind of speculation about whether the “teal” independents could come together to form a new political party. Independent senator David Pocock says he is open to the idea – but that it is not without risks. He speaks to Reged Ahmad.
Before bed read
“Australia’s property lobby would have us believe investors are selfless public servants,” Maiy Azize writes. “It’s just profiteering.” The national spokesperson for Everybody’s Home and deputy director of Anglicare Australia makes a forceful argument for the budget’s economic reforms. “Labor is right to wind back a system where taxpayers spend billions lining the pockets of those who treat housing like an asset class, not a basic need.”
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: CRIB. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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