The day that was, Monday 5 December
We will wrap up the live blog there for the night.
Here’s what made the news today:
Labor’s internal review of May’s election campaign has concluded “the unpopularity of Scott Morrison and his government was the most significant” factor in driving Labor back into power.
Scott Morrison and Marise Payne won’t be the only former Coalition ministers who will be called to front the robodebt royal commission, with ministers including Alan Tudge, Stuart Robert, Christian Porter, Michael Keenan and Dan Tehan potentially being called in subsequent hearings.
China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has suggested that the bilateral relationship between the two countries “is becoming increasingly more mature and stable” as this month marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
MyGov has launched an app, shifting away from the website-exclusive government services portal for the first time.
NSW premier Dominic Perrottet said it was “pleasing to see” climate protester Deanna “Violet” Coco jailed after she blocked a lane of traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in April, and warned others against taking part in protests that “inconvenience people”.
The NSW opposition leader, Chris Minns, says he does not regret supporting the laws.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, will work from home at Kirribilli House after testing positive to Covid-19 for the second time this year. National cabinet, which was scheduled for Wednesday, will be delayed.
We will be back again with all the news tomorrow.
Updated
WA introduces renewable hydrogen into network
Renewable hydrogen has been introduced into Perth’s natural gas network for the first time as part of Western Australia’s renewable energy strategy, AAP reports.
Natural gas company ATCO will supply about 2700 businesses and households in Perth’s south with a blend of 98% gas and 2% hydrogen from Monday.
The company plans to increase the blend up to 10% hydrogen in the future.
Energy minister, Bill Johnston, said hydrogen would play a lead role in WA’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
“ATCO’s hydrogen blending project shows how emerging technology can be integrated with existing assets in the gas distribution system and balance energy needs,” he said.
“Blending renewable hydrogen with natural gas creates a pathway to lower emissions and drives us towards our net zero future.”
ATCO and Fortescue Future Industries also on Monday opened WA’s first renewable hydrogen refuelling station.
The station can fill hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in five minutes, providing for a range of up to 500 kilometres, emissions-free.
Updated
