⏱️This edition of the National Account’s newsletter is a five minute read.
👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
There is really only one story to talk about today, and that is the tragic event that unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.
A summary of the facts in the article below:
🗣️ But I think a key message from today came from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, talking about Australia’s Jewish community:
It’s our responsibility to wrap our arms around that wounded community and let them know that ordinary Australians, regular Australians, are in their corner and thinking of them after this terrible, terrible, targeted attack
As some readers may know, I hail from Christchurch NZ and was in my home town during the March 15 mosque attacks.
A key message shared during that time was to spread kindness and compassion. Which is why it’s very relieving to see that be the main message of so many of our leaders.
By the time you read this newsletter, the National Cabinet would’ve convened to discuss future gun reforms in Australia. Both the Prime Minister and NSW Premier have indicated they will be pushing for tougher laws.
Here’s what the PM said he’d be pushing for during a press conference on Monday:
Around the Grounds 🦘
Across the country, things are happening at a local level that have an impact nationally. Here are the stories you might not hear about in the traditional media.
🌬️ Offshore wind moves ahead in Gippsland
Two of Gippsland’s offshore wind projects have been cleared to move into their next development stage, with thousands of jobs now on the table.
As Jacob Wallace reports, the federal government has renewed major project status for the Star of the South wind farm and granted the same status to Blue Mackerel’s project near Seaspray.
Together, the developments are expected to support around 3,500 construction and ongoing jobs and generate enough power for more than 1.7 million homes.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
🕯️ North Shore MPs respond to Bondi attack
The upper North Shore of Sydney is home to one of the country’s largest Jewish communities. Local representatives have expressed grief and solidarity with the Jewish community after the attack.
As Huw Bradshaw reports, MPs including Julian Leeser, Nicolette Boele, Jerome Laxale and Zali Steggall condemned the attack and said antisemitism and hatred have no place in Australia.
Read that story by clicking below 👇
Battery buzz
The Federal Government will extend Australia’s home battery subsidy with a further $5 billion in funding.
This follows rapid early uptake of the rebate, with 175,000 batteries expected to be installed in the scheme’s first six months.
Home batteries allow households to store their own solar power and avoid buying electricity at peak prices.
According to Smart Energy Council chief executive John Grimes, around 2 million homes are expected to have batteries by 2030.
The Australian Energy Market Commission says faster battery uptake can reduce peak demand and help lower electricity prices for all consumers.
Thanks for catching up with me. I hope you enjoyed this issue, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just reply to this email and I’ll be on the other side.
I’ll be back on Wednesday.
Cheers, Archie