The pricing strategies used by Australia's major supermarkets to be the subject of a Senate inquiry, 118 nations pledge to triple global renewable energy capacity, And in cricket, Australia confirms its 14-man squad for the first Test against Pakistan.
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TRANSCRIPT
- The pricing strategies used by Australia's major supermarkets to be the subject of a Senate inquiry.
- 118 nations pledge to triple global renewable energy capacity.
- And in cricket, Australia confirms its 14-man squad for the first Test against Pakistan.
Supermarket giants accused of price gouging during a cost-of-living crisis could be scrutinised by a parliamentary committee.
The Greens will this week seek to establish a Senate inquiry into the impact of market concentration on food prices and the pattern of pricing strategies employed by the major supermarkets.
The party has secured Labor's support for an inquiry, with initial hearings expected to take place in early 2024.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Coles and Woolworths will be in the spotlight on the cost of essential items.
This Sydney shopper says she welcomes action taken to look at the soaring cost of groceries and everyday items.
"Certain things I bought three of four months ago are now four or five dollars dearer. That does add to the bill. My average shop was $150 -200 now we are $250 to $300 so it has now almost doubled."
Nationals leader David Littleproud says he would rather a price gouging inquiry be run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
He says that option would mean an investigation could begin before Christmas and actions from the inquiry could be undertaken immediately.
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The increasing cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be on the agenda when premiers meet this week for national cabinet.
The cost of the $35 billion scheme has increased about 20 per cent a year over the past three years.
Government minister Murray Watt told Sky News, the sustainability of funding is a key challenge.
"Over time, we have seen all of the costs of providing services to people with disability move increasingly towards the NDIS - and away from things like school and transport and other things, which the state has traditionally funded. So there has got to be a discussion with the states about how we can continue to provide sustainable funding for the NDIS. The NDIS is obviously a Labor creation. We're very proud of it and we want to support it. And the way we need to do that is to make sure it is sustainable in the long-term."
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Australia has joined 117 countries at COP28 in pledging to triple global renewable energy capacity - and double the annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
The United Nations climate summit is being hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates, one of the world's top ten oil producers.
Australia's climate change minister, Chris Bowen, says Australia has a key role to play in delivering on the pledge, through the supply of "clean energy technologies...while spurring new Australian industry".
Other major energy exporting countries - including the United States, Canada and Norway - are backing the pledge.
US Vice President Kamala Harris called for nations to stop building what's called unabated coal power plants, plants without technologies to capture their emissions.
"Our collective pledge today to rapidly increase renewable energy also includes a call for all nations to stop building new unabated coal power plants. The climate crisis has emphasised that our world is interconnected - and to meet these global challenges, we must have global collaboration."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will invest 2.3 billion euros to help countries make the transition towards renewable energy.
"Every country on Earth deserves clean, affordable and homegrown energy. Ladies and gentleman, excellencies - today can be a turning to make the clean energy go global. And to put the world back on track towards our 1.5 degree goal. I thank you very much. I wish us all a very successful COP28."
People with Disability Australia says the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing fight to close the gaps in social, educational and employment outcomes.
The group's president, Nicole Lee, says this year has been particularly tough, but the community remains steadfast in the call for the removal of barriers impeding the "full independence" and "full participation" of people with disabilities.
The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated annually on December 3rd around the world since its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the work continues to deliver solutions based on equal rights.
"Today, the UN family gathers together with governments and civil society partners to discuss a vital issue, the rights of persons with disabilities. This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires living up to the promise to leave no one behind, especially the 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide."
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In cricket, Nathan Lyon is set to play his first Test since tearing a calf muscle during the Ashes as Australia prepares to take on Pakistan in Perth from December 14.
Australia will begin the three-Test series against Pakistan with almost the same side.
Veteran spinner Lyon will be the only inclusion from the fifth and final Test of the Ashes in July, replacing young tweaker Todd Murphy.
Australia went 2-nil up after winning at Lord's, but that victory came at a cost as Lyon was injured and ruled out for the rest of the series.
The tourists failed to win another Test as England drew the series 2-all, but Australia still retained the urn.
Veteran opener David Warner remains in the lineup, despite criticism of his recent record and calls to introduce his replacement.
And uncapped Western Australian fast bowler Lance Morris has also been named in the squad.
