Centre for Policy Development's Blog, page 4

$2 billion government investment in green aluminium key to Australia’s green industry future

The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) welcomes the government’s $2 billion investment in green aluminium – an essential step toward decarbonising Australia’s economy and positioning the nation as a green industry leader.

Green, low-carbon aluminium is critical not only for cutting emissions but also for securing the future of Australia’s $5.1 billion aluminium industry and supporting the production of green technologies.

CPD’s Green Gold report identified aluminium as a key green export opportunity requiring government support. As an energy-intensive commodity with a vast global market, green aluminium presents a significant opportunity for Australia to capitalise on its competitive advantages – abundant renewable energy, critical minerals, and a highly skilled workforce.

The report found that unpredictable technology costs and a global market that favors emissions-intensive industries pose significant barriers to green industry growth. Overcoming these challenges demands bold government policy and investment.

The government’s introduction of a 10-year production credit to support green aluminium production is a pivotal step in advancing the Future Made in Australia agenda and ensuring long-term economic resilience and prosperity.

Centre for Policy Development Economic Director Toby Phillips commended the government’s strategic vision for Australia’s economic future:

“The energy transition is not just about addressing climate change; it’s about unlocking tremendous economic opportunities. 

“Incubating new green metals industries, like green iron and green aluminium, is the single biggest opportunity for the Australian economy. 

“With our abundant renewable energy and critical resources, Australia can become a global leader in producing high-demand products like green aluminium.

“Aluminium smelting is one of the most energy intensive industrial processes in the world. It accounts for around 10% of all the electricity used in New South Wales. Decarbonising this industry will stake a claim for Australia’s position in a low-carbon global economy.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to long-term economic planning and investment in industries that will secure Australia’s future prosperity.”

Toby Phillips & Andrew Hudson: Mandatory climate rules will stop investors groping in the dark

Investors need information about climate risk exposure to make investment decisions, just as they need financial statements and business plans.

Teka-teki Reformasi Subsidi Energi

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Stabilnya Harga Minyak Mentah dan Momentum Reformasi Subsidi

Harga minyak mentah relatif terjaga di bawah 75 dollar AS per barel dan diperkirakan bertahan hingga 2025. Di sisi lain, rupiah tengah melemah terhadap dollar AS.

New report calls for Governments to ensure foundational support for equitable ECEC

A new report from the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) and The Front Project calls for Governments to ensure that Foundational Supports can be integrated into mainstream early learning services to build a more inclusive and equitable early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.

Integrating foundational supports in early learning services key to an inclusive, equitable ECEC system

A new report from the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) and The Front Project calls for Governments to ensure that Foundational Supports can be integrated into mainstream early learning services  to build a more inclusive and equitable early education and care (ECEC) system.

The report, Foundational Supports and Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care, provides practical recommendations to address key challenges and ensure all children have the opportunity to access high quality early learning.

Children with disability or developmental delay face significant barriers to accessing ECEC, and supports available, such as the Inclusion Support Fund (ISP), are often inadequate. 

The Productivity Commission found that only 1% of children in ECEC had ISP applications lodged in 2022-23, despite 20% experiencing learning or developmental challenges.

With National Cabinet committing to delivering Foundational Supports—a “middle layer” of support for people with complex needs who may not qualify for NDIS—there is a clear opportunity to embed some of these supports into ECEC services, ensuring all children receive the care they need.

The government has made clear their intentions to deliver a truly universal ECEC system, and Foundational Supports will play a key role in ensuring the system is inclusive and equitable.

Drawing on extensive stakeholder consultation, the report recommends a coordinated commissioning process to prevent duplication and deliver a systemic approach to inclusion. It also calls for a flexible, needs-based funding model to replace the current one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring resources are allocated to where they are most needed.

Investing in the workforce is essential, and should focus on upskilling educators through inclusive training and embedding multidisciplinary expertise in early learning settings. The report also emphasises the importance of community-led, integrated models, with stronger partnerships across health, education, and social services to provide holistic support for children and families.

The report further calls for urgent interim funding to address immediate gaps and ensure that children from First Nations families, rural and remote communities, and low-income households receive support while longer-term reforms are implemented.

Andrew Hudson, CEO of the Centre for Policy Development, emphasised the urgency for change.

“Building on the momentum for reform, the government has a golden opportunity to reimagine early childhood education and care as an inclusive system that supports all children to learn, grow and thrive.”

“Foundational supports can make this vision a reality, ensuring children with developmental concerns, disability, or other vulnerabilities aren’t left behind.”

Caroline Croser-Barlow, CEO of The Front Project, reinforced the importance of embedding inclusion across the sector

“Inclusion isn’t an add-on, it’s a cornerstone of high-quality early learning. Our report shows that integrating some foundational supports into mainstream early childhood services is not only achievable but essential to addressing inequity.”

“The government’s commitment to expanding access to early learning is a significant step forward. To maximise impact, we must ensure these services are inclusive, responsive to local needs, and equipped to meet the needs of all children and families.”

Government announcement marks key step toward delivering a truly universal early childhood education and care system

The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) welcomes today’s announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committing his government to major early childhood education and care (ECEC) reforms. These measures represent significant steps toward building a truly universal system – something the government has long had ambitions to deliver for Australia.

The announced reforms align with key recommendations from CPD and reflect the government’s commitment to address critical challenges in the sector, including improving accessibility and removing barriers to early learning caused by the activity test.

​​The decision to legislate a guaranteed 3 days per week of early learning for all children is a crucial step toward universal access. CPD and its partners have long highlighted this as essential to ensuring every child and family can access high-quality care.

Funding to expand access in underserved and unserved locations is also a critical investment. With approximately 24% of regions in Australia classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – areas with more than three children for every childcare place – this funding will help address significant gaps, particularly in regional and remote communities.

Removing the activity test requirements is another positive step. A child’s access to education should never be determined by whether their parents work or study. 

Delivering more affordable and accessible early learning will be transformative for children, families and communities. It is one of the most important actions the government can take to secure a brighter future for all Australians – supporting children’s development, helping parents better balance work and care, providing a boost to the economy, and alleviating cost-of-living pressures.

CPD encourages the government to seriously consider addressing issues with affordability. The existing childcare subsidy system falls short of supporting the government’s vision for a truly universal ECEC system. A child-centred funding model – where providers are funded directly and parents face low or no fees (depending on income) – is the most effective way to achieve this ambition.

The government must also ensure that they continue to work on supporting the workforce through better pay, conditions and training and development opportunities.

CPD research has shown that the success of these reforms depends on addressing the sector’s challenges holistically. It’s not enough to fix one issue without addressing the others. 

Today’s announcement demonstrates a commitment to the time, resources, and investment required to deliver a universal ECEC system that benefits every Australian family.

Centre for Policy Development CEO Andrew Hudson supported the announcement.

“This is a landmark announcement – something that CPD and its partners have been working toward for many years.”

“Guaranteeing that every child in Australia can have access to 3 days a week of early learning is a game-changer.”

“We know that  a truly universal early childhood education and care system is a no brainer. It’s a win for children, families, women and the economy.”

“Today’s reforms, along with previously announced measures like legislated pay rises for early educators, demonstrate a real dedication to delivering a universal system.

“Next on the government’s to-do list should be making early learning affordable for low and middle income families ensuring no child or family is left behind.”

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