Supporting world-class solar research
The Nationals-Liberal Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is providing $29 million to 20 R&D projects that will further accelerate the development of solar photovoltaic technology – improving its efficiency and reducing its costs.
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The successful candidates of Round Three of ARENA’s Research and Development program comprise research teams from four leading Australian institutions: the University of New South Wales, the Australian National University, Monash University and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. This funding will see that we continue to increase our skills, capacity and knowledge, as we seek to deliver more affordable and reliable power, while transitioning to a lower emissions future. All projects focus on efficiency and cost effectiveness – whether they be developing promising materials, improving manufacturing methods or scaling up new technology.
Aims to further reduce young driver fatalities
Young drivers and their parents will be targeted as part of a Coalition Government program to reduce road trauma, particularly in regional areas. The Australian Government recently approved an additional $16 million to extend a safe-driving program for learner drivers – keys2drive – for a further four years. The extension of the program, which follows a commitment in the 2017 Budget, will provide support for some of the most at-risk drivers on our roads. This program is a great way to ensure learner drivers gain as much knowledge and experience as possible before they drive solo on our roads. The program provides learner drivers and their supervisors with a free 30-minute theory lesson and 30-minute practical lesson with the aim of preparing for solo driving with a P-plate licence.
The keys2drive program is also a key factor in helping to reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries recorded across Australia. First-time licensed drivers are at high risk during their first six months on the road and young drivers are generally over-represented in serious road crashes; we want to curb this trend. With 66 per cent of road trauma in regional areas, the extension of the keys2drive includes an increased distribution of keys2drive lessons to regional areas. The government is determined to do everything it can to see the number of road deaths decline among drivers aged between 17 and 25. In 2006, there were 17 per 100,000 young driver deaths compared to 9 per 100,000 in 2016. In line with our commitment to reduce the number of serious road crashes, the Australian Government has so far provided $31 million to support keys2drive, with further funding bringing this total to $47 million. Learner drivers can register for a free keys2drive lesson online: www.keys2drive.com.au
