Over Sixty Winter 2022 Digital

WINTER 2022 | OVERSIXTY.COM.AU 6 CHARLOTTE FOSTER AND LOUISE WATERSON NEWS P rimeMinister Anthony Albanese and his 30-member ministry have spent the past few weeks settling into their new ministerial roles, after being sworn in on June 1 as the first Labor Government since 2013. The commitments made during the election were all about change, and making government better reflect the diversity of the Australian community. The new 23-member Cabinet has ten women and 13 men, making it the most diverse ministry in Australian history, and establishing a gender-balance of 43 per cent women. Despite the appointments falling short of the desired 50-50, that benchmark is within reach with Australia not far behind the 14 countries that, according to the United Nations, as of January 2021 achieved 50 per cent or more women in ministerial positions. “I want to see us move towards 50-50 representation across all of the spectrum,” Mr Albanese said when announ- cing the frontbench. Mr Albanese’s ministry represents diverse cultures,ethnicitiesandlifeexperiences,with Australia’s first Muslim ministers, Ed Husic MP as Minister for Industry and Science, and Dr Anne AlyMP appointedMinister for Early Childhood Education and Youth. Diversity aside, the Government has set itself some steep objectives. Responding to fears of rising power costs, Mr Albanese’s election commitment was to cut annual household power bills by as much Diverseministry must deliver as $275 by 2025. How? Through investing in cheaper renewable energy alternatives to coal power, now a focus of almost singular importance. He further promised to amend Australia’s emissions target to 43 per cent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement, to achieve a target of net zero by 2050. Improving the standard of aged care is also centre stage, with Mr Albanese repeatedly calling it a “national disgrace”. The extent of the promised change is vast: From injecting $2.5 billion into the industry with registered nurses in all residential aged care facilities 24/7 and improving nutrition standards on menus, to mandating an average of 215 minutes of care per day for residents and vowing to support aged care workers’ claim for a 25 per cent pay increase to $29 an hour in the Fair Work Commission. Three ministers now share the aged care workload under the health portfolio, with Mark Butler MP as Minister for Health and Aged Care, Anika Wells MP as Minister for Aged Care and Sport, and Ged Kearny MP, a former nurse and secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, appointed Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care. Their first objective, Wells told ABC Radio on the morning of June 2, is to fix the aged care worker shortage, and feelings of undervalue widely felt across the industry. Above: PM Anthony Albanese (centre) with ministers (from left) Jim Chalmers, Penny Wong, Richard Marles and Katy Gallagher Photo: Getty Images NEWS  Power struggles Frompage 5 In the face of spiralling bills, there are some simple things you can do to drive down costs. Hot water – Hot water is perhaps the biggest source of energy use, so opt for cold water when doing laundry and have short showers. Appliances – Comparison website Canstar Blue states the biggest users of electricity in the home – even when not in use – are the fridge, oven, washingmachine, clothes dryer, air conditioner and home entertainment. Switching off these machines at the power point instead of leaving on Stand-By mode when you’re not using them, will save power. Rebates –Agedpensionerswhoare eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card or Seniors Card can claim certain discounts on home power bills. Check your State Government’s website to claim. Each state will vary. In New South Wales, for example, eligible seniors can access up to $200 annually as relief for their electricity bill. Energy providersmay also assist. Change energy provider – It is important to shop around on power plans to ensure you’re getting the best price, as nearly half of all Australians don’t think they are getting a good deal on their electricity. Using a comparison website, such as Finder .com.au, will help identify both electricity (and gas) plans best suited to your household’s needs. Off-peak – Some energy providers offer lower off-peak rate times. Savings can be made by moving some of your chores to these periods, as long as you have a smart meter. Contact your provider to confirm.