Home gas appliance replacement bans eased, pushed back
The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping electrification regulations for homes and businesses.
Under a draft policy from December, Victorian households were expected to have to switch gas hot water and heating appliances to electric versions at the end of their life.
The preferred option excluded gas cooktops.
But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for upgrades that are too expensive or cannot fit, allow broken-down gas hot water heaters to be repaired and let systems be removed and reinstalled during renovations.
In another backdown, those who own and live in their own home will no longer be subject to replacement bans for gas heating.
The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027.
Electric hot water systems would save households about $330 a year or $520 for those with solar, according to government estimates.
All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will be required to be built all electric from January 1, 2027 as previously planned.
Minimum energy efficiency standards will also be rolled out for rental properties and public housing, including mandatory replacement of hot water systems and heaters at the end of their lives with heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
There are no changes to end-of-life replacement gas appliances rules in existing commercial buildings, or the use of LPG by households and businesses.
The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator for southeastern states by 2029.
The government said its reforms will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand.
Premier Jacinta Allan hailed it as a win-win for households, industry and jobs.
"It's good for industry, workers, renters and families," she said.
"We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs - we are reserving it for industry."
The Greens accused Ms Allan of scaling back ambition on climate action by not including gas heaters on its replacement ban list.
"This will lock people into higher bills and more pollution," state party leader Ellen Sandell said.
The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria and Rewiring Australia were more positive, saying the regulations set a benchmark for other states and would ease cost pressures on households and businesses.
"Every Victorian with a gas bill landing on their kitchen table this winter knows how crazy gas prices have been getting," the council's chief executive Luke Menzel said.
"We can't afford not to electrify our space heating in this state."
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer outright bans but argued the reforms still risk creating unnecessary red tape, administrative delays and added pressure on households and regulators.
Home owners won't be forced to replace gas heaters and hot water systems with electric models when they break down under revised state rules.
The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping electrification regulations for homes and businesses.
Under a draft policy from December, Victorian households were expected to have to switch gas hot water and heating appliances to electric versions at the end of their life.
The preferred option excluded gas cooktops.
But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for upgrades that are too expensive or cannot fit, allow broken-down gas hot water heaters to be repaired and let systems be removed and reinstalled during renovations.
In another backdown, those who own and live in their own home will no longer be subject to replacement bans for gas heating.
The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027.
Electric hot water systems would save households about $330 a year or $520 for those with solar, according to government estimates.
All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will be required to be built all electric from January 1, 2027 as previously planned.
Minimum energy efficiency standards will also be rolled out for rental properties and public housing, including mandatory replacement of hot water systems and heaters at the end of their lives with heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
There are no changes to end-of-life replacement gas appliances rules in existing commercial buildings, or the use of LPG by households and businesses.
The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator for southeastern states by 2029.
The government said its reforms will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand.
Premier Jacinta Allan hailed it as a win-win for households, industry and jobs.
"It's good for industry, workers, renters and families," she said.
"We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs - we are reserving it for industry."
The Greens accused Ms Allan of scaling back ambition on climate action by not including gas heaters on its replacement ban list.
"This will lock people into higher bills and more pollution," state party leader Ellen Sandell said.
The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria and Rewiring Australia were more positive, saying the regulations set a benchmark for other states and would ease cost pressures on households and businesses.
"Every Victorian with a gas bill landing on their kitchen table this winter knows how crazy gas prices have been getting," the council's chief executive Luke Menzel said.
"We can't afford not to electrify our space heating in this state."
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer outright bans but argued the reforms still risk creating unnecessary red tape, administrative delays and added pressure on households and regulators.
Home owners won't be forced to replace gas heaters and hot water systems with electric models when they break down under revised state rules.
The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping electrification regulations for homes and businesses.
Under a draft policy from December, Victorian households were expected to have to switch gas hot water and heating appliances to electric versions at the end of their life.
The preferred option excluded gas cooktops.
But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for upgrades that are too expensive or cannot fit, allow broken-down gas hot water heaters to be repaired and let systems be removed and reinstalled during renovations.
In another backdown, those who own and live in their own home will no longer be subject to replacement bans for gas heating.
The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027.
Electric hot water systems would save households about $330 a year or $520 for those with solar, according to government estimates.
All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will be required to be built all electric from January 1, 2027 as previously planned.
Minimum energy efficiency standards will also be rolled out for rental properties and public housing, including mandatory replacement of hot water systems and heaters at the end of their lives with heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
There are no changes to end-of-life replacement gas appliances rules in existing commercial buildings, or the use of LPG by households and businesses.
The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator for southeastern states by 2029.
The government said its reforms will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand.
Premier Jacinta Allan hailed it as a win-win for households, industry and jobs.
"It's good for industry, workers, renters and families," she said.
"We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs - we are reserving it for industry."
The Greens accused Ms Allan of scaling back ambition on climate action by not including gas heaters on its replacement ban list.
"This will lock people into higher bills and more pollution," state party leader Ellen Sandell said.
The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria and Rewiring Australia were more positive, saying the regulations set a benchmark for other states and would ease cost pressures on households and businesses.
"Every Victorian with a gas bill landing on their kitchen table this winter knows how crazy gas prices have been getting," the council's chief executive Luke Menzel said.
"We can't afford not to electrify our space heating in this state."
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer outright bans but argued the reforms still risk creating unnecessary red tape, administrative delays and added pressure on households and regulators.
Home owners won't be forced to replace gas heaters and hot water systems with electric models when they break down under revised state rules.
The Victorian government has ticked off sweeping electrification regulations for homes and businesses.
Under a draft policy from December, Victorian households were expected to have to switch gas hot water and heating appliances to electric versions at the end of their life.
The preferred option excluded gas cooktops.
But the incoming rules have been altered to grant exemptions for upgrades that are too expensive or cannot fit, allow broken-down gas hot water heaters to be repaired and let systems be removed and reinstalled during renovations.
In another backdown, those who own and live in their own home will no longer be subject to replacement bans for gas heating.
The changes were supposed to come into force in 2026 but have been pushed back to March 2027.
Electric hot water systems would save households about $330 a year or $520 for those with solar, according to government estimates.
All new homes and new commercial buildings - other than industrial, manufacturing and agricultural buildings - will be required to be built all electric from January 1, 2027 as previously planned.
Minimum energy efficiency standards will also be rolled out for rental properties and public housing, including mandatory replacement of hot water systems and heaters at the end of their lives with heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioners.
There are no changes to end-of-life replacement gas appliances rules in existing commercial buildings, or the use of LPG by households and businesses.
The revised home and business regulation changes were announced alongside a Gas Security Statement to avoid shortages forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator for southeastern states by 2029.
The government said its reforms will save just under 12 petajoules (PJ) of gas each year by 2029 and 44PJ by 2035, enough to meet 85 per cent of Victoria's forecast industrial demand.
Premier Jacinta Allan hailed it as a win-win for households, industry and jobs.
"It's good for industry, workers, renters and families," she said.
"We are not just making sure Victoria has the gas it needs - we are reserving it for industry."
The Greens accused Ms Allan of scaling back ambition on climate action by not including gas heaters on its replacement ban list.
"This will lock people into higher bills and more pollution," state party leader Ellen Sandell said.
The Energy Efficiency Council, Environment Victoria and Rewiring Australia were more positive, saying the regulations set a benchmark for other states and would ease cost pressures on households and businesses.
"Every Victorian with a gas bill landing on their kitchen table this winter knows how crazy gas prices have been getting," the council's chief executive Luke Menzel said.
"We can't afford not to electrify our space heating in this state."
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomed fewer outright bans but argued the reforms still risk creating unnecessary red tape, administrative delays and added pressure on households and regulators.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Primary school students targeted by anti-Semitic chants
A state education minister has offered support to a leading Jewish school after a group of 10 and 11 year-old students was allegedly subjected to anti-Semitic taunts. Melbourne's Mount Scopus Memorial College said a group of grade five children were targeted with intimidating slurs "on the basis of their visible Jewish identity". The school alleged the taunts came from students from a different, unnamed high school during an excursion to Melbourne Museum on Thursday. A man who identified himself as a grandfather of one of the primary students said his granddaughter was left "totally traumatised". "She had no understanding why she was told she was a baby killer, why she was told she was a dirty Jew," the man told Melbourne radio station 3AW. Mount Scopus Memorial College principal Dan Sztrajt said the incident was distressing and is being investigated. "No child should ever be made to feel unsafe or targeted because of their identity or background," he said. Mr Sztrajt did not name the other school allegedly involved but said the other principal had expressed concern. "Mount Scopus Memorial College has offered to work together with the other school to ensure that an appropriate educational to this incident is made available," he said. Melbourne Museum operator Museums Victoria said discrimination had no place in its facilities. "Museums Victoria is deeply sorry that this incident has occurred at one of our venues," it said. Victorian Education Minister and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said he had spoken to Mr Sztrajt to convey his "disgust" at the attack on the students and offer every support possible. "It is unacceptable that students or staff feel unsafe in the community where they learn, work and play," he said in a statement. Cabinet minister Danny Pearson said he did not believe anti-Semitism had become a "norm" for Jewish Melburnians. "If you look around our city and our state, the overwhelming majority of people are tolerant, respectful," he told reporters on Friday. "They're not racist, they're not bigots." Asked if the state government had done enough to stamp out the behaviour, Mr Pearson noted it passed legislation through parliament in April to strengthen Victoria's anti-vilification laws. The criminal aspect of the changes, which make it easier to prove serious vilification in public, private or online, take effect on September 20. Victoria Police were contacted for comment. A state education minister has offered support to a leading Jewish school after a group of 10 and 11 year-old students was allegedly subjected to anti-Semitic taunts. Melbourne's Mount Scopus Memorial College said a group of grade five children were targeted with intimidating slurs "on the basis of their visible Jewish identity". The school alleged the taunts came from students from a different, unnamed high school during an excursion to Melbourne Museum on Thursday. A man who identified himself as a grandfather of one of the primary students said his granddaughter was left "totally traumatised". "She had no understanding why she was told she was a baby killer, why she was told she was a dirty Jew," the man told Melbourne radio station 3AW. Mount Scopus Memorial College principal Dan Sztrajt said the incident was distressing and is being investigated. "No child should ever be made to feel unsafe or targeted because of their identity or background," he said. Mr Sztrajt did not name the other school allegedly involved but said the other principal had expressed concern. "Mount Scopus Memorial College has offered to work together with the other school to ensure that an appropriate educational to this incident is made available," he said. Melbourne Museum operator Museums Victoria said discrimination had no place in its facilities. "Museums Victoria is deeply sorry that this incident has occurred at one of our venues," it said. Victorian Education Minister and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said he had spoken to Mr Sztrajt to convey his "disgust" at the attack on the students and offer every support possible. "It is unacceptable that students or staff feel unsafe in the community where they learn, work and play," he said in a statement. Cabinet minister Danny Pearson said he did not believe anti-Semitism had become a "norm" for Jewish Melburnians. "If you look around our city and our state, the overwhelming majority of people are tolerant, respectful," he told reporters on Friday. "They're not racist, they're not bigots." Asked if the state government had done enough to stamp out the behaviour, Mr Pearson noted it passed legislation through parliament in April to strengthen Victoria's anti-vilification laws. The criminal aspect of the changes, which make it easier to prove serious vilification in public, private or online, take effect on September 20. Victoria Police were contacted for comment. A state education minister has offered support to a leading Jewish school after a group of 10 and 11 year-old students was allegedly subjected to anti-Semitic taunts. Melbourne's Mount Scopus Memorial College said a group of grade five children were targeted with intimidating slurs "on the basis of their visible Jewish identity". The school alleged the taunts came from students from a different, unnamed high school during an excursion to Melbourne Museum on Thursday. A man who identified himself as a grandfather of one of the primary students said his granddaughter was left "totally traumatised". "She had no understanding why she was told she was a baby killer, why she was told she was a dirty Jew," the man told Melbourne radio station 3AW. Mount Scopus Memorial College principal Dan Sztrajt said the incident was distressing and is being investigated. "No child should ever be made to feel unsafe or targeted because of their identity or background," he said. Mr Sztrajt did not name the other school allegedly involved but said the other principal had expressed concern. "Mount Scopus Memorial College has offered to work together with the other school to ensure that an appropriate educational to this incident is made available," he said. Melbourne Museum operator Museums Victoria said discrimination had no place in its facilities. "Museums Victoria is deeply sorry that this incident has occurred at one of our venues," it said. Victorian Education Minister and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said he had spoken to Mr Sztrajt to convey his "disgust" at the attack on the students and offer every support possible. "It is unacceptable that students or staff feel unsafe in the community where they learn, work and play," he said in a statement. Cabinet minister Danny Pearson said he did not believe anti-Semitism had become a "norm" for Jewish Melburnians. "If you look around our city and our state, the overwhelming majority of people are tolerant, respectful," he told reporters on Friday. "They're not racist, they're not bigots." Asked if the state government had done enough to stamp out the behaviour, Mr Pearson noted it passed legislation through parliament in April to strengthen Victoria's anti-vilification laws. The criminal aspect of the changes, which make it easier to prove serious vilification in public, private or online, take effect on September 20. Victoria Police were contacted for comment. A state education minister has offered support to a leading Jewish school after a group of 10 and 11 year-old students was allegedly subjected to anti-Semitic taunts. Melbourne's Mount Scopus Memorial College said a group of grade five children were targeted with intimidating slurs "on the basis of their visible Jewish identity". The school alleged the taunts came from students from a different, unnamed high school during an excursion to Melbourne Museum on Thursday. A man who identified himself as a grandfather of one of the primary students said his granddaughter was left "totally traumatised". "She had no understanding why she was told she was a baby killer, why she was told she was a dirty Jew," the man told Melbourne radio station 3AW. Mount Scopus Memorial College principal Dan Sztrajt said the incident was distressing and is being investigated. "No child should ever be made to feel unsafe or targeted because of their identity or background," he said. Mr Sztrajt did not name the other school allegedly involved but said the other principal had expressed concern. "Mount Scopus Memorial College has offered to work together with the other school to ensure that an appropriate educational to this incident is made available," he said. Melbourne Museum operator Museums Victoria said discrimination had no place in its facilities. "Museums Victoria is deeply sorry that this incident has occurred at one of our venues," it said. Victorian Education Minister and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said he had spoken to Mr Sztrajt to convey his "disgust" at the attack on the students and offer every support possible. "It is unacceptable that students or staff feel unsafe in the community where they learn, work and play," he said in a statement. Cabinet minister Danny Pearson said he did not believe anti-Semitism had become a "norm" for Jewish Melburnians. "If you look around our city and our state, the overwhelming majority of people are tolerant, respectful," he told reporters on Friday. "They're not racist, they're not bigots." Asked if the state government had done enough to stamp out the behaviour, Mr Pearson noted it passed legislation through parliament in April to strengthen Victoria's anti-vilification laws. The criminal aspect of the changes, which make it easier to prove serious vilification in public, private or online, take effect on September 20. Victoria Police were contacted for comment.
West Australian
7 hours ago
- West Australian
Ryan Daniels: Inside Harley Reid's contract talks and the multi-million dollar offers on the table
It wasn't quite high-powered Wall Street execs in Armani suits, marching in to close a billion-dollar deal — but the stakes, in a footy sense, were just as high. Harley's Melbourne-based manager Nick Geischen rolled into town, and while he didn't utter the words 'Show Me the Money', he didn't need to. The phrase was emanating from his $24 million smile. It's been a hectic week in Harley-world, with a somewhat surprising shift in the situation. Earlier this year, the Eagles put forward multiple contract options to Harley's team. Three, five, seven-year deals — a pick-your-own-adventure approach. Nothing came of it. which had people thinking — he's gone. Even before the Eagles drafted him, there was talk Harley would bail. That the Eagles would be better off trading the pick. Victorian journalist Sam McLure now famously declared 'they won't pick him, Mitch (Cleary)' — suggesting West Coast would be better off passing on one of the most prodigious talents the draft has seen in years — just to avoid the inevitable messy exit. It's always been perceived as a matter of when Harley will leave, not if . Then, the twist. Geischen had come bearing gifts — a proposal for West Coast. An 11-year deal. $2.2 million per year, on average. $24 million all up. The largest deal in AFL history. More money per year than Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins. Unprecedented numbers across the board. While it sounds like monopoly money, in 11 years, $2.2 million won't be as crazy as it sounds right now. By then, Harley will be 32 and potentially edging out of his prime — but with the growth of the AFL's salary cap, he might end up a bargain at some stage. Remember, back in 1994 Alastair Lynch signed a ten-year deal for $1 million — at $100,000 per season, people lost their minds at the money. By the time Lynch retired, he was woefully underpaid. As part of this proposed deal, Harley would have the option to leave after two years. If not, he'd be here until the end of 2037. Let that sink in. In 2037 we might actually have flying cars and robot slaves. Or we'll be slaves to the robots. I'll be 54 years old. Bring me a pair of warm slippers, a glass of prune juice, and cap it off with a few episodes of Murder She Wrote. Maybe my idea of what it's like to be 54 is a little dated — but you get the point — 2037 is an eternity away. Harley's people bringing this to the table signals his intention to stay — if terms can be agreed. So, what's changed? Nothing, really. All along we've heard Harley, the Eagles, even his management declare the young midfielder was taking his time, happy in Perth. In recent weeks Reid's form has elevated, he's exhibiting an edge, leadership around the club. He's forming strong bonds with teammates. My understanding is he's told Andrew McQualter he wants to stay. At 20, he's living on his own, cooking, cleaning, he's got a dog. He's handling the media/fan pressure superbly. Some 20-year-olds can barely remember to flush the toilet. This kid is settled. Credit to the Eagles for an environment where a country kid from the other side of Australia feels comfortable, happy. Saying that, nothing is guaranteed here. The new proposal isn't quite a gun to the head, an ultimatum — but it's not miles off it. This is how keeping Harley Reid looks. If that's too rich, there will be other suitors. It's a fairly simple situation — other than the overwhelming commitment. That's the holdup, if there is one. No one saw this coming. Not even the Eagles. The deal, or at least the sheer enormity of it, has blindsided West Coast. They've taken a pause. In the month following the contract proposal landing in their inbox, there's been no response. Some meals take a lot longer to digest, and this is like going to a steak joint and being served an entire cow. Don't panic Eagles fans, they know what they have in Harley. They love him. If they believe they've found the sun which all other planets can rotate around, that he could be their Dustin Martin, their Patrick Dangerfield, then they need to do it. Maybe it's a slight variation of this proposed deal, a happy compromise, but they can't get too cute here. Harley could be the AFL's best player within a few years. Yes, a deal that long, with that kind of financial commitment comes with risk. In my opinion, it's a risk worth taking. This kid is special. He wants to be here and he's box office. After a disastrous four years at the West Coast Eagles, the signature of Harley Reid would be a significant victory and a sign that things might finally be turning around. Years of endless chat about a move back to Victoria for Harley, now the Eagles have a chance to keep their man. They just need to sign on the dotted line.
Daily Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Hawks respond to Harley Reid rumour as fresh details emerge
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has provided some insight on whether the Hawks really are 'obsessed' with Harley Reid. Reports earlier this week stated the Hawks were 'obsessed' with Reid and now the Hawks coach has had his say. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. 'I saw the word obsessed and I went in the next day and I said to a couple of list guys, 'Are we obsessed with Harley Reid?' and then I saw some of the numbers that were getting thrown up and I said 'What is happening here?' And they're like 'just don't even read the papers',' Mitchell said on SEN's Fireball this morning. 'He's obviously a good player but he's contracted to West Coast and he's having a pretty good year. A bit like 'Daysy' getting sat on in his first game back, it's a bit like, 'oh', I mean this 20-year-old is getting sat on most weeks now. He's a good player.' Harley Reid's future remains up in the air. (Photo by) Earlier this week, AFL Media's Cal Twomey reported that the Eagles have put what would be 'the biggest deal in AFL history' to the star youngster, keeping him at West Coast through to the end of 2037 with its value totalling over $20 million. Channel 7's Ryan Daniels said the deal was far more eye-watering with Reid potentially set to pocket $2.2m per season for 11 years. 'The proposed deal would be for two years initially, with an option for Harley to extend that to 11 years, until the end of 2037, and be worth around $2.2 million per season. The total number would likely be north of $24 million,' Daniels said. Reid's manager, Nick Gieschen, has recently arrived in WA and attempted to downplay the reported offer. 'I don't think anyone is ready to be the highest-paid player in the comp,' Gieschen said. 'But nah, we're working through it. Nothing's finalised. We're in negotiations but we'll take every day as it comes. 'Harley is enjoying his time here and like I said before, we're talking about what the future looks like. We're having discussions with West Coast and we'll go from there. 'Nothing in concrete, we're just talking at the moment and we'll see where we get to.' With easily the biggest deal ever seen in AFL history reportedly on the table, it's tough bidding for any Victorian clubs to swoop in and lure him away. 'If I'm really honest I actually don't know. I don't have anything to do with the financial stuff. It doesn't seem right for us. At some point that's going to happen isn't it? Whether it's in this CBA or the next one, but the money in the game continues to go up,' Mitchell said. Harley Reid could be set to sign the biggest contract in AFL history. (Photo by) 'The average salary continues to be higher and higher and higher and as they should be. Everyone wants to play the game and the spectacle of what we're putting on at the moment is pretty good. I think the players deserve what they're getting, it's just how you attribute that. 'With our midfield as an example, being pretty workman-like and making sure that we're consistent across the board. If you're putting $2 million into one player, that makes it a little bit more difficult of course.' As rumours surrounding Reid's future continue to swirl, Eagles skipper Liam Duggan believes the young star will stick with the club. 'I'm really eager for Harley to sign. I mean, he's going to be paid very well regardless of where it is, and he's going to get a long-term deal regardless of where it is,' he said on Triple M. 'But all I can speak of at the moment is that his investment in what we're going after at the moment is second to none. 'He has been so dialled into what we're going after as a footy club at the moment, he's been very vocal in that amongst the group, the way he's playing, you can see that in the way that he's playing, and I think our supporters would be able to see that in the way that he's going about his footy right now.' Originally published as Hawks respond to Harley Reid rumour as fresh details emerge
