SEC News

Welcome to new and retained Ministers

The Smart Energy Council warmly welcomes the return of Chris Bowen as Minister for Energy and Climate Change, alongside his Assistant Minister Josh Wilson.

We similarly celebrate the appointment of Murray Watt to the Environment and Water Ministry, a portfolio we are pleased to hear is considered as “central” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes also congratulated Kate Thwaites for her appointment as Special Envoy for Climate Change, Adaptation and Resilience, particularly as it will have a key focus on ensuring Australia secures the COP31 climate conference.

“I would also like to thank outgoing Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic for his contribution to the sector, and know that support will continue through his successor Tim Ayres, who we know is a champion of Australian industry and ingenuity.”

“Minister Bowen has achieved much in the last three years as Energy Minister, retaining him will be of great comfort to the renewable energy industry,” Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes said.

“The Albanese Government has a mandate to double down on the rollout of cheap, clean and reliable power, these appointments are a good sign that we will get straight back to work.”

“Australia has made great progress decarbonising its energy and transport sectors, yet there is so much more to do, that includes a greater focus on climate and the environment.”

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Smart Stewardship

Chair: Darren Johannesen

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Recyclers
  • PV Manufacturers
  • Product stewardship participants

Policy Scope

  • Stewardship policy
  • Recycling frameworks
  • Circular economy initiatives

Technology Scope

  • Solar
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Topics Scope

  • Recycling pathways
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  • End-of-life management
  • Industry obligations
  • Sustainability initiatives

Smart Global

Chair: Robert Potter

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Importers
  • Exporters
  • Investors
  • International projects

Policy Scope

  • International trade
  • Market entry
  • Export facilitation
  • Trade Tariff 

Technology Scope

  • Smart energy technologies
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Topics Scope

  • Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific
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Smart Transport

Chair: Rhiannon Evans

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Transport technology providers
  • Light and Heavy Electric Fleet operators
  • Charging infrastructure businesses

Policy Scope

  • EV policy
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Transport electrification
  • Network integration
  • Incentives 

Technology Scope

  • Electric vehicles
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Fleet technologies
  • Distribution Network

Topics Scope

  • Rapid Expansion
  • Interconnections
  • Regulations and Standards
  • V2X

Smart Manufacturing

Chair: Rod Scott

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Local manufacturers
  • Technology developers
  • Component suppliers
  • Emerging technologies

Policy Scope

  • Supply Chain
  • R&D
  • Manufacturing Incentives
  • CEFC

Technology Scope

  • Solar
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  • Electronics
  • Software
  • Critical materials

Topics Scope

  • Expanding local manufacturing
  • Export opportunities
  • Supply chains
  • Local content
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Smart Large-scale

Chair: Sohaib Mohammed

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Large & utility scale developers
  • Asset owners
  • Investors
  • EPCs

Policy Scope

  • NEM Review
  • Capacity Investment Scheme
  • Planning Regulation

Technology Scope

  • Solar
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  • Transmission

Topics Scope

  • Interconnection
  • Development
  • Financing
  • Energy Wholesaling
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Smart Consumer

Chair: John Welch

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope:

  • Installers
  • Retailers
  • Wholesales
  • Service providers

Policy Scope

  • Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Rebate programs
  • Accreditation
  • Local regulations

Technology Scope

  • Solar
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Topics Scope

  • Compliance obligations
  • Training and workforce issues
  • Regulations 
  • Consumer protection
  • Energy retail developments
  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
  • Industry best practice

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