{"id":22700,"date":"2026-02-17T20:10:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T20:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=22700"},"modified":"2026-02-17T20:10:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T20:10:27","slug":"australia-news-live-record-renewable-capacity-added-in-last-quarter-of-2025-wage-growth-expected-to-remain-on-hold-australia-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=22700","title":{"rendered":"Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold | Australia news"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><gu-island name=\"EnhancePinnedPost\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{}\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"pinned-post\" data-gu-marker=\"pinned-post\" data-component=\"pinned-post\" class=\"dcr-r5tmyr\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" name=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"dcr-11n52fl\"\/><\/p>\n<div id=\"collapsible-body\" class=\"dcr-1axsptg\">\n<article class=\"block dcr-1xlsn8h\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Last quarter of 2025 saw record-breaking renewable energy added to grid<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280\" alt=\"Petra Stock\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Petra Stock<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Record-breaking amounts of new wind, solar and storage were added to Australia\u2019s electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025, enough new renewables to power Brisbane 1.5 times over.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">After a slower start, the year culminated in a rush, with nine wind and solar farms \u2013 2.1GW in all \u2013 brought online in the final three months. The result outperformed all previous quarters, breaking the previous record of 1.3GW added in the third quarter of 2021, according to the Clean <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/energy-australia\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Energy<\/a> Council\u2019s latest quarterly investment report.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Four new utility-scale batteries were deployed in Q4 \u2013 totalling 1GW\/2.3GWh \u2013 tripling the record set in the previous quarter (Q3 2025). The largest was Victoria\u2019s Melbourne renewable energy hub with a size of 600MW\/ 1,600MWh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The CEC chief executive,<strong> Jackie Trad,<\/strong> described the result as an \u201cAussie first\u201d that coincided with renewable energy supplying more than half of grid electricity for the first time.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The final quarter of last year saw many new renewables records broken. Sixty-three per cent of total renewable generation capacity that was switched on in 2025 was delivered in Q4.<\/p>\n<p>The seasonal rush to close out on projects before years\u2019 end, together with more political stability in the second half of 2025, ended the year on a stronger note than where it started. However, there is still much work to be done to accelerate future investment in large-scale generation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Overall the year ended on a high, with 3.3GW of renewable energy brought online. That made 2025 the second largest year for new projects commissioned after 2021. More battery storage was added in 2025, than the previous eight years combined.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"b306e54d-7bd6-44b5-8491-45c4c638b2a8\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/12dcc638e3bb8b5964b7c6b195926b2f6ddf592d\/507_63_1348_1078\/master\/1348.jpg?width=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/12dcc638e3bb8b5964b7c6b195926b2f6ddf592d\/507_63_1348_1078\/master\/1348.jpg?width=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/12dcc638e3bb8b5964b7c6b195926b2f6ddf592d\/507_63_1348_1078\/master\/1348.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/12dcc638e3bb8b5964b7c6b195926b2f6ddf592d\/507_63_1348_1078\/master\/1348.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\"\/><img alt=\"Clean Energy Council chief executive, Jackie Trad\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/12dcc638e3bb8b5964b7c6b195926b2f6ddf592d\/507_63_1348_1078\/master\/1348.jpg?width=465&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" width=\"465\" height=\"371.86201780415433\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Clean Energy Council chief executive, Jackie Trad<\/span> Photograph: Dan Peled\/AAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4#block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><label for=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-button\" class=\"dcr-zw7tgl\"><span id=\"svgminus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M1 10.75v2.5h22v-2.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span id=\"svgplus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m10.8 13.2.425 9.8h1.525l.45-9.8 9.8-.45v-1.525l-9.8-.425-.45-9.8h-1.525l-.425 9.8-9.8.425v1.525z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6994a0468f08af547164355b&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Wage growth is expected to remain on hold, despite large pockets of the workforce receiving a pay bump, &lt;strong&gt;Australian Associated Press&lt;\/strong&gt; reports.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;cb16e13e-cecc-43f2-84eb-ca57a8717d0b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Data for the December quarter will be released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with annual growth set to be steady at 3.4%.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;fd465b4e-6fd5-4648-ba49-68e3d3e05c0a&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Annual growth has been at 3.4% since the March quarter, despite a rise in quarterly figures.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f7a62c67-7335-4cfd-8507-163991b2a6db&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Should the forecasts hold true, wages would be trending below inflation, which ticked up to 3.8% in the year to December.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;82c65cba-95f2-4375-aca5-80e73b216fe0&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The December quarter will take in a pay rise for aged care workers across Australia, which came into effect from October.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;55458818-3f01-464c-8379-53073dc1506b&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The increase in salary was the final stage of wage rises for the sector following a case lodged by the &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/health\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Health&lt;\/a&gt; Services Union to the Fair Work Commission at the end of 2022.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6d97cbea-81de-45cb-80f6-4b1096b5a62c&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771356644000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.30\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771357877000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.51\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771357878000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.51\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;19.51&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 17 Feb 2026 20.06 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 17 Feb 2026 19.30 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Record-breaking amounts of new wind, solar and storage were added to Australia\u2019s electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025, enough new renewables to power Brisbane 1.5 times over.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b0665f8f-f854-4a20-8076-d14aff3266b1&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;After a slower start, the year culminated in a rush, with nine wind and solar farms \u2013 2.1GW in all \u2013 brought online in the final three months. The result outperformed all previous quarters, breaking the previous record of 1.3GW added in the third quarter of 2021, according to the Clean &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/energy-australia\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Energy&lt;\/a&gt; Council\u2019s latest quarterly investment report.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;55628817-5257-46a0-acc3-32e0f4edcb6d&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Four new utility-scale batteries were deployed in Q4 \u2013 totalling 1GW\/2.3GWh \u2013 tripling the record set in the previous quarter (Q3 2025). The largest was Victoria\u2019s Melbourne renewable energy hub with a size of 600MW\/ 1,600MWh.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;583d0858-a6c0-4884-aacb-5f08b4d41fc3&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The CEC chief executive,&lt;strong&gt; Jackie Trad,&lt;\/strong&gt; described the result as an \u201cAussie first\u201d that coincided with renewable energy supplying more than half of grid electricity for the first time.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;4476a78c-2a79-41cf-940c-d06ce21a04d0&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.BlockquoteBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;blockquote class=\\&quot;quoted\\&quot;&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;The final quarter of last year saw many new renewables records broken. Sixty-three per cent of total renewable generation capacity that was switched on in 2025 was delivered in Q4.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n &lt;p&gt;The seasonal rush to close out on projects before years\u2019 end, together with more political stability in the second half of 2025, ended the year on a stronger note than where it started. However, there is still much work to be done to accelerate future investment in large-scale generation.&lt;\/p&gt;\\n&lt;\/blockquote&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c6088f9c-3ed0-4c54-a68e-a65a2e42bcfe&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Overall the year ended on a high, with 3.3GW of renewable energy brought online. That made 2025 the second largest year for new projects commissioned after 2021. 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Stock&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=5033daaa329042c4fdc31068bf2374f1&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 17 Feb 2026 20.06 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 17 Feb 2026 19.30 GMT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I\u2019m &lt;strong&gt;Martin Farrer&lt;\/strong&gt; with the top overnight stories before &lt;strong&gt;Nick Visser&lt;\/strong&gt; steps up.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;7f69dc6e-5f48-4c8b-86c7-8c22ea5409ab&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Record-breaking amounts of new wind, solar and storage were added to Australia\u2019s electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025, enough new renewables to power Brisbane 1.5 times over. We\u2019ll have more details in a moment.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;49c51e28-fd80-4bad-805e-2b0cb6247673&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Wage growth is expected to remain on hold at about 3.4% when the ABS releases figures for the December quarter later this morning. That means wage growth is running behind inflation \u2013 or to put it another way, real wages are falling. More to come.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;3d08c840-951d-4821-a572-07706e1e5562&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1771356644000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.30\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1771355921000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.18\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1771356644000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;19.30\u00a0GMT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;19.30&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Welcome&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Tue 17 Feb 2026 20.06 GMT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Tue 17 Feb 2026 19.30 GMT&quot;}],&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1771359026886}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><gu-island name=\"FilterKeyEventsToggle\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;filterKeyEvents&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;filter-toggle-mobile&quot;}\"><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\"\/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-6994ca458f08ec5f1185044d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Good morning, <strong>Nick Visser<\/strong> here to take over the blog. Let\u2019s dive in and see what Wednesday holds.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6994ca458f08ec5f1185044d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6994ca458f08ec5f1185044d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6994ca458f08ec5f1185044d#block-6994ca458f08ec5f1185044d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-699452cd8f0873cb025bb2ff\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Indonesian men convicted of illegally fishing in Australian waters acted out of \u2018desperation\u2019, lawyer says<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">An Indonesian boat crew caught illegally fishing in Australian waters have been handed suspended jail sentences after a trial in which lawyer argued they acted out of desperation to support their families, <strong>Australian Associated Press<\/strong> reports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Six crew members arrested by border force officers in mangroves on the Australian mainland on 29 January pleaded guilty to illegal fishing when they appeared in the Darwin local court on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Indonesians <strong>Kasman, Syamsudin, Ramli, Adisianadna, Anton<\/strong> and <strong>Hasba<\/strong>, the oldest aged 60, were all charged with using a foreign boat to fish in the territorial seas of Australia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Kasman, the master of the unseaworthy boat, which has been destroyed, was charged with an extra count of being in charge of a boat equipped for fishing within the Australian fishing zone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The men\u2019s lawyer, <strong>Lyma Nguyen<\/strong>, told judge <strong>David Woodroffe<\/strong> her clients were from poor island villages, many of their families deep in debt just to survive and their fishing venture was \u201cborn out of desperation\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">They also faced the prospect of having to reimburse the boat\u2019s owner for the equivalent of $20,000 for the loss of the vessel, she said.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-699452cd8f0873cb025bb2ff&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-699452cd8f0873cb025bb2ff&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-699452cd8f0873cb025bb2ff#block-699452cd8f0873cb025bb2ff\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6994a0468f08af547164355b\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Wage growth expected to remain on hold<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Wage growth is expected to remain on hold, despite large pockets of the workforce receiving a pay bump, <strong>Australian Associated Press<\/strong> reports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Data for the December quarter will be released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with annual growth set to be steady at 3.4%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Annual growth has been at 3.4% since the March quarter, despite a rise in quarterly figures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Should the forecasts hold true, wages would be trending below inflation, which ticked up to 3.8% in the year to December.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The December quarter will take in a pay rise for aged care workers across Australia, which came into effect from October.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The increase in salary was the final stage of wage rises for the sector following a case lodged by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/health\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Health<\/a> Services Union to the Fair Work Commission at the end of 2022.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6994a0468f08af547164355b&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6994a0468f08af547164355b&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6994a0468f08af547164355b#block-6994a0468f08af547164355b\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Last quarter of 2025 saw record-breaking renewable energy added to grid<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280\" alt=\"Petra Stock\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Petra Stock<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Record-breaking amounts of new wind, solar and storage were added to Australia\u2019s electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025, enough new renewables to power Brisbane 1.5 times over.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">After a slower start, the year culminated in a rush, with nine wind and solar farms \u2013 2.1GW in all \u2013 brought online in the final three months. The result outperformed all previous quarters, breaking the previous record of 1.3GW added in the third quarter of 2021, according to the Clean <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/energy-australia\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Energy<\/a> Council\u2019s latest quarterly investment report.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Four new utility-scale batteries were deployed in Q4 \u2013 totalling 1GW\/2.3GWh \u2013 tripling the record set in the previous quarter (Q3 2025). The largest was Victoria\u2019s Melbourne renewable energy hub with a size of 600MW\/ 1,600MWh.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The CEC chief executive,<strong> Jackie Trad,<\/strong> described the result as an \u201cAussie first\u201d that coincided with renewable energy supplying more than half of grid electricity for the first time.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The final quarter of last year saw many new renewables records broken. Sixty-three per cent of total renewable generation capacity that was switched on in 2025 was delivered in Q4.<\/p>\n<p>The seasonal rush to close out on projects before years\u2019 end, together with more political stability in the second half of 2025, ended the year on a stronger note than where it started. However, there is still much work to be done to accelerate future investment in large-scale generation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Overall the year ended on a high, with 3.3GW of renewable energy brought online. That made 2025 the second largest year for new projects commissioned after 2021. More battery storage was added in 2025, than the previous eight years combined.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"7b89e737-4160-4d8c-b973-777fd3875487\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Clean Energy Council chief executive, Jackie Trad<\/span> Photograph: Dan Peled\/AAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4#block-699451b78f08f193d2fb60f4\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Welcome<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I\u2019m <strong>Martin Farrer<\/strong> with the top overnight stories before <strong>Nick Visser<\/strong> steps up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Record-breaking amounts of new wind, solar and storage were added to Australia\u2019s electricity grid in the final quarter of 2025, enough new renewables to power Brisbane 1.5 times over. We\u2019ll have more details in a moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Wage growth is expected to remain on hold at about 3.4% when the ABS releases figures for the December quarter later this morning. That means wage growth is running behind inflation \u2013 or to put it another way, real wages are falling. More to come.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:0},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australia news live: record renewable capacity added in last quarter of 2025; wage growth expected to remain on hold&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa#block-679b43ab8f08d7cb6f3007fa\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;australia-news&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australia-news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australia news&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-politics&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian politics&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;business\/australia-economy&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian economy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/business-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Business&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/health&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Health&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-education&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian education&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-immigration-and-asylum&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian immigration and asylum&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australian-foreign-policy&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australian foreign policy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/energy-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Energy&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;campaign\/email\/breaking-news-australia&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Campaign&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Breaking News Australia (newsletter signup)&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/martinfarrer&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Martin Farrer&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2019\/06\/10\/Martin_Farrer.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=a491d63a001c65f468c602e5bbcb494a&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2019\/06\/06\/Martin_Farrer,_L.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=f706e98cb1db7a0312c04c2836c71178&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/petra-stock&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Petra Stock&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=5033daaa329042c4fdc31068bf2374f1&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2024\/08\/16\/Petra_Stock.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=c4d88f2c7cf252aa3d4b386e7c15d280&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/australia-news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Australia News&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/live\/2026\/feb\/18\/australia-news-live-renewable-energy-capacity-battery-grid-real-wage-growth-cost-of-living-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-liberal-front-bench-immigration-ntwnfb&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;australia-news\/australia-news,australia-news\/australian-politics,business\/australia-economy,australia-news\/business-australia,australia-news\/health,australia-news\/australian-education,australia-news\/australian-immigration-and-asylum,australia-news\/australian-foreign-policy,australia-news\/energy-australia&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;}\"\/><\/div>\n<p>#Australia #news #live #record #renewable #capacity #added #quarter #wage #growth #expected #remain #hold #Australia #news<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last quarter of 2025 saw recor&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22701,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22700"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22700"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22700\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/22701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}