The Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority) officially commenced on 11 December 2024 following the successful passage and royal assent of its legislation, and proclamation by the Governor-General.
Coinciding with this milestone, the Australian Government appointed the Authority’s inaugural board members based on their deep collective experience. The role of the board is to determine the Authority’s strategy and objectives, and is responsible for its effective and efficient performance, while working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, David Shankey.
The appointed members are:
- Dr Iain Ross AO, Chair
- Mr Tony Maher, President of Mining and Energy Union
- Mr Mike Mrdak AO, Chairperson of NEC Australia and New Zealand
- Ms Anna Skarbek, CEO of Climateworks Centre
- Ms Zoe Whitton, Managing Director at Pollination
- Ms Michele O'Neil, President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions
- Professor Robynne Quiggin, Professor University of Technology Sydney
The Net Zero Economy Authority is central to the government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia, and ensuring the regions that power the nation will do so for decades to come. It works with communities, state, territory and local governments, regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to take advantage of the opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
The Authority promotes a just net zero economic transformation for Australia, its regions, industries, workers and communities. It is doing this by coordinating effort, brokering investments that create jobs in regions, and supporting workers through change.
Its functions include:
- Investment facilitation – catalysing investment in new industries and jobs, particularly in emissions-intensive regions.
- Worker transition – supporting workers impacted by net zero transition, particularly workers in coal-and gas-fired power stations power stations and dependent mines, transition to new opportunities.
- Policy coordination and coherence – helping coordinate policy and program design and delivery for an orderly and positive net zero economic transformation, through advice to government and by working on-the-ground in key regions.
- Communications and engagement – building community understanding, confidence and engagement with net zero economic transformation.
Find out more about the Net Zero Economy Authority.
