The Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority) will support workers to transition to new opportunities in the net zero economy, including through the Energy Industry Jobs Plan.
Australia’s transformation to net zero will lead to major economic and workforce changes, particularly in our industrial regions.
Most of Australia’s coal-fired power stations, and some gas-fired power stations, have announced closure dates. This will have significant impacts for workers, their families and their communities – both as these industries exit, and as new opportunities emerge.
It is important that there is a coordinated response to these workforce changes, with the Australian Government working in conjunction with businesses, unions, state and territory governments, and regional communities.
The Authority will help coordinate and lead this response, delivering supports to workers and communities most impacted by the closure of coal-fired and gas-fired power stations.
A key pillar of this work is the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (the Plan), which will facilitate the transfer of employees in closing power stations and their dependent employers (e.g. coal mines that are reliant on a closing power station) to transition to new employment. The Plan will create a consistent approach to supporting workers in closing facilities, ensure workers have the right supports and skills to transition to new employment, and connect workers to other employers in the region.
The Plan has been designed to complement existing supports offered by closing employers and governments, and will aim to fill the gap where comprehensive support packages are not readily available for workers. It will be delivered in close collaboration with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, to ensure supports are coordinated and skills, training and employment opportunities are maximised.