MEU members in power stations and energy regions across Australia are celebrating the passage of the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill through the Senate today.
MEU General President Tony Maher said that until now, co-ordinated federal support for coal-power workers and communities has been the missing piece when it comes to climate and energy policy.
“Workers in energy regions are breathing a sigh of relief today because Australia is setting out on a path to do energy transition well.
“The Government has listened and taken action to make sure that workers and communities reliant on emissions-intensive industries will be supported to diversify their economies and put workforce transition plans in place.
“The benefits of the Net Zero Economy Authority will flow through our regional communities in terms of jobs, economic activity, and positive social outcomes for generations.”
The Authority will have the important twin goals of supporting workers displaced by power station closures into new jobs and co-ordinating investment to drive economic diversification in energy regions.
It will administer workforce plans for power stations facing closure, with the ability to create pooling arrangements with local employers to transfer displaced workers into new jobs.
The legislation puts obligations on the closing entities to provide certainty and support to employees during the closure process.
The design of the Net Zero Authority was based on extensive consultation with workers, unions, and community representatives in energy regions.
The Union will contribute to the Authority’s work in the years ahead.
The Bill will return to the House of Representatives in September.
