Net Zero Economy Authority offers lifeline for coal and gas workers as plants close
Workers at coal and gas-fired power plants set to close will be offered a raft of support including paid retraining, redeployment, and financial assistance.
The measures will be provided through the Net Zero Economy Authority, led by Reserve Bank Board Member Dr Iain Ross, after legislation passed the Senate.
It aims to deliver economic support to communities where plants with announced closure dates are located while driving new jobs and renewable investment projects.
These include the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, Gladstone in Queensland, Collie in Western Australia and the Hunter Valley in NSW.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new laws are a major milestone in Australia’s journey to zero emissions.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said workers in the impacted regions should be at the core of the transformation.
The Australian Council of Social Service said an amendment to require First Nations representation on the Board was made, in addition to two union and two industry representatives.
The council’s acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said the changes were essential to ensure communities impacted by the transition were supported.