The new national Net Zero Authority would be a game-changer for workers and communities affected by the energy transition, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said.

The statutory authority announced by the Federal Government today will support workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment, skills and other support as needed; and support energy regions to diversify.

MEU general president Tony Maher said the authority would have workers’ backs at a time of rapid change in the energy sector.

“Workers in coal-fired power stations and associated coal mines are living with the reality that the timeline for closure of coal-fired power stations is accelerating,” he said. 

“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.

“Today’s announcement means that the future of workers in emissions-intensive facilities facing closure won’t be simply left up to patchy employer programs and struggling local jobs markets.”

Gladstone Regional Council deputy mayor Kahn Goodluck was also among those to welcome today’s announcement of a national Net Zero Authority.

“The Gladstone region is a powerhouse of industry and manufacturing in this nation and this will ensure the families in our community have the best chance at being able to capitalise on the opportunities of the energy transition,” he said.

Mr Maher said the design of the Net Zero Authority was based on extensive consultation with workers, unions and community representatives in energy regions already grappling with the seismic changes caused by decarbonisation.

“The government has listened and taken action to make sure that workers and communities reliant on emissions-intensive industries aren’t left to bear the brunt of national efforts to address climate change,” he said.

“We know from looking around the world energy transition can be done well or poorly, with consequent positive or devastating outcomes for energy-dependent regions. 
 
“With today’s announcement, Australia is setting out on a path of doing energy transition well. The benefits of the Net Zero Authority will flow through our regional communities in terms of jobs, economic activity and positive social outcomes for generations.” 

The peak body for electricity generators and retailers, the Australian Energy Council (AEC), has also welcomed the establishment of the national authority.

AEC chief executive Sarah McNamara said government had a critical role to play in ensuring that communities were not left behind.

“To ensure public support for the energy market transition we need strong engagement and cooperation across all levels of government, in industry and in the communities themselves,” she said.