Support for workers during the net zero transition

Originally published by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Australia’s transition to net zero will lead to major economic and workforce changes, particularly in our industrial regions. 

The Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024  was introduced into the House of Representatives on 27 March 2024. The Bill will establish a Net Zero Economy Authority, to focus on supporting workers, communities, regions and industry to realise and share in the benefits of the net zero economy. 

In doing so, the Bill will establish a framework for the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (the Plan), which is designed to support employees in eligible closing coal-fired and gas-fired power stations and dependent businesses to transition directly to new employment. 

To ensure careful consideration of the impacts of the Plan, the Agency has prepared an Impact Analysis (analysis). The analysis recognised the valuable contribution power station workers, communities and businesses make to regional prosperity, and examined policy options to support workers when power stations close. It found that implementing legislated pooled redeployment arrangements for employees would provide significant benefits to workers and communities. 

The Office of Impact Analysis has assessed the analysis as good practice, and the analysis has helped support the design of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan. 

The Energy Industry Jobs Plan will commence with the passage of the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024. For more information, please visit the Parliament of Australia website for details on the establishing legislation for the Authority.