EnergyAustralia, the owner and operator of Yallourn Power Station (Yallourn), has announced that the power station will close by mid 2028. The CEO of the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA), David Shankey, has made an application to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to establish the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) to help workers impacted by the closure.
The closure will impact businesses and workers at the power station and in the broader regional supply chain.
Status: Fair Work Commission application under consideration
About the Energy Industry Jobs Plan
The EIJP is a legislative framework established under Part 5 of the Net Zero Economy Act 2024 (NZEA Act) to support workers affected by the closure of coal-fired and gas-fired power stations.
It aims to help workers prepare for their next step and transition into new employment by placing obligations on employers to provide practical transition support before closures occur.
The EIJP can be put in place by the FWC following the NZEA’s consultation process. The consultation process is called a Community of Interest (COI) process under the NZEA Act.
Yallourn EIJP process
- COI process commenced: 21 November 2025. See initial consultation details.
- Consultation and assessment: November 2025 to March 2026, engagement and information-gathering with stakeholders.
- Public submissions published: 12 March 2026. See published submissions.
- Fair Work Commission application: 30 June 2026, NZEA CEO applied to the FWC for a determination to establish the EIJP for Yallourn. See media release.
About Yallourn Power Station
Yallourn Power Station is located on the lands of the Braiakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai nation in the Latrobe region of Victoria.
It is a 1480 MW electricity generator powered by brown coal from Yallourn Coal Mine. EnergyAustralia, the power station's owner and operator, has announced that the facility will close on 1 July 2028.
Support and obligations
Workers
If the EIJP is introduced, employees of employers named in a FWC COI determination may receive support from their employer if they request it. This may include career planning and financial advice, training, and paid time off or flexible working arrangements to access these supports.
Employers
Employers named in a FWC COI determination may be legally required to provide supports to transition employees, if requested, to help them to prepare for and find new employment. The FWC has the final say on which employers the EIJP will apply to. Employers will have the opportunity to be heard by the Commission before a final decision is made.
Learn more about employer obligations
Hiring employers (‘receiving employers’)
Where the EIJP is implemented, NZEA works with other employers in the region that may be interested in hiring workers from Yallourn. This includes identifying job opportunities for workers based on their skills, interests and experiences. Incentives may be available to these employers, such as hiring incentives and early retirement packages.
Protecting your privacy
NZEA recognises the importance of privacy and the protection of personal information.
Latest news
Further support sought for Yallourn workers
NZEA CEO has applied to the Fair Work Commission to establish the Energy Industry Jobs Plan for Yallourn.
Yallourn consultation submissions published
Submissions now available from public consultation process for an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) to apply for the closure of Yallourn Power Station.