Net Zero Economy Authority

SUPPORT FOR POWER STATION WORKERS IS ON THE WAY!

Queensland workers in coal and gas-fired power stations are set to benefit from coordinated national support with the official commencement of the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) this month. This independent statutory authority has been established to assist workers and communities affected by the energy transition, particularly those impacted by power station closures.

MEU General President Tony Maher has been appointed to the board of the NZEA, bringing a strong voice for Queensland energy workers to the table. Former Fair Work Commission President Iain Ross has been appointed as Chair, leading the Authority’s efforts to ensure a just transition for affected workers and regions.

The NZEA, with a team of 120 staff, will collaborate with unions, including the Mining and Energy Union Queensland District, as well as communities, state and local governments, and industry leaders. Its mission includes facilitating the development of new industries in traditional energy regions and coordinating the redeployment of displaced power station workers.

A cornerstone of the Authority’s efforts is the ‘Energy Industry Jobs Plan,’ which places clear obligations on employers at closing power stations. These obligations include providing retraining opportunities, engaging with potential future employers, and offering paid time off for workers to pursue these activities. The plan also creates pathways into new jobs through pooled redeployment schemes, supported by incentives for local employers to hire displaced workers.

The Mining and Energy Union has been at the forefront of advocating for structured and equitable support for workers facing the challenges of Australia’s energy transition. This coordinated approach is a direct result of years of campaigning to ensure that no worker is left behind as the nation transitions to a net-zero economy.

Tony Maher attended the NZEA’s inaugural board meeting in December 2024 and described it as a productive session with a shared commitment to securing a bright future for energy regions and meaningful redeployment options for power station workers. “We have been talking about the need for redeployment programs for power station workers for many years. This will now be a reality, with significant expertise and resources allocated to supporting power station workers into new employment,” Maher said.

While the next scheduled coal power station closure, NSW’s Eraring, is set for 2027, Queensland workers will be actively supported through the NZEA’s Energy Industry Jobs Plan as future closures are announced.

“The establishment of the NZEA is an important milestone, facilitated by the commitment of the Albanese Government to ensure our energy transition leaves no-one behind. With multiple power station closures expected in the next five years, there’s no time to waste in putting our plans in place,” Maher added.

The Mining and Energy Union Queensland District will continue to work closely with the NZEA to ensure that the interests of Queensland workers remain front and centre in the energy transition, advocating for robust support and fair outcomes at every stage.