Australia is undergoing a significant transformation as we shift towards a net zero economy. As our industries decarbonise, it is vital that workers and communities affected by power station closures are supported.
The Australian Government’s Energy Industry Jobs Plan is central to achieving a smooth transition.
What is the Energy Industry Jobs Plan?
The Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to a just transition in a rapidly changing economic landscape. As the transformation occurs, we’ll work together with workers, employers and unions to build a future where communities can thrive.
The EIJP is part of legislation that establishes the Net Zero Economy Authority. It provides a framework for supporting workers at eligible closing coal and gas-fired power stations to transition to new employment. Support might also be extended to dependent employers – these are businesses who work directly with the power station and where their operations will be substantially impacted by the closure, such as a coal mine that supplies a power station.
Employers included under the EIJP will be obliged to support their workforce to help them prepare to find new employment. These supports may include:
- access to training to prepare for a future job
- career planning
- financial advice and
- paid leave and/or flexible work arrangements to access these supports.
Helping people to retrain and find new employment quickly, we can reduce the impacts of closures on communities.
So how does it work?
In the lead up to a power station closure, the Authority conducts a thorough assessment to determine if an EIJP is needed. This generally happens at least two years prior to the closure and involves consultations with the closing power station, any dependent businesses, unions, workers, potential new employers and the community.
Consultations focus on understanding:
- how workers and businesses are impacted,
- supports that are already available to them and
- other employment opportunities in the region and whether an EIJP will support a smoother transition.
If it is decided that an EIJP is necessary, the Authority will apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a determination. A FWC determination will formally establish the plan and require employers included in the determination to provide supports to their employees.
Where the EIJP is in place for a closure, the Authority plays a pivotal role in helping connect workers with new job opportunities tailored to their skills and interests.
See below for a deeper dive into the EIJP. Or visit find out more about our power station closure plans.