Energy Industry Jobs Plan
Most of Australia’s coal-fired power stations, and some gas-fired power stations, have announced closure dates. This means support is needed in these workplaces before the closure takes place to help workers take their next career step.
The Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) provides support to workers when eligible coal-fired and gas-fired power stations close. This support can extend to 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.
- Over the coming decades, the EIJP will ensure a consistent approach to supporting workers from closing facilities across Australia.
- It will ensure closing employers provide workers, where reasonable, with access to advice and training to make informed decisions about their future.
- We will actively link workers with other employment opportunities in the region which align with their skills and experience.
- A grants program will help incentivise regional employers to take on workers impacted by power station closures.
The EIJP is part of a wide range of work being led by the Australian Government to support regions through Australia’s transition to net zero. You can learn more about this work on the website of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations(Opens in a new tab/window).
How the Energy Industry Jobs Plan works
The EIJP is one form of support the government may provide in the event of a power station closure. We will assess whether the EIJP is needed for an upcoming closure by consulting with key stakeholders and understanding what supports already exist.
If we believe the EIJP is needed for a particular closure, we will apply to the Fair Work Commission for a determination. A determination will formally establish the EIJP and require employers to provide certain supports to their workers.
Supports available under the Energy Industry Jobs Plan
Under the EIJP, closing and dependent employers will be required to provide supports to their workers so they have the information and skills to transition into new employment once the power station closes.
Supports provided under the EIJP will be in place well before a closure is underway, and can include:
- access to training to prepare for a future job
- career planning
- financial advice
- paid leave and/or flexible work arrangements to access these supports.
Under the legislation, the level of support employees can access will be subject to the needs of the business, the needs of the employee, and what supports are already in place.
There are pathways through the Fair Work Commission for employers to agree with the unions on what actions will meet their obligations under the legislation; this will help provide certainty to all parties. The Authority is currently developing guidelines on understanding obligations to make this as simple as possible.
Linking workers to new employment opportunities
The EIJP provides businesses in the same region as the closing power station with access to a pool of skilled and experienced local workers.
We will work with potential receiving employers to understand their workforce needs and connect them with transitioning workers with relevant skills and experience.
Employers who take on a worker from a closing power station or dependent employer may be eligible for support from the Australian Government. The Authority is currently in the process of developing grant guidelines for this program and is considering:
- incentives to help businesses create vacancies in their existing workforce through early retirement programs
- on-boarding payments (where a grant hasn’t already been received through the early retirement incentives).
By actively supporting skills and jobs matching, the Authority will help closing power stations to retain staff and continue operating safely and effectively.
More information
Supporting worker transition through energy system changes
The Australian Government is supporting communities most likely to be affected by the closure of emissions-intensive industry. Find out more on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website(Opens in a new tab/window).
New Energy Apprenticeships
New Energy Apprenticeships are contributing to Australia’s transition to a cleaner future. When you undertake a New Energy Apprenticeship, you’ll have access to tools, technology, methods and worksites with demonstrations by skilled tradespeople. Find out more on the Australian Apprenticeships website(Opens in a new tab/window).