ETU QLD & NT acknowledges State Government's investment in renewables
The Union will continue to campaign for a just transition and publicly owned renewable assets
This afternoon, the Palaszczuk Government announced a $2 billion investment over two years into constructing and operating renewable assets and implementing a just transition at Queensland's Future Energy Forum in Townsville.
Electrical Trades Union (ETU) QLD & NT has been campaigning for the investment ahead of the Queensland Budget announcement, alongside the Queensland Community Alliance, culminating in an event with Deputy Premier Dr Steven Miles in Brisbane on Monday 31 May.
ETU Divisional Branch Secretary Peter Ong, who attended Queensland's Future Energy Forum today, is pleased to see the Government's commitment to a much-needed investment in Queensland's energy future.
"I'd like to acknowledge the commitment made by the Queensland Government today," says Mr Ong. "It's the right start for Queensland, and I feel we are on the right track with this investment. It is important to remember this is only the first step in a just transition to renewables.
"It's a significant step, but ongoing investment will be required in maintaining public ownership of renewables and a just transition for energy workers," says Mr Ong.
The ETU has been vocal about stopping the privatisation of public assets for many years, most significantly with the Not4Sale campaign, and the Union will continue to campaign for renewable assets to be publicly owned.
"We strongly oppose the privatisation of renewable assets," says Peter Ong. "And we will continue to push for majority public ownership of renewables alongside a just transition for workers and their communities."
"We look forward to working with the Government in the development and implementation of this plan, and we expect genuine consultation from all Government bodies to ensure the needs of workers and their communities are met," says Mr Ong.
The Electrical Trades Union QLD & NT represents electrical workers in Queensland and the Northern Territory and has been a strong and vocal voice in favour of a just transition to renewable energy sources, and publicly owned renewable assets.
