Labor's package of just transition measures for the coal-fired power generation industry would give affected workers and communities the support they need to successfully navigate inevitable structural change, CFMEU Mining and Energy said today.
Today's announcement includes a welcome focus on current and future jobs, with a legislated redeployment program for workers affected by power station closures and investment in regional economic diversification, said CFMEU National President Tony Maher.
Owners of the 23 coal-fired power stations currently operating in Australia have indicated they will all close by 2050, with no owners having plans to build new ones.
Power station closures disproportionately affect workers and communities in regional areas who are highly dependent on them for family incomes, job opportunities and local economic activity, said Mr Maher.
"No-one wants closures, job losses and the decline of industries in regional areas," said Mr Maher.
"But where there is a clear economic reality to be faced, it is negligent of governments not to plan ahead to protect the interests of affected workers and communities.
"Labor's policy is a gamechanger. It means that workers affected by closures won't have to rely on the goodwill of energy companies to do the right thing on jobs. It will be the law that workers are given opportunities to continue in the industry if that's what they want."
Central to Labor's announcement is the establishment of a Just Transition Authority (JTA) to co-ordinate and oversee closures, with input from communities, unions and industry. The JTA would oversee the legislated scheme for pooled redundancy and redeployment opportunities as well as investment in economic diversification in affected regional areas.
'The Ruhr or Appalachia?' report released last month by the CFMEU shows that around the world there are a wide range of outcomes following structural economic transition – from entrenched poverty and social dysfunction through to successful transition with decent job opportunities and new industries.
"The approach announced by Labor is consistent with international best practice regarding just transition," said Mr Maher.
"At the end of the day, energy workers are concerned about their prospects for the rest of their working lives and the economic sustainability of their communities.
"This package will give them confidence that they and their families will have opportunities and support into the future."
