'Speak to us, not about us':
Power and mine workers call for consultation on energy transition
Queensland power industry workers whose jobs are at stake want to be central to the discussion about energy transition in the state, CFMEU Mining and Energy said today.
CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland Vice President Shane Brunker has urged the Queensland government to initiate genuine consultation with the CFMEU as the primary union representing power station workers.
"There is a lot of rhetoric about just transition and the move away from coal-fired power generators," said Mr Brunker.
"However, we need to remember that workers' livelihoods and the future of regional economies are at stake.
"Power stations and the mines are a hub for jobs and economic activity in the regions where they are located. Closures will have a massive impact on those communities."
Currently operating coal-fired power stations are expected to come to the end of their working lives before 2050 and operators have indicated they have no plans to build new ones.
"We should not be giving up on any genuine opportunity to create new jobs in power generation," said Mr Brunker.
"However, we also need forward planning to make sure that a just transition delivers concrete outcomes for workers, their families and communities.
"The industry should not be allowed to just generate profits unchecked without investing in jobs and opportunities for the future.
"Our message to Government is that profit margins attached to coal exports and power generation can't be at the expense of real jobs and opportunities for the families of workers affected, if we are really going to have a 'just' transition."
The CFMEU is aware of work being conducted via consultants and the CSIRO on the economic impacts of transition on jobs and skills, but to date there has been no consultation in developing scopes for these projects.
"As the primary union in this sector and a key stakeholder we demand consultation with government before any future work is initiated," Mr Brunker said.
