The peak body for electricity generators and retailers, the Australian Energy Council (AEC), has welcomed the introduction of the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill into the House of Representatives, to help support the fair transition to a net zero emissions economy.
The AEC's Chief Executive, Sarah McNamara, said, "Government has a critical role to ensure communities, which have traditionally relied on emissions-intensive industries for employment, are not left behind.
"Maintaining public support for the energy market transition requires strong engagement and cooperation across all levels of government, industry and with the communities themselves, to ensure the economic wellbeing of former plant workers and regions are properly accounted for.
"Our members are on the frontline of the transitioning energy system and are acutely aware of the challenges at a local level. Each community has unique circumstances, and our members are actively planning years in advance to ensure tailored support is provided to impacted workers and local communities throughout the transition.
"We note the Bill includes the potential involvement of the Fair Work Commission in transitional arrangements. We consider its inclusion unnecessary. Our members have been working for a number of years with governments, regional bodies and local workforces on planning for plant closures. They do so with the best interests of workers and the local community in mind.
"There is a positive role for Government and this new authority in partnering with investors and companies to realise new net zero opportunities in regions where existing industries are transforming to lower carbon technologies.
"We look forward to working with the National Net Zero Authority, as well as other levels of government and stakeholders, to help regional Australia, workers and industries during this major economic transformation."
About the Australian Energy Council
The Australian Energy Council is the peak industry body for electricity and downstream natural gas businesses operating in the competitive wholesale and retail energy markets. AEC members generate and sell energy to 10 million homes and businesses and are major investors in renewable energy generation. The AEC supports reaching net-zero by 2050 as well as a 55 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035 and is committed to delivering the energy transition for the benefit of consumers.
