Dutton's energy plan destroys nearly 12k jobs and cancels urgent projects
• Analysis of data from DISER, UTS and AEMO reveals 11,888 transmission jobs at risk • The analysis uses transmission figures provided by Frontier Economics to the Coalition
10 April 2025 – Peter Dutton's energy plan as modelled by his chosen consultants would destroy nearly 12,000 energy jobs, analysis of government data and Frontier Economics modelling shows.
Job destruction would reach 2000 this year, peaking in 2028 at more than 5000, the analysis finds, affecting projects across NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, as well as three interconnector projects linking grids in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. The analysis shows that Dutton's energy policy includes 80 percent less investment than recommended by AEMO's Integrated System Plan, and would cut projects that the market operator says "should progress as urgently as possible." ETU National Secretary Michael Wright said that a Dutton-led coalition government would decimate opportunities for electrical workers and apprentices.
"Peter Dutton is planning a jobs bloodbath for the electrical industry" Mr Wright said. "His own modelling contains cuts of 2000 jobs this year, rising to 4000 by 2027, and topping 5000 in 2028.
"This deprives nearly 12 000 electrical workers, their communities and their families of a living across the country.
"The projects he will be cancelling are among those identified as most urgent to keep the lights on by the energy market operator.
"Many of jobs affected are in regional areas where apprenticeships, projects and opportunities are most sorely needed.
"Australia's electrical workers know that we are in the firing line under the policies of a Dutton Government and we will fight against his plan to cut 12 000 electrical jobs every day between here and the election."
