When a coal-fired or gas-fired power station closes, affected workers may be able to access support from the Australian Government.
Supporting affected workers
Most of Australia's coal-fired and some gas-fired power stations have announced planned closure dates.
To help a smooth transition for affected workers and their communities, additional support may be needed to help workers plan their next career step, retrain and find new employment. The Australian Government passed laws in 2024 to:
Net Zero Economy Authority
The Net Zero Economy Authority helps deliver support to workers and communities most impacted by the closure of coal-fired and gas-fired power stations. It started on 11 December 2024.
The Net Zero Economy Authority will manage the Energy Industry Jobs Plan.
Energy Industry Jobs Plan
The Energy Industry Jobs Plan:
- supports workers in closing power stations transition to new employment
- assists other businesses that have a direct commercial relationship with a closing power station and will be substantially impacted by the closure
- helps workers access support from their existing employer such as job training, career planning and financial advice
- connects workers with other job opportunities and provides payments to eligible employers when they take on workers from closing facilities (in certain circumstances).
The Energy Industry Jobs Plan is implemented where it's needed. Where there's a closing power station, the Net Zero Economy Authority will consult with those affected by the closure. The focus of consultations is:
- understanding how workers and businesses are impacted
- what support workers can already access
- what other employment opportunities exist in the region.
Find out more about the plan at Energy Industry Jobs Plan.
Where to go for help
There are different government agencies (including us) helping workers and employers in closing facilities.
Net Zero Economy Authority
Workers and employers can access more information on the Energy Industry Jobs Plan from the Net Zero Economy Authority.
For contact information, go to Contact us.
Fair Work Commission
The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) is the national workplace relations tribunal.
The Net Zero Economy Authority CEO can apply to the Commission for a 'community of interest determination'.
If the Commission makes a community of interest determination, it will specify what types of support affected employees need from closing employers and dependent employers to find new employment. The Commission can also then make other determinations and orders (on application) about what an employer needs to do to meet their obligations under the Energy Industry Jobs Plan.
Learn more at Energy Industry Jobs Plan and the Net Zero Economy Authority.
Us (the Fair Work Ombudsman)
As Australia's national workplace regulator, we will have a role to play in the transition. We will:
- provide education, assistance and advice to employers and employees on workplace rights and responsibilities
- promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws.
We will work closely with the Net Zero Economy Authority to ensure workers and employers receive the workplace advice and support they need.
If you need advice or assistance from us, find out how to Contact us.
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