Learning from the lessons of the past, the Energy Industry Jobs Plan supports workers in closing power plants through the net-zero transition.
The transformation to a net-zero economy will unfold differently depending on where you live.
For the urban city dwellers, their cars might be differently fuelled, but their work will stay the same.
Many of the industrial regions that have helped power our nation for generations are already experiencing changes to their industries and workforces.
The closure of ageing coal and gas-fired power stations is part of the transformation to net-zero, with the workers and communities at the centre of this change.
The Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP) was established by the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, which commenced when the Net Zero Economy Authority was established in December 2024.
The EIJP establishes a framework that ensures that, where needed, workers at closing power stations and supply chain businesses that are significantly impacted can access supports from their employers to prepare for the next step in their careers. This includes access to training, financial and career advice, and flexible work arrangements to access these supports.
Where the EIJP is in place, these supports for workers will be provided well ahead of a power station closing.
The Authority will also provide redeployment support to identify skills and training pathways to prepare workers for future jobs, and help connect workers with employment opportunities offered by other local employers and emerging industries.
Previous closures have shown that a lack of time and rushed supports leads to poor outcomes for workers, their families and communities.
The closure of the Hazelwood coal-fired power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley in 2017 demonstrated this – it is estimated that only 40 per cent of workers from the Hazelwood station had full time employment two years after the closure.
The Net Zero Economy Authority, through the EIJP, will learn from past closures and ensure baseline standards for supporting an effective and fair transition for power station workers are in place.
Over the next two or so years, there are six planned power station closures that the Authority will assess under the EIJP framework. This process involves undertaking broad consultation to determine if the EIJP should be put in place for each particular closure. It will take into account the number of impacted workers, existing supports available and what other employment opportunities exist in the region.
We know that closures are significant events for local communities. The Authority will work with employers, unions and employees to minimise the impact of these closures on the local economy and community.
Recently, the Authority conducted a formal consultation for Torrens Island B, a gas-fired power station in Adelaide due to close in June 2026.
Consultation has now commenced for Eraring Power Station in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, which is due to close in 2027.
There is no doubt that the transition to net-zero is happening. It is well underway, especially in some of Australia’s key industrial regions.
The Authority will work across government and with employers, unions and communities in these regions to ensure that workers impacted by station closures have the support they need.
For more information, visit netzero.gov.au
