Today's announcement of a national body to coordinate support for regions that will face major closures due to energy transition is sensible, timely and welcome for regional businesses and the communities they support, Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Ai Group, said today.
"The Net Zero Authority, with the benefit of insights from employers, employees and their communities, can play an essential and positive role in helping regions like the Hunter, the Latrobe Valley and Gladstone to reach new phases of success," Mr Willox said.
"There are major opportunities for Australia in the local and global move towards net zero emissions over the next few decades, with greater demand for mining and processing transition minerals like lithium, copper and nickel; componentry, smart technology and skilled people needed to produce clean energy; and clean-energy-intensive materials like green iron, aluminium and ammonia.
"But it's not all opportunity. There will be potentially wrenching changes along the way as some industries transform, shrink or disappear altogether. Electricity generation from coal is set to end over the next two decades as age and competition catch up with the facilities that have powered our nation for many years. Meanwhile, the lifespan of our coal and gas exports will ultimately depend on the choices of our customers in China, India, Japan and Korea – all nations that have committed to net zero over coming decades.
"It is essential that highly exposed regions and the businesses, communities and workers within them, are not left behind as these massive changes take place. They have a right to expect a fair and successful transition that sees economic diversification into growth sectors, reskilling and new opportunities for those in the prime of their careers and dignity for those at the end of their working lives.
"Work by Ai Group with our members and our partners in the Australian Climate Roundtable has taught us that success will require strong collaboration, adequate resources and the full participation of the businesses, employees and communities at the heart of change.
"We look forward to strong industry participation in the design and operation of the Net Zero Authority. With power station closures looming across the nation, even as new projects and markets take shape, that work could not be more urgent," Mr Willox said.
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