As part of the 2023-2024 Federal Budget, the Australian Government has announced it is establishing a national Net Zero Authority to steer the agenda for workers, industries and communities in the nation’s transition to net-zero emissions, writes Gareth Pye.
The government has recommended the Governor-General commence the authority’s responsibilities by 1 July, 2023, through the establishment of an interim Executive Agency in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
With the government plotting Australia’s course to becoming a clean energy superpower, the national Net Zero Authority will:
- Support workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment and skills.
- Coordinate programs and policies to support regions and communities to attract new clean energy industries.
- Help investors and companies engage with net-zero transformation opportunities.
The authority will focus on regions and industries that have traditionally powered Australia’s economy as they adapt and transform to the net-zero agenda. It will work with state and territory governments, unions, industry and First Nations groups to help key regions, industries, employers and communities manage the transformation to a clean energy economy.
The Climate Council says the national Net Zero Authority will be crucial to ensure everyone gets to share in Australia’s projected era of clean energy prosperity.
“Australia’s global allies and trading partners are forging ahead with the transition to net zero and it makes perfect sense for Australia to get in the game,” says Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.
“Taking strong action now is the best way to ensure Australia captures growing markets for clean energy and low-emissions products, to power the next era of our national prosperity.
“There is no doubt Australia’s path to net zero requires transformative change. The Climate Council has been advocating for a national authority to oversee Australia’s rapid clean energy transformation.”
The Climate Council is also urging the Net Zero Authority to take an active role in coordinating and agreeing on realistic closure dates for all Australian coalfired power generators.
“Communities in regions where fossil fuels are being phased out, and those in Renewable Energy Zones, need a voice as well as clear plans and strong investment to guide the transformation of their local economies and industries,” says McKenzie.
“The national Net Zero Authority can provide important leadership and coordination for this shift.”
The Clean Energy Council has also long advocated for a national Net Zero Authority as an essential building block to Australia’s renewables future.
“A Net Zero Authority will safeguard worker support, ensure regional employment and enrich education in the sector and beyond,” says Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton.
“It is a vital piece of the puzzle as we shift towards a cleaner, more prosperous economic future for all Australians.
“The clean energy transition can be transformative for Australia’s regional communities, providing low-cost, renewable energy to consumers and long-term employment pathways in the clean energy sector.
“A Net Zero Authority with dedicated funding and a long-term mandate will ensure the appropriate level of coordination, durability and leadership necessary to achieve a genuinely just energy transition.”
The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia also welcomes the announcement of the national Net Zero Authority.
“Coordinated, long-term planning is needed to ensure no worker or community is left behind as we move to power our domestic energy needs with renewables,” says Cam Crawford, WWF-Australia’s energy transition manager.
“The Federal Government’s commitment to legislate an independent, statutory Net Zero Authority will support workers and communities affected by the transition and help deliver much-needed education, skills training and new jobs in a renewables nation.
“This must include communities that have previously relied on fossil fuel jobs, regional communities, and First Nations communities, and we must build a world-leading renewables industry that benefits our environment, communities and the economy.”