A Future Made In Australia

Net Zero Economy Authority established to support regions, community and workers to thrive

Today the Australian Parliament passed legislation to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority).??

The Authority will commence operations as an independent statutory authority shortly, following the Royal Assent to the Bill and the proclamation of a commencement date by the Governor-General.???

This landmark legislation ensures that Australia – its regions, communities and workers – realise and share the benefits of Australia’s transition to net zero and the transformation of our economy.???

“The passing of the Bills in both Houses will complement the Government’s ongoing efforts to secure a Future Made in Australia. I back the capacity of Australia to not just compete with the world but to win. Whether it be miners in the Pilbara or the workers of Gladstone or the Illawarra or the Hunter Valley … we want to take Australia up the value chain."? Anthony Albanese , Prime Minister of Australia?

Australia is uniquely positioned to benefit from the global shift to clean energy and industries. At the same time, the regions, communities and workers that have powered Australia and its economy for generations are also exposed to the change.?

The Authority will ensure that these regions, communities and workers are not left behind – that they will benefit from the clean energy Future Made in Australia.????

“The Authority will have the job of looking after the workers in regions who are at the core of this transformation.”?

“It will be a one-stop-shop for new industries coming to regional Australia to create jobs and investment and for the workers already there to prepare for the jobs for the future.”? Chris Bowen MP , Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Environment?

The Authority will help facilitate a just transition to net zero by supporting communities and regions by:??

• Supporting workers impacted by the transition to net zero by:???
• Administering the Energy Industry Jobs Plan to support workers affected by closures of coal-fired power-stations. Funded for $44.4 million over 4 years from 2024-25.???
• Developing Regional Worker Transition Plans to provide tailored employment and skills supports for workers and communities to move to new opportunities as their local economy decarbonises. Funded through broader workforce transition supports of $134.2 million over four years from 2024-25 and delivered in partnership with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.????
• Catalysing investment in emissions-intensive regions to facilitate new industries and opportunities.??
• Building engagement, understanding and confidence in the net zero economic transformation.???
• Facilitating First Nations communities to participate in, and benefit from, the shift to net zero emissions.????
• Coordinating policy and program design and delivery across government through regional engagement and consultation.???

"The Net Zero Economy Authority and a Future Made in Australia is a commitment to revitalising our regions and empowering communities with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world. By bringing back good manufacturing jobs to our regions, we are investing in the heart of Australia.”?

“This is as much about jobs as it is about creating careers that contribute to the net zero transition, ensuring that regional towns play a key role in our national success,” Senator Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia.”?