Energy Industry Jobs Plan review tabled in Parliament

Earlier this month, Tim Ayres, the Science, Industry and Innovation Minister, tabled the statutory review of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan under the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) Act in Parliament.

The review (Report) provides a timely assessment of how Australia is supporting workers and communities through the energy transition, particularly in regions impacted by the closure of coal-fired power stations and mines.

A stronger framework for transition

The Report sets out 12 recommendations, alongside a series of priority actions for both the Net Zero Economy Authority (Authority) and the Australian Government.

At its core, the review signals a shift toward earlier planning, clearer obligations and more coordinated regional support.

Key recommendations for Government

The Report recommends that the Australian Government consider reforms to strengthen how transition support is delivered, including:

Earlier, enforceable workforce arrangement

Allowing employers, workers and unions to enter into binding agreements before a formal "community of interest" process is triggered.

Targeted support for coal mine closures

Developing a consistent model to support workers impacted by mine closures.

Regional Transition Agreements

Establishing place-based agreements in priority regions, co-designed with Commonwealth, State and local governments, alongside industry and community stakeholders.

Incentives for redeployment

Exploring additional mechanisms to encourage employers to hire workers participating in the Energy Industry Jobs Plan.

Earlier access to information

Expanding the Authority’s powers to gather information ahead of the current two-year closure trigger, enabling more proactive workforce planning.

Broader worker coverage

Extending the definition of "dependent employer" to capture a wider range of workers, including certain labour-hire employees connected to power station operations.

Recommendations for the Authority

The Report also identifies practical steps for the Authority to improve transparency and implementation:

• Publishing a forward work plan of expected closures over a five-year horizon
• Providing clearer, more targeted guidance to employers and stakeholders
• Establishing proactive compliance and enforcement mechanisms to reduce the risk of avoidance

Why this matters

Taken together, the recommendations reflect a growing policy focus on managing the human impacts of the energy transition, not just the technical or commercial challenges.

For employers, this points to increased expectations around early engagement, workforce planning and compliance. For workers and communities, it signals a more structured and coordinated approach to transition support.

As the pace of energy transition accelerates, the proposed reforms aim to ensure that planning for workforce impacts keeps pace.

Written by Shannon Chapman and Joshua Gordon