Unions welcome the Greens’ decision to support the Albanese Government’s emissions reduction Bill.
All workers in all sectors are being impacted by climate change through extreme and dangerous heat, more frequent and intense climate-induced disasters which are currently destroying homes and contributing to rising inflation by destroying crops.
The division and inaction of the previous Coalition Governments has made Australia a climate laggard and its very welcome to see the Albanese Government, Greens and independents working together while Dutton’s Coalition becomes increasingly irrelevant.
We now need to work together on the next steps: making Australia a renewable energy superpower and establishing an Energy Transition Authority to support workers and communities affected by the transition to secure good jobs. Unions will work with the Albanese Government to ensure no worker is left behind.
Quotes attributable to ACTU President Michele O’Neil:
“All workers are being impacted by climate change and by climate-induced disasters – food is becoming less affordable as farmland is destroyed, homes are being destroyed, and jobs are harder to do in the extreme climates. Climate change is union business, and we look forward to working with the Albanese Government on supporting workers and their communities in both industries in transitions and the creation of good, secure, and well-paid union jobs in the renewables sector.
“We do not have to choose between jobs and action on climate-change, we can and must have both.
“After a decade of being an international climate laggard under previous divisive and inactive Coalition Governments, it is a very welcome that the Greens will support the Albanese Government’s climate change Bill.
“As we move towards net zero emissions unions will work with the Albanese Government to ensure no regions or workers are left behind.”
