Submission by the Australian Council of Trade Unions in response to the National Energy Workforce Strategy Consultation
Meeting the Australian Government’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 43 percent below 2005 levels and reaching net zero by 2050 will require a growing, skilled workforce across clean energy supply, demand, and enabling occupations. Addressing clean energy workforce needs is a national challenge. Skills shortages in the energy sector are already reported in Australia and internationally and are expected to worsen in key trades necessary for the energy transition as many countries around the world work to transform their energy systems and reduce their emissions. In addition, many of the trades required for clean energy are also needed to address the needs of other industries, such as construction & housing.
The high demand for energy workers presents an opportunity for many Australians to benefit from the clean energy transition. This could include increased engagement of previously underrepresented workers, including women, First Nations Peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and people with a disability, as well as workers in regional areas and those transitioning from high-emissions industries. As well as providing good jobs for Australian workers, the clean energy transition provides a valuable opportunity to diversify our energy workforce, bring more employment to regional areas, and progress social objectives such as closing the gap and gender equity.
The National Energy Workforce Strategy (NEWS) presents a unique opportunity to ensure Australia has the workforce it needs to meet its net-zero ambition. Structuring this foundational strategy on the principles of fair and just transition for all is key to its implementation and longevity. ACTU emphasizes that the best way to grow a clean energy workforce of the future at the speed and scale necessary is to make clean energy jobs attractive: i.e., well-paid, safe, and secure.
This submission discusses key challenges faced by the Australian Clean Energy workforce while providing recommendations for effectively tackling them for a successful just and fair energy transition that delivers benefits for workers and communities.
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