The Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024 establishes the Net Zero Economy Authority as a statutory body tasked with supporting Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions economy. The Authority’s functions include coordinating government policies, encouraging investment in emissions reduction and net zero initiatives, supporting workforce transition, promoting education and awareness, and facilitating participation by Indigenous peoples in the opportunities arising from the transition. The Act sets out the governance framework for the Authority, which consists of a Board, a Chief Executive Officer and staff engaged under the Public Service Act 1999. The Board is responsible for strategic direction, while the CEO oversees day-to-day administration. Board membership must collectively reflect expertise in areas such as labour markets, business, climate policy, energy markets, regional development, Indigenous leadership and law. The legislation also establishes a Stakeholder Panel to provide non-binding advice and creates mechanisms for ministerial oversight, reporting, information sharing, delegation of powers and periodic independent reviews of the Authority’s operations. The Act also includes the Energy Industry Jobs Plan, which applies when coal-fired or gas-fired power stations are scheduled to close. The legislation creates processes to identify affected employers and workers, enables applications to the Fair Work Commission for community of interest determinations, and imposes obligations on employers to support workforce transitions through career planning, training, engagement with prospective employers and redeployment assistance. It also establishes the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group, grants information-gathering powers to the CEO, provides for civil penalties, compensation orders and injunctions for non-compliance, and includes safeguards governing the disclosure and use of information.
أستراليا · 2024-09-17