In October ETU QLD & NT Secretary Peter Ong signed the Queensland Government’s Energy Workers’ Charter – the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The Workers Charter forms part of the Government’s new Queensland Energy Plan and outlines how the Queensland Government will achieve its renewable energy targets and ensure a sustainable and affordable energy future for Queenslanders.
“This plan is the first of its kind in Australia,” says ETU Divisional Branch Secretary Peter Ong. “It will see a $62 billion investment from our state government into clean energy assets and a Just Transition for workers and communities.
The charter guarantees every worker affected by station shutdowns a job in a government owned energy organisation. There will be opportunities for early retirement for workers approaching the end of their careers and new and futureproofed opportunities for other workers.
The ETU signed the charter along with other unions and stakeholders, the Premier, and the Minister for Energy.
“We have been involved in the development of the Energy Workers’ Charter from start to finish, and today, I signed it on behalf of our Union. The charter guarantees that no energy worker will be out of work through the transition to renewable energy,” said ETU State Secretary Peter Ong.
“Our members in coal fired power stations know that the industry is changing. They need a plan. And I’m confident that the Energy Workers Charter is that security they need,” he said.
The Premier announced new renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035 and has committed to retaining public ownership for the majority of renewable assets.
“We must maintain our current market share of 54% publicly owned generating capacity when we transition to renewable assets,” said Mr Ong.
“This is a historic day for Queensland, and I’m sure our Energy Plan will be used as a model across the world in the move to cleaner energy while looking after energy workers, their families, and communities.
“I’m immensely proud to say that our Union has been involved in the development of the Plan and Workers Charter that will shape the future of our state and give our members the insurance and stability they deserve,” says Mr Ong.
Check out the Workers Charter here.
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