A new Authority is to be established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) to support Australia’s transition to new zero.
Announcing the Net Zero Authority, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Authority would support workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment, skills and support as the net zero transformation continued.
Mr Albanese said it would also be responsible for coordinating programs and policies across Government to support regions and communities to attract and take advantage of new clean energy industries.
“The Authority will help steer the Government’s agenda to support communities, workers and industries,” Mr Albanese said.
“Its mission is aligned to the Paris Agreement and is about making sure that no one is held back as the economy changes,” he said.
“The Authority will include a focus on regions and industries that have traditionally powered Australia’s economy.
“As traditional industries adapt and transform, the Authority will work to ensure new industries are coming online, and workers, communities and regions are supported.”
Mr Albanese said Government would work to legislate the Net Zero Authority following detailed design in consultation with stakeholders.
He said to kick-start the Authority’s responsibilities immediately, the Government would recommend to the Governor-General that an Executive Agency be established from 1 July in PM&C.
“This will include engaging with key regions, industries, investors and others to start to develop strategies for how the Australian Government can best support positive transformation,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Agency will also consult across government and stakeholders to refine the functions and powers of the authority before legislation is developed.”
