The Electrical Trades Union welcomes the ALP’s commitment to a clearly modelled 2030 emissions reduction target of 43 per cent to be realised through investment in real jobs and critical energy infrastructure upgrades.
ETU National Secretary Allen Hicks said the ALP’s policies to reduce emissions are a necessary intervention in an increasingly fragile energy system.
“Privatisation and marketisation of Australia’s energy system has left our energy network vulnerable to the impacts of the energy transition and unprepared for the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events caused by climate change,” Mr Hicks said.
“The suite of policies put forward by Labor to address these shortfalls will strengthen the energy network while creating thousands of jobs.”
The ETU also welcomed the ALP’s plan to regularly review and update emissions reductions targets.
“We have long needed a mechanism to take the hyper partisan politics out of the climate debate,” Mr Hicks said.
“Climate change is already impacting us and the energy transition is not a thing of the future, it is happening right now.
“But under the Morrison Government, power stations are closing, workers are losing their jobs and communities are suffering because there has been no plan to look after them.
“The ALP’s policies are a welcome step in the right direction but they must ensure they deliver secure union jobs and protect workers and communities impacted by the transition.
“11 coal fired power stations have closed under the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison governments and not one of them was planned, leaving workers and their communities devastated by the fallout.
“With enforceable procurement settings which guarantee secure jobs and maximise local businesses in the supply chain, Australia’s climate action can deliver real benefits for Australian workers.
“We also recognise some industries are changing and if elected, an ALP Government must urgently create a Just Transition Authority to deliver the proper planning and support needed to secure dignity and new jobs with equivalent wages and conditions for workers in emissions intensive sectors.”
