NATIONAL NET ZERO AUTHORITY VITAL TO ENSURE AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY TRANSITION IS FAST, BEST AND JUST

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia has welcomed the federal government’s announcement that an energy transition authority – called the National Net Zero Authority - will be established to coordinate Australia’s transition to renewable energy.

“This Authority will have a critical role to play in ensuring Australia’s shift to renewable energy is fast, best and just,” said Cam Crawford, WWF-Australia’s Energy Transition Manager.

“Coordinated, long-term planning is needed to make sure no worker or community is left behind as we move to power our domestic energy needs with renewables."

“The Government’s commitment to legislate an independent, statutory Authority will support workers and communities affected by the transition and help deliver much-needed education, skills training, and new jobs in a renewables nation."

“This must include communities that have previously relied on fossil fuel jobs, regional communities, and First Nations communities."

“Established energy regions like the Hunter Valley have been the backbone of our economy for decades and we need to ensure these workers and communities continue to prosper in a renewable energy-powered future.”

WWF, the Business Council of Australia, Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Conservation Foundation called for a national authority to plan Australia’s energy transition as part of a joint submission to the 2023-24 Federal Budget.

Mr Crawford said he hoped to see more positive commitments for climate and nature in next week’s budget.

“We need a coordinated national renewable export strategy to ensure that Australia is well positioned to attract the finance and maximise the opportunities of the global energy transition, and secure our position as a renewable energy superpower,” he said. 

“The roll out of clean energy solutions is vital for our country now, and for the next generation to ensure we have energy security that delivers for people and nature. We must build a world-leading renewables industry in a way that doesn’t do significant damage to ecosystems."

“With the right renewables projects in the right locations, we can create a future that benefits our environment, communities and the economy.”