A win for workers and the environment!

Today, 28th September, the Queensland Government announced a world leading investment in publicly owned energy and the professionals who deliver it, with a commitment to move to 70% renewable energy by 2032.

To achieve this, the government will establish new renewable generation and the supporting infrastructure - all while maintaining majority public ownership.

The Queensland Energy Plan maps out the state's transition to a renewable future over the next 10-15 years and includes important details about funding, planning, and importantly workforce planning.

Importantly for Professionals Australia members, the Queensland Energy Plan includes an Energy Workers' Charter that ensures the government will support employees of Government Owned Corporations through any necessary transitions, including retraining, transferring to new roles, and the establishment of an Energy Industry Council to ensure workers are consulted throughout the transition.

Critically, the charter contains a Jobs Guarantee to ensure no power worker is abandoned as the energy sector transforms.

The Queensland Energy Plan represents years of campaigning by Professionals Australia members, staff and our comrades in other unions.

All Professionals Australia members should be proud of the role played in the establishment of this policy and know that as part of your union, you have helped build a more secure, cleaner, and more prosperous future for all Queenslanders.

Key QEP outcomes:
  • 70% renewables by 2032
  • $62 billion to fund renewable energy projects and upgrades
  • Jobs guarantee for energy GOC workers
  • Support for skills development and retraining through well-funded pool system
  • Establishment of an energy industry committee to facilitate planning the transition
  • Introduction of a Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs advocate to support workforce transition
  • Continued involvement of unions throughout the transition
  • Significant investment in pumped hydro storage
  • Support to include workers in associated coal mines that don’t have viable export opportunities such as Mandu and Kogan Creek Mine.