The Future Made in Australia Bill has passed parliament. This is a huge win for ETU members.
Future Made in Australia will create more jobs for workers in the electrical trades; secure, safe, well-paid jobs in the transition to net zero.
It will develop local workforces, increase skills and workforce diversity and help workers to stay in their local communities. And is our chance to bring manufacturing back to Australia!
Key investments under a Future Made in Australia plan must:
- Create safe, secure, and well-paying jobs with good conditions.
- Develop a skilled and inclusive workforce.
- Work together with local communities, including those affected by the transition to net zero, to achieve positive outcomes.
- Support First Nations communities and traditional owners to benefit from the net zero transition.
- Strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, including enhancing local supply chains.
- Ensure transparency and compliance with Australia’s tax system.
Along with the important role that Australian based manufacturing will play as part of the Future Made in Australia, the ETU has been making sure that we get the investment and supporting in training to make sure that our current members – and our electricians of the future – can take up jobs in these new industries, building a strong future for the electrical trades.[KH1]
A core win for skills and training for the ETU is the creation of the Building Women’s careers program, an opportunity for the ETU to work with Government to bring more women into our trades, along with the eligibility expansion of the New Energy Apprenticeships Payment – giving more apprentices working in and alongside new energy projects the financial support of a $10,000 payment to help them through their apprenticeships.
And crucially, the Net Aero Economy Authority is also now law.[JS2] A great in to have along with Future Made in Australia. This is a massive for union members after a decade-long fight to make sure we have a fair and just transition to a clean energy future. The NZEA is about respect and recognition of energy workers and their communities as we transition away from coal. These workers have literally kept the lights on for all of us and they deserve a fair and prosperous future.
“This is a significant moment for coal workers and their families. No worker should be left behind and it’s crucial we recognise and support these workers as we transition to a renewable energy future.” – ETU National Secretary Michael Wright