This bill became law on Sep 17th, 2024.
Government & democracy
When a coal-fired or gas-fired power station closure is announced, the chief executive must identify affected employers and workers, and can ask the Fair Work CommissionThe workplace tribunal that can be asked to set formal transition obligations for affected employers and workers. to set formal transition obligations.
Announced closures of coal-fired and gas-fired power stations exposed a gap in support for affected workers, employers and related coal-supply businesses during the net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. shift. The bill creates the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions., sets formal worker transition processes, and helps steer investment into low-emissions projects and new jobs.
As more than 150 countries and almost all of Australia’s major trading partners committed to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. by 2050, the country faced the practical question of how workers, employers and regional economies tied to emissions-intensive industries would manage the shift while new clean-energy investment gathered pace. The bill answered that by turning the existing Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency that the bill turns into the new statutory authority. into a statutory authority with a worker-transition role and an investment-facilitation role, and after Parliament passed it in September 2024 the new framework became law through Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill into an Act of Parliament..
The main case against the bill was that it would create another Canberra bureaucracy, duplicate work already done elsewhere, and impose extra obligations on employers without delivering better outcomes for workers or regional communities. That criticism was pushed mainly by CoalitionThe opposition parties speaking against the bill in the debate. speakers and an Opposition Senate amendment, while some crossbenchMembers of Parliament or senators who are not in the government or the main opposition and who proposed some amendments. supporters instead argued the bill was too limited and needed stronger powers, wider coverage or clearer regional benefits.
Patrick Gorman MP introduced this bill. In the House final vote, support came from Labor, Greens, some crossbenchMembers of Parliament or senators who are not in the government or the main opposition and who proposed some amendments. members; opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, some crossbenchMembers of Parliament or senators who are not in the government or the main opposition and who proposed some amendments. members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 17 Sept 2024
Final passage
Recorded final vote
2 counted final-passage votes were recorded.
Passage speed
174 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
When a coal-fired or gas-fired power station closure is announced, the chief executive must identify affected employers and workers, and can ask the Fair Work CommissionThe workplace tribunal that can be asked to set formal transition obligations for affected employers and workers. to set formal transition obligations.
The worker transition rules can also cover businesses tied to a coal mine supplying a closing coal-fired power station, not just the power station operator itself.
Australia gets a new Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. to coordinate government action, encourage investment in low-emissions projects, and help workers in emissions-intensive industries move into new jobs or build new skills.
The Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. can refer matters to bodies like the Clean Energy Finance CorporationA government-backed finance body named in the Act as one of the entities to which the authority can refer matters. and ARENAThe renewable-energy agency named in the Act as one of the entities to which the authority can refer matters., helping connect net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. projects with public and private investment channels.
The law requires independent reviews when the board recommends one, or at least within 10 years if it does not, with public consultation, a report to the minister and tabling in Parliament.
(a) the CEO must undertake a community of interest process to identify closing employers, dependent employers and receiving employers; andNet Zero Economy Authority as-passed bill text
(4) An employer is also a dependent employer if:Net Zero Economy Authority as-passed bill text
(1) The Authority has the following functions:Net Zero Economy Authority as-passed bill text
(b) to facilitate public and private sector participation and investment in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and net zero transformation initiatives in Australia, including, but not limited to, referring matters to one or more of the entities mentioned in subsection (3);Net Zero Economy Authority as-passed bill text
The Minister must cause an independent review to be conducted of the operation of this Act: (a) on a recommendation of the Board under subsection (3); or (b) if no recommendation is made by the Board within the period of 9 years after the commencement of this Act—before the end of the period of 10 years after the commencement of this Act;Net Zero Economy Authority as-passed bill text
Context
As more than 150 countries and almost all of Australia’s major trading partners committed to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. by 2050, the country faced the practical question of how workers, employers and regional economies tied to emissions-intensive industries would manage the shift while new clean-energy investment gathered pace. The bill answered that by turning the existing Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency that the bill turns into the new statutory authority. into a statutory authority with a worker-transition role and an investment-facilitation role, and after Parliament passed it in September 2024 the new framework became law through Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill into an Act of Parliament..
Government introduces the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. bill
The bill was introduced as the government’s legislative response to the economic and workforce disruption expected as Australia moves towards net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets..
Parliamentary timeline ↗House debate links the bill to the global net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. shift
Speakers said more than 150 countries, including most major trading partners, had committed to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets., making industrial transition and new investment an immediate economic issue for Australia.
Hansard ↗Government says the new authority will replace an existing executive agency
During the second reading debate, the government said the bill would turn the Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency that the bill turns into the new statutory authority. inside Prime Minister and Cabinet into a standalone statutory authority.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses agreed on the final text, clearing the way for a permanent authority to coordinate transition support and help direct investment into low-emissions projects.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. becomes law
Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill into an Act of Parliament. completed the process and formally established the legal framework for the new authority and its worker-transition functions.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Referred to Committee (27/03/2024): Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Committee report (13/05/2024)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 88 to 53.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
Recorded vote: 82 to 51.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Recorded vote: 35 to 26.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 35 to 28.
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Third reading agreed to :
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Consideration of Senate message
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main case against the bill was that it would create another Canberra bureaucracy, duplicate work already done elsewhere, and impose extra obligations on employers without delivering better outcomes for workers or regional communities. That criticism was pushed mainly by CoalitionThe opposition parties speaking against the bill in the debate. speakers and an Opposition Senate amendment, while some crossbenchMembers of Parliament or senators who are not in the government or the main opposition and who proposed some amendments. supporters instead argued the bill was too limited and needed stronger powers, wider coverage or clearer regional benefits.
Most criticism was either CoalitionThe opposition parties speaking against the bill in the debate. opposition or conditional crossbenchMembers of Parliament or senators who are not in the government or the main opposition and who proposed some amendments. calls to strengthen the scheme.
Duplicative bureaucracy and red tape
Opponents argued the authority would be a costly, Canberra-centric layer of bureaucracy that duplicates existing agencies, adds red tape and industrial relations obligations for businesses, and still does not guarantee better results for workers or regions facing plant closures.
Too weak and too narrow to shape the transition well
Some supporters said the bill did not go far enough because it lacked stronger powers, broader coverage across emissions-intensive industries, clear duties to give frank advice, and practical mechanisms to ensure regional communities hosting renewable projects share in the benefits.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Passed 82 to 51. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 35 to 28. Support came from Labor and Greens. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 88 to 53. Support came from Labor, Greens, Centre Alliance, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 35 to 26. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Amendments grouped by chamber. Where APH reports aggregate counts, the package card summarizes the matching public amendment sheets by source theme.
House
Defeated 13 to 45. Support came from Greens, Centre Alliance, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This would have changed how the authority’s governing board and appointment process operated, but the amendment was defeated so the bill kept the government’s original framework.
Defeated 12 to 43. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This would have widened the bill’s worker-support review arrangements, but the amendment was defeated so the bill stayed narrower.
Defeated 8 to 44. Support came from minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This would have strengthened the bill’s focus on regional and local community outcomes, but the amendment was defeated and the bill retained a narrower framing.
Defeated 8 to 29. Support came from minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This would have increased parliamentary scrutiny of the authority’s corporate planning process, but the amendment was defeated.
Defeated 12 to 36. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The proposed changes did not alter the authority’s functions or operating framework.
Passed 89 to 51. Support came from Labor, Greens, Centre Alliance, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This completed the bill’s passage in both chambers in the same form and allowed it to proceed to assent.
This would change the bill text to rename the authority throughout as the Coal and Gas Fire Worker Transition Authority.
This would change the bill text to rename the authority throughout as the Coal and Gas Fire Worker Transition Authority.
Passed on the voices
The chamber agreed to this amendment without a counted vote — the presiding officer judged the ayes louder than the noes, and no member called for a division.
This would change the bill text to broaden the closing employer rules, including other relevant facilities or businesses and new tests tied to large facilities and specified businesses.
This would change the bill text to broaden the closing employer rules, including other relevant facilities or businesses and new tests tied to large facilities and specified businesses.
Passed on the voices
The chamber agreed to this amendment without a counted vote — the presiding officer judged the ayes louder than the noes, and no member called for a division.
The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Government amendments widen dependent employer coverage for constitutional corporations linked to coal mines and create compensation and injunction powers for court enforcement.
Passed on the voices
The chamber agreed to this amendment package without a counted vote. APH records the agreed count by amendment, while the source documents are grouped into amendment sheets.
Senate
Defeated 26 to 35. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This was a second-reading statement vote, not a direct change to the bill text, and it was defeated.
Passed 35 to 26. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This added review and accountability requirements to the bill before final passage.
Passed 40 to 20. Support came from Liberal Party, Greens, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This would have changed the bill’s board composition and expertise requirements, and the package was agreed to in the Senate.
The APH progress record says six Australian Greens amendments were agreed without a counted division being collected by this run.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
The parliamentary record also shows 6 Australian Greens amendments agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Gorman supports the bill and says it will help workers, communities and industry manage the shift to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. in an orderly way.
Read in Hansard ↗Darren Chester says the opposition will not support the bill because it duplicates existing Commonwealth functions and reflects a top-down Canberra approach that he says will fail regional Australia.
Read in Hansard ↗Tink supports the bill as a good start to guide Australia's net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. transition, but says it will only work if the government backs it with stronger climate targets, clearer policies, and better design changes.
Read in Hansard ↗Haines supports the bill, saying it is a start and that the authority is needed to manage the shift to a net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. economy.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
19 speakers · 22 contributions · 19 support
“The establishment of the Net Zero Economy Authority provides the foundation for this crucial and necessary opportunity and change. I ask the coalition again to reconsider their opposition to this legislation, to get with the 21st century. Stop looking for the 19th century. The future is in renewables, and I enthusiastically commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Patrick Gorman on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Gorman supports the bill and says it will help workers, communities and industry manage the shift to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. in an orderly way. He argues the new authority will back regional jobs, redeployment and investment so no-one is left behind.
“With this bill, Australians will be positioned to grab these opportunities.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Gorman supports the bill and says it is essential to creating the new Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions.. He argues it will help manage the transition to a net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. economy, protect workers and regions, and deliver jobs and opportunity without leaving anyone behind.
“I conclude with this. The Net Zero Economy Authority will play a pivotal role in Australia's successful transformation into a net zero economy. It will help ensure that we successfully navigate the changes that are happening across the world. We want to make sure that, in the enactment of this legislation, we leave no-one and no region behind. Our government will continue to take action to build the industries and create the jobs that underpin our future prosperity. This bill is an essential part of that. It's for those reasons that I commend both the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This legislation is crucial. Without it, the transition will proceed and potentially leave behind support for those who need it the most. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I owe it to the people of Cooper, to our workers, to those I have fought alongside and to all those I will continue to fight for to stand here today in fierce support of this bill—a bill I've fought for for a very long time, a bill that will change the story for a future powered by renewable energy, a bill shaped by the voices of workers, a bill that will bring us together to build a new economy with decent jobs and a clean future, a bill where no-one is left behind, a bill that shows we are about real change.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority supports Australian industries, workers and families to join the pathway to net zero. The new statutory agency will play an important role in driving our strategy. It will provide a centre for coordination and planning. It will foster and promote investment from the private and public sectors. It's very important to me and very important to Western Australia, and it will support workers affected by the transition.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Climate change poses an existential threat to our way of living. We've already started to see this, with more frequent floods, fiercer and faster bushfires, more intense and frequent storms, and the beginning of sea-level rise. Responding to climate change is not only necessary to mitigate the impacts at a local level; we, along with the rest of the world, need to transition to a net zero economy if we're going to have any hope of holding the temperature rises to 1.5 degrees and limiting the impact of climate change. We need to undertake this energy transition quickly, but we also need to do it in a managed way that brings all Australians along with us, ensures energy security and maximises our opportunities and our natural assets to become a renewable energy superpower. That is what the Net Zero Economy Authority is about.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“All this is why the federal government sees Newcastle and the Hunter as such a central place in our energy transformation, and it's why the Net Zero Economy Authority will be so vital to this transition. I give my full support to this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I commend the Bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Albanese Labor government is establishing a new net zero economy authority because we want to ensure Australia and regions like the Illawarra prosper in the future net zero global economy. The shift to net zero is already happening. Australia, along with the rest of the world, is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the middle of the century. The establishment of such an authority is not merely symbolic; it is a logical recognition of the scale and complexity of the task at hand.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill establishes the Net Zero Economy Authority and outlines its key functions, powers and governance arrangements. The Net Zero Economy Authority will promote orderly and positive economic transformation as the world decarbonises. This bill is essential for Australia to embrace our potential as a renewable energy superpower—an opportunity that Australia cannot afford to miss. This new authority will be crucial to ensuring that hardworking Australians in industries such as coal- or gas-fired power stations aren't left behind in the transition and can use their skills in our new renewable industries.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I welcome this critical step forward in Australia's transition towards net zero, which itself is necessary to tackle dangerous climate change. It's also necessary to ensure that Australia derives the greatest possible benefits from a global energy, technology and industrial transformation that is moving substantially and moving quickly. We can't afford to be left behind in that transformation. We've known for a long time, based on expert scientific advice and economic analysis, that making a swift, fair and well-planned transition will deliver the best economic outcomes, not to mention the best social and environmental outcomes. That's what this bill helps to deliver through the Net Zero Economy Authority.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“My government is investing in the new skills, new infrastructure, new incentives and new energy which will seize the opportunities which are there before us. This legislation is about seizing those opportunities and also about sharing them, making sure that people are not left behind. This is a reform that holds no-one back and progress that leaves no-one behind. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is incredibly important to our nation and incredibly important to our region, and I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But at the heart of the Net Zero Economy Authority are people. The sooner we invest in integrating our consumer energy resources like our batteries and our solar into the grid, the faster we will see the benefits.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Carina Garland on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Garland strongly supports the bill and says the new authority is needed to manage Australia’s net-zero transition, attract investment, and make sure workers and regions share in the benefits. She presents it as a major step in the government’s plan for a net-zero economy and emphasises jobs, skills, and orderly transition.
“This is really important legislation before us tonight, and I'm so pleased to support it and be part of a government that takes climate change and our responsibility to our communities really seriously.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Garland supports the bill and says the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. is needed to manage the transition to a renewable energy economy while backing workers, industries and regions. She argues it will help ensure no community is left behind as coal and gas facilities close and new clean energy opportunities grow.
“I believe that Australia's future is in renewable energy and that there are enormous opportunities that we as a nation can seize. I'm proud of our government's reliable renewables plan, which will deliver 82 per cent renewables by 2030. I'm proud to be part of a government that will, through this bill, help position this nation and our communities to take advantage of the opportunities that a transition to a net zero economy offers us. I'm really proud that, in that transition, we will support workers and industry and make sure that no community is left behind through positive and necessary generational change.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“We can only get to net zero if we all go there together. The transition needs to be well-managed, leaving no-one behind. If we don't get this right, our mandate to transition will evaporate. It is too important to be left to chance. I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is why this legislation is critical, as it establishes a permanent Net Zero Economy Authority. It is not only another stepping stone in our path towards net zero but it will ensure that our communities, especially in regional Australia, are not left behind. It's one of those measures that will define our response to the climate crisis, especially when examined by future generations.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Reducing emissions is at the centre of the Albanese government's plan to boost renewable energy. One of the essential components of that plan will be the Net Zero Economy Authority. It's why I stand today in support of these bills, the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Tania Lawrence on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Lawrence supports the bill and says the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. is needed to manage the transition to a lower carbon economy and help workers move from emissions-intensive industries into new jobs. She presents it as part of a broader government plan to seize the opportunities of net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. and avoid leaving workers behind.
“The core mission of the Net Zero Economy Authority is to facilitate the transition of workers from emissions intensive sectors to new sustainable job opportunities. This is not merely a matter of economic adjustment; it is about ensuring that those who have powered our industries for decades are not left behind as we embrace cleaner technologies and methods.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Tania Lawrence supports the bill and says the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe body created by this law to coordinate the net zero transition, facilitate investment, and support affected workers and regions. is needed to manage the transition to net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. in a way that protects workers, communities and First Nations interests. She backs the legislation because she sees it as an important part of building new jobs, coordination and investment in affected regions.
“To close, I echo the words of the Prime Minister on this bill: our government is absolutely determined to make this moment count, to make our future here in Australia, and this legislation is an important part of that.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
24 speakers · 25 contributions · 23 oppose · 1 unclear
“The member for Flynn was right; the level of duplication of the proposed Net Zero Economy Authority's responsibility to promote new investment in the net zero transition and existing Commonwealth entities is beyond a joke and will not be supported by those on the side of the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The proposal under the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill is that you're going to lose your job but it's okay for us to invest in another country. We can build that technical capacity somewhere else, even though it is this country's asset.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will be opposing this bill because it is a costly, union-pushed IR reform masquerading as a bill. It puts pressure on small, medium and large businesses. And, most importantly, it neglects our regions and does not help those local workers who are the backbone of the Australian economy and who we should be supporting in this place.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In large, this new authority is just providing more red tape for Australia and duplicating jobs that are already being done by other government agencies. I just can't see how it contributes to national wealth or progress.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will oppose the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024. This is due to bureaucratic waste and duplication, with a top-down, Canberra-centric approach that is set to fail on delivering the unique needs of the regions, the imposition of new obligations on small, medium and large businesses and the fact that this is another example of Labour's haphazard approach on industry policy which delivers no guarantees for local workers. I urge all members to vote this bill down.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is not a bill for the regions. Nor is it a bill to support the net zero transition. This is an industrial relations bill that the Labor government are gifting to the union movement. The coalition will oppose the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 because of their bureaucratic waste and duplication; top-down Canberra-centric approach which is set to fail on delivering on the unique needs of our regions; imposition of new obligations on small, medium and large businesses; and the fact that it is yet another example of Labor's haphazard, dysfunctional approach to industry policy which delivers no guarantees for local workers. The coalition will not be supporting these bills.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will oppose the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 because it's bureaucratic waste and duplication—a top-down, Canberra-centric approach which is set to fail on delivering unique needs of the regions.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will be opposing the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 due to their bureaucratic waste and duplication; their top-down Canberra centric approach, which is set to fail on delivering the needs of the regions; and their imposition of new obligations on small, medium and even some large businesses.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will oppose this bill due to its bureaucratic waste and duplication and a top-down approach based here in Canberra which is set to fail on delivering on the unique needs of the regions, which I have partly outlined and which other members, particularly Queensland members like the member for Hinkler and the member for Capricornia, have partly outlined as well. We will oppose this bill due to the imposition on family, small, medium and large businesses and the fact that this is another example of Labor's haphazard approach on industry policy which delivers no guarantees for local workers. There is no guarantee here at all.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I see such a contrast in what Labor is planning to do in supporting its own policy in relation to shutting down industries in regional Australia in the coal and resources sector and in energy with its plans for its ag policies. It's a completely opposite approach to supporting those communities that are going to be just as affected in the same way. Compare $64-odd million and $100 million in total for the live sheep, and yet what have we got for energy? There's $1.1 billion for what Labor's proposing in its renewables-only approach to this particular piece of legislation and its plans. This is a serious concern. This is just another major Canberra bureaucracy that has extraordinary costs for taxpayers and is a real challenge. Labor is ignoring the massive impost it is making with its policies on regional and more remote parts of Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We will oppose this bill for several reasons. Fundamentally, it is a philosophical difference and objection to the role of government that we believe in democratising power. That's an admirable thing because it means are we in this place for ourselves or for the nation. It's about democratising prosperity, and there's humility to that. Do we know better, or do we trust Australian ingenuity, Australian risk-takers and Australians who work hard to know better, particularly those in the regions. And because this bill disproportionately affects regional businesses, I do listen to my Nationals colleagues and my regional Liberal colleagues. I don't represent a regional seat, but that's the point. Because I don't represent a regional seat, who am I to tell my good friends in the Nationals and my good friends in regional Liberal areas what they should be doing? And it goes both ways. I wouldn't ask you to tell a metropolitan member what we should do in Melbourne, even though some do. That's the purpose of this place. There are 151 seats, each little bit of Australia broken up and represented. Through their voices, we get to the better decisions. So, when the regional and rural members, through our friends in the Nationals and our party, are telling us that this is going to hit the regions particularly hard, we should listen. I listen. The government benches should listen.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Members on the other side: open your eyes, start reading. If we want to transition away from our coal-based energy generation, we need to include nuclear. There will still be a place for the renewables that are there, because all the rules and subsidies are shutting our coal plants down, but we can't base our whole economy on it. It is absolute madness. Having an authority with government money to enable it is— (Time expired)”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will oppose the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill because it's bureaucratic waste and duplication, and it's a top-down, Canberra-centric approach, which is set to fail on delivering on the unique needs of the regions. It imposes new obligations on small, medium and large businesses, and the fact is that it's another example of Labor's haphazard approach on industry policy, which delivers no guarantees for local workers.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But, at the core of this bill, it isn't just about net zero. It is an industrial relations bill. What this legislation does is give the unions a big stick to threaten employers to provide paid time off, to facilitate activities to drive union membership—oh, we love that, because we clip the ticket on the way through for that, don't we, folks!—and enforce obligations that businesses may not be able to afford. The union movement want the Net Zero Economy Authority to be legislated because the authority will be able to collect the personal information of all employees, and those opposite do exactly what their union puppetmasters say.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024, which I will be opposing. The coalition will be opposing this bill for a number of reasons, and I will elaborate on all of these reasons.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As I touched on earlier, in addition to this stupidity, is the introduction of scope 3 emissions accounting. That might sound nice for the larger businesses that applies to, but that will cascade through our entire economy. The large business will have to get the small businesses supplying their supply chain to report their emissions. That small business may have five, six, seven, eight or 10 different customers. How do you split out the emissions for each of those individual customers? This is complete and utter nonsense. Added to that, last week we saw the government rush through the new emissions standards for vehicles. This will make the utes which all the tradies and many of the small businesses owners in my electorate drive, or perhaps their small trucks in which they deliver their goods, become more expensive. Every moment you turn a corner with this government, you see more red tape or regulation. It's more cost and more examples of why this government is bad for Australians; they just don't fundamentally understand the consequences of their policies. I oppose this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This isn't the only policy area in which we're seeing Canberra-centric decision-making. Just before question time today I took the opportunity to remind the House that the Australian wine industry is desperate for support.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Every decision Labor has made recently in relation to our energy market is only putting Australia and its energy security at risk. I cannot in good conscience support this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak on the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and related bill. I will not be supporting this ludicrous legislation. Like many communities right across the country, my electorate of Capricornia is experiencing the full brunt of this government's ideological push for irresponsible net zero target. In the Rockhampton region alone, the numerous wind farms are scarring the landscape of untouched remnant vegetation and prime agricultural land, while in the north of the electorate locals in the Eungella region are facing a David-and-Goliath battle to stop the state Labor government's attempt to build what they are describing as the world's largest pumped hydro scheme. Community groups already navigating a complex array of departmental regulation to oppose industrial-scale renewable energy projects near their homes now face increased government pressure favouring companies investing in renewable energy in the form of this Net Zero Economy Authority.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why we're going to oppose this bill, because it's about more obligations on business, on small, medium-sized and large businesses.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak in opposition to the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024, because this is just more of the same from the Albanese government. This is another cog in the machine that is their environmental policy, which will see this nation burdened with debt and dysfunction for generations to come. I certainly will not stand by and quietly let that happen. So speaking against this bill is important.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In due course, we will put forward our pathway to net zero as a coalition. It is a pathway that will absolutely honour communities, especially regional communities. It is a pathway that will be consumer centred when it comes to its planning and design. When it comes to social licence, it will be community centred. For these reasons, this bill must be opposed. With that, I ask the House to think about these communities, do what's in their interest and oppose this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Cameron Caldwell on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Cameron Caldwell opposes the bill, arguing it creates an expensive Canberra-based bureaucracy that duplicates the work of existing agencies like the CEFCA government-backed finance body named in the Act as one of the entities to which the authority can refer matters. and ARENAThe renewable-energy agency named in the Act as one of the entities to which the authority can refer matters.. He says the case for the new authority has not been made and that Labor is putting bureaucracy first instead of delivering for Australians.
“The new authority claims to facilitate public and private sector participation and investment in greenhouse gas emissions reduction and net zero transformation initiatives in Australia, including in new industries. This is almost copied and pasted from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation's legislated role to 'facilitate increased flows of finance into the clean energy sector and to facilitate the achievement of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets'. It would seem, on any reading, that this is duplication. Likewise, the role of Arena is to 'improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia and facilitate the achievement of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets'. The level of duplication of the proposed Net Zero Economy Authority's responsibility to promote new investment in the net zero transition and the existing Commonwealth entities is quite frankly beyond a joke. Australians deserve better than to have the same thing being done three or four times over at their expense. How many federal agencies tasked with renewable financing does this Labor government actually require?”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Cameron Caldwell opposes the bill, arguing that the new authority would add bureaucracy, duplicate existing state and industrial arrangements, and hand too much power to the union movement. He says it will create confusion for businesses and workers rather than genuinely support the net zeroThe emissions target used throughout the page, meaning Australia aims to balance remaining greenhouse gas emissions with removals or offsets. transition.
“I am pleased to be a member of the coalition which will not be supporting this bill.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak on the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024. Straight up: the coalition will be not be supporting these bills. Why? This is yet another attempt by the Albanese government to push their radical green agenda by transforming the Net Zero Economy Agency from being a division within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to a statutory agency. In the latest budget, the government doubled funding for this agency to a staggering $1.1 billion over the medium term. This on top of the billions of dollars already being moved into the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the newly branded Future Made in Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 1 support · 1 oppose · 1 mixed
“The Greens have said we need a legislated authority. Our version would be much stronger than this one. It would have a much wider remit and it would have money in its pocket to go and drive the transition. That is what we need. That's why we're going to be reserving our position in the Senate on this bill. It is time now for Labor to decide where it stands. If you're serious about getting to zero emissions, then have a plan for the whole of the economy but stop opening up coal and gas mines. You send mixed messages to the communities in the Hunter, the communities in Queensland and the communities in Western Australia when you say, 'We want to tackle the climate crisis' but then back new coal and gas mines. When you back new coal and gas mines and open them up, you suck up workers and capital that could be going to the zero-pollution industries of the future. Pick a lane, Labor. You can work with us to cut climate pollution, but if you keep opening new coal and gas mines you'll be exposed as climate frauds.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Greens have long supported a transition to a zero emissions society—a transition that must be used to create a more economically just and equal society. That means making sure that renewable electricity is readily available and affordable for everyone, that buildings and homes are sustainable and climate change ready and that more people are employed in the green economy. We must be ready for this future or Australia will be left behind yet again.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Greens are the only party pushing for a statutory authority to support all coal and gas workers through the transition to renewables. This is not that authority. At the crux of it, this legislation covers only 10 per cent of the workforce affected by any transition to net zero. It only relates to employees of coal and gas-fired power stations and coalmines supplying domestic power generation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
6 speakers · 5 support · 1 mixed
“I broadly welcome the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 then, along with its proposal to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority for the purposes of coordinating Australia's transformation to a net zero emissions economy. However, for the authority to achieve its goal of helping Australia to meet its greenhouse gas reductions targets, and to support the transition to a net zero emissions economy, its establishment must be accompanied by strong and clear climate targets; policies that provide clear direction and empowerment; and appropriate settings from the government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I have no argument with that. We must replace jobs in these communities as they transition out of fossil fuel generated electricity to a renewable economy and its why, ultimately, I support this bill. But I argue that we must, in parallel, consider the communities who have never been associated with electricity generation and who are now being asked to host the wind, the solar and the hydro that will power our future energy systems. What is this bill doing to ensure that the transition brings community benefit to these people? If the answer is, 'Nothing yet,' then I say, 'You are leaving these communities, like those in my electorate and many like them, behind.'”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The current bill, I would say, finally, is heavy on aspiration and broad objects, but it's light on detail and specifics. It desperately needs amending to genuinely fulfil the purpose it is intended to.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The cost of inaction is too great, both for the climate and for Australians struggling in a cost-of-living crisis. So I do hope that this authority can achieve its aims, and I'm very supportive of it, but at the moment it feels like, as a country, we're making lots of commitments and we're foreshadowing plans but without really firm timelines and without detailed commitments to change.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In conclusion, I believe the Net Zero Economy Authority has the potential to make a positive difference to how Australia decarbonises, and I will be supporting it. But it would have a better chance of delivering on its lofty objects if it could support workers not only to transition out of a career but also into a new decarbonised industry.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“By contrast, this legislation is a step in the right direction. I will support this legislation and, in doing so, I encourage the government to remain future focused rather than to be focused on the past.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 88 to 53.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 82 to 51.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 35 to 26.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Amendments considered
Recorded vote: 35 to 28.
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
House · Consideration of Senate message
House agreed to Senate amendments
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that makes a bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Committee report (13/05/2024)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (27 Mar 2024): Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Committee report (13 May 2024)
APH bill page notes
