Another layer of bureaucracy
Critics argued the bill mainly sets up another public body that duplicates work already done elsewhere, increasing administration, regulation and business costs without clear extra benefits.
This bill became law on Sep 5th, 2024.
Government & democracy
Coal and gas power station closure notices given before this law starts can still trigger worker transition help under the Energy Industry Jobs PlanThe worker transition scheme in the companion Act. This transitional bill makes clear that some closure notices given before commencement can still trigger that support..
Shifting from the Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. to the new AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. created startup gaps: earlier coal and gas closure notices could miss worker help, and waiting for a board could delay the body’s launch. This bill lets transition assistance still flow and sets temporary rules to move staff, documents and leadership across quickly.
After the Prime Minister announced the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. on 5 May 2023, the government moved to turn the existing Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. inside Prime Minister and Cabinet into a standalone statutory authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. to coordinate the net zero transition and support affected workers and regions. The transitional bill responded to startup gaps in that handover by preserving access to the Energy Industry Jobs PlanThe worker transition scheme in the companion Act. This transitional bill makes clear that some closure notices given before commencement can still trigger that support. for some earlier closure notices and by allowing faster transfer of staff, documents and initial leadership, before Parliament passed it in August 2024 and Royal Assent followed in September.
The main criticism was that the bill creates another Canberra bureaucracy that duplicates existing agencies, adds red tape and costs for business, and still may not deliver real help to regional workers and communities through the energy transition. That case was pushed most clearly by Coalition speakers and an opposition Senate amendment, while some crossbench supporters raised narrower concerns about consultation, timelines and whether the authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries.’s powers were strong enough.
The government introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, some crossbench members; opposed by Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 05 Sept 2024
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
162 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Coal and gas power station closure notices given before this law starts can still trigger worker transition help under the Energy Industry Jobs PlanThe worker transition scheme in the companion Act. This transitional bill makes clear that some closure notices given before commencement can still trigger that support..
The Minister can appoint the first Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. chief executive without waiting for a recommendation from the board, so the new body can start operating sooner.
The Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. board does not have to hold its usual six meetings in its first calendar year, giving the new body more flexibility while it starts up.
Documents held by the current Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. will move across to the new Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. when the new body starts.
Staff moving into the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. keep working under the Prime Minister and Cabinet workplace agreement for now, and the Minister can make extra transition rules but cannot use them to create offences, taxes or new spending.
(1) Subsections 9(1) and (2) of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024 apply in relation to a notice given before, on or after the commencement day.Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Act 2024 final Act text
Note: The effect of this item is that the Minister may appoint the first CEO without a recommendation of the Board.Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Act 2024 final Act text
Note: The effect of this item is that the Board is not required to convene 6 meetings in the first calendar year in which that Act commences.Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Act 2024 final Act text
(2) The documents are to be transferred to the Net Zero Economy Authority on or after the commencement day.Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Act 2024 final Act text
(2) Without limiting subitem (1), the rules may prescribe matters of a transitional nature (including prescribing any saving or application provisions) relating to:Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Act 2024 final Act text
Context
After the Prime Minister announced the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. on 5 May 2023, the government moved to turn the existing Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. inside Prime Minister and Cabinet into a standalone statutory authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. to coordinate the net zero transition and support affected workers and regions. The transitional bill responded to startup gaps in that handover by preserving access to the Energy Industry Jobs PlanThe worker transition scheme in the companion Act. This transitional bill makes clear that some closure notices given before commencement can still trigger that support. for some earlier closure notices and by allowing faster transfer of staff, documents and initial leadership, before Parliament passed it in August 2024 and Royal Assent followed in September.
Prime Minister announces the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries.
The government said it would create the authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries., establishing the policy shift that later required the existing agencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. to be turned into a standalone statutory body.
Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) explanatory memorandum ↗Government introduces the transitional bill
The bill was introduced to manage the handover from the Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. to the new authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. so worker assistance, staffing, records and leadership could continue without delay.
Parliamentary timeline ↗House debate explains the agencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure.-to-authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. handover
During resumed House debate, speakers described the paired bills as moving the Net Zero Economy AgencyThe existing executive agency inside the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the legislation moves into the new authority structure. from Prime Minister and Cabinet into a standalone statutory authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries..
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the transfer rules and temporary appointment arrangements to take legal effect.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal Assent creates the Act
Royal Assent completed the legislation, allowing the transition machinery for staff, documents, board meetings and the first chief executive to operate under law.
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: 86 to 51.
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 agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
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 agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill creates another Canberra bureaucracy that duplicates existing agencies, adds red tape and costs for business, and still may not deliver real help to regional workers and communities through the energy transition. That case was pushed most clearly by Coalition speakers and an opposition Senate amendment, while some crossbench supporters raised narrower concerns about consultation, timelines and whether the authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries.’s powers were strong enough.
Most criticism centred on bureaucracy and implementation, with some support remaining conditional on stronger safeguards.
Another layer of bureaucracy
Critics argued the bill mainly sets up another public body that duplicates work already done elsewhere, increasing administration, regulation and business costs without clear extra benefits.
May not do enough for regions and workers
A separate concern was that the authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. could remain too Canberra-led or too weak in practice, leaving regional communities without enough consultation, firm commitments or practical support during the net zero transition.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
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 86 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 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.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
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. The amendment was defeated, so the Senate rejected the opposition's critique and kept the government's bill moving.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Darren Chester opposes the bill, arguing the new authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. duplicates existing agencies and reflects Labor's top-down, Canberra-knows-best approach instead of genuine investment facilitation and jobs creation.
Read in Hansard ↗Tink says she broadly supports the bill because a net zero transition authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. can help manage Australia’s shift to clean energy in a fair way.
Read in Hansard ↗Haines supports the bill as a necessary step in the net zero transition, but says it must be improved with amendments so regional communities that host renewable projects are properly consulted and receive real benefits.
Read in Hansard ↗Keith Pitt opposes the bill, arguing that it will cost regional workers and communities their current jobs and weaken energy security.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
19 speakers · 21 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 ↗
“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 the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This transition is important and happening, and the Net Zero Economy Authority that this bill seeks to establish is such an important addition to our strategy to manage the transition to net zero. The authority's primary task is to implement the Energy Industry Jobs Plan. This plan is designed to assist employees affected by the closure of coal- and gas-fired power stations. It includes jobs and skills matching, training, career planning and financial advice. By facilitating redeployment arrangements, the plan ensures that workers can smoothly transition into new employment opportunities within the clean energy sector while ensuring that no worker and no region is left behind as we move towards a net zero future.”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 ↗
“In conclusion, we know that workers in communities have always played a significant role in the energy industry, right back to the 1890s—the Collie I talked about earlier versus the Collie of the 2030s. For this government, we will continue to see these communities play an important role—and that is our No. 1 priority as we travel on the pathway to net zero. While we're travelling on this journey together, it's not in isolation; it's a race. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This new authority, with its focus on managing economic change, compliments over $40 billion in government initiatives to reduce emissions and become a renewable energy superpower.”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 ↗
“And now with the introduction of this Bill, to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Net Zero Economy Authority will ensure we're looking after Australia's workers and our regions as we transform from a fossil fuel based economy to a renewable energy superpower. This recognises that the way we navigate economic change is just as important as reaching the destination of the net zero economy. The authority will be a partner on behalf of the government with industry and investors in getting big transformational projects happening—projects that decarbonise industrial facilities, build new industries and grow the future economic base for regions like the Illawarra.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill helps us to do that, and I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are doing that, and this bill is a big step in that direction.”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 ↗
“I am going to make one last point, and that is about the alternatives that have been brought up. When we look at this Net Zero Economy Authority, the one thing it won't be doing is looking at nuclear. The costings show us that nuclear is the most risky, most expensive option that we have. Instead, the Albanese government is getting on with the job, with record investments in renewables, batteries and large-scale storage and the most affordable options for Australians—clean, cheap, reliable, renewable energy to create a resilient system that Australians deserve.”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, saying it is an important step in building the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. and helping workers, regions and industry benefit from the transition to net zero. She backs it because she sees the authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. as essential to managing economic change and creating secure jobs and investment.
“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 standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. is needed to help workers, communities and industry manage the shift to a renewable energy economy. She argues it will coordinate support, redeploy workers and make sure no community is left behind during the transition.
“I'm really proud to be part of a government that wants to seize the opportunity presented, and the Net Zero Economy Authority is a key part of the plan to do this. Its job is to ensure we are looking after Australia's workers and regions as we transform from a fossil fuel based economy to a renewable energy superpower. This recognises that the way we navigate economic change is as important as reaching the destination of a net zero economy. The authority will, on behalf of government, be a partner with industry and investors in getting big, transformational projects happening. Importantly, the authority will support workers through the change. As Australia's ageing fleet of power stations retires, the authority will take a collaborative and consultative approach in working with employers, unions and others to support workers into new opportunities. This is not just the right thing to do by workers; it also ensures we're making good use of the highly skilled workers we need more of in the net zero economy.”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
Tania Lawrence supports the bill because she says the Net Zero Economy AuthorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. is central to managing Australia’s shift to a lower carbon economy while protecting jobs. She frames it as an orderly transition that should move workers from emissions-intensive industries into new sustainable work opportunities.
“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 as part of the government's net zero transition plan, saying it will help workers, communities and investors manage the shift fairly and effectively. She argues the legislation is an important part of making Australia’s future, with a focus on collaboration and just transition support.
“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 · 24 oppose
“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. He quite rightly asked, 'How many federal agencies tasked with renewable financing does the Commonwealth actually require?' This approach—the Labor Party's approach, backed by the Greens, focused on facilitating investment consistent with net zero ambitions—also leans on this government's preference for trying to pick winners with its Canberra-knows-best mentality rather than genuine investment facilitation and jobs creation. It is a top-down approach which has been proven to fail on many occasions.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I want to see a nation which has energy security. I want our country to be stronger, not weaker. I want us to be self-reliant when it comes energy. I want us to be able to deliver affordable, reliable energy that makes all our businesses competitive, not just the ones that elected the Labor government, the ones they picked out for their 'Made in Australia / Made in America' fund. We want every business in this country to be competitive, and we want those people who have jobs right now to keep them. Labor's proposal is for those jobs to be lost; the coalition's proposal is for those opportunities to be maintained.”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.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is all about Labor's renewables-only policy. When I look at the legislation, I again see a dismissive approach. We see another big Canberra-centric bureaucracy going to dictate yet again to regional Australia what we should and shouldn't have and how it should work. We have unique needs in the regions, but I don't expect—and I know, from many years of experience in this place—that those who will be part of this authority actually live, work, breathe and exist like we do in the regions and understand it well enough to make sound decisions.”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.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 are green-sounding, motherhood-statement-type bills, the latest and greatest of many that this government is introducing, trying to portray a change of our baseload energy system into a mythical, utopian green renewable based energy system. The legislation will coordinate the destruction of our energy system, coordinate policy and planning across government, and facilitate both government and private participation in investment—which is usually code for 'price signals', commonly known as subsidies—and support for affected workers. It will support First Nations Australians to participate in the transition—I'm just not too sure how solar panels and wind farms will do that—and deliver educational and promotional initiatives as Australia transitions to a net zero economy.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will be opposing this bill for many reasons. It's bureaucratic waste and duplication. 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 it is another example of Labor's haphazard approach to 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 ↗
“Therefore, for all these reasons, the coalition and I will be opposing this bill.”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 ↗
“But no, that's not what this bill seeks to do—this bill which, Madam Deputy Speaker, it will come as no surprise to you that the coalition will oppose. This bill doesn't seek to do that. This bill seeks to spend $1.1 billion dollars, that's more money than you can fire a rocket ship over. They are taxpayers dollars, real dollars in the real economy, not in the net zero economy, to effectively push industry—in particular, small, medium, family businesses—into the pursuit of net zero technologies.”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.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The essence of this bill is basically to create a new authority. Everything they want this authority to do already sits with an executive agency within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. But Labor's go-to on any issue, any policy, is: 'Let's create more of a bureaucracy. Let's create more government employees on taxpayer funded salaries, more bureaucracy, more red tape, more green tape, more everything tape to make things more difficult.' That's what this bill is about—creating another layer, another bureaucracy, to make things more difficult in this sector. 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 ↗
“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
Caldwell says the coalition will oppose the bill because he sees the new authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries. as bureaucratic duplication that adds Canberra layers without guaranteeing better outcomes for regional workers. He argues existing agencies already cover the same functions and says the proposal puts bureaucracy first and Australians last.
“The plan fails to specify or anticipate the types of employment that workers may transition into. This is essentially an IR bill disguised as a bill for the regions and the transition. The coalition will oppose this bill because, ultimately, it's bureaucratic waste and duplication, because it has a top-down, Canberra-centric approach which is set to fail on delivering for the unique needs of regional Queensland and Australia, because of the imposition of new obligations on small, medium and large businesses and because of the fact that it is another example of Labor's haphazard approach on industry policy which delivers actually no guarantees for local workers.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Cameron Caldwell says the coalition will not support the bill because he считает it a union-driven industrial relations measure that creates a new authorityThe standalone statutory authority created by the companion Act to coordinate net zero transition work and support affected workers, regions and industries., collects workers' personal information, and does not genuinely help the regions or energy workers. He argues it adds bureaucracy and confusion while leaving the costs and disruption to smaller businesses and workers.
“The energy industry jobs plan is bought and paid for by the union movement. The union movement want the Net Zero Economy Authority to be legislated because the authority would be able to collect the personal information of employees of coal-fired power stations from financial records through to phone numbers. Indeed this bill does not even require the relevant employees' consent for the information to be passed from their employer onto the Net Zero Economy Authority, and the legally mandated trade union representation is on its board. This bill is not a bill for the regions; nor is it a bill to support the net zero transition or energy sector workers. This is an industrial relations bill that the Labor government are gifting to the union movement. I am pleased to be a member of the coalition which will not be supporting this bill.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“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.”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.”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.”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.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“With amendments, I am confident that an independent net zero economy authority will enable us to make the most of our natural advantages while creating opportunities and well-paid smart jobs. However, it is ironic, as I said at the beginning, that the first bill before the parliament following the government announcing its Future Gas Strategy is this one.”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. As a country, we do know what we need to do, but we seem to be held back, whether that is by lack of vision or lack of commitment or by factional interests or debts to vested interests. We have a single shot at getting to net zero. We owe the next generation nothing less. We just need the political will and the courage to actually do that. I commend the bill to the House.”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. I will support the member for Indi's amendments on this topic. It would also have a better chance if it could support workers in all emissions-intensive industries and not just coal- or gas-fired power station closures, and, importantly, if it were required to give frank and fearless advice to the government—which includes challenging policies and approaches that are inconsistent with meeting our emissions targets, such as the Future Gas Strategy.”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: 86 to 51.
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 · Third reading agreed to
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 · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 35 to 28.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
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 Assent, 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