Greg Combet's previous role as a union negotiator will help him as the new climate change minister, the mining union says.
Mr Combet has vowed to bring "common sense" to the climate change debate, and has warned that he will fight for coal industry jobs as he pursues a price on carbon.
The former ACTU secretary represents an electorate in the NSW Hunter region that is home to mining workers.
The General President of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union's Mining Division, Tony Maher, said he agreed with Mr Combet's assessment that measures to reduce carbon emissions needed to be compatible with a growing economy and resources sector.
"It's going to be a tough job," Mr Maher told ABC Radio today.
"He'll have to deal to the left and deal to the right but he's the best negotiator in Parliament."
Mr Maher cited Mr Combet's role in the James Hardie asbestos dispute and the 1998 national stevedoring strike as examples of the minister's negotiating experience.
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