Climate – ACTU response to Finkel Review findings

9 June 2017

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has today urged the Turnbull Government to be open minded in its response to the findings of the Finkel Review into the Future of Security of Australia’s Energy Market.
The Government must get on with making energy more affordable, reduce pollution and provide a just transition for workers and communities affected by the energy sector’s transformation. 

The key findings of the report are:

• Establishment of a Clean Energy Target
• Generators required to provide three years’ notice of their intention to close
• Better system planning through a NEM-wide integrated grid plan
• A new Energy Security Board

 Quotes attributable to ACTU President Ged Kearney:

• “The ACTU is calling on the Turnbull Government to be ambitious, act in a timely fashion, and be open-minded in its response to the Finkel Review findings. “
• “We need clarity and certainty on what the best solution is to lower power prices, provide energy security and support job creation in, and for, communities affected by industry changes.”
• “Australia’s energy system, as is the case the world over, is being transformed by a move to renewable energy and battery storage, as it is cleaner, cheaper and more reliable.”
• “For workers, it is critical that a plan is formulated and adopted to assist people in this transition.”
• “We will be considering the details of the review closely over the coming days, but it is immediately clear that the report states the need for an orderly transition that includes workforce preparedness.”
• “The Finkel Review recommends an orderly transition for the energy sector. The ACTU has previously recommended the establishment of the Energy Transition Authority to navigate the transition to a clean energy economy.”
• “The report also recommends a three year notice period before generator withdrawal, which would provide some notice for workers and communities.”