The Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA) has applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a community of interest determination to support workers as AGL’s Torrens Island B Power Station closes.
If approved, this decision would implement the Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP), which aims to ensure that workers are provided with the training, career and financial advice, and access to new job opportunities they need, and follows a thorough assessment process in consultation with key stakeholders.
If the FWC determines to implement the EIJP, workers at Torrens Island B, a gas-fired power station in Adelaide, will be able to access further supports from their employer, to assist them in finding new employment.
Local businesses may also benefit from grant incentives provided by NZEA to businesses employing workers from the closing power station.
NZEA CEO, David Shankey, put forward the application to the FWC following a public consultation process with AGL, workers, businesses and unions in the area.
The NZEA said that consultation process helped the authority understand how workers and businesses will be impacted by the closure, what supports they need and what opportunities exist for workers to transition to new employment. Mr Shankey said this could be the first implementation of the EIJP following the authority’s establishment in December 2024.
“The EIJP will ensure employers provide workers with access to training and provide career and financial advice. Redeployment support will also be provided by the Authority with on-the-ground coordinators that help connect workers to job opportunities in their region,” he said.
“While many of the workers who will be impacted by the closure of Torrens Island B will have opportunities in the Adelaide labour market, there is a substantial group of AGL’s employees at Torrens Island B that will require additional tailored support.
“Workers that will particularly benefit include older workers, workers with skills unique to the operation of the Torrens Island power station and workers that have a long tenure.
According to Mr Shankey, these supports are part of the authority’s toolkit to help minimise the impact of the transition on workers and communities.
“While AGL offers some worker transition supports, I believe there is a role for the EIJP to help workers at Torrens Island B to get access to the supports they need,” he said.
“If the determination is made by the FWC, it will be the first time the EIJP framework is put into action. We look forward to seeing its positive effect on workers and the community surrounding Torrens Island.”
This decision comes after the South Australian Government’s announcement on 1 October 025 that an agreement has been reached with AGL to extend the operation of Torrens Island until 2028. Should the FWC issue a determination to establish the EIJP for the closure, NZEA said this will provide more time for workers to access supports and prepare for their next steps.
“The EIJP is designed to provide transition supports to workers well ahead of a closure, so any extension to the operation of Torrens Island B will provide workers with more time to access the support provided by the EIJP and prepare for their next steps,” Mr Shankey said.
“We will continue to work in collaboration with businesses and communities, as we all have a role to play in the transition to a net zero economy.”
The FWC will now consider the CEO’s application. Businesses, workers and other groups impacted by the EIJP will have the opportunity to be heard by the FWC, as part of its consultative process.
