Net Zero Economy Authority (Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group) Appointment (No. 6) 2025

Overview

The Net Zero Economy Authority (Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group) Appointment (No. 6) 2025I, enacted on 24 March 2025, was introduced by Tim Ayres, the Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia, under subsection 63(3) of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024. This notifiable instrument was designed to address the need for expertise and guidance in redeploying workers from the energy industry as Australia transitions towards a net-zero economy. The appointment of Katharine Eather as a member of the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group for a period of three years aims to ensure that the advisory group has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective recommendations on redeployment strategies and support mechanisms for affected workers. The policy objective is to facilitate a smooth and just transition for workers and communities reliant on the energy sector, minimising economic disruption while achieving environmental sustainability.

Scope and Application

The Net Zero Economy Authority (Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group) Appointment (No. 6) 2025I specifically appoints Katharine Eather as a member of the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group, establishing her role and term of appointment under the provisions of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024. This appointment is intended to facilitate the transition of workers in the energy industry towards a net zero economy, highlighting the importance of skilled redeployment within this sector. The scope of the legislation is narrowly focused on the appointment of a specific individual to an advisory group, with the primary objective of providing expert advice on workforce transitions within the energy industry. This appointment is applicable to Katharine Eather and the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group, ensuring that the group has the necessary expertise to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift towards a net zero economy. The geographic reach of this legislation is aligned with the national objectives of the Net Zero Economy Authority, thereby extending its influence across Australia as the Advisory Group works towards a unified national strategy. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the instrument itself, though the broader legislative framework may contain such provisions. The application of this appointment may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments under the authority granted by the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Net Zero Economy Authority (Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group) Appointment (No. 6) 2025I (the "Instrument") are found in the opening paragraph, where it appoints Katharine Eather as a member of the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group for a specified period (section 1). This appointment is made under the authority granted by subsection 63(3) of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024. The Instrument specifies that Katharine Eather’s appointment will commence on the day after the Instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation and will last for a term of three years. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties and entities it governs include ensuring that the Energy Industry Worker Redeployment Advisory Group has the necessary expertise and representation to effectively advise on redeployment strategies within the energy industry as it transitions towards a net zero economy. Members of the Advisory Group, including Katharine Eather, are expected to participate in meetings, contribute to discussions, and assist in the development of policies and recommendations that align with Australia’s net zero goals. These obligations are vital for guiding the redeployment of workers in a manner that is both sustainable and supportive of the workforce transitioning to new roles in a changing energy landscape. Breaching the obligations outlined in the Act could have various civil and criminal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed within the Instrument. However, under the broader legislative framework of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, breaches could potentially result in fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties. The maximum penalties for such breaches are not explicitly stated in the Instrument, but they would be governed by the relevant sections of the overarching Act, which may include significant financial penalties or other legal consequences for non-compliance. This ensures that the Advisory Group and its members are held accountable for fulfilling their roles and responsibilities effectively.