CLEAN ENERGY is a multi-billion-dollar sector that employs hundreds of thousands of Australians. However, the jobs across the whole energy sector, including renewable energy and energy efficiency, have never been systemically counted.

Australia is to adopt the United States’ gold standard of measuring energy sector jobs with the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) announcing a commitment to delivering the inaugural Australian Energy Employment Report (AEER). This survey will identify jobs and skills in the energy sector to train and prepare the workforce of the future.

The AEER is a key outcome of research by the Reliable Affordable Clean Energy Cooperative Research Centre (RACE for 2030) 2021 report, Developing the Future Energy Workforce.

RACE for 2030’s CEO, Jon Jutsen said, “We welcome the commitment of the Commonwealth Government at this crucial time to understand employment in the energy sector. The clean energy transition will cause a dramatic shift in employment. New skills and resources are needed to ensure the transition provides the greatest employment opportunities, and benefits Australia both environmentally and economically.”

To date, there has not been a systemic national framework to measure or forecast Australia’s clean energy jobs needs. The AEER is an important step in addressing this gap and will allow both industry and government to capture the economic opportunities as the Australian energy sector transitions to net zero carbon emissions.

“Australia’s energy transition is proceeding rapidly. This survey will provide up-to-date information on energy jobs across the sector. We look forward to collaborating with DISER and our partners to deliver the inaugural AEER over the coming year,” said Jessica Breadsell, RACE for Everyone Program co-leader.

RACE for 2030's partners who contributed to Developing the Future Energy Workforce report were UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, Monash University, Energy Efficiency Council, ClimateKIC, Startupbootcamp, Energy Lab and the Australian Power Institute.

https://www.racefor2030.com.au/opportunity-assessment-reports/

About RACE for 2030 CRC

RACE for 2030 is an industry led collaborative research centre established in July 2020 with $68.5m of Commonwealth Government funding.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is holding public hearings to inquire into the adequacy of regional and local news, how the pandemic has affected the delivery news services, and suggestions on how to strengthen connections with and coverage of issues affecting regional Australia.

On Monday February 28 and Tuesday March 1, the committee will hear from a range of witnesses including government bodies, major media companies, academics, regional newspapers, and regional and remote local councils.

Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said, "The committee is keen to hear a range of views on the effects of the pandemic on the delivery of news services in regional areas, the effect of the News Media Bargaining Code particularly on small publishers and the impact of suspending the publication of print editions in regional communities.

"The hearings will provide an opportunity to consider all viewpoints, discuss key issues and importantly find potential solutions to maintain locally produced journalism and strengthen tailored news coverage of regional Australia."

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 28 February 2022
Time: 10am to 5.15pm (AEDT)

Date: Tuesday, 1 March 2022
Time: 10am to 5pm (AEDT)

A full program for the committee’s hearing is available on the committee’s website here.

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson has thanked the 2,000 small and family businesses which have completed an online survey as part of the Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry.

Mr Billson, who is currently hosting small business feedback sessions in areas impacted by natural disasters across Australia, said the online survey is an excellent way for small and family businesses to contribute to the ongoing inquiry.

“Thank you to the 2,000 small and family businesses which have already taken the time to complete our online survey – we value your contribution,” Mr Billson said.

“We want to hear from as many small and family businesses as possible, to learn more about what steps and support best helped them to proactively contend with and recover from a disaster. So if you can’t get to an in-person feedback session, please complete our online survey – your insights are vital to this inquiry. 

“I encourage anyone in a small business who has lived experience of a natural disaster such as bushfires, cyclones or floods and may also have ideas about how best the government can support them to prepare and remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event, to be part of this important discussion," Mr Billson said.

“What we learn from our small business community, will help inform the work on our current Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry, including recommendations to improve information and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters.

“In our feedback sessions so far, we’ve heard time and time again that local engagement, leadership and decision making, informed by local knowledge and community connectedness and engagement is critical. More often than not, it’s the local business communities who are experienced in disasters that affect their region, that can best guide and support their business peers," he said.

“This local leadership needs to be supported appropriately, so they have access to the resources needed to assist small business owners who are working to get back on their feet after a natural disaster hits.”

The survey closes on February 28, 2022. Submissions are also welcome and can be completed here. The deadline for submissions is February 25, 2022. 

Complete ASBFEO’s online survey here.

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THIS THURSDAY, the Indigenous Affairs Committee will hear from four organisations as part of its inquiry into fostering better engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers. This will be the inquiry’s final public hearing for this current Parliament.

The four organisations appearing at the public hearing this Thursday are: the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE); Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT); Danila Dilba Health Service; and Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS).

Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said, "These organisations played a central role in preventing a Dan Murphy’s store from opening near dry communities in the Northern Territory. They have firsthand experience of poor corporate behaviour towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in relation to alcohol, health and other social issues.

"The committee looks forward to discussing options for more effective and meaningful Indigenous engagement by the corporate sector," Mr Leeser said.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 17 February 2022 (AEDT), 11.35am

- Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)

 - Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT)

 - Danila Dilba Health Service

  - Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS)

A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at https://www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen.

For more information about this inquiry, including its terms of reference, details of upcoming public hearings, and instructions on making a submission, please visit the Inquiry webpage.

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