Greg Combet, incoming chair of the Net Zero Economy Agency, has urged a “just transition” for coal workers ...

“On the 1st of June, I begin a new role as Chair of Australia’s Future Fund,” Combet told the National Press Club. 

“By that time I aim to have discharged the responsibilities that the Prime Minister and the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, asked me to undertake

“My instructions were clear: develop a plan that will help people and communities through change, respect their interests, create opportunities, and leave no one behind – the best of Australian values,” Combet said. 

He said it is imperative to support workers through the transition while also maintaining the dignity and livelihoods of those most vulnerable to economic shifts.

As Australia grapples with the dual challenge of reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring economic resilience, Combet says there is a broader vision.

“The most vital thing I’ve learnt is the importance of values to guide the way we go about change,” he said.

“Respecting people, ensuring fair treatment, aiming at equitable outcomes, generating a commitment to common purpose.

“We have endeavoured to embed these values in the new Authority – through the people we’ve employed, the policies we’ve developed, the legislation, the culture, and our engagement with the community.”

Combet said the renewable energy transition is not only an environmental obligation but a critical economic strategy. 

“To me, the economic argument is simple: as our trading partners pursue their own emissions-reduction targets, and wealth from our fossil fuel exports declines, we must create new sources of wealth from industries powered by renewable energy,” he said. 

“And at the same time support people, workers, communities and regions through the change.”

Combet used the address to call for substantial investment in renewable energy projects. 

“With particularly large transformative projects Governments may need to consider being significant equity players, helping to de-risk projects, and adopting a long-term view before recovering capital,” he said. 

The full text is accessible here.