- Published:
- Wednesday 30 August 2017
The Andrews Labor Government’s landmark worker transfer scheme has helped its first 25 former Hazelwood power station workers secure new jobs at other Latrobe Valley power stations.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today met the group who recently commenced work at the AGL Loy Yang A power station.
Engie and Energy Australia are also expected to open up new job opportunities for retrenched Hazelwood workers soon, ensuring more high-skilled jobs stay in the Valley. The Labor Government has also reached agreements with Ventia and RTL Mining and Earthworks.
The Government has invested $20 million in the scheme to support the transfer of around 150 Hazelwood workers so they can remain in the power industry – the first scheme of its kind in Australia.
The scheme will contribute funds to local power generators for every Hazelwood worker that is placed in a secure job over the next two years.
Former Federal Minister Simon Crean was appointed as a facilitator between the unions and employers at all four generators and mines.
The Labor Government’s $266 million transition package for the Latrobe Valley is helping to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and grow local businesses.
The Latrobe Valley Authority is also providing tailored support to workers and their families to give them the skills, training, advice and personal support they need to get a fresh start.
A recent survey of more than 230 former Hazelwood workers found that over 55 per cent are working.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“We promised to support former Hazelwood workers and that’s what we are doing.”
“I’m thrilled to meet the first successful group of worker transfer scheme employees and I look forward to meeting many more.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We want to maintain a highly-skilled workforce in the Latrobe Valley, and this scheme offers valuable opportunities for power industry workers to make a fresh start.”
Quote attributable to LaTrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain
"We are working closely to support workers affected by Hazelwood’s closure to transition to new jobs, including assisting people at the application phase. We look forward to more job opportunities opening up soon."