The Future Jobs and Investment Bill is still stalled in the NSW Parliament. The bill would create a Future Jobs and Investment Authority. It would coordinate long-term workforce transition and regional investment. It would also require mining companies to prepare workforce transition plans.
Recent news shows why this can’t wait. Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) had its mine exit strategy removed before its 18-month extension. Ashton coal has also announced an unexpected closure.
Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said transition planning should not begin when a mine announces its closure. “By then, workers and communities are already on the back foot. Workforce planning, retraining and regional investment must be embedded in legislation years before jobs are at risk,” he said. Passing the Future Jobs and Investment Bill urgently is an important step towards putting those obligations in place.