The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes the progress made regarding the Hunter offshore wind zone and the job creation opportunities it presents in manufacturing industries.
Today, the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen announced Equinor and Oceanex have been preliminarily offered a feasibility licence for the potential Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd project.
The government said if the feasibility for the Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd project is proven, the developer can then apply for a commercial licence to build an offshore wind project to generate electricity commercially.
The AMWU has for many years been campaigning for the establishment of an Australian renewable energy industry with domestic manufacturing at its core.
In the global race for the jobs of the future, we have significant natural advantages we must leverage with necessary speed.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said the announcement supporting an offshore wind industry in the Hunter highlights a significant opportunity for Australian manufacturing capability and its related industries.
“The AMWU has a proud history of campaigning for Australia’s manufacturing capability, the development of local content requirements, and strong local industry participation plans when public money is used. Our work has resulted in substantial wins for Australian workers.”
“We recognise the critical role AMWU members have and continue to play in campaigning for a secure future as we decarbonise our economy. As the voice for workers across our manufacturing industries, the AMWU has made an indelible impact on government policies to date,” Mr Murphy said.
The federal government has committed to ‘A Future Made in Australia’ which supports the growth of Australian renewable energy supply chains at the centre of decisions on renewable projects, including the offshore wind industry.
The AMWU is calling on the Albanese government to ensure strict conditions are imposed on offshore wind that supports secure local jobs, industry standards for working conditions and rates of pay, and requires the use of local manufacturers for components including steel and other inputs.
“Ensuring Australian workers and our communities benefit from this process is core to our union’s work,” Mr Murphy said.
“Furthermore, we call upon the government to establish a Green Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, with representation from industry, unions and government to oversee the Prime Minister's vision to reindustrialise Australia. Our expectation continues to
be one where workers have a voice as government and big business set the agenda for future energy production.”
“We are encouraged to see the federal government mention consultation with unions throughout the feasibility licence process. Having workers’ voices represented in this process is of critical importance.”
“We look forward to the government establishing a collaborative approach in ensuring offshore wind projects maximise their use of local inputs, create good Australian jobs, and capitalise on the huge industrial opportunities in establishing this new industry.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580