Our Publications
Hunter Jobs Alliance and Hunter Renewal’s Submission on the Net Zero Authority Bill
Submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committees on the Net Zero Authority Bill 2024
The Hunter Jobs Alliance and Hunter Renewal welcome the introduction and strong intent of the Net Zero Authority Bill, including the support and dignity provided to workers impacted by the transition to renewable industries.
However, the exclusion of export coal mines leaves thousands of workers in the Hunter Valley and around the country without certainty. We strongly urge the committee to include equitable support for all impacted coal workers.
Published April 2024.
Pre-Budget Submission to the New South Wales Government
2024 – 2025
The Hunter Jobs Alliance’s pre-budget submission to the NSW Government. The submission calls for greater funding for transition in the Hunter, including proper funding for a transition authority and TAFE education. It also calls for the development of an implementation strategy for an offshore wind industry in NSW.
Published March 2024.
Open Letter to Minister Bowen, Minister Plibersek & Premier Minns
Calling for action on the proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Project
The Hunter Jobs Alliance, along with 26 union, industry, environmental and community groups, call on both the NSW State and Federal governments to take action on the proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Project.
The open letter calls for the issuing of feasibility licences, greater community consultation, a strengthening of environmental laws and a commitment to local manufacturing, procurement and community benefits.
Published February 2024.
A TAFE Energy Centre of Excellence
A Scoping Study & Preliminary Business Case
The Hunter region is facing a scenario of significant skill shortages in the coming years as new industries grow and expand.
To address this shortfall, as well as bridge the skills of workers leaving traditional energy generation industries and moving into renewable industries, the Hunter Jobs Alliance proposed the establishment of a TAFE Energy Centre of Excellence in the Hunter.
This preliminary business case, commissioned from the Institute for Regional Futures at the University of Newcastle, with collaboration from specialist business case analysts Turbo, researches the need, potential models, costs and outcomes for a TAFE Energy Centre of Excellence in the Hunter.
Published November 2023.
Hunter Workers, Hunter Jobs Alliance and Business Hunter joint media release
In support of the proposed Hunter Offshore Wind Project
On Friday the 6th October 2023, Hunter Workers, Hunter Jobs Alliance and Business Hunter issued a joint media release regarding the Anti-Offshore Wind Rally planned for the following day.
Representing workers, environmental groups, businesses and communities, Hunter Workers, Hunter Jobs Alliance and Business Hunter reaffirmed their support for the project and the benefits offshore wind would bring to the Hunter.
Published October 2023.
Building for the Future
A ‘Hunter Valley Authority’ to Secure Our Region’s Prosperity
The Hunter Region is facing significant structural economic change over coming decades as a result of domestic and global changes in energy production.
This discussion paper seeks to describe the Hunter Jobs Alliance’s perspective on how the region can best tackle these challenges. In our view, the evidence points to a durable, independent statutory authority, auspiced under the NSW Government, as the best vehicle for delivering for the people of the Hunter.
This paper seeks to describe design principles and core functions for what we describe as a ‘Hunter Valley Authority’. This includes considering specific activities, examples, and coordination and interaction with existing programs. We offer this paper as one constructive contribution to the public discussion, in the hope it informs the development of policy aimed at preparing the Hunter for the future.
Published June 2021.
A TAFE New Industries Training Centre for the Hunter
Briefing Note: January 2022
2021 was a turning point for the realisation of renewable energy and clean manufacturing as economic anchors for the future prosperity of New South Wales.
The runaway growth of renewables; decarbonisation investments in industries such as aluminium, steel and ammonia; the foundations of new sectors such as green hydrogen and battery manufacturing; and an enabling state policy environment have flipped the switch from aspiration to reality.
While it is early days, there is a generational opportunity to lock in NSW’s place as a global leader in clean energy and manufacturing.
Just Transition Investment & the Hunter Valley
Establishing a Model Region.
As some investors move for the exits or accelerate strategy to address (well founded) climate risk, many regional communities with high dependence on affected sectors are left to carry the can of economic change.
While governments bear chief responsibility, recent work in the investment community has established a clear link between asset managers’ fiduciary interests, and the incorporation of ‘just transition’ principles into investor behaviour and decision making.
Recommendations suggest establishing dialogue and collaborative mechanisms between investors, workers, regional stakeholders and government; and identifying and delivering activities that are practically effective and measurable in terms of just transition benchmarks.
Published July 2022.
No Regrets
Planning for Economic Change in the Hunter
It is time for a more honest, common sense discussion on change in the Hunter’s economy.
The Hunter Jobs Alliance has developed this discussion paper in the spirit of collaboration, and in recognition of the need for clear, specific proposals.
The paper summarises extensive research and local experience to draw conclusions on what is required to deliver a “no regrets” approach.
The Hunter Jobs Alliance looks forward to engaging with the local community, workers, government and business to further develop these proposals to meet the needs of the Hunter community, and to secure our future as a prosperous and sustainable region.
Published March 2021.
Sustainable Industrial Jobs In The Hunter
Aluminium Manufacturing and Australia’s Energy Advantage
The Hunter Jobs Alliance with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union commissioned this report from The Centre for Future Work.
It details the contribution Tomago Aluminium makes to the Hunter economy, and recommends government action to drive investments in renewable energy and storage to support the long term future of aluminium production.
The modelling reveals the scale of Tomago Aluminium smelter’s contribution to the Hunter, NSW and Australian economies, injecting 6000 jobs and $1.2 billion into the economy.
Published March 2022.
Future-Proofing the Hunter
Voices from our community
The report is the result of a series of workshops and online survey canvassing the views of people across the Hunter region from all walks of life and reveals deep and wide awareness of the challenge of coal’s uncertain future, and readiness to participate in planning for the region’s future.
The process found people understand the challenges facing the Hunter region and want planning and action to address these challenges that are equitable and community-driven. They are ready and willing to take part in the work of the Hunter Expert Panel and Royalties for Rejuvenation program.
The feedback is abundantly clear. This process and report demonstrate people’s desire to have a seat at the table to collaboratively plan for the region’s future.
Published November 2021.
Manufacturing Jobs in the Hunter, 2011 – 2021
Briefing Note: August 2021
The ABS releases quarterly industry job numbers for Australia’s 87 labour market (‘SA4’) regions. May 2021 data, released in late July, has been analysed by the Hunter Jobs Alliance. Comparisons have been made over time and between regions to identify trends affecting Newcastle and the Hunter.