Torrens Island B Power Station (Torrens) is closing on 30 June 2028, as part of Australia’s shift to an economy powered by renewable energy. Help is available for workers affected by this change through an Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP).
The EIJP is set up under the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024 (the Act). It is designed to ensure that employees are supported to transition to new employment when a facility closes. Access to supports, including training, is a key component of the EIJP.
Available supports
Training supports are only available to Participating Employees. All supports are subject to the ‘reasonable factors’ set out in section 59 of the Act. These factors may influence how and when training is provided but do not remove the expectation that employers will engage constructively in supporting employee transition.
The NZEA is not able to intervene directly in individual employment matters.
Raising issues or complaints
1. Raise any issue/s with your union or employee representative
Your union or employee representative can provide advice and advocate on your behalf. Trade unions representing workers at Torrens Island B Power Station have been engaging with AGL. The unions are currently in negotiations to establish an agreement on the delivery of the EIJP, including training supports.
2. Consider lodging an application under section 62 of the Act to the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
The FWC may help resolve disputes about access to training or related matters. The Fair Work Commission website explains that transition employees can make an application for an order under section 62 of the Act.
Transition employees can also contact the FWC on 1300 799 675 for further assistance in making an application.
3. Submit a formal complaint to the NZEA
You can make a formal complaint to the NZEA about your employer’s conduct. The NZEA will assess the matter based on our regulatory functions and determine whether any compliance action is required. Your complaint should provide as much detail as possible, including:
- requests for access to training or other related matters, which may include any notice for time off work or access to flexible working arrangements and evidence of cost
- any responses from your employer
- confirmation that you elected to become a Participating Employee when your employer sought an expression of interest from employees following the FWC’s Community of Interest determination.
Contacting your employer
As part of the regulatory compliance process, the NZEA will need to contact your employer about your complaint. Information regarding how the NZEA use your personal information can be found on the NZEA’s website.
More information
To help you decide which action to take, you can access the Employer Obligations Guidance on our website. The Employer Obligations Guidance outlines the obligations specified employers have under the NZEA Act. This includes employee eligibility and the relevant obligations to access support under section 59 of the Act.
If you have any questions about these options or require further guidance, please let us know by contacting us at NZEA.EIJPCompliance@pmc.gov.au.