A landmark worker transfer scheme for retrenched Hazelwood workers that will ensure high-skilled jobs stay in the Latrobe Valley is one step closer.
Visiting Morwell today, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan met with workers to update them on the scheme and progress on the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Partnership Agreement.
Latrobe Valley unions and AGL have now given in-principle agreement to the scheme, which will open opportunities for Hazelwood workers to transfer to Loy Yang A.
Under the agreement, early retirement packages would create vacancies for workers displaced by the closure of Hazelwood.
The scheme will contribute funds to participating employers to support these packages and facilitate the re-deployment of Hazelwood workers to other power stations.
A funding agreement between the Government and the relevant parties is currently being developed.
The Labor Government has been working on the scheme since Engie announced the closure of the Hazelwood power station last year.
Former Federal Minister Simon Crean was appointed by the Government to act as a facilitator between the unions and employers at all four generators and mines.
As a former Federal Minister for Regional Development, Mr Crean has a strong track-record in the Latrobe Valley and has been instrumental in facilitating these discussions.
The worker transfer scheme is part of the Government’s $266 million support package to stimulate economic growth in the Latrobe Valley.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“This is an important next step in our work to secure jobs in the Latrobe Valley.”
“Hazelwood workers deserve certainty, as do their families. That’s why we’ll continue working to establish this scheme and give these communities the future they deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Since being elected, the Andrews Labor Government has been working to secure a better future for our Latrobe Valley communities.”
“We want to protect jobs by allowing displaced workers to transition into other roles, and that’s exactly what this scheme will do.”
Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority interim chief executive Kylie White
"It's a difficult time for affected workers, and this scheme is one way we can support those who want to transfer to other power stations or transition to retirement."
Reviewed 19 August 2020