Coal Region Delegates Advocate for Robust Jobs Authority Ahead of Mine Closures
Representatives from coal-dependent regions across New South Wales have presented a compelling case to state parliament, calling for substantial funding and stronger legislative provisions to support workers facing mine closures. The delegation, which included retired coal miner Darryl Best from Wollongong, argued that the proposed Future Jobs and Investment Authority requires proper financial backing and enforcement mechanisms to be effective.
Funding Proposal: $150 Million from Royalties
The coalition of regional representatives proposed that just five percent of annual government coal royalties could generate approximately $150 million to properly fund the new authority. This funding model would represent a significant improvement over the previous Royalties for Rejuvenation Fund, which Mr Best described as "totally ineffective" and noted had left $100 million unspent in the Illawarra region alone.
"Our regions need robust and fully funded plans to repair the landscape and create quality jobs in thriving new industries," Mr Best emphasized during the parliamentary visit. "Workers and industry in the Illawarra have contributed enormously to the state's finances. It is only fair that these finances are used to create new jobs and to re-train workers into these low carbon industries before all coal mines close."
Legislative Strengthening Required
The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, announced in June 2025, would initially focus on the Hunter and Central West regions where thermal coal mines face the earliest closures as coal-fired power generation is phased out. While the government has allocated approximately $22 million annually for the authority's operations, delegates argued this falls short of what's needed for meaningful transition support.
The proposed legislation includes important provisions requiring mine owners to announce closure dates well in advance and provide transition support for their workforce. However, Mr Best and other representatives stressed these measures need strengthening and proper enforcement mechanisms.
"We went to make it clear that coal communities cannot be an afterthought in the energy transition," Mr Best stated. "The legislation is necessary and welcome. However, its wording needs to be tightened so that it does protect workers and provide meaningful avenues for new careers."
Authority's Proposed Functions and Regional Concerns
According to government statements, the Future Jobs Authority would develop frameworks for funding allocation toward several key areas:
- Infrastructure development and post-mining land use planning
- Skills mapping and workforce transition programs
- Feasibility assessments for new industries
- Training programs for emerging sectors
Despite these planned functions, regional representatives expressed concern that the authority's initial focus excludes the Illawarra region from having a physical office presence. This has raised questions about equitable resource distribution across all coal-dependent communities facing economic transition challenges.
"To succeed, it must be implemented with integrity and funded properly, with meaningful penalties for noncompliance," Mr Best concluded. "Anything less would be selling our regional communities short."
The parliamentary visit this week represents a crucial moment for coal communities seeking to ensure their workforce receives adequate support as Australia continues its transition toward renewable energy sources and low-carbon industries.
