A government authority has spent $9 million on net zero education and promotion, largely focused in the Hunter region and another mining area. The figure was revealed in Senate estimates under questioning by Nationals senator Matt Canavan to the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA).
The authority was established by the federal government in December 2024 to facilitate a 'fair, orderly, and job-rich' transition to a net-zero emissions economy. It has been involved in consultation regarding the future closure of Eraring power station.
Mr Canavan asked NZEA policy and communications division head John Connor about spending related to promotional and advertising campaigns in the authority's annual report. Mr Connor said $9 million was expended for activities, in particular in the Hunter and the Gladstone areas, and some national materials as well.
An NZEA spokesperson told the Newcastle Herald the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024 'explicitly' required the authority to undertake education and promotional activities to support communities to understand the energy and industrial changes in their region. The spokesperson said the figures referenced relate to the overall delivery of the Net Zero Economic Transformation campaign, which included some paid advertising, but the major focus was on community engagement.
Mr Canavan asked Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayres how spending $9 million to promote a government's policy in two small markets was justifiable under government advertising guidelines. Mr Ayres said it is routine for governments to communicate important information, particularly to regional communities, and that the advertising went through a careful process.
