The Illawarra's coalminers will need to find new jobs as the move to renewable energy continues, according to Greens candidate for Whitlam Jamie Dixon.
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Mr Dixon said it was recognised that at least half of the country's coal-fired power stations would close by the end of the decade.
"The Greens are the only party being honest and acknowledging that workers will need to change jobs," Mr Dixon said.
To help with that transition, the Greens have announced a multibillion-dollar program to assist workers and communities.
"The Greens will provide $19 billion over the next 10 years to guarantee that no coal worker will lose pay and entitlements during the transition," Mr Dixon said.
"On top of this we will provide an additional $2.8 billion in grants and funding to support community-generated initiatives to keep regional communities thriving."
Mr Dixon said the funds would come from budget allocations already made to the carbon sector.
The $19 billion would be used to subsidise the wages of workers who had left the coal, oil and gas sector.
That subsidy would be the equivalent of 50 per cent of a full-time coalminer.
For an employer to claim the subsidy for a worker, that worker must be receiving a wage equal to the amount of their previous coal job.
"If an employee is unable to find a job that attracts the wage guarantee, they can claim the amount directly, in addition to any Austudy or JobSeeker payments they are eligible for as they access free TAFE or university under the Greens free education platform," Mr Dixon said.
The wage subsidy program would run for 10 years to allow workers in the coal sector the time to move to a new industry.
Workers over 55 would be able to access the program for 12 years, heading into retirement.
Mr Dixon said the time to start the program was while mining was still taking place, not once mines had closed down.
"We need to start this process now, not when coal company executives decide to shut up shop," he said.
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Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
