Net Zero Job Losses: Your Redundancy Rights When a Power Station or Mine Closes

Australia's energy transition is accelerating. Major closures confirmed or underway:

• Eraring Power Station (NSW) — closing by 2029, FWC major case opened April 2026
• Yallourn Power Station (VIC) — closing mid-2028
• Vales Point (NSW) — expected to close by 2033
• Numerous coal mines — across the Hunter Valley, Central QLD, and Gippsland

Each closure affects not just direct employees but entire supply chains — contractors, maintenance workers, transport operators, and local businesses.

Under the National Employment Standards, permanent employees made redundant are entitled to 4 to 16 weeks' pay based on years of service:

• 1-2 years: 4 weeks
• 3-4 years: 7 weeks
• 5-6 years: 10 weeks
• 7-8 years: 13 weeks
• 9-10 years: 16 weeks
• 10+ years: 12 weeks

Many energy workers are on enterprise agreements that provide significantly more than NES minimums — some offer 3-4 weeks per year of service. Check your agreement.

Calculate yours: redundancy pay calculator.

The NZEA was established specifically to support workers and communities affected by the energy transition. Their Energy Industry Jobs Plan includes:

• Jobs boards tailored to affected regions
• On-ground coordinators in closure-affected communities
• Redeployment and retraining assistance
• Career counselling and skills assessment
• Support for supply chain workers — not just direct employees

The NZEA opens consultations before each major closure. Get involved early — don't wait until your last day.

Power station and mine workers have highly transferable skills:

• Electrical and mechanical trades → renewable energy (solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage)
• Operations and control room → gas, water treatment, data centres
• Heavy equipment operation → construction, infrastructure projects
• Safety and compliance → any regulated industry
• Project management → construction, defence, government

Many renewable energy projects are being built in the same regions as closing coal assets. The Hunter Valley alone has multiple solar, wind, and battery projects in planning or construction.

Beyond redundancy pay, make sure you claim everything you're owed:

• Long service leave: Varies by state — in NSW, pro-rata after 5 years. Use our LSL calculator
• Unused annual leave: Paid out in full on termination
• Notice period: 1-5 weeks depending on age and service. Check with our notice calculator
• Superannuation: Ensure all super has been paid — employers often fall behind in the lead-up to closure
• Income protection insurance: Check if your super fund includes income protection that covers redundancy