Australian unions call for 'just transition' from coal-generated electricity

ACTU seek federal body to manage move to a clean energy economy and to support workers and communities that rely on fossil fuel-related jobs

Australian unions have thrown their weight behind a transition away from coal-generated electricity, calling for a new statutory authority to manage a "just transition", supporting workers and communities that rely on fossil fuel-related jobs.

A policy discussion paper written by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) said a planned closure of coal power stations - along with both a jobs and energy plan for the country - would "create a more prosperous and diversified economy".