Jobs and Renewable Energy
It is often a myth perpetuated by conservative politicians as a justification to continue with coal mining is that it provides jobs. Even at the last election Labor was on the fence with giving the go ahead for the Adani mine in Queensland.
So how has the fossil fuel industry come to enjoy such a close relationship with our politicians? A look at the latest political donations data, released on 1 February 2019, offers some clues.
In 2017-18, fossil fuel companies donated $1,277,933 to the ALP, Liberal and National parties. This was up 32% from $968,343 in 2016-17 ($1.03 million in 2015-16). So it looks like unfortunately our political system has failed us. Rather than follow the will of the people, the politicians are feathering their own nests.
While granted there are still quite a few people employed in mining, all that is needed is a smooth transition to renewable energy where there could be even more jobs created. All that is needed is for example is for Labor to talk to trade unions to organise the transition which could include retraining of the coal workers.
The renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented activity across Australia according to the clean energy council.
There are currently 95 projects that are in construction (or due to start construction soon) in Australia. This is based on projects that have reached financial close and are not yet commissioned.
These projects will deliver over $20.8 billion in capital costs, 11,751 MW of new renewable energy capacity and create 14,946 direct jobs.
With more investment the renewable energy sector could overtake the mining industry in the number of jobs created. The jobs created would also be sustainable and be around much longer than the average mine would be.
