Electrical Line Worker Mobility
The 20th Meeting of the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) has endorsed the development of a protocol between network operators and union representatives to make it easer for electrical line workers to move between states, especially in times of national emergency such as bushfires.
Speaking in Darwin, the Minister for Resources and Energy and MCE Chair, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said: "During recent bushfires and wind storms in Victoria, the energy sector was in desperate need for line workers to repair damaged infrastructure, however, inconsistencies in training hampered the ability of workers from other states to assist in Victoria.
"Through the National Refresher Training Recognition Protocol for Emergency Situations, the MCE has committed to develop arrangements that will ensure cross jurisdictional and cross network labour mobility and skills recognition in emergency situations. These arrangements will be in place before next summer's bushfire season.
"To meet this goal, the Commonwealth commissioned the electricity industry's skills council, EE-Oz Training Standards, to identify the minimum refresher training competencies essential to facilitate the safety of line workers on any network in Australia."
More Gas Market Competition
Energy Ministers also approved the industry-led market design for the gas Short Term Trading Market.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Short Term Trading Market has been designed to facilitate more competition and gas market flexibility and efficiency, and to operate alongside Australia's electricity markets."
The hub-based market is on track to commence in Sydney and Adelaide in June 2010, with the aim of expanding across Australia in the coming years.
The Short Term Trading Market will be operated by the new Australian Energy Market Operator, which was established on 1 July 2009 following a major reform of energy market institutions overseen by the MCE.