The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with industry and unions giving energy supply workers greater mobility, which will see the energy industry able to make faster and more effective responses to national emergencies.
Speaking at the International Electricity and Gas Networks Conference in Melbourne, Minister Ferguson said: "In the event of extreme weather events, it is vitally important to have a mobile workforce to enable workers to assist their interstate counterparts."
The National Refresher Training Recognition Protocol for Emergency Situations allows workers' skills to be recognised and transferable between states and territories which will lead to greater efficiency and relief in crisis situations. The Protocol is due to be implemented before the start of this year's bushfire season. The Minister signed the MoU today on behalf of the Ministerial Council on Energy.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Protocol removes obstacles to people working together in times of national emergency. A flexible, mobile workforce is a good thing at any time however it's especially important in an emergency."
The Protocol will ensure that by summer, electricity distribution and transmission line-workers will have access to nationally consistent refresher training. This will allow them to transit freely between states to perform their work with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption.
The Protocol also puts in place a mechanism for this work to continue to apply to a broader range of electricity and gas workers, such as cable jointers and gas distribution workers. It is an important first step to the overall ongoing harmonisation of the technical and safety regulation of Australia's energy supply industry.
Progress on this front is also important given that labour force movements across state and territory boundaries are increasing, particularly within the resources and energy sectors.
The Minister also noted that the Energy Technical and Safety Harmonisation Draft Plan was today released by the Energy Technical and Safety Leaders Group. The Draft Plan is available on the MCE website, www.mce.gov.au.
Minister Ferguson said the Protocol and the Draft Plan are part of the Government's broader energy reform agenda which is encouraging a more robust, responsive and sustainable energy industry.