Net Zero Commission Coal Report puts thousands of jobs at risk

Statement from NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee

The NSW Net Zero Commission Coal Report released today is a flawed and superficial analysis that puts thousands of coal mining jobs at risk.

The Commission’s opposition to any further coal mine extensions also completely ignores the NSW coal industry’s proven track record on emissions reductions.

The NSW coal industry is leading the state on emissions reductions, with NSW coal mining emissions down 28 percent since 2005, faster than any other sector in NSW and the state average of 25 percent.

In addition, almost all the sector’s emissions are captured under the Commonwealth’s ‘Safeguard Mechanism’ emissions reduction framework, with regulated requirements to reach net zero by 2050, without any additional intervention by the NSW Government.

The NSW Government’s own modelling shows the NSW coal industry is on track to meet the state target of a 50% net reduction by 2030 due to the ‘Safeguard Mechanism’.

If a state-leading track record of emissions reductions in line with NSW Government and Commonwealth targets is not enough for the Net Zero Commission, what is?

While some coal mines will close in the years ahead, around ten other mines are currently seeking planning approval to extend their operating lives for longer.

Around 8,000 people work at those mines – nearly one-third of the total coal mining workforce in NSW.

There should be no reason not to grant these approvals and protect those jobs, at least not on climate grounds, when NSW coal emissions are falling faster than the state average, are almost fully covered by the Commonwealth’s strict emissions reduction legislation, and are already on track to meet the NSW Government’s own emissions reduction targets.

Coal mining contributes around 12 percent of the State’s total emissions.

That means around 88 percent of NSW emissions are generated by sectors other than coal mining.

If the Net Zero Commission was truly ‘independent’ it would focus on emissions across the wider economy. Instead it has chosen to single out a sector that is leading the state on emissions reductions, delivering in line with government targets, and regulated to deliver further reductions in the future.

The NSW Government should also reflect on why it provides nearly $7 million annually of taxpayer funding to the Net Zero Commission to campaign against thousands of NSW mining jobs.

Contact: Brad Emery | bemery@nswmining.com.au | 0450620254