Opinion: How many Australian jobs are worth one UN job?

In case you haven’t heard, the race to host the 2026 United Nations global Climate Change Conference is in its final stages. 

After years of diplomatic positioning and climate-related jostling, the field has been narrowed down to just two countries – Turkey and Australia. Who will win?

Turkey is under immense pressure to withdraw from the race, which would clear the way for an Australian victory. And what a win it would be! More than 50,000 people from around the world would be expected to descend upon our capital cities, with most travelling at the expense of taxpayers or shareholders. With so many corporate credit cards from around the world arriving on our shores, it would definitely be a massive boost for our hospitality sector.

Our aviation sector would also receive a significant boost, with the many corporate and government delegates likely to fly here in business class as a minimum. Then there’s the need to park, service and refuel all the private jets that will be needed to get all the busy globetrotting climate evangelists and billionaires here too. 

Such a large and important global gathering also requires a suitable person in charge. 

And with so much at stake, the person considered most likely to fulfil this important task is none other than our very own federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen.

While the Minister is yet to formally confirm his interest, the host nation usually appoints a senior government representative to fulfil the role of ‘president’ of the conference. And while this highly prestigious United Nations job is technically unpaid, the successful candidate usually continues to receive their host nation’s generous government salary while occupying the UN role.

Minister Bowen is highly credentialled for this coveted role as UN global climate chief.

He has consistently championed billions in taxpayer subsidies and policy assistance for various forms of renewables. He has bravely defended any related energy price increases, and sought to push through development of large scale renewables and transmission projects, even when faced by local community opposition, significant construction delays and massive cost blowouts. He also courageously imposed ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets for Australia, shaming the major global emitters with his example, and staring down anyone concerned about national economic damage and lost jobs. He has a vision, and is not for turning.

His single-minded determination to do what no-one else has achieved by building an energy system almost entirely dependent on renewables is recognised by many as truly visionary.

The Minister may yet prove uninterested in taking on this key global role. Regardless, another opportunity looms to further prove his climate credentials.

The Albanese Government is soon expected to set a national emissions reduction target for 2035. Some hope for a pragmatic outcome that delivers realistic emissions reductions while also protecting our national economy and jobs. However, a highly ambitious target is far more likely to help clinch the big UN climate event, and the top job that goes with it. 

At the same time, the higher the target set, the greater the chance that thousands of Australian jobs in heavy industries like mining and manufacturing will be placed at risk, and for higher electricity prices for households and business more generally. 

With Turkey and Australia jostling it out to decide who will host this important UN event in 2026, a final decision is expected very soon. Will Australia win? Who will get the associated and highly coveted global climate role? 

And how many Australian jobs are worth one UN job?

Stephen Galilee

CEO, NSW Minerals Council 

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