Environment and Communications References Committee

Sean Bell

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 12 May 2026:

The future of jobs at Centennial Coal's Myuna Colliery and the security of coal supply to Origin Energy's Eraring Power Station, and the wider implications for affordable, reliable electricity and regional industry in the Hunter, with particular reference to:

(a) the employment and community impacts in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter of any closure, scaling back or prolonged uncertainty at Myuna Colliery;

(b) the need for a long-term coal supply agreement that keeps Myuna Colliery operating and provides job security for its workforce for the remaining operating life of Eraring Power Station;

(c) whether government policy settings, including net zero targets and associated interventions, are contributing to uncertainty in coal supply contracting, investment and ongoing operation of coal mines and coal-fired generation;

(d) whether government decisions affecting Eraring's operating life are being matched by practical arrangements that support mine viability, workforce certainty and dependable fuel supply;

(e) the flow-on impacts on regional manufacturing and industrial jobs that depend on secure, affordable baseload power, including Tomago Aluminium and associated local supply chains;

(f) options to support secure, affordable domestic fuel supply and reliable baseload generation that protects jobs and keeps power prices down for households and businesses; and

(g) any other related matters.

Anthony Chisholm

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm

The government is opposing this motion. Negotiations between Origin and Centennial Coal are ongoing. We are watching them closely. But, unlike any other party in this building, we make sure workers at coal-fired power stations and dependent mines receive legally required support from employers at closing facilities through the Energy Industry Jobs Plan, which now covers 106 workers and may cover a thousand workers by next year, and through investment in their communities to deliver new blue-collar jobs—investment that One Nation and their friends in the Nationals and Liberals oppose. Minister Ayres's office is organising the briefing for Senator Bell. If he has questions, he can ask them now. In its 30-year history, One Nation hasn't delivered so much as a roundabout—not in the Hunter nor anywhere else in the country.

Sue Lines

The question is that business of the Senate No. 4, standing in the name of Senator Bell, be agreed to.