Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For decades Gippsland has powered Victoria. And now, as Australia's first offshore wind zone, it's set to lead the way in clean energy for generations to come. This new energy future isn't happening by chance. It's happening because of the hard work and collaboration of people in this region.

Recently Assistant Minister Tim Ayres visited Gippsland for a forum on jobs in the energy supply chain—thank you, Minister—bringing together local business, unions, experts and industry. The message was clear: Gippsland is ready to seize the opportunities of a clean energy future. While I was in town, I dropped by Federation University and I heard about the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre in Churchill. This centre will create pathways to secure jobs, training the workforce to power this new era. It will work alongside TAFE Gippsland and key partners like Corio Generation and Iberdrola to prepare the local workforce for the opportunities that lie ahead so that they can feel confident about what it means for their region, their local economy and their future.

Our government is proud to support this future, with the Net Zero Economy Authority helping communities transition to renewable jobs, fee-free TAFE making it easier for Australians to gain new skills and the Future Made in Australia policy driving investment in renewable energy manufacturing. So, while Mr Dutton's coalition gambles on reckless nuclear promises with no costings, no feasibility plan and no plans for workers, Gippsland is already on track for its renewable energy future. With the right support, Gippsland will continue to power Victoria with clean energy, with secure jobs and with a future made in Australia.