The Future of Just Transition and Industrial Policy in Australia

A ‘Just Transition’ in the context of the climate crisis means ensuring a fair and equitable transition to the ‘net zero economy’, protecting workers and communities negatively impacted by decarbonisation efforts, and promoting social inclusion and decent work. A robust and targeted industrial policy accompanies these efforts by rebuilding Australia's industrial base to manufacture technologies necessary for the domestic and global renewable energy transition. This roundtable discussion will consider the current state of just transition and industrial policy formation in Australia and what recent geopolitical tensions and the upcoming Federal election may mean for its future. 

The panel participants bring together diverse views from economics, industrial relations, political and regional geography to interrogate a series of ‘Just Transition’ interventions and engaged conversations about Future Made in Australia, the Net Zero Authority and Renewable Energy Hubs and where new interventions are needed to deliver an equitable and fair just transition. We encourage your input and participation in this Business and Human Rights Centre event.

Discussion Panel Members

* Emeritus Professor Roy Green (UTS)

Professor Roy  Green is Special Innovation Advisor at the University of Technology Sydney and former Dean of the UTS Business School. He has undergraduate degrees from the University of Adelaide and a PhD in Economics at the University of Cambridge. He has pursued a career in universities, government and industry and has published widely on innovation and industrial policy, including with the OECD and European Commission. He chaired the Australian Government’s Innovative Regions Centre, CSIRO Manufacturing Sector Advisory Council, Queensland Competition Authority, NSW Manufacturing Council and most recently the Port of Newcastle. Currently, Roy chairs the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub and is a board director of CSIRO and SmartSat CRC. He is editing a Routledge book with Dr Phil Toner on Productivity.

* Professor Phillip Toner (University of Sydney)

Phillip Toner is an Honorary in the Department of Political Economy, University of Sydney. His thesis was on the role of manufacturing industry in economic development. It was published as a book by Macmillan U.K. in 1999. His research interests include industrial structure analysis and industry policy; the economics of technical change; national vocational skills formation systems and labour market analysis. He has undertaken research for organisations including the OECD; World Bank; APEC; Industry Canada; South African Human Sciences Research Council; Australian Research Council; National Centre for Vocational Education Research and Department of Innovation, Science and Research. He has recently published two books on Australian neoliberal public policy and is currently editing a volume with Professor Roy Green for Routledge on the concept and practice of productivity.

* Adjunct Professor Al Rainnie (University of South Australia/ Curtin University)

Professor Al Rainnie is an Adjunct Professor at both Curtin University and the University of South Australia. He is currently working with unions, green groups and community groups on green steel and the restructuring of Whyalla Steelworks as well as Decommissioning offshore oil and gas.  His most recent book (with Andrew Herod and Susan McGrath-Champ) examines Industry 4.0 and the Future of Work Industry with a particular focus on global production networks, global disassembly networks and the circular economy. He is currently writing a book for Routledge with Darryn Snell and Mark Dean on Regional Futures in a Warming Geopolitical Climate: Industry Policy, Regional Development and Just Transitions in the Shadow of a New Cold War.

* Dr Gemma Beale (AMWU)

Dr Gemma Beale is a National Research Officer at the AMWU. She has a PhD from Flinders University for a worker-focused study exploring the impact of the closure of the Australian automotive industry.  Prior to this she was the Executive Director SA/NT of the McKell Institute and a researcher and writer. She has written for The Adelaide Review, The Conversation, and The Advertiser. She is passionate about in industrial relations, precarious work, and the future of work.

Convened by Assoc. Professor Darryn Snell - BHRIGHT Work-in-Transition Theme Lead.

Questions? darryn.snell@rmit.edu.au