On 13 October 2016, the Senate referred the following matter to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and interim report by 28 November 2016 and final report by 1 February 2017:

1. the experience of closures of electricity generators and other large industrial assets on workers and communities, both in Australia and overseas;
2. the role that alternative mechanisms can play in alleviating and minimising the economic, social and community costs of large electricity generation and other industrial asset closures, drawing on experiences in Australia and overseas;
3. policy mechanisms to encourage the retirement of coal-fired power stations from the National Electricity Market, having regard to:
   1. the 'Paris Agreement' to keep global warming below 2 degrees celsius, and ideally below 1.5 degrees celsius,
   2. the state and expected life span of Australia's coal-fired power plants,
   3. the increasing amount of electricity generated by renewable energy and likely future electricity demand,
   4. maintenance of electricity supply, affordability and security, and
   5. any other relevant matters;
4. policy mechanisms to give effect to a just transition for affected workers and communities likely impacted by generator closures, as agreed in the 'Paris Agreement', including:
   1. mechanisms to ensure minimal community and individual impact from closures, and
   2. mechanisms to attract new investment and jobs in affected regions and communities;
5. the appropriate role for the Federal Government in respect of the above; and
6. any other relevant matters.  

The closing date for submissions is 10 November 2016.

On 1 December 2016, the Senate granted an extension of time to report until 29 March 2017. 

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600 

Phone: +61 2 6277 3585
Fax: +61 2 6277 5794
ec.sen@aph.gov.au