NSW passes $170 million aid package for Hunter coal workers and communities
NSW Parliament has passed the Future Jobs and Investment Bill, committing $170 million plus $29.7 million ongoing funding to four coal-dependent regions.
NSW Parliament has passed the Future Jobs and Investment Bill 2025. The Bill creates support for four coal regions: the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West.
The government will fund the new Future Jobs and Investment Authority with $29.7 million ongoing, plus more than $170 million in a new fund. Money will be added each year.
The authority will have local divisions in each region, made up of workers, industry, local government and community members. Coal mine operators must now give workers time and certainty to access retraining, new jobs or retirement.
Minister Yasmin Catley said the authority will give Hunter families a direct voice in shaping their region's future. The legislation follows more than three years of consultation with unions, industry, councils and community groups.
- more than $170 million
- Future Jobs Investment Fund
- $29.7 million
- Ongoing authority funding
- 4
- Coal-dependent regions supported
- more than 3 years
- Consultation period
Why it mattersIt guarantees coal workers access to retraining and time to find new work, and gives communities a formal seat at the table in planning their region's economic future.
AustraliaHunter workers and families affected by coal industry decline now have legal rights to support and a structured role in deciding how their region adapts, with substantial government funding backing the transition.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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