The Australian Government has today announced Mr David Shankey will be appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Net Zero Economy Authority.
The appointment comes as the Government’s Future Made in Australia legislation passes Parliament, a major step forward in making Australia indispensable to the global net zero transformation.
Mr Shankey brings significant senior leadership experience in energy and climate policy and a track record of delivering future-focused reforms with local communities front and centre.
The Net Zero Economy Authority will ensure Australian workers, industries and communities share the benefits of the net zero transition.
The Authority is central to the Government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia, and ensuring the regions that power the nation will do so for decades to come.
The Authority will work with communities, state, territory and local governments, regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to take advantage of the opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
As Deputy Director-General at Queensland’s Department of Energy and Public Works, Mr Shankey led the development of the state’s 10-year Energy and Jobs Plan.
Mr Shankey will work closely with Dr Iain Ross AO, Chair of the Net Zero Economy Authority.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chair will be supported by an independent Board, which will be appointed shortly.
Mr Shankey’s appointment follows a competitive, merit-based recruitment process.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“Australia is one of the best placed countries on earth to achieve the energy transition. We are home to every metal and critical mineral essential to net zero.
“That’s why it’s so important we have a plan for a Future Made in Australia.
“Our workforce is skilled and valued, our safety standards are the highest in the world and we have a proven track record as a reliable producer and exporter of energy and resources.
“The Net Zero Economy Authority is key to unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower, and ensuring Australia’s regions and workers realise the benefits of the emerging global net zero economy.
“I congratulate David Shankey on his appointment, and look forward to working with him as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
“These regions will see enormous benefits flowing from a pipeline of well-paid jobs now and in the coming years as our industries and power systems transition to renewables. NZEA ensures they aren’t left to sit on their hands waiting for jobs that might or might not eventuate under the Coalition’s nuclear scheme in twenty years’ time.
“This is a good for Australia’s future. But it’s great for workers, our industries, and the regions they both help thrive.
“David Shankey has the right experience and approach to make sure the Net Zero Economy Authority delivers on the potential available as our regions transform to take advantage of the global push to decarbonise."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres
“The establishment of the Net Zero Economy Authority and the Albanese Government's Future Made in Australia plan provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regional centres.
"By building the industrial capability to solve national challenges – like the transition to net zero – we will create secure and meaningful jobs in our regional communities as power stations close and industries change.
"The work of the Net Zero Economy Authority is enabling the investment in the people and the places now, in order to build a Future Made in Australia.
“We welcome David Shankey as the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer – I look forward to working with you to support our regions.”