Panel discussion on Industrial Policy

On the occasion of the IndustriALL Global Union Congress in Sydney, FES organized a panel discussion on the prospects of Australian and German Industrial Policy. The conversation sought to highlight challenges and opportunities that arise for communities and workers as fossil fuel consumption is decreasing and renewable energy production methods take over.

In Australia, the enormous economic potential of developing new industries around the critical minerals needed globally for energy production and storage and various other fields comes into clear view. Unionists and other participants discussed the various aspects presented by the panelists from government, business and academic perspectives. This included also questions around the options for the involvement of Chinese businesses and capital in the endeavor of a Net Zero Transition, which could speed up the process but also create new and unwanted economic dependencies.

All agreed on the aim of a socially equitable transition and the need for mechanisms to help affected communities come along. The work of the Net Zero Economic Authority was highlighted by union participants in that context.