鈥淭he transformation of the global economy needed to achieve net zero is a very significant industrial undertaking,鈥 黑料老司机 Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.
鈥淥ur transition to a clean energy future cannot be completed without a highly skilled workforce and substantial research and development, which means it cannot be achieved without our universities working hand in glove with TAFE and vocational education providers.
鈥淭hese are the vital functions our institutions perform on behalf of the nation 鈥 the education of skilled workers and the advancing of research and development.
鈥淯niversity researchers are responsible for printable solar panels, while university-educated engineers are designing and delivering renewable energy projects across the country.
鈥淥ur move towards net zero can鈥檛 gain pace without more of this.
鈥淲e welcome the report鈥檚 recognition of tertiary education鈥檚 role in delivering the fundamental skills needed for the net zero workforce.
鈥淓qually, we welcome the report鈥檚 acknowledgement that the tertiary sector will need more support, more collaboration and more innovation to meet the needs of net zero.
鈥淎s a member of the Jobs and Skills Australia consultative forum, it鈥檚 great to see this first workforce study conducted in such an important area.
鈥淯niversities are a willing partner of government in rising to this national challenge, but we can鈥檛 do more with less.
鈥淲e need the full support of government and the right funding and policy settings to continue the education and research needed to guide Australia鈥檚 successful transition to a clean energy future.
鈥淕overnment must not waste the opportunity it has in the Australian Universities Accord to provide universities with the funding and policy certainty we need to continue doing our job for the nation.鈥
