Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

CARENHAS () (): Australia is critical in the world's pathway to decarbonisation. Our critical minerals are the building blocks of the clean energy economy. It's Minerals Week this week. Not only do we need minerals for healthy bones and bodies; we need them for the low carbon economy. Australia is blessed with abundant resources above the ground, with amazing solar and wind resources, and with critical minerals below the ground—minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. Every battery, electric vehicle, wind turbine and solar panel needs critical minerals.

WA kept Australia strong during the pandemic, and I'm proud that we will keep Australia strong as we decarbonise. I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government has supported WA and WA has received the lion's share of federal government funding to fast-track critical minerals projects. I know that the people of Swan are so proud to work in green-collar mining industry jobs. I chatted with Rod Sims last week, who told me gravely that there is no pathway to zero emissions without Australia. I am proud that the Albanese Labor government has stepped up and is seizing the opportunity. Our investment will support communities, growth, jobs and the environment.

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