Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Industry and Science. How is the Albanese Labor government's Future Made in Australia plan helping regions and suburbs that depend on manufacturing? What approaches to manufacturing has the government ruled out?

Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks to the member for Calwell for her question. She wants, like we all do on this side of the House, for Australia to be a place that makes things like Australian steel. We've got a proud heritage in steelmaking. The strength and quality of Aussie steel has supported sectors across the economy. It's sustained communities from the Illawarra to the Hunter to Central Queensland to Whyalla through to the outer suburbs of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. It delivers so many secure, well-paying jobs, and this has got to continue.

The reality is that the world is changing, and we've got to prepare for it. We've got to find new ways to sustainably make steel. Demand for green steel is expected to almost double by 2050. Demand for green aluminium is expected to double by 2030. Other countries know this, and they're making significant investments to decarbonise. We cannot be left behind. As part of our Future Made in Australia plan, the Albanese government has started work on charting a course for the future of Australian green steel and metals manufacturing. Today we took another step down that path, bringing together an expert panel to advise the government on what's needed to shape a sustainable metals future. Industry, unions and research partners are working with government to plan a bright future for Australian metals. As BlueScope CEO Tania Archibald notes, 'For Australia to capitalise on the opportunity, ambitious, forward-thinking policy will be required with industry working in partnership with government.'

But I'm asked about different approaches, and, boy, we've heard some! The only thing that the Liberal and National parties do faster than claim they support manufacturing is to walk away from that very claim. It has been particularly staggering to see Queensland Liberal National Party MPs so willingly dud manufacturing workers from their great state. The member for Flynn described our $45 million investment into electrolyser manufacturing in Gladstone—in his electorate—as 'economic insanity'. The member for Herbert said manufacturing in Townsville 'isn't viable' and described supporting manufacturing jobs as 'reckless'. The member for Wide Bay, not to be outdone, said he totally disagrees with the premise of creating manufacturing jobs in Maryborough and Hervey Bay. It's no to making things here and yes to importing everything. That's that side.

There's no putting Queensland workers on the job making the metals, processing minerals or building batteries and solar panels. After question time, they'll all fly home, put on their high-vis vests and act like they're the best friend regional workers have ever had. But Queensland workers need to know that here in Canberra the LNP MPs were not there for them and their future. It is a disgrace