Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I don't spend too much time looking at what the Greens have to say on these issues, but it is important what the Australian Labor Party says. Just the other week, Mr Albanese was on Q&A saying that the global coal market is in structural decline. Just to clarify the facts in this place, in the 12 months to July coal not only achieved a record amount of exports for Australia but became the biggest export in our nation. In the 12 months to July it overtook iron ore as our biggest export. But according to the Labor Party, who apparently represent CFMMEU workers, it is a market in structural decline. They are talking down the job prospects and livelihoods of their own voters and their own members for political purposes.

It has been a great week for coal, because not only have we had this announcement today but we also had Clean Coal Day in Japan this week. They are celebrating coal in Japan. I couldn't make it, unfortunately; but the Victorian government sent someone, so that was something. We celebrate coal on this side of politics, and we celebrate its jobs. Isn't it great to see more of them being created?