Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Rennick for his question and his strong interest in relation to a range of policy areas but particularly in relation to energy policy. I'm very pleased to be able to inform Senator Rennick and the Senate that our government have finalised the National Hydrogen Strategy as part of our commitment and drive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity for the Australian people and energy resources not just in Australia but indeed to our region and the world, as Australia has done so effectively for so long.

The National Hydrogen Strategy will set Australia on a path to becoming a major player in the global hydrogen industry by 2030. It's estimated, in the work undertaken by the Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, that the Australian hydrogen industry could generate around 7,600 jobs! Those opposite aren't ever terribly interested in jobs. They don't like hearing about our government's record on jobs. They don't like acknowledging the 1½ million jobs our government played a role in helping to create the environment to sustain. And the Hydrogen Strategy is about supporting ongoing jobs, especially in regional Australia—jobs that will be part of what could be an $11 billion per annum industry and contribution to our GDP by 2050.

The national strategy is the culmination of work between the federal government and all states and territories, and it's been very much driven by the reality that investors, innovators and our regional partners, particularly in nations such as Japan, Korea and Singapore, are all interested in the opportunities of the hydrogen industry and eager to cooperate with Australia. That's why the Morrison government announced substantial implementation plans around the Hydrogen Strategy, with $370 million to back new hydrogen projects— (Time expired)