Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Pocock for his question and the constructive way in which he's engaged with this very important project. It's a lesson for the coalition as to how one advances an interest in these matters.

The NRF may be able to build domestic manufacturing capability in disaster resilience where the project falls within a priority area of the economy, as defined by the priority areas declaration, and aligns with other criteria as set out in the bill and investment mandate. The government previously announced the seven areas of the economy that will be the basis of the first declaration to be made soon after the bill receives royal assent. The detail of each area is still being considered, taking into account the comprehensive consultation conducted by the government in late 2022 and early 2023. Given the government has not yet made a final decision on the drafting of the declaration, it is not possible for me to rule particular projects or technologies in or out.

As to the second question that you asked, it's expected that, through investments in priority areas, the corporation will build strategic industry capability and help to address supply chain vulnerabilities. Reflecting how critical this issue is, the government will move an amendment to clause 17 of the bill, which will require the board to have regard to the desirability of enhancing Australia's resilience against supply chain vulnerabilities, along with other important outcomes.