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

I thank Senator Green for her question. We had a fantastic night last night with all of her constituents from the Great Barrier Reef. I know she takes great pride in that area of Australia. Obviously not only are the Albanese government delivering on electoral reform but we're also delivering in the area of the National Reconstruction Fund.

That wonderful minister, Minister Husic, has announced a $40 million investment in Russell Mineral Equipment. Russell Mineral Equipment is a 40-year-old manufacturing business that makes cutting-edge mining equipment which improves safety and productivity at mines right across the world. Their mill relining technologies are used in hard-rock mining for minerals and metals such as copper, gold, platinum, nickel, zinc and iron ore—all critical to the global energy transition. These impressive machines are made by highly skilled manufacturing workers in Toowoomba. This investment will help them grow their business, employing more workers and reaching new markets with their fantastic products. The government has always said that the role of the National Reconstruction Fund was to crowd in private-sector investment. That is what we've seen in today's announcement.

The support of the RME is part of a broader $100 million co-investment partnership with the NRF and the Resources Capital Funds. This partnership is a clear signal to industry that government is serious about supporting companies who are making mining safer, cleaner and more efficient. I'd like to congratulate RME for their success in securing this investment and thank the staff of the National Reconstruction Fund for their work in supporting a future made in Australia. (Time expired)