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

I thank Senator Ghosh. He's a young, new senator, but he's already impressing with the work he does on behalf of his Western Australian constituents, and he's doing that again with this very important question. The Albanese Labor government is tackling the challenges of today while ensuring prosperity into the future. Australians are still under pressure, but we've made progress in easing the cost of living for Australians. We've made sure that every taxpayer got a tax cut, that every household got energy bill relief and that people have access to cheaper child care, cheaper medicines, a stronger Medicare and fee-free TAFE. That's how you deliver cost-of-living relief—not by focusing on tax breaks for bosses' long lunches.

The Albanese Labor government is also guaranteeing our prosperity into the future. The world needs the critical minerals that are abundant under our feet, particularly in Western Australia, the engine room of our economy, and Australia will happily give them to the world. The Albanese Labor government's production tax credits, as part of the most significant budget for the resources sector in a generation, will ensure that resources aren't just mined here, in Australia, but processed locally to maximise their value. It's a no-risk approach to growing our critical minerals industry and ensuring a future made in Australia. It will create more jobs in the resources sector, especially in your state of Western Australia, Senator Ghosh, and provide secure and well-paid incomes for families right across Australia. Most importantly, it will ensure Australian workers benefit on our way to building a future made in Australia.