Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The Albanese Labor government has been very focused on unlocking our nation's prosperity and ensuring that all Australians get to share in the benefits of a future that is made here in Australia. How does the passage of a very crucial bill last night mean we're a step closer to delivering a better future for Australian workers, businesses and communities?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for his question and for his ongoing support for Australian jobs. All of us on this side are for Australian jobs. The passage of the government's Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024 last night marks a major step forward in building Australia's economic future, strengthening our industries and securing more well-paid jobs. Establishing tax incentives will mean that, instead of shipping resources offshore to be processed by other countries, we will add value here at home.

In addition to creating tens of thousands of blue-collar jobs, we will build Australia's sovereign capability in industries crucial to our future and strengthen our regional economies, whether it's in Whyalla and the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia, in Central Queensland, in the Pilbara, in Victoria, in New South Wales or in Northern Tasmania. Labor's bill incentivises green hydrogen production to support industries transition to cleaner energy and make Australia a renewable energy superpower. After a wasted decade from those opposite, who have never stood up for Aussie jobs, we are taking action to build Australia's industrial future. All of us will remember those opposite cheering the decline of Australian manufacturing under Prime Ministers Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison. Of course they haven't learnt; they've been true to form in opposing the bill.

Senator Cash, you quoted CME yesterday. Let's see what CME had to say about our bill:

Offering production tax incentives for hydrogen production and critical mineral processing sends a clear message to investors that Australia is serious about seizing the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, first supplementary?

Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Minister, for that very comprehensive answer. The Albanese government knows that a very strong and resilient economy relies on secure, well-paid jobs and thriving local industries. How will the government's efforts to strengthen Australian manufacturing, support key industries and attract new investment not only create good jobs but ensure that Australia prospers in a very changing world?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the Chamber of Minerals and Energy said:

Offering production tax incentives for hydrogen production and critical mineral processing sends a clear message to investors that Australia is serious about seizing the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.

I said that again for you, Senator Cash, as you are so fond of quoting some people, and I would invite you to consider this: since we have come to government, we have seen a record 1.1 million jobs created, including 47,000 in manufacturing. We have had a range of policies and incentives in new energy, new projects, new technology and new markets, and our Future Made in Australia agenda is central to that. But do you know what? Senator Cash, Mr Dutton and the Liberals want to take Australia backwards—back to the most dire skill crisis in 50 years and back to the back of the pack in the renewables race. On top of that, $350 billion worth of— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, second supplementary?

Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is clear that the Albanese government wants our industries and exports to remain competitive on the world stage. What steps are the government taking to advocate for Australian industries, secure new trade opportunities and ensure that the Australian made products and resources can compete globally while delivering lasting economic benefits here at home?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ours is a great trading nation—one in four Australian jobs depend on free and fair trade. We on this side, the Albanese Labor government, will always back Australian jobs and Australia's interests, whether it's by strengthening ties with allies and partners, by restoring trade with vital partners or by seeking out new markets and new opportunities, such as driving deeper economic engagement with South-East Asia so that Australian businesses and all Australians can benefit from the fastest-growing region in the world. Our calm, constructive and consistent efforts have resulted in the removal—I know you don't like this, Senator Cash—of $20 billion worth of trade impediments that existed under you and that hurt Australian producers. But what we do know and what we've seen today and again and again is that Mr Dutton and the Liberals are too reckless and too arrogant to be trusted with Australian trade. They are too reckless and too arrogant, and they play politics with our largest export market. (Time expired)