Two-minute Statement
13 February 2025
The Albanese government’s Future Made in Australia plan is all about Australian workers and companies making things right here. It’s about tapping into our natural resources and strengthening our economic security. That’s why we’re creating a $22.7 billion plan that invests in skills and training, renewable energy, industry and technology, utilising our natural resources and critical minerals.
Critical minerals and rare earths are essential components of clean energy technology, such as storage batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. They are also essential for our defence industry. Just this week, the government’s Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024 passed the Senate. This will boost critical minerals processing and spur on new investments in green metals, securing the future of our aluminium industry and the thousands of jobs it supports, including in my home state of Victoria. This builds on our $2 billion investment in our new green aluminium production credit, which will support Australia’s aluminium smelters to transition to renewable electricity before 2036. It guarantees jobs right across Australia, including 1,300-plus jobs at the Portland smelter, in my home state of Victoria.
