Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Kennedy for his usual eloquence when it comes to asking a question—and, indeed, my spirits have been uplifted whenever I have been with him in Mount Isa, including by being the first prime minister I think since Hawkie to go to the Mount Isa rodeo, as well as when visiting the facilities at Glencore, which I have done on at least four occasions over the years both the member for Kennedy and myself have been in this chamber.

I understand and am very sympathetic with the member's position. The minister for industry and science—and I'll ask his rep here to supplement this answer—has been working with the Queensland premier Crisafulli. I have had direct discussions with the Premier as well. The closure of the Glencore copper mine has had a direct impact on its copper smelter and other facilities in the region. But we know how important these facilities are to the Mount Isa community.

I make this point as well. Part of the Future Made in Australia agenda is our understanding that areas like critical minerals are important for us, that they are impacted by policies, whether it be domestic policies of some countries, such as the United States—the changes that they have made to tariffs—or the actions of countries such as China and the way that they've responded on international markets. We'll continue to work constructively. I know how important this is for the member for Kennedy. I was there this year, as I have been just about every year. I'd ask Minister Conroy to supplement the answer.

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