Madeleine King (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Leichhardt for his question. He knows, like the Albanese Labor government knows, that a strong resources sector is vital for regional communities and for Australia's economic future. That's why we're backing projects that not only deliver jobs today but set us up for the industries of tomorrow.

The road to net zero runs through Australia's resources sector. Through our critical minerals resources, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for new Australian resources projects to underpin the global transition—that's right, the global transition—to net zero.

The Albanese Labor government supports net zero emissions by 2050, which, of course, stands in stark contrast to the utter circus that is the coalition's failed climate policy—and that's on top of 22 failed energy policies, four of which they came up with in 14 days not that long ago. The chaos and division of those opposite would make energy more expensive and more unreliable. It would absolutely kill investment in this country. It is those opposite that are the threat to our resources sector in this country—have no doubt about it.

Meanwhile, this government, the Albanese Labor government, is getting on with the job of delivering a strong resources sector that is backing in new jobs and new investment in our regions. We are backing the critical minerals and rare earths sector through our $17 billion production tax incentive. That is the biggest government investment in an Australian resources sector in this nation's history. And those opposite voted against it—let everyone remember that. But, on this side, we know that every dollar invested in critical minerals and resources helps to scale up projects and bring more jobs to our regions, more apprenticeships and more opportunities for small business right around our regional communities.

This government is backing important, strategic rare earths projects. Take, for example, in Alice Springs, the great Arafura Nolans rare earths project. This government has invested significantly in that project, but we don't invest alone. Alongside us are credit agencies from the governments of Canada, the Republic of Korea, Germany and of course the United States of America. And why are they backing it? Because it is an important geostrategic project of global significance. But for the people of Alice Springs, what does it mean? It will support 600 construction jobs, with 350 new ongoing roles in Alice Springs. That is of vital importance for a town like Alice.

While those opposite squabble and squawk about their various energy policies, their various climate policies, this government continues to represent. We will deliver for the regions while those opposite pretend to represent the regions. We are serious about backing the resources sector of this country, while those only pretend to. (Time expired)

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