I rise to welcome an enormously important announcement for George Town, Northern Tasmania and our nation. The Albanese Labor government has helped secure the long-term future of Bell Bay Aluminium. This outcome protects 550 direct jobs and more than 1,500 indirect jobs supported by the smelter and its supply chain. These are not simply numbers on a page. They are skilled workers, apprentices and families. They are small businesses, contractors, transport operators, tradespeople and suppliers, whose livelihoods are tied to the strength of Bell Bay. They are part of the fabric of George Town and the wider Northern Tasmanian community. For generations, Bell Bay Aluminium has provided secure, well-paid employment and helped build the industrial capabilities of our state.

When the future of a major employer is uncertain, that uncertainty travels far beyond the smelter itself. It is felt around kitchen tables, in local shops, in the order books of contractors and throughout the community. Now, those workers and businesses can look ahead with renewed confidence. The agreement reached with Rio Tinto, together with a power deal extending electricity supply through to the end of 2031, provides a stable operating pathway for the Bell Bay site. The Australian government's $200 million investment over five years, alongside the support of the Tasmanian government, gives greater certainty to the workforce, confidence to suppliers and stability to the region, while the next phase of Northern Tasmania's industrial development is advanced. This achievement reflects what can be delivered when governments, industry and communities work together with a clear purpose.

Labor's priority throughout has been the working people of George Town and Northern Tasmania. We understand that good industrial policy is not abstract. It means a reliable pay packet, an apprenticeship for a young person, work for a local contractor and customers coming through the doors of small businesses. I want to personally thank the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Tim Ayres, and the Prime Minister for their determination and leadership in securing this result. Minister Ayres in particular has understood, from the very beginning, that every one of these jobs is precious and that Bell Bay's future matters locally and nationally.

I also acknowledge the fabulous federal member for Bass, Jess Teesdale, for her tireless advocacy in this place. I understand she was knocking on the door of the Prime Minister and Minister Ayres at every chance she had when she was here in Canberra, along with our senators, bringing back the message of how important this was for Northern Tasmania. Ms Teesdale has listened to workers, families, contractors and local businesses and carried their case directly to the Prime Minister and the minister. Without her passion, persistence and determination, this outcome would not have been possible. Northern Tasmania has had a strong and effective voice in Jess Teesdale, and this commitment demonstrates what a committed local representative can achieve.

This is also an investment in Australian sovereign capabilities. Aluminium is fundamental to construction, transport, renewable energy, defence and advanced manufacturing. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, Australia cannot afford to surrender the capabilities that make this essential material here at home. A resilient nation has the energy skills, workforce and industrial base to meet their own needs and contribute to a secure supply chain.

Tasmania has a proud manufacturing tradition, and Bell Bay sits at the heart of it. It is Australia's oldest aluminium smelter and one of the greenest, powered by Tasmania's renewable energy. And that's a real advantage. Securing its future says something important about the kind of country that we want to be. It says a lot about our government. We believe in skilling up Australians. We value regional communities, and we will do everything we can to strengthen the value and the skills of Australian workers and to produce the best products.