Tammy Tyrrell (Tasmania, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In December 2023, the Darwin helium plant closed, and with it Australia lost its helium sovereignty. Overnight, we became completely dependent on imports. Yet, just weeks later, the government removed helium from the critical minerals list. That was a mistake. Our supply chains are now significantly more vulnerable. Trade wars are a normality now, even with our closest partners. Helium is a critical mineral essential to our health system, our economy and our national security.

Let's start with health care. Every MRI machine in Australia relies on helium to function. Without it, these machines simply stop, delaying diagnoses for cancer, strokes and heart disease. Right now, our hospitals are vulnerable to global supply disruptions entirely beyond our control. A domestic helium supply is fundamental to a resilient health system.

This is also a major economic opportunity. Australia has the resources to meet domestic demand but also to become a leading exporter in a world facing repeated helium shortages. That means long-term jobs, regional development and sovereign capability.

We also need natural helium for renewables and the technologies needed for the green energy transition. Natural helium is essential to the growth of Australia's tech sector, needed for data centres and quantum computers for its high-performance cooling and ultralow temperatures. Projects like the Firmus AI data centre in Launceston show the high-skill jobs and economic growth that are possible when we invest in advanced technology, but those opportunities disappear without access to critical inputs.

Finally, helium is integral to the AUKUS agreement. We're committing billions of dollars to submarines and systems that rely on helium. If we're serious about a future made in Australia, natural helium must be part of the plan. We must reinstate natural helium to the critical minerals list to unlock investment, fast-track programs—

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

Thank you, Senator Tyrrell. Senator Darmanin.