Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. This morning, the Prime Minister joined the New South Wales Premier to announce the Albanese Labor government's plan to keep Tomago Aluminium open. This is a landmark joint $2.5 billion investment to secure the site's future beyond 2028. Minister, what does this mean for Australians, and why is this decisive action so important in an increasingly uncertain world?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sheldon for his question, and I thank him for a lifetime of supporting working people. What he understands is how important this announcement is for working people and their families in his home state of New South Wales, as well as the importance it has for the country.

At the end of last year, the Prime Minister went to Tomago and he told workers there, 'We have got your back.' Well, today Labor is delivering. We are delivering to ensure that not only will Tomago survive but it will thrive into the future. The announcement today is a $2.5 billion investment, shared fifty-fifty between state and federal Labor governments. Together we are keeping Tomago open. Labor is delivering real change, protecting thousands of jobs in the Hunter.

I'll take the interjections of Senator Ruston. You can't bear it that working people's jobs have been saved, can you? You just can't bear that we have actually delivered an outcome which will support not only jobs but additional renewable energy capacity, and you can't bear it that this government is backing Australian industry.

This is a long-term plan which supports commercially sustainable operations beyond 2028 and expands renewable capacity in New South Wales. This investment will underpin nearly three gigawatts of new renewables and firming capacity—renewable energy backed by gas and storage—because aluminium is essential to Australian industry and it is essential that we smelt it here. This year, we have been reminded about how fragile international supply chains can be and why it is that it is so important to ensure economic resilience here in Australia, and that is what Albanese Labor has done.

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

Thank you, Minister. Senator Sheldon, first supplementary?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. Thousands of families thank you as well. The Albanese Labor government is focused on delivering real change. That includes change which protects the jobs of the workers at Tomago, supports the supply chains that rely on the aluminium smelter there and seizes the transformational opportunities that investing in Australian industry gives us. Minister, how does today's announcement enhance our national resilience today while supporting investment in the critical industries of the future?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator. The investment announced today by the Albanese Labor government locks in a long-term future for renewable powered low-carbon aluminium—a future that plays to this nation's strengths: clean energy, world-class resources and an existing industrial base.

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

Senator Colbeck!

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

It is essential to produce aluminium here. It's a critical component of so much that is manufactured in this country, and we are one of just a few countries that boasts an end-to-end aluminium supply chain. In an increasingly unstable world, securing Australian domestic production and supporting energy sovereignty are crucial. We on this side are focused on making Australia stronger, safer and more resilient to global shocks, no matter what the world throws at us.

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

Senator Colbeck, when I call you to order, I expect you to come to order. You are being disrespectful towards me. Senator Sheldon, second supplementary?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government is focused on making sure our industries and workers are protected now and well into the future. Is the minister aware of any obstacles to the government's approach to delivering real change for Australian workers, Australian industry and Australian energy sovereignty?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

What we know is that these jobs would not have been protected and this deal would not have been done if those opposite were in power. If the coalition were in power or if One Nation's position were adopted, we know these jobs would not have been protected. Tomago's owners were crystal clear about why this investment was needed, and I really invite those opposite to answer. Coal power is simply too expensive to keep it open.

I know these facts are very hard. You can see them getting stressed, can't you, when the facts really don't accord with what's in their heads. For years we have seen the coalition walk away from cheaper, more reliable electricity and walk over to sit next to One Nation. And now Senator Bragg says he wished he'd done more to stop the madness under Morrison. Stop the madness! Well, we agree, Senator Bragg. (Time expired)