17 April 2024

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) welcomes incentives announced by the Federal Government today towards critical mineral projects in Queensland and South Australia as a step in the right direction but warns the dangers of leaving the renewable energy transition to the market.

The Albanese Government announced almost $600 million in government loans towards critical mineral processing facilities in Queensland's Alpha HPA high-purity alumina processing facility and the conditional approval to Renascor Resources to fast track the development of purified graphite in South Australia.

While National Secretary Steve Murphy acknowledged this as a step towards Future Made in Australia, he said this must translate to local manufacturing jobs.

"There is incredible value in securing manufacturing jobs for the Australian economy and the regions. Every Australian understands the value of Aussie made," said Mr Murphy.

Mr Murphy said there needs to be a shift in thinking when it comes to leaving the renewable sector to the market.

"We need to burst this bubble when it comes to leaving everything to the market. We've seen time and time again how it leads to economic failure which often ends with disastrous consequences for all of us. Government has a bigger role to play in all of this."

"Australia ranks 93^rdin the OECD for economic complexity. Our dig and ship economy has us comparable to Uganda and Pakistan."

"These announcements mean that Australia will become more than a quarry, a farm and a nice place to visit."

"Lifting the Australian economy up the value chain so that we sit alongside economies like Japan, Germany and the UK, will create good unionised jobs in manufacturing, particularly in our regions. We have a chance now to reshape our economy that benefits workers."

"Australia can become a renewable energy superpower, but we must ensure workers' job security as key to that transition," Mr Murphy said.

Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580

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