Australian smelters and refineries are at risk of collapsing and there is an urgent need for a Senate Inquiry into the Metals Manufacturing Industry to determine how to save the vital sector and the thousands of Australian jobs it provides.
The industry is under significant pressure due to the skyrocketing energy costs under the Albanese Labor Government.
Since Labor came to power in May 2022, electricity prices have increased by 10.6% and gas prices have increased by 45.3% for Australian manufacturers.
Dan Tehan MP, Member for Wannon and Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, has joined with Andrew Willcox MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, to announce that the Coalition will push for a Senate Inquiry into the Future of Australia's Metals Manufacturing Industry.
The Senate Inquiry will investigate how Australia’s manufacturing industry has got to this state, the impact of the actions of other countries, and what the unified, long-term plan is between industry and government to protect local jobs - without the constant need for costly taxpayer-funded interventions.
At least 10 smelters and refineries across Australia are asking the Australian Government for support. Across these facilities, there are more than 6,000 Australians directly employed, and thousands of other jobs that rely on these facilities staying open.
To date, the Albanese Labor Government has promised more than $10 billion to struggling smelters and refineries, however, more must be done to ensure the long term sustainability of the industry.
The Coalition is concerned that copper, aluminium, lead, zinc and others are at risk.
Dan Tehan, Member for Wannon and Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction said, “a Senate Inquiry aims at uncovering how and why these major assets, and others like them across Australia, are being put in jeopardy, and what the Federal Government can and should be doing to prevent closures.”
Mr Tehan warned of the risks if the government fails to act. “If we let these important assets go by the wayside, others around the world, such as China and Indonesia, will fill the void,” he said. “That would send thousands of jobs offshore.”
He said Australia’s smelters and refineries are already under intense international pressure. “Australian smelting and refining are already up against it with stiff competition internationally,” he said. “The closure of these facilities would be yet another blow to our sovereign capabilities.”
Mr Tehan said the Albanese Government cannot remain passive. “The Albanese Government needs to do more than just monitor the situation,” he said. “This is why it is so important that this Senate Inquiry is put forward.”
He said industry input would be critical. “The proposed Senate inquiry would be a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry and will help paint a more accurate picture of their challenges and opportunities.
“In Wannon, we understand how important metal manufacturing is. We’re home to the largest aluminium smelter in Victoria. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of smelters like Portland Aluminium is absolutely vital,” said Mr Tehan. “That’s why the Coalition is calling for this inquiry.”
ENDS
Media contacts
Andrew Willcox MP: Mardi Mathieson M | 0419 652 269 E | mardi.mathieson@aph.gov.au
Alex Hawke MP: William Spence M | 0417 410 351 E | william.spence@aph.gov.au
Dan Tehan MP: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
