Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Federation Chamber, Parliament House, Canberra
Private Members’ Business – Critical Minerals Industry
I move:
That this House:
(1) recognises that the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive (CMPTI) will help build Australia's critical minerals industry by encouraging processing onshore and creating secure jobs in Australia; and
(2) notes the:
(a) Leader of Opposition says one thing about the CMPTI on the west coast and another on the east coast; and
(b) Shadow Treasurer is opposed to the CMPTI and has turned his back on the resources sector.
I moved this motion because I believe in a future made in Australia—a future that is built on a pathway to net zero emissions, and that pathway runs right through our national resources sector. We are a lucky country, blessed with amazing solar and wind resources above the ground and blessed with critical minerals and rare earths below the ground. These are the things that we need to transition to clean energy. And where are these resources? They're right under our feet, and it only makes sense for Labor to invest in these minerals' future.
There's a $17 billion production tax incentive, which is the cornerstone of that plan. It's not about funding; it's about building a future made here in Australia. This incentive is designed to create jobs, support local and regional communities and drive the future of our economy. Let's be clear: there are no handouts here. Companies will only receive a tax credit if they process critical minerals onshore, because we can make them here, and under Labor's strategic vision we will.
What's the problem with making more things here in Australia? I don't see one. What's stopping us? The opposition has mixed messages and a lack of clarity. You might recall the Leader of the Opposition's take on Labor's critical minerals investment program. It's hard to keep on track because he says one thing on the east coast, dismissing it as tax cuts for billionaires, and another thing in WA, when he falls back to his usual line: 'Well, we'll have more to say about that.' But when will he be clear with Australians?
Just a few weeks ago he was attacking Labor's vision of building a future made in Australia. Even his deputy joined in, saying that they would oppose the plan. What's the real stance? Are they wanting to support a vital industry for WA, or are they sticking to the same tired script of negativity? The truth is that the coalition has turned its back on the resources sector. The shadow Treasurer opposes the tax incentive. Why? It makes no sense to not foster a future in critical minerals, especially one that keeps processing onshore, creates jobs, supports local families and supports regional communities.
On nuclear, they're also all over the place. When will the opposition leader come clean on how much this plan will actually cost? This is the standard that they're living up to—confusion, flip-flopping—depending where they are and the time of day, and depending which side of the country they're on and who their audience is. They're not really interested in Western Australia. They only say what they think people on the west coast want to hear. They're not genuine. They don't get it. The Liberals are known for inaction and turning their backs. Let's not forget that, when they were in power, the approvals ground to a halt because they cut the environment department's resources by 40 per cent. We've doubled that since taking office, because we're not sitting on our hands. We have a plan and we're implementing it. We're engaged with the resources sector, because we understand it.
And I understand it, having worked in the industry for more than 15 years. I've seen firsthand what happens when we plan to invest. I witnessed that in Kambalda, a nickel-mining town. That's why I'm in a unique position to appreciate how crucial it is to support onshore processing of critical minerals. By doing so, we can seize the opportunity and create good jobs—local jobs, jobs for the future, jobs for families, jobs that build a community. We're not turning our backs on the resources sector or on the people who depend on it for their livelihoods. We're standing with them, investing in their future, because their future is our future, and ensuring that Australia is prosperous.
I moved this motion because I want to encourage all the members of the House to support it. Those not doing so would be turning their backs on the resources sector. We can't afford to do that. Let's build that future right here in Australia.
