Joint media release with Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for a Future Made in Australia, Assistant Minister for Trade.

The Albanese Labor Government wants to see a Future Made in Australia.

We are engaging with regional communities to explore practical ways of building on investments in new energy infrastructure to use more Australian content, looking first at structural steel and local manufacturing – as Australia rolls out lower cost reliable electricity without increasing costs for electricity users or slowing the net zero transformation.

The Government want to make sure that more good jobs flow from renewable infrastructure projects, and that households and businesses pay less for electricity.

As part of this process, we will bring together project developers, industry, unions, community groups, and experts to investigate smart approaches to deliver Australian content in wind, solar and transmission projects.

Assistant Minister Ayres will travel to Gladstone, Rockhampton, Latrobe Valley, Collie, Illawarra and around the Hunter to hear firsthand what local manufacturing and more Australian steel content could deliver for good jobs, and apprenticeships and sustainable regional industries.

More Australian steel content and more regional firms participating in manufacturing wind, solar and transmission infrastructure will share the benefits of the renewables roll out for good jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and investment in regional communities.

And, most importantly, we will consult communities in our regions to make sure they have more of a say in how each region can benefit from the investment in the shift to cheaper, reliable electricity for households and business.

The Australian steel industry employs over 100,000 people and generates $29 billion in annual revenue.

According to estimates from the Australian Steel Institute, between now and 2030 we will need more than 300,000 tonnes of steel for wind projects under any net zero transformation scenario.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Ayres:

“This is another practical step in the rollout of the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.

“A Future Made in Australia will be made with Australian steel.

“Steel metal fabrication and manufacturing are the industrial backbone of so many regional communities around our country – and we’re backing them in.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to further develop the Australian Governments local content strategy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Husic:

“Our industrial heartlands are the engine room for our economic resilience and central to the government’s plans for prosperity.

“This work compliments the government’s engagement with these communities on green steel and a sustainable long-term future.

“The government will always look for ways to draw on their experience understand their concerns and work together to build a bright future for these communities.”