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.
Federal Member for Parkes and Shadow Minister for Resources, Jamie Chaffey, is among those pushing 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 need for taxpayer-funded interventions.
“The resources industry is critical to our economy. It is our largest export industry and a major employer,” Mr Chaffey said.
“Our focus needs to be on job creation and sovereign security. Instead, this significant industry is on its knees with the potential of closing and losing thousands of direct jobs – and thousands more indirect jobs from supporting businesses and industry.”
At least 10 smelters and refineries across Australia are asking the Australian Government for support, according to the Coalition. Across these facilities, there are more than 6000 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.
