14 May 2024 – The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) celebrates the historic $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package announced in the Federal Budget.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said the package cements it as the biggest industrial policy shift in our lifetime.
“It’s a big win for the AMWU and for our members. We have been tirelessly campaigning for the last three years to make this a reality.”
“It means we are now moving from ‘if’ we will make things here, to ‘how’ we will make things here. It’s time for things to be made in Australia again,” Mr Murphy said.
The package includes $13.7 billion in production tax incentives for green hydrogen and processed critical minerals, $1.7 billion for a Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund to develop new industries such as green metals and low carbon fuels, $520 million to deepen net zero trade and engagement with our region, and $566 million to map the geological potential of our country in critical minerals and groundwater.
The AMWU also welcomes the investment of $500 million in skills for priority industries like clean energy, construction and manufacturing.
Mr Murphy said the AMWU is heartened to see the federal government heed its calls in transforming Australia into a clean energy superpower.
“We have extraordinary natural advantages in wind and sun, and we are incredibly rich in critical minerals. We must leverage these advantages with necessary speed.”
“There are significant opportunities in major renewable technologies such as battery cell manufacturing, electric heavy vehicles, onshore and offshore wind power, solar panel manufacturing and domestic production of high voltage cables for renewable energy transmission,” Mr Murphy said.
“Not only can we shore up domestic demand, we can unlock significant export potential for Australia. This gives us an opportunity to increase our sovereign capability and bolster our economic future.”
Mr Murphy said the AMWU will have a key role to play in a strong, modern and green manufacturing sector as the voice for workers across various industries.
“We can secure generations of high-skill, high-quality, well-paid manufacturing jobs and develop new high-value renewable industries as part of the clean energy transition.”
“We welcome the investment of skills and training for a workforce that will power our future. We need hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople over the next decade as we decarbonise our economy, transition to renewable energy powered industries and lift our productivity.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580