Aluminium to Forge Australia’s Manufacturing Future

The Albanese Labour Government is Building Australia’s future with a record $1.24 billion investment in the Australian-made aluminium industry, securing more well-paid jobs for Australian workers in the country’s regions and suburbs.

Supercharging the local metals industry, a new Green Aluminium Production Credit will provide targeted support to Australian aluminium smelters switching to reliable, renewable electricity before 2036.

Facilities will be eligible for support for every tonne of clean, reliable Australian-made aluminium they make over a period of 10 years. This credit will provide local aluminium smelters with confidence to invest, paving the way for more secure Australian jobs in our world-class aluminium industry.

In an announcement on Monday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his government’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear and he wants Australian workers to make more things here.

“We have got all the ingredients right here for a world-leading metals industry – from the best solar and wind resources, to the critical minerals and facilities, as well as a highly skilled workforce. From Gladstone to Portland and Bell Bay to Tomago – Australia is already the sixth largest producer of aluminium in the world and we want to see that continue to grow,” Albanese said.

He said that the world has been increasingly looking to import clean, reliable metals like Australian-made aluminium, which represents a massive opportunity for growth in a decarbonising global economy.

Uniquely Located

Australia’s entire aluminium supply chain is uniquely located on shore – from bauxite mining to finished products, all produced from generations of Aussie know-how. Not only will this deliver for economic wins for Australia, it will help significantly reduce emissions at the same time, he said.

“Securing the future of the Australian-made aluminium industry is a direct investment in jobs and skills across the country – all the way from Central Queensland to Northern Tasmania. This is what Building Australia’s Future looks like,” he said.

Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said that jobs up, emissions down and a secure future for our world-class aluminium industry and that’s what today’s announcement provided.

“With an entire aluminium supply chain uniquely located right here in Australia, we are well positioned to capture the rewards of the global green energy transition. Communities and businesses rely on aluminium smelters, and we have an opportunity to partner with the private sector to support these secure well-paying jobs into the future,” he said.