The Australian government has announced a $2 billion investment in the aluminium industry, aiming to strengthen local manufacturing and create new jobs across regional and suburban areas.
Central to the initiative is the Green Aluminium Production Credit, a program aimed at encouraging Australian aluminium smelters to adopt renewable energy sources by 2036.
Facilities that make the switch will receive support for each tonne of clean aluminium produced over a 10-year period, the government said in a news release.
“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Investing in the Australian-made aluminium industry is a massive opportunity – to create well-paid jobs in our regions and suburbs, and set Australia up for the future.”
Australia is currently the sixth-largest producer of aluminium globally, and the government’s investment is set to reinforce its position.
With resources like world-class solar and wind energy, abundant critical minerals, and a skilled workforce, the nation is well-placed to thrive in a decarbonising global economy.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised the economic and environmental benefits of the initiative.
“Jobs up, emissions down, and a secure future for our world-class aluminium industry – that’s what today’s announcement provides,” he said.
“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.”
According to the government, the Australian aluminium supply chain, situated entirely onshore, spans from bauxite mining to the production of finished goods, leveraging generations of local expertise.
This comprehensive approach not only ensures economic benefits but also contributes significantly to reducing emissions.
Assistant Minister for Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres highlighted the broader impact of the package, noting its importance to regional economies.
“This package guarantees good blue-collar jobs in the Hunter, Central Queensland, Northern Tasmania, Western Australia, and Victoria,” he said.
The investment is part of the government’s broader strategy to support Australian manufacturing and protect critical industries from external pressures.
“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“We are building Australia’s future, not taking Australia backwards.”
