The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has expressed support for the Albanese Government’s commitment to invest $500 million in clean energy manufacturing, highlighting its potential to create secure jobs and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capacity.
The funding, announced under the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, is set to boost domestic manufacturing of wind towers, battery and storage technologies, and electrification components.
The initiative is expected to enhance the nation’s clean energy supply chain while providing well-paid jobs across key industrial regions, including the Illawarra and the Hunter.
According to the ACTU, the investment aligns with long-term workforce development strategies, including apprenticeships and training programs aimed at preparing workers for the growing renewable energy sector.
The union emphasised the significance of community benefit principles embedded in the funding program, ensuring that newly created jobs offer fair wages and safe working conditions.
ACTU President Michele O’Neil welcomed the initiative, stating that government support for manufacturing workers is essential for securing Australia’s industrial future.
“Support for these jobs and industries will make a real difference for Australian manufacturing workers and their communities,” O’Neil said.
“This shows we have a government committed to investing in the future of our manufacturing industry for generations to come.”
O’Neil also highlighted the potential economic benefits of clean energy investment, linking it to job security and lower energy costs.
“For working people, today’s announcement means more clean energy, lower power prices, and more manufacturing jobs,” she said.
The ACTU contrasted the government’s investment with the policy stance of the federal Opposition, arguing that a lack of commitment to manufacturing would put jobs at risk.
“The contrast couldn’t be starker: the Prime Minister is saving manufacturing jobs, while the Opposition Leader wants to kill them,” O’Neil asserted.
“The Government is investing to secure the economic livelihoods of manufacturing workers, while the Coalition and Peter Dutton are more interested in playing politics with these communities and their need for a stronger future.”
