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MEDIA RELEASE
16 July 2025
COALITION CALLS FOR SENATE INQUIRY INTO METALS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
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 this vital sector and the thousands of Australian jobs it supports.
The industry is under significant pressure due to skyrocketing energy costs under the Albanese Labor Government.
Since Labor came to power in May 2022, electricity prices have risen by 10.6%, and gas prices by 45.3% for Australian manufacturers.
[Local member] has joined Andrew Willcox MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, to announce that the Coalition will push for a Senate Inquiry into the Future of Australia's Metals Manufacturing Industry.
The Senate Inquiry will examine how Australia's manufacturing industry has reached this crisis point, the impact of international actions, and what a unified, long-term plan between industry and government should look like to protect local jobs – without the constant need for costly taxpayer-funded interventions.
At least 10 smelters and refineries across Australia are currently seeking government support. Collectively, these facilities employ more than 6,000 Australians directly, with thousands more jobs dependent on their continued operation.
To date, the Albanese Government has promised over $10 billion to struggling smelters and refineries. However, more must be done to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.
The Coalition is particularly concerned about the future of copper, aluminium, lead, zinc, and other metals.
In [local electorate], the Coalition is raising alarms over the uncertainty facing the [number of workers] workers at the [local smelter/refinery] who deserve to know why their jobs are now at risk.
Comments attributable to Andrew Willcox MP
Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Federal Member for Dawson
"A Senate Inquiry aims to uncover how and why these major assets, and others like them across Australia, are being jeopardised – and what the Federal Government can and should be doing to prevent closures.
If we let these important assets fall by the wayside, countries like China and Indonesia will fill the void, costing us thousands of Australian jobs.
Australian smelting and refining are already struggling against stiff international competition, and closing these facilities would be yet another blow to our sovereign capabilities.
The Albanese Government needs to do more than just monitor the situation – that’s why I’m pushing for this Senate Inquiry."
Comments attributable to The Hon Alex Hawke MP
Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation
"More taxpayer-funded bailouts are being contemplated by Labor because of their repeated failure to address underlying energy, industrial, and regulatory challenges.
Labor’s so-called 'Future Made in Australia' agenda and their National Reconstruction Fund resemble outdated interventionist policies from the 20th century.
The proposed Senate inquiry is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry and to paint a more accurate picture of their challenges and opportunities."
Comments attributable to Senator Maria Kovacic
"Tomago Aluminium is one of the largest employers in the Hunter and a cornerstone of the region’s economy. If it closes, the ripple effects across local jobs, supply chains, and the broader Hunter economy would be devastating.
Workers at Tomago deserve answers and real action. Instead, Labor keeps offering band-aid bailouts and endless reviews, leaving local families in the dark.
The Hunter has the skills, resources, and workforce to power Australian manufacturing. What it lacks under Labor is certainty.
The Coalition wants to back businesses like Tomago in the Hunter, not burden them with higher energy costs, red tape, and barriers to productivity."
ENDS
