Economics References Committee

Matthew Canavan

I, and also on behalf of Senator McDonald, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in 2025:

The current health and future of the Australian metals manufacturing industry including the alumina, aluminium, lead, zinc, copper and nickel industries, with reference to:

(a) the impact of increasing energy costs, technological change, industrial relation regimes, workforce challenges and the broader regulatory environment;

(b) distortions in global supply chains that impact the viability of Australian metals manufacturing;

(c) the cost of metals manufacturing businesses meeting climate change targets;

(d) the viability of government interventions to sustain Australian metals manufacturing;

(e) the potential for energy investments to help reduce costs for Australian metals manufacturing;

(f) the viability of further public-private partnerships;

(g) the impact on regions, our national security and economy if metals manufacturing declines in Australia; and

(h) any other related matter.

Andrew McLachlan

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 in the names of Senators Canavan and McDonald be agreed to.