Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pitched Australia as a global hub for clean energy and advanced manufacturing, telling American investors in New York that “a Future Made in Australia is a ready-made opportunity.”
Speaking at Macquarie Group’s headquarters alongside Australia’s Consul-General Heather Ridout and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, Mr Albanese said Australia had the “resources, workforce and stability” to deliver high-value manufacturing powered by renewable energy.
“Our Government wants to make more things in Australia,” Mr Albanese declared.
“High-skill workers, making high-value products – with lower production costs and greater certainty.”
The Prime Minister emphasised Australia’s vast deposits of lithium, nickel, zinc and rare earths, as well as its status as the world’s sunniest continent. “If you started with a blank piece of paper and wrote down every asset and resource you would need to thrive in this new economic environment, at the end of it you would hold in your hand a list of Australia’s strengths,” he said.
Mr Albanese highlighted his government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, which includes production tax credits for critical minerals and renewable hydrogen, a $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, and fast-tracked approvals for major projects.
“Put simply, our plan invests in the full life-cycle of projects – from upfront capital and research to production incentives,” he said.
“Every investment decision begins with a review of the fundamentals. And Australia’s fundamentals are as good as anywhere in the world: low inflation, low unemployment, accelerating growth, and a AAA credit rating.”
Minister Bowen told investors the policy settings were “ambitious, achievable and investable.” He said the response in New York had been “very strong,” pointing to interest in Australia’s world-leading rooftop solar penetration and rapidly expanding battery sector.
“The private sector is raring to go,” Mr Bowen said.
“Investors have told me our targets are realistic and ambitious enough to provide a very strong investment signal.”
Asked about former US president Donald Trump’s remarks at the UN dismissing climate change and renewable energy, Mr Albanese was measured: “My job is to be the Australian Prime Minister and to seize the opportunities that are there for Australia.”
“We have a challenge of climate change, but we also have an opportunity to grow jobs and benefit our economy.”
Mr Albanese confirmed he will meet Mr Trump at the White House on 20 October, saying he expected “constructive discussions.”
He also promoted Australia’s joint bid with Pacific nations to host a future UN climate summit, arguing it would showcase the region’s leadership. “The Pacific is important,” he said.
“This is a joint bid, and we’re working constructively with our neighbours.”
Ms Ridout said the agenda set out by the Prime Minister and Minister Bowen was “ambitious, exciting, and extremely well received.”
Mr Albanese closed with a simple pitch to American investors:
“In a time of global economic uncertainty – you can be certain about Australia.”
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