The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) has endorsed the Federal Budget handed down by the Albanese Labor Government, describing it as a long-term boost for workers.
AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow noted the budget locks in critical investments for the nation's manufacturers under the Future Made in Australia initiative, shoring up Australia's manufacturing capabilities well into the future. Including:
- Whyalla support: $219.3 million to support the Whyalla steelworks through its ongoing administration.
- Green iron fund: $1 billion in grants for investments supporting green iron production, including up to $500 million for Whyalla.
- Green aluminium credits: $2 billion in grants to support aluminium smelters to switch to renewable electricity.
- Clean Energy Finance Corporation: An additional $2 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation - including for investments key to the clean industry transition.
"This is a budget that was clearly shaped to deliver for the future of working Australians," Mr Farrow said.
"The Albanese Government is providing the strong leadership it needs in an uncertain time to secure jobs, support industry, and position Australia for a prosperous future.
"The Coalition has made it clear that if it wins government it will continue to beat the same broken free market drum that saw factories close and industry freeze investment in Australia last time they were in office. Only a Labor Government can protect Australia from being hollowed out by a hostile global economic climate.
"A Dutton government would scrap the $25 billion committed to building a Future Made in Australia – trashing the future of our manufacturing and resource sectors, and slashing thousands upon thousands of well-paid jobs in local industries."
Mr Farrow said the budget set a platform for future commitments from the government that would align with the Future Made in Australia vision.
"Now that we're securing the future of our industry with these investments, it's time for strong policies that put domestic manufacturers first," Mr Farrow said.
"We need to put a stop to the rampant dumping of low-cost product on Australian shores. The AWU has consistently advocated for stronger anti-dumping measures and procurement policies to protect Australian manufacturers from unfair international competition. The imperative for these new measures has intensified dramatically with the election of the Trump Administration in the US.
"To ensure that our steelworks and aluminium smelters continue to survive and thrive in growing economic uncertainty, we need stronger local procurement requirements. Mandating Australian steel and aluminium in public infrastructure projects makes perfect sense. It ensures local industries benefit directly from taxpayer-funded initiatives, helping secure thousands of Australian jobs.
"Keeping industry strong and viable today is the only way to ensure we evolve into the clean energy manufacturing powerhouse we can be."
