QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:28): I thank Senator Mulholland for that question. The simple answer is because it makes Australia stronger. The Albanese government and the Crisafulli government, together, announced a $2 billion commitment to secure the future of the Boyne aluminium smelter.
I met with workers and management this morning to make that announcement. What that does is secure the Boyne aluminium smelter's future until 2040 and beyond. It is a long-term commitment to Central Queensland and its industrial future.
It will directly support the jobs of more than a thousand workers and, in the supply chain, more than 3,000. It will support engineering firms and employ many more thousands of people, and it will be powered entirely by firmed renewables. This decision will unlock $7.5 billion worth of investment in new electricity capacity and in new transmission capacity.
The CEO of Rio Tinto said this— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Ayres, I'm sorry. Resume your seat. Senator Canavan interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator Canavan, it's not a football match. Minister Ayres, please continue. Senator Watt interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Watt, I had just called the chamber to order.
That was really unhelpful, to continue to interject. Minister Ayres. Senator AYRES: If Senator Canavan had his way, Central Queensland would be closed.
If Senator Canavan had his way, Mount Isa would be closed. If Senator Canavan had his way, the Whyalla Steelworks would indeed be wiped out. The CEO of Rio Tinto said today: As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive, this investment, combined with the power purchase agreements we have already signed, positions Boyne to be among the world's first aluminium smelters underpinned by solar and wind power.
All the way through to 2040, thousands and thousands of blue-collar jobs— (Time expired) Senator Canavan: You gave him $2 billion. The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan— Senator Henderson: Do you know what you can do with $2 billion— The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson! I should not have to call senators individually across the chamber.
You are being disrespectful to me and this chamber. Senator Mulholland, first supplementary?