Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027

Ms ROBERTS (Pearce) (10:58): The incorporated speech read as follows— I would like to highlight the Albanese Labor government's commitment to building a stronger, smarter and more resilient Australia. In the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio, this budget backs the sectors that create jobs, drive innovation and secure our economic future. This is a government that understands modern prosperity does not happen by accident.

It is built through investment in our people, our researchers, our manufacturers and our industries. That is why this budget delivers new spending on research and development, strengthens our national science capability, and supports the businesses and workers who are helping Australia lead in the industries the world needs. The scale of Australia's resources sector shows just how important this portfolio is to our economy.

In 2024-25, resource and energy export earnings reached $385 billion, mineral exports were $231 billion and the sector contributed more than $21.9 billion in royalties to the nation. Over 310,000 people are employed in mining, and more than 432 major resource and energy projects are currently under development across Australia. These are not abstract numbers; they are jobs, wages, investment and opportunity in communities right around the country.

This government is also backing the future through critical minerals and value-adding here at home. Since 2022, we have announced more than $28.3 billion to grow Australia's critical minerals industry, including production tax credits, support through the Critical Minerals Facility, the Value-Adding in Resources Fund, and a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.

We are also working to secure supply chains, support advanced manufacturing and position Australia to be a reliable partner in a changing world. In gas and energy, the government is taking responsible steps to ensure Australians have secure and affordable supply. We have introduced a domestic gas reservation scheme, strengthened the gas code and acted to put downward pressure on domestic gas prices, while protecting households and businesses from spikes.

At the same time, we are ensuring that the transition to a cleaner economy is orderly, practical and focused on national interest. The budget also provides strong support for science and innovation. The government is providing CSIRO with an extra $387.4 million over four years, alongside ongoing funding for the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, because science is not a luxury; it is essential national infrastructure.

This investment supports critical research, strengthens our biosecurity and ensures Australian science continues to deliver real benefits for families, industries and regional communities. I would also like to acknowledge my community in Pearce, which has a very high fly-in, fly-out population and a strong connection to the resources and energy sectors. Pearce is a large and fast-growing outer metropolitan seat in Perth's northern suburbs, covering 755 square kilometres and 30 suburbs.

Many families in our communities rely directly or indirectly on this industry for work, for opportunity and for economic security. That is why it is so important that this budget supports stable investment, secure jobs and long-term confidence in the industries that sustain regional and outer suburban communities like mine. I also want to acknowledge the important role of our regional communities in this national effort.

From the Pilbara to the Hunter, from regional Queensland to the Territory and beyond, Australians are contributing to the industries that power our country. They deserve a government that backs them with real investment, practical policy and a clear plan for the future. This budget does exactly that by supporting energy security, research capability, industrial resilience and local jobs.

We are also investing in the kind of nation-building that has lasting impact. That means supporting critical minerals processing here in Australia, strengthening supply chains and making sure our scientists and engineers have the backing they need to turn discovery into practical outcomes. It means giving businesses the confidence to invest, expand and innovate, while ensuring workers have the secure, well-paid jobs that come from a more productive economy.

This is how we create opportunity not just for today but for the next generation. After a decade of neglect from those opposite, the Albanese Labor government is doing the serious work of rebuilding capacity and confidence in Australian industry and science. We are backing innovation, supporting skilled jobs and making sure Australia is a country that not only exports raw materials but also adds value, builds capability and competes globally.

That is the responsible path to prosperity, and it is exactly what this budget delivers.