STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator CHISHOLM (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Resources and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (13:47): Yesterday marked another important step forward in our government's plan for a future made in Australia. Ministers King and Bowen announced the opening of consultation on options to support the development of a domestic low-carbon liquid fuels industry.
In the face of unprecedented global challenges in recent months, we've been reminded of something important: strengthening Australia's fuel security today and for the future is something we cannot afford to compromise on. We cannot afford to be vulnerable when it comes to protecting our industries from challenges beyond our shores. Disruptions to international supply chains and evolving pressures that come from a challenging climate are real challenges, and our government is acting.
Yesterday's announcement goes to the heart of strengthening our resilience while seizing on great opportunities ahead for us in low-carbon liquid fuels. We recognise these opportunities exist, which is why we committed more than $1 billion to growing our biofuels industry in this year's budget. As a senator for Queensland and assistant minister for agriculture and regional development, I've seen firsthand the opportunities ready to be unlocked in the regions.
Just last month I visited Far North Queensland and met with cane growers and millers in Tully and Ayr. As a driving force of our nation's sugar production, the Far North and other sugar producing regions in Queensland have one eye towards the future. They have abundant and diverse feedstocks, renewable energy resources, infrastructure and workforce capability.
Our sugar industry has the tools, expertise, willingness and passion that will be needed to fully harness our low-carbon liquid fuels potential. We know that tomorrow's success cannot rely on yesterday's achievement. It requires innovation, diversification and a government willing to work with industry at every level.
That is going to be the Albanese government's approach to this issue.