QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Mr CONROY (Shortland—Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Minister for Defence Industry) (15:05): I thank the member for Hunter, a staunch advocate for Aussie manufacturing if I've ever seen one. This gas reservation policy is a landmark Labor reform. Australia is a global energy and resources superpower, but, for too long, we've not value added these resources to create jobs and industries here.
Australians expect us to do better, and that's why this policy is so important. Requiring gas exporters to reserve up to 20 per cent of their exports will ensure that our domestic gas market is always modestly oversupplied, securing the gas we need and pushing down prices for households and industry. We know that, when it comes to supporting industry and jobs, energy prices are critical.
That's why we're using Australia's resources to power Aussie jobs, manufacturing, and long-term economic security and resilience. Australia has always been a country that makes things. For generations, workers in our factories, smelters, refineries and workshops helped build this country, but, unfortunately, under a wasted decade of the Liberal government, Australians were told it didn't matter if we made things here.
They drove the car industry to leave, they oversaw the closure of three oil refineries, and they shut down two naval shipyards. They saw communities devastated, and they refuse to fight for those communities and those jobs. They did not care.
Beyond the human toll, this undermined our national sovereignty and our resilience. During the pandemic, we didn't have all that we needed. When prices spiked during global conflict, we felt it.
When supply chains seized, businesses wore the cost. We learnt that countries are stronger when they can make more things themselves, and we know that Australia has the workers, the resources, the energy and the ideas to build industries here, and we have a plan that is delivering. Today's announcement is all about supporting them.
Aussie gas should go to Aussie industry and households first, and that's what our gas reservation policy does by requiring an oversupply. Our changes will mean manufacturers will access reliable and affordable energy they need to invest, produce and grow. Cheaper gas will help manufacturers remain globally competitive.
We are a global energy and resources superpower, and a gas reservation policy helps us play to our strengths. These reforms put Australian gas users and Aussie workers first. Aussie resources are being used by Aussie manufacturers to make a future here under this prime minister.