Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Minister Murray Watt introduced four bills to advance the government's industrial, health, and maritime safety agendas. The Future Made in Australia bill established tax incentives for renewable hydrogen and critical minerals processing, while expanding Indigenous Business Australia's role. The health bills repealed outdated pathology fees and mandated the sharing of diagnostic data to My Health Record by default. The Navigation bill updated Australian law to align with international safety standards for ships carrying industrial personnel. The debate was adjourned with the bills listed as separate orders of the day.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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2. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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3. Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024, which established tax incentives for hydrogen production and critical minerals processing. The Australian Labor Party supported the legislation as essential for national security and job creation, while the Liberal Party and One Nation opposed it due to concerns over bureaucracy and market distortion. The Australian Greens backed the bill's renewable energy goals but criticized the government's simultaneous approval of fossil fuel projects. Independent Senator David Van supported the bill but moved an amendment regarding low-carbon liquid fuels that was not passed.

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4. Thursday 6 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the bill’s production tax credits for critical minerals processing would effectively boost Australia’s economy or merely serve as political spin amidst broader regulatory failures. Government senators argued the incentives were essential for creating jobs, securing supply chains, and leveraging private investment in a zero-risk manner. Opposition senators contended that the measure was insufficient to address systemic issues such as high energy costs, excessive red tape, and long approval times that deter investment. The discussion highlighted a sharp divide on the government’s industrial policy and its impact on the mining and manufacturing sectors.

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5. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The debate centred on the coalition's opposition to the bill, which they characterised as creating permanent corporate welfare and adding bureaucratic burden without addressing core cost drivers like industrial relations and environmental regulations. Senator Dean Smith moved an amendment to remove specific community benefit conditions, such as enterprise agreements and reconciliation action plans, from the tax offset rules, arguing these created uncertainty and duplication. Assistant Minister Tim Ayres defended the bill as essential for lowering production costs and securing investment in Australian manufacturing, citing industry support and the need for community benefits. Senator Andrew McLachlan moved amendments to exclude uranium and introduce a low carbon liquid fuel tax incentive, both of which were defeated. The bill was ultimately passed with amendments.

   Outcome: Division 16 on the coalition amendment was lost (28-32), and Division 17 on the bill was passed (32-28); the bill was agreed to as amended.

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6. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024, which establishes tax incentives for critical minerals processing and green hydrogen production. The government and independent senators supported the bill as essential for national security and regional job creation, while the Coalition opposed it, citing excessive bureaucracy, high compliance costs, and risks to the mining industry. The Greens supported the bill but moved an amendment to strengthen community benefit principles and First Nations consultation requirements. The amendment was defeated, but the bill subsequently passed the Senate.

   Outcome: The Greens' second reading amendment was defeated in division 14, but the bill was passed in division 15.

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7. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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8. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration of Senate Message
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