Manufacturing Industry

Mascarenhas highlighted the creation of over 1.1 million jobs under the federal Labor government and the resilience of the manufacturing sector. Mascarenhas argued that the National Reconstruction Fund was essential for diversifying the economy and creating long-term secure jobs. Mascarenhas also stated that renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, was the cheapest form of energy and dismissed the concept of baseload power as a fallacy in modern electricity systems.

Landry argued that regional Australia was being neglected by a government focused on urban centres and ideological targets. Landry cited a drop in manufacturing's contribution to GDP to 5.1 per cent and highlighted cuts to regional infrastructure programs. Landry criticised the government's energy policy for driving up costs and delaying projects like the Rocky sports stadium, asserting that the Nationals supported balanced and affordable energy solutions.

Mitchell criticised the previous coalition government for withdrawing support from the automotive industry, leading to job losses and the offshoring of manufacturing. Mitchell argued that the current government was actively supporting future industries such as medtech and quantum technology. Mitchell also defended the government's migration policy, stating that it prioritised skilled workers needed for construction and engineering, contrary to opposition claims.

Kennedy argued that high energy costs were the primary driver of manufacturing decline, citing warnings from industry leaders like BlueScope and BHP. Kennedy contended that the government's reliance on renewables was causing energy scarcity and price increases, necessitating bailouts for companies like Glencore. Kennedy suggested that investing in energy supply rather than subsidising consumption would be a more effective solution to maintaining industrial competitiveness.

Georganas recalled the coalition's role in ending car manufacturing in Australia, arguing that this decision prevented the development of an electric vehicle industry. Georganas highlighted the growth of defence manufacturing and AUKUS projects in South Australia as evidence of the government's commitment to industry. Georganas also attributed high energy prices to the previous government's inconsistent energy policies and argued that increasing renewable capacity would lower costs.

Birrell warned that high energy costs and unreliable power were threatening manufacturing and agricultural viability. Birrell cited a report from the Centre for Independent Studies suggesting that high penetrations of intermittent renewable energy could lead to higher prices and grid instability. Birrell argued that baseload power was essential for industries such as food processing and manufacturing, and criticised the government's understanding of energy grid dynamics.

Campbell criticised the coalition's historical record of sending manufacturing jobs offshore, including in the automotive and shipbuilding sectors. Campbell highlighted the government's investments in manufacturing, including grants for companies like Endua and support for battery manufacturing. Campbell argued that the current government was rebuilding the industry and creating jobs, contrasting this with the opposition's past actions.