Pat Conroy

Answer from Pat Conroy

The member stated that the previous owner, the Gupta Group, had neglected maintenance for nearly a decade, making the blast furnace beyond repair. He noted that the government had allocated almost $3 billion to support the steelworks and that two bidders remained interested in continuing operations. He emphasized that the government would continue to fight for the future of the industry and the workers.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister said that mandating gas exporters to hold back up to 20 per cent of their output would create a slight surplus in the local market, reducing costs for homes and businesses. He claimed that cheap power was vital for backing manufacturing and national strength, unlike the former government's shutdown of refineries and shipyards. He stressed that the measure would assist manufacturers in staying competitive worldwide by supplying dependable and low-cost energy.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister highlighted the government's role as a partner of choice in the Pacific, citing the recent Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau. He detailed the endorsement of the Waqa Moana Initiative, backed by a $600 million investment for aerial surveillance and police training to combat transnational crime. He also mentioned the Pacific Policing Initiative, with 120 officers from 13 nations ready to respond to emergencies. Additionally, he noted support for Pacific athletes ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and the doubling of flights under the Paradise Express program.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated the joint package with New South Wales would keep the smelter open, preserving more than 1,000 direct positions and 5,000 indirect roles. He noted Tomago has operated continuously since 1983 and that Rio Tinto is investing $1.1 billion. He contrasted this with the opposition's past approach, which he claimed involved closing Tomago and offshoring industries.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that the government was strengthening relationships to deliver in the national interest. He highlighted two new treaties with Fiji: the Ocean of Peace Alliance, Australia's fourth alliance, and the Vuvale Union, focusing on economic integration, security, and climate change. He referenced other agreements with PNG, Vanuatu, Naoero, and Tuvalu, and ongoing negotiations with Solomon Islands and Tonga. He emphasised that these treaties protected Australian interests and regional stability.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister stated that the government is undertaking the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in history to ensure capability and self-reliance. He highlighted reforms to fix a broken project management system, citing past failures under the previous government. He emphasized that these reforms ensure multibillion-dollar projects are delivered on time and on budget, protecting national interests.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister highlighted the signing of the Nakamal agreement with Vanuatu, described as Australia's first comprehensive bilateral agreement with the nation. He noted that the agreement supports skills development through traineeships, aids participation in the digital economy, and addresses climate change threats by supporting energy access. The treaty also formalises Vanuatu's decision to prohibit foreign military bases on its territory and commits Australia to providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. The minister emphasised that the agreement respects the sovereignty of both nations and strengthens cultural ties.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that defence industry jobs in South Australia had increased by 40 per cent. He highlighted a $212 billion deal to sell JORN radar to Canada, supporting a thousand jobs. He mentioned a $1 billion export deal for Boxer vehicles to Germany. He cited $7 billion invested in counterdrone capabilities. He noted the production of Ghost Sharks and Bluebottle drone boats. He stated that defence manufacturing output had grown by 35 per cent, contrasting this with an 18 per cent fall under the previous government.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister highlighted the new comprehensive treaty and strong existing ties, noting Australia is the largest export destination and source of tourists. He cited the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, which has brought over 12,000 Solomon Islanders to Australia, with 5,000 currently working and sending remittances. He mentioned a $60 million National Transport Fund and new support for cyclone recovery and vocational scholarships.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that three-quarters of the defence budget was spent in Australia, leading to a 35 per cent growth in defence manufacturing output. He highlighted investments in Bushmaster vehicles, Ghost Shark drones, and naval shipbuilding, which created thousands of jobs. The Minister criticized the previous government for neglecting local defence manufacturing and asserted that the current government was rebuilding the industry.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that the government had not provided and would not provide assistance to anyone in that cohort.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister highlighted the joint intervention to save the Whyalla steelworks, which had restored performance and created jobs. He noted that 52 tonnes of Whyalla steel were used in the Port Wakefield missile factory, linking steelmaking to defence sovereignty. He mentioned the connection between the Mount Isa copper smelter and fertilizer production. The Minister stated that there were now 70 apprentices at the steelworks and five serious bidders interested in purchasing it. He framed these outcomes as essential for economic resilience and sovereign capability.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that predicting the end of the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel was beyond his scope and best directed to those leaders. He reported that the Australian Defence Force's fuel supplies were uninterrupted, citing a doubling of fuel holdings as per the Defence Strategic Review. He criticized the question as scaremongering and emphasized that the government had prepared for such disruptions.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister highlighted increased naval strike range, doubling the warship fleet, and delivering new warships ahead of schedule. He mentioned the production of Ghost Shark submarines, Ghost Bat aircraft, and missiles in South Australia. He criticized the previous government for cancelling drone projects and closing shipyards, contrasting this with the current government's creation of 10,000 shipbuilding jobs and investment in drones.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister highlighted the delivery of naval strike missiles, the selection of Mogami class frigates, and continuous naval shipbuilding. He criticized the previous government for closing shipyards and cutting the defence budget. He noted the allocation of $10 billion for drones and autonomous systems.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister reported a 12-month in-principle electricity agreement for the Bell Bay Aluminium smelter, providing breathing space for long-term negotiations. He highlighted government initiatives like Future Made in Australia and the Capacity Investment Scheme to ensure cheap, reliable power. He criticized the opposition for opposing renewable energy rollout and for having failed energy policies during their time in government.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that access to cheap, reliable energy was essential for heavy industries like smelters. He cited the Gladstone smelter, which had secured renewable energy contracts, contrasting it with the Tomago smelter facing uncertainty. He highlighted government investments in the Powering the Regions Fund and the Net Zero Fund to support industrial decarbonization.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister initially deferred to the energy minister but then answered, stating there were about 200 direct employees at the station. He argued that keeping coal-fired stations open longer threatened energy reliability, citing unplanned outages at other plants. He claimed the opposition's support for extending coal life was detrimental to industrial jobs and energy prices, advocating instead for modernising the energy system.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister described the treaty as Australia's third alliance and Papua New Guinea's first, founded on friendship and shared history. He stated that the agreement ensures both nations will act to meet dangers in the event of an armed attack. He highlighted the government's broader engagement in the Pacific, including treaties with Tuvalu and Nauru, and efforts in climate change, trade, and development assistance, arguing that regional prosperity depends on the stability of the Pacific family.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that the Mogami class was selected as the preferred platform, delivering on the plan to double the surface combatant fleet. He noted a $55 billion investment over the decade to build eight stealth frigates in Australia, supporting over 10,000 jobs in Western Australia. He highlighted that the decision was made months ahead of schedule, with the first frigate to be delivered in 2029 and four by 2034, which is four times the number and five years earlier than the previous government's plan. He contrasted this with the previous government's closure of shipyards and delivery of an aging fleet.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The minister stated that the government was backing manufacturing and investing in renewable energy to improve reliability and cost. He criticized the previous government for leaving a 'graveyard' of energy policies. He mentioned funding set aside for smelters, the green iron fund, and $2 billion for the aluminium industry's energy transition. He emphasized collaboration with companies, unions, and state governments to address energy and trade issues.

Answer from Pat Conroy

The Minister stated that the fund had made nine investments worth over $430 million, including $200 million in Arafura Rare Earths Ltd. He noted that the fund was less than two years old and investments would ramp up over time. He highlighted complementary investments from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and ARENA, which had leveraged significant private capital. He emphasized the government's broader commitment to net zero transition opportunities.