In great news for Hunter workers, the Federal Government has announced they're investing $500 million to boost Australian steel and aluminium in renewable projects including offshore wind.
The funding will support the creation of secure, well-paid jobs in the manufacturing of components critical to renewables industry, including battery and storage technologies, wind tower steel fabrication, and electrification technologies.
The investment will also ensure our communities can receive maximum benefit from projects like Hunter Offshore Wind, which will be required to maximise use of local supply chains, industries and workers.
ACTU President Michele O'Neil praised the scheme and affirmed that the election of a Dutton Coalition government threatens this, saying:
“The contrast couldn’t be starker: the Prime Minister is saving manufacturing jobs, while the Opposition Leader wants to kill them. The Government is investing to secure the economic livelihoods of manufacturing workers, while the Coalition and Peter Dutton are more interested in playing politics with these communities and their need for a stronger future.”