PHOTO: Mark Coulton speaking against the Future Made in Australia bill in Parliament Photo Credit: Mark Coulton MP
Labour’s Future Made in Australia Bill focussing on an economy driven by renewable energy overlooks gaping issues, according to Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.
The Bill forms part of the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia policy announced as part of the 2024-25 Budget. It proposes to establish criteria and processes for decision-making and provide certainty for the private sector to attract private capital in areas of national interest. Within the Bill, the government suggests that the skills learned in the mining sector can be transferred to a clean-energy occupation, such as electricians.
But the local Federal Member is frustrated and spoke out against the Bill in Parliament last week. “This is just another example of the disconnect of our city-based MPs who think they’re going to serve the environment while creating jobs without any real understanding of how it works,” Mr Coulton said.
He said the $22.7 billion Bill does not factor in key questions. “We’re struggling to find the people needed to fill current job vacancies, so I’m not sure where the workforce is going to come from for a renewable manufacturing sector.”…