Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, is hopeful that this week’s “innovation and technology” roundtable, will result in some real solutions to the current crisis in Mount Isa and broader issues with metal processing in Australia.
“(Assistant Minister for Industry and Science) Tim Ayres is talking the talk. We now need him to walk the walk,” said Mr Katter.
Ayres addressed the National Manufacturing Summit In July stating the obvious, that Australia’s productivity performance has weakened in parallel with the decline of our manufacturing sector in recent decades.
“That is why the Albanese Government is investing heavily in reindustrialising our economy and our capacity to make more things here, to grow and invest, as part of our Future Made in Australia plan.” he said.
“This Government positions manufacturing as a driving force behind Australia’s productivity growth. Indeed, we know the reversal of the productivity slowdown depends in part on a revived manufacturing sector.
“This Summit comes at a pivotal moment. The Government is clear-eyed about the risks and opportunities, and the scale of the challenge before all of us.”
Katter said Mount Isa, indeed, Australia’s economic future hangs in the balance imploring the Minister to act decisively about Mt Isa’s plight.
“Metal processing is the backbone of our economic prosperity, particularly if we are to become more than the world’s quarry,” he said.
“We must have a national plan for processing our minerals onshore.
“Government should immediately move legislation to provide for a thriving metal processing industry. “
“This should include ‘Use it or Lose it’ legislation to stop stock traders sitting on our mineral reserves and a ‘Reserve Resource Policy’ to retain our resources for our use at a cheap price.”
“Bailing out greedy multinationals should be off the table, but government must take some responsibility to allow companies to not only survive but thrive. “
“If we lose Mount Isa, we lose the backbone of North West Queensland. And make no mistake – talk won’t save it. Only action will,” said Mr Katter.
