Labor governments have changed from understanding the need for mining investment for jobs and wealth generation, to adherents of the precautionary principle, an innocuous sounding but sinister approach to development and prosperity. They are now a genuine threat to Australia’s competitiveness for new jobs, new projects, and continued prosperity for the next generation.

I rise because of this excellent motion that has been brought forward by Senator Pocock to address the very important issue of bushfires in this country.

Federal Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, and Federal Shadow Environment Minister, Jonno Duniam, have warned lovers of Australian seafood, meat and produce that the Albanese Government’s determination to appease UNESCO will result in food shortages, higher costs and more pain for primary producers.

From developments in the Bronze age, to the industrial revolution and the age of steam power, to the limitless potential of the future and yet undiscovered technologies, resources and minerals have and will remain crucial to the world’s prosperity and development.

When it comes to the increasing quantity of renewable technologies being deployed such as solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, many critical minerals will play a fundamental role in enabling that production.