We cherish this country because it affords opportunities like no other. But only – and I stress this point – if we’re governed well. When Australia is governed badly, dreams and ambitions become beyond reach. And that’s what’s happened during the last three years under the Albanese Government.

So mining pays the bills for Australia and I start all of my presentations with that because that is an incredibly important thing to know and I’m not sure that Australians do know that anymore. We certainly know the Treasurer doesn’t know that. And at the budget last year with a $50 billion surplus from windfall prices, he managed in his budget speech to not mention mining at all, much less coal, gas or iron ore. Couldn’t find anywhere to mention that in his speech. That is shocking.

Along with my colleagues, we have spent the last two years listening, engaging, and working with the resources sector. We know what your sector needs to flourish; to get Australia back on track. A Peter Dutton-led Coalition Government will deliver on that.

We know what needs to be done to deliver and sustain the next mining boom for Australia: Affordable energy; Access to gas; Reduced and streamlined approval processes; Investment certainty; Workable and flexible IR laws. We now need the keys to government. We are ready.

There is a risk of Australia becoming a very principled but very poor country, and this is something we should avoid.

Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald has questioned the Albanese Government’s genuine desire to back Australian critical mineral interests, saying today’s funding announcement in Gladstone does not reverse the policy failures of the last two years.

I want to start my remarks by reaffirming that the Coalition is a strong and ardent supporter of the resources sector, and is committed to the future of mining in this country.