Chemistry Australia, which represents a diverse range of businesses across the $38 billion Australian chemicals and plastics industry, extends its congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team on the election of a Labor federal government.

CEO Samantha Read said Chemistry Australia and its members welcome the opportunity to work with the Albanese Government to develop policy settings that will deliver a sustainable and competitive economy for current and future generations.

“We congratulate Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on its 2022 federal election win,” said Ms Read.

“We welcome the Government’s ambition to re-build Australia’s industrial base and diversify and strengthen our economy through the development of a deep and complex manufacturing sector.”

“As a supplier of inputs to 108 of 114 industries and one of Australia’s largest manufacturing sectors, our industry stands ready to work with Prime Minister Albanese and his team to realise this vision.” 

“The immediate priorities for our sector are to engage with the Albanese Government on policy to de-risk our economy and address ongoing vulnerabilities in our supply chains, support investment in Australia’s growing circular economy, and enable the transition to a lower-emissions future.

“Australia’s transition from linear to circular economies and climate neutrality presents a huge challenge and opportunity for Australia and the chemistry industry is a critical part of the solution. 

“In order to realise this significant opportunity, the new Federal Government must prioritise long-term certainty and planning to give Australian chemistry businesses the confidence they need to invest in critical areas that will transform the economy.

“We encourage the Albanese Government to work with industry to ensure Australia is prioritised for future investment in transformative technologies that will create jobs, grow the economy, and help Australia meet its climate goals. 

“This includes making sure Australia has the right policy settings and other measures in place for our industries to continue to be globally competitive.

“Chemistry Australia and its members also encourage the Albanese government to engage with us on Australia’s transition to a plastics circular economy and the ongoing work of industry, researchers, policy makers and communities to create a better system for Australia’s valuable plastic resources.

“Chemistry Australia and its members thank the Coalition and Scott Morrison for their hard work and commitment during the past three years, particularly for their efforts to champion Australian manufacturing and innovation, and support Australian supply chains during the pandemic.”