Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest hails Albanese election win as green energy breakthrough
Fortescue (ASX: FMG) boss Andrew Forrest has declared Anthony Albanese’s Australian federal election win a victory for the nation’s green energy future.
“This result sends a clear and unequivocal message: Australians will back and support policies that recognise the economic opportunities that come from acting on the existential threat of climate change,” Dr Forrest declared after Albanese reclaimed the prime-ministership.
“It shows that any party that seeks to govern this country must have a serious and credible plan to confront the climate crisis.”
‘Good policy, not parties’
“As I have always said, I support good policy, not parties—and in that spirit I look forward to working with the prime minister to deliver practical outcomes for every Australian.”
Dr Forrest said that Australia must now use the voice given to it with Albanese’s re-election to back science and seize the green energy opportunity.
“The government’s commitments — including the Future Made in Australia plan, the Capacity Investment Scheme, the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and the Green Iron Fund — provide a strong foundation for a green energy future,” he said.
Green iron focus
Dr Forrest said the government should also focus on developing a green iron industry.
“Green iron can be the biggest industry Australia has ever built; let’s start in the Pilbara this decade—with investment, markets and skills.”
“This term must drive the build-out of renewables and heavy industry decarbonisation while working with regional Australians to create jobs and prosperity.”
Vote of confidence
The Clean Energy Council said the Labor Party’s decisive election victory was a vote of confidence by the Australian people in the nation’s clean energy future.
Chief executive Kane Thornton said the result will provide continuity for the strong and effective policy critical to new investment in clean energy that will, in turn, deliver lower power prices.
“This election was a referendum on renewable energy [and] the Australian people have reconfirmed their strong support for wind and solar backed by batteries, pumped hydro and a small amount of gas,” Mr Thornton said.
“It’s now time to leave the politics behind and get on with the job of rolling out renewable energy to deliver affordable and reliable power for all Australians.”