Australia Advances Green Hydrogen with New Legislation
Key Ideas
  • The Australian Workers’ Union praises the passing of the Future Made in Australia Bill 2024, emphasizing its importance in promoting green hydrogen and critical minerals processing.
  • The legislation introduces production tax credits to incentivize private investment in emerging industries, aiming to shift Australia’s focus from raw material exports to domestic manufacturing.
  • While the Bill was supported by the AWU for its potential to create high-quality jobs and enhance Australian capabilities in global supply chains, opposition from the Coalition reflects a divide on domestic manufacturing support.
  • AWU remains committed to working with industry and government to ensure the new legislation translates into tangible benefits for workers and economic growth in Australia.
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has expressed its approval of the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024, viewing it as a significant step forward in positioning Australia as a key player in the fields of green hydrogen and critical minerals processing. The bill, which introduces production tax credits to encourage private investment in emerging industries, is aimed at reshaping the nation's economic landscape by fostering domestic processing and manufacturing capabilities. AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow highlighted that the legislation addresses longstanding issues stemming from Australia's heavy reliance on raw material exports, signaling a shift towards a more diversified and sustainable industrial approach. He emphasized the importance of creating investment certainty to promote job creation and ensure that Australian workers are well-placed to benefit from the global transition in industrial practices. In addition to facilitating private sector investment, the Bill incorporates 'community benefit rules' to promote well-paid and secure employment opportunities. Despite facing opposition from the Coalition, the AWU remains optimistic about the potential of the legislation to bolster Australia's position in global supply chains, especially in the context of increasing demand for green hydrogen, green steel, and green aluminum. While criticism from the Coalition reflects a broader reluctance towards policies supporting domestic manufacturing, the AWU is committed to collaborating with industry and government to maximize the positive impact of the Bill on job creation and economic development in the country.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.