Being an advanced economy that can make things here at home means ensuring Australia’s strategic industries have a sustainable future.

To secure the long-term future of our local metal industries, we need to make smart use of the opportunities in front of us and build on Australia’s natural strengths.

That’s why Labor is committed to significant investments to build Australia’s human capital through our Your Child. Our Future schools reforms, our TAFE Funding Guarantee and comprehensive review of the National VET sector, our Positive Plan for Universities and plans for getting more Australians into STEM related jobs.

It’s also why we’ve announced a range of targeted innovation policies, like a Startup Year so students can develop their idea, get business knowhow and connect with finance; regional innovation hubs to ensure Australians in rural and regional Australia have more opportunities to turn their great ideas into new enterprises; and tax changes to encourage angel and early stage investment.

In addition to Labor’s existing commitments, a Shorten Labor Government will deliver a new plan to secure our strategically significant metals manufacturing industries, starting with Australia's steel industry.

Labor’s six-point Plan for Australian Metals Manufacturing and Jobs demonstrates Labor’s commitment to a strong future for Australia’s metal industries.