Less than four weeks into his new role as the Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic MP has prioritised a visit to the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC).
The visit is the latest in a series of engagements we have had with the Minister and his team both pre and post-election and the latest opportunity we have had to discuss our proposal for the development of a National Battery Strategy.
Our pre-budget submission – Towards 2030 Australia’s Battery Powered Future – made a number of recommendations about how to build a thriving domestic battery industry – and a National Battery Strategy was identified as central to that ambition.
The new Government subsequently outlined a comprehensive policy position – Australian Made Batteries – that details the key role that batteries will play in the move to cleaner energy solutions, including a specific commitment to develop a National Battery Strategy.
Chief Executive Officer Shannon O’Rourke said the Government’s Australian Made Batteries policy aligns closely with the industry development objectives of the FBICRC.
“We are very heartened that Minister Husic took the time to engage further with our team so soon after the election. The FBICRC is committed to building long-term, positive relationships in our pursuit of a thriving domestic Australian battery industry. We very much look forward to working with the Minister and his team on this critical opportunity for Australia,” said Shannon.
During the Minister’s visit we also took the opportunity to give him a preview of our Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant which is currently being commissioned and will be officially opened in July.
You can read more about the Australian Made Battery policy here.