PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The resources sector has welcomed the appointment of Australia’s first female federal Resources Minister.

Newly elected Prime Minster Anthony Albanese has tapped Madeleine King as the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, replacing Keith Pitt.

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) on Wednesday said the strong representation of women in the front bench, the most ever, was a significant milestone for Australia.

“Ensuring the sector remains internationally competitive will require sound policy across a range of portfolios and the MCA looks forward to working with the new government and key portfolio ministers,” said MCA CEO Tania Constable.

“A strong minerals sector is not only important for Australia’s post-Covid recovery, it will help to sustain and improve the lives of millions around the world, providing the critical raw materials necessary for modern and emerging economies to flourish in a decarbonised future.

“Australian mining is a major and growing contributor to jobs, investment and communities and kept Australia’s economy and the communities in which it operates strong during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Constable said.

She pointed out that the industry pays the highest average wages, the most company tax, delivers the most export revenue and is critical to supporting regions and communities, including providing 1.1-million jobs in the mining, mining equipment, technology and services sector.

Resources export revenue reached a new record high of A$351-billion in 2021 and 68% of total Australian export revenue. There was also a surge in mineral exploration activity in Australia in 2021 with exploration expenditure totalling A$3.6-billion, up 28% from the previous year, Constable added.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) welcomed the new appointments, with CEO Warren Pearce saying the industry body was looking forward to building on its relationship with the incoming government.

“The appointment of King as Minister for Resources and for Northern Australia, ensures that the industry that kept the Australian economy afloat during the global pandemic will have a strong voice in the new Cabinet.”

“Minister King has held the Resources portfolio in Opposition and understands the importance of our industry in creating jobs and growth, but also the vital role in producing the minerals needed for decarbonisation and a clean energy transition.”

Amec also congratulated Linda Burney, the new Minister for Indigenous Australians, on her appointment as the first Aboriginal woman to sit in the Commonwealth Cabinet and hold a Ministry, and Tanya Plibersek to the important Environment and Water portfolios.

“The continuation of Chris Bowen in the Climate Change and Energy portfolios is positive for our sector.  Australia’s rich endowment of critical minerals is a key enabler of technology-led solutions.”

“The new Albanese Ministry promises fresh eyes to boosting Australian international competitiveness, revitalising the reform agenda and driving greater mining and mineral exploration investment,” said Pearce.

The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) also welcomed the appointments.

“The Prime Minister and his new Ministers have made it clear that they recognise the important role our industry has to play in delivering the incoming government’s objectives, including energy security, decarbonisation and generating Australian jobs,” Appea chairperson Ian Davies said.

“The seniority of these appointments and the experience among these new Ministers underscores the critical role our industry can play in securing our economic and environmental future,” he said.

Appea acting CEO Damian Dwyer said Appea and the industry would be working with the Ministry to ensure policy settings maximised that opportunity.

“We will work constructively with the new government on the development and implementation of its policies, including emissions reduction mechanisms, taxation settings and environmental regulation,” he said.

Dwyer also thanked outgoing Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor, and outgoing Resources Minister Pitt, for their positive working relationships with the industry.