TMEC Welcomes Liberal Party Commitment to Mining, Manufacturing and Energy Sectors
Response released Friday July 11, 2025
The Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) today welcomed the Liberal Party’s initiatives for the minerals and manufacturing sector outlined in the Economic Statement as a clear and practical commitment to strengthening the state’s industrial base, regional jobs and sovereign supply chains.
The policy directions outlined – particularly reforms to reduce regulatory burdens, modernise environmental approvals while retaining standards, retain the land zoning as is in the Arthur Pieman region, and support innovation—are timely and vital to unlock investment and protect thousands of jobs across Tasmania.
Ray Mostogl, CEO of TMEC, said: “We commend the Liberal’s recognition that mining and manufacturing have been and can remain as a backbone of regional Tasmania, and essential to delivering the materials, infrastructure and skilled jobs that underpin housing, energy transition and national security.”
The sector supports over 18,000 direct jobs statewide. TMEC strongly backs reforms to the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act and Land Use Planning and Approvals Act, as well as the streamlining of Mineral Resources Tasmania’s approval processes. These changes will deliver greater certainty for investors and reduce project delays without compromising environmental standards.
TMEC also welcomes the renewed investment in the Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan 2028 and the Defence Industry Strategy 2029, with just under $6 million allocated to expand market access, drive productivity, and build a future-ready workforce.
“Tasmania’s manufacturers already punch well above their weight, exporting globally and winning over $500 million in defence contracts in the past five years. This statement helps ensure that local businesses can keep growing, competing and employing right here in Tasmania,” Mr Mostogl said.
Updating royalty frameworks will further strengthen Tasmania’s competitiveness while maintaining the community trust and environmental performance expected by all Tasmanians.
Mr Mostogl said, “While much of the campaign has been spent debating debt levels or where funds could or should be applied, an expanded minerals and manufacturing sector provides high paying jobs and with increased exports more payments to the State, which can fund health, housing, education aspirations. Any notion proposing to tax existing businesses more may provide a short term gain but will ultimately rob reinvestment dollars which sustains existing businesses to remain competitive. Blanket increases to royalty rates as proposed by the Greens are a trojan horse to close the sector down.”
TMEC looks forward to work with an incoming Government to ensure Tasmania’s resource and manufacturing sectors remain national leaders in sustainability, innovation and regional development.
Media Contact: Ray Mostogl, CEO TMEC, 0409 124 710