Targets for locally made steel to be used on infrastructure projects will be part of "finishing the build" on reforms for the next generation as part of a renewables boost, Anthony Albanese says.
The prime minister unveiled a $500 million push to create jobs in clean energy manufacturing, driven by domestic steel and aluminium, during a major speech on Friday night.
The funding will be set aside to support the construction of wind towers and surrounding infrastructure, as well as large-scale solar projects.
The federal government would work with state and territory counterparts along with businesses and unions to help strengthen quotas of Australian steel to be used on projects to bolster the local industry, Mr Albanese said.
"We want local content to become the national standard, and we'll lead by example," he said in the speech.
"Every new wind tower needs hundreds of tonnes of steel, why should that steel come from anywhere but here."
The announcement comes after the federal government alongside South Australia provided a $2 billion rescue package for the Whyalla Steelworks.
With a federal election looming, Mr Albanese used the speech to also make the case for a second term in government, arguing the job of reform was far from finished.
"The next election is so important because it's the difference between making three years of progress, or creating a generation of opportunity," he said.
"It’s the difference between cleaning up the mess of the last decade, or seizing the opportunities of the next decade. The difference between laying the foundations, and finishing the build."
Mr Albanese said domestic steel manufacturing would continue to play a key role as part of the reforms.
“We will put Australian steel in every link of the supply chain, and we will help Australian workers benefit in every part of the country," he said.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also used a recent visit to South Australia to back steel production ahead of the election, but dismissed funds being used for green hydrogen projects.
"(Green hydrogen's) not commercially viable. One day it might be, and fantastic, but it's not. This dream and the emotion needs to be replaced with reality because people's livelihoods are on the line here," he told reporters on Friday.
"There is less prospect of Whyalla remaining as a sustainable business into the coming years, if Anthony Albanese owns part of the business."
