The Western Australian Government has encouraged the Prime Minister to consider his support for the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
With the state containing all the minerals required to make batteries and energy technologies, Western Australia is the ideal place to host the CRC, and has been described as an ‘innovative powerhouse’ when it comes to exploration and discovery.
Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “I’m very disappointed that the Federal Government has ignored WA’s mining sector.
“When it decided to set-up METS Ignited to support research and development, and promote Australia’s mining, equipment, technology and services sector it was placed in Queensland – where the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia is from.
“I have warned the Federal Government that its mining strategy should not get in the way of WA’s successful industry.
“I’m happy to see support for mining in other states but it cannot be done at the expense of our state, otherwise our nation will suffer.
“So now it’s time for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to deliver for WA’s emerging battery industry and support the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre for WA.”
