Australia’s mining industry has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new Cabinet, urging the government to prioritise investment attraction, environmental approvals reform and support for critical minerals as it begins a new term in office.

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) welcomed the reappointment of Madeleine King as Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, citing her consistent support for the sector.

“We look forward to working closely with all current and incoming Ministers to support policy outcomes that ensure the continued strength and sustainability of the Australian economy,” the MCA said in a statement.

Industry also acknowledged the appointment of Murray Watt as Environment and Water Minister, Amanda Rishworth as Employment and Workplace Relations Minister, and Anthony Chisholm to the newly created role of Assistant Minister for Resources.

The MCA urged the government to place investment at the centre of its economic growth strategy, amid growing demand for critical minerals and the need for streamlined environmental approvals.

“[The sector] is ready to work with the new Ministry to support the government’s economic and environmental ambitions – from building sovereign capability and strengthening regional Australia,” the MCA said.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) echoed support for King’s return and welcomed "voices" of Queenslanders, Watt and Chisholm, to the Cabinet.

“QRC has been encouraged by Minister King’s commitment to the resources sector and her acknowledgement of the crucial role the industry plays in Australia’s efforts to achieve lower emissions targets,” said QRC CEO Janette Hewson.

“We look forward to having Minister Watt and Assistant Minister Chisholm as strong Queensland voices in the Ministry in important portfolios for the resources sector in our state,” she added.

The QRC called for collaboration across all levels of government to remove duplication and reduce regulatory delays that could stifle investment in new and existing projects.

“Queensland has abundant reserves of the resources the world needs including coal, gas, metals and critical minerals,” Hewson said, urging policy settings that would unlock further exploration and investment.

Meanwhile, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (Amec) highlighted King's role in legislating the A$7-billion Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive.

“To retain someone of the highest calibre in Minister King to her current portfolios is a win for our industry,” said Amec CEO Warren Pearce.

The group also welcomed Watt’s appointment, calling it an opportunity to “reset” a space that had “confused and frustrated industry”.

“This fresh start is especially important in relation to the reform of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,” Pearce said, adding that Amec would seek clarity on next steps and engage in transparent consultation.

Amec also reiterated its call for the continuation of the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI) to boost early-stage exploration, warning of a tough capital-raising environment for junior explorers.

“Continuing the JMEI makes sense because it is a proven and effective programme that stimulates early-stage investment,” Pearce said. “It helps find the minerals in the ground needed to boost Australia’s resilience at a time of global uncertainty.”