Johnson on new Federal green metals group

Rolls of aluminium sheets. | Newsreel
A new Federal advisory panel will support the green metals industry. | Photo: D Lentz (iStock)

Brisbane mining and manufacturing executive Marghanita Johnson has been appointed to a new Federal Government green metals advisory panel.

The CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council will join six other industry representatives advising the Government and Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic.

Minister Husic said the Government was supporting metals manufacturers to grow and decarbonise, with the new panel key to advancing green metals production in Australia.

He said by 2040, the greener metals industry could deliver up to $122 billion a year to Australia’s economy, while reducing emissions by as much as 250 megatonnes.

“The Advisory Panel offers decades of experience in metals industries, financing, research, decarbonisation and industrial workforce issues.”

Minister Husic said Australia’s vast natural resources paired with abundant renewable energy could position the nation as one of the lowest-cost, low-emissions metals producers in the world.

He said advice from the panel would complement views being gathered from around the country as part of the green metals consultation, which generated over 90 submissions from producers, peak bodies, researchers and others.

“The Advisory Panel will provide independent advice to support the preparation of policy options on green metals and industry decarbonisation.”

Ms Johnson, CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council since 2019, has more than 25 years’ experience in the Australian mining and manufacturing sectors, predominantly within the aluminium industry and is also currently a Chair of the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network and a Non-Executive Director of Alpha HPA Limited and the Energy Users Association of Australia.

Other green metals advisory panel members are:

  • Mark Cain, Chief Executive of the Australian Steel Institute.
  • Paul Farrow, National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union.
  • Paul Howes, National Managing Partner, KPMG.
  • Steve Murphy, National Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
  • Jenny Selway, CEO of the Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre.
  • Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, Western Australia
Marghanita Johnson CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council. | Newsreel
CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council Marghanita Johnson is a member of the new Green Metals Advisory Panel. | Photo: Courtesy of he Australian Aluminium Council