Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve
On 24 April 2025, the Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, committed to establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve to maximise the strategic value of Australia’s critical minerals.
The government allocated $1.2 billion to establish the reserve in the 2025-26 Federal Budget. The reserve is expected to be operational in the second half of 2026.
Critical minerals and rare earths are essential inputs to the modern and future economy – underpinning the energy transition, high tech manufacturing, AI and the digital economy.
Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve Taskforce
A taskforce has been established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to advise government on the reserve design. The taskforce reports jointly to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Resources.
The taskforce will consult with critical minerals industry associations and businesses, state and territory governments, international partners and other interested stakeholders.
Contact the taskforce
To contact the taskforce, email CMSRTaskforce@pmc.gov.au
Further information
More information on critical minerals is available:
- Critical minerals - Critical minerals | Department of Industry Science and Resources
- Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030 - Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030 | Department of Industry Science and Resources
- Critical Minerals Office - Critical Minerals Office | Department of Industry Science and Resources
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Secretaries Board communique: 20 August 2025
Strategic outlook
The Board discussed government decisions, priorities, emerging risks and strategic issues and noted the Government’s focus is on delivery during its second term.
The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary, Department of Defence.
The Board received an economic and budget update from Mr Richard Windeyer, Acting Secretary, Department of Finance, and Mr Damien White, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Treasury.
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Each year on Australia Day, the Australian National Flag is displayed alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to reflect and celebrate the importance of our national day. These flags signify our nation’s heritage, values and shared identity.
The Golden Wattle: A symbol of unity and resilience
National Wattle Day – 1 September - marks the beginning of Spring each year.
The PM&C Corporate Plan 2025-26 is now available
At the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), our purpose is to support the Prime Minister, Cabinet and our portfolio ministers to improve the lives of all Australians, advance Australia’s interests, and keep our country safe and prosperous.
We achieve this purpose through three key activities:
Nomination Panel for ABC and SBS Board Appointments
The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, has appointed Mr Richard Eccles as Chair of the Nomination Panel for appointments to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Boards.
Appointed in accordance with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, Mr Eccles term as Chair will run from 24 August 2025 to 23 August 2028. His appointment follows the completion of Ms Helen Williams AC’s term as Chair.
Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council communique: 15 August 2025
The Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council (the Council) was convened today in-person in Sydney for its first meeting since the swearing-in of the 48th Federal Parliament. The Council agreed that it is critical that all governments and portfolios collaborate to achieve progress on gender equality and end gender-based violence in Australia.