Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to recognise our local Aussie manufacturers. Whilst out of my electorate of Bonner this month, I visited some of these homegrown manufacturers to see for myself the incredible quality of products being made in our backyards.

The Morrison government recognises the job-creating power of Australian manufacturers. That's why we've invested $1.5 billion to establish our modern manufacturing strategy. We support Australian manufacturers to scale up and create the jobs we need now and for generations to come.

Bonner is home to Murarrie based defence business Cyborg Dynamics Engineering. The Morrison government has awarded them a $3.3 million contract to pursue an Australian first. It was a privilege to have a tour of Cyborg's HQ by CEO Stephen Bornstein. Stephen has been named one of Australia's 30 most innovative engineers and, in 2017, was recognised as the Australian Young Engineer of the Year. He has now grown an exceptionally motivated team focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence. His first contract was the company's first with the defence industry innovation hub, enabling them to develop an unmanned combat vehicle, the likes of which has never been made in Australia.

Queensland is once again proving how it is at the forefront of strengthening Australia's defence capabilities. What's more, the groundbreaking work is happening in Bonner. Cyborg Dynamics are developing first-of-its-kind innovations and integrating an array of supporting Australian technologies into a robotic platform. This has the potential to enhance load carriage fire support capabilities and the protection of dismounted soldiers. It's a major win for Bonner and one that has secured 20 local jobs. Investing in our defence industry is a key priority of the Morrison government to keep Australians safe and support businesses and jobs right across the supply chain.

I also dropped into Murarrie's Midmed Medical Suppliers and caught up with managing director Rob Muller and general manager Paul Gapes. Midmed is yet another true-blue Aussie family owned business. They are also a national leader in supplying medical equipment. As you'd imagine, business is rapidly growing, and they're keen to shore up even more of their manufacturing capabilities during this time. This is exactly what we want to hear our local manufacturers striving for. It was great to talk about how we could make this possible and enable more local jobs and opportunities for our skilled workers. To see an Australian-grown business go from strength to strength this time is remarkable. Our government will continue to enable opportunities for them to showcase their innovations and for our green-and-gold logo to have a stronger presence on home soil and internationally.

See this speech in context