Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

COVID-19 has exposed weaknesses in Australia's manufacturing capacity and our supply chains, but the Morrison government is committed to taking action to fix it. That's why we held a virtual manufacturing forum last month with over 60 executives from manufacturers across the south-east of Melbourne. They put many pertinent questions and issues on the table from firms such as software provider Clarinox, disability equipment supplier Norden Group and metal additive producer Titomic Ltd. Australia's manufacturers have shown remarkable agility throughout the pandemic. Evo Pharmaceuticals ramped up its production in March to pump out over 90,000 bottles of hand sanitiser per day—a point readily made by the minister.

Despite these strengths, recent offshore trends have created supply chain vulnerabilities. The forum heard how manufacturers have struggled without access to global export markets and skills and heard about some of the challenges they face with the tax system, which the Morrison government is interested in correcting. They want manufacturers to play a central role in our economic recovery. Expanding local industry and manufacturing with a strategic focus on emerging technologies will underpin our jobs and livelihoods into the future and for future generations. Thanks to the minister in particular for taking time out to address the forum and include input on the Morrison government's modern manufacturing initiative from the Goldstein and south-east Melbourne communities. (Time expired)