Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to talk about new technologies and new industries, some of which are in my electorate, and how they are part of the exciting future for this country. The Albanese government's agenda is broad and wide. It's really looking to attend to major challenges that we confront, whether it's making sure that we meet our targets for net zero by 2050, ensuring that we provide greater sovereign capability in civilian and defence areas of our economy or ensuring that we move faster to renewables. We need to do these things. To do that, we need to have innovative companies and businesses in this country. Future Made in Australia is centred on fostering a sustainable and self-reliant economy, particularly through investments in new energy infrastructure. It's about encouraging innovation and new technologies while ensuring that this shift benefits local communities and businesses and the Australian workforce.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is an example of such an industry. It's revolutionising supply chains and manufacturing, and Australia would do well to be at the forefront of these changes. Imagine a world where spare parts can be manufactured on site rather than having to be ordered and manufactured elsewhere before being delivered, which in some industries could mean weeks or months of delay, or a world where custom items can be manufactured on demand and products can be easily and cheaply adapted to whatever bespoke requirements are needed, where materials used are optimised and waste is eliminated and where construction of new houses moves from planning to completion more efficiently, more productively and more safely. This is the power of 3D printing. It's not just the musings of science fiction writers; the future is with us now. 3D printers are currently being used by construction companies, sole traders, the defence industry and even space agencies, and they've shown that they can reduce the cost, carbon footprint and construction times for a wide range of projects.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit LUYTEN 3D, which is a local business in my electorate of Gorton. It is a leading provider of advanced robotics and additive manufacturing technology. It was a very insightful visit, I have to say. I got a firsthand look at how the cutting-edge 3D printers are making a significant impact on modern manufacturing processes and are helping to tackle some of Australia's most pressing challenges, from housing to climate change. There was a mix of skills and technology on display at LUYTEN 3D, and I couldn't help but leave having been impressed with their vision for the future. This was a great example, in my view, of the Future Made in Australia agenda in action. I'm also happy to say that the Minister for Industry and Science subsequently visited this company, accompanied by the Labor candidate for the next election, Alice Jordan-Baird. I'm very happy that they turned up.

As a result of that company putting in a bid for a project, they received about $3 million. The Albanese government has backed this company, LUYTEN 3D, in order to ensure that it can commercialise its technology with a cooperative research centre project grant, and I'm very pleased to see that happen. By fostering a 3D printing ecosystem, the government can help support job creation in high-tech industries while driving down costs, for example, of renewable energy projects.

Additionally, 3D printing can expedite the development of critical infrastructure, enhancing Australia's capability to meet its energy transition goals. It embodies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable manufacturing, positioning Australia as a leader in advanced technologies. By investing in the right mix of skills and high-precision 3D printing technology, we are upskilling our workforce and generating innovative solutions to problems that matter to Australians. I commend LUYTEN 3D, and I'll watch with interest as this and other new technologies are embraced in the years to come.