Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Pratt for her question. A manufacturing alliance has been forged by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Workers Union, which are hosting a national manufacturing roundtable in parliament today. The roundtable brings together workers, employers, researchers and the government. Conditions have been tough for Australia’s manufacturers in recent times, but the Commonwealth has been working hard with industry to see it through this difficult period and to position it for future growth. Our Powering Ideas innovation agenda is backed by $3.1 billion in new investment over four years, and that provides the context. It is all about generating new ideas. We need to revitalise today’s industries and build tomorrow’s. Enterprise Connect is providing innovation and business improvement services to individual firms around the country.

The $6.2 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future has attracted millions of dollars in new investment and the production of two models in Australia. Our retargeted TCF innovation package is encouraging the industry to focus on high-value, high-tech production. Industry innovation councils are driving the transformation and renewal in strategic sectors. Our Australian industry participation package is increasing the capacity of local firms to compete for major projects and procurements. Throughout the global crisis, our economic stimulus strategy has sustained demand for a whole range of manufactured goods. It has offered up direct support to manufacturers in the form of tax breaks on new investments.

No-one should doubt how serious this government is about the future of Australian manufacturing and the wellbeing of the families and the communities who depend upon it. It is a pity we did not get more support from the opposition on these issues. (Time expired)