Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Madigan for his question and acknowledge he is deeply interested in the manufacturing issues in this country. While he is right to point to the very serious loss of jobs across the manufacturing sector, it is important to remember, though, that the sector still employs one million Australians. It is still a very important part of our economy and is very important to many families in this country. While some jobs are being lost, there are also areas of growth, but it is the case that manufacturing is facing some very difficult times. That is why the Labor government is investing in the industry to support jobs, to retain skills and to maintain a strong economy.

We are conscious that manufacturers are doing it tough, with the high Australian dollar and competition from imports. But, in the end, innovation and productivity are the keys for our manufacturers to remain sustainable and internationally competitive and make the move to a low-carbon economy. We have a range of policies to drive innovation and productivity, many in my own sector of education and skills, to help the manufacturing sector and to support the jobs it creates. I think it is very important—and this is a focus for this government—to ensure that Australian manufacturers have access to major projects and the global supply chain opportunities. I know that a big issue for people has been about how they get access to those global supply chain opportunities.

I would point out that the Clean Energy Future package is one of the most important industry and innovation policies this nation has ever seen. Over $15 billion will be invested in creating the jobs of tomorrow—many, notably, in manufacturing. In addition, there are a range of government programs that look to support innovation and growth in our manufacturing sector. (Time expired)