Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Labor outlined during the election campaign a holistic plan to deliver for Tasmania. Part of this strategy was to bring back manufacturing and, with it, more secure local jobs.

Originally established in 1874, Waverley Mills is the oldest working textile mill in Australia. It produces high-quality wool products and is a hallmark of our ability to make things locally. To boost the longevity of this historic site, the Albanese government will invest $6 million to preserve the mill and improve safety, transforming the site into a state-of-the-art facility at the forefront of sustainable wool and other cloth recycling. Once completed, the project will support 120 ongoing jobs. It is a demonstration of Labor's commitment to bringing more jobs in manufacturing back to northern Tasmania.

In line with our commitment to boost the skills of northern Tasmanians, the upgraded mill will also support new training opportunities through its collaboration with local industry and tertiary institutions. Not only will this redevelopment enhance jobs in manufacturing, the upgrade will also unlock new potential for the site as a tourism destination. Our wall products are world renowned, and I'm sure tourists will flock to the site to experience its rich history and see how our fine products are made.

The next decade should be one where we really make things here at home again with Australian workers, Australian resources and Australian ingenuity. By backing the woollen mills, we are supporting this aspiration at a local level. I'm excited to work closely with the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, and ensure the delivery of this project on time and in full, unlike the previous government, who failed to deliver jobs in Tasmania and who failed to deliver for and support our local economy.