Joint media release

One positive to come from the challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic is the groundswell of public support for local manufacturers and buying ‘Australian Made’ products.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said he has been visiting local manufacturers across the electorate and many are enjoying increased business and increased engagement with their customers.

“Australia and our region have a strong manufacturing sector and its capability and dependability has been on full display throughout this crisis,” he said.

“Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the Morrison-McCormack Government had been working hard to stem the decades-long decline in manufacturing and build on our comparative advantages and national priorities.

“I want to learn how I can better represent the local manufacturing sector and help manufacturers capitalise on opportunities, so I am holding a virtual manufacturing forum this Wednesday.

“Anyone involved in manufacturing locally is welcome to join in the virtual forum being conducted via zoom. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.”

The virtual manufacturing forum will be held from 4pm this Wednesday 30 September and will be attended by a senior adviser from Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews office.

The virtual manufacturing forum will be held from 4pm this Wednesday 30 September.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said several Federal Members were holding virtual manufacturing forums and she encouraged manufacturing businesses to participate.

“Manufacturers have proven themselves vital, not just in the production of personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser and ventilators, but for our food and packaging needs during this crisis,” Ms Andrews said.

“Manufacturing is an enabler of so many other sectors of our economy and is vital to our national supply chains. This is why our Government is determined to build an even stronger local manufacturing sector as part of our plan for economic recovery and for generations to come.”

The Morrison-McCormack Government has provided significant support to manufacturers since the start of the year. The Manufacturing Modernisation Fund established in May is supporting 200 projects worth $215 million across the nation. And $5 million has been committed to expand the reach of the Australian Made logo and assist local manufacturers and brands capitalise on a renewed interest in their products.

To register to attend the virtual manufacturing forum email  pat.conaghan.mp@aph.gov.au or call (02) 6652 6233.

FACT BOX: Did you know?

• Manufacturing employs 852,800 people and is our nation’s sixth largest employing industry.
• The largest manufacturing sector is food and beverage, worth over $6.7 billion.
• Before COVID-19, Australia had just one manufacturer making two million surgical masks each year. It’s now estimated we will produce 281 million masks by the end of this year.

Media contact:

Ms Andrews –Keegan Buzza 0447 697 846

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744