The Victorian government has issued a major new policy statement that seeks to boost economic growth and create high-skilled jobs in the manufacturing sector.
The Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement, launched by Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll, details an ongoing government plan for the state’s $31 billion manufacturing industry.
The policy statement seeks to ensure Victoria continues to be a place for advanced manufacturers to grow, including in key sectors such as low-emissions and renewable energy, health technologies, defence and space, digital and advanced technologies, as well as food manufacturing.
Victoria plans to adopt new technology, increase industry engagement, enhance local supply chains, upskill the future workforce, create thriving hubs and precincts, and boost exports.
The state’s manufacturing industry is comprised of around 23,000 firms and employs over 260,000 people, contributing more than 27 per cent of Australia’s overall manufacturing output.
Victoria currently houses facilities of world-leading manufacturing companies, including Moderna’s investment in mRNA vaccine manufacturing and research, Nissan casting’s expansion into electric components, Hanwha’s delivery of multibillion-dollar defence projects, and George Weston Foods’ new flour mill.
“This statement provides a clear vision and plan for our advanced manufacturing future – creating jobs and positioning Victoria as a world-leading manufacturing location,” said Carroll.
“We’re supporting local manufacturers to succeed and create high-value jobs that deliver greater prosperity for Victorians – ensuring Victoria remains the manufacturing state in the future.”
Major investments in the state are creating secure jobs, building local capability to connect into global chains and putting Victoria at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, the state government said in a media release.
The Labor government has rolled out an array of initiatives to back Victoria’s advanced manufacturers, such as the Breakthrough Victoria Fund, the Manufacturing Industry and Development Fund, the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and the Low Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program.
