Former Labor Minister Greg Combet has been appointed to South Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Council.
Mr. Combet held the Industry and Innovation Ministerial post from December 2011 to July 2013 and retired from politics at the September federal election.
South Australian Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Minister Tom Kenyon announced Mr. Combet’s appointment on Tuesday, and said the former Minister’s background with senior government roles and trade unions will bring a valuable wealth of experience to the Council.
Mr. Combet is the highest profile national figure appointed to a South Australian board since military chiefs Peter Cosgrove, Angus Houston and Peter Leahy joined Defence SA, according to a report on Adelaide Now. He will take up his post immediately through until June 30, 2015.
“Mr Combet has extensive experience in developing and implementing industry and innovation policy at a national level which positions him to make a significant contribution to the Council’s work and to SA more broadly,” Mr Kenyon said in a media release.
“I welcome Mr Combet’s appointment which will assist the Council to continue its important work in providing advice to the government and overseeing the ongoing implementation of the State Government’s Manufacturing Works strategy.”
Mr. Combet said he would he contribute his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry to the Council.
“I have a particular interest in the industry in SA and have spent a lot of time in the state,” he said, quoted in the Adelaide Now report.
“Obviously, car manufacturing is a keen interest and I’ve dealt with Holden over the years.”
“I was also the minister for defence industries so got to know that side of the industry.”
Mr. Combet will replace Mr. Nixon Apple, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union’s Industry and Economic Adviser.
The Advanced Manufacturing Council is chaired by Professor Goran Roos.
