The NSW Government, led by Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos, is doubling down on its efforts to revitalise the state’s manufacturing sector.
Minister Houssos recently convened a meeting with 10 manufacturers, emphasising the government’s commitment to rebuilding domestic manufacturing capability.
This initiative aligns with the NSW Labor Government’s agenda to prioritise the revival of the manufacturing industry, recognising its role in driving economic growth and job creation across the state.
The reaffirmation of this commitment occurred during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) in Sydney, which brought together a diverse array of businesses, ranging from electronics to medical devices.
The forum provided a platform for industry representatives to address critical issues such as accessing capital, engaging with NSW Government agencies, and scaling operations to meet market demands.
Moreover, discussions also delved into exploring opportunities to harness government procurement spending as a catalyst for promoting domestic manufacturing and fostering local content requirements.
Minister Houssos emphasised the critical importance of integrating a sovereign manufacturing component into the economy.
She highlighted the significant job creation potential within the manufacturing supply chain, stressing the government’s commitment to fostering workforce growth and supporting skilled labour.
“The NSW Government is committed to transforming the state’s procurement framework and practices, but it will take time. Doing so can promote local industries, accelerate economic growth, promote regional development, and ensure jobs remain onshore,” the minister stressed.
Meanwhile, AMGC Managing Director Jens Goennemann commended the government’s strategy to empower local manufacturers, noting the potential for collaboration, innovation, and export growth.
“By engaging with industry through AMGC, Minister Houssos and her team are able to identify quick wins as well as long-term policy reform to unlock the power of manufacturing,” Goennemann noted.
In addition to these efforts, the NSW Labor Government has unveiled plans to establish the Jobs First Commission.
This commission will play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation and expansion of local industries, advocating for local firms in government tender bids, and ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of fostering a robust and resilient manufacturing ecosystem.
