Manufacturers keen to drive new opportunities in Queensland

Manufacturers have excitedly welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s announcement that the Queensland Productivity Commission will investigate existing and emerging opportunities in the sector.

Inspecting window manufacturer Breezway’s commercial workshop today Acting Premier and Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the manufacturing inquiry was expected to start as soon as possible and be completed by August next year.

Breezway is at the forefront of louvre window technology and design with product improvements flowing from its Brisbane-based research and development centre.

The R&D team facilities include advanced 3D modelling CAD software, on-site tooling and manufacturing facilities and an on-site NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) approved window testing laboratory that allows new products to be tested.

“The inquiry is expected to examine opportunities in high-value advanced manufacturing sectors including health, mining, transport and the environment,” Mr Pitt said. 

“It will also look at ways to build on Queensland’s traditional manufacturing base, including our agricultural and resources sectors and specifically investigate if and how the government can assist in bringing good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to Queensland.

“There has been some reshoring opportunities taken up by manufacturers in the UK and the QPC inquiry will consider those and others and see if similar opportunities exist for Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government takes a broad view of the Queensland economy and we recognise the importance of critical sectors such as manufacturing to the state’s future prosperity.

“Queensland is home to an impressive array of globally competitive manufacturers who are leading the way for other Australian companies.

“We know international investors recognise the strength of our economic fundamentals – just yesterday the world’s biggest bank demonstrated its confidence in Queensland and our state economy.

“On Wednesday I helped open the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s new branch in Brisbane, which is an enormous vote of confidence in Queensland’s growing economy and highlights the mutually beneficial opportunities investors see here.

More than 170,000 Queenslanders are directly employed in manufacturing and the industry is estimated to have contributed $20.3 billion to the Queensland economy in 2014–15, accounting for $15.9 billion in international exports. 

Ai Group State Director Jemina Dunn welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s foresight vision and foresight in establishing the Queensland Productivity Commission inquiry.

“The Government has stated its firm focus on job creation in Queensland and the decision by the Treasurer is potentially a game changer for manufacturing jobs in Queensland, further confirming that when It comes to further diversifying the economy this Government means business,” Ms Dunn said.

“Ai Group has long advocated the importance of manufacturing to Queensland’s future prosperity and Queensland manufacturers have greatly valued this Government’s focus on the sector.

“We particularly welcome the Treasurer’s request that the Commission focus on advanced manufacturing as well as the attention is given to areas of traditional strength in manufacturing in Queensland.

“In reality these two dimensions overlap with many businesses in traditional manufacturing industries clearly qualifying as ‘advanced manufacturers’, indeed at Ai Group we have the strong view that all manufacturers can become ‘advanced manufacturers’.”

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