Minister Butcher chairs first manufacturing council in 2020

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher has hit the ground running, meeting with Queensland manufacturing leaders at today’s Ministerial Manufacturing Council meeting.

Chairing the online meeting this afternoon Mr Butcher thanked all council members for their dedication and support for the manufacturing sector, especially during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Queensland’s manufacturing industry employs over 165,000 people and has contributed around $20 billion per annum to the state economy across the last decade,” Mr Butcher said.

“I appreciated everyone’s willingness to put forward their ideas for Queensland’s manufacturing sector as we continue to find solutions to recover the state’s economy in the wake of COVID-19.”

Mr Butcher said the Ministerial Manufacturing Council would continue to play an important advisory role as the Palaszczuk Government continued to drive the ongoing transformation and diversification of the manufacturing industry.

“The council has already done a great deal for the industry,” he said.

“The council has supported the development and implementation of strategies for craft brewing, beef processing and hydrogen.

“It has also supported the implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives including the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub.

“Right now we have a huge opportunity to reshape and strengthen the manufacturing industry in Queensland to ensure we are self-reliant in the face of any future challenges and to create secure long-term job opportunities for Queenslanders.

“In partnership with industry, the government will continue to deliver initiatives that support companies build competitiveness, respond to emerging challenges such as COVID-19 and access new supply chain opportunities into the future.”

ENDS

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 891 158