Real money, real action, real change – the transformation is nigh
2 October 2020
The announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews of plans to transform Australian manufacturing has been hailed a significant step change for Australia by the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR), one that will set the path for domestic remanufacturing growth.
The federal government unveiled its Modern Manufacturing Strategy yesterday; its centrepiece being the Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) which will guide the government’s investment in projects within six (6) key priority areas, including recycling and clean energy.
“WMRR has been engaging with government at all levels on how, as key material managers, our essential waste and resource recovery industry can play a crucial role in driving economic recovery post-pandemic and in the process, create new jobs and industries such as remanufacturing and industrial redesign while increasing its positive impact in protecting human health and the environment, including mitigating carbon emissions. This continued commitment to our industry will have multiple positive touch points for a long time to come,” WMRR CEO, Ms Gayle Sloan, said.
WMRR is the peak national body for the waste and resource recovery industry and it has, and continues to work closely with all governments, advocating for sharper focus and action on building domestic remanufacturing, supporting secondary end markets, building Australia’s resilience in uncertain global times, and importantly growing local jobs.
“The Prime Minister hit the nail on the head when he said we need to keep making things in Australia and that manufacturing is a revitalised source of high-wage jobs and national income – this is aligned to everything WMRR has been calling for and we appreciate the government’s openness in engaging with us to-date. With $1.5 billion in new funding earmarked to drive projects, and a commitment to understanding and addresssing Australia’s supply chain issues, we are securing our country’s economic future, bringing jobs and prosperity to the regions and building domestic resilience,” Ms Sloan said.
“Over the last 18 months, the federal government has taught us a lesson in moving from ‘talk’ to ‘action’ and the actions have certainly been coming in thick and fast. Australia can be excited about our future – one that will unlock multiple opportunities and outcomes for businesses, communities, and the environment.”
Industries that sit within the government’s six (6) priority areas will soon be engaged to co-design tailored roadmaps for their sectors, setting goals over the next two (2), five (5), and 10 years, and identifying barriers and opportunities that will guide action and investment.
“As the peak body of the industry, we represent the breadth and depth of this essential sector; WMRR stands ready to collaborate and engage with the government as it develops these roadmaps. We look forward to working closely with industry and governments as we move towards a more sustainable future,” Ms Sloan said.