Building the technological infrastructure for made in Australia

Made in Australia is a label of pride for Australian manufacturers and producers, a point of differentiation on the international market and a signal to buyers of a premium item. Now it’s time for it to be label of pride for Australian government too.

But in a 21st century economy, you can’t make, build and produce in Australia if you cannot get access of the critical underlying technological infrastructure. You cannot secure the jobs, the exports and the economic growth without the critical underlying technological infrastructure. In short, you cannot do it without the NBN.

“We’re making it clear that to have made in Australia mean something, we need the best technology possible,” said Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten.

“That’s why a first-rate NBN is fundamental to making sure that we can make things in Australia.

“It reflects our commitment to advanced manufacturing — in particular, the pursuit of new industries,” he added.

“We believe that made in Australia is the only three word slogan that Australians should hear.”

With a real NBN, not the Malcolm Turnbull mess of cost blowouts and delivery delays, Australia will be primed to seize a made in Australia future.

“We believe that made in Australia is the only three word slogan that Australians should hear in the next three years,” said the Labor leader.

“On the demand side, we’re going to put more money into improving the promotion of Australian exports throughout the world, because we think that the Australian brand is a brand not only that we can be proud of, that carries value in the global community.

“On the supply side, we want to make sure that made in Australia really means something to Australians.

“That’s why we’re backing Australian apprenticeship positions.

“That’s why we’re backing the Australian steel industry, and in particular, the rescue package for Arrium steel.

“That is why we believe in local content.

“Local content in Commonwealth taxpayer-funded projects, and local content when contracts are allocated to make sure that locals get their fair share,” Shorten added.

This article originally appeared in the Labor Herald.