Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

I rise in support of this motion by the member for Herbert. South Australia is not immune to the rising tide of unemployment in the wake of the economic downturn caused by this pandemic. While unemployment in our state climbed to 8.8 per cent in June, the defence industry in South Australia is bucking this trend and providing a consistent stream of skilled work for our state, including in my electorate of Mayo.

Just around the corner from my electorate office in Mount Barker, you will find Zenith Custom Creations, owned and operated by Craig and Linda. Housed in an unassuming warehouse in a light industrial area, Zenith could be mistaken for any ordinary factory if it weren't for the occasional convoy of camouflage-clad equipment coming and going from their rapidly expanding business. I visited Zenith in October 2019, and their factory has doubled in size since my first visit back in 2017. Zenith has been operating since 2001, and in conjunction with Daronmont Technologies they manufacture the latest-generation, lightweight, air-transportable shelters for military applications. I had the opportunity to inspect one of the shelters during my most recent visit and gain an understanding of the many uses that these pods could be adapted to meet—from office spaces to scientific laboratories and, sadly, even for morgues. Whatever the specifications, Craig and Linda and their team meet the brief.

The team at Zenith use cutting-edge technology, including wi-fi enabled aluminium welders, to deliver high-quality products for their customers. But what Craig and Linda stressed to me during our visit was that, while investing in the latest equipment was a necessary business expense, what was crucial to their success was their staff. They value their staff and they want their staff to grow with the company. They also recognise the benefits of a diverse life experience. For example, during my visit I spoke with an employee who spent years working as a baker but who is now learning specialist welding skills with the guidance and support of Zenith. Between 2017 and 2019 Zenith have doubled their staff and were offering a stable, attractive source of employment for our local community.

They continue to go from strength to strength. Just last month Kongsberg Defence Australia and Raytheon Australia announced the commencement of an in-country manufacturing activity for the fire distribution shelter system as part of its national advanced surface-to-air missile system capability for the Australian Army. In making the announcement, Kongsberg's general manager, Mr John Fry, said he was 'proud to partner with Australian businesses such as Zenith Custom Creations' and went on to note:

Zenith … have an excellent track record and have demonstrated their ability to manufacture to demanding specifications, which will be suitable for not only the Australian Defence Force, but for Kongsberg's global supply chain

Zenith Custom Creations is an example of what can happen when we support our regional businesses, who in turn support our regional workers, who can then support our regional economies. I can't tell you—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 12 : 01 to 12 : 19

As I was saying. Zenith Custom Creations is an example of what can happen when we support our regional businesses, who, in turn, support our regional workers, who can then support our regional economies and communities. What this means in my electorate is that instead of somebody leaving for work at seven o'clock in the morning, heading down to the city and coming back at seven o'clock at night, they are home and present in their communities. They can be part of footy practice and they can be part of netball. They can be part of all the good things that we need them to do and to volunteer for.

With concerning losses and redundancies across the hospitality, tourism and accommodation sectors—sectors that are typically dominated by women—it may be that defence industries are able to provide new career opportunities for those workers who are keen to remain in our regions. I know that the Working Women's Centre in Adelaide is hoping to partner with defence contractors to look at ways that the sector can encourage women who have lost employment during the pandemic to take up apprenticeships and learn new skills in this industry. I support this initiative and I encourage both the state and federal governments to consider providing financial support to these programs to improve the chances of keeping in the workplace not only women but also, particularly, those in the regions, where the opportunities are fewer. I'm very proud of all of our businesses across Mayo, and it has been a pleasure today to talk about the great work of Zenith.

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