Matt Williams (Hindmarsh, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The history of Arnott's Biscuits began in 1865, when the Scottish immigrant, William Arnott, opened a bakery in Newcastle, providing biscuits to townspeople and the ships docking at the local port. Arnott's now has a number of factories around Australia, with one in my electorate of Hindmarsh as well as one in the electorate of Chifley. I know the member for Chifley, like myself, is proud of the workers and facilities of Arnott's. The Marleston factory in Hindmarsh employs over 300 people. Earlier I was with students from Immanuel Primary School; they are up in the gallery now. One of their teachers knew the factory very well. In passing I must say that I was very impressed with the interest shown by the students—Harrison, Henry and all their colleagues up there—on the their tour of Parliament House.

Arnott's has very loyal staff with many working at the factory for over 10 years. Their operations are now sophisticated and impressive. With many of our manufacturing companies facing challenges, it is important that we support local companies like Arnott's.    One of the specialties of the Marleston facility is liquid chocolate that they send to other sites around Australia. Probably one of the best things about Arnott's is the Tim Tam biscuit, which turns 50 this year. Tim Tams are loved by Australians, and I encourage everyone of you to go out and buy Tim Tams in the knowledge that they are made in Australia.