Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was delighted to co-host the Made in the Illawarra: Innovation, Energy and Manufacturing Expo this week, right here in Parliament House, in partnership with the University of Wollongong. Our event brought together industry leaders, community organisations and leading researchers from across the Illawarra to showcase our region's capabilities on the national and international stage.

The atmosphere was electric, with so many companies showcasing their incredible knowledge, capability and innovation and putting the Illawarra on the map as a powerful force when it comes to solving some of our nation's challenges. We had 21 local organisations and 10 of the University of Wollongong's leading research teams exhibit, including BlueScope, Hysata, Sicona, Green Gravity, RDA Illawarra and Wollongong City Council.

The Albanese Labor government has a proven track record of investing in the Illawarra as a clean energy and advanced manufacturing powerhouse, and this expo was a great opportunity to demonstrate how the clean energy future can be made in the Illawarra. I'd like to say a big thank you to the climate change and energy minister, the industry minister and the environment and water minister for their time and passionate commitment to the Illawarra.

I'd like to give a big thank you also to everyone who attended the expo. I would also like to thank Vice Chancellor Max Lu, Canio Fierravanti and Ty Christopher. The Illawarra is a hub for innovation and collaboration, and I know my friends the member for Whitlam and the member for Gilmore— (Time expired)