Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McKenzie for the question. The first pillar of our strategy is getting the economic conditions right for businesses in all manufacturing sectors to succeed. That's what we want to see happening. That includes every area of our agricultural sector, because we understand how vital our farmers, fishers and foresters are to our regions and to our nation.

When our manufacturing sector grows and we value-add here at home, it provides more opportunity for our agricultural sector. Getting the economic conditions right is the first pillar of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy, and that's what's happening across the board. For example, the extension of the instant asset write-off is seeing manufacturers invest in new equipment, upgrade production lines and bring work home to Australia. The budget also includes a record investment in skills, plans to make energy more affordable and reliable, support to open up trade markets and a fairer, simpler industrial relations framework. These are the building blocks that will assist every sector of manufacturing. I know the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology met with Wool Producers Australia just last week to discuss the contribution woolgrowers make to our economy and how our broader manufacturing plan will support them—for example, through improved animal health and stockfeed production.

The government's strategy is a commitment to play to our strengths. If we're going to turbocharge job creation and effect meaningful change in manufacturing, then we need to focus on investment in areas where we know we can get the best return. That's why we're focusing on our six national manufacturing priorities: resources technology and critical mineral processing; food and beverage; medical products; recycling and clean energy; defence; and space. Our strategy reflects the fact that we're serious about helping our manufacturers achieve the competitiveness, scale and resilience that will make our nation stronger, not just for the recovery from COVID but for the generations to come. (Time expired)