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

Yes, I can. I thank Senator McKenzie for the question. The second round of our Manufacturing Modernisation Fund is targeted at small and medium-sized businesses in our priority areas, including food and beverage. These projects will have a particular focus on new technologies. This will make the businesses more competitive and productive, which, in turn, will create new jobs. There has been huge interest from businesses in our priority sectors, with over 500 applications received from businesses right across Australia. The senator and the Senate will be pleased to note that there have been a very healthy number from regional areas. These are now being assessed. The successful businesses will receive support of between $100,000 and $1 million. This is matched funding, where we provide $1 for every $3 that the business provides. This government is backing Aussie manufacturers that are prepared to back themselves, which is all part of our plan to create jobs and grow the economy right across the nation.