MANUFACTURING WORKS

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade. Can the minister inform the house about the progress of the state government's Manufacturing Works strategy?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Small Business) (14:38): I thank the member the Ramsay for her question. Manufacturing is a key industry in South Australia, and manufacturing is the state's largest industry, comprising about 10 per cent of the economy and employing almost 80,000 South Australians. For manufacturing to continue as a major employer and industry in South Australia, like elsewhere in Australia it will require more of our businesses to produce goods that compete on value and innovation and not on cost.

The state government's $11.1 million Manufacturing Works strategy is focused with businesses in South Australia to drive the development of a globally competitive, innovative and value-added manufacturing industry. Today, to mark the first anniversary of the Manufacturing Works strategy, I attended an industry breakfast and addressed manufacturing leaders from industry, business and research on the progress of the strategy. I understand that about 200 leaders attended, many of whom have participated in a range of initiatives from the Manufacturing Works strategy.

I am pleased to advise that all the year 1 milestones for the first year of Manufacturing Works were met. During the past year we have seen the development of a range of programs including the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Council, which has provided key advice to the state government to drive the Manufacturing Works strategy.

We have seen the rollout of the Innovation Voucher Program that is successfully linking manufacturers with researchers and the university sector, and recently we announced the Competitive Foods Initiative to assist the development of food clusters and to help food manufacturers to innovate. We know that for manufacturers to thrive in South Australia they need innovative solutions to their operations and to develop greater high-tech products and services.

I can advise the house of the following milestones that have been established during the first year of the Manufacturing Works strategy. These include: the Innovation Voucher Program has been launched; the Small Business Innovation Research Pilot has been designed, put out and the first round of people have been selected; the Mining Industry Participation Office has been established; the Competitive Foods Initiative has been launched; the SME innovation capacity package was launched; the Manufacturing Leaders Network was established; the skills development and workforce training initiatives have been launched; the defence industry program commenced; the automotive transformation program commenced; the Cellulose Fibre Chain initiative was implemented; the Industry Participation Policy was implemented; the Advanced Manufacturing Council has been established; and the government assistance roadmap has been initiated.

We have a range of innovative advanced manufacturers located in South Australia that are leaders in their fields—companies like Codan, Signostics and SAGE. We know that most of our manufacturing leaders are quiet achievers. They generally don't seek the limelight and accolades; they are just getting on with the job, innovating, researching and developing new advanced manufacturing, high-tech and value-added products and services. As a state, we thank them for their efforts.

The state government recognises that there are a number of innovative advanced manufacturers in South Australia that are leaders in their chosen field of industry. The Manufacturing Works strategy is assisting other manufacturers in South Australia aspire to these goals. Since the launch of the Manufacturing Works strategy late last year, much has been achieved to power and steer the growth of high-value manufacturing, and we are now building on a solid foundation established over the past 12 months and expanding programs to increase their impact.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH: Supplementary, sir.

The SPEAKER: Supplementary, member for Waite.