Question Time

Micro-X

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation. Can the minister update the chamber on the success of Micro-X?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in the area of manufacturing, noting that he spent most of his adult life representing people who work in the area of manufacturing.

Micro-X relocated its advanced manufacturing operations from Victoria to take up a facility at the Tonsley Innovation Precinct and their decision was supported by the government's vision for Tonsley that helped the business decide to locate to the precinct. Micro-X's success is a great example of the positive outcomes of this government's strategy of transforming Tonsley into a premier innovation district, creating the necessary environment for vibrant, diverse and internationally competitive, advanced and high-tech manufacturing for this state.

We know that it is important for government to create the right conditions for jobs and to help transition our economy. The offering at Tonsley is a vitally important part of that. In addition to the world-class innovation precinct that is fast developing at Tonsley, the state government provided a $3 million loan to support the growth of this world-class innovative company.

Micro-X has secured access to world-class intellectual property from the University of North Carolina in the United States, which enables it to minimise X-ray emitters using carbon nanotubes and to incorporate them onto portable devices. This IP is enabling the design and manufacture of ultralight X-ray machines for medical and defence applications in SA, which are being sold all around the world. I understand that the innovative X-ray technology is actively being sought by a range of users looking to apply it in hospitals and in the military for things like bomb detection and defence applications.

This high-tech manufacturer is designing and producing medical devices in much the same way that a company would use advanced manufacturing processes for cars and it should come as no surprise that, of the 17 employees, eight are former Holden workers. These ex-Holden workers are successfully making the transition from automotive manufacturing to the advanced manufacturing world of medical devices and are thriving in the jobs that are being created in South Australia.

The state government continues to work with Micro-X to tailor a training and skills program which connects Micro-X with skilled and job-ready people, including additional ex-automotive workers, to fill roles expected to be created as the company continues to grow. It is pleasing that Micro-X is poised for significant export growth in the near future, with the company marketing their products to some 130 countries around the world. I understand there is significant demand from hospitals all around the globe, eager to look at and purchase their revolutionary product.

I particularly want to congratulate Peter Rowland and his team at Micro-X on the significant growth they are experiencing through the manufacture of this world-class, innovative product, right here in South Australia. This government is committed to continuing to support innovative companies to thrive in our state and lead the way as they develop economic growth and job opportunities in manufacturing in high-tech industries.