New Innovation Council for the Manufacturing Industry

16 Oct 08

The federal government has announced the introduction of an innovation council for manufacturing to develop a strategy for the industry’s future.

The Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council will work with those who have a stake in high-tech, high-value-added, innovation-intensive manufacturing, the Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr said.

Senator Carr announced the council would be chaired by Philip Binns, a leader in scientific instrument making.

"Philip will be joined on the council by innovation leaders from business, unions, professional organisations, the science and research community, and government," Senator Carr said.

He said the council’s membership would be finalised in time for its first meeting by the end of 2008.  

Senator Carr said the government “believed” in manufacturing and wanted to change the way the industry was viewed.

“We wanted to send a very positive message about its value and viability,” he said.

“A lot of people have been saying the story of manufacturing in this country is coming to a close.

“This government is saying it’s just beginning, we’re saying the best is yet to come – but we’re also saying it’s time to open a new chapter.”

Subscribe free-of-charge to the Advanced Manufacturing Bulletin and be kept informed about manufacturing industry news and new manufacturing technology.