Engineers Australia calls for a big ideas Budget

Australia’s engineering peak body says the upcoming federal Budget must avoid short-term political gain in favour of generational investment in big ideas and a long-term vision.

Building sovereign capability, beating climate change and busting Australia’s skills shortage are the focus of Engineers Australia’s pre-budget submission (PDF) for 2022–23.

“Uncertainty and upheaval have created a unique opportunity to invest in big ideas that can make a difference for all Australians,” said Engineers Australia CEO Dr Bronwyn Evans AM. “Engineers are on the frontlines of responding to COVID, developing solutions for business, government and the community. Our big ideas must be engineering-based, alongside developing technologies that create new industries, jobs and businesses, and help engineer a better future for all.”

“The impact of COVID-19 illustrated that sovereign capability can no longer be viewed exclusively through the prism of defence, however important, but as part of a larger economic and social state of readiness,” says the submission. “Critical to ensuring the long-term survivability of our industries and communities is a focus on innovation and resilient supply chains alongside defence industry and aerospace.

“Engineers Australia calls on the government to seize this unique opportunity in our nation’s history to secure independent national resilience in safeguarding our future prosperity.”

The submission recommendations include:

1. Building sovereign capability through:

• supporting tax incentives for Australian owned and operated manufacturers of battery and solar panels as well as those investing in these businesses;
• funding research for new technologies and innovative production processes alongside financial incentives for educational institutions to develop the manufacturing workforce;
• streamlining and centralising government grants for research and development;
• creating additional hubs centred around startups and the commercialisation of Australian innovation;
• implementing a globally competitive tax regime for those investing in startups.

2. Beating climate change by:

• publishing a comprehensive national emissions reduction strategy, including a 2030 abatement target;
• supercharging support for households and companies to purchase energy-efficient products;
• mandating fleet average emissions standards for new vehicles.

3. Busting the engineering skills shortage by:

• incentivising commonwealth contractors to provide graduate programs and internships;
• refining Australia’s migration program objectives to be more targeted, to attract migrants with the specific experience and skills required, increasing their employability;
• increasing teacher capabilities in STEM subjects and providing a better understanding of all STEM careers and learning.

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