Push for manufacturing summit

The nation's state and territory manufacturing ministers have supported an initiative by Victorian minister for manufacturing and export, André Haermeyer to hold a national summit to address the mounting issues facing Australia's manufacturing sector. Mr Haermeyer sought the meeting following the recent abolition of the industry and technology ministers council at COAG.

"Australia's manufacturing sector, and in particular its automotive industry, is about to face some major global challenges, especially with the rising profile of China," Mr Haermeyer said.

"The only way we will compete and succeed in this ever-changing market is by product differentiation which should be driven by innovation and imagination. We need to do it better, differently and more innovatively.

"This summit will include, but not be limited to, the need for more research and development, the commercialisation of R&D, access to venture capital, skills shortages and skilled migration, the impact of Free Trade Agreements, and industrial relations," Mr Haermeyer said.

"The summit will involve all state, territory and Commonwealth governments, industry stakeholders, unions and other stakeholder representatives who will not just highlight the challenges but offer solutions and make policy recommendations."

Mr Haermeyer said the recent meeting between manufacturing ministers followed his successful meeting with federal counterpart Ian Macfarlane on Friday.

"Mr Macfarlane has indicated that the federal government is willing to work with the states and territories to ensure Australia's manufacturing industry continues to play an influential role in the global market," Mr Haermeyer said. "These issues are of great importance to our manufacturing sector and require everyone to work together to achieve a common goal."