Ahead of a National Manufacturing Summit, a new report outlines the industry’s dogged resilience in difficult times, its importance to the Australian economy, and its more hopeful future prospects.

The report identifies several indicators suggesting that the economic opportunities for domestic manufacturing have improved significantly. Manufacturing ranks as the second biggest source of new jobs in Australia last year, adding 40,000 positions. Manufacturing also re-invests 5% of its value added in research and development – the highest of any industry.

New polling shows strong support for proactive manufacturing policies: government procurement mandates (81%) and tax incentives tied to investments in domestic facilities (79%) were broadly supported across all age and voting groups.

‘Australia’s manufacturing industry faces some daunting domestic and global challenges. But it’s not just surviving, it’s finding a way to grow,’ said Dr. Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work.

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Research page: Manufacturing: a moment of opportunity

Download: Manufacturing: a moment of opportunity [PDF 1.5 MB]