Resources Envoy Needs to be Successful

19 Nov 11

Our Manufacturers are deeply concerned not so much about the here and now but what the future holds.

Recently AMTIL's Member Services Manager Peter Lambe did a tour of a few of AMTIL's Members in QLD and the findings are that whilst overall business is OK at the moment, (but could be better) it is the future of the industry that has members concerned.

Peter indicates that "our members are concerned about the future of the manufacturing sector in light of overseas competition, the high dollar and across the board there is concern that unlike countries such as Germany there is no incentive to invest in new technology, such as accelerated depreciation schemes, investment allowances etc, to remain competitive".

"It goes hand in hand in some context with the Government's low carbon emissions vision that a new CNC Machine Tool, as an example, is going to use less electricity and be more efficient than a 10 year old model, but with concerns about the industry's future as well as a lack of incentive to invest, many of our members find themselves in a holding pattern with low confidence" says Peter Lambe.

Whilst the resources envoy is a positive Government initiative, it's ultimate actions and achievements must speak louder than words. The latest Press Release from the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr with respect to the endeavours of the resources envoy is below.

Press Release Reads:

RESOURCES ENVOY SPREADS BUY AUSTRALIAN WORD TO NT AND WA

Key players in the resources industry in the Northern Territory and Western Australia will have the opportunity next week to meet with the Resources Sector Supplier Envoy, Peter Beattie.

Mr Beattie will continue consultations to champion Australian industry participation in major resources projects during visits to Darwin and Perth. He will push for greater co-operation to better link Australian manufacturers and suppliers to project opportunities.

Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr welcomed the stakeholder consultations.

“It is important that all Australians share in the benefits of the resources boom. And it is essential that we consult as broadly as possible with industry to achieve this,” Senator Carr said.

Mr Beattie said he was looking forward to hearing the views of manufacturers and suppliers in both cities.

“Maximising local participation in these major projects is an important issue in both states and, indeed, across Australia. I want to explore how the Australian Government’s Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiative can make a difference,” Mr Beattie said.

In Darwin Mr Beattie will host a forum on identifying barriers to supplying to major projects. He will also meet with Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson, key industry stakeholders and be briefed on the $25 billion Inpex Ichthys LNG project.

In Perth Mr Beattie will address a Local Content conference, meet the CEOs of major resources companies and attend an industry briefing and consultation at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He will also meet the West Australian Commerce Minister, Simon O’Brien, and WA Opposition Leader Eric Ripper.

Mr Beattie’s consultations will inform the deliberations of the first meeting of the Resources Sector Supplier Advisory Forum in Perth. He will chair the Forum.

Mr Beattie’s participation as a panel member on a Mining Supply Chain Trade and Investment with Latin America roundtable hosted by Eagle Corporate Advisers in Brisbane has identified potential supply opportunities ahead of a trade mission he’ll lead to the region in April 2012.