More Local Participation in the Resources Sector

27 Nov 11

The Australian Government’s $34.4 million Buy Australian at Home and Abroad initiative took another important step forward recently with the formation of the Government’s newly assembled Resources Sector Supplier Advisory Forum.

The Forum, announced by Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson, comprises leaders from resources companies, manufacturers, mining technology and service providers, engineering and procurement firms, unions and academia.

The Forum, to be chaired by the Resources Sector Supplier Envoy Peter Beattie, will provide strategic advice on the most effective ways to strengthen Australian industry participation in the resources sector and the implementation of the Buy Australian initiative.

Minister Ferguson said the Forum could help open doors to significant industry projects.

“With more than $430 billion of planned or committed capital investment in minerals and energy projects in Australia, this represents a massive opportunity for Australian manufacturers and other suppliers,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We are already seeing Australian companies winning contracts on major resources projects, and through this initiative the Government is helping to boost this even further.”

The Forum met for the first time recently in Perth.

The agenda for the meeting drew on input received from hundreds of interested stakeholders during a nation-wide consultation process that Mr Beattie has been conducting.

Senator Carr noted the concerns of some stakeholders regarding possible barriers to local industry participation in major resources projects.

“This Forum brings together leaders of the highest calibre and I look forward to them applying their formidable expertise to helping improve the competitiveness of Australian industry,” Senator Carr said.

“This will enable greater access to the wealth of major project opportunities in the booming resources sector.

“I am gratified at the high level of stakeholder interest in joining the Forum and thank all the nominees who were not ultimately included. It’s great to see the diversity and quality of candidates who see this as a pressing issue for Australia. I look forward to the ongoing contributions of all the people who nominated.”

Mr Beattie said the response he had received during his consultations with resources industry representatives and suppliers had been pleasing. “There’s no doubt that this process is generating good will on both sides and it’s creating new awareness of what opportunities are available,” Mr Beattie said.

“Collaboration between suppliers to develop innovative approaches to match their skills and capabilities with the needs of the minerals and energy sectors will be particularly important if we are to make the most of opportunities in Australia and overseas.

"The basic fundamentals are we need to have early engagement, collaborate with joint ventures and strategic alliances, foster innovation and access overseas markets."

For information on the Buy Australian At Home and Abroad initiative visit: http://www.innovation.gov.au/Industry/BuyAustralianatHomeandAbroad/Pages/default.aspx