Industry Review

On 29 August 2011, the Leader of the Federal Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR, announced the establishment of the ‘Industries for Australia’s Future’ review – to be co-chaired by the Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, and the Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science, Sophie Mirabella MP.

The aim of the review is to examine factors affecting the expansion and contraction of industry sectors under the influence of the mining boom, and how policymakers should best respond to them. The full Terms of Reference for the review are listed below.

The Opposition recognises that there are a wide range of views on these issues – and is therefore inviting interested individuals and groups across the country to contribute to the review process.

We therefore encourage interested industry stakeholders to participate in the review – by providing a written submission by 16 November 2011 and/or appearing in person at one of our hearings across Australia. (Dates and venues for the hearings are listed below; however, please note that bookings are essential.)

Submissions can be sent electronically to john.polack@aph.gov.au or by mail to:

John Polack (IFAF Review)
Office of Sophie Mirabella MP – R2.111
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Alternatively, if you are interested in attending one of the hearings, have any questions or need any further information, then please do not hesitate to contact John Polack at the email address above or by phone on (02) 6277 2301.

Terms of Reference for the ‘Industries for Australia’s Future’ Review

The Coalition’s policy review will examine and report upon factors affecting the expansion and contraction of resources and industry sectors under the influence of the mining boom. The Review’s objective will be to inform future Coalition policies aimed at ensuring that Australian manufacturers and miners face a genuinely level playing field against foreign competition.

In the course of undertaking the Review, the co-chairs will:

- convene and host a series of roundtables with key manufacturers, trade unions and industry groups, including in Canberra, other capital cities and a series of regional centres such as Wollongong, Newcastle, Townsville, Devonport and Geelong; and

- seek written submissions from other stakeholders who are unable to attend the roundtables.

The co-chairs will also develop a series of recommendations which they determine are appropriate, practical and cost effective in order to enhance current government policies in areas such as:

- opportunities for productivity improvement in the manufacturing sector;

- opportunities for skills upgrading in the manufacturing sector;

- identifying policies that will encourage the growth and development of emerging, knowledge-intensive manufacturing industries, in which Australia can sustain a competitive advantage;

- minimising sovereign risk for investors in Australia’s manufacturing and mining industries;

- ensuring there is no impediment for local suppliers to tender for large resource projects;

- removal and streamlining of unnecessary or inefficient ‘red tape’ or other burdens which hinder the international competitiveness of Australia’s manufacturing and resource industries;

- the operation of the Industry Capability Network (ICN), the Enhanced Project Bylaw Scheme (EPBS), Australian Industry Participation (AIP) plans and government procurement processes for industry;

- the impact of current government policies on the competitive advantage of Australia’s manufacturing and mining industries;

- R&D and commercialisation programmes that have been abolished and weakened over the past 4 years and their impacts on emerging industries;

- stimulation of private sector funding for industry activity in Australia, including through enhanced venture capital and angel investment; and

- other issues raised by industry.

Dates and Cities for Review Hearings

DATE	CITY
27 September 2011	Perth
28 September 2011	Adelaide
7 October 2011	Darwin
17 October 2011	Brisbane
18 October 2011	Sydney
20 October 2011	Melbourne
26 October 2011	Mackay
28 October 2011	Townsville
4 November 2011	Hobart
8 & 9 November 2011	Newcastle & Wollongong
14 November 2011	Launceston & Devonport
15 November 2011	Geelong
Ongoing (on parliamentary sitting days in November and December 2011)	Canberra

Please note that the specific venues for hearings in each city will be confirmed at the time of booking.