Around the world today, the governments of most major countries are making significant investments in developing highly skilled manufacturing workforces to bolster their sovereign capabilities. These governments recognise the economic opportunities represented by rapid changes in production technologies and are positioning themselves to take full advantage. Without a significant rethink of skill development and recognition, Australia risks being left behind.
Members of the AMWU understand this relationship inherently. Their lived experiences and their vision for a robust Australian economy centred on high- skilled, well-paid manufacturing jobs is the basis of this paper and sketches a framework for revitalising our skills and training system and positioning the Australian economy for strong, inclusive growth for decades to come.
You can read our full submission here.