5 SEPTEMBER 2024 - The AMWU is pleased to support today’s announcement of a $53.95 million joint commitment from the Federal and State Governments to establish a TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at the Wetherill Park TAFE Campus.
This initiative is slated to be the first of three Manufacturing Centres of Excellence to be established in NSW, and one of up to 20 to be established across Australia.
We applaud the NSW and Federal Governments for not only displaying a genuine commitment to the future of the Australian manufacturing industry, but for also engaging collaboratively with the AMWU to ensure workers and their needs are placed at the centre of this initiative.
As NSW’s energy requirements evolve over the coming years, it is crucial that the renewable infrastructure we develop is built on a foundation of a robust, world-class public education system. We believe today’s announcement is a significant step in the right direction.
Brad Pidgeon, AMWU NSW/ACT Acting State Secretary, said at this morning’s media event that “It has been a long time coming, but what this shows is both state and federal governments are committed to Australia’s future – a Future Made in Australia, where domestic manufacturing should be front and centre of what we do as a nation.”
“For far too long, we’ve seen our jobs offshored, and for far too long we’ve seen privatisation of skills and training which has led to skill shortages over the past 12 to 15 years.”
“Today’s is one of many exciting announcements which, as the AMWU, we welcome. We look forward to seeing our members thrive, not just survive, and build things right here in Australia.”
“We don’t just dig and ship things. We actually build things with our hands, and it starts with places like this. TAFE is an institution that should be well-funded, well-resourced, and provide opportunities for manufacturing workers. I commend the efforts of the state and federal governments for taking on a bold plan to make sure we’re building things in Australia.”
Media contact – Alana Ramshaw 0400 889 166