Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (11:44):
There is no government that prioritises manufacturing more than this Labor government. It's true that manufacturing today is not what it was in its glory days, and that is deeply concerning not only to me but also to the Australian Labor Party. A strong manufacturing sector is vital for a strong economy and a stronger Australia. Manufacturing creates jobs for Australians and ensures the high quality standards that come with products made right here at home. Unfortunately, times have changed, and our manufacturing industry is now a shadow of its former self. We no longer produce the mighty Holden Commodores or Ford Falcons or ship steel from the port of Newcastle. It's a shame. We stand here in a building that is more than 90 per cent made from Australian made products, from the steel used to make the flagpole, made in Newcastle, to some of the furniture, but Australian manufacturing has declined.
But this government is determined to change that. Through our $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package, we are taking decisive action to revive this sector and secure its future. Our plan includes the transformative National Reconstruction Fund, which will create secure, well-paid jobs, support regional development and strengthen Australia's sovereign capability. Closer to home in my electorate, we're investing $1 billion into the Solar Sunshot program, which includes our SunDrive solar-panel-manufacturing facility and the opportunity to produce the most efficient solar panels in the world right there in the Hunter on the site of the old Liddell Power Station. This will produce more than 500 jobs in stage 1 and up to 5,000 jobs in stage 2. This isn't just about making things we need; it's about positioning Australia as a leader in the global push towards renewable energy.
But let's not forget the challenges. The member for Fowler has raised concerns about labour shortages and resource access in manufacturing, but she conveniently overlooked the government's proactive solutions, including fee-free TAFE. More than half a million Australians have already taken advantage of this program to gain skills in critical areas like manufacturing.
Let me be clear: these opportunities would vanish under those opposite. We have recently seen exactly what they think of fee free TAFE. Last week they voted against fee free TAFE, and the opposition leader has already said it's wasteful spending and he will cut it. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition recently claimed that people don't value fee-free TAFE because, as she puts it, 'If you don't pay for something, you don't value it.' That might be true if you've never struggled to make ends meet, but, for hardworking Australians, this could not be further from the truth or reality. The opposition's record speaks for itself. They drove our car-manufacturing industry offshore, ignored skills shortages and left our manufacturing sector in disarray.
Labor is delivering real solutions. Our $400 million Industry Growth Program is already supporting emerging manufacturers across the country. This program feeds directly into the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, the largest investment in Australian industry in living memory. It provides matched grants, advisory services and expert guidance to small and medium businesses, with more than 1,100 innovative companies already signing up.
We're not just investing in manufacturing; we're building a resilient small-business sector. Small business employs over five million Australians and contributes more than $500 billion to our economy each year. That's why this government has rolled out more than $640 million in targeted support, including energy rebates, and extended the $20,000 instant asset write-off. Under this government, insolvencies have remained at record lows of just 0.25 per cent, compared to the 0.32 per cent averaged under the last government. We have also improved cash flow for small businesses, with reforms that name and shame big businesses that fail to pay on time or create, while celebrating those that do the right thing.
Our Future Made in Australia plan is about maximising the economic and industrial benefits of the global transformation to net zero. We're creating secure jobs, attracting private investment and ensuring our economy is powered by renewable energy, not nuclear reactors that will only drive up prices. This government understands that Australians' future lies in a strong, diversified economy. We're creating the conditions for manufacturing to thrive, for small business to grow and for Aussies to succeed. The question is: will we seize these opportunities or let those opposite take them back and take us backwards? The choice is clear. This Labor government shows that the Labor Party is the only party committed to reviving Australian manufacturing and securing a stronger and more prosperous future for all.
