Backing our local manufacturing businesses to grow

Joint media release with the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, The Hon Karen Andrews MP

The Morrison Government’s game-changing investment to super-charge manufacturing and grow jobs is now open to local businesses, with applications sought under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).

Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said he urged Tasmanian businesses to apply so they can benefit from the new grants, create jobs and take on the world.

“The MMI is not about providing our manufacturers a sugar hit, it’s about backing our manufacturers to improve their competitiveness and scale them up to compete on the world stage,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“If you have an exciting project in our priority sectors this is your opportunity to receive funding support and be part of an important national effort to expand and enhance our manufacturing sector.

“This initiative is the centrepiece of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy, with two of the three investment streams under the MMI are currently open.

The Manufacturing Translation Stream (MTS) will support projects to translate good ideas into new or enhanced commercial outcomes, while the Manufacturing Integration Stream (MIS) will support projects that integrate Australian businesses into global value chains, or that upgrade their existing position in a value chain.

“I certainly encourage local manufacturing businesses to be part of our practical plan to secure the future of manufacturing and help create jobs and a stronger Tasmania.”

Through the MMI, funding is being provided to successful applicants in six national priority sectors.

First rounds are now open for Resources Technology and Critical Minerals, Medical Products, and the Space sector.

Other priority sectors opening in the coming weeks are: Food and Beverage, Recycling and Clean Energy, and Defence.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the opening of the MMI is delivering on the Government’s commitment to transform Australia’s manufacturing base.

“Under the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, co-funded grants are available for projects which have outstanding merit, commercial potential and will provide value to Australia in advancing the development of the our manufacturing priority sectors,” Minister Andrews said.

“Taken together all the projects we fund under the MMI are designed to build Australia’s reputation as a reliable and high-value manufacturing nation and are a central element of our Modern Manufacturing Strategy.”

To guide the types of projects the Government will back in each sector under the MMI, an industry-led road map is also being released.

“The road maps set out our vision for manufacturing investment in each sector.

They’ll continue to be built on over time to ensure we’re capturing new opportunities to grow these priority sectors and create jobs,” Minister Andrews said.

/Public Release. View in full here.