The Australian Food and Grocery Council lauded the federal government’s budget provision to help address the cost-of-living crisis and invest in the Future Made in Australia initiative.
“It is encouraging to see a budget that addresses the needs of Australians doing it tough. It is also commendable for the budget to invest in Australia’s future with support to industries of the future and manufacturing,” said AFGC CEO Tanya Barden.
“As the peak body representing the largest manufacturing sector in Australia, the AFGC highlights the food and grocery industry remains one of key national importance.”
The Future Made in Australia Act focuses on two streams, namely the Net Zero Transformation Stream and the Economic Resilience and Security Stream.
The Net Zero Transformation Stream includes industries where Australia will have a comparative advantage as the world transitions to net zero.
Meanwhile, the Economic Resilience and Security Stream is where some level of domestic capability is needed to promote economic resilience and security.
“Modernising the food and grocery manufacturing sector through new green technologies is in line with the goals of investing in a Future Made in Australia,” said Barden.
She noted that providing investment incentives for the food and grocery manufacturing sector will help improve innovation, lower carbon emissions, help boost domestic production, and expand the international footprint of Australian-made consumer products.
“This would help future-proof our sector, which supports over 270,000 jobs in Australia,” she concluded.
