October has been all about our road to recovery, with a focus on growing manufacturing, creating jobs and securing Australia's future.
As Industry Minister, I am thrilled to see renewed interest in Australian manufacturing. I am committed to helping the sector thrive through the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy delivered in this month's Federal Budget.
The Gold Coast's sector is strong, with more than 2,700 manufacturers employing approximately 14,000 locals. The Prime Minister saw this first-hand during his recent visit.
Scott Morrison was impressed by the scale and innovative nature of our local manufacturers, as he toured Neumann Steel in Currumbin and Mineral Technologies in Carrara.
I am hearing great stories about locals supporting locals - like Freedom Retractable Screens in Currumbin who utilise their local supply chain wherever possible.
Businesses are also talking to me about hiring more staff after transitioning off JobKeeper, which has supported around 9,100 businesses in McPherson. The Morrison Government will continue to support business through the Instant Asset Write Off, the JobMaker hiring credit and investment in skills and training.
These initiatives are boosting confidence moving into 2021, with businesses including Factory Direct 4x4 Exhausts in Moreton Bay, and Specialist Electrical Solutions in Murarrie telling me they're hiring new apprentices as their workloads increase.
Finally, if you live in Queensland and haven't already filled out a postal vote, or been to a pre-polling station - I encourage you to make your vote count on state election day. To find your nearest polling booth, click here.
Take care,
