Australia needs to continue building domestic manufacturing capability says Earlypay CEO James Beeson.

Australian Made Week which begins Monday (18^th) puts Australia’s manufacturing sector firmly in the spotlight at a time when many business and government leaders believe the country needs to rebuild local capability, strengthen supply chains and invest in the skills needed to support a more resilient economy.

Earlypay chief executive James Beeson said buying Australian-made products should be seen as part of a broader economic conversation about productive capacity, working capital and the need to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

“Over recent decades, Australia has become heavily reliant on overseas supply chains for many critical goods,” Mr Beeson said.

“In the short term, those dependencies are difficult to unwind, but the lesson is clear. If we do not continue building domestic manufacturing capability, we leave ourselves exposed when global supply chains come under pressure.”

Mr Beeson said Australian Made Week was a timely reminder that manufacturing was not just about national pride, but about jobs, investment and economic security.

“There may be a cost to buying Australian-made in some categories, but that spending supports local businesses, local jobs and investment in a productive capacity,” Mr Beeson said.

“If we are serious about strengthening Australian manufacturing, businesses need the confidence and working capital to invest in equipment, people and production capacity.”

The call follows the Federal Budget announcement, which included measures aimed at easing pressure on business, including productivity reforms the Government says will reduce regulatory burden by $10.2 billion each year.

The Budget also included cash-flow support, with eligible companies that make a loss from 2026-27 able to use that loss to receive a refund against tax paid in the previous two income years. The measure is expected to benefit up to 85,000 companies, mostly small businesses.

From 2028-29, small start-ups in their first two years will be able to receive refunds for tax losses, while small businesses will gain certainty from the permanent extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off from 1 July 2026.

Mr Beeson said the measures were welcome, but Australia needed a broader plan to support productive investment in industries where the country could build greater capability.

“The Budget measures are useful, particularly anything that improves cash flow or gives small businesses more certainty around investment,” Mr Beeson said.

“But we also need to think seriously about where Australia can excel. Agriculture, energy and defence are all areas where local capability matters and where stronger manufacturing capacity can support long-term economic resilience.”

He said the shift would also require stronger vocational education pathways to ensure workers had the skills needed for modern manufacturing.

“We cannot just say we want to make more things in Australia if we do not also have the people and skills to do it,” Mr Beeson said.

 “University is not the only pathway. We need stronger vocational education pathways that prepare people for higher-skilled jobs in modern manufacturing, automation and production.”

Australian Made Campaign chief executive Ben Lazzaro said buying locally made products helped support jobs, communities and Australian businesses.

“When consumers choose Australian Made, they’re actively supporting local economies, strengthening communities and helping Australian businesses thrive,” Mr Lazzaro said.

“Supporting local has never been more important. Australian Made Week is about calling on shoppers and businesses to back the home team and look for the Australian Made logo, because Australian Made makes Australia,” Mr Lazzaro said.

Research cited by Australian Made suggests that if Australians spent an extra $20 a week on Australian Made products, it could add $11 billion to the economy and create 20,000 jobs.

Mr Lazzaro said the Australian Made logo remained a powerful commercial tool, with Roy Morgan Research showing 99 per cent of Australians aged 18 and over are aware of it.

Backing Australian manufacturers supports local jobs, strengthens business confidence and helps create the conditions for further investment and growth across the economy.