Australian Made Week puts manufacturing in economic spotlight
Australia needs to continue building domestic manufacturing capability says Earlypay CEO James Beeson. Australian Made Week which begins Monday (18th) 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 […]

