MEDIA RELEASE
Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) has welcomed the Victorian Labor Party’s commitment to establish a $350 million Make It Here Fund to support manufacturing growth and create jobs across Victoria.
GSEM’s State election platform has called for greater investment to help manufacturers modernise, lift productivity and remain globally competitive.
Chair Simon McKeon AO said the announcement recognised the critical role manufacturing plays in Victoria’s economy and the need to support businesses to invest, innovate and grow.
“Our research has shown without a doubt that Melbourne’s south east is the manufacturing powerhouse of Victoria and the largest manufacturing region in Australia, producing approximately $89 billion in output. It is home to more than 3,800 businesses creating everything from pharmaceuticals and food products to drones,” Mr McKeon said.
“We welcome this significant commitment because it recognises that the future strength of Victorian manufacturing depends on giving businesses the support they need to invest in new technology, improve productivity and compete internationally.”
Labor’s $350 million Make It Here Fund would include $200 million for government co-investment alongside businesses, with the State Government contributing $1 for every $2 invested by companies, as well as a further $150 million for industry grants.
Mr McKeon said this commitment aligned strongly with GSEM’s call for greater support to modernise manufacturing across Melbourne’s south east.
“Our election platform calls for a dedicated South East Manufacturing Modernisation Fund to help existing manufacturers adopt advanced equipment and Industry 4.0 technologies and expand into emerging opportunities such as modern methods of construction,” he said.
“Manufacturing employs more than 75,000 people in our region, but businesses need the right support to modernise and continue growing. This means working with manufacturers to design the program so that it works for industry.
“We welcome Labor’s commitment and now call on all political parties to match this level of ambition for Victorian manufacturing.
“Supporting manufacturers to invest in new technology and lift productivity will help create local jobs, attract investment and ensure Victoria remains globally competitive.”
ENDS
Media contact: Maggie Hill 0404 196 452
GSEM represents the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Monash and Mornington Peninsula. The body includes representatives from each local council, and is supported by an Independent Board comprising of Chair Simon McKeon and directors Margaret Fitzherbert and James Merlino.