The Australian chemistry industry congratulates the new Victorian Premier, the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, on Labor’s victory in the Victorian State Election.
“The Australian chemistry industry looks forward to working with the Andrews Government on key policy areas to help drive growth, innovation, competitiveness and productivity,” said Samantha Read, Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA) CEO.
“The industry welcomes Premier Andrews’ focus on innovation to drive economic and jobs growth through a range of proposed initiatives, including an Innovation Expert Panel to be led by Victoria’s Chief Scientist.
“The Australian chemistry industry, Australia’s second largest manufacturing sector, will play a vital role in this growth agenda as a critical enabler and solutions provider to 109 of Australia’s 111 industries.
“PACIA has a strong history of working in partnership with the Victorian State Government and Victoria’s world-class research institutes to deliver innovation outcomes. We strongly believe in the collaborative model and welcome opportunities to continue this work with the Andrews Government.
“Current PACIA initiatives include VCSCM Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions and the Chemicals and Plastics Innovation Network, which provide important frameworks for building stronger connections between research and industry.
“These initiatives are also valuable contributions to Victoria’s skills base, aligning skills with industry needs. The Report ‘STEM: Australia’s Future’, released in September by Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb, states that globally, 75% of the fastest growing occupations require science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. The business of chemistry creates highly skilled jobs, directly employing over 60,000 people in Australia.
“In identifying growth opportunities, it is important to look at how industry can support the really significant societal shifts. For example, the dual factors of global population growth and an ageing population are driving massive demand for health and wellbeing products. Chemistry enables products that we rely on every day, from targeted medicines and oxygen permeable contact lenses, to medical devices such as pacemakers and blood bags that save lives.
“When we talk about ‘advanced manufacturing’, these are the kind of technologies that are valued for advancing our everyday lives.
“To address these significant areas of growth, we must continue to work to enhance the competitiveness of the State’s valuable manufacturing base. Market-based reforms of Australia’s gas markets and State-based development will play a crucial part in realising our energy advantage. Natural gas plays a unique role in the Australian chemistry industry not only as a clean source of energy, but also as an essential and non-substitutable feedstock for chemicals and plastics manufacturing.
“We look forward to continuing this important work with the new Victorian Labor Government to help deliver significant growth opportunities for Victoria,” Ms Read said.
Contact: Claire Selby, [email protected], 0448 028 876.
Released 30 November 2014
About PACIA
PACIA is the pre-eminent national body representing Australia¹s $40bn chemistry industry, whose businesses directly employ 60,000 people and contribute approximately 11.5% of total Australian manufacturing production. PACIA members comprise a broad range of companies positioned across the entire value chain. Members include chemicals manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw material suppliers, plastics fabricators and compounders, chemicals and plastics recyclers and service providers to the industry. These businesses range from small family-owned companies and innovative medium-sized enterprises, to leading national and multinational enterprises.
