The South Australian Government has released a discussion paper aimed at ‘ensuring not only the survival but the expansion of South Australian manufacturing.’

 

“Manufacturing faces its greatest test since the tariff barriers were pulled down in the 1970s,” State Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Tom Koutsantonis said.

 

“The discussion paper I have released today for six-weeks of consultation seeks to answer the fundamental question facing the sector: what will it take for manufacturing to survive and succeed in a high wage, high exchange rate South Australian economy?

 

“With manufacturing exposed to unprecedented levels of international competition, the paper accepts there is a key role for Government in ensuring this sector is able to transform and develop.

 

“To survive in an increasingly competitive world, South Australia needs to think smarter but also make more of its strengths such as a smaller economy that can focus on its comparative advantages.

 

“The discussion paper prepared by the Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy highlights four key areas where South Australia needs to achieve a successful transition.”