The Federal Labor Government will move to introduce its Future Made in Australia Act to invest in local manufacturing opportunities and attract private investment in developing the sector.

The move will support local job creation and bolster local industry participation in the transition to renewable energy.

The Federal Labor Government wants to make more things here to help make the Australian economy to be more resilient.

Central Victoria has a strong manufacturing industry and is ideally suited to value add when it comes to agriculture, resources, and defence manufacturing to make more things here.

For manufacturers like Hofmann Engineering who specialise in heavy fabrication, heavy machining and gearbox manufacture it’s a step towards supporting industry development.

Further information about Labor’s Future Made in Australia policy will be released in the May Budget.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO HOFMANN ENGINEERING GENERAL MANAGER, DAVID HUBBERT:

“At Hofmann Bendigo we employ 85 people which includes 13 apprentices – it seems like an 80-year-old shed on the outside however on the inside we have welding robots, 3D simulation and laser scanning as part of our routine, everyday business.

“Although our mining parts business is presently strong, we know these sectors are very cyclic and are excited for opportunities and support to continue our journey further into the Rail, Defence and Clean Energy sectors.

“It’s a shame so much machinery for the clean energy sector (especially hydro-electric and wind turbine) is made offshore. Investing in these areas now will also provide quality and cost-efficient refurbishment services for when that time comes.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“We know that during the pandemic the problems that can occur if trade is cut off – that’s why we need to be investing in local manufacturing and making more things here.

“Our Government is on the side of manufacturing capability and this is a modern industry policy that's about building industry capacity for the future.

“This building and the workers in it have been at the forefront of industry innovation for over 80 years and that legacy continues to this day with the Hofmann team. Where better to talk about a Future Made in Australia than a key driver of technology development since the 1940s.”