The New South Wales government has appointed business and research leaders as members of its manufacturing taskforce, with the group to spend the next four months reviewing options for the state’s modern manufacturing strategy.
The strategy will be finalised by the government’s yet-to-be appointed New South Wales Modern Manufacturing Commissioner, and comes during a push to deepen ties between universities and industry to develop advanced manufacturing.
On Tuesday, the New South Wales government announced it had selected members for its Modern Manufacturing Taskforce, chaired by businessman Tony Shepherd.
Mr Sheppard will be joined by Thales Australia chief executive Chris Jenkins, Engineers Australia chief executive Dr Bronwyn Evans, UTS special innovation adviser, emeritus professor Roy Green and Cochlear chief executive Dig Howitt.
The taskforce will provide a report with recommendations to government for a revised New South Wales manufacturing strategy.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the Modern Manufacturing Taskforce brings together research, academia and industry experts for a strategy which will be focused on innovation, productivity and competitiveness in the state.
“New South Wales already has an excellent reputation in manufacturing, in sectors ranging from food and beverage to aerospace. This group will hone the opportunity we have post-COVID to address challenges to build a manufacturing powerhouse,” Mr Ayres said.
The taskforce’s findings and recommendations will be consolidated into a formal strategy to be completed by the inaugural New South Wales Modern Manufacturing Commissioner.
Recruitment is ongoing for a commissioner, who will be a part of Investment NSW and initially on a 12-month role.
“The Commissioner will maintain a consistent highly credible and visible profile to influence and drive a common purpose from a wide range of stakeholders, positioning as an independent advisor to Government who is viewed as objective, credible and transparent in your advice,” the job listing states.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet has sharpened his focus on research translation and advanced manufacturing since taking office last year, when he first revealed plans for a manufacturing commissioner and a new minister for science, innovation and technology.
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