grants and funding

The South Australian government has pledged $50 million to assist in saving the Whyalla steelworks.

South Australian senator Nick Xenophon has said his party would “unashamedly” use voter support to provide embattled steel and iron ore business Arrium with assistance. Whyalla News reports that Xenophon said a fair go and “jobs and growth” were not possible if the steel industry is allowed to collapse, “given it’s the bedrock of manufacturing”. “Whyalla will … Continue reading Xenophon: party would “unashamedly” assist Whyalla →

Hyne Timber, in partnership with the University of Queensland, has welcomed the announcement of more than $1.5 million funding for tall timber buildings research. The funding announcement by the Australian Research Council is particularly timely given the recent changes to the National Construction Code enabling timber construction up to eight storeys in height. Hyne Timber’s … Continue reading $1.5 million tall timber buildings research grant awarded →

The Australian automotive industry has made its way into the federal election campaign, with new figures suggesting the winner will face the problem of up to 40,000 made unemployed. The Herald Sun reports that the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers has modelled that many jobs lost, and two-thirds of these will be in Victoria. Only … Continue reading Auto manufacturers body says up to 40,000 jobs could go →

Opposition leader Bill Shorten will announce a $59 million plan aimed at easing the pain from the end of car assembly in Australia, which will start this year with Ford Australia ending production. The Geelong Advertiser reports that Shorten will announce the “Manufacturing Transition Boost” in the area, where Ford has its engine, casting and … Continue reading Shorten to announce $59 million “Manufacturing Transition Boost” →

Arrium’s administrators are still hopeful of federal assistance, despite this not being mentioned in the federal budget. Yesterday federal treasurer Scott Morrison told radio in Adelaide that money for struggling enterprises was unnecessary. “What people in Whyalla and places like that don’t need is a Treasurer to get up at a Budget and splash a … Continue reading Any federal assistance may take time: Arrium administrators →

South Australian premier Jay Weatherill will meet Arrium management, administrator Mark Mentha, unions and suppliers at Whyalla today. The SA government has announced an interest-free loan scheme for Arrium creditors, and is expected to soon detail a co-investment plan to upgrade the company’s steelworks. Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, who will visit the site with Weatherill and … Continue reading Commonwealth must co-invest in Arrium at Whyalla: SA government →

Bosch inaugurated its new $40 million Australian headquarters and technology centre last night and announced it would invest another $6.2 million to strengthen its diode production. The wholly-owned local subsidiary of the German engineering giant was established in Australia in 1954 and described the facility as evidence of its long-term commitment to the region. Around … Continue reading Bosch inaugurates new $40 million Victorian site →

University of Adelaide has been a awarded $4.5 million grant to develop more sustainable methods of alumina refining. AAP reports that the university received the support in the latest round of ARENA funding for the project, titled “Integrating Concentrating Solar Thermal Energy into the Bayer Alumina Process”. “University of Adelaide will lead a project to … Continue reading Uni of Adelaide to research solar thermal energy in alumina refining →

The recent announcement by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to establish a new Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) headquartered in Adelaide adds a new dimension to Australian Government industry policy, crafted in the lead-up to a Federal Election.

A budget boost for South Australia’s tech sector is expected, following the release of a report for the state government yesterday on increasing innovation.

A new Centre for Defence Industry Capability will be announced today during a three-day visit to South Australia by prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

South Australia and Victoria’s manufacturing industry will receive a $30 million injection to support capital investment in high value manufacturing capability.

SPC Ardmona has ruled out seeking taxpayer support again, and its managing director believes the Coca-Cola Amatil subsidiary can now be self-supporting.

The federal government has confirmed it will spend $28 million in advertising to support its National Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda.

UK pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has opened a new pilot plant to trial a promising vaccine storage method developed by the company, an Australian university and Belgian researchers.

Central to the success of world-leading manufacturers like Dyson and Apple, a design emphasis is something Australian engineering lacks. Brent Balinski spoke to Deakin University’s Professor Guy Littlefair about how the university is helping to remedy this.

The Victorian government has launched a $46.5 million transition plan for workers and communities affected by the end of car assembly.

The federal government will release its heavily anticipated innovation statement today. There’s been a lot of talk, but what hope is there of achieving anything concrete for the manufacturing sector? Brent Balinski reports.

The Turnbull government’s imminent innovation statement should acknowledge an element often missing in discussion of innovation policy – the role of government in balancing who pays for and who profits from innovation.