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FROM THE UNION STEVE MURPHY – National Secretary Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
At the time of writing this column, a Federal Election campaign is underway. The data is telling us we will most likely have a Labor government. There is opportunity in this change. The Australian Labor Party has committed to a range of important policies for our industry. A $15.2bn National Reconstruction Fund, a national rail strategy and stronger procurement protections all mean that as an industry we need to have a big conversation. If Labor is elected, and legislation of those promises become certainties, I want to see our industry ready to step up and make the most of it. Manufacturing has been a low priority for decades, and we’re out of practice at asking for what we need to make our enterprises thrive. If we’re to revive our industry as one of the core components of the national economy, we need to have urgent conversations about what that looks like and where we need to start.
We need a strong, clear and attractive position on what the future of our industry looks like. We need it to be heard clearly at every roundtable, photo op and forum during and beyond this election. As a union leader, I worry that the old industrial ideology of more power and profit for bosses, will be the short-term small vision of the business lobby in Australia. The political spotlight is on our industry, and I want to make sure we don’t fumble it. I know union members would support a tripartite approach – of business, government and unions - to problem solve our future, provided we are able to have a mature discussion at the table.
As a union leader, I have ideas on where that money is best spent in ways that deliver significant job creation and social good for our communities.
AMWU members expect that any investment in our industry results in decent, secure jobs and products that are socially good and useful. Also, that we work together to create safer workplaces, invest in skills and training and where the profits created are fairly shared.
The truth is though, the committed spend is so significant that national consensus is a must.
If we have a change of government, we also need a change in our national conversation.
We have all seen the real-world impacts of the decisions that have led to the decline of manufacturing in Australia. I would hate to see this opportunity squandered because of industry disunity, while we have the audience and support of the nation.
I look forward to hearing other views about how we best invest in the future of our industries and workforce.
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