Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement outlines ongoing plans for the state’s $31 billion manufacturing industry.

Victoria’s manufacturing industry boasts around 23,000 firms, employs more than 260,000 people, and provides more than 27 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing output.

The statement pledges to ensure Victoria continues to be a place for advanced manufacturers to grow, including in key sectors such as low-emissions and renewable energy, health technologies, defence and space, digital and advanced technologies, and food manufacturing.

Actions outlined in the statement include adopting new technology, increasing industry engagement, strengthening local supply chains, upskilling the future workforce, creating thriving hubs and precincts, and boosting exports.

Strategic advantages

The document identifies the following key advantages in Victoria:

• A world leader in research and development (R&D): with the Australian Synchrotron, the Australian Nanofabrication Facility, Data 61, STELaRLab and the Oceania Cyber Security Centre
• 10 universities ranked among the best in the world
• 30 per cent of Australia’s STEM graduates
• Home to world-class research institutions and precincts that focus on, or leverage: new technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Leading examples include Monash Clayton, Fishermans Bend, La Trobe, Werribee and Parkville
• Melbourne Airport is Australia’s busiest 24/7 curfew-free airport
• The Port of Melbourne is the largest container port in Australia
• Committed to improving the cost and ease of doing business: $75 million regulatory reform program and $10 million Business Acceleration Fund will deliver cost savings for businesses
• Melbourne was rated Australia’s most liveable city and 10th globally in 2022 by the Economist Intelligence Unit
• Largest manufacturing workforce of any state or territory
• Deepest and most diverse supply chains of any state or territory.

It also outlines the initiatives currently supporting the state’s advanced manufacturers, including the Breakthrough Victoria Fund, the Manufacturing Industry and Development Fund, the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and the Low Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program.

Through the Breakthrough Victoria Fund, the Government will be investing $2 billion over 10 years to support businesses to commercialise, boosting innovation and creating high paying jobs in key industries such as agri-food, health and life sciences, the low carbon economy and digital technologies.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Ben Carroll said: “This statement provides a clear vision and plan for our advanced manufacturing future – creating jobs and positioning Victoria as a world-leading manufacturing location.”

Made in Victoria 2030: Manufacturing Statement is available via djpr.vic.gov.au/made-in-victoria