National Manufacturing Week - Government Gutting Innovation

25-May-2011

Australian companies that have excelled in developing new manufacturing technology or instigated new practices that have given their firm a competitive edge will be rewarded at tonight’s Endeavour Awards, the national manufacturing awards.

Meanwhile the Labor Government has slashed funding to commercialisation programs and wants to gut the R&D tax incentive.

On top of this, the carbon tax will be the nail in the coffin for many Australian businesses.

Ms Gillard and her industry Minister Kim Carr talk up innovation while engaged in decimation.

“I congratulate the winners of tonight’s awards. They are among those manufacturers in Australia who have fought to be competitive, often operating on low margins,” said Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science, Sophie Mirabella.

“Manufacturing innovation should be rewarded not slugged with a carbon tax that will close down much of Australian manufacturing,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.