Manufacturing Industry

French argued that the Coalition had a history of neglecting manufacturing, citing the closure of the car industry and a lack of active industrial policy during their time in government. French highlighted the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund as evidence of Labor's commitment to rebuilding capability through real investment in skills, procurement, and supply chains. French defended the government's energy policy, including Rewiring the Nation and the Capacity Investment Scheme, as necessary steps to provide affordable and reliable power. French also noted that the government was strengthening trade remedy systems to protect businesses from unfair import practices.

Chaffey emphasised that manufacturing was the sixth-largest industry, employing 930,000 people, and argued that high energy costs were threatening these jobs. Chaffey criticised the recent budget for providing emergency loans rather than addressing the root cause of rising industrial costs through cheaper, reliable base-load power. Chaffey stated that regional manufacturers needed a level playing field, free from substandard imports that undercut local quality standards. Chaffey reiterated the motion's call for a National Import Quality Taskforce and royalty discounts for local procurement to support national sovereignty and economic security.

Holzberger opposed the motion, arguing that the Coalition was responsible for the decimation of the manufacturing sector over the past three decades through privatisation, economic rationalism, and unfettered free trade. Holzberger contended that lower tariffs had benefited consumers but harmed domestic manufacturers competing against state-owned overseas industries. Holzberger highlighted the historical importance of public investment in housing and energy to keep living costs down and support industry, which he claimed the Coalition had abandoned. Holzberger viewed the motion as ironic given the Coalition's long-term record of withdrawing support from Australian industry.

Venning argued that South Australia, once the manufacturing heart of the nation, was suffering from the highest energy prices in the developed world due to the government's reliance on wind and solar. Venning claimed that rising energy costs increased the price of all goods and that the government had failed to deliver promised power bill reductions. Venning criticised new payroll tax changes as a drain on cash flow for small manufacturers and argued that the government prioritised union interests over regional businesses. Venning supported the motion's calls for a National Import Quality Taskforce and royalty discounts to protect domestic production and reclaim national sovereignty.

Clutterham defended the 'Future Made in Australia' strategy, highlighting the National Reconstruction Fund's investments in companies like Myriota, Gilmour Space Technologies, and Advanced Navigation to boost high-tech manufacturing and defence capabilities. Clutterham argued that the government was pursuing a balanced energy transition, including gas reservation agreements to shield manufacturers from global shocks while moving towards renewables. Clutterham also noted recent reforms to the research and development tax incentive to better support business innovation and cash flow. Clutterham emphasised that partnership with the private sector and targeted R&D investment were crucial for maintaining competitive advantages in critical minerals and renewable energy.