Australia must choose to believe in itself again, argues entrepreneur/engineer in new blueprint

Steve Camilleri, the CTO and co-founder of cold spray additive manufacturing business SPEE3D, has said in a new essay that the nation must back its innovators and stop squandering its opportunities.

Darwin-based Camilleri – who has co-founded two companies commercialising globally-relevant, Australian-developed technology – argues that the country has repeatedly lost out and allowed world-leading IP to generate wealth offshore or die on the vine. 

In A Blueprint to Reinvigorate Australia’s Economy, published on Thursday, he cites “a system that prioritises short-term profits over long-term national strength”, avoids risk, and which needs to better encourage climbing the value chain. 

“At its core this isn’t just about policy or economics—it’s about who we are,” he writes.

“For too long, we’ve let a “good enough” mindset hold us back. We rationalise inaction, settle for mediocrity, and hesitate in the face of bold ideas. That must end.”

As he has before on the @AuManufacturing Conversations podcast and elsewhere, Camilleri praises the inventiveness and intelligence present in Australia, though argues it is not being properly leveraged to generate wealth.

“This country was built on bold decisions, resourcefulness, and innovation. From polymer banknotes that transformed global currency security to pioneering mining automation, we’ve shown the world what happens when Australians back themselves,” he argues

“But we’ve allowed ourselves to settle. For decades, we’ve leaned on our natural resources as a crutch, failing to realise they could be the foundation for so much more. The truth is, our real power lies in the ingenuity of our people. When supported with clear vision and opportunity, we don’t just innovate—we lead. This is the reputation we have overseas, one we rarely acknowledge at home.”

Among its arguments are that the nation must believe in itself again, better make use of its abundant energy resources, and stop making excuses. Camilleri also tackles what he sees as myths around isolation, population size, and resource wealth.

His essay can be read here.

Further reading

How the moon motivates additive manufacturer SPEE3D

A decade in and no sign of slowing for Australian AM company

Land Forces 2022 – The curse and the benefit of being Australian