House committee inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing launched

Following the November release of its report into advanced manufacturing, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has launched another inquiry, this time into food and beverage manufacturing.

The committee released the terms of reference for its work on Wednesday, inviting submissions from interested individuals and organisations. It follows a reference from industry minister Ed Husic on Friday last week.

The inquiry is chaired by Labor MP for McEwen Rob Mitchell, who also chaired the Developing Advanced Manufacturing in Australia inquiry.

The report from the previous inquiry, Sovereign, smart, sustainable: Driving advanced manufacturing in Australia, can be accessed here. Among its recommendations was the appointment of a new National Advanced Manufacturing Commissioner, and establishing government-owned common user facilities in innovation precincts.

Terms of reference (available here) for the food and beverage industry inquiry involve looking at “opportunities for expanding innovation and value-adding” within the sector, including with regard to local and international trends in innovation, emerging products and industries, circular economy approaches, workforce and skill needs, and input from the research sector.

Written submissions can be made for the current inquiry until May 1. 

We will publish more information, including on upcoming public hearings, as it becomes available.

Picture: credit Kuka

Further reading

“Developing Advanced Manufacturing in Australia” inquiry underway

Parliamentary committee on advanced manufacturing to hold public hearings this week

Advanced manufacturing inquiry to hold public hearings on Tuesday