Replacement for Freshwater ferries to be electric, locally-made

The NSW government has said that the next generation of Sydney’s Freshwater ferries will be locally-made, with Transport for NSW beginning “market sounding” for a zero-emissions fleet, contrasting this with previous decisions to purchase three overseas-made vessels for the Circular Quay to Manly route. In a statement on Tuesday, the government said the upcoming Freshwater…

ICN’s key role in SME capability and major projects – Roy Green

On Wednesday the Industry Capability Network released a study by University of Sydney’s Phillip Toner and UTS Emeritus Professor Roy Green which recommended it should be mandatory for project proponents to work with the service which connects businesses to opportunities. Here @AuManufacturing talked to Professor Roy Green. @AuManufacturing: The ICN has been in operation for…

Towards 3% R&D – the lesson of the SBIR model of innovation by Jefferson Harcourt

Today our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – turns to successful overseas models boosting innovation such as the US SBIR model. By Jefferson Harcourt. Research and Development (R&D) is essential in driving economic growth and maintaining a competitive advantage, and in Australia there’s a pressing need to enhance R&D…

New procurement policy will drive “future remade in Australia”: Plibersek

The federal government has launched its Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy, which will be phased in from July and initially see companies bidding for government construction services contracts needing to meet agreed sustainability outcomes, including products with recycled content. In an announcement from environment minister Tanya Plibersek (pictured on right) on Wednesday, two phases of the…

New ICN Gateway launched to smooth major project procurement

Procurement and supply chain intermediary Industry Capability Network is thrilled to announce the official launch of Gateway, marking a significant milestone within the organisation. Gateway by ICN is designed to support business networking, providing a pivotal connection between major projects and the regions’ best-suited suppliers. CEO of ICN National Office Warren Jansen said: “We are…

New strategy to support defence industry

The federal government has today released a plan that defines the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and aims to maximise support for Australian industry, including SMEs and its critical contribution to national security. The Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) outlines: Focus areas for the defence industrial base Procurement reforms including simplifying contracting…

Progress, procurement and pulp

As we near the deadline for nominations for Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers, we look at one of the companies near the top of 2023’s list. Brent Balinski speaks to Faz Pollard from Adarsh Australia. Perhaps you’ve asked the question, to yourself and/or your peers: “What has actually changed for manufacturers since Covid?” It’s easy…