A productive manufacturing sector is a critical component of a thriving economy. The viability and future success of Australian manufacturing, and the millions of jobs this sector supports, rely on national productivity and competitiveness

In my eight years as CEO of one of Australia’s largest manufacturing companies, and the country’s largest industrial gas user, I spent about 20 per cent of my time visiting customers. Most of my peers do the same.

Manufacturing Australia today welcomed the government’s new energy plan, saying it was right to focus on affordability and reliability alongside emissions reduction, and encouraging all parties to make a “clear eyed assessment” of the plan.

Manufacturing Australia (MA) has appointed James Fazzino as Chairman, replacing Mark Chellew, who is stepping down after leading the organisation since early 2015.