Queensland launches manufacturing advisory council

The Queensland Government has announced that its newly formed Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council (QMAC) has met for the first time.

The state government says the council will provide real-world knowledge to grow and diversify manufacturing, with the aim of driving economic, regional and employment growth throughout the state.

The members of the Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council are:

• Angela Bailey, Dewatering Operations Manager, Weir Minerals Australia
• Xanny Christophersen, CEO, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights
• Sharon Dawson, Director and CEO, Dawsons Group of Companies
• Louise McMahon, General Manager, MFE Pty Ltd
• Mick Murray, Director, Mick Murray Welding
• Richard Parker, General Manager, TEi Services Pty Ltd
• Emily Pullen, Director and CEO, Mighty Good Food Group
• Aaron Thompson, Managing Director, Ferra Engineering
• Thomas Northcott, Managing Director, Vecco Group
• Rebecca Andrews, CEO, Manufacturing Skills Queensland
• Shay Chalmers, CEO, GLT Trailers
   

Manufacturing is one of Queensland’s largest industries and employs more than 180,000 people, with about a quarter of these jobs in regional and rural areas.

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the group had been tasked with working with the state government to drive economic and employment growth in Queensland’s manufacturing sector.

“The Crisafulli government is determined to make Queensland the most attractive state for manufacturers to invest in,” he said. “Building a strong and advanced manufacturing sector not only creates skilled jobs for Queenslanders — it also builds supply chain resilience and Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capacity.

“QMAC will play a vital role in advising government on the real-world issues facing manufacturers, especially in regional areas. The group includes trailblazers and industry leaders with decades of manufacturing experience.”

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