The Carmichael Centre's Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow Emeritus Professor David Peetz and researcher Charlie Joyce spoke recently at the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit in Brisbane on July 31.

Joyce and Peetz argued that with the global energy transition storming ahead - and driving an international boom in clean technology manufacturing - it is more important than ever that Australia act to reposition and restructure our economy to take full advantage of the industrial opportunities of the renewable energy revolution. 

Hosted by Weld Australia and the Centre for Future Work, the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit brought together a range of manufacturing industry stakeholders - including representatives from business, government, unions, universities, TAFE, suppliers and the financial sector - to discuss the prospects for Australian manufacturing amidst the global energy transition.

Joyce and Peetz's presentation reflected the Summit's theme Pathways to Success: Making the Renewable Energy Revolution a Reality. They outlined how for Australia's manufacturing sector to see a renewables-driven revival, it will be necessary for Australian governments to employ comprehensive and ambitious industry policy initiatives. This includes the recently announced Future Made in Australia plan, but must also include further ambition and commitment.

In particular, the Joyce and Peetz argued that for Australia's clean energy manufacturing ambitions to be successful, new industrial initiatives must build social licence by creating secure, well paid jobs and supporting communities, and be accompanied by the phase out of fossil fuel production and consumption. Otherwise, the fossil fuel sector will compete with manufacturing and renewable energy for investment, workforce, and government support. 

Joyce concluded the presentation by underlining that Australia’s manufacturing revival cannot be left to the private sector, nor can it be legislated into being by government. Instead, industrial success provides opportunities for all implicated sectors - business, government, labour, the education sector, and the broader community - but requires action and commitments from each sector as well. But if successful, Australia's energy transition can also be a transition to a more productive, equitable, sustainable, and technologically advanced economy. 

To read what this entails and see their whole presentation, click here.

Pictured: Carmichael Centre Researcher Charlie Joyce, Queensland Premier Steven Miles, and Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow Emeritus Professor David Peetz.