This summary of the deliberations of the first National Manufacturing Summit provides an invaluable starting point for this year’s summit, and for the continuing policy dialogue that will be essential for making the most of Australia’s manufacturing potential.

The transition confronting workers, businesses and communities that have historically relied on Victoria’s automotive industry is highly significant. The decision by Australia’s three remaining carmakers—Ford Australia, General Motors Holden (GMH) and Toyota Australia—to wind down local car manufacturing operations will have a major impact on closure-affected regions, especially in Melbourne and Geelong. While Victoria has...

Victoria’s manufacturing sector has been in decline for several years. A range of workplace closures – not least the announcement by Australia’s last remaining carmakers that local motor vehicle manufacturing would be wound-down by 2016-17 – have had a significant impact on communities. Job losses threaten to undermine households and community cohesion. How affected cities...