ARCHIVE - The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP was the former Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. The following media release was issued during his term as Minister. A new Government was sworn in by the Governor-General on 3 December 2007, including the following Ministerial appointments:
Senator the Hon Kim Carr - Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP - Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation.
For media releases from the current term of Government, please visit http://minister.innovation.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Media Release
The Hon Ian Macfarlane, MP
8 May 2007
New Australian Industry Productivity Centres will help small to medium enterprises enhance their international competitiveness and tap into global supply chains.
On 1 May 2007, Prime Minister John Howard and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane announced that $351.8 million would be allocated through the Industry Statement to establish the Centres across Australia.
The Centres will assist manufacturing and services businesses to enhance their productivity.
"Australian businesses face unrelenting pressures to remain competitive here and in overseas markets," Mr Macfarlane said.
"In developing the Industry Statement, I consulted widely with industry. It is clear that many small business need support to take the next big step. Expanding or diversifying a business can demand new skills, new technologies and new business strategies.
"Australian Industry Productivity Centres will help small business overcome these challenges to strengthen their business."
Australian Industry Productivity Centres will:
- Provide a full suite of business improvement services to assist firms to capitalise on opportunities;
- Help firms better understand and enhance their performance; and
- Assist firms to solve practical problems through technology and process improvements.
Mr Macfarlane said the Centres will target trade-exposed manufacturing and service sectors wanting to upgrade their capabilities or needing solutions to technical or process issues.
The Centres will provide a free Business Diagnostic service as well as matching funding of up to $20,000 to firms for Tailored Advisory Services and Technology and Knowledge Solutions.
They will operate in partnership with industry associations and similar bodies and be available to businesses throughout Australia.
The first Australian Industry Productivity Centre is expected to be launched in September 2007.
For more information refer to the fact sheet at www.industry.gov.au.
Media contact: Claire Wilkinson, (02) 6277 7580 or 0419 840 452.