Terms of reference

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will inquire into and report on developing advanced manufacturing in Australia, including consideration of:

• the opportunities of advanced manufacturing for Australia—including in relation to job creation, productivity and capability;
• international trends in advanced manufacturing;
• competitive strengths and advantages of Australia in advanced manufacturing, including Australia’s comparative international position in advanced manufacturing;
• barriers to the growth of advanced manufacturing in Australia—including barriers to existing manufacturers, particularly small and medium enterprises, adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and processes such as AI and robotics;
• financial and non‑financial investment opportunities or possible reforms to support the growth of advanced manufacturing in Australia in: renewables and low emission technology; medical science; transport; value adding in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; value adding in resources; defence; and enabling capabilities;
• the opportunities to increase the number of workers employed in advanced manufacturing, including consideration of ways to increase the participation and retention of women and other historically underrepresented groups; and
• skills needs in advanced manufacturing.

Matters relating to national security are out of scope for this inquiry.