In an era of global uncertainty and economic challenges, Australian manufacturing remains a vital pillar of our national strength and resilience. With mounting pressures to diversify supply chains and support local economies, prioritising 100% Australian-owned companies and manufacturing over multinationals has never been more urgent.
A critical aspect of safeguarding our sovereignty lies in addressing the dominance of foreign-owned OEM’s importing connected vehicles into our key infrastructure sectors. Relying on imported overseas OEM’s connected vehicles exposes Australia to significant risks, including potential cybersecurity threats, data exploitation, and compromised national infrastructure.
The far-reaching benefits of prioritising Australian manufacturing and technology is greater than many people realise:
- Economic Strength and Job Creation
Investing in Australian manufacturing stimulates economic growth, creating thousands of skilled jobs and supporting industries from advanced technologies to renewable energy. Every dollar spent on Australian-made products stays within the local economy, empowering communities and small businesses across the nation. - National Security and Sovereignty
Reducing reliance on foreign-owned supply chains and ICT strengthens Australia's ability to safeguard critical infrastructure. This ensures key industries—including energy, defence, transport, and EV technology—are secure, reliable, and resilient in the face of global disruptions. - Protecting Australian Data and Infrastructure
By moving away from foreign owned and developed ICT systems present in connected vehicles and other technologies, we protect sensitive data and reduce the risk of external control over Australian infrastructure. Supporting the development of locally developed software and hardware is a crucial step in maintaining sovereignty and security. - Innovation and Global Competitiveness
Investing in Australian-owned businesses drives innovation, positioning them as global leaders in advanced manufacturing and enabling the development of cutting-edge technologies, including the development of ICT systems tailored to Australian needs.
Governments and corporations must understand that supporting Australian businesses doesn’t just benefit the economy—it ensures the long-term stability and sovereignty of the nation. By adopting procurement strategies that favour Australian-made products and technology, and by forging partnerships with local manufacturers and technology innovators, we can create a self-reliant and sustainable future.
The vulnerabilities of global supply chains and foreign owned ICT dependencies have never been more evident. Now is the time for action. Australian manufacturing and technology represent more than just industries—they are the backbone of our economy, our security, and our shared future.
Support Australian. Secure Sovereignty. Lead the Future.