Minns Labor Government axes Modern Manufacturing Commissioner

In another sign that innovation and industry is not a priority for the Minns Labor Government, Minister for Industry and Trade, and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong has tried to quietly axe the NSW Modern Manufacturing Commissioner from her job.

“Confirmed by his own department, Minister Chanthivong has taken another swing at the innovation and industry sectors with the Labor axe.” Mr Coure said.

“Appointed by the former Liberals and Nationals government, Lisa Emerson is a seasoned and well-respected biotech executive bringing more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing across a range of sectors.”

“Under the former government, Ms Emerson was given the important task of reviving state manufacturing and driving growth in the innovation and industry sectors, now the Minns Labor Government have put a stop to that important work.”

“Under Minister Chanthivong and NSW Labor, Ms Emerson will be the first and only NSW Modern Manufacturing Commissioner.”

“The Minister’s short-sighted and irrational decision to axe such an important position will only serve to further stifle innovation and industry in NSW, driving more and more jobs and growth to other states who actually appreciate the value they bring to our economy.”

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Justin Clancy said, once again we see the poverty of this government’s vision in the collapse of its support for advanced manufacturing in this state.

“Let’s be clear, it’s not that the government doesn’t have the money to fund the office of the Modern Manufacturing Commissioner – it’s that they do not see value in leading and coordinating support for manufacturing industries and innovation, and therefore choose not to fund this critical work.” Mr Clancy said.

Mr Coure and Mr Clancy call on the Minns Labor Government and Minister Chanthivong to immediately reinstate the Modern Manufacturing Commissioner and stop the savage cuts to Investment NSW.