AMTIL welcomes the Hon. Melissa Horne as Victoria’s new Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Jobs, and Minister for Ports and Freight; and congratulates the Hon. Ben Carroll MP on his election as the new Premier of Victoria.
New to advanced manufacturing, Minister Horne has previously worked in senior levels of government and the corporate sector, particularly in the transport sector. AMTIL looks forward to working together to advance our state’s advanced manufacturing priorities.
The Hon. Colin Brooks, previous Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, has been appointed as Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations. Mr Brooks and Mr Carroll are well-known to AMTIL and its members, including having previously opened Australian Manufacturing Week and attended Victorian Manufacturing Galas.
With understanding of our sector’s opportunities and barriers being held within three core and influential positions, AMTIL looks forward to engaging with Government and our sector being reflected in future policies introduced.
New federal defence report released
The 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy has been released, setting the strategic agenda for Australia’s defence innovation priorities while strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base and national resilience.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, noted that “In our rapidly evolving strategic environment, the pace of technological change is accelerating and emerging technologies are reshaping the character of warfare. To maintain Australia’s strategic advantage, Defence must be equipped to innovate, adapt and deliver capability at speed.”
The Strategy focuses efforts across six key priorities, and seeks to help the Australian Defence Force be equipped with the technologies and capabilities needed to keep Australia safe and contribute to the peace and security of our region.
Read the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy here.
Help shape AMTIL’s policy and advocacy
To ensure AMTIL’s advocacy agenda reflects the issues that matter most to our industry, a number of new initiatives will be introduced in line with AMTIL’s new strategic plan, providing a stronger, nationally-backed industry-wide voice. Take a seat at the table and help shape our sector’s agenda.