AMTIL’s Policy & Government Affairs branch continues to engage with governments and industry leaders to ensure manufacturing’s priorities are heard.

Here are three key developments you need to know about:

$US3 Billion finance facility for Australian defence industry

The Albanese Labor Government has announced a new $US3 billion Defence Industry Growth Facility, providing “loans, bonds, guarantees and equity to support new export opportunities, to expand or upgrade facilities, and to develop new capabilities aligned with Defence priorities.”

Replacing the previously announced Defence Export Fund of the same amount, the new Facility’s scope has been expanded and will now support sovereign capability projects, with greater flexibility for SMEs.

This is a welcome modernisation of the funding mechanisms, unlocking greater access given its recognition of the shape of Australia’s manufacturing which is dominated by SMEs, and the importance of domestic manufacturing in delivering upon national priorities.

The Defence Industry Growth Facility will be administered on the National Interest Account by Export Finance Australia.

NSW opens new $6M Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund

AMTIL welcomes the announcement of the opening of the new $6 million Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund for NSW manufacturers to “adopt cutting-edge technologies, boost productivity and create the jobs of the future”.

Applications for Stage 1 (of two), and will close on 6 October 2026, or earlier if funds are fully allocated, and is open to a broad cross-section of manufacturers operating in NSW including, including clean energy, transport, defence and aerospace, health and medtech manufacturing, and construction.

Investment NSW noted that “The Fund will help manufacturers invest in the technologies, skills and processes needed to compete in increasingly sophisticated domestic and global markets.”

Karen Parr, AMTIL’s Director, Policy & Government Affairs, said “The announcement signals NSW Government’s recognition of the critical role manufacturing plays in driving economic growth, resilience and innovation. The fund will support manufacturers to turn innovative ideas into scalable commercial outcomes, helping businesses invest in advanced technologies that enhance productivity, capability, and long-term competitiveness.”

Stage 1 – Discovery and Feasibility (now open): $1 million

  • Competitive grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to help manufacturers assess new technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Projects may include feasibility studies, business case development, pilot projects, process testing, equipment assessments and certification activities.

Stage 2 – Implementation (opens early 2027): $5 million

  • Competitive grant funding will be available to help manufacturers implement new technologies and scale their operations.

Head here for more information and to apply.

Victorian elections – less than 100 days away

Victoria’s State Elections will take place in less than 100 days, and with many unwilling to predict the outcome it’s reflective of the daily changes and decisions being made by parties and voters alike. AMTIL’s CEO Lorraine Maxwell and Director, Policy and Government Affairs Karen Parr were pleased to join the Australian Industry Group’s Industry Meets Spring Street event in Victoria’ Parliament House, where senior business leaders joined key political leaders to directly hear about the top matters occupying their minds, and the policies, priorities and competing visions that may shape Victoria’s economic future.

The unique opportunity opened meaningful conversations on the issues impacting industry and, importantly, the value and opportunity of manufacturing was regularly raised with local capabilities recognised – as demonstrated through Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS)’s notable mention.

AMTIL’s policy and advocacy aims to deliver sustainable, long-term benefits and therefore engaging ‘across the rainbow’ of parties is underscored in its non-partisan approach when working on the state and national policies that strengthen Australia’s high-quality advanced manufacturing sector, increases its capability, and improves domestic competitiveness within the global context.

Speakers included:

  • Ben Carroll MP, Premier of Victoria
  • Colin Brooks MP, Victorian Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations
  • Brad Rowswell MP, Shadow Minister for Education, Industrial Relations and Government Services
  • Ellen Sandell, Leader of the Victorian Greens
  • Barnaby Joyce MP, One Nation
  • Shannon Deery, State Political Editor, Herald Sun

Innes Willox, CEO, Australian Industry Group.