Michael is joined by Dr Jens Goenneman, Managing Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, a body set up under the Abbott government to promote the manufacturing sector, regarding the need for Australia to step up and make our own high-­quality, complex goods that can be exported.

“The lucky country needs to become the smart country, because we are running out of luck,” says Dr Goennemann.

“Australia has long relied on digging up commodities, particularly coal, and sending it to global markets.”

“The simple truth is that if you want to play a ­relevant role on the international stage, and you cannot make complex things, you will wake up empty-handed.”

“And, if you cannot make complex things, you cannot respond ­effectively to a crisis, be it a pandemic, a military incursion or global warming.”

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