The Future of Australian Manufacturing: A Reflection on Trade Policies
In 1983, John Howard, who served as Treasurer of the Australian government at the time, made an announcement that would change the course of Australian manufacturing. He declared that the government would be removing import tariffs and opening up trade with China, a move aimed at expanding international trade for Australia. Little did the country know that this decision would have far-reaching consequences for its manufacturing industries.
At the time, many Australians, like the author of this letter, were not paying much attention to politics or the news. However, upon hearing Howard’s announcement, they had an immediate concern about the impact it would have on Australian manufacturing. They foresaw a future where the country would become heavily reliant on foreign-made goods, posing risks to the economy and national security.
The author vividly recalls the thriving manufacturing sector in their hometown of Adelaide. They mention a local bike shop that grew into a successful business, the Dunlop rubber factory that produced renowned Volleys shoes, and the Onkaparinga woollen mills where blankets were made from local materials. These examples represent a time when Australian manufacturing was strong and provided well-paying jobs for many Australians.
The author also remembers their grandparents who worked in factories that produced iconic Australian products like Holden cars and Kelvinator fridges. These goods were known for their high quality and durability. The author points out that these products, like the Sunbeam electric frypan from their mother’s wedding, still work perfectly even decades later. The notion of lifetime-lasting products, the author argues, could lead to a significant reduction in waste and unnecessary expenditure while creating jobs in the parts and repair industries.
Fast forward to the present day, and the manufacturing landscape in Australia looks vastly different. The author laments the lack of knowledge among younger generations about how to make or fix things, contrasting it with the expertise of the baby boomer generation. They observe that factories now stand empty, as the country has become dependent on China for its manufacturing needs.
The author cites a documentary they watched where Chinese factory workers expressed a lack of concern for product quality and harbored negative feelings towards the West. This revelation raises concerns about the energy and quality imprinted into the products made by these workers.
Reflecting on the current state of Australian manufacturing, the author poses the question: why didn’t people listen to those who raised concerns about the consequences of free trade policies? They stress the importance of understanding the long-term implications of trade decisions and the need to protect and support domestic industries.
In conclusion, this letter serves as a lamentation about the decline of Australian manufacturing due to the decisions made by the government to prioritize free trade over domestic industries. The author warns of the dangers of relying too heavily on foreign-made goods and highlights the loss of job opportunities and damage to the environment resulting from this shift. This reflection serves as a call to action for the government and the younger generations to recognize the value of preserving and revitalizing Australian manufacturing.
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