The federal government has highlighted the manufacturing sector as a crucial component of its national COVID-19 economic recovery. Following the announcement of the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy in late 2020, the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative provided grants to six key sectors of manufacturing and is likely to be an election issue in… Read More →
In the results our last Manufacturing member survey from early 2021, we were pleased to hear that most businesses were faring well, with some even reporting being twice as busy compared to normal. We were cautiously optimistic that our recent survey to round up Q3 would continue to provide improved data and once again… Read More →
Victorian health authorities have identified company kitchens / tearooms as a key site for COVID-19 transmission through permitted workplaces, after several cases recently spread in construction and transport break rooms. Victorian COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar observed growing cases out of tearooms as a place where people mix and do not wear masks, as… Read More →
The Victorian Government has introduced new legislation to provide rent relief to small and medium-sized businesses: the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. To access this rent relief commercial tenants must have: · an annual turnover of less than $50 million · experienced a fall in turnover of at least 30% due to coronavirus pandemic… Read More →
If your business has experienced a 30-70% (or higher) reduction in turnover or employees on reduced hours as a result of the pandemic, you may be eligible for COVID support programs. Check out our summary below. Small Business COVID Hardship Fund An additional $54 million will be added to the Small Business COVID… Read More →
NEW INDUSTRY-LED WELDING COURSE LAUNCHED TO ADDRESS LOCAL SKILLS SHORTAGE The South East Melbourne Manufacturers’ Alliance (SEMMA) has received $200,000 of funding from the Federal government to launch an industry-led welding skills short course program, designed to provide a continuity of skills needed for the future of manufacturing. This short course will equip… Read More →
SEMMA Member GoProto ANZ has announced the successful completion of its ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification. GoProto ANZ, an Australian 3D scanning, 3D printing and contract manufacturer, has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification. The stringent process analyzes the business’s operations from top to bottom, seeking commitment to quality at every level. “ISO is… Read More →
There are some important changes coming into effect today, 1 July 2021. This includes the end of the amnesty period for businesses who have not previously been required to use the Victoria Government QR Code check-in system, as well as the new Environmental Protection laws coming into effect. Please read on for further information and official resources. Victorian Government QR… Read More →
Written by SEMMA CEO, Vonda Fenwick. The Good. At both the Federal and State levels there are various policies and guidelines for Government procurement which enshrine the intent to support manufacturing, and the economy more broadly, by requiring various levels/percentages of local content. At the federal level, the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPR) are… Read More →
The closing date for applications to the (BCP) has been extended – applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday 4 July 2021. The Business Competitiveness Program (BCP) offers grants of up to $500,000 (33% of eligible project expenditure) to assist eligible Victorian manufacturing businesses to expand their operations and implement new adaptive manufacturing technologies and processes. Applications… Read More →
