State economy—Diversification—Residential construction
626. Mr Yaz Mubarakai to the Minister for Manufacturing:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to diversifying the Western Australian economy to ensure that it remains the strongest in the nation. Can the minister advise the house how the government is supporting advanced manufacturing in the residential construction sector?
Ms Amber-Jade Sanderson replied:
I thank the member for the question. Today, the Deputy Premier and I were very pleased to be in Maddington to announce the opening of the Housing Innovation Fund, which was an important election commitment of a $50 million fund to support innovation in residential building. We know that this government backs local manufacturing. Unlike the opposition, we want our local companies to make more things here in Western Australia, employ more local people and give people good-quality jobs in advanced manufacturing. Whether it is buses, trains and ferries to support our expanded public transport network; wind turbines, batteries, poles and wires to support the build out of our energy transition; or ships and vessels for AUKUS, we are strengthening our manufacturing base in Western Australia to keep our economy strong and deliver more local jobs for Western Australians.
This is the next major step in the Made in WA plan. The Housing Innovation Fund will modernise residential construction methods across the state using largescale and industry-shaping projects. The first phase provides grants of up to $5 million to support eligible businesses to adopt prefab, modular and automated building technologies. The Housing Innovation Fund will be a major boost to productivity in the residential construction area. It will provide advanced manufacturing capabilities to local industry and improve the speed, provision and sustainability of housing delivery—a prime example of the government partnering with industry to improve productivity and build more houses across Western Australia. Next year we will go even further, with the fund offering low-interest loans of up to $5 million to allow manufacturers to purchase equipment, reskill staff and expand their premises to be able to implement and install advanced manufacturing techniques. It will accelerate new builds, reduce costs, boost supply, enhance environmental sustainability and, importantly, strengthen our manufacturing capability and base in Western Australia. It will be a critical driver of innovation and productivity in the housing sector. This is our Made in WA plan. This is local industry, local jobs and local manufacturing.
