Dr Phillip Toner is an honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sydney.
In this SBS/The Conversation profile, he argues that the federal government should continue to support Australia's manufacturing industry, in order to support our R&D and science and technology sectors.
Dr Toner says the government actively allows the resource industry to flourish to the detriment of other sectors, including manufacturing.
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Central to this argument is Australia's car industry; at the centre of much discussion over government 'handouts' in recent months where the iconic Holden brand has been concerned.
Australia is one of only 13 countries which can produce a car from start to finish, Dr Toner says. Letting that industry go would have severe and lasting effects on other industries.
Do you agree with Dr Toner? Should the government be doing more to get behind Australian manufacturing? Or should that money be invested in other industries?
Give us your point of view in the comment section below.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE:
