I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet, I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Australian food and drinks are the best in the world.
And there's a reason why the world wants them.
Because our food and beverage industry brings together the best of everything Australian.
Our agriculture and food science, our creativity and drive, our unique Australian tastes and our native flavours.
Our way of doing things - our focus on quality - mean the words "Made in Australia" have become a synonym for excellence the world over.
Almost one year ago, on the first full day of the 2025 election campaign, I visited Bundaberg Brewed Drinks in Central Queensland - who are here tonight.
Uncertainty around global trade was growing, and so against that iconic backdrop of ginger beer and sarsaparilla, I announced our Australian Made campaign.
Encouraging more Australians to buy more Australian products.
An additional measure in our industry policy, backing in our manufacturers and producers.
Twelve months later, and we are facing another shock to the global economy.
This time an unprecedented disruption to global energy markets caused by the war in the Middle East.
Australian producers, suppliers and consumer are all dealing with the pressure of higher fuel prices and the uncertainty of disrupted supply chains.
And though Australian food and drinks makers had a bumper 2025, the interconnected nature of our world means no one is immune.
But while yet another economic shock has come our way, the resolve of my Government to back Australian industry remains unchanged.
Because Labor knows that central to our national success, is the success of Australian manufacturing.
It's why we've made sure we are more fuel secure now than we have been for a long time - and why we've taken a number of steps to help boost that security.
Under our plan, more fuel made here will stay here for Australians to use, particularly in regional areas confronting big spikes in demand.
We have given the green light to the release of 20 per cent of our domestic fuel reserves, which are now held here, close at hand - not in another country.
The ACCC is cracking down on unfair price rises at the bowser, and we are bringing forward legislation to double penalties when Australians are ripped off.
Through National Cabinet we stood up a new Fuel Supply Taskforce, headed by Anthea Harris, to coordinate our national response on fuel security and supply.
This is particularly important for managing distribution at the state level - so fuel can flow across sectors of the economy where it's needed most.
And on Monday, Minister Julie Collins will bring government, industry experts and communities together at a meeting of the National Food Council.
Tasked with thrashing out how we can best support our farmers and producers across the whole food system, particularly on future fertiliser supply.
Australian industry is facing uncertainty across the broad, and these measures are not the end of our response.
But they weren't the beginning, either.
A clear theme of my Government is securing a Future Made in Australia.
Driving investment in domestic manufacturing so we can make more things here.
Building our sovereign capability and supply chain resilience through the National Reconstruction Fund and Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Recognising that if we always find ourselves at the end of the global supply chain, we are always going to be vulnerable.
And embracing the capacity of new technology - including AI - so more value-adding can happen here, in Australian factories, boosting productivity.
All these things help build up our resilience at home.
But for an open, trading nation like ours, it is not viable to just turn inward.
Our capacity for trade is essential to our growth.
That's why we continue to advocate for Australian businesses overseas and argue against tariffs.
And why it is crucial Australia remain agile in diversifying our markets.
We worked hard to secure a Free Trade Agreement with the UAE.
And next week European Union President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Australia as we aim to conclude the Australia-EU free trade deal.
Potentially boosting access for Australian businesses to a growing European market of 450 million consumers who are eager to get their teeth into all the good things that are made here in Australia.
Friends, there are new challenges in front of us, but there are always new opportunities to seize as well.
And when we work together, we are at our best - that is my Government's focus.
Supporting Australia's manufacturing and production capacity, so we can make more things here.
Taking Australia out into the world, so we can grow our markets and grow our economy at home.
Making sure our industry policy works in the interests of business, as well as delivering a fair go for employees and consumers.
Working together to secure a bright and sustainable future for every Australian manufacturer, farmer, scientist, engineer and designer represented here tonight.
Helping your industry to continue to go from strength to strength and grow its contribution to our great nation.
