Australian Industry Action Agendas: 1997-2008
Action Agendas were initiated in 1997 to foster industry leadership: helping industries develop strategies for growth, agree on priorities and make commitments to change. They focused on actions industry itself could take to achieve its objectives.
Thirty-eight action agendas were announced between 1997 and 2007. The earlier action agendas targeted traditional manufacturing sectors, while some later action agendas addressed service-oriented industries. Following its announcement, an action agenda typically underwent a development phase of about one year, followed by an implementation period of three years; although some action agendas had longer life spans.
Following the change of government in 2007, it was decided to conclude existing action agendas by mid 2008. New policies, including Enterprise Connect and the associated Industry Innovation Councils initiative will facilitate interaction within industries and between government, industry and the research community.
Listed below are the 38 action agendas, with links to key documents which comprise:
- the initial Action Agenda report, and
- the implementation or evaluation report of the respective action agendas.
It should be noted that:
- the two action agendas which were under development when the action agenda process was concluded in 2008 do not have such reports.
- some early action agendas do not have implementation or evaluation reports.
- this is historical information and the links within the reports have not been updated since the conclusion of the action agendas.
Advanced Manufacturing: 2004-2008
The Advanced Manufacturing Action Agenda focussed on developing an Australian advanced manufacturing industry which was internationally competitive and integrated with key global driver industries.
Aerospace: 2004-2007
The Aerospace Action Agenda focussed on developing world competitive capabilities in the Australian aerospace industry and in increasing annual exports, including the establishment of an Aerospace Industry Forum. The Forum addressed key issues including export and supply chain development, training, aerospace defence industry engagement; and certification.
Aquaculture: 2000-2005
The Aquaculture Action Agenda focussed on advancing the industry as a globally competitive aquaculture producer. Strategic initiatives under the Action Agenda included developing the industry within an ecologically sustainable framework and promoting a regulatory and business environment that supported aquaculture.
Automotive: 1998-2000
The Automotive Action Agenda addressed key challenges in the global competitiveness of the automotive industry, through tariff reform, the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme and the Automotive Market Access and Development Strategy.
Biotechnology: 1998-2004
The Biotechnology Action Agenda was introduced in recognition that advances in biotechnology offer substantial social and economic benefits for Australians. As part of this strategic work Biotechnology Australia was established to identify the opportunities and implications for the development of biotechnology in Australia.
Building and Construction: 1999-2002
The Building and Construction Action Agenda included representatives of the residential building, non-residential building and engineering construction industry sectors. The Action Agenda focussed on a more efficient, internationally competitive building and construction industry through improved regulation and encouragement of innovation.
Built Environment Design Professions: 2006-2008
The Built Environment Design Professions Action Agenda (BEDPAA) was geared at developing a globally competitive built environment design professions sector. The Action Agenda was incomplete at the time of the election of the new Government in 2007; however, the Council of Built Environment Design Professions prepared a report on work completed by the four BEDPAA Working Groups.
Cement Industry: 2004-2008
The Cement Industry Action Agenda focussed on the challenges of ensuring sustainability in a carbon constrained future, having an appropriately skilled and motivated workforce, an efficient logistics system and a competitive industry in a globalised economy.
Chemicals and Plastics: 2001-2004
The industry plays an important role in manufacturing, with 70% of its outputs used as essential inputs to other manufacturing and industrial sectors. The main focus of the Action Agenda was on the importance of regulatory reform in an industry that is impacted by different regulators across the supply chain and over all jurisdictions.
Digital Broadcasting: 1999-2001
The Digital Broadcasting Action Agenda focussed on the opportunities and impediments for Australian industry relating to the introduction of digital broadcasting.
Digital Content Industry: 2004-2008
The Digital Content Industry Action Agenda was established in recognition that digital content and applications would become increasingly important both in economic terms and as a means of expressing Australia's unique cultural identity. The Action Agenda considered trade and marketing drivers, extending industry-based training models and commercialisation with research institutions.
Downstream Petroleum Products: 1999-2002
The Downstream Petroleum Products Action Agenda covered the refiner/ marketers, terminallers, importers and distributors. It provided a focus for industry and government on key issues confronting the refining industry and identified actions aimed at achieving and maintaining international competitiveness and commercial viability.
Electronics Industry: 2003-2008
The Electronics Industry Action Agenda addressed challenges to grow the industry and to create new industries underpinned by high-tech manufacturing through clustering, global integration, product realisation and investment attraction. Following its evaluation in 2006, the action agenda was extended up to June 2008.
Environment Industry: 2001-2006
The Environment Industry Action Agenda initiated a technology roadmap for the water industry, including ways to facilitate exports in the environment industry, and established a Business Roundtable on Sustainable Development.
Facilities Management: 2004-2008
The Facilities Management Action Agenda focussed on initiatives to support the future growth and sustainability of Australia’s facilities management industry. This was done by developing a clearer profile of the industry, development of a facilities management exemplar, and addressing training issues.
Forest and Wood Products: 2001-2004
The Forest and Wood Products Action Agenda focussed on developing a framework where sustainable, competitive advantages could be pursued by the industry in an international marketplace. This work included the development of an Australian Forestry Standard.
Freight Transport Logistics: 2002-2007
The Freight Transport Logistics Action Agenda addressed the challenges of: developing more effective and competitive freight delivery to the Australian and international markets; increasing the intellectual property of the Australian freight logistics industry; and finding environmentally friendly and socially responsive logistics solutions.
Furnishing Industry: 2000-2003
The Furnishing Industry Action Agenda addressed challenges facing an industry that comprises predominantly small to medium sized enterprises in domestic and commercial furnishing manufacture. It established a strategy to lift the industry’s performance, identify and focus on its strengths and improve its competitive position.
General Aviation: 2006-2008
The General Aviation Action Agenda addressed airport access, education and skills in the sector, the regulatory environment, and investment and fleet renewal. This Action Agenda was in development at the time of the 2007 elections, and other means were adopted to progress the industry.
Heavy Engineering and Infrastructure: 2000-2003
The Heavy Engineering and Infrastructure Action Agenda addressed challenges faced by sectors which provide economic infrastructure crucial to economic activity and growth.
Information Industries: 1998-2002
The Information Industries Action Agenda focussed on fostering the development of the information industries and increasing their contribution to the Australian economy. This included a commitment to developing global scale, orientation towards global markets and fostering a domestic environment conducive to competitiveness, employment and growth.
Light Metals Industries: 2000-2005
The Light Metals Action Agenda encompassed the aluminium, magnesium and titanium industries, and sought to develop a strategic framework for the growth of sustainable and internationally competitive Australian light metals industries. Challenges addressed included energy requirements in production, new products and technology and research requirements.
Liquefied Natural Gas: 2000-2004
The Liquefied Natural Gas Action Agenda included an analysis of the industry, its contribution to the Australian economy, and opportunities for export growth.
Marine Industry: 2004-2008
The Marine Industry Action Agenda focussed on the performance and competitiveness of the marine industry, including strengthening its position as a world-class supplier of ships, boats and marine products and services.
Medical Devices: 2006-2008
The Medical Devices Action Agenda sought to develop world-class capability, to increase the speed to market and to expand market opportunities for the sector. As part of this work a skills audit was undertaken to identify the medical devices industry's short and long term skills needs.
Minerals Exploration: 2002-2006
The Minerals Exploration Action Agenda focussed on developing strategies for four key areas: land access; finance; pre-competitive geoscience; and human and intellectual capital in the industry. Through cooperative work generated under this Action Agenda, the mining industry has become more effective in dealing with land access.
Mining Technology Services: 2001-2006
The Mining Technology Services Action Agenda sought to increase the sector's profile and fostered collaboration across these areas, particularly in activities undertaken to promote Australia's leading edge mining technologies to international markets. This Action Agenda provided useful information to potential investors at a time when they were seeking opportunities to capitalise on the boom conditions in the broader mining industry.
National Food Industry Strategy: 2002-2008
The National Food Industry Strategy placed an emphasis on innovation to grow market share. This included work on national priorities such as food for the ageing, obesity and children's food. In addition, this Action Agenda identified regulation as a major impediment for food industry innovation.
Pharmaceuticals Industry: 2001-2005
The Pharmaceuticals Industry Action Agenda identified the growing importance of large firms partnering with small and medium enterprises in Australia, and particularly in clinical studies where Australia was becoming a preferred supplier. It led to the development of the Pharmaceuticals Partnership Program (P3), a competitive research and development program for the pharmaceuticals industry.
Printing Industries: 2001-2004
The Printing Industries Action Agenda focussed on developing total business solutions, managing the industry’s technology and investing in new skills for the workforce of the evolving printing industry.
Renewable Energy Industries: 2000-2005
The Renewable Energy Industries Action Agenda covered solar, wind, biomass, geothermal energy, value-added products, and conversion technologies and associated services. It addressed challenges faced by industries in energy supply from renewable energy sources, and completed two technology roadmaps: the Renewable Energy Technology Roadmap and the Australian Photovoltaic Industry Roadmap.
Restaurant and Catering: 2002-2007
The Restaurant and Catering Action Agenda addressed restaurant and catering businesses that predominately trade in sit-down and catered meals. It focussed on identifying and evaluating future product and service requirements for the industry and the technology to meet these needs.
Science Industry: 2004-2008
The Science Industry Action Agenda focussed on developing a profile for the industry, the skills and training requirements and the importance of researchers and institutions looking at the commercial potential of their research. In response, the Action Agenda developed framework guidelines for the Proof of Concept Metric and a checklist.
Spatial Information Industry: 2001-2004
The Spatial Information Industry can be characterised as those businesses that trade in location based products and services. This Action Agenda sought to reposition this industry through the adaptation to and adoption of new technologies; alleviation of impediments to growth; and creation of greater synergies between industry and government.
Sport and Leisure: 2001-2007
The Sport and Leisure Action Agenda addressed businesses that provide goods and services to support elite athletes and wider community participation in sport and leisure activities. It focussed on the industry increasing innovation and commercialisation, an export strategy and ways to better harness networking and product branding opportunities both in Australia and internationally.
Supermarket to Asia Action Plan: 1996-2002
The Supermarket to Asia Action Plan improved the competitiveness of Australia's food exports, promoting an export culture within the industry and developing markets in Asia. The National Food Industry Strategy (NFIS) was announced in September 2001, broadening and extending the Action Agenda.
Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Leather: 2000-2003
The Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Action Agenda developed a 10 year strategic plan for the industry, which addressed a greater focus on international trade and integration of supply chains, including the establishment of supply chain alliances.
Tourism: 1997-2001
The Tourism Action Agenda addressed: marketing Australia as a world class tourism destination; improving international transport infrastructure and services; and facilitating the development of Australia’s tourism product. A ten year tourism plan followed from the Action Agenda process. The Plan sought to enhance the international competitiveness of the tourism industry by reducing impediments to industry growth and capitalising on opportunities for sustainable industry development.