DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE & RESOURCES

Australians United Reform & Modernisation

Why Industry, Science & Resources Reform Matters

Australia’s industrial base, scientific capability, and resource sectors are the backbone of national prosperity — but they were built for a different era.

Just as the National Energy Super‑Grid modernises Australia’s physical infrastructure, Industry & Science reform modernises our economic, technological, and sovereign capability infrastructure.

Reform is needed because Australia faces:

  • Fragmented industrial systems

  • Slow commercialisation of research

  • Vulnerable supply chains

  • Ageing energy and resource infrastructure

  • Global competition in clean manufacturing and critical minerals

This reform program creates a unified national capability that supports jobs, innovation, and long‑term economic strength.

 

🟦 2. National Industry & Science Capability Framework

(Mirrors the “National Health Capability Framework” structure)

Australia’s future competitiveness depends on four integrated capability corridors:

1. Clean Manufacturing Corridor

A modern, renewable‑powered manufacturing base aligned with the Super‑Grid.

2. Critical Minerals & Resources Corridor

A sovereign supply chain for extraction, processing, and value‑adding.

3. Science, Research & Innovation Corridor

A national system that accelerates discovery → commercialisation → industry adoption.

4. Technology & Digital Capability Corridor

AI, robotics, quantum, and advanced computing integrated into national industry.

Our services

What Industry & Science Reform Delivers

(Structured identically to “What the Health Reform Delivers”)

Stronger Sovereign Capability

Australia can make more of what it needs — from batteries to medical tech to defence components.

Clean, Competitive Manufacturing

Powered by the Super‑Grid’s renewable backbone.

Global‑Leading Science & Research

Faster translation of research into commercial products.

Secure Supply Chains

Reduced dependence on foreign processing and manufacturing.

Regional Jobs & Growth

New industries built around renewable zones and resource corridors.

How Industry & Science Integrates With National Infrastructure

(Mirrors the “How Health integrates with National Systems” section)

Industry & Science reform integrates with national infrastructure to create a unified economic and capability system:

  • Energy Super‑Grid → powers clean manufacturing, hydrogen, and processing

  • National Water Grid → supports minerals processing, hydrogen, and regional industry

  • Transport Corridors → connect resource regions to ports and manufacturing hubs

  • Digital Infrastructure → enables AI, robotics, quantum, and advanced research

Together, these systems form a national capability network — physical, digital, scientific, and industrial.

 

Reform Model (AMEND / REMOVE / CREATE)

AMEND

Modernise outdated frameworks and uplift capability.

  • Update industry policy to align with renewable‑powered manufacturing

  • Strengthen critical minerals legislation

  • Modernise research funding models

  • Improve commercialisation pathways

  • Update safety and environmental standards for new industries

 

REMOVE / CONSOLIDATE

Eliminate duplication, fragmentation, and legacy systems.

  • Remove outdated industrial subsidies

  • Consolidate research programs into a unified national framework

  • Retire legacy energy‑intensive manufacturing systems

  • Remove duplicated regulatory processes

  • Consolidate fragmented innovation programs

 

CREATE

Build new national capabilities.

  • National Clean Manufacturing Network

  • Critical Minerals Processing & Value‑Add Hubs

  • National Science Commercialisation Accelerator

  • AI, Robotics & Quantum Centres of Excellence

  • Regional Innovation & Industry Precincts

  • National Hydrogen & Battery Supply Chain

CLEAN MANUFACTURING & ENERGY TRANSITION

Renewable‑powered industry | Hydrogen & battery manufacturing | Industrial decarbonisation

 

Renewable‑Powered Industry

Purpose

Build a modern industrial base powered by the National Energy Super‑Grid.

Core Functions

  • Electrification of industrial processes

  • Integration with renewable energy zones

  • Low‑emissions manufacturing standards

  • Energy‑efficient production technologies

Reform Priorities

  • Replace fossil‑fuel industrial systems with electrified alternatives

  • Incentivise renewable‑powered manufacturing precincts

  • Modernise industrial energy standards

  • Support industry adoption of clean technologies

National Direction

Australia becomes a clean manufacturing nation, not just a raw materials exporter.

 

Hydrogen & Battery Manufacturing

Purpose

Create sovereign capability in hydrogen production and battery supply chains.

Core Functions

  • Hydrogen production, storage & distribution

  • Battery cell manufacturing

  • Critical minerals integration

  • Export‑ready hydrogen and battery products

Reform Priorities

  • Build hydrogen hubs aligned with the Super‑Grid

  • Establish battery manufacturing precincts

  • Support R&D in next‑generation storage technologies

  • Develop export pathways to Indo‑Pacific markets

National Direction

Australia moves from exporting minerals → to exporting high‑value energy products.

Industrial Decarbonisation

Purpose

Reduce emissions across heavy industry while maintaining competitiveness.

Core Functions

  • Carbon‑neutral industrial processes

  • Electrification and fuel‑switching

  • Emissions monitoring and reporting

  • Low‑carbon technology adoption

Reform Priorities

  • Support for industrial electrification

  • Carbon‑neutral certification systems

  • Modern emissions standards

  • Technology adoption incentives

National Direction

Decarbonisation becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost.

CRITICAL MINERALS & RESOURCES

Extraction | Processing | Value‑adding | Export readiness

 

Extraction

Purpose

Secure sustainable access to critical minerals essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Core Functions

  • Exploration and mining

  • Environmental and safety regulation

  • Regional workforce development

  • Indigenous partnership frameworks

Reform Priorities

  • Streamlined approvals with strong environmental safeguards

  • Modernised mining regulations

  • Regional skills pipelines

  • Transparent community benefit frameworks

National Direction

Australia becomes a trusted global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minera

Benefits to Australia

(Mirrors the “Benefits to Australians” section from Health & Disability)

Economic Strength

A competitive, modern industrial base.

Sovereign Capability

Australia can produce what it needs.

Clean Energy Leadership

Powered by the Super‑Grid’s renewable backbone.

Regional Prosperity

Jobs and industries in every state and territory.

Innovation Nation

Science and technology driving national growth.

National Direction

Australia becomes a trusted global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals.

 

Processing

Purpose

Build sovereign capability to refine and process minerals onshore.

Core Functions

  • Refining and chemical processing

  • Industrial energy integration

  • Waste and by‑product management

  • Technology adoption

Reform Priorities

  • Establish processing hubs near renewable zones

  • Incentivise onshore refining

  • Modernise safety and environmental standards

  • Support advanced processing technologies

National Direction

Australia stops exporting raw minerals and starts exporting processed, high‑value materials.

Value‑Adding

Purpose

Turn processed minerals into components for batteries, hydrogen, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

Core Functions

  • Component manufacturing

  • Materials engineering

  • Supply chain integration

  • Industry partnerships

Reform Priorities

  • Build value‑add precincts

  • Support advanced materials R&D

  • Integrate with clean manufacturing hubs

  • Develop export‑ready product lines

National Direction

Australia becomes a value‑add nation, not a quarry.

 

Export Readiness

Purpose

Position Australia as a global supplier of clean energy materials and technologies.

Core Functions

  • Export certification

  • Trade partnerships

  • Supply chain transparency

  • Market development

Reform Priorities

  • Build Indo‑Pacific export corridors

  • Develop national export standards

  • Support industry participation in global supply chains

  • Strengthen trade diplomacy

 

Commercialisation Pathways

Purpose

Turn Australian research into Australian products, companies, and industries.

Core Functions

  • Technology transfer

  • Industry partnerships

  • IP frameworks

  • Venture and scale‑up support

Reform Priorities

  • National commercialisation accelerator

  • Simplified IP frameworks

  • Industry‑aligned research programs

  • Support for start‑ups and scale‑ups

National Direction

Australia becomes a nation that makes what it invents.

University‑Industry Partnerships

Purpose

Strengthen collaboration between universities, industry, and government.

Core Functions

  • Joint research programs

  • Workforce development

  • Industry placements

  • Shared infrastructure

Reform Priorities

  • National partnership frameworks

  • Co‑funded research programs

  • Industry‑embedded training pathways

  • Shared labs and innovation precincts

National Direction

Universities become engines of national capability, not isolated institutions.

National Direction

Australia becomes a top‑tier exporter of clean energy products and technologies

TECHNOLOGY, AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY

Robotics | Quantum | Advanced computing | National digital infrastructure

 

Robotics

Purpose

Accelerate automation and robotics adoption across industry and national capability sectors.

Core Functions

  • Industrial robotics

  • Autonomous systems

  • Safety and standards

  • Workforce training

Reform Priorities

  • Robotics adoption incentives

  • National robotics standards

  • Training programs for automation

  • Integration with manufacturing hubs

National Direction

Robotics becomes a core capability of modern Australian industry.

Quantum

Purpose

Position Australia as a global leader in quantum technologies.

Core Functions

  • Quantum research

  • Quantum computing infrastructure

  • Industry applications

  • Talent development

Reform Priorities

  • National quantum strategy

  • Quantum research centres

  • Industry‑aligned quantum programs

  • Secure quantum infrastructure

National Direction

Quantum becomes a sovereign capability, not an academic niche.

Advanced Computing

Purpose

Build national computing power for science, industry, and security.

Core Functions

  • High‑performance computing

  • AI infrastructure

  • Data platforms

  • Cyber‑secure systems

Reform Priorities

  • National AI and HPC infrastructure

  • Secure data systems

  • Industry access to computing power

  • Modern digital standards

National Direction

Australia gains the computing power needed for modern industry and national security.

 

National Digital Infrastructure

Purpose

Create a unified digital backbone for industry, research, and government.

Core Functions

  • Connectivity

  • Data infrastructure

  • Digital identity

  • Cybersecurity

Reform Priorities

  • National digital standards

  • Secure data platforms

  • Digital identity integration

  • Cyber‑resilient infrastructure

National Direction

Digital infrastructure becomes a national utility, not a patchwork

Department of infrastructure building change and our future

Australia’s first truly national energy system

The National Energy Super‑Grid is a once‑in‑a‑century nation‑building project: a connected, resilient, renewable‑ready backbone that links every state and territory into one coordinated, modern energy system. It replaces fragmented, ageing networks with a single, strategic, future‑proof grid designed for reliability, affordability, and export strength.

 

Why Australia needs a Super‑Grid

Australia’s energy system was built for a different era — coal‑centred, state‑isolated, and vulnerable to extreme weather. The Super‑Grid transforms this by delivering:

  • National reliability — power flows where it’s needed, when it’s needed

  • Lower household and business costs through efficient generation and transmission

  • Massive renewable hosting capacity for solar, wind, storage and hydrogen

  • Resilience to climate‑driven heatwaves, storms and bushfires

  • Export‑ready infrastructure for green hydrogen, critical minerals and clean manufacturing

 

The backbone corridors

The Super‑Grid is built around four strategic national corridors:

1. East Coast Spine

A high‑capacity transmission corridor linking QLD → NSW → VIC, supporting population centres, industry and renewable zones.

2. Pilbara–NT Spine

A northern powerhouse corridor connecting world‑class solar, wind and minerals to domestic and export markets.

3. SA–VIC–NSW Interconnectors

A tri‑state reliability loop balancing supply, storage and demand across southern Australia.

4. QLD–NSW–VIC Southern Loop

A reinforced southern arc enabling large‑scale renewable hosting and firming.

 

What the Super‑Grid delivers

Reliable power

A modern grid that keeps the lights on during heatwaves, storms and peak demand.

Lower bills

Efficient transmission and renewable integration reduce long‑term energy costs.

Regional jobs & industry

Construction, maintenance, clean manufacturing and export industries thrive along the corridors.

Clean energy leadership

Australia becomes a global leader in renewable exports and low‑emissions industry.

National resilience

A grid designed for a changing climate, with redundancy and strength built in.

 

How the Super‑Grid works with the National Water Grid

Together, the Energy Super‑Grid and National Water Grid form a unified national resilience system:

  • Energy for desalination, pumping and regional water security

  • Water for hydrogen, industry and regional development

  • Shared corridors reducing environmental impact and cost

  • Integrated planning for climate‑ready infrastructure

 

A nation‑building project for the next 50 years

The Super‑Grid is more than infrastructure — it is a strategic investment in Australia’s future prosperity, security and independence. It ensures that every community, every industry and every region has access to clean, reliable, affordable energy.

We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs.

We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs.

We offer a range of specialized services tailored to meet your individual needs.

🔹 10‑YEAR COSTS VS INCOME MODEL (Condensed Bullet Points)

Using Existing Funding Only — Industries, Science & Resources Portfolio

 

1. Existing Funding Envelope

  • Total baseline funding over 10 years: $50B

  • No new funding required

  • Reform funded through reallocation + efficiencies

 

2. Reform Investment (Within Existing Funding)

  • Clean Manufacturing & Energy Transition: $4.5B

  • Critical Minerals Processing & Value‑Add: $3B

  • Science Commercialisation & Innovation: $3.5B

  • Technology, AI & Quantum: $2.5B

  • Regional Industry Hubs: $1.5B

  • Total Reform Investment: $15B (from existing $50B)

 

3. Efficiency Savings (Reinvested)

  • Program consolidation + digital uplift

  • Reduced duplication across agencies

  • AI‑enabled administration

  • Annual savings: $300M

  • 10‑year savings: $3B

 

4. Income Generated (10‑Year Projection)

  • Clean Manufacturing & Energy Transition: $22B

  • Critical Minerals & Resources: $28B

  • Science, Research & Innovation: $6B

  • Technology, AI & Digital Capability: $4B

  • Regional Industry & Jobs: $3B

  • Total Income Generated: $63B

 

5. Net 10‑Year Outcome

  • Existing funding: $50B

  • Reform investment: –$15B

  • Efficiency savings: + $3B

  • Income generated: + $63B

  • Net Benefit:

+ $51 Billion

REGIONAL INDUSTRY & JOBS

Regional manufacturing hubs | Workforce development | Local capability uplift

 

Regional Manufacturing Hubs

Purpose

Build modern industry in regional Australia.

Core Functions

  • Clean manufacturing precincts

  • Local supply chains

  • Regional innovation centres

  • Infrastructure integration

Reform Priorities

  • Establish hubs aligned with renewable zones

  • Support local industry clusters

  • Build regional logistics and transport links

  • Incentivise regional investment

National Direction

Regional Australia becomes a centre of national industry, not an afterthought.

 

Workforce Development

Purpose

Build the skilled workforce needed for clean manufacturing, science, and technology.

Core Functions

  • Training pathways

  • Apprenticeships

  • Industry placements

  • Regional skills programs

Reform Priorities

  • National skills pipeline for clean energy and tech

  • Regional training centres

  • Industry‑aligned curriculum

  • Upskilling and reskilling programs

National Direction

Australia builds a future‑ready workforce, not a skills‑short nation.

Local Capability Uplift

Purpose

Strengthen local businesses and communities to participate in national industries.

Core Functions

  • SME support

  • Local procurement

  • Community partnerships

  • Regional innovation programs

Reform Priorities

  • Local procurement frameworks

  • SME capability programs

  • Regional innovation grants

  • Community‑industry partnerships

National Direction

Local communities become active participants in national capability, not spectators.

Portfolio Interpretation

  • Reform is fully funded within existing allocations

  • Portfolio becomes a net revenue generator

  • Clean manufacturing + critical minerals drive national income

  • Science & tech reforms produce commercial returns

  • Regional hubs become economic multipliers