Outgoing president Russell LaCombre, MP Mark Dreyfus, SEMMA president Lyndon Joss and SEMMA executive officer Paul Dowling at the AGM. 68657 Picture: Emma Sun
By Emma Sun
MEMBERS of the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) held their annual general meeting last Wednesday at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong.
Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, gave a presentation about the carbon price package and its effect on businesses.
Mr Dreyfus outlined assistance the Government will provide for manufacturing as part of the Clean Energy Future plan to ensure Australia remains competitive.
He listed a range of programs designed to help manufacturers including $800 million to help manufacturers thrive in a low-carbon economy and $9.2 billion to help support jobs in the industry.
“Modelling undertaken by the treasury shows that with a carbon price, Australia’s manufacturing sector will grow its output by 69 per cent by 2050 compared to today’s levels,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“This is made possible because the Government’s plan will drive incentives for all businesses to reduce their emissions whilst helping companies transition and invest in the clean energy technologies of the future.”
After Mr Dreyfus answered questions from members, SEMMA held its AGM at which the new board was officially announced.
Past president Russell LaCombre expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support throughout the 2010-11 year in his president’s report.
Lyndon Joss from Bainbridge Engineering is the president for 2011-12, with Simon Whiteley from Corex Plastics as vice-president, Tom Flintoff from U Neek Bending as treasurer and Sandra George from South East Business Networks as secretary.
