The Federal Member for Aston, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, today joined the Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP, to discuss jobs and manufacturing in Bayswater.
The Prime Minister and Mr Tudge toured Bayswater manufacturer Southern Dental Industries (SDI) which manufactures dental products including cements, adhesives, amalgams and instruments.
Founded in 1972, SDI has become a world leader in specialist dental materials, exporting to over 100 countries worldwide. SDI employs 200 Knox residents.
The Prime Minister and Mr Tudge outlined how SDI, together with many other local manufacturers, will directly benefit from recently announced Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan and Korea.
“This is good news for jobs, it’s good news for prosperity. Trade means jobs, freer trade means more jobs,” said Prime Minister Abbott.
Mr Tudge emphasised the benefits of the FTAs to Knox manufacturers.
“There’s a pharmaceuticals business just down the road; it’s also a beneficiary. There’s a milk producer just down the road; it’s also a beneficiary. There are hair products producers just down the road and they will be able to sell more products into China.”
“There are over 1,000 manufacturers in Knox employing over 10,000 people, many of whom also live locally.
“What all that means is more jobs for local people, more wealth for local people and more opportunities for local people,” said Mr Tudge.
The Prime Minister also outlined the importance of the East West Link to Knox residents.
“Our number one infrastructure project in Victoria is the East West Link.”
“We want East West Link built and there’s $3 billion of federal money that is put aside for East West Link when the Victorian Government finally comes to its senses,” said Prime Minister Abbott.
