Senators visit Dongara to view manufacturing success with upper house hopefuls

Federal Employment minister Senator Michaelia Cash and deputy Government whip Senator Slade Brockman visited Dongara Marine this morning.

Liberal Upper House candidate Steve Martin said he invited Senator Cash to Dongara to see the strength and resilience of a “great regional business”.

“Regional businesses will be crucial to the recovery of the WA economy as we emerge from COVID 19,” he said.

“John Fitzhardinge and his team do an outstanding job and it was inspiring to inspect his operation in Dongara.”

Senator Cash said COVID-19 restrictions had a overwhelming negative impact on local industry.

“However, as restrictions ease we are seeing the true resilience of Australian businesses,” she said.

“In fact, research by the National Skills Commission shows that one in four manufacturing businesses are looking to employ more Australians, which makes it the second fastest growing industry.

Senator Cash said this was also borne out by research into jobs in demand research.

“Metal fabricators, welders, motor mechanics, metal fitters and machinists are all in the top ten occupations employers are looking for,” she said.

“That is why it’s so great to visit Western Australian businesses such as Dongara Marine, who not only employ locals, but put them into highly skilled jobs to create cutting edge products.

“They put a face to this resilience and it’s great to see them employing so many locals.”