A taskforce gathering evidence to help shape post-COVID business recovery has heard from local manufacturers on the best ways to help the sector expand and thrive in the Hawkesbury, according to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman.

Labor’s Pandemic Recovery Jobs and Industry Taskforce held the first of two days of hearings in the Hawkesbury on April 20, where local manufacturers gave their views on what they believe would help move their industry forward.

Taskforce acting chair Milton Dick MP and secretary Senator Nita Green joined Ms Templeman at Windsor’s Deerubbin Centre to hear from manufacturers across a broad range of sectors.

“Issues raised on the day included everything from better pathways from education and training into employment, to power capacity and energy infrastructure for manufacturers in the local area, and finding suitable locations to expand the sector in the Hawkesbury,” Ms Templeman said.

“COVID showed us just how important locally-made products are. The input from these local manufacturers was invaluable in giving the taskforce an insight into how the sector can expand and thrive here, which in turn will support more local jobs.

“I know the taskforce will be taking the valuable evidence from this hearing back to use for policy-shaping change in the future.”

Mr Dick said the taskforce had conducted more than 20 hearings around the country.

“This Taskforce was established so we could hear directly from industry – both big and small businesses – about what has happened over the past 12 months,” Mr Dick said.

“Businesses have had to be innovative and adapt during the pandemic, and business models have been turned upside down.

“The