Gov’t launches Capability Connection to connect manufacturers with suppliers

The federal government has launched Capability Connection, a six-month pilot of a free industry capability register, to help Australian manufacturers to quickly and easily connect with suppliers.

Capability Connection is available for all businesses located in Greater Melbourne, South East Queensland and Townsville.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the need for a detailed register was identified at the start of the pandemic, when manufacturers who wanted to pivot to the production of items such as face masks and hand sanitiser had difficulties identifying suppliers of raw materials in their region.

“Capability Connection aims to fill this gap by improving supply chain visibility and fostering collaboration between local businesses, ensuring we can avoid the risk of shortages of essential items at critical times,” Minister Porter said.

While primarily targeted at manufacturers, the free online register will also be open to all businesses that want to promote their capabilities, services and goods to other businesses and the public.

The register is expected to provide an important contribution to the Australian Government’s economic recovery plan. It was designed to complement the government’s JobMaker plan and Modern Manufacturing Strategy, which is created to further economic recovery and build future resilience.

Capability Connectiong is being built and managed on the government’s behalf by Industry Capability Network Limited. Regular assessments of the effectiveness of the pilot register will be undertaken following the launch.

Source: Minister for Industry, Science and Technology media release