New industry report shows Aussie manufacturers are counting the cost of Labor

The Hon Alex Hawke MP
Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation
Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA RELEASE

6 August 2025

New industry report shows Aussie manufacturers are counting the cost of Labor

Australia’s manufacturing sector continues to be crippled by sky-high energy costs, according to a new report from the Australian Industry (AI) Group.

The latest Australian Industry Index, released today, shows manufacturing (Australian PMI) remains in contraction at -23.9 and continues to weaken.

The Index noted that, “trade risks and energy costs are holding back recovery” and that “manufacturers reported cost pressures, weak demand and policy challenges …”.

Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation, Alex Hawke, said Australian manufacturers are being let down by the Albanese Labor Government.

“Labor’s failure to deliver affordable energy is crushing Australian businesses,” Mr Hawke said.

“There is also confusion about the direction of artificial intelligence regulation and ongoing trade and industrial relations issues.

“At the upcoming productivity roundtable, Labor needs to listen to the business community about their concerns and not pander to the unions.

“Labor’s agenda for higher taxes and more red tape, stitched up with the unions, will put a break on productivity so that when Labor talks, it’s businesses that will pay.”

ENDS