By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
LOCAL manufacturing was just one of the subjects covered by former Premier Steve Bracks when he stopped by Casey last month.
Guests attended the Narre Warren Bowls Club last Wednesday 16 July for a special morning tea at which Mr Bracks offered advice for future political leaders of Victoria, while also reflecting on his tenure as Premier.
Mr Bracks told the room he was concerned by the fall in local manufacturing over the last year.
“Local manufacturing needs to be prioritised in Government contracts,” he said.
“If a tender from a local manufacturer is equal to a tender from overseas, local manufacturers should always be chosen,” he said.
Mr Bracks also noted that in the post-auto manufacturing world, communities need to look at high-end manufacturing, research and design.
“There is a need for investment in science, medicine and technology sectors through tertiary institutions,” he said.
Mr Bracks also urged governments to tread carefully when it came to changes to university fees, and leaving future generations with a significant debt.
“It’s a barrier to opportunity, especially for kids from low socio-economic backgrounds,” he said.
“Investment in education is one of the most important things governments can do, and more funding needed to be provided to training opportunities,” he said.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnelan, who attended the free morning tea, said it was encouraging to see local residents who wanted to listen to Mr Bracks’ insights.
“Mr Bracks was the man in charge when I was first elected, and I believe a great Premier for Victoria,” he said.
“It’s great to be able to have him speak with locals about his time leading the state.
“Under Steve Bracks, Victoria prospered. We were a strong manufacturing centre, a leader in education, and home to such events as the Commonwealth Games.
“We had great investment in the Casey region under Mr Bracks, with major road infrastructure upgrades, schools built and growth in the region.”
