Australia is well known for representing green and gold, straying from the colours prevalent on its flag to symbolise the country’s unique ecosystem, spearheaded by its national flower — the golden wattle.
While the colours are frequently used in national-level sporting uniforms, green and gold are often referred to as a symbol of being Australian made.
The green triangle with a bouncing yellow kangaroo is stamped on product packaging, swing tags, fresh produce, and was a key theme at Australian Manufacturing Week in Brisbane last week.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre during 12–14 May 2026, Australian Manufacturing Week is an annual event hosted by the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited to spotlight local manufacturers, including mining equipment suppliers.
Just a week after the event is Australian Made Week, held during 18–24 May 2026, which financing company Earlypay (ASX:EPY) says puts the country’s manufacturing sector in the economic spotlight.
Earlypay CEO James Beeson says supporting Australian-made products should contribute to the broader economic conversation that surrounds productive capacity, working capital, and the need to reduce international reliance on supply chains.
“Over recent decades, Australia has become heavily reliant on overseas supply chains for many critical goods,” Beeson says.
“In the short term, those dependencies are difficult to unwind, but the lesson is clear. If we do not continue building domestic manufacturing capability, we leave ourselves exposed when global supply chains come under pressure.”
Recent export bans from China and supply issues due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have impacted Australia’s access to oil and critical minerals.
Late last year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with US President Donald Trump to create a framework to introduce a secure supply of critical minerals, as reported by Mining.com.au.
Beeson says the return of Australian Made Week is a timely reminder that manufacturing extends beyond national pride in the country’s production capabilities, but is also about jobs, investment, and economic security.
“There may be a cost to buying Australian-made products in some categories, but that spending supports local businesses, local jobs, and investment in a productive capacity,” Beeson adds.
“If we are serious about strengthening Australian manufacturing, businesses need the confidence and working capital to invest in equipment, people, and production capacity.”
Budget calls
In the 2026–27 Federal Budget, the Australian Government shared its intentions to ease pressures on local businesses with productivity reforms expected to reduce regulatory burden by $10.2 billion each year.
Tax reforms are aimed at encouraging investment and innovation for Australians, which will include loss refundability, a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off, and expanded tax incentives for venture capital.
The budget has prioritised reforms to the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive, which will unlock $400 million annually for young firms.
Australian-based mining companies are often granted this tax incentive, with recent recipients including ABx Group (ASX:ABX), Critica (ASX:CRI), and Australian Vanadium (ASX:AVL).
Beeson says that while many of the measures introduced in the Federal Budget are welcome, the country requires a broader plan to support productive investment towards sectors that have the capacity to perform greater.
“The budget measures are useful, particularly anything that improves cash flow or gives small businesses more certainty around investment,” Beeson explains.
“But we also need to think seriously about where Australia can excel. Agriculture, energy, and defence are all areas where local capability matters and where stronger manufacturing capacity can support long-term economic resilience.
“We cannot just say we want to make more things in Australia if we do not also have the people and skills to do it. We need stronger vocational education pathways that prepare people for higher skilled jobs in modern manufacturing, automation, and production.”
Australian-made future
Australian Made Campaign CEO Ben Lazzaro says sourcing locally made products is important for supporting jobs, communities, and businesses in Australia.
“When consumers choose Australian-made products, they’re actively supporting local economies, strengthening communities, and helping Australian businesses thrive,” Lazzaro says.
“Supporting local has never been more important. Australian Made Week is about calling on shoppers and businesses to back the home team and look for the Australian made logo, because Australian made makes Australia.”
Mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector businesses play a key role in supporting explorers and producers to get the job done.
In 2020, Australian METS companies generated $114 billion in revenue, of which two-thirds of companies exported $17 billion of goods and services, equating to 5% of all exports, according to the 2020 National METS Survey by Austmine.
Export Finance Australia suggests that the METS sector has grown considerably since 2020, due to “strong resources and energy exports and a steady increase in mining investment”.
Australian Mining Services lists the top reasons for mining companies to select Australian-made mining equipment, including suitability for local conditions, support for local innovation and expertise, accessibility for maintenance and repairs, compliance with local standards, and reduced transportation costs.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Australian Made & Capral Aluminium
