ACETA consults with Australian industry for Manufacturer’s Manifesto
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: The Australian Commercial Entertainment Technology Association (ACETA) has embarked on a tour of the country to consult with manufacturers ahead of the completion of its Manufacturer’s Manifesto. The first date of the tour took place on July 8th in Sydney, with the next in Melbourne on July 15th, Adelaide on August 3rd and Brisbane in late August. The consultations are open to all Australian manufacturers, regardless of ACETA membership, with the association’s president, Frank Hinton, explaining: ‘The greater the participation the better off we will all be so it is important that as many as possible become involved’.
Once completed, the manifesto will form the basis of ACETA’s approach to the Australian federal government, highlighting the value and importance of the entertainment technology industry. ‘Whilst we are currently working on various programs relative to the initiatives mentioned in the Manufacturers Manifesto, we will be in a position to announce a comprehensive plan once the consultations are concluded at the end of August,’ Mr Hinton explained.
He continued: ‘Soon after we will announce to the industry a range of initiatives. Our focus with regard to specific programs will revolve around the potential of a unified approach. Whilst our first priority is focused on the power cooperation delivers, including the development of shared resources, we will also approach government with our plan to increase commercial activity and employment in the sector and seek export assistance’.
Regarding the potential effect of the manifesto and ACETA’s efforts, Mr Hinton again stressed the importance of cooperation and the size of the Australian industry.
‘Our data base lists over 80 organisations in Australia who create and/or manufacture entertainment technology,’ he commented. ‘A few are international leaders in their field and we celebrate them. However the vast majority are small and niche companies who have developed incredible technology based on the restriction of operating in a very small domestic marketplace. They have to be resilient and skilled to survive – imagine if they unified.
‘We are told time and again that the world has a high regard for Australian engineering, therefore if the creative and/or manufacturing sector gets on board with ACETA and shares in the resource and vision, Australia can become a significant supplier of entertainment technology to the world, and many will prosper. The effect will be a vibrant industry with significantly increased commercial activity and employment with a positive flow on effect into the crafts and entertainment production in general. We may at last realise our potential.’
Equally, the association is keen to stress the importance of non-members becoming involved in the process. ‘ACETA is a not for profit by the industry for the industry peak body whose reason for being is to protect and enhance the industry it represents – there is no downside in participation,’ said Mr Hinton. ‘It is a known fact that all industries are fortified by association; therefore it is really a case of “can you afford not to participate?”.’
For more information on the events and the manifesto itself, contact sara.hood@aceta.org.au.