*Check against delivery*

I’ll begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we’re gathered, the Yuggera people, and I pay my respects to First Nations people here today.

Thank you to Dai and Mark for inviting me to represent the Prime Minster here at today’s ceremony.

I’d like to acknowledge:

• Japan’s Ambassador to Australia, Kazuhiro Suzuki,
• Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates,
• Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann,
• and all other government representatives here today.

But I’d also like to acknowledge Tak Niinami whose presence here underlines Suntory’s engagement here in Australia.

That association began in the early 1990s when Suntory worked with Florigene, a Melbourne biotechnology company, to develop a blue rose.

As many here may know, Suntory’s range of companies includes a floristry business focussed on modern plant genetics.

The blue rose, which many horticulturists had long believed to be unachievable, was an early goal.

But after collaborating with Florigene for more than a decade, Suntory brought the world’s first blue rose to market in 2009.

Suntory valued the collaboration so highly that they acquired Florigene following the breakthrough.

The team who made the blue rose possible were inspired by a favourite saying of Suntory’s founder - Shinjiro Torii.

Which was Yatte Minahare.

Roughly translated, it means “be ambitious, challenge the status quo, and go for it!”

This new facility epitomises the ethos of that saying.

With capacity to produce 20 million cases a year of market-leading beverages, it is one of the biggest in our region, and will strengthen Suntory’s ability to capitalise on the booming ready-to-drink market.

But it’s great to hear that this facility also embodies Suntory’s strong commitment to sustainability.

The built-in renewable energy sources, advanced heating and cooling systems, and water recycling will all help propel Suntory towards its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

I also want to applaud Suntory’s efforts to build lasting relationships with the wider Ipswich community; with the wonderful installation outside of this facility - created by Aunty Kylie Hill - is just one part of this commitment.

Australia's food and beverage manufacturing sector contributes enormously to our national economy.

In 2023-24, its contribution was around $32 billion.

Our beverage makers are respected at home and abroad for the quality of their products and their innovative approach to processing, product development, and marketing.

They’re also adapting successfully to technological disruption, supply chain issues, and rising energy costs.

These are great foundations for further growth and expansion.

To build on this, the Albanese Government is making significant investments in the food value-add sectors via the National Reconstruction Fund and the Industry Growth Program.

We’re also funding new research capabilities and investing in industry engagement opportunities.

The $370 million Trailblazer Universities Program, which I had the privilege of launching in 2023, is a great example of our strong focus on R&D capabilities.

This funding has enabled three Queensland universities to partner to deliver the Food and Beverage Accelerator.

This will provide beverage manufacturers with access to research teams, next-generation industry professionals, innovative equipment and pilot facilities.

I mentioned the phrase Yatte Minahare a moment ago.

I believe it perfectly sums up our government’s approach to ensuring our food and beverage industry is ready to adapt to a changing world.

And that’s why we also initiated a parliamentary inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia last year.

The committee’s report was handed down in February and included 23 recommendations.

I want to thank those who made submissions to the inquiry – like Suntory – and those who appeared at public hearings – like Mark Hill.

And while we’re currently considering the committee’s report, growing the beverage sector remains an essential part of our plan to boost sovereign capability and secure a more prosperous future for all Australians.

We have all the ingredients needed – a great R&D sector, forward-thinking innovators, and companies like Suntory that are open to new possibilities.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this excellent facility a reality.

And I look forward to seeing how we can continue to work together to help advance Australia’s manufacturing potential.

Thank you.