GMC Connect: Manufacturing Policy Forum

 

GMC members are invited to join this breakfast event to hear perspectives on the future of manufacturing ahead of the Victorian State Election in November. 

Expert Panel: SURVIVAL - How Government policies pose the biggest threat to manufacturing’s future  

Manufacturing policy sets the rules we play by.  Hear from our expert panel on key issues for the future of this state’s manufacturing, including the high costs of regulation, energy policies and increasing competition for land supply. 

 

Date & Time:        6th October 2026, 7:30am - 9:30am: Light Breakfast provided

Venue:                 Geelong Library: 51 Little Malop Street, Level 5 The high ground, Wurdi Youang

Cost:                    Free to GMC members

 

SPEAKERS include: 

Rob Backwell 

Rob Backwell is a director of the IXL Group of companies, including Backwell IXL and IXL Metal Castings.  IXL has been making things in Geelong since 1858, and today its Geelong manufacturing activity includes domestic appliances, metal stamping and a foundry.  

Peter Temple 

Peter Temple is Financial Controller at Furphy’s, a proud name in Australian manufacturing since 1864. From Victorian farm equipment and famous WWI watercarts to leading industrial solutions today, the company operates from manufacturing sites in Shepparton, Geelong and Albury. 

Andrew Lowcock 

Andrew is Victorian Deputy Executive Director at Property Council of Australia, leading the policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement for the property industry in Victoria. The PCA says industrial land is now an infrastructure challenge: there is a disconnect between what’s available on paper and the land businesses can actually use. 

MEET THE CANDIDATES 

We ask local Candidates in November’s state election to share their parties’ views on manufacturing policy. What will they do to secure and grow high value manufacturing jobs for strong communities?  

Andy Pobjoy, Liberal candidate for Geelong 

Andy Pobjoy has lived in Geelong his entire life. As a small business owner and parent, he understands the challenges facing local families, businesses and our growing community. 

Andy has spent years building a business, creating local jobs and seeing firsthand the impact government decisions have on everyday Victorians. He's running because he believes Geelong deserves a stronger voice and Victoria deserves a stronger government. 

As Geelong continues to grow, Andy is committed to tackling the rising cost of living, improving community safety, investing in the infrastructure Geelong needs and ensuring local families can access the services they rely on. 

Andy believes government should back small businesses, support hardworking families and restore accountability to Victoria. 

Christine Couzens MP, member for Geelong (Labor) 

Christine Couzens is the Member for Geelong in the Victorian Legislative Assembly and a proud advocate for First Nations communities across Victoria. As Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Christine works closely with Aboriginal organisations and leaders to support self-determination, cultural strength, and community-led initiatives. 

Christine brings decades of experience in community development and social justice, and she continues to champion equity, inclusion and opportunity for all.  

Christine and the government have worked with the sector and unions over the 12 years as manufacturing has faced challenges and evolved to continue Geelong’s place as a modern manufacturing city. 

Ella George MP, member for Lara (Labor) 

Prior to entering Parliament, Ella worked in family violence policy reform in the Magistrates' Courts. It was seeing the impact of this reform up close, and a Labor Government not afraid of addressing a serious issue in our society, that encouraged Ella to run for Parliament. 

Growing up, Ella’s mum was a teacher, and she taught Ella about the importance of public schools and the opportunities that education opens up for young people. As a Member of Parliament, education is something that Ella is passionate about, and ensuring that all students, no matter where they live, have the same opportunities.   

Ella is committed to ensuring that Geelong’s north remains the manufacturing heartland of the region, recognising the vital role that manufacturing plays in our economy, creating local jobs and supporting families. 

In representing the northern suburbs of Geelong, Ella believes in looking out for all members of the community she represents, treating people with respect and striving for a more equitable and inclusive society. She is awed by the resilience of the Lara community and the challenges that her community overcomes. 

John De Lorenzo, One Nation candidate for Geelong

 

John is a father of 2 adult children. Born in Colac, John has strong ties to regional Victoria providing deep understanding of regional communities, agriculture and industry.

John now lives in Geelong where he has built a career with more than 20 years’ experience in Geelong’s manufacturing and export industries.

John has an MBA and brings practical commercial experience, strategic thinking and a strong focus on accountability and results, having managed people, resources, financial performance, and productivity within complex and competitive business environments.

John’s commitment to community service includes many years serving on regional and rural health service boards, including a term as Board Chair. 

Providing firsthand insight into the challenges facing regional health services and communities. He has also volunteered on school and sporting club boards.

John’s priorities for Geelong include easing cost-of-living pressures, improving local infrastructure and services, supporting manufacturing and local employment, strengthening communities, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring Geelong has a strong voice in the Victorian Parliament.

John is not entering politics as a career politician, he believes voters deserve a representative who understands the real-world experience and understanding the consequences of government decisions, asks difficult questions and hold governments accountable.

Libby Pettit, Liberal candidate for South Barwon 

Libby Pettit is a Geelong-based entrepreneur and business owner with more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry, business management and brand development.  

Raised on a farm at Little River and educated in Geelong, Libby has longstanding connections to the region. She spent more than a decade working with Australian fashion brand Alannah Hill before founding activewear label L’urv, which grew to supply more than 100 retailers internationally. She later founded Geelong-based resortwear label Zerafima and also works as a business mentor and consultant to fashion brands and emerging entrepreneurs.  

Libby has also been involved in community advocacy on issues affecting local farmers and residents. 

This is a GMC member only event.