I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.
It is such a pleasure to celebrate the upgrade of this extraordinary facility with you today. To quote the great Annie Lennox, sweet dreams are made of this.
Speaking as someone who grew up across the street from a factory that made chocolate biscuits, the aromas here almost have a touch of home.
A touch of home is something that the name Darrell Lea has for Australians.
You’re a home-grown success – a proud Australian creation that has gone on to triumph across the world. Ever since Harry Lea first started making toffees and candies out the back of a fruit shop in Manly in 1917, it’s been quite a journey.
Harry and his wife Esther opened their first confectionary shop in Haymarket in 1924.
Then in 1936, Darrell Lea’s first factory opened just near the then four-year-old Harbour Bridge.
And along the way, you’ve become a part of the Australian story.
After nearly a century, Darrell Lea isn’t just still going, you’re thriving.
And as I can see around me, your future looks bright – and it is part of a future that all Australians can share in.
I believe in a future made in Australia. I believe in a country that can better stand on its own feet because it is a country that makes things here.
But that’s a future that isn’t simply going to happen of its own accord. Darrell Lea understands that. Just as you have never taken your place in the Australian story for granted, you aren’t sitting back and waiting to see what the future brings.
You are working to shape your future.
When we talk about making things in Australia, you walk the talk. I’m told that no single manufacturing site anywhere in the world makes more liquorice, rocky road or liquorice all-sorts than you do right here.
This is the outcome of renewed investment and a state-of-the-art facility.
It’s the product of innovation, investment and excellence, and a willingness to anticipate change and evolve.
We’re looking at a future made right here in Ingleburn.
If the appetite for Darrell Lea continues to grow internationally – and that’s what you’re all working so hard towards – it is a future we will increasingly export to the world.
The Government I lead understands that the future is built on the right mix of partnerships, skills, infrastructure and capacity.
So that industry has what it needs to thrive and succeed – lifting the local community and the national economy alike.
Right now, there are hundreds of people working round the clock here at Ingleburn.
Skilled and passionate members of the Darrell Lea team who, on top of everything else, create a remarkable one billion chocolate bullets a year.
I have always said that the greatest asset we have is our people, and you prove that every day. You are the future of this business.
A workforce to support and grow, strengthen and develop.
The success of Darrell Lea lies in your hands.
Like every great Australian business, you deserve a government that measures up to your dedication. A government that has your back.
Which is what this Government is recognising and sustaining through our recently announced five-year National Skills Agreement.
A national partnership for national priorities, it will deliver for critical, emerging and existing industries.
Investing in TAFE-led vocational education and training will tap the reservoir of potential and build the skills base of our national workforce.
And make sure that Australians have the skills for the jobs of today, and tomorrow.
A future made in Australia is an investment in industry, the economy and our nation.
It’s a future Darrell Lea is pursuing with purpose here at Ingleburn.
I congratulate everyone involved in this wonderful rebirth.
When we talk about the sweet smell of success, you’re the people who make it the literal truth.