Make stuff here...or else: A framework for deciding what Australia must produce, repair or regenerate domestically

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute has released a framework designed to guide decisions about what goods and services Australia should manufacture, repair, or regenerate locally rather than import. The framework aims to address supply chain vulnerabilities and build self-sufficiency in critical sectors. It provides criteria for evaluating which industries warrant domestic production investment, balancing economic viability with strategic necessity and resilience.

For the building and construction sector, this framework has implications for sourcing of materials, components, and services. Construction materials, building products, and trades services could fall within scope for domestic prioritisation. The work signals potential policy direction toward reducing reliance on imported building supplies and encouraging local manufacturing or repair capacity, which could affect material availability, pricing, and project timelines across the residential apartment building and remedial construction sectors.