Australia could capitalise off manufacturing — but we’re behind the eight ball

On submarines and Australian manufacturing

Ian Ritchies writes: The article I reference concluded with your invitation to comment on “Should Australia have backed Tony Abbott’s submarine decision?”

Navel-gazing (as opposed to naval-gazing) is an exercise in futility. Surely your question should be directed to future successes, rather than past debacles (and Abbott was a debacle only surpassed by Morrison).

I suggest Mr Keane’s comments, “Abbott was that rare politician who was prepared to call bullshit on Australia’s obsession with manufacturing” and “It’s also a reflection of the parochialism and protectionism embedded in Australian politics”, touch on the more meaningful debate.