Dick Smith has issued a strong call for Australians to prioritize self-reliance, encouraging the launch of new businesses and bolstering domestic industries. His appeal comes in the wake of a General Intelligence Centre survey indicating widespread public backing for strengthening Australian-based manufacturing and self-sufficiency across critical areas.
The survey found that 98% of respondents believe Australia should be self-sufficient in farming and energy. Furthermore, 91% support greater self-sufficiency in manufacturing, and 92% believe the country should be capable of producing its own medicines and medical supplies.
Smith expressed his strong support for rebuilding Australia's manufacturing sector, emphasizing its importance as a national priority. He encouraged younger generations to embrace entrepreneurship, drawing on his own experience starting a business at 22. "It would be great if we could get back into manufacturing again. I'm a total supporter," he stated. He also noted that rising wages in China could eventually make Australian manufacturing more competitive.
The poll further revealed that approximately nine out of 10 Australians believe the nation should produce more of what it consumes, even if it leads to higher prices. Roughly 80% of those surveyed expressed concern about the current level of imports, and three-quarters support restrictions or quotas on imported goods.
Smith suggested that consumers can contribute to strengthening local industries by consciously choosing home-grown products. "We should have the best food and the lowest prices in the world because we've got such large areas and a small population," he said. As a farmer himself, Smith highlighted the vital importance of supporting Australian agriculture, stating, "I've got a farm myself where we raise lambs. I totally support our Aussie farmers and ask Australians to support Australian products."
These findings align with growing public sentiment favoring policies that reduce Australia's reliance on international supply chains and bolster domestic industries. Last year, Smith joined mining magnate Andrew Forrest and Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page to launch the "Back Australia" campaign, which advocated for a "new industrial revolution" driven by Australian-owned businesses and local manufacturing.
Smith criticized past governments for not adequately championing local products, citing concerns about potential reactions from multinational corporations. He urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to adopt a more assertive stance in supporting Australian-made and Australian-owned businesses, calling for a national campaign similar to successful initiatives from decades past to encourage consumer support for local products. Such a campaign, Smith believes, could strengthen local industries, create jobs, and boost the economy.