In 1993 a certain device manufactured in Australia had a retail price of $500.00. I know of somebody that ten years later went to China with specifications for a similar device to be made there in conformity with Australian standards for AUD 80.00.
You can create as many special economic zones as you like but the fact is that our ability to réclame the capacity to produce such device here is truly gone. You have to remember that we have free trade agreements with lots of countries, including if I am not mistaken China.
We cannot tell the world, bring your know-how and capital to Australia in order produce your goods here at a much lower cost due to the existence in this country of a reservoir of cheap labor.
