Snapshot of Australia’s business of chemistry:
The Australian chemistry industry is strategically significant because of its supply chain centrality. It is a critical enabler of almost every value chain in Australia, a key employer of Australia’s valuable STEM capability and a driver of innovation through advanced manufacturing.
The industry creates the essential inputs that underpin a wide range of industry sectors, including the areas of competitive strength and strategic priority for Australia, such as food and agriculture; water and water reticulation; advanced manufacturing, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals; and mining equipment, technology and services.
The industry is focussed on strategies for sustainable growth, and is playing an important role in Australia’s transition to smarter, value adding, advanced manufacturing. The business of chemistry also develops new materials and processes to help other manufacturing sectors to innovate and grow, for example new technologies in 3D printing and flow chemistry.
The business of chemistry contributes significantly to the Australian economy and to our way of life. The industry adds value to the nation’s natural resources, and passes this investment on through Australia’s value chains to further multiply the benefits for the Australian economy, society and environment.
From small family-owned companies to leading national and multinational enterprises, the businesses of chemistry include manufacturers, importers and distributors, raw material suppliers, fabricators, compounders and recyclers. Chemistry Australia’s membership extends through the entire value chain including logistics and supply chain partners, research, academia and service providers to the industry.
The business of chemistry is a leading employer of Australia’s valuable STEM capability. The Office of the Chief Scientist notes that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations globally now require STEM skills and knowledge1. The business of chemistry is a vital part of this STEM ecosystem, providing high quality employment options for Australia’s talented university graduates and research capability.
1: Office of the Chief Scientist of Australia, Canberra, p.7.
Providing two-thirds of its output as inputs to other industries, the Australian chemistry industry transfers investment and growth through supply chains, with an important multiplier effect for jobs. This demonstrates the strategic importance of industry that adds to Australia’s economic complexity, and builds a diverse and more resilient economy.
Chemistry Australia has developed an animation to highlight the critical role of chemistry in our everyday lives.
Thanks to the products of chemistry, we enjoy a high standard of living with access to world-class healthcare, clean drinking water, ample fresh food, and the means to keep our food fresher for longer. Learn how Australian chemistry contributes to our quality of life every day:
Total contribution
In 2017-18, the Australian chemistry industry supported up to 211,821 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. To put this another way, for every $1 million of revenue received by the industry, there are up to four full time equivalent jobs supported elsewhere in the Australian economy.
Source: Acil Allen - Estimated economic contribution of the total chemical industry to Australia, 2017-18
