Willcox Appointed To Key Manufacturing Role In Coalition Frontbench

By Amanda Wright

Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that brings national attention to the critical role of regional Australia in shaping the nation’s future.

The announcement from Nationals leader David Littleproud has been met with widespread congratulations, but Mr Willcox is keeping his focus close to home as he steps into the role.

“I’m truly honoured to take on this role and welcome the faith placed in me,” Mr Willcox said.

“Manufacturing is a large contributing factor in our Australian economy, starting right here in Dawson, from Paget in Mackay through to Wulguru in the north.”

The portfolio is a weighty one, touching on national security, economic resilience, employment, and industrial policy. Mr Willcox sees sovereign capability as essential for safeguarding Australia’s future.

“There’s never been a more critical time to focus on our sovereign capabilities,” he said.

“From defence to food production, advanced manufacturing to aerospace—we must prioritise Australian-made at every level.”

The timing is apt. Dawson will soon host the launch of Australia’s first fully homegrown rocket, produced by Gilmore Space Technologies in Bowen. For Willcox, it’s a proud moment and a national signal.

“This rocket launch is a powerful symbol of what we can achieve when we invest in sovereign capabilities,” he said.

“We already build satellites in Australia. If we can launch them here too, we control the whole process—from the ground to low Earth orbit.”

Willcox argues the need for self-reliance is growing more urgent amid global uncertainty.

“If we’re relying on overseas rockets to launch our satellites, we’re exposing ourselves to risks—economic and strategic. We need to be able to stand on our own two feet.”

Rather than rushing into national consultations, Mr Willcox plans to start where he knows best.

“My first priority is to spend time in my own electorate,” he said.

“I want to talk directly to the manufacturers across Dawson, understand what’s holding them back and what policy levers we can pull to help their businesses thrive.”

Mr Willcox says Dawson’s diversity reflects the national landscape. Bowen is balancing horticulture with aerospace, the Burdekin is expanding industrial estates, and Townsville is exploring rail carriage and aviation fuel manufacturing.

“I didn’t want to be pigeonholed as the ag guy,” Mr Willcox said.

“I’m proud of my background in farming, and I’ll always advocate for rural Australia, but this role allows me to contribute to something broader. It’s a stepping stone into deeper national service.”

“A nation that can make things for itself is a nation that can grow and shape its own future,” he said.

“And that future starts here.”

Also this week, the Australian Electoral Commission made it official — Andrew Willcox was formally declared re-elected as the Federal Member for Dawson. The result was announced on Tuesday, 3 June in Mackay.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and AEC Divisional Returning Officer Sandra Sparti join AEC staff and volunteers to celebrate the official declaration of the Dawson result — with two volunteers proudly holding an "Awesome Dawson" sign crafted from the thimbles used to count ballots on election day. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox speaks at the official declaration of the Dawson result, reflecting on the campaign and his recent appointment as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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