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The article focuses on the program for the adjustment and development of heavy engineering in Australia. In 1986, the Heavy Engineering Adjustment and Development Program (HEADP), an industry-specific plan for the heavy engineering industry, was introduced by the federal Labor government. The manner of the plan's introduction is representative of Labor's priorities in its first period of office. The HEADP consisted of four major elements including management efficiency, industry development, skills enhancement/retrenchment assistance, and concessional loan finance. Finally, the adverse bureaucratic environment in which the plan operated provides salutary lessons for cost-efficient and workable industry policy in the future.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Ray Stalker which focuses on the Australian industry and technology policy, and another by Evan Jones on the Heavy Engineering Adjustment and Development Program (HEADP).