Dow boss calls for action strategy DOW Chemical chief Andrew Liveris will push Tony Abbott to follow Israel's example of developing venture capital and focusing on high-value-add opportunities as Australian manufacturing remains under pressure from high energy and labour costs. Speaking from Davos, the Darwin-born Mr Liveris said Australia's small company, venture capital and university system needed to become more agile and less centrally controlled to help make Australia a provider of technology to the world.