AusBiotech and BioMelbourne Network have welcomed the release of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the plan focused on priority sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health technologies and medical research. The Government has also established a Premier’s Business Council chaired by Ahmed Fahour AO, the CEO of Gurner Group and former CEO of Australia Post, NAB and Latitude Financial Services.
AusBiotech and BioMelbourne Network said they welcomed the recognition of the sectors as top priorities. They said they are encouraged by the statement’s support for the life sciences sector, particularly its focus on investment attraction, including growing venture capital pools and through the state's clinical trial activity.
"The Statement’s focus on making it easier to do business is a step in the right direction, encouraging an open door culture and cutting red tape," they said.
"The breadth and depth of the biotech sector means it can span across departmental and policy areas, so measures to simplify and unify investment attraction are welcome. Victoria’s life science sector is diverse and mature, with more than 1,000 organisations employing more than 100,000 people."
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said, “Our members transform ideas into world-leading health innovations that have the potential to support the health of Australian’s and the health of our economies We are encouraged to see the impact of our members and the sector as part of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement.
"We echo the sentiment of the Hon. Jactina Allan MP, Premier of Victoria, when she said that the world is rapidly changing. Globally, sovereign capability in life sciences has never been so important. Indeed, standing still isn’t an option.
“A consistent message from AusBiotech is that Australia needs a unified and coordinated strategy when it comes to the life sciences. We look forward to working with the Victorian Government as they continue to engage our industry as it takes new health innovations to the world.”
BioMelbourne Network CEO Karen Parr said, “BioMelbourne Network wholeheartedly welcomes the release of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement. It reaffirms the vital role of health technologies and medical research in driving innovation and economic resilience in our state. It is gratifying to see BioMelbourne Network’s advocacy in collaboration with its partners in and for the sector recognised.
“Victoria is Australia’s leader in the life science sector – a position that continues to attract and retain global companies to call our state home.
“This renewed focus strengthens Victoria’s global lead, and we are excited that it will enable our sector to explore new pathways to expand our high-value exports even further, ensuring the sector’s growth benefits communities here and around the world.”
