AusBiotech has reinforced its role as Australia’s life sciences peak body through direct engagement in national discussions shaping the future of research, development, and innovation (R&D).
AusBiotech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy, joined industry and research leaders in Canberra for a roundtable with Ambitious Australia Expert Panel Chair Ms Robyn Denholm, alongside panel members Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC and Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO on Wednesday, 25 March.
The discussion focused on the findings of the Ambitious Australia: Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) report and its implications for Australia’s innovation system.
The report sets out a 40-year blueprint to transform Australia into a global leader in the innovation economy.
For the life sciences sector, this represents a significant opportunity. With more than 2,900 organisations employing approximately 350,000 Australians, the sector plays a critical role in driving economic growth, improving health outcomes, strengthening Australia’s global competitiveness, and national security.
AusBiotech’s participation in the roundtable ensured the life sciences sector's voice was represented in discussions on how to address fragmentation across the R&D ecosystem and unlock greater impact from national investment.
The organisation was also pleased to see strong industry representation, with AusBiotech member Cochlear participating in the roundtable, with CEO and President Dig Howitt attending. This demonstrated the important role of industry leadership in shaping national reform conversations.
AusBiotech also attended the National Press Club of Australia address by Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation, and Minister for Science.
In his address, the Minister highlighted the significance of the findings in the Ambitious Australia report and the need for a more coordinated, whole-of-government approach to innovation.
"Making Australia stronger and more resilient requires focus, statecraft, scale and enabling capability," the Minister said.
"Ambitious Australia’s message is clear: fragmentation is holding us back. 160 research and development programs across 13 portfolios cannot deliver the scale and impact we need...The task now is alignment."
Australia’s life sciences sector plays a critical role in delivering improved health outcomes, boosting productivity and economic resilience, and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness, at a time when global peers are increasing their investment in innovation and critical industries.
Advocating for a stronger, more connected ecosystem
AusBiotech continues to advocate for policy settings that support translation, development, and commercialisation, ensuring that Australia can unlock the full value of its life sciences research and innovation capabilities.
AusBiotech calls on the Australian Government to respond to the report’s recommendations as a priority in the upcoming 2026-27 Federal Budget, including:
- establishing a National Innovation Council;
- supported by a health and medical National Strategy Advisory Council; and,
- progressing a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to implementation.
As Australia’s life sciences peak body, AusBiotech continues to advocate for a stronger, more connected ecosystem.
Backing homegrown RD&I will lift productivity, strengthen our economy, and keep Australia competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
AusBiotech is hosting a free, member-only webinar briefing on the Ambitious Australia report on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
For more information about the report and to register for the upcoming webinar, click here.