Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Senator Tim Ayres to the industry, innovation and science portfolios.
Mark Butler has been reappointed to the health portfolio, with the National Disability Insurance Scheme added to his responsibilities, while Dr Andrew Charlton will support Senator Ayres as assistant minister for science, technology and the digital economy.
Senator Ayres, who succeeds Ed Husic in the industry portfolio, is from New South Wales. He was elected to the Senate in 2019 and served in assistant minister roles in the Albanese Government's first term, including in trade, manufacturing, and future made in Australia.
AusBiotech welcomed the new minister.
CEO Rebekah Cassidy said, "We welcome the Prime Minister's announcement of his Ministry. This new ministry make-up presents an opportunity for renewed focus and bold leadership in unlocking the full potential of Australia’s life sciences sector, which is a critical national asset for productivity, health security and improved health outcomes for all Australians.
"We congratulate the Hon Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as Minister for Health and Ageing. Minister Butler is an advocate for a whole-pipeline approach for our sector – from discovery to start-up, clinical trials, manufacturing, export, access and reimbursement. We welcome his ongoing support for Australia’s life sciences sector and look forward to continuing our collaboration with him and his office to strengthen the nation’s health innovation ecosystem, from bench to bedside.
"We welcome the appointment of Senator the Hon Tim Ayres as Minister for Industry and Innovation, and Minister for Science, and Dr Andrew Charlton MP, as Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy.
"As Australian industry navigates a rapidly evolving global context, we welcome Minister Ayres’ and Dr Chalton's depth of experience from across government and industry. We look forward to working closely with them to address immediate challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes for the life sciences sector, as well as advocate for its urgent prioritisation under the Future Made in Australia Act."