Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane says the Abbott Government will continue to work with the industry and science sectors to generate economic growth and create new jobs.
Marking two years since its election, Mr Macfarlane said the Abbott Government has put in place a new framework for Australian industry and science focussed on building areas of competitive strength, supporting industries as they transition into new opportunities, building the industries of the future, and leveraging the Government’s investment in research and science.
“The Government’s Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda has set out a new paradigm for industry policy with an emphasis on science to foster innovation and research,” said Mr Macfarlane.
“This Government has been working closely with industry, universities, the research sector and the science community to encourage increased collaboration and to place science at the centre of industry – the engine room of national productivity - in order to take advantage of the transitioning global economy.
“This new global frontier of new challenges, new industries and new jobs is not something that should unnerve us as a nation. Rather it is an opportunity that we should grasp firmly with both hands,” he said.
Senator Kim Carr, Shadow Minister for Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Industry, has criticised the Abbott Government for cuts to R&D programs, including an as yet unsuccessful attempt to reduce the level of the R&D Tax Incentive.
According to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science, Karen Andrews, across Government there has been an investment of more than $9.7 billion this year on science, research and innovation.
“This is a Government that is serious about science. Over the last two budgets we announced targeted investments of more than $230 million in science including securing the ongoing operation of vital scientific assets like the RV Investigator and promoting science in the community,” said Mrs Andrews.
“We have also consulted widely to develop ways to boost our national science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capability and are determined to increase the number of students studying STEM subjects in schools and universities, and taking STEM skills into the workforce.
“That’s why we’re investing $12 million to improve the focus on these subjects in primary and secondary schools through the Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda,” said Ms Andrews.
“By continuing to back our strengths and investing in Australia’s future, the Government will work with industry and science to improve our competitiveness and increase our reach into global markets,” Mr Macfarlane added.