Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s new Ministry focuses national attention squarely on the future, with unprecedented emphasis on Australia’s innovation, technology, and leveraging our research excellence to build a strong economy.
The AAMC has warmly welcomed the appointment of the Hon Christopher Pyne as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, as further raising the importance of industry policy in fostering Australia’s competitive advantages. Queensland MP Wyatt Roy will take on the role of Assistant Minister for Innovation (watch an interview with Mr Roy here).
AAMC Chairman John Pollaers this week paid tribute to former Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ian Macfarlane, for his success in putting advanced manufacturing on the agenda.
“Now with a prime minister who understands and appreciates the significance of technology and capabilities, there is truly an opportunity to move from re-establishing their critical importance to actually accelerating and leveraging them for Australia,” he said.
In announcing the new Ministry, Prime Minister Turnbull said Australia must be more competitive and more productive – and above all, more innovative – “if we want to remain a prosperous, first world economy with a generous social welfare safety net”.
“We have to work more agilely, more innovatively; we have to be more nimble in the way we seize the enormous opportunities that are presented to us. We’re not seeking to proof ourselves against the future. We are seeking to embrace it,” he said.
“Christopher’s department, the Ministry for Industry, Innovation and Science will drive the Government’s focus on investing in science; promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education; supporting start-ups and bringing together innovation initiatives right across Government.”
Senator the Honourable Marise Payne, as the new Minister for Defence, is the first woman to be Minister for Defence in Australia’s history. Among the Minister’s first priorities will be the release of the Defence White Paper later this year, defining the Government’s key national security priorities.
Senator Simon Birmingham has been appointed the Minister for Education and Training, moving from Assistant Minister.
“He’s moved quickly and effectively to lead the transformation of the vocational education and training sector as Assistant Minister,” the Prime Minister said.
The Honourable Kelly O’Dwyer MP has been appointed the Minister for Small Business and the Assistant Treasurer, a position which has been elevated to Cabinet.
To read the full transcript of the Ministry announcement, click here.