Focus on Innovation a welcome start for the Turnbull Government
Medicines Australia would like to congratulate all the Ministers sworn-in to the first Turnbull Ministry and is particularly encouraged by the Prime Minister’s focus on innovation.
The new Ministry contains a mixture of continuity, fresh faces and new positions, such as in the areas of rural health and innovation.
At his first press conference Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated that, “The Australia of the future has to be a nation that is agile, that is innovative, that is creative”.
Mr Turnbull added more weight to this statement at his press conference yesterday when he said the Ministry of Industry, Innovation and Science would, “be at the centre, (of) the whole Government, of one of our most important agendas.”
Medicines Australia CEO Tim James said, “It’s encouraging to see that this statement has been backed up through the new Ministry.”
“I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister for placing innovation back into the Industry and Science portfolio and for appointing Wyatt Roy MP to the new and exciting role of Assistant Minister for Innovation.”
“Medicines Australia member companies are at the forefront of innovation. They create medicines which help Australians live healthy and productive lives. This innovation also helps to support local investment in research and development, clinical trials and jobs for thousands of Australian scientists and doctors.”
“We look forward to working with Mr Pyne and Mr Roy in this important portfolio.”
“The new Minister for Education, Sen. Simon Birmingham, will also have an important role in the future of the Australian innovative medicines industry.”
“Yesterday, the Prime Minister also made a point of making University collaboration with industry a major focus of the Government. Our members are already heavily involved in achieving exactly this outcome and we welcome further efforts by the Government to make this investment even easier.”
“Medicines Australia welcomes the retention of Sussan Ley MP as the Minister for Health. It’s important to have continuity in this important portfolio and we look forward to working with the Minister on policies that help Australians to live long, productive and healthy lives.”
“I would also like to congratulate Senator Fiona Nash on her appointment as Minister for Rural Health and Ken Wyatt on his elevation to Assistant Minister for Health. Mr Wyatt has a strong background in Aboriginal Health issues at the NSW and WA Departments of Health, is a longstanding member of the Standing Committee on Health and is currently the Chair of Parliamentary Friends of Diabetes.”
“Medicines Australia looks forward to working with the new Treasurer, Scott Morrison. It’s important that the Government provides Budget policy certainty and stability so that our members can invest in Australia with confidence.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of the outgoing Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Ian Macfarlane. Mr Macfarlane has been a staunch supporter of the innovative medicines industry and leaves big shoes to fill.”
“I would especially like to thank him for his efforts in establishing the Health Industry Forum and the Industry Growth Centres which are both positive initiatives for our industry and the nation.”
“With change comes opportunity and Medicines Australia stands ready to help the Turnbull Government to implement a policy agenda which helps to create a smarter, stronger and healthier Australia.”
Contact:
James Boyce
Phone: 0423 239 265
Email: James.Boyce@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au