Innovation Agenda to drive great ideas and growth in Mitchell

Federal Member for Mitchell, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, welcomed the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, which will drive business growth, increase entrepreneurship and forge closer links between research and industry for the Hills district.

“This agenda reaches across the economy and into towns, cities and businesses of all sizes to harness our innovation potential and great ideas now to secure our future prosperity and quality of life,” Alex Hawke said.

“The Agenda includes initiatives to foster new start-ups, help businesses to grow, create jobs, and prepare young Australians for the opportunities of the future, wherever they are.”

“We have some highly innovative local businesses and entrepreneurs with great ideas who will be able to tap into business incubators to link to the expertise and networks they need to take their ideas forward, “Alex Hawke said.

“We’re making it easier for promising businesses to hire and retain top staff by making existing employee share scheme rules more user friendly.

“It will also be easier for startups and businesses to engage with universities and researchers to develop real solutions to industry problems through an expanded Research Connections programme.

“Incentives like tax offsets and capital gains tax exemptions will drive greater venture capital investment in Australia to help these products and ideas reach the global market.”

Universities, including those in regional centres, will be supported to work more closely with industry and businesses, translating science and research into growth through the five Industry Growth Centres and reformed Co-operative Research Centres programme.

Alex Hawke highlighted substantial new investment to boost national science capability and capacity, including $450 million over the next four years in National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) facilities, the Australian Synchrotron and the Square Kilometre array.

“This ensures Australia’s world-class researchers have access to the critical large-scale research equipment needed for cutting-edge science,” Alex Hawke said.

Alex Hawke said the Agenda included substantial new investment to develop the scientists, researchers and technologists of tomorrow, including $12 million to encourage greater participation of girls and women in STEM studies and careers.

“I’m pleased to see several new initiatives for our young people to develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future, especially in digital literacy and science, technology and maths.

“A more innovative Australia will maintain our high standard of living, keep the nation competitive, and create jobs and new opportunities for all Australians,” concluded Alex Hawke MP.