MTPConnect congratulates newly appointed Ministers for Health and Industry, Innovation and Science

19 January 2017

MTPConnect CEO, Sue MacLeman, has congratulated the newly appointed The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and The Hon. Greg Hunt MP as Minister for Health and Sport, and The Hon. Ken Wyatt AO, MP as Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, in the re-shuffled Turnbull government.

“This is an exciting time for the Health and Industry, Innovation and Science portfolios, and we are excited to work closely with Minister Hunt and Senator Sinodinos to ensure the ongoing success and innovation of the Australian medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical (MTP) and health sectors.

“MTPConnect has been mandated to seize opportunities created by Australia’s internationally recognised research – driving innovation, productivity and competition – to establish Australia as an Asia-Pacific hub for MTP companies, so that we can continue to be a world-leader in our field. We look forward to continuing this work with the newly appointed ministers.

“In six months in the position, Minister Hunt has proved his commitment to science, innovation, and health, launching programs such as the $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund, the $200 million CSIRO Innovation Fund, as well as launching the first round of our own MTPConnect Project Fund Program, providing $7.4 million to boost competitiveness and productivity in the MTP sector.

“Minister Hunt’s experience places him in a unique position to continue this important work with a multi-faceted understanding of the requirements involved to ensure that the Australian MTP and health sectors can reach their full potential, and provide an example of best-practice to the world.

“With his extensive corporate and parliamentary experience, Senator Sinodinos will no doubt continue to drive this important innovation agenda. We are excited to work closely together to ensure the ongoing success, innovation and commercialisation of the Australian MTP sector.

“We would also like to congratulate Ken Wyatt for his well-deserved promotion as Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, the first Indigenous person appointed to the Commonwealth ministry. We look forward to seeing Assistant Minister Wyatt develop this important portfolio.”

Through extensive consultation with over 600 sector participants, MTPConnect launched a 10-Year Sector Competitiveness Plan, outlining a vision and the strategy to drive change through highly targeted action to accelerate the innovation and growth of the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector in Australia.