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MINISTER MINCHIN ON TRACK TO BOOST INNOVATION
4 September 2000

The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Brian Anderson, today welcomed the release of the report of the Innovation Summit Implementation Group (ISIG).

'This report completes the blueprint for innovation-based economic growth. The first part of the plan was the Chief Scientist's review of our science capacity. That review documented convincingly the links between producing new knowledge and creating new wealth.

'The Chief Scientist's report was a clear endorsement of Senator Minchin's strategy of pursuing reform of our national capacity to innovate. He has consulted widely and openly, especially through the Innovation Summit process. The result is a broad set of reforms involving industry, research, education and the community.

'Both the Minister and his Department have committed an enormous part of their time and energy to the process behind these reports.

'As a result of the inclusive process the Minister has used, I believe that the ISIG proposals will find strong support in all sectors.

'Action on the recommendations of these reports is essential if we are to provide good jobs for today's children.

'Recently, official statistics have confirmed that our industries are under-investing in innovation. While other advanced and advancing economies are boosting their research and innovation spending, ours is declining. This must be reversed.

'Government leadership is clearly needed.

'Our number one need is that Australia participate in the new economy and be seen by the rest of the world to be doing this.

'We are preparing a joint statement with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering covering the details of the report.'