Brisbane biomedical sector under microscope

Published Monday, 25 July, 2016 at 08:57 AM

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Brisbane’s sciences sector will soon have its say about growing Queensland’s burgeoning biomedical and life sciences industry over the next 10 years and creating high-tech jobs for the students and researchers of today.

Researchers and industry leaders are invited to contribute to the Palaszczuk Government’s recently released Biomedical and Life Sciences Roadmap discussion paper at a special consultation session in Brisbane on 29 July.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham encouraged the biomedical sector to participate in the session, one of a series to be held across the state.

“We are working to build a bigger club of Queensland biomedical and life science high fliers, to generate jobs and stimulate growth in this future-focused sector.

“We want to generate the high-tech jobs of the future by taking our growing community of research centres and start-up companies to a national and global level.

“We have a robust research sector, and existing strengths in a range of areas, including genetic/genomic services, biofabrication, early phase clinical trials, and manufacturing of niche pharmaceutical products, medical devices and diagnostics,” he said.

Dr Lynham said the industry was forecast to grow by about four per cent in coming years and was rated fifth in the world for its biotechnology innovation potential.

“We want input from industry, academia and the community about how and where we can turn ideas into products and start-ups into leaders to generate jobs and business opportunities,” he said.

The latest figures show the biomedical industry in Queensland has a total annual income of $2.7 billion. The therapeutic medicines and devices sub sector alone employs more than 6000 people in Queensland.

Queensland’s biomedical and life sciences sector is one of six priority sectors identified as growth targets under Advance Queensland: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biofutures, defence, mining equipment, technology and services; and biomedical and life sciences.

Consultation on the discussion paper is open until 5.00pm, Friday 5 August 2016.

To view the discussion paper and make a submission or to register your interest in attending a consultation session visit www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/biomedical

ENDS 25 July 2016

MEDIA CONTACT    0428 319 481