LNP misleading public on innovation outcomes

The Palaszczuk Government will continue to invest in innovation to create jobs, despite the anti-innovation rhetoric coming from the LNP.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said she was concerned the misleading figures released by LNP Shadow Minister Tarnya Smith showed a lack of understanding of innovation policy.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland innovation plan has already attracted Johnson & Johnson, Siemens and Emory University, in addition to Boeing, to set up or expand their operations in Queensland.

“Labor understands that investing in innovation is about creating jobs now, and the jobs of the future by fostering a vibrant local economic environment and strengthening international connections to bring expertise and investment to Queensland.

“This means more jobs for Queenslanders.

“When it comes to innovation, Queensland’s LNP is a policy vacuum.

“It seems as though the Shadow Minister just doesn’t understand why supporting innovation in business will keep jobs in Queensland rather than see them go offshore.

“The Budget Estimates committee was told that 121 jobs had been created through an $8 million injection from the Advance Queensland program – a figure less than 15 per cent of the cost claimed by the LNP,” Ms Enoch said.

“In addition to the $8 million already delivering direct jobs, a further $28 million has been committed to our innovation agenda to create even more jobs.

“This total commitment has also leveraged an additional $58 million of private sector funding in our state.

“Australian Bureau of Statistic figures clearly show that 36,600 extra jobs since the January 2015 election have been created in Queensland and Advance Queensland is part of creating that employment environment.”

Minister Enoch said she had further concerns that comments from the LNP’s Shadow Minister attacking the investment with global aerospace company Boeing had the potential to put future investment in Queensland by international companies at risk.

“It is reckless and irresponsible of Tim Nicholls and the LNP to attack the international partners who are joining the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland agenda, because it could put at risk the high-value jobs that we are creating,” Ms Enoch said.

“For instance, Boeing already employs nearly 1000 Queenslanders and our partnership will deliver at least 100 more jobs.

“In 2015 alone, Boeing spent around AUD $4.5 billion on research and development globally and we are determined to capture as much of this as possible – this partnership is already delivering an investment of $3.3 million from Boeing."

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201