Advance Queensland delivering jobs for Queenslanders

The Palaszczuk Government’s $405 million whole of government Advance Queensland initiative is delivering real results for Queenslanders.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch today outlined to the Parliament some of the achievements delivered over the past two years.

“Since launching the Advance Queensland initiative in June 2015 my department alone has opened more than 20 funding programs, assessed more than 2000 applications, and approved 383 grants recipients,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland investment has so far supported, and will support more than 1400 jobs across the State.

“Advance Queensland is supporting jobs across a range of industry sectors right now, and is ensuring our state is in a position to create jobs in new and emerging industries in the future.

“Through the Advance Queensland initiative, the Palaszczuk Government is turning ideas into action by attracting new investment, building global partnerships and encouraging businesses to start, grow and employ, and investing in research and technology

“We appointed the Advance Queensland Expert Panel to provide expertise and independent advice to government in the implementation of these initiative and programs. The experience of the panel ensures programs and funding provided through Advance Queensland are being effectively invested and targeted.

Minister Enoch said Advance Queensland programs were not only having a positive economic benefit but were also helping to make the lives of Queenslanders better.

“We have funded 52 early and mid-career researchers through our Advance Queensland Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships programs,” she said.

“These are some of the brightest minds in our state and we are funding their research into key areas that impact thousands of Queenslanders, including early detection of cerebral palsy, and world-first 3D technology which could deliver significant benefits for women who have had breast cancer.

“We’ve also backed innovators across the State, from new food products in Mareeba to sensors for sugar mills in Townsville. Great ideas happen all over Queensland – and we are supporting them.

“Queensland is leading Australia – we have the first Chief Entrepreneur, a burgeoning biofutures sector and the amazing Myriad innovation and technology festival," she said.

The Palaszczuk Government held the inaugural Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit in Brisbane in April 2016 and the second event, Myriad Festival will be held in March at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

“I’m proud of the achievements over the past two years and I will continue to work hard to deliver jobs now, and prepare our economy for the jobs of the future,” she said.

Media contact: 0437 859 987