I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science.

Both of these portfolios are central to the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia strategy. Above all, I am acutely aware that this portfolio is about jobs for Australians in every corner of the country.

In a fast-changing and more challenging regional and global environment, this government is focused on securing Australia’s economic resilience and capturing investment in industrial capability. We are ensuring Australians have good jobs in sectors where Australia’s energy advantage delivers future competition, capability for growth and improved productivity.

I am deeply aware of the responsibility of this vital role and look forward to working with the talented staff and scientists at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the CSIRO and associated agencies.

I intend to use my time in this portfolio to elevate the role of STEM in the community, in particular for the next generation. From apprenticeship boilermakers to nuclear physicists, engineers and data scientists, good, fulfilling science and technology careers are vital to making a more secure and resilient Australia and a better, more equal society.

I thank Ed Husic and his team for their hard work and intellectual energy laying the foundations of Labor’s approach to industrial policy, innovation, technology and science over the last term of Parliament.

I am delighted that the Prime Minister has appointed Dr Andrew Charlton as the Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, and I look forward to bringing his experience and talent to bear in this critical work for Australia.

Industry policy, innovation and science are critical in delivering on important national interest objectives, and they are also crucial to delivering good jobs, investment and economic and social development for regional and suburban Australia.

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