Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the Australian Government’s new Innovation and Science Agenda includes a range of initiatives that will improve the well-being and quality of life in Australia’s regional and rural areas.

 

“The agenda is a broad-ranging strategy that will change the way all Australians work together to shape the future,” Mr Coulton said.

 

“Strong, vibrant, regional communities and innovative, sustainable rural industries are in Australia’s national interest.

 

“Agriculture and our regional economies are, and will remain, a foundation of our national economy as we position ourselves to embrace new opportunities.”

 

Mr Coulton welcomed the Agenda’s range of new initiatives that build on existing measures such as the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Industry Growth Centres Initiative and the rural R&D system.

 

“This announcement presents a range of opportunities across the community,” Mr Coulton said.

 

“There’s assistance for local business to innovate and grow, support for entrepreneurs to back their ideas and get access to the capital they need and closer connections between industry and research, particularly in agriculture.

 

“There are also new initiatives for our young people to get the digital literacy and science, technology and maths skills they need for the jobs of the future.

 

“Australia’s best resources are its people and we all need to work together to transform our future and unleash our best ideas.”