VET News

New Innovation Minister for Queensland

The appointment of Kate Jones is described as good news for the state’s local startup sector, which was promised an additional $93 million boost under Advance Queensland initiative.

It indicates that the state government recognises the Innovation portfolio is more important than it first thought. By handing Innovation to risings star Ms Jones, the Premier has acknowledged the potential international benefits that could come out of bringing the portfolio to the forefront of its economic discussions.

Innovation will be complimentary to Ms Jones’ other portfolios – Commonwealth Games, Tourism Industry Development, and International Education – all of which are fundamentally focused on attracting international capital and relationships.

Ms Jones will join Queensland’s very own kitchen cabinet that will be responsible for making budget and strategic decisions on how to grow the economy.

Other members of the economic team include:

• Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has added Trader to her own responsibilities;
• Deputy Premier Jackie Trad will be appointed Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships; and
• Cameron Dick will be appointed Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Manufacturing, with responsibility for Economic Development Queensland and Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

“Key drivers in our jobs’ record have been record exports and tourism, turnarounds for major industries like resources and agriculture, and the development of new industries including large-scale renewables, bio-futures and becoming a major launch pad and drawcard for start-ups,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“We are making the investments in our roads, ports and other key infrastructure to strengthen the channels for exports and tourists.  We are investing in new industries and breaking new ground through Advance Queensland initiatives.”

“These investments are paying dividends in new jobs and new opportunities for Queenslanders.”

For more information, you can view the original article by Innovation Aus.

Date posted Dec 14, 2017