30 November 2018
On behalf of its members, BioMelbourne Network congratulates the Hon Daniel Andrews MP and the Victorian Labor party on their re-election at the 2018 state election.
BioMelbourne Network CEO Dr Krystal Evans welcomes the opportunity to work with Premier Andrews and his new cabinet to support the growth of the health industry in Victoria, in the key sectors of biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceuticals.
The changes to the cabinet reveal a shake-up of portfolios with new ministers in key areas of responsibility for the health industry:
- Tim Pallas will remain as Treasurer, and also serve as Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Industrial Relations
- Martin Pakula will be the lead Minister in the Government for jobs, with responsibility for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
- Jenny Mikakos has been appointed Minister for Health, and is supported by Frank McGuire who continues as Parliamentary Secretary for Medical Research.
BioMelbourne Network acknowledges the work of outgoing ministers, and particularly thanks Minister Jill Hennessy for her dedicated work in the health portfolio, Minister Ben Carroll for his valuable contributions to industry and Minister Dalidakis for driving innovation and trade.
“I particularly acknowledge the commitment and contribution of outgoing Minister, the Hon Philip Dalidakis for championing biotech and medtech during his time in the Innovation and Trade portfolio. The outcomes he delivered, with passion and purpose, over the past four years have put Victoria’s innovative Health Industry on a strong course for the future,” said Dr Evans.
In strong support for gender equity in leadership, the Andrews government has made history by announcing Victoria’s first ever cabinet with 50 per cent women in the ministry.
There are significant changes to the machinery of government with Victoria’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources being split into two new departments; DEDJTR will become the Department of Transport (DOT) and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR).
BioMelbourne Network will be working on behalf of members to build relationships with the new ministers and departments and share the stories of the incredible contributions that our industry makes to Victoria.
