- Published:
- Sunday 23 October 2016
The Andrews Labor Government will invest $4 million in a world class medicines manufacturing centre to help Victoria’s pharmaceutical industry create new products, grow exports and develop skills.
Premier Daniel Andrews today announced the investment while opening the International Biofest 2016 conference.
The new Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) will be led by Monash University and supported by global pharmaceuticals company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Labor Government.
It will provide Victoria’s medicines manufacturers with access to specialist scientific capabilities to solve technical challenges and encourage investment in research and development, high-tech manufacturing, skills development and collaboration.
It will also offer internships with manufacturing companies to provide students with industry experience so they can confidently enter the workforce.
Since 2010, more than 85 Monash students have gained industry experience through internships at GSK, all gaining employment within six months of graduation.
International Biofest will see more than 2,000 delegates from around the world converge on Melbourne for Australia’s largest ever gathering of the life sciences industry.
The week-long conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will host some of the world’s leading life science companies and academics for a range of major events and networking opportunities.
The Labor Government is supporting high growth sectors, such as medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, through our $200 million Future Industries Fund to boost economic growth and create jobs for Victoria.
Now home to more than 180 biotech companies, 10 major medical research institutes, 10 major teaching hospitals and nine universities, Victoria is a world-leading location for the development and manufacture of medical technologies, biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals.
More than 50 per cent of all ASX listed life science companies also call Melbourne home.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Victoria is leading the country as the centre of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. These industries are vital for our state’s future – that’s why we’re actively driving them to grow the economy and create Victorian jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“The new MMIC will further boost Victoria’s medicines manufacturing capability, helping students gain the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce and support the industry into the future.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria the location of choice for companies in this sector, across Australia and worldwide. This conference will help us show the global industry what we have to offer.”