Last week the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, announced the remaining two Chairs for the five the Industry Growth Centres, which will strengthen industry-led collaboration and drive opportunities for growth.

The $188.5 million Industry Growth Centres Initiative will establish five Growth Centres, led by eminent industry experienced Chairs, in key growth sectors. Chairs will use their expertise to work with business, researchers and government on practical ways to grow these sectors, boost productivity and create jobs.

The Chairs of the five Industry Growth Centres are:

• Mr Andrew Stevens, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre
• Mr Peter Schutz, Chair of the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre
• Dr Bronwyn Evans,Chair of the Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Growth Centre
• Ms Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, Chair of the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services Growth Centre
• Mr Reg Nelson, Chair of the Oil,Gas and Energy Resources Growth Centre

These Chairs, in consultation with their sectors, will lead the development of a Growth Centre proposal for the government’s consideration. During this phase, Chairs will focus on the strategic intent of the Growth Centre, initial activities, the expected governance arrangements and locations of the Growth Centre, and generating momentum.

Growth Centres are expected to be up and running by the middle of the year. The Advanced Manufacturing; Food and Agribusiness; and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services Growth Centres are expected to be operational first.

More information on the Industry Growth Centres is available at www.business.gov.au/IndustryGrowthCentres.