ARCHIVE - The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP was the former Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. The following media release was issued during his term as Minister. A new Government was sworn in by the Governor-General on 3 December 2007, including the following Ministerial appointments:
Senator the Hon Kim Carr - Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP - Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors and the Service Economy, Minister Assisting the Finance Minister on Deregulation.
For media releases from the current term of Government, please visit http://minister.innovation.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Media Release
The Hon Ian Macfarlane, MP
8 May 2007
Australian Industry, Tourism and Resources Minister, Ian Macfarlane, today announced more than $625 million over four years in Budget funding to drive growth, build prosperity and capture export opportunities for Australian industry.
"Since 1996, Howard Government policies have underwritten the longest economic expansion in Australia's post-war history. Industry has produced record investment, exports and innovation," Mr Macfarlane said.
"The human dividend of this growth is obvious: two million more Australians have jobs and real wages are almost 20 per cent higher.
"The Industry Statement is the next step in sustaining this national prosperity. It enhances an already successful suite of policies and adds new programmes to boost industry productivity and competitiveness, particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors."
Over four years the Industry Statement provides:
- $96.0 million in ongoing funding for the Global Opportunities programme;
- $134.6 million in ongoing funding to establish Australian Industry Productivity Centres;
- More than $200 million to extend eligibility of the 175 per cent Premium R&D Tax Concession;
- $21.5 million to develop a National Nanotechnology Strategy;
- $32.1 million in ongoing funding for Commercial Ready Plus to support innovation by micro-businesses;
- $15.0 million for the Intermediary Access Programme;
- $49.0 million to develop an online registration system for both the Australian Business Number and state and territory business names; and
- $14.3 million to extend the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business Programme.
For information on other Industry Statement programmes go to: www.industry.gov.au
Other Budget initiatives in the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio include:
- $12.2 million over four years to implement energy policy initiatives;
- $18.5 million over four years to establish a framework for carbon dioxide capture and storage; and
- $34.9 million over four years to extend the Australian Tourism Development Programme with a focus on supporting projects in drought affected areas.
Media contact: Claire Wilkinson (02) 6277 7580 or 0419 840452.