House debates

Monday, 22 June 2015

Statements by Members

Tasmania: Innovation

4:26 pm

Photo of Andrew NikolicAndrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

In March this year I joined the Minister for Industry and Science in announcing grants worth $13 million for Tasmanian projects under the Australian government's Innovation Investment Fund. These grants were matched dollar for dollar by local businesses and I am pleased to report that in my electorate of Bass these grants were estimated to create more than 60 much-needed jobs.

The innovative businesses to win grants included craft beer maker, Little Rivers Brewing Co. in Scottsdale, Kooee Snacks in Legana, Australian Honey Products in Launceston and George Town Seafoods.

As island folk, Tasmanians have no choice but to be innovative and resourceful. So I was delighted to learn recently of the inaugural Innovative Tasmania Awards. These awards aim to recognise the best innovators and innovative organisations in our state, both past and present. The awards are the initiative of Big Picture Tasmania, the Australian Innovation Research Centre at the University of Tasmania and the Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival—or Bofa. Bofa director, Owen Tilbury said, 'The awards recognise the role that innovation plays in improving Tasmania's future,' and I cannot agree more. Nominations are open until 31 July and the winners will be announced at a major function in Launceston on 6 November.

I commend these awards to individuals, businesses and organisations in Tasmania and I congratulate the organisers.