New board to help modernise manufacturing






By Peter Roberts

The federal government has reinvigorated the advisory board helping to implement its Modern Manufacturing Strategy with a new name and a number of high-powered business appointments.

The newly named Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA) adds industry to the name and purpose of the former body and will continue to be led by by Andrew Stevens (pictured) the chairman of its predecessor Innovation and Science Australia.

Joining the board on three-year appointments are DuluxGroup CEO Patrick Houlihan and Woodside Energy’s Lauren Stafford, the latter perhaps reflecting the government’s gas-heavy Covid-19 recovery strategy.

Fintech and consumer rights expert Scott Farrell, space technology entrepreneur Dr Alex Grant and ag-tech innovator Sarah Nolet have been appointed for two years.

Industry minister Karen Andrews said IISA had the important task of overseeing the development of industry-led road maps.

Andrews said: “It is industry that will chart the course of our recovery and make this strategy stick for generations to come.

“We know it is industry, not governments, that create jobs, so it’s essential that we have people from industry in these key advisory roles.

“These appointments will ensure the Board has the necessary skills, expertise, and connections to the Australian business community to reshape and reignite Australian manufacturing – as well as delivering advice more broadly on how to innovate.”

However IISA is ultimately an advisory body and decisions will continue to be made, as they were in crafting the modern manufacturing strategy, within the government and minister’s office.

IISA Board Chair Andrew Stevens said he was keen to get to work with the refreshed Board.

“These new appointments will bring a wealth of industry experience and fresh thinking to the Board.

“I look forward to working with our current and new members to further contribute to Australia’s economic recovery.”

Picture: Andrew Stevens

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