Minister Visits Key Biotech Player

May 5th, 2008 - Media Statement

State Minister and Member for Cockburn Francis Logan visited the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) in Nedlands on April 30 to speak directly with its staff, who are being given the opportunity of being an integral part of Government plans to build WA's biotechnology capabilities.

The Minister for Energy, Resources, Industry and Enterprise explained the six investment "building blocks" the government is developing and moulding to help people in the biotechnology field - base data, the right people, research infrastructure, biotechnology parks, clinical trials facilities and manufacturing facilities.

Minister Logan outlined the direction the Government was steering the WA economy toward which was to take WA to the high end of the biotechnology market and create a reputation for quality research and products across the globe.

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said it was fantastic to have Minister Logan share his vision and plans with WAIMR staff who are part of the workforce which would shape the growing industry.

"At an executive level, we have had great support from the Minister and State Government to help us get new facilities and centres underway, so it was a fantastic opportunity for our staff to hear about the Minister's vision and put forward suggestions for the future," he said.

"To hear it directly and personally from the Minister that biotechnology is such a key government focus has inspired us - hearing about the opportunity we have to contribute to building the future has given our drive and motivation a boost."

Carrying on the WA Government's commitment to the biotechnology industry, it was announced in March that the State would support WA medical research institutes becoming foundation members of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), a pre-seed investment fund dedicated to investing in early development and commercialisation opportunities that stem from medical research institutes.

For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280