Contributing to the Federal Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit’s Employment White Paper, AusBiotech is seeking feedback from members on the key enablers and opportunities that will help us meet our industry’s future skill and workforce needs.
After participating in an invitation-only biotechnology roundtable discussion, led by Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AO, AusBiotech is calling for feedback to inform the Employment White Paper that will map a comprehensive blueprint for Australia’s future labour market and recommend immediate actions and opportunities for medium and long-term reform.
The Jobs and Skills Summit, being led by the Prime Minister and Treasurer and supported by other key ministers including Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic, will take place on 1-2 September. The Summit will bring together industry, civil society, unions and governments, to focus on rebuilding sovereign manufacturing and maximising jobs and opportunities as we address our shared economic challenges. The Summit’s discussions will also inform Treasury’s Employment White Paper.
AusBiotech is considering its response and seeks to accelerate Australia’s biotechnology capability and workforce by understanding the challenges and opportunities being faced, and invites feedback to the following questions:
- What is the one thing Government could do to make a difference?
- What are the key enablers and opportunities that will help us meet biotech’s future skill and workforce needs?
- How could we better support employers and employees to meet future skills needs?
- How do we best attract global talent to support biotech’s workforce needs?
- What are the opportunities for collaboration or partnerships to address workforce shortages, and boost innovation and productivity?
AusBiotech’s Biotechnology Sector Snapshot 2022 revealed that the number of employees in our industry has increased eight per cent since 2019, expanding from approximately 243,406 people to more than 263,693 in 2022. Increased innovation can lift productivity growth, however Australia needs to ensure the workforce has the right education and skills to meet these expanding needs.
