After almost 12 months since being elected, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong is continuing to demonstrate that the Minns Labor Government has no direction or vision for New South Wales.
During the Minister’s Budget Estimates hearing, he refuted the notion that more investment into the innovation sector would drive growth and productivity and was unable to offer up any significant policy option to the contrary.
Minister Chanthivong has revealed that they are only just now opening up his Innovation Blueprint for stakeholder feedback.
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said that since Labor came to power, the industry and innovation sectors have stalled under a Minister who still has his training wheels on.
“The Minister is still undertaking reviews with no results for sectors which have been laden with uncertainty and stress thanks to his inaction.” Mr Coure said.
“We do not need more reviews. Entrepreneurs are demonstrating their frustration with their feet as they move interstate to jurisdictions who are offering real direction and vision, backed in with significant investment by government.”
“Under the former Liberal and Nationals Government, we saw a 325% increase of innovators setting up shop in NSW. Now our state’s proud track record as an industry leader in this space, is at risk.”
Jacqui Munro MLC said, “the Minister must be upfront with entrepreneurs who require a reliable partner in government. Whether it’s the time taken to determine grant applications or when any industry strategy will be delivered, we have all been left in the dark. It’s simply not good enough for NSW to be put in this position.”
“Developing a productive and prosperous modern economy requires leadership and vision. Under the Minns Labor Government, we have neither,” Ms Munro said.
