AusBiotech appoints policy and comms officer

Industry association AusBiotech is moving to cement its role as an advocate for Australia's biotechnology industry, with the appointment of former SDA Biotech principal Paris Brooke to a newly created role in policy and communications.

"Paris has extensive knowledge of the sector and we are delighted that she will be helping to boost AusBiotech's activities in this very important area of policy and communications," said the organisation's executive director Tony Coulepis.

Coulepis said AusBiotech was expanding its advocacy role, with the launch of a number of advisory groups in human health medicinals, agricultural biotechnology and medical devices. He said the need for increased advocacy and policy input was crucial as the industry moved into a more mature phase in its development.

In addition to formulating responses to issues of immediate concern to the industry, Brooke and the advisory groups would be responsible for identifying areas of importance to the industry and developing policy strategies for issues critical to the continued development of the sector, Coulepis said.

These included GMOs and agricultural biotechnology concerns, emerging companies and the need for globally competitive taxation policies, and input into the next generation National Biotechnology Strategy.

Brooke is expanding on a role formerly played by Fiona Corrie, who is leaving her post as information and marketing services manager to become an advisor on emerging technologies to Queensland Innovation Minister Paul Lucas.

Coulepis said that while AusBiotech regretted Corrie's departure, he was pleased that she would continue to support the industry in her new position.

"One thing we are trying to promote is the development of our own people," he said.