Victorian Government establishes Biotechnology Advisory Council

A new Biotechnology Advisory Council has been established by the Victorian Government to help advise on issues relevant to the sector and to aid in the implementation of the Government’s biotechnology policy.

The Victorian Biotechnology Advisory Council (VBAC) will be chaired by Professor Ian Gust, who is chair of the Bio21 Cluster and has been involved with several Australian and US biotechs, including CSL.

“I look forward to working with the Council to provide advice to government about issues and opportunities in the biotechnology sector, including opportunities to increase productivity, attract investment, attract and retain skilled people, and encourage the adoption of biotechnology across a wide range of industries,” said Professor Gust.

Victorian Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips welcomed Professor Gust’s appointment. “Professor Gust brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be instrumental in supporting the government to deliver on key priorities for the Victorian biotechnology sector,” he said.

The establishment of the VBAC is a key initiative of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology which was released on 17 October.

The Council is composed of the following Members:

• Prof Ian Gust (Chair)
• Dr Leigh Farrell
• Dr Simon Green
• Robert Klupacs
• Peter Lewis
• Sue MacLeman
• Dr Ian Nisbet
• Dr Esra Ogru
• Dr Paul Savage
• Professor Richard Strugnell
• Professor Andrew Wilks
• Ms Michelle Gallaher (BioMelbourne Network)
• Dr Anna Lavelle (AusBiotech)

Members are appointed for an initial period of two years. The Council will report to the Minister for Technology and will meet two to three times each year, with the first meeting scheduled to take place in mid-December.