“The Minister at the helm of the new Industry Department, Ian Macfarlane, is one of the most experienced Ministers in the new line-up and is no stranger to the portfolio, having previously filled the seat in the Howard Government”, said Belinda Robinson, Chief Executive of peak body, Universities Australia.

“With science and research also included in other portfolios, structures and strategies that bring whole-of-government coherence to research science and innovation arrangements and approaches will be essential”, Ms Robinson said.

The critical role of universities for fostering national prosperity and productivity has been acknowledged by the Prime Minister’s decision to have universities and research represented in Cabinet by two of the Abbott Government’s most senior and experienced frontbenchers – the Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne and the Minister for Industry, Ian Macfarlane.

“Co-ordination and a close working relationship between the two portfolios will be vital to give effect to the Coalition’s identification of education and research as one of the five pillars of national economic development and growth”, Ms Robinson said.

Universities Australia congratulates Ms Lisa Paul on her appointment as Secretary of the Department of Education and Ms Glenys Beauchamp as the Secretary of the Department of Industry.