Overhaul Of R&D Corporations Announced

On 5 September 2019, the Hon. Senator Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Agriculture, announced the Australian Government’s plan to improve and modernise the rural Research and Development Corporation (RDC) system.

A discussion paper, Modernising the Research and Development Corporation system – Discussion paper has been released which sets out themes and questions to guide stakeholder input on how to improve and modernise the RDC system.

“We are very supportive of the collective investment for R&D, Marketing and biosecurity programs across the country,” said Peter Vaughan.

“We are supportive of the review to ensure the greenlife industry gets the best return for its investment in innovation and promoting markets.”

“As the industry representative body, we engage closely with Hort Innovation, on the strategic application of levy investments to ensure we are leading innovation in our field.”

Greenlife Industry Australia has contacted the Minister’s office for a meeting and will be making a submission by the closing date of 4 November 2019 and Members are also encouraged to have their say.

The Minister has also announced that an Innovation Advisory Panel will be established. The Panel will lead engagement with the sector, industry and the community on their views to modernise the RDC system. The Panel will use the input they receive to develop recommendations which are expected to be provided to Government in the first half of 2020. Announcements on appointments to the Panel are expected in the coming weeks.

The Minister’s media release can be found here.

Submissions should be made on the Department of Agriculture’s Have Your Say platform