The Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry has appointed Professor Andrew Parratt as the new Clean Technologies (Cleantech) Supplier Advocate to provide leadership to companies that manufacture environmentally-friendly products.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, Richard Marles, announced the appointment on behalf of Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr at the Sir Mark Oliphant Conference – Cleantech Science and Solutions, in Melbourne.
“This position is about helping Australian businesses capitalise on the growing demand for clean technologies and the high-wage, high-skill jobs they support,” Marles said.
“Cleantech can be thought of as technologies, capabilities, products or industries that have both commercial and environmental benefits. Professor Parratt is an ideal appointment for this important role. He has extensive knowledge of a broad range of cleantech industries and experience in senior management and executive director roles in start-up companies, government business enterprises and universities.
According to Marles, Professor Parratt has strengths in connecting emerging technologies with unmet market needs and forging links that focus technology development and speed up adoption.
“These skills will offer an immense benefit to the cleantech industry,” he said.
“Professor Parratt will lead the creation and implementation of business development strategies for the cleantech industry. This will include assistance in accessing government programs delivered by AusIndustry, Austrade and Enterprise Connect.
“He will also work closely with the Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council, industry, unions, associations and government to further the sector’s interests.”
The $8.2 million Supplier Advocate Program is part of the Rudd Government’s $19.1 million Australian industry participation package. Through the program respected industry figures are being chosen to provide leadership for specific sectors.
Supplier Advocates have already been announced for rail, steel and IT.