AusBiotech has set out clear asks to all sides of politics ahead of the 2025 Federal Election on 3 May. It's time for urgent action to ensure Australia's thriving life sciences sector is recognised as a strategic national priority.
Australia is home to nearly 1,600 life sciences companies that span the full pipeline — from translation and development to commercialisation and advanced manufacturing. Despite this known strength, we continue to see the economic, security and health benefits of our health innovations realised offshore.
We want Australian life science companies to remain globally competitive, while contributing to Australia's health, economic resilience, and national security.
With the global political context rapidly evolving, it is now more important than ever to stand up an Australian Life Sciences Council and develop a whole-of-government strategy.
AusBiotech is calling for immediate action:
Develop Australia's first whole-of-government National Life Sciences Strategy to set clear policy priorities and eliminate duplication.
Establish an Australian Life Sciences Council — a strategic partnership between industry and government to address the implications of the rapidly evolving trade environment, as well as deliver the National Strategy.
Recognise life sciences as the next priority within whole-of-government initiatives like the Future Made in Australia Act.
Invest in data to better understand global interdependencies, drive innovation and inform effective policy-making.
AusBiotech is engaging across the political spectrum to ensure the life sciences sector is prioritised as a pillar of our future economy and national health security.
We're proud of Australia's track record of world-first health innovations. Now, we must ensure those breakthroughs are fully realised in Australia — creating jobs, building resilience, and driving long-term economic returns.
