Release of major review of Technology and Industry Development Act

29/3/95

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan has released a major review of the State's Technology and Industry Development Act.

The review focuses on the effectiveness of the Act in terms of promoting technological development within industry and in attracting new industries based on science and technology.

Mr Cowan said that although the original Technology Development Act was enacted in 1983, no review of its operation or effectiveness had been presented to Parliament in the intervening period.

"Clearly, a review of the Act was long overdue by the time I became the responsible Minister in 1993," he said.

"Proper accountability for assistance programs provided under the legislation needs to be assured."

An independent steering committee, chaired by Mr Donald McDonald, chief executive of Cockburn Cement, was appointed in August 1994 to oversee the review.  Tenders were then called for the task of conducting the review, with the successful tenderer being management consultants Price Waterhouse Urwick, in conjunction with legal firm Michell Sillar McPhee.

The review took four months to complete and has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly by Mr Cowan.

It makes recommendations in a broad range of areas, including legislative changes; ministerial powers and functions; interaction with industry and the type of assistance offered to businesses.

Mr Cowan said he would welcome comment from interested parties on the report's legislative recommendations. The closing date for comment would be Friday, April 28.

Copies of the report were available from the Office of the Deputy Premier (phone 222-8788).

"I will be taking detailed proposals to Cabinet after I have received comments on the legislative proposals contained in the report," Mr Cowan added.

It is hoped new legislation can be introduced before the end of the year.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222-9595