Industry Minister Nick Minchin on government's role in progress and innovation

Senator Nick Minchin became Australia's minister for Industry, Science, and Resources in 1998. He is responsible for increasing the competitiveness of the manufacturing, resources, and services industries. His portfolio includes science policy, market development and investment promotion, patents and trade marks, civil space activities, geodesy and remote sensing, tourism, sport, and recreation. Senator Minchin was formerly special minister of state and minister assisting the prime minister, with responsibility for a range of issues including Ministerial and Parliamentary Services, the Australian Electoral Commission, the Office of Government information and Advertising, and native title. He was elected to the Parliament as a Liberal senator for South Australia in 1993, and from 1994 to 1996 was the parliamentary secretary to the leader of the opposition. From 1985-93 Senator Minchin was state director of the South Australian Liberal Party. From 1975-83 he held a number of positions at the Liberal Party Federal Secretariat, including deputy federal director. He graduated from the Australian National University with economics and law degrees. Deeply involved in developing and implementing industry policy in Australia, Mr. Minchin provides an overview of economic developments and progress in reforming Australian industrial policy.