The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s plan to put university innovation and industry collaboration at the centre of Australia’s economic recovery. The University Research Commercialisation Action Plan will supercharge the translation of Australian research into commercial products that will generate new employment and export opportunities.

The Action Plan is backed by a $1.6 billion investment program, allowing Australian innovators to access funding to help projects achieve their commercial potential. The commitment also includes an additional $296 million to fund 1,800 industry PhDs and over 800 fellowships over 10 years. 

$800 Bonus Payment to Support Australia’s Aged Care Workforce
The Morrison Government will provide $210 million to support the aged care workforce to continue to care for older Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. A bonus of up to $800 will be made in two instalments of up to $400 each. This is the fourth bonus paid in recognition of the significant commitment aged care workers have made to the care of senior Australians during the pandemic. 

Apprenticeship Numbers Reach Decade High
The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research confirms that Morrison Governments skills policies are delivering results for young Australians. The survey found more than a quarter of Australian employers (27.4 per cent) currently have an apprentice or trainee, the highest level since 2011. It also found 38 per cent of businesses had increased the number of apprentices or trainees during the pandemic compared with previous years, supported by the Government’s training policies. 

New Investment to Continue the Fight Against All Forms of Violent Extremism
The Morrison Government is investing a further $61.7 million into countering violent extremism (CVE) programs, to keep Australians safe from the full range of extremist ideologies. Initiatives include expanding intervention programs into rural and regional areas and establishing a national program to rehabilitate and reintegrate violent extremists in custody. The Morrison Government is ensuring that Australia’s CVE programs remain effective in an evolving and increasingly complex environment. This latest investment means the Government has nearly doubled the total investment in CVE programs since such initiatives began in 2013.