Media Release
Thursday 19 March 2015
MTAA welcomes the appointment of Dr Bronwyn Evans as Chair of the Medical
Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Growth Centre
MTAA welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Industry, The Hon Ian Macfarlane
MP appointing Dr Bronwyn Evans to the Chair of the Medical Technologies and
Pharmaceuticals Growth Centre.
MTAA Chief Executive Susi Tegen said “The establishment of the Medical Technologies and
Pharmaceuticals Growth Centre will enable a national approach to key issues that are
currently impeding the growth of this innovative industry in Australia, in order to foster skills
development, collaboration and importantly the commercialisation of research.”
“Dr Evans will bring exceptional skills, understanding and experience to her new role,” Ms
Tegen said. “She has regulatory, industry, research and academic experience and a
comprehensive understanding of all the components that are required to create a successful
industry. With over 30 years experience as an engineering executive in the areas of medical
devices, engineering education, power generation and standards creation, the MTAA is
delighted with the appointment of Dr Evans to this significant role.”
Dr Evans has worked for one of Australia’s most successful medical technology companies
Cochlear, is a former Chair of Medical Technology Association Australia and was named
Professional Engineer of the Year at the 2013 Engineering Excellence Awards.
The medical technologies industry is supported by a strong skills base, stable economy and
quality healthcare system. Despite this, the Australian medical technology industry lags
behind its international counterparts in successfully commercialising research into profitable
products and services. MTAA will encourage the Growth Centre to develop a national
roadmap for the medical technologies industry. This would identify Australia’s strengths and
weaknesses and allow the Growth Centre to focus on activities that will lift the sectors
competitiveness.
MTAA congratulates the Minister for Industry and his Department for their foresight in
creating an entity that will encourage greater collaboration between industry, government
and researchers.
“MTAA believes that with the right policy environment, the Australian medical technology
industry has the potential to be one of the significant advanced manufacturing industries of
the future. We look forward to working with Dr Evans and the Department to ensure the
success of this initiative”.
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national association
representing companies in the medical technology industry. For more information visit
www.mtaa.org.au.
MTAA media contact: Chris Szeleczky 0424 148 619