Cochlear : Government’s competitiveness agenda

14 October, 2014

Cochlear CEO Dr Chris Roberts today welcomed Prime Minister Tony Abbott's Industry Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, saying it would enhance Cochlear's international competitiveness, cut red tape and improve export opportunities.

"The Agenda shows the Australian Government appreciates that business is critical to strong economic growth," Dr Roberts said.

"The government understands the benefits of linking science with industry, and delivering a highly-skilled workforce.

"Changes to employee share schemes and 457 visa rules are also important in encouraging a "smart Australia."

"Today's Agenda will help grow our export capacity and streamline market access.

"It adopts the principle that if a system or product is approved under a trusted international standard or risk assessment, then Australian regulators will also approve it unless there is a good reason not to do so.

"This is a huge win for an export company like Cochlear that sells devices into dozens of countries around the world that require country of origin approval.

"It means Cochlear is better placed to export its products, create jobs and improve health outcomes."

Cochlear is a global company, based in Australia and supplying implants to more than 100 countries worldwide. The company employs over 800 skilled manufacturing staff within a total workforce of more than 2700.

Cochlear has helped more than 300,000 people with hearing implants over the past 30 years - including current Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai who received a Nucleus® cochlear implant in 2013.