đź’ˇ Everyday Ed v Ed the evangelist
Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic is well-liked in startup land, but his framing of some policies has raised questions in the community.
It seems like everybody loves Ed Husic. The minister for industry and science is well-known and well-liked in the startup scene for being an innovation stan, a blessing only bestowed on a handful of Australian politicians (the last one was probably former PM Malcolm Turnbull).
Ed wears his sneakers in a way that looks like he legitimately gets it, and he's earned his stripes though a long history of supporting the industry. But his curious framing of recent announcements theoretically targeted at the sector has raised eyebrows within the community.
The biggest involves the government's $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund. When the NRF was announced it was sold as “rebuilding Australian manufacturing” as a way to create secure, high-paying jobs for workers across the country, including in the regions, outer suburbs and remote communities. But it also aims to fund projects that "diversify and transform" the economy. Reconstruction is not a term you’d immediately associate with technology or innovation. In some regards it appears targeted at sectors with more electoral appeal — small businesses and manufacturing.
But at the recent SXSW Sydney event, Husic stood on stage at Startmate’s Demo day and said all the right things to the heavily startup-tilted audience. “The National Reconstruction Fund actually needs to work with VC, provide funds for female founders and people who usually find it hard to get that money,” he said. “Together, we can absolutely have a stronger Australian economy, and we can make people's lives fundamentally better.” Cue applause.
