One of the spending cuts in last nights Federal Budget 2008 was the Commercial Ready program. Thankfully the R&D Tax Concession is still available, but this relies on the inventor having the capital upfront. The axing of this program will stifle innovation in Australia, particularly when our venture capital system is so underdeveloped relative to the US and other places. Looking down the Commercial Ready page it is clear what a success the program was. Surely keeping Australian innovations in the hands of Australians should be a priority? Now inventors will be forced to take their goldmines offshore to be exploited elsewhere. I also feel sorry for the many supporting consultants who relied on these grants to help themselves and their clients.