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A BOLD VISION FOR AUSTRALIA
2 July 2001

The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the report of Barry Jones' Taskforce on the Knowledge Nation.

The President of the Academy, Professor Brian Anderson, said 'for the first time in a decade, science and technology have come to the forefront of the national agenda. All political parties recognise that our economic system is based increasingly on innovation.

'The Taskforce would double Australia's investment in R&D as a percentage of GDP by 2010. This is huge challenge that would put Australia at the top of the OECD league table. To reach this target, business will need to invest much more in R&D than is currently the case.'

The Academy noted that the Taskforce supports the recommendations of the Chief Scientist and of the Innovation Implementation Group for an increased government commitment to Research and Development. These recommendations emerged from a process involving many stake-holders, so the Academy is delighted that these have not been overturned.

Professor Anderson said 'the Taskforce does not give a time-table for implementation of the recommendations, but bipartisan support of the Chief Scientist's initiatives can only be in Australia's best interests.

The Taskforce hasn't given the costs of its plans to significantly increase funding to public sector research bodies and universities. But increasingly, the community does seem prepared to pay for a high standard of education and training and research.

The level of community support will be the key to whether the bold vision of the Taskforce can be realised.'

Responding to the Taskforce with costings and timetables is now unambiguously a critical job for the ALP.