Media releases

Academy response to Coalition science policy

18 August 2010

The Australian Academy of Science is disappointed that neither of the major parties has taken the opportunity to offer a serious commitment to Australian science during this election campaign.

We need to see a large increase in Australian research expenditure, to an achievable level of 3 per cent of GDP to match similar countries worldwide. This means better incentives for industry R&D and increased government funding to the ARC, NHMRC and CSIRO.

The Coalition statement, issued today, has some welcome features, in particular the commitment to the International Science Linkages program and to increasing public awareness of Australian science. However, these fall far short of the funding needed to tackle the many big challenges looming for Australia in health, energy, water, climate change, infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and preservation of biodiversity.

The Coalition government under John Howard was generous to Australian medical research, and the Rudd/Gillard government increased research expenditure, especially through the universities, by 34 per cent. However, during this campaign neither party has offered a vision and funding to inject new ideas, people and vigour into our scientific research centres in universities, research institutes, CSIRO and industry.

There is still time to do this, and the Academy, in common with all of those who care about Australia’s future as an advanced economy and society, hopes that we will be presented with science policies and commitments that take us forward rather than, at best, keeping us where we are at present.

Contact: Professor Bob Williamson is available for comment on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science, 0409 706255.