Academy highlights science priorities for Federal election

The Australian Academy of Science is urging all parties to prioritise science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education before Australia goes to the polls on July 2nd.

Releasing an election statement today, the Academy has emphasised the need for science and innovation to be at the heart of economic and social policy.

Academy President, Professor Andrew Holmes, said at the top of the Academy’s list were the issues of gender parity on government science boards, a rebalance of government incentives for industry research and development, and a boost to STEM education in regional and remote Australia.

“A long-term vision and stable funding is needed to ensure that all Australians have the understanding and skills to use and apply STEM in their lives and careers,” said Professor Holmes.

“We need to empower our most talented scientists to solve Australia’s current and future challenges, and we need a strong, secure and globally connected research system to support them.”

Specific priorities in the Academy’s Election Statement include:

• $28m for STEM education including teacher training and evaluation
• targets for gender parity on government STEM boards and appointments
• a $40m expansion in long-standing and strategically important international science partnerships
• a shift in direct to indirect government support for industry R&D from 10:90 to 20:80 by 2020.

Professor Holmes said the Academy appreciated the fact political leaders of all persuasions have shown their commitment to long-term planning and a continued focus on science in public debate.

You can also read the full election statement, or a transcript of Professor Holmes’ speech at the Academy’s annual meeting.