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AGC Response to the Chief Scientist's Australian Science Capability Review Dear Colleagues
Time for us all to act on
Government’s Science Reviews The
Government currently has on the table two far-reaching reviews on Science and
Technology in Australia. These are ‘The Chance to Change’ by the Chief
Government Scientist Dr Robin Batterham and the report from the Innovation
Summit Implementation Group: 'Innovation-Unlocking the Future'. Both
reports recommend that millions of new dollars be invested in the Science,
Engineering & Technology sectors in Australia. The rationale for this
investment is that ‘Science & Technology is the key to the quality of
life and a healthy economy’ and that over the last few years this
investment has fallen short of the levels required to keep us on a par with our
OECD competitors. There
is now a one-off opportunity for Australia to change direction and push Science
& Technology higher in the government’s priorities for the 2001 Budget. However,
money does not come easily from any government. Politicians need to be sure that
their decisions have a sound ground swell of support in the electorate. This is
where we all can play a part. When
the Wills Review on medical research was released for comment, some 2000
individuals and organisations responded. The weight of response contributed to
its swift adoption by Government, and massive new funding flowing into that
sector (doubling of the NHMRC budget over the next five years). The
Batterham Review is now open for comment. A copy of ‘The Chance to Change’
can be viewed in full at: www.isr.gov.au/science/review
and the ISIG report is available at: http://www.isr.gov.au/industry/summit/ISIGreport.pdf Responses
to the Batterham report should be addressed to: The
Manager, Australian Science Capability Review
or
to S.Clough@isr.gov.au
I
urge all AIG members to visit the websites, and communicate directly with ISR,
Minister Minchin, your local Member of Parliament, and anyone else you know who
may be in a position of influence. If
we don’t act now, it may be too late. David
Denham 19
September 2000 |
The Australian Geoscience Council Inc. © 1999 - 2003 |
