Larger Role for AGSO

Australian Geoscience Council Urges Larger Role for AGSO

The Australian Geoscience Council, at its meeting earlier this week, welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of an increase in government investment in science, technology and innovation.

Dr David Denham, President of the Australian Geoscience Council, said: “Perhaps the most important aspect of the Prime Minister’s announcement is that it raises public awareness of the importance of innovation, science and technology in our society. We need a cultural change to enhance the awareness of these issues, because they are vital for our future well-being. The PM’s statement makes a significant contribution in this direction.”

“The AGC particularly supports the government’s plans to increase its commitment to the Australian Research Council. Without an appropriate infrastructure to encourage high quality basic research, the sustainability of our economy will be very uncertain.”

“We are pleased with the increased support for the Cooperative Research Centre Program. This is an excellent scheme for encouraging interaction between researchers in industry, government and the universities, and the AGC has argued consistently for the CRC Program to be expanded so that the smaller cutting-edge companies can participate. It is unfortunate that additional funding for this component of the package will not kick in until 2003/04, but at least there is a commitment to enable planning to start next financial year.

“There are still important issues needing attention in the geoscience sector, that were not addressed in the new package.” Dr Denham said:

“The Australian Geological Survey Organisation needs to be reconstituted to include the land and water components that were removed after the 1998 Election. A national geological survey that does not include programs in land degradation and ground water is not providing the nation with the best value for money. It is time to build a national organisation that undertakes continent-wide scientific programs on all underground resources, not just those in the traditional minerals and energy sectors, and,

The Commonwealth should increase its investment in providing geoscience information at affordable prices using online supply mechanisms – the States and the NT cannot be expected to do everything. The Federal Government should recognise and maintain its national role in the Geosciences.”

The Australian Geoscience Council comprises seven Societies and Associations and represents approximately 7000 professional geoscientists in Australia.

AGC Media Release
9 Feb 2000