Tonight’s Federal Budget takes some welcome steps towards reform of the research and development system in Australia but lacks ambition and creates greater uncertainty. Science & Technology Australia (STA) CEO Ryan Winn welcomed the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, which is essential to implement the Ambitious Australia report. “Ambitious Australia provided the blueprint for the future of research and development. […]
This time last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke about five ‘seismic changes’ reshaping the world in his Federal Budget speech. Shifts from globalisation to fragmentation, hydrocarbons to renewables, IT to AI, a young population to an older one and shifts in the industrial base. He noted that each of these challenges put a premium on resilience. We argue they also put a premium on Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) capability. Delivering solutions to the challenges Australia faces in the context of these changes will require strong investment in our nation’s STEM capacity. But there are significant roadblocks.
Today’s announcement by the Australian Government that $1.5 billion in funds for research and development will be cut or redirected in next week’s Federal Budget creates uncertainty at a time when the research and development (R&D) industry is desperate for a plan. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has confirmed Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) program will be […]
The release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report on the Department of Education’s Administration of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) reinforces NCRIS’ vital role for Australia’s research system and the need for stronger governance, predictable investment and long-term planning to ensure it continues delivering for the nation. STA Chief Executive Officer […]
Science & Technology Australia (STA) has welcomed the release of the Senate inquiry report into funding and resourcing for the CSIRO, warning it highlights urgent, system-wide workforce and capability challenges that must be addressed in the upcoming Federal Budget. The report highlights the critical role CSIRO plays in building Australia’s sovereign capability, ensuring that the […]
Australia risks falling behind in global science, advanced manufacturing and innovation following the Government’s decision not to pursue membership of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), a step backwards at a critical moment for the nation’s productivity ambitions. The decision comes just weeks after the release of the Ambitious Australia report, which called for a step-change […]
