After calling publically for the Government to give science a seat at the cabinet table following the Ministerial reshuffle late last year, Science & Technology Australia is encouraged by the latest announcement by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
At a press conference to announce a $60 million funding boost for the Great Barrier Reef, the PM joined the Minister for Innovation and Jobs, Michaelia Cash, and the Minister for the Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, to reinforce the significant role for science in Australia’s future.
Innovation and science are key to future employment opportunities for Australians.
As the Cabinet Minister responsible for science, this work will be led by the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash, in consultation with Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg. Minister Cash will be working closely with CSIRO CEO Dr Larry Marshall and Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel to deliver this ground-breaking program and to progress the Government’s innovation and science agenda.
The Turnbull Government is committed to sustained and coordinated efforts to better harness and build our science capabilities and bolster our nation’s capacity to innovate. We particularly look forward to supporting women and girls to participate in all the opportunities STEM provides.
STA will continue to work with decision makers, highlighting the enduring advantages gained by embedding science and evidence in policy.
You can read STA’s official statement on the Ministerial reshuffle, and a synopsis of our public calls for science to be respected and recognised in Cabinet.