Science Meets Parliament Day One has wrapped! More than 400 STEM professionals packed into the Great Hall for a full day of career development and networking. And a milestone this year – more than 40 per cent of the parliament is involved.
The scene was set by Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP and Shadow Minister for Science Aaron Violi MP. They opened the event, talking about the importance of the Ambitious Australia report and building trust with the public.
Their welcome flowed into the announcement of a new program by STA called Science Meets the Economy. The program aims to build leaders to bridge science and business, turning evidence into real-world impact.
In the session Denise Goldsworthy told us that risk language is a tool we can use to translate what is going on in the science space into finance, governance, health and safety – all the things that a board wants to know about.
Dr Steve Hatfield Dodds reminded us to recognise that a diversity of perspectives improves our overall ability to understand what we should do, and what the payoff matrix is from a particular decision or strategy.
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In her Civics 101 session, Dr Sarah Tynan shared decades of information and knowledge from engaging with the Parliament. She made us appreciate the importance of policy, that defines how our society functions and how the science industry functions. She encouraged attendees to learn to engage with and provide their expertise to policymakers.
Our senior policy advisors panel provided valuable advice to get expertise in front of the right people. Advice like, not taking a 50-page document into a meeting with a parliamentarian. Amanda Bachman suggested bringing the discussion back to the needs of the electorate a politician is representing. Fiona Scott told us to always leave time for a parliamentarian to ask questions. And Richard Templer added that it helps to be clear in your mind about the position someone holds. Make it a genuine two-way engagement, where you hear each other.
At the National Press Club Address, we heard from the Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres. He said Australian science is at the front of the Government’s agenda. In reference to the Ambitious Australia report, he said he is looking for a whole-of-government approach. And he said he is ambitious for reform.
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Before afternoon tea, we learned about fronting an inquiry. Catriona Jackson told us scientists are really good at identifying a problem and coming up with solutions. So, think about an inquiry as a problem with solutions that you can bring.
Kylie Walker said storytelling is plain language. Be direct. Think about big picture examples that illustrate the point you’re trying to make. And Professor Lee Baumgartner encouraged us to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
And finally, we had the privilege of hearing from Dr Robert Cooley about the experiences of Indigenous communities and the damage caused by the lack of scientific and political consultation on development projects.
Professor Adriana Verges and Dr Robert Cooley explained how to develop partnerships for conservation and restoration projects – using truth-telling to foster respectful relationships.
Then it was time to glam up for the Gala Dinner.
Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science joined us for a chat with Denise Goldsworthy AO, and Professor Nicola Phillips.
We also heard from Professor Tony Haymet PhD FTSE, Australia’s Chief Scientist, celebrating the successes and shedding light on the challenges of Australia’s innovation economy.
Aaron Violi MP, Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation told us the story of his grandmother, the first woman to graduate Swinburne as a chemical engineer, and the importance of grit and perseverance, but also opportunity for supporting innovation.
Science Meets Parliament wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners.
