Science & Technology Australia has been calling for science to have the recognition it deserves in the Australian Federal Cabinet, following its demotion to the assistant ministry yesterday.
Our President, Professor Emma Johnston, spoke with ABC News Radio about the issue following a piece on ABC News Online:
“Putting that science, that fundamental research, into an Assistant Minister’s portfolio demotes it, makes it less of a priority, and words matter,” Professor Johnston said.
STA CEO, Kylie Walker, highlighted that without a strong voice for science, Australia won’t have the stability, continuity or long term planning that is so important for successful and competitive research.
“We think it’s really important to have science in Cabinet, to have a seat at the table,” @ScienceAU CEO Kylie Walker voices frustrations over the lack of a Science Minister in the Turnbull Cabinet pic.twitter.com/d4tcpSSIBh
— ABC News (@abcnews) December 21, 2017
“We welcome the new Minister for Job and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, and the new Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, Senator Zed Seselja,” Ms Walker said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with them to keep Australian science and technology strong.”
To read STA’s official statement on the cabinet reshuffle, click here.
