$1.5 million for Western Australian science programs

The Australian Government, the Western Australian Government and six Western Australian institutions have formed a $1.5 million partnership to deliver more science programs around the state.

The partnership will deliver programs over four years under the national Inspiring Australia initiative. As explained by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science Karen Andrews, “Inspiring Australia provides leadership, resources and support to build a science-literate knowledge nation.”

Andrews said Inspiring Australia is “part of the Australian Government’s vision for a nation that is engaged with science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM”. She added that the government program provides “an integrated national approach to science engagement and encouraging more young people into STEM-based learning and careers”.

The new agreement - involving the federal and state governments, Western Australia’s four universities, Engineers Australia (WA) and Scitech - is expected to boost Inspiring Australia’s successes in Western Australia. Initiatives will include more activities during National Science Week and the building of regional hubs to deliver year-round science events for local communities.