Science Budget lacks vision for Australia’s future, says science academy

The Australian Academy of Science has said the short-sighted 2013 federal science Budget failed to take a visionary approach to securing the nation’s future and economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

“While the academy welcomes short-term investments in researchers and research infrastructure, this Budget unfortunately represents a missed opportunity to support a strategic long-term vision for Australia’s future,” said Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory.

“Australia’s economy is strong in global terms: now is the time to invest in knowledge building and innovation to ensure we are economically competitive and able to meet our health, economic and environmental challenges for decades to come.”

The academy welcomed an additional $135.3 million over five years for the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Future Fellowships program and a $185.9 million two-year commitment to the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Also welcome is the continuation of funding for crucial research bodies including CSIRO, the Cooperative Research Centres and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

“This support for Australian research is a great start but it is not enough. It is but a small and short-term investment against a background of a total of $3.3 billion in cuts and deferrals to research and higher education,” Professor Cory said.

Speaking of a $9.8 billion investment over six years for schools, Cory said, “While the academy welcomes the commitment to schools, a world-class education does not end at the age of 18.

“We must invest in tertiary education and we must invest in research and development over the long term - at least a decade - to create high-quality jobs, to attract and retain leading researchers and skilled technicians and to yield meaningful results.

“In this election year, the academy calls on both major parties to act boldly and create a strong and strategic vision to secure Australia’s future.”