Science welcomed back to Australian Cabinet

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed last month’s announcement that Ian Macfarlane is now the Minister for Industry and Science - a move Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes hopes will be more than a change in title.

“Having a minister identifiably responsible for science is a very significant forward step for this government,” said Professor Holmes. “We very much hope that this signifies that the government is placing greater value on the importance of science and technology to all Australians.

“We take this shift in the ministry as a signal that many important issues which have effectively remained dormant for the last 18 months, while we’ve had no minister with science in their title, will now have the additional horsepower they need to bring them back on to the agenda.

“The academy is pleased to continue working with Minister Macfarlane and the government to ensure that science and technology is a major element in planning Australia’s future.”

Professor Holmes also welcomed the appointment of Karen Andrews as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science; as well as the new Minister for Health, Sussan Ley.

“The MRFF [Medical Research Future Fund] has the potential to be the single most important initiative for health research in Australia,” said Professor Holmes. “The academy has confidence that Minister Ley will be able to shepherd it through the Senate and bring it to fruition.”