Anderson joins PM's science council

Deputy prime minister and avowed embryonic stem cell research opponent John Anderson has been granted a seat on the government's peak science and innovation council.

Anderson is the 10th politician to receive a place on the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation council.

He joins Prime Minister John Howard, Treasurer Peter Costello, Science Minister Peter McGauran, Communications, Information Technology and Arts Minister Senator Richard Alston, Environment and Heritage Minister Dr David Kemp, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Warren Truss, Education, Science and Training Minister Dr Brendan Nelson, Health and Ageing Minister Senator Kay Patterson and Industry, Tourism and Resources Minister Ian MacFarlane.

The council, which meets twice a year and is next scheduled to gather on May 31, also comprises 14 "ex-officio" members - including chief scientist Dr Robin Batterham and representatives of such organisations as the CSIRO, Australian Research Council and NHMRC - and five members "appointed in a personal capacity" from such varied organisations as the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Australian Wine Research Institute.

Anderson's seat on the council followed his request in writing to the Prime Minister.

Announcing the appointment, Science Minister McGauran said Anderson would bring to the role "extensive experience across a broad range of portfolios, not to mention his strong links with rural and regional Australians".

At the height of the stem cell debate Anderson conceded he veered a little more towards the "conservative end of the scale" than Howard.

He stated that his prime objective was to "ensure that we do not end up in a situation where we are, in effect, creating embryos not for the purpose of giving life but for the purpose of scientific research".

McGauran said the appointment of another minister to the council provided non-government representatives with the opportunity to "exert real influence" on the decision-making process.

Responding to the announcement, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute director Prof Suzanne Cory said "The presence of 10 ministers on the council demonstrates a most welcome government interest in science."