Responses to PM's Funding Announcement

Australia's scientists have welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of an increase in the national investment in scientific research and the innovation system.

Supporters include Professor Sue Serjeantson, President of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), who said that injecting national funds into this area was the best mid to long-term investment Australia could make. FASTS see the announcement s a sign that the nation has recognised that investment in science and research is the surest way to creating the new sustainable industries of tomorrow, and the new high-paying, satisfying jobs that go with them.

The Australian National University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Chubb has also welcomed the announcement as a positive step towards restoring Australia's ability to sustain its world-class research efforts. The policy provides opportunities for ANU in a number on important areas including additional funding for upgrades of equipment, laboratories and libraries. The 21,000 new science, engineering and technology places are also a significant boost to nationally important areas that could now be built up without reducing places in other fields of study.

Professor Chubb stated that the income-contingent interest-free postgraduate loan scheme was an important step if programs were, on the whole, to remain fee-paying.