[ASA] SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE - Government gets the smarts: maths and science education recognised in Federal Budget

[John O'Byrne]

Government gets the smarts:  maths and science education recognised in Federal Budget


Science & Technology Australia welcomes the strategic investment in science and maths education and measures to boost funding for science and research in the 2012/13 Federal Budget.
 
“I commend the Chief Scientist on his comprehensive recommendations to the Prime Minister which have brought about the measures that recognise the critical role science and maths play in our future prosperity, said Professor Michael Holland, STA President.
 
“Skilled science and technology professionals are a critical component of innovation and a knowledge based economy.

“So many industries rely on a workforce with science and maths skills.  We know that a robust manufacturing industry and the mining sector rely on scientists and engineers.
 
“I am pleased to see that the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council have also had their funding protected.
 
“While the budget measures are welcome and necessary, Australia must get better at converting its research strength into innovations that fuel the economy and improve our quality of life.
 
“The commercialisation of Australian research that has lead to WiFi technology has already earned the nation ($420m) 3 times the amount of additional money invested in science and research in this Budget alone ($126m). 
 
“Australia’s greatest resources are more likely to be found above ground that below it.
 
“It’s time we made good of Australian genius and developed a strong commercialisation environment that includes a well-developed innovation strategy; better collaboration between researchers and industry; strategic investments to support the development of new technologies; and measures to forge strategic partnership with our international counterparts.”
 
 
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Media contact:  Anna-Maria Arabia  0412 940 921
Released: 8 May 2012

www.sta.org.au 
www.respectthescience.org.au


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