Staff Association Secretary Sam Popovski outlines what’s at stake for CSIRO staff at this Federal Election.
FOR AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE, the political instability of recent times has been incredibly damaging.
The Government’s National Science and Innovation Agenda has failed to deliver, with research and development now down to 1.8 per cent of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product, the lowest it’s ever been. This is despite the emphasis on government funds, including CSIRO’s, being used to attract business investment.
We’ve had thirteen science Ministers in just over a decade. Only Labor’s Kim Carr can claim to have been Minister long enough to develop and implement a plan for Australian science and technology.
The major parties have laid out their science and technology platform for Australian voters, with clear differences in their approach and vision for empowering the solutions sector.
This year, Australians will go to the polls in an important federal election – it’s an opportunity for us to make a real difference to change the way our government respects and delivers on the needs of our citizens and communities.