The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Dr Craig Emerson MP as the new Portfolio Minister and Senator the Hon. Don Farrell as the new Minister for Science and Research.
Dr Emerson has taken on the Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research portfolio, while Senator Farrell becomes Minister for Science and Research. The Academy also welcomes the promotion of Sharon Bird MP to Minister for Higher Education and Skills.
The changes were announced today as part of Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s Cabinet reshuffle.
"The Academy is keen to work with the new Ministers to grow Australia's research sector, help higher education flourish, and ensure scientific evidence underpins the major policy decisions of Government," said Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory.
“The Academy is reassured that Dr Emerson’s new responsibilities include Science as well as his existing responsibilities for Asian Century Policy. International scientific collaboration is essential to Australia’s role and new policy is urgently needed in this space.
"Thanks in large part to our robust resources sector, Australia has enjoyed internationally enviable economic success in recent years; now is the time to invest in innovation to at least OECD standards, to drive future prosperity through scientific and technological advances.
"We look forward to working with Ministers Emerson, Farrell, and Bird, and with all members of Parliament, during this crucial election year.”
Professor Cory thanked Minister Bowen, who resigned from the Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research portfolio late last week. "Despite his short tenure in the portfolio, former Minister Bowen was clearly a strong advocate for science,” she said.
"We are grateful for his support and for his commitment to the portfolio."
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
