Revitalising science critical to advancing Australia’s economic and social prosperity

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the Australian Government’s 2022-23 budget.

The Academy will lead a new regional presence coordinating scientific engagement in the Asia-Pacific over the next six years thanks to a $10.3 million investment from the Australian Government.

Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the Australian Government’s investment will enable Australia to leverage its standing as a science and research leader and engage in strategic science diplomacy in our region and globally.

The Government has also made several other significant investments that rely upon science to advance Australian economic and social prosperity.

These include:

• The establishment of the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund with seven key priorities in renewables and low emissions, medical science, value-adding resources, enabling capabilities, transport, defence and agriculture, fisheries, food and fibre.
• Confirmation of the Government’s intention to establish an Australian Centre for Disease Control.
• $105.2 million to support First Nations people to respond to climate change in their communities. The Academy’s Future Earth Australia National Strategy for Just Adaptation, published last month, called for the development of a national Indigenous-led climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.
• Renewal of Australia’s climate policy ambition through greater investment in the Climate Change Authority, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, net zero and negative emissions and major investments in Australia’s renewable energy systems.
• $2.9 million for the National Science and Technology Council’s provision of science and technology advice to support evidence-informed decision-making and independent science advice to Government
• A down payment on meeting Australia’s responsibility to protect our natural biodiversity including support for preventing species extinction, protecting the Great Barrier Reef and advancing environmental law reform
• 20,000 new university places for under-represented students, the Startup Year Program and establishing the Australian Universities Accord
• $5.8 million for the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program and the independent review into Government programs to ensure they support greater diversity in Australia’s science and technology sectors
• $10 million for Questacon to help inspire the next generation of young people to consider STEM careers

“Australians look to science to provide the knowledge, solutions, and advice to guide us through the challenges of our uncertain world.  A world now more frequently experiencing climate induced natural disasters and the threat of pandemics," Professor Jagadish said. 

“We recognise a lot of work is in train to revitalise the scientific enterprise and reverse the fourteen-year decline in investment in research and development. It will take time, but it can be done.

“We look forward to working with the Australian Government to map a pathway that repositions Australian science to advance national prosperity and global competitiveness."