The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the appointment of the Hon. Karen Andrews MP to Cabinet as the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
Academy President, Professor John Shine, said the appointment aligns with the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), which promised to place science at the heart of Australia’s policy agenda.
“It’s good to see science back in Cabinet where it belongs. One dollar in every seven of Australian economic activity is estimated to rely directly on advanced physical and mathematical sciences and advanced biological sciences,” Professor Shine said.
“Minister Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the portfolio. As an engineer before entering the Parliament, she has previously held the position of Assistant Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Science and has co-convened the Parliamentary Friends of Science group since its inception.
“We look forward to working with Minister Andrews and the Government to ensure scientific evidence fully informs their major policy decisions.”
The Academy also acknowledges Minister Andrews’ strong commitment and advocacy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in her previous portfolio role.
“The Academy has a strong track record of delivering long term strategic plans for a range of science disciplines. We look forward to delivering a decadal plan for women and girls in STEM to Minister Andrews that will identify and set priorities for the next decade and outline strategies to achieve them,” Professor Shine said.
The Academy welcomes the Hon. Dan Tehan MP as the new Education Minister, the Hon. Melissa Price MP as the Minister for the Environment and the Hon. Greg Hunt MP’s continuing role as Minister for Health. We also thank the Hon Michaela Cash MP and wish her well in her new portfolio.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
