Submissions to Government

The National Environmental Standards should be clear, unambiguous, measurable and enforceable.

The Academy recommends climate‑adjusted water limits, stronger monitoring and sustained research investment to safeguard the Murray–Darling Basin, as current settings risk accelerating ecological decline.

If data centres are to continue to be built on Australian shores, using Australian power, water and land, they must be delivering value back into the communities they are joining.

The Academy recommends that Queensland’s Science and Innovation Strategy prioritises fundamental research, workforce development, First Nations knowledge, and mission-driven collaboration to enhance long-term innovation, resilience and global competitiveness.

Microplastics are widespread and suspected to harm human health, but major gaps in measurement, exposure data and standards mean risks remain uncertain.

The Academy recommends increasing investment in R&D and STEM to boost productivity, competitiveness and innovation – addressing the chronic underinvestment of the past decade and strategic gaps.

Declining R&D investment places CSIRO and key research infrastructure at risk. Australia needs sustained, evidence-based funding to support national capability and interests.

Health and science organisations urge the Government to fund a national indoor air quality strategy and advisory council in the 2026–27 Budget.

Critical amendments must be made to the draft National Environmental Standards to establish clear, measurable, enforceable and scientifically grounded requirements for environmental assessment, impact avoidance, mitigation and offsetting.

The Academy highlights the health, economic and safety consequences of poor indoor air and recommends enforceable standards, monitoring, ventilation and policy action to improve indoor air quality.