Australian Research Council Bill 2019
Senator VAN (12:47): I rise to speak on the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2019.
I know I am not the first to declare in this Place the Coalition Government’s strong record on science, research and development.
On this side of the Chamber, we believe that Australia’s science, research and innovation system benefits our national interest, through generating economic opportunity, and by improving the life of its citizens.
Science, research and innovation can support innovative businesses when linked with higher education, by providing the ideas, technologies, knowledge and skills that are necessary for innovation and value creation.
Our investment into research and development is significant. The Coalition Government will invest 9.6 billion dollars in research and development in financial year 2019 to 20.
This includes significant National Research Infrastructure investments, establishing the Australian Space Agency and ongoing funding of our national science agencies such as the CSIRO.
Our vision for an Australian society that is engaged in and enriched by science is set out in our National Science Statement. We laid plans to engage all Australians with science, build our scientific capability and skills, produce new research, knowledge and technologies, and improve Australians’ lives through science.
We backed up the National Statement in the 2018-19 Budget through 2.4 billion dollars in funding over 12 years in Australia’s research, science and technology capabilities.
This includes:
- 1.9 billion dollars over 12 years in additional, long-term funding for national research infrastructure to ensure our world-leading researchers and innovative businesses have the tools to develop and commercialise first-to-market products and services
- 225 million dollars of investment in satellite positioning capability to give Australian’s access to world-leading geospatial technology
- a commitment to establishing a national space agency, and
- 29.9 million dollars to build Australia’s Artificial Intelligence capability and support the responsible development of AI.
I am a strong believer in supporting the creation, translation and commercialisation of Australian ideas.
In practice, this is done through wide-ranging investments in science, research, innovation and commercialisation of new products and services.
The commercialisation of science and research is not a new idea though. I’m pleased to see that the 2018 National Survey of Research Commercialisation indicates that Australian public research organisations are increasing their commercialisation and collaboration activities.
Commercialisation of science and research is very much an integral part of the Australian Research Council, which was established in 2001.
As you would know, the ARC is a key organisation that advises the Federal Government on research matters and administers grants, managing Australia’s significant investment in research and development.
Through the ARC, the Federal Government supports a wide variety of fundamental and applied research projects. We have already made a significant investment in science, research and innovation.
As I said earlier, in financial year 2018‑19 alone, we committed 9.6 billion dollars across all portfolios, into research and development.
High quality research is an important contributor to securing an innovative, prosperous and sustainable future for Australia.
The ARC Amendment Bill 2019 before us, updates the ARC Act of 2001 with current indexation rates across the forward estimates. This is an annual and administrative exercise that ensures the ARC’s funding is maintained.
Unlike Labor, the Coalition Government understands the importance of continuing research funding. Let’s not forget the last time Labor were in Government, they left a funding cliff for NCRIS.
As part of Labor’s last Budget, the four-year forward estimates for NCRIS showed funding for only two years, until 30 June 2015.
It is fortunate that the Coalition Government were able to fix the funding cliff, saving thousands of research jobs.
In supporting this ARC Amendment Bill today, I wanted to highlight an ARC project that I had the pleasure of announcing on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education, the Honourable Dan Tehan.
Just a few weeks ago, the University of Melbourne – in my home state of Victoria – received over 1.4 million dollars in grant funding for three ARC Linkage Projects.
I had the pleasure of visiting the University on behalf of the Coalition Government, to meet the researchers who will be involved in a 540 thousand dollar project.
This project will allow Melbourne University to work with industry to develop technology to accurately assess the performance of aluminium cladding, glass facades and skylights under severe hailstorm events. This will enable cost‑effective design of more robust cladding solutions in the future.
This funding comes at a critical time following the recent hailstorms in Victoria and other parts of our nation. Especially having seen the recent photos published on the front page of newspapers, showing this Place surrounded by hail stones the size of golf balls.
This research will benefit home owners, asset managers, insurers, and the building and construction industry, and help save billions of dollars in economic loss from hailstorm damage.
What I’m also hoping, is that the outcomes of this research will also increase our export opportunities. As a player in this field of research, Australia can gain a competitive advantage in the global market.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the University of Melbourne for hosting me. In particular:
· Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell,
· Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research Collaboration and Partnerships, Professor Mark Hargreaves,
· Acting Dean of the Melbourne School of Engineering, Professor Jamie Evans, and his research team.
In supporting this Bill, I support the next generation of researchers, as well as Australia’s current generation of excellent researchers.
It is important that our researchers are afforded bi-partisan support for investment in partnerships between universities, industry and government to drive the commercialisation of research.
It is only with greater collaboration between universities and businesses on research innovation and workforce preparation, that we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Australia.
I commend this Bill to the Senate.
