Why is this important?
In Abbott’s 2014 cruel budget cuts, $400 million was cut from research institutions. Australia’s research and development investment remains near the lowest recorded percentage of GDP in Australian history.
The Turnbull government was responsible for dropping science from the Federal ministry, Australian Research Council funding going backwards in real terms, slashing resources for the CSIRO and axing funding for the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF).
Now, Scott Morrison is raiding the research budget, which funds researchers' salaries, laboratories and libraries. Instead of robbing Peter to pay Paul, we should be giving research the funding it needs.
Australia depends on research, but governments repeatedly threaten research funds when setting federal budgets. This is short sighted. Research funding can’t be turned on and off like a tap and it needs secure, long-term public support.
The industries and jobs of the 21st century will rely on our minds, not our mines.
Join our campaign to respect research and support fostering a culture where experimentation, invention and innovation can truly flourish in Australia.
Adam Bandt, Australian Greens spokesperson for Science, Research and Innovation
Ellen Sandell, Victorian Greens spokesperson for Science and Innovation