Australian Greens

Principles

The Australian Greens believe that:

1. science is an important tool for developing a deeper understanding of the universe.
2. science has the capacity to enhance the wellbeing of people and to improve management of the natural environment and the resource base.
3. government has an important role to play in the development of scientific knowledge.
4. government has responsibility for developing the ethical framework in which scientific research is conducted.
5. science and technology, in particular information and communication technology, should be available to help maintain the viability of rural and remote communities.
6. environmental technologies are a powerful engine for the creation of national wealth and high-paying jobs.
7. innovation in advanced technology and methods are key elements for success for business and industry.
8. innovations in science and technology are essential if we are to meet the challenges of addressing climate change and the transition to a sustainable society.
9. the Government must prevent adverse environmental and social impacts of emerging technologies, including nanotechnology.
10. patent reform should promote technological innovation while avoiding excessive concentration of intellectual property within and across application categories.

Authorised and printed by Derek Schild, Australian Greens, 8-10 Hobart Place Canberra 2601

Goals

The Australian Greens want:

11. a society where the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and the sustainable application of new techniques are valued in the education system and by Australian business.
12. a research and development culture that addresses national goals and prepares Australia for emerging challenges and opportunities.
13. a national focus on innovative technology and methods to address the challenges facing Australia and the world.
14. increased expenditure on research and development to at least the OECD average of GDP.
15. the CSIRO to conduct research that is in the public interest, is independent and is world class.
16. the Government to take a precautionary approach to the application of new technologies.
17. to support measures that will prevent or mitigate a 'nanotechnology divide' that magnifies existing global socio-economic inequities.

Measures

The Australian Greens will:

18. institute a funding program for scientific research that specifically addresses community needs and national goals.
19. protect the right of academics to develop and maintain a research career.
20. increase funding to expand the research capacity of Australian universities.
21. increase the proportion of research funding allocated to pure research and research for the public good.
22. prioritise funding for research into alternative energy technologies with the aim of developing competitive energy techniques with zero carbon emissions.
23. require the role of Chief Scientist to be a full time position and any applicant to be subject to a stringent conflict of interest test.
24. increase funding to the Australian Research Council and abolish the capacity for the Minister to veto board decisions.
25. create a Sustainability Commission to develop and implement sustainable industry strategies across all industry sectors, including a review of the Environmental Industry Action Agenda program.
26. refocus the CSIRO and CRCs back to public interest research and restore sufficient public funding to the CSIRO to allow it to conduct world-class research.
27. regulate to ensure that chemicals which are manufactured in nanoparticle form are treated as new chemicals for the purpose of checking environmental and health safety.
28. require organisations producing or importing more than 0.1kg of manufactured nanoparticles in a year  to disclose information on the physical and chemical properties, toxicological data and methods of manufacture and use.
29. introduce mandatory labelling of consumer and industrial products that contain free manufactured nanoparticles.
30. ensure mandatory notification to all workers who may face occupational exposure to manufactured nanoparticles.
31. fund research into nanotechnology and its environmental and health impacts.
32. involve the community in decisions about the safe development of new technologies.
33. encourage government use of open-source software and require the use of open and publicly documented file formats.
34. regulate to ensure that network neutrality is maintained on the internet.
35. investigate opportunities to limit the growing concentration of nanotechnology intellectual property rights, especially in applications where knowledge is utilised for food production, or in humanitarian purposes (eg healthcare, water treatment).