2018-11-01
"The Liberal government's attacks on research independence are a threat to the work of hundreds of ACT residents and to academic freedom. Zed Seselja is part of a government that wants to undermine research and he has to go," ACT Greens Senate candidate Dr Penny Kyburz said today.
Dr Kyburz is an academic and a researcher with a PhD in computer science. She understands the rigorous ARC funding processes, having applied for both the DECRA and Discovery grants in question.
"The Greens would end the ministerial veto over successful ARC grants and make the funding process independent of political interference. Applying for an ARC grant is arduous and highly competitive and shouldn't be subject to undermining by the political whims of the day," said Dr Kyburz.
Zed was Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation from 20 December 2017 to 23 August 2018, when he dumped the portfolio to support Peter Dutton to become Prime Minister. Some of Simon Birmingham's vetoes on successful ARC grants happened during Zed's time in this research portfolio.
Zed has not commented on Birmingham's funding interference, or on Education Minister Dan Tehan's proposal to add a political 'national interest' test to the ARC process.
"Our Canberra community is proud of our connection to research through our universities and scientific institutions. We deserve a Senator who fights for independent research, instead of a Senator happy to support his own government when it attacks researchers and education."
"As a researcher, I will always support higher education and independent research, free of political interference," concluded Dr Kyburz.
There are five university campuses in the ACT, all located in the new federal seat of Canberra. A ReachTEL poll on 27 August found that Dr Kyburz was ahead of Zed on primary votes within the electorate of Canberra.