2019-04-29
Media release: Greens launch science and research policy
Greens science, research and innovation spokesperson Adam Bandt MP will today launch the Greens’ policy to put Australia on a pathway to reaching 4% investment of GDP in science, research and innovation. Mr Bandt launched the policy today in his electorate at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Australia’s oldest medical research institute.
The Greens’ plan injects $19.4 billion into the sector over the next decade, reversing funding cuts to key institutions, including the CSIRO, continued funding for the Medical Research Future Fund and over $2.5 billion for a suite of measures to support equitable and ongoing employment opportunities for researchers, including a ‘Secure Work for Researchers’ fund to assist universities and research institutes to transition their workers to ongoing, secure employment and targeted support for women in science.
Other policy measures in the package include:
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Creating a ‘Protecting Science’ package, consisting of a $2.557 billion boost to the Australia Research Council, National Health & Medical Research Council, and Cooperative Research Centres over the next decade;
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Providing $185.1 million over the forwards to ensure Open Access Publishing of Government funded research.
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Providing $60.2 million over the forwards to invest in strategic opportunities for international collaboration
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Improving the R&D Tax Incentive by reversing millions of dollars of government cuts and providing a 20% non-refundable tax offset for companies that hire STEM PhD students to work in their field of expertise.
Quotes attributable to Mr. Bandt:
“The Greens want a strong research sector in Australia to help move away from the polluting industries of the past and deliver the jobs of the future.”
“After six years of neglect and cuts from an anti-science Coalition government, we’ll improve access to information, foster international collaboration, protect key research institutions and fund the research and innovation Australia needs.”
“We must make life and work more secure for our researchers. We also need to do more to support women who take time out of the science and research workforce to have children.”
“By winding back unfair tax breaks to big polluters and big corporations, we can invest $19.4b into science, research and innovation to set us up for the future.”
“Australia is lagging behind. Commonwealth investment in research and development is at its lowest level in 40 years.”
“The old parties are stuck in the past. They’re addicted to the donations of old, entrenched and polluting industries so they don’t have the vision or the ability to usher in the jobs and industries of the future.
“This plan will put Australia on a path to joining other advanced countries that spend 4% of GDP on research and development.