2018-01-30
Innovation and Science statement dead in the water under an anti-science government: Bandt
Greens spokesperson for Science, Research & Innovation, Adam Bandt MP, today applauded the ambitious plan released by Innovation and Science Australia but said that trying to foster innovation under an anti-science, anti-education government is like politely asking Pauline Hanson to stop being a racist.
“This government has no Minister for Science, is cutting $2.2 billion from higher education and, as the report outlines, is only spending a measly 0.62% of GDP on research and development,” said Mr Bandt.
“Just last week, it was revealed that an entire branch of science, taxonomy, was relying on the unpaid work of retirees to keep up with the rest of the world.
“The report itself notes the disconnect between the urgent need to foster innovation and Australia’s global ranking slide. Science and research is not respected under this government, it’s relegated.
“Presenting an ambitious innovation plan to a government that underfunds research, regularly attacks science and takes its cues from Tony Abbott is like politely asking Pauline Hanson not to be racist.
“The innovation and science statement could be a blueprint towards a 21st century Australia, but this government is incapable of implementing it.
“It’s Greens policy to get Australia’s investment in science, research and innovation to 4% of GDP instead of the measly increases projected under this government.”
“It’s time to turf Turnbull so we can get on with the job of making Australia a well-funded innovation powerhouse.”
Media contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054
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