Senate backs Greens motion to protect science & research funding in Budget
Greens Deputy Leader and science and research spokesperson Adam Bandt welcomed the support of the Senate for a Greens motion calling on the government to protect science & research funding in the Budget.
The motion calls on the government to increase science and research funding, put ongoing funding on a secure footing and reverse the decision to cut the critical Future Fellowships program, which supports mid-career researchers.
“This week, hundreds of scientists came to Parliament to talk with politicians about why investing in science matters.”
“Despite this, it seems the government is pressing ahead with cuts to the Future Fellowships program. This comes on top of cuts to the CSIRO and government support for R&D plummeting to a 30-year low.”
“The Prime Minister needs to listen to the Senate and change direction in the Budget.”
“This motion is a warning to the Treasurer and government that any further cuts to research are unlikely to get through the Senate.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054
The motion was moved by Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and the text of the motion is below:
The Senate:
1. notes that science and research are crucial to Australia’s wellbeing and our economy, but that funding for science, research & innovation is currently at a 30 year low;
2. calls on the Government to:
a. put funding for research and science on a secure footing, with long-term legislated funding guarantees that last longer than the yearly Budget cycle or the 3-year political cycle;
b. reverse the decision not to proceed with funding for the Future Fellowship program and guarantee that funding of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure System (NCRIS) will not come at the expense of other areas of the research and education budget; and
c. Commit to an increase in science and research funding in the Budget.