Greens back research campaign
Greens Deputy Leader and Science & Research spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that the higher education sector was giving Tony Abbott a clear message in the run up to the Budget.
“It is fantastic news that Universities Australia is today launching a campaign, called ‘Keep It Clever’, said Mr Bandt.
“The message is that if you cut funding to higher education and research, you cut Australia’s wellbeing and future prospects.
“Similarly, the Respect Research campaign has taken on a life of its own and is going from strength to strength.
“In a matter of days, we’ve had more than 13,000 people who have taken our pledge to respect research, telling Tony Abbott to respect research and not to cut research funding in the forthcoming Budget.
“If Tony Abbott cuts research funding in the forthcoming Budget, he can expect a fight.
“If ever there was a time to increase the capacity of our scientists and researchers to deliver solutions to the many challenges that we face as a country, as well as globally, it is now.
Earlier this month, the Senate passed a motion calling on Tony Abbott to respect research.
The Respect Research pledge has more than 13,000 signatures.
The Respect Research Pledge can be accessed at: http://www.respectresearch.com.au/
In 2011, The Greens supported hundreds of scientists in their successful ‘Discoveries need Dollars’ campaign to successfully fight cuts to the health and medical research budget.