Pyne’s research funding purge must end: Bandt
Reports in today’s media suggest Education Minister Pyne is continuing to threaten research funding despite backing down on immediate cuts of $150 million to the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) funding, Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt said today.
The Education Minister has said the Future Fellowship program, a key program supporting mid-career researchers, would not continue because of the Senate’s rejection of the government’s deregulation plan.
“Christopher Pyne’s research funding purge must end”, Mr Bandt said.
“He was forced to reverse his threats on NCRIS and he now needs to guarantee the $139 million in funding for the Future Fellowship program.”
“It is also critical that funding for NCRIS moves beyond year by year funding and is put on a secure footing, well beyond one election cycle. The government must act in the coming Budget.”
“Australia’s future prosperity will rely on science and research. Minister Pyne’s behaviour is economic lunacy.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054