Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today said a review of Questacon, Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, highlights options for the future of an important national science facility.
The review was conducted by a panel headed by Mr John Simpson, Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, National Australia Bank. It examined Questacon's role, priorities and resources, its governance, and options for sustainable future funding.
"I strongly believe in encouraging people to engage with science from a very early age so they gain an appreciation of how relevant it is in their daily lives," Senator Carr said.
"Questacon has been exceptionally effective in communicating this message since it first opened its doors 20 years ago. More than seven million visitors have come through the centre's doors in that time, and a further 15 million have experienced its touring exhibits and outreach programs.
"As the centre enters its third decade, it is timely to review just how Questacon should best operate to inspire Australians of all ages and increase their understanding of science and innovation.
"The Government will examine the report before making decisions on the recommendations. I'd like to thank the review panel for giving their time and energy to the review. Their efforts have resulted in a thorough and thought-provoking report.
"I'd also like to thank the many individuals and organisations that contributed to the review. Their input has been carefully considered and taken into account in preparing the report and its 11 recommendations.
"This report contains some very important recommendations about the centre's governance, its mission, and long-term funding options. I am particularly conscious of the need for Questacon to maintain its identity and its unique branding regardless of which governance option the Government decides to pursue.
"Questacon is just as relevant today as it was when it was established. It will continue to inspire budding scientists and raise community awareness of the central role science plays in the life of the nation," Senator Carr said.
The review recommendations are attached and the report can be viewed on the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research website
Media contact: Catriona Jackson, Minister's Office, 0417 142 238
Review of Questacon—The National Science and Technology Centre: Recommendations
Recommendation 1
That the Government endorse the following mandate for Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre:
• Mission: To inspire future scientists and the wider community and enhance awareness and understanding of the contribution of science to Australia’s future.
Recommendation 2
To maximise its reach and impact in the community, that Questacon focus on the following key strategies:
• effective operation of the Questacon facility in Canberra and national outreach activities
• development of effective partnerships with organisations having complementary skills and facilities
• contributions to enhance school science education and national curriculum outcomes
• implementation of best practice in interactive science communication, including online and digital technologies
• international engagement which facilitates Questacon’s national role.
Recommendation 3
To fulfil the above mandate, that Questacon provide the community with opportunities for:
• practical learning about science and its role in our lives
• appreciating the value of leading edge science developments, especially those involving Australian scientists
• understanding local, national and global science issues and challenges.
Recommendation 4
That Questacon, CSIRO and the ABC cooperate in identifying new structures for improving national coordination, including cooperation with state and regional science centres, to ensure:
• more effective science communication, awareness and education
• efficient use of science awareness and education resources
• more equitable access to these activities and resources across Australia.
Recommendation 5
That to support the achievement of its mission, the Government establish Questacon as a statutory authority as part of a broader strategy to achieve an expanded and better resourced Questacon.
Recommendation 6
That, should support and/or funding for Questacon to operate as a statutory authority be unlikely in the short to medium term, the Government consider integrating Questacon into CSIRO by integrating the science education and communications activities of the two organisations. Integration of the organisations should be subject to measures including appropriate legal safeguards, which ensure:
• that the distinct identity of Questacon as the National Science and Technology Centre and its unique brand be preserved in any such integration
• that integration be subject to the development of a business plan demonstrating how Questacon’s mission could be furthered through integration and setting out transition, operational and governance arrangements into the future.
Recommendation 7
That to facilitate the achievement of Questacon’s mission and key strategies into the future, a significant increase in resources (in line with scenario 3 in the report) be provided to:
• refurbish the Questacon building and construct an additional building adjacent to it with increased exhibition, education and visitor spaces to accommodate continuing long-term growth in visitor numbers
• provide new programs to enhance its mission, in particular to showcase leading edge science and innovation, including Australian achievements, and to engage the community in local, national and global science issues and challenges
• implement a more comprehensive outreach program less vulnerable to changes in private sponsorship priorities.
Recommendation 8
That if Recommendation 7 is not to be implemented in the immediate term, then a moderate funding increase (along the lines of scenario 2 in the report) be provided as soon as possible to address pressure on Questacon’s infrastructure and services and provide for:
• modification of the Questacon building to enhance visitor amenity and safety and to respond to planned public works in the Questacon precinct
• secure core funding for outreach programs
• significant development of online and digital services.
Recommendation 9
That an examination be undertaken of Questacon’s exhibition production model, including its funding, cost-effectiveness, accommodation, future skills supply and its linkage to visitor experience quality.
Recommendation 10
That opportunities for funding from other Commonwealth portfolios be fully explored, recognising Questacon’s potential to provide students, teachers and the community with an understanding of the nature and dimensions of national challenges and of the capacity of science to address them.
Recommendation 11
That Questacon continue to seek sponsorships and donations from the private and philanthropic sectors while also pursuing partnerships with business and other non-government sources to enhance and extend the reach of core activities supported by Government, thereby engaging the wider community in Questacon’s mission.