Government responds to Parliamentary report
The Australian Government yesterday tabled its response to Building Australia’s Research Capacity – the final report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Innovation inquiry into research training and research workforce issues in Australian universities.
The report included 38 recommendations across a wide range of issues relating to Australia’s research workforce.
The issues the recommendations address include the role of education in promoting Australia’s research capacity, funding and support arrangements for research students and research career pathways.
“I would like to thank Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Committee Chair, and the committee members for their hard work in producing a timely and thorough report that highlights a number of critical issues for Australia,” Senator Carr said.
“The Rudd Government has already taken action to address a number of these issues as part of its reform agenda outlined in the 2009-10 Budget. This includes a significant increase to the stipend provided to postgraduate research students to support their studies.
“The Government’s response to Building Australia’s Research Capacity further demonstrates our steadfast commitment to building skilled and innovative research workforce that will sustain Australia into the future.
“In particular, the Government has committed to explore a number of key recommendations as part of its Research Workforce Strategy, announced earlier this year in Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century.”
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has established a reference group with representatives from key stakeholder groups to undertake work on the strategy.
A copy of the Government’s response is available at www.innovation.gov.au.
Media contacts: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Anne Byrne, Department, 0434 479 986