Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today congratulated Questacon on its 20th anniversary at its Gala Dinner in Canberra.
"When former Prime Minister Bob Hawke opened Questacon in 1988, he recognised the contribution a national science centre could make to getting people engaged in science and technology," Senator Carr said.
"The more people engage with science, the more they appreciate how important it is to their daily lives, how rewarding it is as a field of study and how much Australian science has to offer the world.
"Since it opened in 1988, more than seven million people have visited Questacon in Canberra, with a further 15 million engaging with a Questacon program or travelling exhibition in their own community.
"Creativity is the key to Questacon's success. Creativity is what drives the innovation process, which is so central to our prosperity, our wellbeing, and our ability to tackle challenges such as climate change."
Senator Carr was joined by Australian and Japanese government officials, industry representatives, former Minister for Science Dr Barry Jones, Questacon founding Director Professor Mike Gore and current Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant, in celebrating the milestone.
"I would like particularly acknowledge Questacon's ongoing collaborative relationship with Japan," Senator Carr said.
"Questacon’s relationship with Japan goes back to 1988 when the centre opened as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project – 20 years on, the relationship is as strong as ever.
"The Australian Government is pleased to have contributed funding for anniversary events through the Australia-Japan Foundation and through my own department."
Senator Carr said that the Government is considering new directions for Questacon based on a review conducted earlier this year.
"Whatever the outcome of the review, Questacon will continue to play an important part in building Australia’s future," Senator Carr said.
Media Contact: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936