The Australian Government is working to give Australia the research firepower it needs to prosper in a rapidly changing world by developing a Research Workforce Strategy for the next decade and beyond.
Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr today released a consultation paper on the strategy to focus discussion and generate ideas.
“Everyone with an interest in the future of Australian research should take part in this process,” Senator Carr said.
“This is a strategy to rejuvenate and expand Australia’s research workforce. It is about planning for the future and making sure that we have the highly skilled researchers we need to stay competitive, to maintain living standards, and to fulfil the aspirations of working Australians.
“The industries of the future will be more knowledge-intensive and more technology-driven. That is why the Australian Government is investing so heavily in innovation, science and research – and in the people who make them happen.”
The Research Workforce Strategy is an integral part of Powering Ideas, the Government’s long-term innovation agenda for Australia.
The consultation paper describes the challenges and opportunities we will need to consider as we work to strengthen our research workforce.
It has been developed with advice from the high-level reference group established to support the strategy development process, which included input from universities, research institutes and peak industry and representative bodies.
Public information sessions on the consultation paper will be held in most capital cities over the next few weeks. The closing date for submissions is 6 August 2010.
The Government expects to consider the final strategy toward the end of 2010.
The consultation paper can be found at www.innovation.gov.au. Details about the public information sessions will be available on the website shortly.
Media contacts: Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Anne Byrne, Department, 02 6276 1068 / 0434 479 986