Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, today announced that the integrity and independence of public research institutions, and the right of their researchers to contribute to public debate on their areas of expertise, will be protected by new charters.
"Australia needs the best scientific advice it can get to tackle the many issues we face as a nation," Senator Carr said.
"Public research institutions, and the dedicated professionals working within them, have a right as well as a responsibility to represent the findings of their work and to actively participate in public debate.
"The value of scientific endeavour and importance of vigorous and transparent public debate, unfettered by political interference but subject to peer review, is something I have advocated for my entire public life.
"Governments are responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that best address our future challenges. This means choosing between many policy options. Having access to frank and fearless research is crucial in making the most informed choice."
Senator Carr said the capacity of public researchers to contribute to public debate in their areas of expertise has not been accepted by everyone.
"The Howard Government was subject to repeated accusations of political interference with scientific research, especially on controversial issues," he said.
"It is often in matters of contention and sharp debate that the knowledge and expertise of the scientific community is most valuable. This is why it is so important to protect the right of scientists to speak out about their research and discoveries."
Senator Carr said the charters would be developed in close consultation with the public research institutions including CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Australian Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation.
"The Rudd Government is committed to a new era of scientific and public debate that is characterised by openness and vigour," Senator Carr said.
"We have already strengthened the independence of the Australian Research Council through the creation of an independent advisory council and through new measures to promote greater transparency in decision-making.
"These charters are another practical way we are acting to ensure scientific independence of public research institutions under a Rudd Labor Government," Senator Carr said.
Principles on which the charters will be based include:
Encouragement of debate on scientific and other research issues of public interest.
Support for the independence and integrity of public research institutions for their scientific discovery.
Recognition that the Government remains responsible for the articulation, formulation and implementation of public policy and is accountable to the Parliament and the Australian people for such policies.
Support for the open communication, dissemination of information and debate about the results of scientific, technical and social research.
Recognition that researchers are encouraged to engage in such communication and debate.
Media contact: Patrick Pantano 0417 181936