L1A3Rf-7P-Y F146--
FOR MEDIA THURSDAY, 31 JULY, 1980
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY
INTO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN AUSTRALIA
Following widespread public debate about the merits of
technological change, and concern at possible adverse
consequences, the Government announced on 1 December, 1978
that it was establishing a Committee of Inquiry into
Technological Change in Australia.
The Committee has now completed its work and I am pleased
to be able to release its Report today for public discussion
and comment.
The Committee emphasises that it is essential for Australian
industry primary, secondary and tertiary to keep up with
technological developments if it is to compete internationally
and if we as Australians are to realise the full potential of
our economy.
The Government strongly endorses that central conclusion of
the Committee.
A special Committee of Cabinet has been established to
consider the Committee' s recommendations, and the assessment
that underlies them, as a matter of high priority.
I am confident that this consideration will lead to
substantial acceptance of the Committee's recommendations.
The Government also expects a constructive response to the
Report from the community generally.
The Government welcomes the excellent Report which this
representative Committee has produced. It believes that
this Report will greatly assist the community and the Government
in understanding and dealing with technological change.
The most important task set for the Committee was to report
and make recommendations to the Government on the process of
technological change in Australian industry in order that
the Australian community should maximise the economic, social
and other benefits and minimise any possible adverse
consequences. / 2
2
In presenting its assessment of the economic, social and other
effects of technological change the Committee stresses the
strong links between change, economic growth and improved
living standards. In doing so it points out that the process
of adjustment to change will not necessarily be calm or easy.
Many of its recommendations, therefore, are aimed at ensuring
that the benefits of change are maximised and adverse effects
minimised. The Committee points out that if the community is to obtain
the greatest benefits from new technologies, a more co-operative
and mutually supportive approach than has generally prevailed in
Australia in the past will be needed. The future introductio ' n
of new technology without undue and potentially costly industrial
resistance, Is likely to depend importantly on labour force and
community understanding and acceptance, which will in part
depend on how those affected by technological change are,
treated, and how they see themselves and are seen by others
as being treated.
The Government strongly supports the general objectives of
fostering a more consultative and facilitative approach, as
well as a wider understanding and acceptance of technological
change. I will be announcing the Government's considered response to
the recommendations early in the Budget Session of Parliament.
The Committee was chaired by Professor Rupert H1. Myers,
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of New South
Wales. Other members were Mr. A. G. Coogan, now Chairman of
Nabalco Pty. Ltd. and Mr. W. C. Mansfield, Federal Secretary.
of the Australian Telecommunications Employees' Association.
The Government is deeply grateful to the members of the
Committee and its secretariat, and to the many others,
organisations and individuals who assisted it in its work.
000---