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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
LABOR SUPPORTS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Labor Goverrncent recognises science, technology and engineering as fundamental to
a growing economy, a clean environment and a world class health system.
The Government has an important role to play in supporting Australian science, not only
through funding for basic research in universities, but by encouraging a long-term
commitment from our business sector.
Labor has a proud record of support for Australian science. Since 1982-83 funding has
increased to $ 2.9 billion per year, a 39% increase in real terms. The 1992-93 Budget
included the fourth successive real increase. i,
We are committed to building on this record in order to make the most of our clever ideas
and thereby underpin our growing international comptiies.
We will continue to support the national science effort through commitment to institutions
such as the CSIRO. The CTSIRO is more than a scientific research agency. Like the ABC,
it is a nationa icon. It plays an important role in preserving the nation's heritage,
encouraging ideas and strengthening national cohesion.
We will also continue to support our high quality health and medical research system.
Since 1982-83, Commonwealth funding of this important area has more than doubled in
real terms. The results, in terms of research which improves the health of all Australians,
have been outstanding. Labor will work with medical researchers and the business sector
to lift research funding to 2.0% of total health expenditure by the year 2000. The National
Health and Medical Research Council's Research Strategy will be important in helping
the Government achieve this goal.
Labor recognises that science involves a long-term investment. Funding cannot be turned
on and off like a tap. It is for these reasons that the Government made the_ 150% R& D tax
concession a permanent part of the tax system. introduced and extended the Cooperative
Research Centres program and will continue indefinitely univcrsikv. Tescarch infrastructure.
funding beyond 1994.
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While Labor will invest substantially in the nation's technological future. te Coalition
will cut research funding. According to Fightback. $ 20 million will be slashed from the
science budget.
The importance of science and technology was completely ignored by Dr Hewson in his
campaign launch.
Dr Hewson should recognise the importance of science and engineering, and the need for
continuing government support. He must:
pledge to maintain current levels of science funding and resile from the
cuts proposed in Fightback;
match Labor's commitments of $ 52 million per year for higher education
research infrastructure and $ 25 million per year for ten new Cooperative
Research Centres.
The Coalition has failed to demonstrate either an understanding of or sympathy with the
needs and aspirations of Australia's scientists and engineers. By contrast. Labor has
worked hard to give science, technology and engineering a stronger role in Australia's
future. It understands their importance and willcontinue to support them accordingly.
CANBERRA 4 MARCH 1993 6927