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FOR PRESS 29 M1AY 1978
GRANT TO TwHE AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES
The Government is to provide $ 100,000 to the Australian Academy
of Technological Sciences in the 1978-79 financial year.
The decision iLs in accordance with the Government's policy of
encouraging technological development and adaptation in Australian
industry.
The Academy of Technological Sciences has a fundamental role
to play in the technological innovation process in Australia.
Through its distinguished and broadly based membership, it has
become an important forum for discussion and advice to Government
and the community on technological matters.
The recent and successful Symposium on Energy organised by the
Academy with the co-operation of the then Department of National
Resources is an example of the important role which the Academy
can play in co-ordinating informed discussion of important
technology oriented issues in Australian society.
Since coming to office the Government has taken major long term
decisions to provide a framework for encouraging technological
development in Australia.
These include: the Government's decision to establish by statute an
Australian Science and Technology Council, legislation
for which was recently introduced to Parliament.
the reorganisation of the Commonwealth Scientific
and Industrial research Organisation which was
announced on 11 May 1978
The decision towards the technological development
through a joint government-industry effort of the
INTEP. SCAN microwave aricraft landing system developed
by CSIRO and the Department of Transport and recently
adopted by the International Civil Aviation-Organisation
The decisi.-undertake a review of industrial research and
development -zhwas announced last November is now in progress
and will draw on the forthcoming report on science and technology ./ 2
2.
in Australia being prepared by ASTEC and the studies being
undertaken by the Senate Standing Committee on Science and
Environment. The grant of $ 100,000 to the Australian Academy of Technological
Sciences is provided as a contribution towards the general
purposes ' of the Academy and on the same basis as the Commonwealth
Government grants to the other learned Academies. The
grant, as is the case with grants to the other learned
Academies, will be administered by the Department of Science.