PM Transcripts

AL04
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA 13 DECEMBER 1988
The minister for Science, Customs and Small Business,
Mir Jones, has made a convincing case for early consideration
of initiatives to enhance the Government's science policy.
Senior officials had identified concerns of the research
community, in a report prepared for Cabinet consideration.
The officials' report followed an intensive round of
consultations with peak academic, research and union groups
in the science and technology field. It found a high level
of support for the Government's basic objective of aligning
public sector research efforts more closely with Australia's
economic strengths and national priorities, and of
increasing the R and D effort of the private sector and
their involvement with the public research institutions.
we are all now better informed. Mr Jones' task will be to
take the options identified by officials and structure them
according to national priorities.
Other Ministers, including Mr Kerin, Dr Blewett, Mr. Dawkins
and Senator Richardson will be consulted.
Mr Jones' Submissions will be dealt with early in the New
Year. The Government recognises that there are particular problems
with career structures for researchers, post-graduate
stipends, and the generally poor level of private sector
research funding.
Mr Jones has forcefully argued these points.
The Cabinet will look at these areas, together with early
assistance measures but we are not after a ' quick-fix'
package. The importance of research to Australia's future
industrial structure is too important for that.
Long-term approaches agreed as a result of Mr Jones'
Submission will be given high priority in the 1989-90 Budget
process.
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