They Seek Him Here, They Seek Him There, Those Ministers Seek Him Everywhere... or Do They? (January 18, 2006)

    It's mid-January and being the Southern  hemisphere the silly season is still upon us.

Australia's part time Chief Scientist, Robin Batterham resigned from the position in May 2005. Eight months have past and the Prime Minister, John Howard, and his Cabinet are still wattling along bereft of the advice of a replacement. Can it be doubted that the Cabinet during its many deliberations have registered dismay onto anguish that they are without the cogent advice and council a chief scientist would bestow upon them to enlighten their deliberations.

Not bloody likely. Back in September the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Brendan Nelson let it be known that it would be several months before there would be a new appointee.

Now The Australian's Dorothy Illing reports, "the name of a preferred candidate [finally] went to cabinet but was given the thumbs down by a couple of ministers.

No doubt about it, science looms big in the ruminations of our federal leaders.