Kim Carr Shines a Glimmer of Light at the End of the Tunnel. (January 3, 2008)

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr yesterday told The Age's Katharine Murphy: "[We now have a] unique opportunity to reposition Australia in the global research community... Over time a Rudd Labor Government wants to see a doubling of our research and development effort across the public and private sectors."

The $90 million allocated by the previous Coalition government's Department of Education, Science and Training to kick start its Research Quality Framework is estimated to have had some $50 million earmarked, leaving about $40 million which Senator Carr indicated is to be redirected to research projects.

Senator Carr also praised the processes used by the Australian Research Council in awarding its funding, and said overall he wants a new system for allocating research funds: "I am turning my attention to getting value for money in research expenditure and improving collaboration within the research community and between the public and private sectors."

Although he gave no details, he has ordered a year-long review in consultation with Australia's research sector and requested an options paper from officials. Just who will be consulted and how, and just what legislation and funding will be derived from it?  Those are the questions.

The minister is also expected to initiate within a fortnight, a review on innovation.

It may be recalled that in 1999 John Howard's Coalition Government in requested a report which was submitted in August 2000 under the title, Innovation Unlocking the future: Final report of the Innovation Summit Implementation Group. It set out critically a series of initiatives that in the main should – must – be taken if Australia is to catch up  with the world's leading nations in regard to science, technology and innovation. 

1. Innovation: Unlocking the Future:  full report 275k summarises the findings and recommendations of the Innovation Summit. 

2. The Chance to Change was the Chief Scientist's submission (at the time, Robin Batterham) based on the report. It emphasised the importance of science, engineering and technology and their role in shaping Australia's future. The full report is no longer available online. but read the executive summary.

The outgrowth was Backing Australia's Ability and Backing Australia's Ability II, a remarkably feeble response.

Now in 2008 will it be Deja Vu All Over Again or can we expect better from Senator Carr and his Labor Cabinet colleagues.