Vicki Sara Tells it Like it Is, but Will Mr Rudd Pay Any Attention? (May 10, 2008)

The imminent Federal budget will show if Wayne Swann delivers a budget subject to razored cuts or one crushed with a sledgehammer.

It might be revealing as to the competence of the Treasurer and his Cabinet colleagues were critical financial modelling done to show just how the inflation figures would be affected, were a program of significant and appropriate increases to the resources of the university and research sectors, and juxtaposed to the expected effect on Australia's economy, culture and the overall well being of its citizens.

Can this government really look past 2011?

Meanwhile the redoubtable Bob Park reports on US$33 billion of governmental science allocations gone to pork.

 COMPETES: BLOWN AWAY IN THE GATHERING STORM.
In 2005 the National Academies rang the alarm: the United States was
beginning to fall behind other nations in the physical sciences, even as
the world faced new challenges. The report of the Academies, "Rising
Above the Gathering Storm" was just what the nation needed. Washington
science representatives began working together as never before. Congress
passed COMPETES, a $33 billion authorization bill. The President signed
it, and Congress left town for a vacation after its hard work. The
science policy wonks were throwing each other high fives celebrating the
victory. But when it came time to appropriate money, the White House sent
Jack Marburger to Congress to make the case for science. Congress just
divided up the money into pork-barrel projects. Who could be surprised?
An editorial in this week’s Nature pointed out that constituents have many
pressing issues.

Ultimately, science must persuade the public. (our emphasis)