"Cuts ‘knock stuffing’ out of successful research program"

In her May 12 article in The Canberra Times Rosslyn Beeby informed her readers that: "The Gillard Government has 'knocked the stuffing out" of one of Australia's most successful and cost-effective research ventures by slashing $33 million from the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program, a leading scientist says.

That scientist is Dr. Max Whitten former Chief of the CSIRO Division of Entomology.

In Dr Whitten's view the cut will: "jeopardise critical research underpinning Australia's future food security. It put several national multimillion-dollar research programs at risk, which were rebidding for federal funding under the program this year," including feral pest control, plant biosecurity, water-efficient irrigation and cutting cattle methane emissions.

Feral pest and weed control programs will be cut from $12 million to $2.8 million in the 2011-12 budget. That's "absolutely irresponsible" Dr Whitten said.

In justification of the $33 million cut Senator Carr told Ms Beeby: "the cut included an $18.8 million reduction 'to offset other investments in innovation capacity, $7.5 million to fund the Science for Australia's future election commitment and '$7.1 million in additional savings'."

In her article Ms Beeby points out: "Over the past three years, the Rudd and Gillard governments have slashed $103 million from the [CRC] program, cutting the number of research centres from 70 to 46.

"In the most recent round of funding bids, only four centres were funded from a field of 30 applicants.

"Those rejected included a $160 million climate and weather risk research centre to improve Australia's capacity to deal with extreme weather events."

Dr Whitten noted that the CRC initiative was introduced by the Hawke Government on the recommendation of the then Chief Scientist, Ralph Slayter.

Finally, Senator Carr in his letter to The Age (see right hand column) appears to wash his hands of any commitment to support financially the Australian Synchrotron, indicating it's Victoria's problem: "I was as disappointed as anyone to see the Victorian Government not commit further funding... it is a state responsibility and we cannot keep bailing them out forever."
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Perhaps the new Chief Scientist will comment on these and other matters regarding federal support for scientific research when he takes up his duties Monday week in the bowels of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science and Research.

Letter sent to the Editor of The Age by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator, the Hon Kim Carr

Letter to Editor:  RECORD FUNDING

13 May 2011

This coming financial year we are investing $9.4 billion in science, research and innovation. This is a whopping 43 per cent increase since we came to office over the best the Coalition could muster.

Labor understands that if governments fail to properly fund science and research, all Australians will pay a hefty price. We will be left behind and we will miss out on the immense benefits that science brings to our economy, our society and to our everyday lives.

Spending on science and research is an investment in our future.

No-one appreciates this more than the Gillard Labor Government.

That is why we are showing true leadership and providing unprecedented levels of funding to give our scientists and researchers the support, facilities and encouragement they need to carry on their valuable work.

Labor’s unparalleled funding increases put us at the forefront of international science and research.

And this week’s Budget reiterated our determination to keep the support coming. Of course we would like to put even more in, but to make any gains in this budgetary environment – on top of previous record investments – is a remarkable endorsement of our belief in the value of research.

The CSIRO received record funding of over $3 billion, we are spending $40.2 million over four years to support Australia's bid to host the revolutionary Square Kilometre Array, one of the largest ever collaborations on science and technology, and funding research collaboration with emerging scientific powerhouses such as China and India.

Any inference that this Government is ignoring the value of science is quite simply incorrect. There will be no slide into the ‘dark ages’ on this Government’s watch.

When it comes to the Synchrotron I was as disappointed as anyone to see the Victorian Government not commit further funding. From the Commonwealth’s perspective we remain committed to playing our part, we have already backed it to the tune of almost $115 million. We aren’t – and never have sought to pass the buck – but it is a state responsibility and we cannot keep bailing them out forever.

Labor champions science – we believe in its value and we believe it holds the key to a greener, fairer and more prosperous Australia. Most importantly, this belief is backed up by generous funding and a genuine support and respect for the world class work of Australia’s scientists and researchers.

Edited version published in The Age, 13 May 2011.