Does Cabinet Reshuffle Reaffirm the Position of Tertiary Education, Science and Research in PM's Priorities? (December 12, 2011)

1. Senator Kim Carr, a supporter of Julia Gillard during the leadership challenge, has been dumped from Cabinet but has been given the Manufacturing and Defence Materiel portfolio in the outer ministry.

2. Senator Chris Evan has suffered demotion by losing Workplace Relations but nevertheless remains in Cabinet in line with his position as government leader in the Senate; he retains Tertiary Education and  Skills and picks up  the Science and Research portfolios from Senator Carr.

3. Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Minister Greg Combet has had added to his responsibilities Senator Carr's Industry and Innovation portfolios.

________________________

The Group of Eight was quick to issue the following statement:

Go8 thanks Senator Carr for his outstanding contribution to university research, [and] has commended Senator Kim Carr's achievements as the Minister responsible for Research. Go8 executive director, Michael Gallagher, said, "He championed the independence of the Australian Research Council (ARC) and he initiated the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluations of research quality against international benchmarks. Senator Carr is respected in the higher education sector because he understands the global context, rises above parochialism, and champions the need for Australian universities to keep pace with the world's best. It would be unfortunate to see his efforts diluted."

The Group of Eight (Go8) welcomes the formation of a single Department for Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education under two Cabinet Ministers. Michael Gallagher, said, "We had feared that university research would be put back into the Education and Employment portfolio where it would have struggled to gain the attention it deserves. We are pleased that innovation will now be viewed more comprehensively, embracing the development of graduates as well as research. We are pleased to see responsibility for research training re-integrated with higher education. The Go8 looks forward to working constructively with Ministers Evans and Combet."

While Chair of Universities Australia, and vice-chancellor of The University of Melbourne, Professor Glyn Davis said:

Kim Carr would easily rate as one of the best Ministers ever to lead the research portfolio. His dedication and passion have been exceptional, and he truly understands the impact that the combination of research, industry and education has on a nation's productivity and potential. Minister Carr believes in the importance of research - for its capacity to expand knowledge, and for the spur innovation provides for so many fields of human endeavour. Research makes innovation possible, a point Kim Carr stressed in his work both as Shadow Minister and in Government.  Since taking the reins in 2007, Minister Carr has introduced important initiatives within the portfolio aimed at stimulating and driving research and innovation within universities, government agencies, backyard garages, and importantly throughout industry. The unprecedented Commonwealth funding boost following the Cutler Review in 2008 stands as perhaps the most tangible confirmation of his commitment to the portfolio. While this injection received relatively little local media attention at the time, it was recognised throughout the world as a bold and most enviable announcement. It was evidence of an Australian Government focused on the nation's long-term future. Related initiatives, including the appointment of a full-time Chief Scientist, continued support for the CRC program, changes to research support, the establishment of Enterprise Connect and Commercialisation Australia and the ongoing support for the Australian Research Council are further indications of Kim Carr's passion and personal innovation.
 

The sector is highly appreciative of the passion, knowledge and effort which Kim Carr has put into the science, research, discovery and innovation agenda. It is rare to see someone who loved his subject matter so much. We trust that his tremendous contributions to this portfolio will endure.

As regards the portfolio integration in the cabinet reshuffle:

Universities Australia welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement to re-integrate science and research with higher education.

Professor Glyn Davis said, This is an excellent move. Research and higher education are inextricably linked and it is sensible to have them managed together under the newly expanded Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. Departmental arrangements are of course yet to be fully clarified. Universities Australia has enjoyed a close and fruitful working relationship with officials from both the previous Education and Innovation Departments, and trust that much of the corporate knowledge will be transferred into the new Department. Universities Australia welcomes Minister Combet to the sector, and looks forward to a continued strong working relationship with Minister Evans.

_________________________

It remains to be seen whether or not these cabinet changes have an effect on the support for or interest in tertiary education, and research by the prime minister and her cabinet.