News & Views item - March 2013

 

 

The Chief Scientist and others vs the Leader of the Federal Liberal Party. (March 1, 2013)

At the 2013 Universities Australia Higher Education Conference yesterday.

 

Australian Chief Scientist, Ian Chubb and others
As Reported by The Australian's John Ross		 Leader of the Federal Opposition, Tony Abbott
As Reported by The Australian's Julie Hare

 
Professor Chubb told the Universities Australia conference yesterday in Canberra: "We've all heard that expression: Australia's in really good shape because we punch above our weight. I don't think we should be using expressions like that unless we have some idea what weight class we're in."

Professor Chubb said ten countries had stronger research-to-population ratios. "Eleventh in the world, behind most developed countries with embedded cultures of research and education, is not a particularly good place to be,"

"If you set your benchmark low enough, we're above world class in nearly everything we do. But should that be our aspiration?

"We need to get away from the comfort zone we sit in - we punch above our weight, so it's all OK. It's not."

" Central Queensland University vice-chancellor Scott Bowman: It's very easy to kid yourself that you're doing a lot better than you are. It's good to face truths."

Simon Marginson, higher education professor at the University of Melbourne: "On a pound-for-pound basis we ought to be one of the very best nations in the world in research. We are not."

Stephanie Fahey, a partner with global consultancy firm Ernst & Young: "We should be pushing as hard as we can because the mining boom's not here forever. What we have left is our human resource, and unless we invest in that space we will be left behind."

University of Technology, Sydney, vice-chancellor Ross Milbourne: "If you look at the outcome of Australian researchers relative to the income they have to produce that, we are very efficient. We are close to Canada, and yet Canada gets two to three times the research income. [That] is a pretty good indication."

Professor Chubb: "I don't think the solution is simply to sit down and say give us more money. There won't ever be enough money. We need a more sophisticated argument." two... factors characterised the leading research nations: science policies and research "prioritisation" processes.

Spokesman for Research Minister Chris Bowen: "We agree that it is vital we get the best outcomes from our investment in science and research, [which] is significant."

And Shadow Research Minister Brett Mason: "[Professor Chubb's] warning to lift our game is a timely reminder that Australia cannot rest on its laurels."

But see the next column.
Tony Abbott: says the Coalition fully appreciated the contribution of universities "as far more than ivory towers".

"(They are) the principal source of organisational and technical understandings that our scientists, innovators, business people, healers, guardians, jurists, teachers, philanthropists and administrators rely on for their work.
    "In an era of busy government and constant change, it's insufficiently recognised how often masterly inactivity can be the best contribution a government can make to a particular sector. A period of relative policy stability in which changes already made can be digested and adjusted is probably what our universities need now.

Mr Abbott told the conference the Coalition's direction would be guided by seven principles. These included cutting red tape, increasing international student numbers, and developing use of online learning.

Scott Bowman, vice-chancellor of Central Queensland University: "I would be worried if there was a push to virtual higher education with no additional funding. That wouldn't work. It's as expensive, if not more so, to teach someone online as it is face to face."

Mr Abbott: while he would provide "a stable and consultative" government, there would [be] no additional money. "In a constrained budget environment, to avoid further cuts rather than to win higher funding is the best outcome that particular sectors can hope for."

     
                              Steady as she sinks

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With reassurances from Minister Bowen's spokesman  and Mr Abbott such as these no doubt Professor Chubb, and those making up the university and science sectors will be cock-a-hoop.