MEDIA RELEASE

LABOR FINALLY DISCOVERS RESEARCH - WHAT ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION?

29 October 2002 MIN 224/02

I welcome the policy paper on research released today by Labor’s Science Spokesperson, Senator Kim Carr and endorsed by Simon Crean.

Simon Crean, however, might like to ask Senator Carr some questions during today’s shadow cabinet meeting.

He might ask why Senator Carr’s 38 page document fails, at any point, to endorse the Deputy Labor Leader’s promise of at least $385 million in research funding for Australia’s universities.

"Labor Education spokeswoman Jenny Macklin supported the calls for more funds, but said these should not be restricted to a handful of select institutions."

The Australian newspaper, 19 September, 2002

Simon Crean might also consider asking Senator Carr why he has avoided mention of the discredited training guarantee levy - being advocated by fellow Labor frontbencher, and leadership aspirant, Lindsay Tanner.

"Much of the cost of expanding our national education and training effort should be borne by Australian companies … This could be through a more sophisticated version of the Hawke Government’s training guarantee scheme."

Lindsay Tanner, The Age Newspaper, 23 October, 2002

Senator Carr has also embarrassed his leader by failing to mention to him that one of his key proposals amounts to plagiarism.

"Labor will establish a national research strategy based on thematic, as opposed to discipline-based, areas of research (for example salinity, ageing, national language needs.)"

Senator Carr, Research as an Engine for National Growth, p 29

Six months ago I announced the Howard Government would be doing exactly that.

"I think there’s an opportunity for us, with the right kind of leadership for us to embrace a vision of where we want Australia to be - 10, 15 or 20 years from now and to set some broad thematic priorities for our country."

Speech to The Melbourne Institute, 5 April, 2002

"The priority setting process will commence immediately and be completed by the end of this year, following extensive consultation with industry, universities, research agencies and the general community. National priorities will allow Australia to better exploit its competitive advantages, whilst achieving wider economic and social goals."

Dr Brendan Nelson Media Release, 2 May, 2002.

Research is vital to the future of Australia.

This has been recognised by the Howard Government which is providing $3 billion over 5 years through the Backing Australia’s Ability programme of initiatives.

Maximising value for our research dollars is also a key consideration in the Review of Higher Education.

Despite his paper’s failings, Senator Carr is to be applauded for at least contributing to the public debate.

Perhaps he is now free to assist Labor’s Shadow Education Spokesperson, who has run up about $1.2 billion in uncosted promises in higher education but apparently needs up to a year to work out how she will pay for them.

Reporter: The talk is fine, but the concrete ideas, when will we see those?

Jenny Macklin: Well, you’ll see them progressively over the next twelve months or so.

Channel Seven Sunrise, October 27, 2002

Copyright  |  Disclaimer  |  Privacy Statement