Labor supports scientific freedom
13 Mar 2008
by: Fiona McDonald
Courtesy of ScienceAlert: Australia and New Zealand
Following the Rudd Government's decision to develop charters of rights and responsibilities for public sector research agencies, Senator Kim Carr spoke to the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies Forum about Labor's plans to ensure Australia's future prosperity.
Senator Carr told the forum on 22 February 2008 that creativity and autonomous research were needed to help Australia overcome future challenges, such as climate change and an ageing workforce.
"A high performing science and innovation system is essential to the goal of a prosperous, productive, sustainable society and to improved social wellbeing," said Senator Carr.
The previous government had tried to discredit the research and creativity of Australia's scientists, said Senator Carr, leading Labor to form policy changes to ensure researchers received the support needed to meet the challenges of the future.
"Our best and brightest have a critical part to play. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that their creativity is marshalled," said Senator Carr.
The Senator said that the new charters would be statements of rights and reponsibilities for research institutions and individual scientists.
They would embody six fundamental principles:
- Encouragement of debate on scientific and other research issues that are of public interest;
- Independence and integrity of public research institutions in their research activities;
- Government – accountable to Parliament and the people - remains responsible for policy formulation and implementation;
- Open communication, dissemination of information and debate on the findings of research;
- Recognition of the role for researchers in such communication and debate; and
- The contestability of ideas.
The Government's responsibility not to interfere with science would be accompanied by expectations for researchers and institutions, said Senator Carr.
Scientists would be expected to conduct ethical and honest research, while institutions should aim to advance the public good.
Senator Carr said that individual scientists also had a responsibility to not only explain their work, but to engage in public debate and deliver expert advice.
"Scientists' responsibilities go to the society and the country in which they live, and which provides them with financial support," said the Senator.
"We as a Government will uphold the rights of public-sector researchers, and will also expect things of them. They, in turn, can expect that the Government will support them in the pursuit of knowledge."
Other nations had already increased investments in science and technology, said the Senator.
"Australia cannot afford to fall behind our competitors."
To read the whole speech click here.
View source webpage here.
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