It is important that the minister be able to specify projects as designated research programs to help build Australia's research capability, but it is also important that the power be protected as much as possible from potential misuse in the future. The revised definition proposed by Senator Pocock adds to the existing protections requiring that the relevant program be nationally significant and requiring that the minister of the day be satisfied that the program will help build research capability.
]]>The government is unable to support the balance of the amendments, which would amend elements of the bill drawn from the independent report. In that context, I would ask that (1) and (2) be put separately from (3) and (4) please.
]]>The TEMPORARY CHAIR: The question before the committee is that the amendments moved by Senator Faruqi be agreed to. A division is required and will occur Wednesday.
]]>Question agreed to.
]]>The TEMPORARY CHAIR: The question is that the Australian Greens amendment on sheet 2441 be agreed to.
Question agreed to.
]]>This didn't happen overnight. Those opposite were in power for 21 of the last 27 years. The last time investment in R&D peaked at 2.25 per cent of GDP was when Labor was last in government. On the Liberals' watch, R&D investment over the last decade plunged to 1.68 per cent. For the last 10 years, those opposite let R&D spending contract across the economy. They undermined our scientists and universities and dared Australia's manufacturers to leave the country. Turning this around is going to take more than one budget cycle. But it's not just about governments. It requires a cultural shift from all of us as businesses, universities and governments. It requires moving from thinking about investment in R&D as a nice thing to have when times are good to thinking of it as being essential for an innovative, resilient country.
The Albanese government knows this and is laying the groundwork for Australia to get back off the mat. This includes things like $15 billion for the National Reconstruction Fund, $392 million for the Industry Growth Program, $9 billion in direct support for national research organisations like the CSIRO and $3.2 billion through the R&D tax incentive. It's why the Minister for Education has been undertaking the Universities Accord as well. You can see from the objectives of the government that we value research. This important bill that we're discussing today is an example of that.
]]>We make no apologies for redirecting that funding as part of the Universities Accord interim report into things that will make a significant difference for people. You shouldn't put words in my mouth, Senator Henderson. I didn't say 'small'. I do acknowledge that there was a redirection of funding, because we believe it is important to give First Nations people in the greater metropolitan areas greater access to opportunity when it comes to university study. I've seen myself firsthand the difference that regional university study hubs are making in the community, having visited a number of them. I'm really proud about that. I think that they were something that was started by our predecessors that we're encouraged by and think they will make a significant difference, which is why we've invested more money in it. We think that they are significant and that they will make a difference, and that's why that money was redirected.
]]>In regard to university research funding, the government has a proven track record of supporting the research sector, and this bill is the latest proof of that. Following the release of the Australian Universities Accord interim report on 19 July 2023, the government acted immediately on the five priority actions it recommended. The government redirected uncommitted funding from the Regional Research Collaboration Program, as well as a small portion of funds from the Australia's Economic Accelerator program. These priority actions include the establishment of up to 20 additional regional university study hubs in regional Australia and extending demand driven funding to all First Nations students where they meet the eligibility requirements. This is a good use of taxpayers' money, helping more Indigenous children to go to university and creating opportunity for many people studying in regional areas. That's what the experts tell us we need to do, and that's what our Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023 did at the end of last year, but I'm not surprised that the coalition want to oppose all of this and remain negative about that aspect.
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