Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I indicated to you yesterday that the CRC for biosecurity failed in its bid in the 11th round; it chose, for whatever reason, not to present for the 12th round. They were one of 10 CRCs in the 11th round that did not go to the second stage. The decision was made by the expert selection committee of the CRCs. The CRC for biosecurity is one source of advice in terms of research on Hendra but in my view the CSIRO is better equipped—given the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong and given the amount of money we have invested in that laboratory—and better placed to undertake research in this field. Furthermore, the CSIRO has indicated that it is providing additional resources for research into Hendra. It is the CSIRO, in my view, that is better equipped to deal with this matter. But when it all comes down to it, it is as simple as this: I cannot intervene in the CRC selection process under the current guidelines. You would appreciate that matter.