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

Senator Fielding, I must say I am a little puzzled by your suggestion that this government is not committed to science and innovation. We have had the biggest increase in expenditure on science and innovation for 25 years. I just find that proposition that you put to me extraordinary and, in the context of last year’s budget, it is frankly nonsensical. What I can say is that, in terms of the importance of research and development, this is a government that is committed to driving productivity and, in terms of the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector, we have actually seen an average increase of some 2.2 per cent. The research and development corporations are estimated to have spent around $460 million on research and development in 2008-09 and the Australian government has contributed $207 million.

Under the previous government—I am sure Senator Fielding would be interested in this—industry levies and Commonwealth matched funding to the research and development corporations in 2006 was $442 million. In 2007 it was $439 million, in 2008-09 it was $451 million and in 2009-10 it is estimated to be $444.68 million. Levies collected from industry vary, as you would be aware, Senator Fielding, because of the various impacts on changes in production which are caused by drought, other climactic conditions and commodity prices. But the level of government support—as I thought, Senator Fielding, you would appreciate—is actually increasing when it comes to the issues of science and innovation, which is something that I am personally very proud of. (Time expired)