Sean Edwards (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with pleasure that I rise to speak about science and Science Week in particular. I note in the chamber the presence of Minister Ronaldson who has the carriage of Minister MacFarlane's portfolio of science and industry in this place and through the Senate estimates process.

It is a complete celebration to have these inspirational people in front of me three times a year. They range from, as Senator Ketter pointed out, the quite amazing mind and capacity of the Chief Scientist—currently, Professor Ian Chubb—whom I have known for some 30 year and watched his career progress to the pinnacle of what it is today—to Dr Adi Paterson, the chief of ANSTO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. I have also listened to him and he also has a very inspiring science mind.

We also cover CSIRO and, unlike what Senator Canavan asserted, our minister is very much aware of our place in the global science race. I heard Senator McGrath's earlier contribution and he was very articulate in pointing out where the failures of the past government were.

With my remaining 40 seconds, Senator Ketter, I will just let you know that in dealing, as I am, with in the nuclear space right now, the minds of these people in our science space are some of the best in the world, and people around the world tell me that. Our commitment to science and to Science Week is never been as profound as it is today from the minister. I suggest everybody get behind Science Week and applaud it in Australia's economy.