Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. I am sure the minister is aware of the Respect the Science campaign, launched last night by the Federation of Australian Science and Technology Societies. Can the minister advise what he is doing to respond to the concerns of Australian scientists?

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

I thank Senator Stephens for her question and her longstanding commitment to Australian science. There has been a very important moment to affirm our respect for science. There has never been a more important moment in which to do so. It has almost been four centuries since the passing of the Enlightenment but, by now, you would have thought—

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

A government senator: They are still waiting for it!

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

We're getting there!

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When people have settled down, question time will proceed.

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

What I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by the knuckle-draggers on the other side of this chamber is that you would have thought that after four centuries the whole question of the Enlightenment would have seen the light from science penetrate every part of the body politic of this country. But what we find in this building, in this opposition, is that there are some very dimly-lit corners today. There are those on the other side of the chamber who would be only too happy to drag us back to the Dark Ages. What we have is a government on this side that is committed to ensuring that we stand for reason, we stand for scientific method and we stand for the maximum discovery in science. What we see on the other side of the chamber is an opposition that runs from the facts, that peddles in fear and seeks to, wherever it can, rely upon innuendo and undermine the importance of scientific method in this country. We must recommit, in this country, to ensure that when the cameras stop rolling we still argue the case for the importance of science. We make no apology for the search for truth when it comes to the issues of scientific discovery. (Time expired)

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When senators are ready we will proceed.

Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. In regard to the Respect the Science campaign is the minister aware of global reports that Australian climate scientists are subject to death threats and abuse, and what is the minister's response to this?

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

Every friend of Australian science was dismayed by the reports that Senator Stephens refers to. Such behaviour is contemptible and has no place in Australia and yet we have seen those threats dismissed by some in this building as nothing more than a mere contest of ideas. It is as if to say there is nothing wrong with the behaviour that we have seen in parts of this country. This government sees a difference between robust debate and downright abuse of our scientists. The government sees a difference between peer review and fearmongering. This government will not pretend that the earth is flat no matter how convenient it would be for some on the other side of this chamber to have us believe it. For this government, the choice is clear. We respect the science and we call on you to change your ways and respect the science too. (Time expired)

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have already pointed out to senators that the time to debate issues is at the end of question time.

Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Given that this week is Science meets Parliament and given the government's massive boost to the science and research budget, how does that investment help Australians cope with contemporary challenges?

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

I am really quite disturbed that so few opposition senators have chosen to participate in Science meets Parliament. The fact remains that curiosity-driven research is important but so is the importance of providing answers to the big questions facing our society. We are in the business of building the tools to power the nation in the 21st century. And if we look at our phenom­enal potential with new technology, we do not have to go much further than the CSIRO. It estimates that supply of around 30 per cent of Australian energy will be able to be provided through renewable energy sources. This will not be done without our scientists. They will not be able to get the investment they need without a carbon price, and they will not be able to do this without ensuring that we respect their contribution to Australia's future development. That is why the CSIRO is working with industry to bring down the cost of solar technology. That is why we are building two of the largest and most efficient solar plants in the world in Moree. (Time expired.)