David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Science and the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator Ayres. Minister, this week, the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, NCRIS, celebrated 20 years. It's one of the most successful and longest running government programs, yet for the first time, in this year's budget, there was no detailed funding profile for NCRIS over the forward estimates. Why is this, and can the government guarantee that NCRIS funding will continue in full post the 2028-29 funding cliff it currently faces?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Pocock. I can tell you, in relation to NCRIS, to our broader research infrastructure requirements, in relation to our science institutions, that this Albanese government, in every year that we've been in office—but I can tell you that in particular over the last year—has put in more than any previous government to deliver sustainability and focused effort across our research infrastructure. We will, of course, as part of our normal budget processes in the lead-up to every budget, in the normal way, make an assessment of the short- and long-term requirements for research infrastructure funding.

I have been very happy to be able to be part of a government that, in relation to the CSIRO, which in terms of research infrastructure and its assets around Australia has a very substantial research footprint, in this budget added, in addition to the around $1 billion that the government provides to the CSIRO, an additional $387.4 million, in addition to the more than $200 million that the government provided in MYEFO last year. This is a government that is serious about the role of science and serious about the role of the full research and development sector, including our incredible universities. I saw Senator Hanson, in one of the three right-wing parties over here, bagging the university sector earlier today. Our fantastic universities are doing fantastic research work. All of the Australian research infrastructure is pointing in the right direction. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, first supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. I think we might need to fact-check your assertion that your government has done more than any government on research, because, as I understand it, our total R&D spend as a percentage of GDP continues to slide.

We had the Strategic Examination of Research and Development final report in March. We've only seen one of the six core recommendations progressed. Why is there a delay in implementing an ambitious Australia?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

What we are delivering, in a substantial and serious way, as a government that actually does things—we commissioned that report. There's a substantial part of that report dealt with in the budget. Don't be offended, but I'm not really going to take your report card on our achievements in this area. What is certain is that governments deliver; Independents talk. We have delivered substantial funding for the CSIRO. You haven't built a roundabout. We have delivered—

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Scarr?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order on personal reflections, I'm mindful of the fact that Senator Pocock is an Independent—

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

It's not a personal reflection, but I will remind the minister to address the chair when answering the question.

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

What we are doing is grappling with the real challenges of the Australian research and development system, not complaining and not seeking to find a new set of Instagram posts. We are about delivering substantially for Australian science and research. That is what governments do. That is what an adult, serious government does in a real, substantial way.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, second supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister Ayres. I think we'll all make our minds up about the way you interact in this place. When will the national innovation council—

Government Senators:

Government senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Pocock, please continue.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

What was wrong with that?

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, I've invited you to ask your question.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

When will the national innovation council be established?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

In the budget, the National Resilience and Science Council was established, and it will be legislated. It will direct the work of Australia's research and development, our commercialisation capability and our industrial policy. We will deliver legislation to the parliament in the normal way. It is a mobilisation effort to harness our national research and development capacity in the Commonwealth, in the states and in the university sector and point them at Australia's big challenges.

Senator, you might find it offensive to have somebody say to you that what you do is complain and not deliver, but you find it perfectly fine, including in your contributions earlier today—

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ayres, address your comments through the chair.

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) | Link to this | Hansard source

to cast inferences, President, and are shocked when people respond. We announced in the budget a bigger and bolder initiative than the one that you talked about just then. (Time expired)