The 2020 Federal Budget includes welcome investments in creating a clean energy economy, improving environmental resilience, and building the skilled and expert workforce to support these.
The announcement of $1 billion to support research at Australia’s universities extends a much-needed lifeline to Australia’s innovation economy as well as the workforce that will create solutions to climate change and future threats including pandemics.
ATSE also welcomes the decision to protect funding for the CSIRO and extend support for the R&D tax incentive, which contribute to the translation and commercialisation of Australian knowledge, building industry and jobs.
“Investment in the creation and translation of knowledge is critical if Australia is to have a technology and science-led recovery,” ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said.
“Australia’s scientists, engineers and technology experts have already enabled a world-leading response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Budget is an investment in Australia’s skilled, resilient, productive and clean future economy, powered by a strong STEM-skilled workforce,” Ms Walker said.
Recognising the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women in the STEM workforce, ATSE is also pleased to see ongoing support for programs designed to build better gender balance in the sector.
Media contact: communications@atse.org.au