The latest federal budget includes some conservative increases in research funding. 

Prior to this year’s federal election, Labor pledged to “transform the Australian economy through science and innovation”, and “re-tool Australia’s industries, re-skill our people, build our advanced manufacturing capabilities and deploy and diffuse technology in a way that complements job creation. We will strongly support the research capacities of our universities and the technical capability of TAFE.”

This week’s budget announcement includes money for 180,000 new TAFE places next year – which Treasurer Jim Chalmers says is “the first stage in our plan for nearly half a million fee-free TAFE courses for Australians” – as well as another $770 million for better schools, happy and healthier students, and more qualified teachers.

However, the amount of funding for pure science is unlikely to excite the sector. 

The government has raised CSIRO’s funding grant from $1.5 billion to $1.65 billion, which is only slightly above inflation. 

Funding for the Australian Research Council was lifted from $831 million to $866 million, and NHMRC money has been raised from $942 million to $956 million. With inflation sitting at over 7 per cent, these figures represent a cut in real terms. 

Still, the Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s 2022-23 budget. 

The Academy is set to lead a new regional presence coordinating scientific engagement in the Asia-Pacific over the next six years thanks to a $10.3 million investment announced this week. 

This will enable Australia to leverage its standing as a science and research leader and engage in strategic science diplomacy in our region and globally, says Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish. 

The Academy also welcomed the following measures; 

  • The establishment of the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund with seven key priorities in renewables and low emissions, medical science, value-adding resources, enabling capabilities, transport, defence and agriculture, fisheries, food and fibre.

  • Confirmation of the Government’s intention to establish an Australian Centre for Disease Control.

  • $105.2 million to support First Nations people to respond to climate change in their communities. The Academy’s Future Earth Australia National Strategy for Just Adaptation, published last month, called for the development of a national Indigenous-led climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.

  • Renewal of Australia’s climate policy ambition through greater investment in the Climate Change Authority, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, net zero and negative emissions and major investments in Australia’s renewable energy systems.

  • $2.9 million for the National Science and Technology Council’s provision of science and technology advice to support evidence-informed decision-making and independent science advice to Government

  • A down payment on meeting Australia’s responsibility to protect our natural biodiversity including support for preventing species extinction, protecting the Great Barrier Reef and advancing environmental law reform

  • 20,000 new university places for under-represented students, the Startup Year Program and establishing the Australian Universities Accord

  • $5.8 million for the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program and the independent review into Government programs to ensure they support greater diversity in Australia’s science and technology sectors

  • $10 million for Questacon to help inspire the next generation of young people to consider STEM careers