Jason Clare (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Can I thank the members for Indi, Deakin, Herbert, Chisholm, Flynn, Werriwa, Kingston and Shortland for their contributions to this debate on the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2010. This bill will support the ongoing operations of the Australian Research Council in three specific initiatives that will build Australia’s research capacity and promote research excellence. The bill updates the special appropriation amount administered by the Australian Research Council to include new funding for research in bionic vision science and technology, new funding for the Super Science Fellowships Scheme, continued funding for National ICT Australia and additional out-year, and indexation of existing appropriation amounts in the Australian Research Council Act 2001.

The invention of a bionic eye will not only give and restore sight to tens of thousands of people around the world; it will also generate know-how that can be applied in many other areas. The 100 three-year super science fellowships will support the next generation of researchers, complementing our Australian Laureate Fellowships Scheme for established researchers and future fellowships for researchers in mid-career. Continued funding for National ICT Australia, the largest information and communication technology research organisation in Australia, is vital to ensure that Australia maintains its good reputation for research and training, and commercialisation in this vital area. This bill will increase spending by approximately $889 million over four financial years. The proposed amendments change the administered special appropriation; they do not alter the substance of the act or increase departmental funds. It is routine but important legislation that will support the research we need to address global problems and maintain Australian living standards. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

Ordered that the bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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