Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you to the member for Adelaide for that question. Science tackles the toughest problems we face, drives economic growth and helps improve national wellbeing along the way. Our government committed to a future made in Australia, revitalising manufacturing, and it's important to note that manufacturing invests heavily in R&D. As the Prime Minister puts it, 'New discoveries are making way for new products that will be made right here in this country.'

It was terrific to celebrate Australian scientific know-how and science teaching last night at the PM's Prizes for Science. I was particularly thrilled to see that the PM's Prize for Science went to Professor Michelle Simmons, celebrated for her trailblazing work in quantum technologies. Professor Glenn King's work with funnel-web spiders is being translated into new treatments for people following strokes and heart transplants. Professor Chris Greening discovered that microbes that live in the air can help us regulate climate change, a world first. Professor Yuerui Lu's contributions to superfluidity are paving the way for a new generation of lower-energy-consuming electronic devices, and Associate Professor Lara Herrero's experience contracting Ross River virus helped her create the world's first drug with the potential to beat viral arthritis.

Behind every scientist is a science teacher who set them on their path, who nourished their passion and their curiosity about the way the world works. Without brilliant science teachers we wouldn't have brilliant scientists. Last night we celebrated Ms Judith Stutchbury from Kalkie State School, eight kilometres from the Great Barrier Reef, who is instilling in her primary school students a love of marine science, and we celebrated Ms Donna Buckley from John Curtin College of the Arts, in Perth, bringing cryptography and cybersecurity to the classroom, alongside highly commended teachers Matthew Dodds and Dr Gabrielle Oslington. These teachers are widening the pipeline of STEM talent. You've all been acknowledged earlier, but the House wants you to know how deeply grateful we are for your efforts.

Science is absolutely central to unlocking the next generation of opportunities underpinning our ambitions in advanced manufacturing, agriculture and clean energy critical technologies, but the key will be investing in skills. That's why the National Skills Agreement is a big deal. I want to congratulate the Minister for Skills and Training. I'm particularly pleased to see the commitment to the Centres of Excellence which will bring together universities, industry and the VET sector to help lift skills. This will be key to driving future growth and improving the wellbeing of the country.

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