Fiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This year has demonstrated how critical scientists are to our nation as Australia and indeed the world have faced the COVID-19 pandemic. As a psychologist I was a scientist practitioner, and as a parliamentarian I am a strong advocate for evidence based policymaking. I rise today to congratulate Australia's new Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley. Dr Foley has had an outstanding career in physics, including in her current role as Chief Scientist of CSIRO. I should point out that Dr Foley was educated in Reid at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield.

For young women around the country who are seeking a career in STEM, I hope that Dr Foley's appointment will be a source of inspiration and optimism. Dr Foley has been a champion for women in science across all disciplines and has spoken about her desire to encourage a greater representation of women in labs across Australia. Australia needs more women across science, technology, engineering and maths, and the Morrison government has introduced programs—such as the Future You initiative—to help raise awareness of STEM industries for young girls, as well as targeted apprenticeships and cadetships in universities. Congratulations to Dr Foley. I look forward to your contributions in your role as the Chief Scientist of Australia.