Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Last month’s budget included some $3.1 billion in new funding for research and innovation over four years. Much of that money will be spent on Australian science, especially through the $1.1 billion Super Science Initiative. We also recognise that progress in building long-term scientific capacity must actually begin in the schools, and that is why this component of Building the Education Revolution is so important. It will make $1 billion available to build around 500 new science laboratories and language training centres in schools that can demonstrate that need. There has to be a capacity to complete construction by 30 June 2010. It will give young Australians the skills they require to compete and prosper in a high-tech global economy. (Time expired)