Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brown, once again, for her question. As part of the 2013-14 budget the Gillard government has committed $25 million over five years for Hobart's Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre. This announcement will help the CRC continue its world-leading research into Antarctic climate science and the uncertainties that currently limit the global response to climate change.

The funding will be provided from 1 July 2014 over a five-year period. The CRC is looking at the effects of acidity in the Southern Ocean and the impact of these changes to the Southern Ocean and Antarctic ecosystems and fisheries. This announcement reflects the government's support for the ongoing research capabilities and for the Tasmanian economy. There is a range of small businesses that support our work across a range of industries, and these include engineering, electronics and welding. Our commitment to both research and ongoing— (Time expired)