Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Innovation, underpinned by STEM skills, is going to be the driving force for Australia's continued prosperity, creating new and exciting career opportunities in the coming decades. Jobs will be created in fields and industries that we haven't dreamt of yet. STEM skill sets will open doors to those innovative Australian opportunities.

When I launched this great new initiative, I had the great honour of meeting Kamilaroi woman and astrophysicist Karlie Noon. She's not only a trailblazer and, in fact, an incredibly inspiring and accomplished scientist in her own right but also a champion for all Indigenous women in science. At the launch of this new STEM academy, she said:

Having someone in my corner to guide me when I was unsure of my path gave me the strength to continue my studies and to believe in myself.

That's exactly what this government is doing. A $25 million STEM investment will mean many more Indigenous women can follow in Karlie's footsteps. (Time expired)