Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The government opposes this motion. The government has worked with the Australian Research Council to implement the new national interest test. Applicants will be asked to provide up to 150 words in plain English on the extent to which the research contributes to Australia's national interest through its potential to have economic, commercial, environmental, social or cultural benefits to the Australian community. Introducing a national interest test will give the Australian public confidence by providing greater transparency on Commonwealth spending.