Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—

AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL AMENDMENT BILL 2008

The Australian Research Council Amendment Bill amends the Australian Research Council Act to increase the funding limits for the special appropriation and insert a new funding limit for the last year of the forward estimates period.

The bill provides an extra $942.9 million over four years to index and continue the Australian Research Council’s existing research funding schemes and to establish the Future Fellowships Scheme.

Australia’s researchers make a vital contribution to the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing. They deliver outcomes that matter to all Australians – stronger communities, more good jobs, a cleaner environment, better public services, a richer culture, and greater security now and for the future.

That is why it is so important to foster research talent and create viable career paths for gifted researchers.

The new Future Fellowships Scheme will give exceptional Australian and international researchers a real chance to build a career in this country.

At present, many highly qualified mid-career researchers have to further their careers overseas due to lack of opportunities in Australia.

The Future Fellowships Scheme addresses this problem by making funding available for 1,000 four-year fellowships over the next five years.

Preference will be given to researchers who can forge partnerships with industry, other research institutions, and other disciplines. The fellowships will also be available to overseas researchers, opening up new opportunities for international collaboration.

The Future Fellowships Scheme is an election promise, an important element of the government’s education revolution, and a significant investment in Australian talent and Australian research capacity. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Ordered that further consideration of the second reading of this bill be adjourned to the first sitting day of the next period of sittings, in accordance with standing order 111.