Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Sunswift University of New South Wales Solar Racing Team was recently confirmed by the Fédération Internationale de lʹAutomobile to have broken the world speed record for electric vehicles, averaging more than 100 km/hr over 500 km on a single battery charge,

(ii) the team is in the process of making their vehicle road registrable, which will be a good proof of concept for solar vehicles and inspire the young engineers of the future, and

(iii) projects like these are only possible with federal research funding that prioritises clean, renewable technologies;

(b) congratulates the Sunswift team on their achievements; and

(c) calls on the Government to reverse its cuts to federal research funding and prioritise funding for the development of clean, renewable technologies.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government supports renewable energy and acknowledges the important role it plays in Australia's diverse energy mix. Through ARENA taxpayers' money is supporting $1 billion worth of renewable energy projects. One billion dollars is a significant investment in any industry and we believe that taxpayers must see outcomes from their investment.

I should also point out that the higher-education reforms will make possible funding for two research initiatives—for which Labor left a funding cliff. They are the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and the Future Fellowships program. These depend on the passing of the reforms and they are further proof the government is committed to research.

Question agreed to.