ENTERTAINMENT

The Federal Government's $5.3 billion Backing Australia's Ability 2 package is a welcome and vital boost for science and innovation in Australia, the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) said yesterday. ATSE president Dr John Zillman said BAA2 provided an essential and continuing injection of resources into turning Australian ideas into commercial reality. "This will ensure the benefits of Australia's world class R&D flow to the nation as a whole, in the form of better economic, social and environmental outcomes," Dr Zillman said. At the same time he cautioned that growth in Australian research, development and innovation had to keep pace with growth in the economy if Australia is to be world competitive. "The Federal Government estimates it will commit around $52 billion to science and technology over the ten years to 2010/11 - an average of $5.2 billion a year - which gives a tremendous sense of confidence in the future. "However if the economy continues to grow at 3.5 per cent a year or if inflation runs at the projected 2.2 per cent, then the Government would need to invest $6-7.5 billion a year in science and technology just to keep pace over the next 7 years. "The Academy urges the Government to keep an eye on the potential funding gap which could open up in the later years." Dr Zillman said particularly welcome in BAA2 is the strong focus on encouraging the growth of innovative Australian companies which produce knowledge-based goods and services for the world market. "It is by marketing high-value knowledge-rich products that Australia can increase prosperity, create new jobs and meet our international obligations." The Academy also strongly supports the emphasis on increasing collaboration across Australian science and industry. "In global research terms, Australia is a small player. If we aim to punch above our weight we must do so by forming teams consisting of our best scientists, engineers, institutions and companies right across the nation." Dr Zillman also welcomed the guarantee of increased funding for CSIRO, the universities, science teaching, developing and retaining research skills and the centres of excellence.