New era in scientific debate for Australia

The brief interregnum between ousted and newly elected governments can often be a tense time. Industries and sectors wait with baited breath for revolutionary new policies to be announced, increases in spending to be determined and any policies that the old government had planned can generally be assured of being tossed out the window. It is also time to announce the minister who will be representing the portfolio; the person who has been given the responsibility to govern, develop and implement policies and programs that will address any challenges.

In December 2007, former secondary school teacher and advisor to the Victorian government, Senator the Hon Kim Carr was appointed as the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. A big portfolio but one he held in opposition for a number of years prior to the Labor victory; and even though it's early days, changes are afoot.

On 16 January, Senator Carr announced that the Rudd Labor Government was committed to creating a charter for public research agencies, including the CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

According to Senator Carr, the charters will identify and guarantee the responsibilities and obligations of each organisation and enshrine not only the right, but also the obligation of scientists and other researchers to participate in public research debates.

"Australia needs the best scientific advice it can get to tackle the many issues we face as a nation," said Senator Carr.

"Public research institutions, and the dedicated professionals working within them, have a right as well as a responsibility to represent the findings of their work and to actively participate in public debate."

"The value of scientific endeavour and importance of vigorous and transparent public debate, unfettered by political interference but subject to peer review, is something I have advocated for my entire public life."

"Governments are responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that best address our future challenges. This means choosing between many policy options. Having access to frank and fearless research is crucial to making the most informed choice."

Senator Carr said the capacity of public researchers to contribute to public debate in their areas of expertise has not always been accepted by previous governments, in particular the gagging of CSIRO staff from making public comment.

"It is often in matters of contention and sharp debate that the knowledge and expertise of the scientific community is most valuable. This is why it is so important to protect the right of scientists to speak out about their research and discoveries."

The principles on which the charters are based will be developed in close consultation with the public research institutions and will include the following:

• Encouragement of debate and scientific and other research issues of public interest.
• Support for the independence and integrity of public research institutions for their scientific discovery.
• Recognition that the government remains responsible for the articulation, formulation and implementation of public policy and is accountable to the parliament and the Australian people for such policies.
• Support for the open communication, dissemination of information and debate about the results of scientific, technical and social research.
• Recognition that researchers are encouraged to engage in such communication and debate.

The charter has no specified timeframe but according to the government will be similar to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's charter. Research organisations will also be able to publicly speak out against government policy without fear of losing their public funding.

"It is not good enough to allow scientists and other researchers to comment on matters of public interest but then to quarantine them from contentious issues,"

Senator Carr said.

"The government is committed to a new era of scientific and public debate that is characterised by openness and vigour. We have already strengthened the independence of the Australian Research Council through the creation of an independent advisory council and through new measures to promote greater transparency in decision making."

"These actions, both taken and proposed, reflect the principles of freedom of expression and the right of scientists and other researchers to participate in public debate. [This] is not an isolated commitment!" said Senator Carr.