Public consultation on research priorities

Australians are being asked to comment on the future for research spending as part of a community consultation initiative.

While meetings have already taken place in Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Kalgoorlie and Brisbane, further meetings are scheduled for Melbourne, Armidale, Sydney, Darwin, Albury/Wodonga and Townsville, with the final meeting to take place in Canberra on June 20th.

The Federal Minister for Science Peter McGauran said the public meetings would form a key part of the process to set national priotities for Australia's research effort.

"The panel wants to hear from everybody who has anything to say about priorities for research spending in this country," Mr McGauran said. "We want to see a debate on this issue and these public hearings should ignite the discussion.

"This is a unique opportunity for us to develop a vision of where we want Australia to be in five, ten or even 15 years from now."

The consultative panel will be chaired by Australia's Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham. Anyone interested in attending the meetings is welcome to do so, with no need to register.

For further information, please visit http://www.dest.gov.au/priorities/