Science and innovation parliamentary committee

Science is set to feature in a new parliamentary committee, announced recently by the government.

Peter McGauran, federal science minister, has welcomed the formation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Science and Innovation.

"A dedicated science and innovation committee has been championed by FASTS and I congratulate them on its advocacy which has resulted in this important initiative," Mr McGauran said.

"The committee's work will expand the parliament's knowledge and support for research and development." Mr McGauran said the 10-member, all party committee would be chaired by a government MP to be elected when the committee meets for the first time.

"It is an extremely exciting time to be involved in science and innovation in Australia and the formation of the new standing committee will provide further opportunities to consider issues associated with the science portfolio," Mr McGauran said.

"Ensuring developments in the science and innovation industry extend throughout Australia into rural and regional areas will be one of the key roles of the committee. Australians have always benefited from advances in science and innovation and I look forward to the committee helping the government work in partnership with the science community to deliver excellent results in the future," he concluded.