Greens motion to protect science funding passes parliament

The House of Representatives has supported a Greens motion, supported by the Coalition and the crossbench, calling on the Labor government to protect science and research funding in the Budget.

The motion was moved by Greens Deputy Leader and Science & Research spokesperson Adam Bandt and seconded by the Liberal Member for Higgins, Kelly O’Dwyer.

“Parliament has sent a strong message to the government about the importance of science and research funding,” Bandt said.

“Science and research is crucial to our economic prosperity and is the key to sustaining our economy after the mining bubble bursts.

“As the decline in revenue continues to put pressure on the Budget, the government must heed the parliament’s call to protect the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council and other areas of research from any cuts.”

Bandt said there is a risk to jobs and the economy if funding is not secured. He called on the Treasurer to guarantee that science and research funding will be protected for this financial year.