A new taskforce within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources has been created to guide government priorities on science and technology.  

Industry and science minister Ed Husic says Australia’s science and research communities need a “unified purpose”, as current national documents rely on outdated policy frameworks.

“Now is the time to revitalise [these documents], ensuring they reflect our modern society and provide vision for the Australian science system,” Mr Husic said.

He claims the government wants a framework that is “fit for purpose”, saying Labor “has put science back into government”.

The national science statement was updated in 2015 and again in 2017, but Mr Husic says more changes are needed to reflect priorities relevant to contemporary issues.

He believes the statement had failed to acknowledge emerging critical technologies, First Nations knowledge and climate change.

“The government wants Australians from all walks of life to have an opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation,” Mr Husic said

Terms of reference for the consultation and further information should be made publicly available soon.