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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Peter Yates is Chairman of the Australian Science Media Centre
Senator Sinadinos brings a wealth of experience to this position. He has a remarkably strong grasp of the commercial and policy issues facing Australia as we transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Dr Gerd Winter is Editor of Australian R&D Review and an author with UK magazine, Funding Insight
Every now and then a change of ministers can be invigorating, but one may sincerely hope that the lifespan of Arthur Sinodinos as the head of the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio will exceed that of his recent predecessors.
Since 2013 we’ve had Greg Hunt, Christopher Pyne, Ian Macfarlane and now Arthur Sinodinos - it's hard to keep track who's on and who's off the carousel.
Australia's innovation system is in dire need of long-term vision, and the Prime Minister has repeatedly expressed the view that science and innovation will be vital for Australia's future. Given that, the lack of continuity at the ministry level is disturbing.
So, good luck to Mr Sinodinos and, above all, a longer stint in the job please!
Professor Andrew Homes is President of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS)
The science sector has sincerely appreciated Minister Hunt’s commitment to science and innovation, his willingness to engage with and understand issues facing the sector and his leadership of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.
During his term as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Hunt established the Office of Innovation and Science Australia and made a number of timely and welcome commitments to science and innovation as drivers of Australia’s economy and social prosperity for the future.
His commitment to building international links, including ties to South East Asia and the United States have positioned Australia’s innovation sector to make a real global impact, and he recognised and affirmed the importance of the CSIRO as Australia’s flagship science and innovation agency.
The Academy of Science looks forward to continuing to work with Minister Hunt in his new portfolio on the many pressing challenges in health and medical research.
Minister Sinodinos brings a wealth of public policy experience to this portfolio that will help translate Australian research in areas such as medicine, clean energy and the basic physical and biological sciences into the economic growth that underpins a strong nation.
We look forward to working with Minister Sinodinos to continue building Australia’s science and innovation capacity and underlying policies to ensure that Australia remains a leading nation driven and underpinned by ideas, research and innovation.
Kylie Walker is CEO of Science & Technology Australia (STA)
Science & Technology Australia thanks the outgoing Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, for his strong and enthusiastic engagement with the sector.
STA welcomes Minister Sinodinos to his new portfolio and we look forward to working with him to build on Minister Hunt’s efforts to forge a nationally coordinated vision for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
We look forward to long-term vision, support and consultation from Minister Sinodinos to ensure STEM professionals can fulfill their potential and ensure Australia’s science and technology remains at the forefront internationally.
STA is keen to support the Minister, Assistant Minister, and their teams in building strong, long term, whole-of-government, strategic investment in and support for science and technology.