MEDIA RELEASE - GLOBAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY FUND GRANTS ARE TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA RELEASE

21 March 2024

GLOBAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY FUND GRANTS ARE TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

The Coalition welcomes the long-awaited opening of the first round of grants for the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund but has concerns over its revised scope and funding allocation.

Shadow Minister for Science Paul Fletcher said the announcement by the Albanese Government is a watered-down version of what was announced by the Morrison Government.

“Australia and the Asia Pacific region is home to world leading scientists and researchers and this grants program will help foster collaboration between the scientific community on a range of critical issues in our national interest,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Global cooperation is key to advancing our understanding and engagement in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

“But the government shouldn’t have taken almost two years to make this announcement, which is unfair on potential partners and applicants.

“The funding allocation has also been slashed by more than $20 million and potential partners in Europe, the US and Canada are no longer eligible.

“This is in addition to Labor axing the $1.2 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation program.

“Labor is all talk and no action when it comes to investing in science. The facts and figures speak for themselves.”

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]