Australia’s science and technology sectors have urged the Federal Government to pass the Australian Research Council Amendment Bill, alongside one key amendment that is expected to impact future research in the textile and materials space.
The extra amendment will require the Australia Research Council (ARC) to notify successful applicants within 21 days of grant approval.
Since the early 2000s, ARC has awarded grant funding across the science and technology sector, with textile production and materials research among candidates.
A recent successful grant was $5.25 million grant to Deakin University, where its Research Hub aims to expand Australia’s position in fibres, textiles and composites.
National peak body Science & Technology Australia (STA) made a submission to the Senate Committee on Education and Employment regarding the Bill - which is currently reviewing the legislation - to pass it alongside a handful of small changes, including the 21 day approval time.
“Deadlines focus minds,” STA CEO Misha Schubert said. “And they keep bureaucratic processes on track.”
“Adding a requirement that successful grant applicants must be notified within 21 days of approval by the ARC Board would give crucial certainty to both researchers and industry – and avoid being stuck in limbo amid lengthy delays – which has happened all too often in the past.
“Careers and jobs can hinge on these decisions – and lengthy delays in the past have caused needless stress. Having swift confirmation on a grant decision either way is crucial to enable both researchers and industry to plan their future and get on with their lives.”
In its submission, STA has also called for the protection of a strong pipeline of Australian research breakthroughs, by amending the Bill to legislate that a minimum 70 per cent of National Competitive Grant Program funding be allocated to the Discovery Program.
STA also called for all members of the new ARC Board to have substantial experience in research or management of research, and it urged that Parliamentary oversight of the ARC scheme funding rules should not cause delays to opening grant schemes to applications.
“This is a golden opportunity to strengthen vital economy-boosting discovery research, ensure the ARC Board is demographically diverse and has deep research expertise, and boost certainty for Australia’s research workforce,” Schubert said.
“The modest improvements we’ve proposed would be a win for everyone – the ARC, the research community, Australian industry, and the nation. They can make a good bill a great bill.”
The legislation implements recommendations of the 2023 ARC Review by Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Professor Susan Dodds and former STA President Professor Mark Hutchinson.
The Bill enacts six of the 10 recommendations of the expert panel, with the remaining four not needing legislation.
“On behalf of the 115,000 scientists and technologists STA represents, we congratulate Education Minister Jason Clare for implementing the recommendations of the ARC Review, encourage the Parliament to pass the Bill, and offer our deep gratitude to the expert panel for crafting such a considered report.”