Need to be SMARTer over science

What is this saying to those who might want to become mathematicians, physicists or chemists, hard sciences that are already in crisis?

These questions are valid and important. They need to be examined thoroughly and explained to members of the science community and the general public. These policies affect all of us.

As an aside, the PM asked me to draw up recommendations on science to improve the area, saying that I was the most interested in science in parliament.

I consulted widely, and worked hard on the recommendations, which I presented a few months ago.

They are now up on my website for anyone who wishes to see them.

What is the most troubling is that I see no evidence to suggest an improvement in science policy.

In fact, the reverse would appear to be the case, and not only are we not putting in place policy to improve science, but we are putting disincentives in place to people who might consider careers in the hard sciences and maths.

I am not saying that the likes of CSIRO, ANSTO etc should not be subject to review and restructure.

Far from it, I believe that there are issues that need to be addressed, and once again I refer people to my webpage for some suggestions in that regard.

However, it is foolish to have such a policy disincentive, while at the same time massively incentivising medical research.

This is about our national interest, and how to maximise economic and other benefits to our nation.

There appears to be a lack of understanding of how science works.