Investing in Australia’s science and innovation

The Government will provide a $5.3 billion package of support for science and innovation over the seven years from 2004-05 (including $5.2 billion over 2006-07 to 2010-11).

The Government’s original Backing Australia’s Ability (BAA) package is providing $3 billion over five years from 2001-02. Together, the packages mark an unprecedented $8.3 billion, 10 year commitment aimed at building a world class innovation system for the 21^st century.

Strengthening research

The Government will provide additional funding of $1.2 billion to the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program, maintaining the doubling of funding provided through the BAA package. Having doubled funding for the National Health and Medical Research Council over 6 years in the 1999-2000 Budget, the Government is providing a further boost of $200 million to enable

the Council to provide infrastructure funding for independent medical research institutes. Additional funding for the CSIRO of $305 million will enable it to enhance the scale and scope of the Flagships Initiative which facilitates research in areas of national importance.

Accelerating the commercial application of research

The establishment of the new Commercial Ready Program with funding of $1 billion, and $100 million to continue and expand the Commercialising Emerging Technologies Program, will increase the commercialisation of innovative ideas particularly in small to medium sized businesses.

Developing and retaining Australian skills

A range of initiatives will continue to foster science, mathematics and technological skills in schools, and in the community.