October 7, 2015
The Group of Eight (Go8) is delighted Australia’s universities have embraced a cohesive push for research and innovation to be a crucial national imperative.
“As Australia’s group of leading research intensive universities we fully support this push and the call for ‘game-changing’ investment,” says Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive of the Go8.
Ms Thomson said it was prescient that the peak body’s policy was developed in the lead up to Prime Minister Turnbull’s strong statements on the nation’s need for research and innovation commitment. “It could not have been more timely. The sector is firmly in tune with a refreshed Government policy agenda,” she said.
“It is equally fortuitous that it has been announced as new Education Minister Simon Birmingham resets debate on long term sustainable funding for our sector. “With everything on the table for discussion we have the opportune time to articulate the benefits for Australia of proper funding for research and innovation in our universities,” said Ms Thomson.
Ms Thomson said the newly released data on what Universities contributed to the nation was compelling. “When you see figures such as $140Billion to the economy in 2014 and 120,000 employees you realise what a power house our sector is,” she said. “But our research has to be funded properly. Research and innovation must be a central Government focus and the UA policy makes that point in a compelling manner.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
