May 12, 2025
The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities will continue to work collaboratively with the new Albanese Cabinet to develop solutions to pressing challenges and build a more sovereign nation.
The Go8 congratulates Minister for Education Jason Clare on his re appointment and Senator Tim Ayres on his appointment as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science in what will also be a critical portfolio during this Parliamentary term.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said:
“Go8 universities will play a key role in the Albanese Government’s second term agenda. The Treasurer has singled out boosting productivity as a priority. As the universities responsible for 70 percent of Australia’s university research and contributing over 20 percent of the nation’s total R&D investment, we are an essential partner in the productivity agenda.
“The Albanese Government was re-elected with a clear majority and is in a strong position to introduce reforms to lift investment in research and development (R&D) which is essential to secure Australia’s future prosperity.
“Our universities have a strong focus on the role of R&D to boost productivity and build our sovereign capability – a goal we know is shared by the re-elected Government.
“The Albanese Government has recognised that R&D is essential to lifting productivity and underwriting national prosperity through its Strategic Examination of Research and Development. This is a critical Government initiative which will unlock Australia’s innovative and productive capacity and drive economic growth.
“The world is a more volatile and complex place than ever and we need to build our economic resilience and self-sufficiency. R&D investment is vital for protecting and growing our economy and the jobs and living standards that go with it. However, Australia’s investment in R&D is lagging OECD nations and we cannot risk falling further behind.
“The Go8 will continue to advocate for policies to lift investment in R&D to 3 percent of GDP, and to make the case for a fit for the 21st century national research and industry strategy.
“We also urge the government to scrap the flawed Job Ready Graduates scheme as a matter of urgency, to create a more equitable environment for our students, so we can educate the highly skilled graduates we need to remain competitive.
“Our universities are a national asset and we stand ready to support the government to educate the next generation of Australians, to boost productivity through R&D, drive innovation and secure Australia’s future.”
